Toy Convention 2013 update
Toycon 2013 will be having its launching event. This is the Philippines biggest convention for toy collectors, enthusiasts, cos-players, anime fanatics, comic collectors , die-cast toy cars , figurines , life- sized cartoon characters, toy exhibits , live toy auctions, raffles and games ! With at least 10,000 to 20,000 people attending the 3-day event from June 14-16, 2013 in Megatrade Halls 1-3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City – Metro Manila
BLAST-OFF! The ToyCon 2013 Launching Event
May 25, 2013, Saturday
12nn-10pm
The Plaza, Newport Mall
Resorts World Manila, Pasay City
FREE ENTRANCE!
Featuring toys and collectibles display, Cosplay, Toycon Presscon, MYMP performance and Ms. Alodia Gosengfiao meet and greet. Toy Convention 2013 is presented by Collectibles Unlimited and partner SM Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall
For media coverages pls email the organizers : toyconph@gmail.com
Website: http://www.toyconph.com/
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/toyconph
Eleksyon 2013 – I Voted Wisely
Juan Luna Elementary School , 830 G. Tolentino Street, Barangay 397, Sampaloc, Manila-Philippines
I am a long time resident and a voter of Manila. My family lived in various districts – Tondo, Binondo, San Miguel , Santa Mesa, Santa Cruz and Sampaloc. I remember our first polling precinct was located in the old PUP ( Lepanto street ) campus now Sergio H. Loyola street then transferred to the Church of the Later Day Saints compound along R. Papa near Far Eastern University before moving to the current site.
Paaralang Juan Luna
I wanted to vote as early as possible, normally would go to the polling station 30 minutes to 1 hour before the opening . But somehow went to Divisoria to do some last minute shopping. Just a little over 7:00 am – I got an sms from a friend that there is a long line at the polling station and the PCOS machine had a malfunction ! See the exact map : http://wikimapia.org/745738/Juan-Luna-Elementary-School
voters outside of the polling station located within Juan Luna Elementary School
OMG, I don’t want to be stuck in the long lines just like what happened in 2010 Presidential election . I just took my time roaming around until past noontime when i received another sms message that the polling station line is already short but the PCOS machine still had some problem ( voting had to start by 8:00am after two voters sheet were initially rejected. ) before the BEI allowed the voters to start voting .
barangay number with their corresponding polling precinct
Try to look at the bulletin board in front on the school . Since i knew our barangay number and polling station – It just took less than 30 seconds to pinpoint my polling station and it was located on the third floor of the school. While climbing to the stairs – I saw several senior citizens and person with disabilities having a hard time going up stairs . One had to be carried sitting on a mono block chair up to the third floor of the school!
list of voters
It was indeed a very sad incident that COMELEC officials must consider in the next election . Senior citizens and Person with disabilities must be allocated a space preferably in ground floor so that they will not climb up to the second , third , firth and even fifth floor of the polling precinct. Unlike in Quezon City or Makati . Barangays in Caloocan , Manila are based on a numerical number rather than a barangay name. It is wise for voters to know their barangay number and barangay chairman- A classic example is M.V. Delos Santos street which are divided into 3 barangays with 3 different numbers .
voting precinct 2027-A -Room 317
I was able to locate our polling precinct and was assisted by our barangay chairman who happened to be within the vicinity. I went to the Board of Election Inspector ( BEI) and introduced myself to them, then identified the polling station, barangay number – Then after a quick look , The BEI handed me the ballot sheet and let me sign opposite my name . The process is quite quick unlike the 2010 elections! It took less than 5 minutes compared to more than 2 hours and queuing for the long lines . I prepared a short list of names of whom to vote, so it just took about 5 minutes to finish voting. There were only 5 voters when i voted a little past 2:00 pm , I handed the ballot to one of the member and he just put the filled ballot right beside a small box beside the PCOS machine , apparently the COMELEC technicians were not able to trouble shoot the machine . Which caused some confusion and long lines during the morning . Before leaving the polling station , I saw 2 to 4 people looking at the list and went inside the precinct.
COMELEC reminder
After i voted, took some time for a quick chat with our neighbors and poll watchers about what happened to the PCOS machine in our polling station a nun over heard our conversation and told that that they will surely guard those PCOS machines which had some glitches ( relief on my part ) .
fiesta -like mood outside of the polling precinct
I think the 2013 election is more orderly compared with the 2010 election . I do not have to wait for long lines and wait for more than 2 hours just for me to vote, Perhaps in the next election ( barangay ) I might change my voting habits !
people along the G. Tolentino street
BUT i must say that there should be a special voting precinct place for the senior citizens , people with disabilities or even those with high blood pressure who cannot endure going up and the extreme humidity and hot weather due to cramped classrooms. I must say congratulations to all Filipino voters for braving the heat and pressure. Same with the teachers who served as board of election inspectors , volunteers !
Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society initial consultation with DENR officers
The Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) is the first and only critical habitat in the country.
members of PNPCSI and DENR
The Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society Incorporated members were initially tapped to be a partner organization NGOs with technical capacity and proven ecological biodiversity management capability and track record in the area together with on the job trainees ( biology students ) of Polytechnic University of the Philippines made an initial survey on how to increase the plant biodiversity , eco-tourism potential and a showcase of estuarine flora diversity in this part of Metro Manila.
group
There are also concern of the impending reclamation of this area , pollution , trash built-up , introduction of non-native species, invasive species like Ipil-ipil , lantana and other exotic trees species .
Dracunculus vulgaris
Other common names it goes by are: Dragon Arum, Black Lily, Dragon Flower, Dragon Arum, Snake Lily , Stink Lily, Vodoo Lily among others.
These plants had a stink like rotting flesh, it is true–they smell something awful. The smell attracts flies that pollinate them and beetles.
Diospyros pilosanthera
Commonly called – bolongeta , the uses of wood from this tress includes guitar and high grade lumber, The fruit is also edible.
Geodorum densifolium
While our group is making our initial survey within the area, I quickly spotted new leaves sporting on the ground. Alas , It was a terrestrial orchid ! Mr. Fernando Aurigue Jr. also spotted the orchid and told the group that it was economically useful and the bulbs can be used as a paste and for medicinal purposes.
another clump of Geodorum nearby
We also told the DENR officers to have the plant properly marked thru GPS and proper identification . It was one of the amazing discoveries within the area, since it was growing just a few meters away from the sea coast . A huge southwest monsoon rains can easily inundate the area with sea water .
This orchid species is found in many parts of Asia and has medicinal properties: http://www.pharmaresearchlibrary.com/medicinal-and-ethnobotanical-uses-of-geodorum-densiflorum-lam-schltr-a-terrestrial-orchid-species/
Hymenocallis latifolia
White Spider lily are found growing near the sea front . This fast growing plant creates a wonderful, tall ground cover that readily reseeds itself. A solid ground cover can form within 2 years after planting on 3 to 5-feet centers. It is also nicely suited for planting as a specimen in a small garden. Flowers and foliage both attract attention. This makes a nice addition to any landscape. According to Dir. Rey Aguinaldo- they initially saw some clumps of this white spider lilies growing near the entrance of the reserve , They decided to divide the clump and plant them within the vicinity . Now they are growing very well and fully established.
Spider lily can grow in full sun or partial shade on well-drained, basic, sandy loam soils. The plant is very tolerant of drought and salt spray but will not endure cold temperatures. The plant do well in coastal landscapes. The Spider Lily is generally propagated by bulb divisions. However , the spider lily are not native to the country but was introduced probably during the Manila -Acapulco Galleon trade or during the early part of the American regime, These plants are so widespread that people thought that they are native or indigenous to the country.
Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea
This is another amazing discovery within the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat. The mangrove trees is called ” Nilad ” in Tagalog, Nila in Malay; Chengam in Singapore is a shrub that is about 3 m (10 ft) tall. It is often found in mangrove forests or sandy beaches.
Distribution : This mangrove tree is found in Southern India , Brunei Darussalam , Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia , Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia
leaves of Nilad tree
Economic Uses: the bark can be used for dye, tannin , glue content and its wood is good for charcoal and wood . Because of the urbanization and land reclamation of Manila bay and nearby towns , most of the ( Nilad ) mangrove trees are now found in isolated pockets and a few sapling are also found within Manila zoo. The widespread cutting of the mangroves trees in the past had contributed to the significant decline of the once common mangrove tree where Maynila ( Tagalog ) or Manila name was derived .
Proclamation:
By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1412 dated April 22, 2007, the Las Piñas – Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) was established. On January 31, 2008, it was amended by Presidential Proclamation 1412-A which directs all relevant departments and instrumentalities under the executive branch to ensure the preservation of existing mangrove, mudflats and ecosystems in the area that supports natural ecological functions. It also directs the DENR to convene and chair a Manila Bay Critical Habitat Management Council
It is located on the western side of the Aguinaldo Highway (Coastal Road) and is bounded on the north by the Parañaque River and on the South by the Las Piñas River. It covers an area of 175 hectares consisting of mangroves, mudflats and diverse avifauna. It is the first Critical Habitat established in the country.
Our group is happy of what we saw during the initial consultation meeting with the people behind the (LPPCHEA) . We were also told that large multinational companies are conducting tree planting activities and coastal clean -ups within the vicinity . We hope that the large multinational companies should try to plant native or indigenous trees within the protected areas . The ongoing clamor by some big time real estate developers and businessmen who wanted to reclaim these part of the wilderness area must be avoided. Our group will always remain vigilant and ready to stand in what we believe as Metro Manila’s last remaining mangrove areas. In a quest of rapid industrialization and urbanization, one must never forget the need for more GREEN areas and protected areas just like in Las Piñas-Parañaque area .
Note: All pictures are from the author, those who wish to use the pictures for any purpose – Please cite this link .
ASEAN Biodiversity : http://bim.aseanbiodiversity.org/fob/speciesFinal/SpeciesSummary.php?idSpecies=369
NCR- DENR : http://ncr.denr.gov.ph/index.php/transparency-governance/citizens-charter/89-webpage/142-lppchea
MB Mallari’s Crispy Pata
Mona Lane Building , Lucinao Avenue Santa Cruz , Magalang , Pampanga province- Philippines
The PNPCSI secretariat after the MOA signing in Pampanga Agricultural College, went on a road trip to ABE Farm Resort and Le Verde Motel within Magalang town. We decided to look for a place to eat .
Ms. Lhen Mallari – the proprietor of the eatery
The group then decided to give this small quaint restaurant a second look, the unassuming tarpaulin poster . We wanted to taste a home grown specialty of the place.
dining area and geometric patterns on the wall
The group was greeted by the proprietors of the restaurant . Sir Bobby Zapata then ordered the in-house specialty of the restaurant- Crispy Pata .
History : While waiting for our orders , Our group have a short talk with the proprietors . They are meat vendors at the nearby Magalang Public Market for almost 10 years. Mrs. Mallari – the owner of the eatery said that she begun experimenting different style of marinating and cooking styles of Crispy Pata . Then she started her home based business catering to her neighbors and immediate family members about 3 years ago. She notice the steady increase of her customer base through word of the mouth advertisement .
crispy pata with condiments
Some of her clientele would even buy frozen Crispy Pata bound for France and the United States ! Then they decided to open an outlet near the main plaza of Magalang town.
crispy pata
Our group enjoyed this hearty meal , Their pata is crispy but the meat portion is tender and soft. The soy sauce and vinegar condiments with chopped chili peppers , chopped garlic and chopped onions best accompany the pata with ordinary rice. Our group was also given another in-house specialty munggo
munggo with ampalaya
The eatery also serve Fried Itik and can accommodate between 25 to 30 persons in any given time . According to the owners, for those who wanted to order their crispy pata on special occasions , It is wise to pre-order them days in advance .
The store is open everyday
Contact Information
Ms. Lhen Mallari : 0999-456-4628
Mr. Mhou Mallari : 0918-522-2236
Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society Inc.Memorandum of Agreement with Pampanga State Agricultural College
Pampanga State Agricultural College, Magalang , Pampanga province -Philippines
Pampanga State Agricultural College (PAC) occupies nearly 700 hectares of government agricultural lands in the town of Magalang, province of Pampanga. The campus is about 3.5 km east of the town proper of Magalang, and about 15 km due southwest is Angeles City and Clark Field Special Economic Zone. Farther southeast about 25 km lies the City of San Fernando, the capital of Pampanga.
PNPCSI announcement of the 2nd International Symposium which appeared on March 24, 2013 ( Florum ) -official newsletter of the organization
The college is strategically located in Central Luzon and with its proximity to Mount Arayat ( a key biodiversity area for endemic Philippine flora and fauna ) The Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society Incorporated board and members decided to choose this well-known institution to be the next venue of the 2nd International Symposium to be held from November 16 to 17, 2013 .
Dr. Antonio Manila -president of PNPCSI and Dr. Honorio M. Soriano, Jr of Pampanga Agricultural College signed the Memorandum of Agreement
This will enable students and faculties of the state university to actively participate in the symposium. Aside from the students and faculties , Organizers are expecting between 250 to 300 participants coming from various colleges and universities from across the country not to mention foreign delegates from ASEAN member countries and the rest of the world.
L-Ms. Jo Quimpo -Vice President of PNPCSI signed the MOA agreement
History:
Established more than a century ago (1885), this state agricultural institution stands among the other public and private academic institutions in the province and in Central Luzon. The College, with its focus on Instruction, R&D, Extension-Training and Production, envisions itself to be a center of excellence for development in agriculture, science and industrial technology, and comprehensive education and training for global competitiveness.
ceremonial handshake between the two organizations
The College is a state institution of higher learning, fully chartered in 1974, by virtue of Republic Act No. 4576,”An Act Converting the Pampanga National Agricultural School in Magalang, Pampanga into Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC)”, and complemented by Republic Act No. 8292 also known as the “Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997″.
As the “agricultural” word attached in its name, it is mandated to offer agriculture and agriculture related curricular programs, not withstanding the offering of allied fields. PAC operates a single campus, which lies at the western slope of majestic Mount Arayat in the Municipality of Magalang, Pampanga some 15 kilometers east of Angeles City.
It started as an agricultural experiment station known as “Estacion Pecuaria” in 1885 and was later renamed “La Granja Modelo de Magalang“. Then it became Magalang Farm School, but was closed in 1898 due to revolution.
It resumed operations in 1918 with Hon. Frank T. Ebbsen as the first American principal through the efforts of Governor Honorio Ventura and Assemblyman Andres Luciano, together with American teacher Kilmer Moe. In 1921, the school began to offer curricula in both the intermediate and high school levels.
Likewise, PAC continuously undertakes agricultural research, production and extension-training activities aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education and countryside development. Equally vital is the promotion of excellence in education and its products for improved agricultural and rural development in Pampanga as well as for the entire region.
Principally established as an agricultural school, PAC became a state college in September 1974, and 30 years later, the College offers a total of 13 undergraduate courses (both allied and non-allied courses), 2-year computer courses, a two-year course in agricultural technology, maintains a laboratory high school, an agricultural science high school, and operates a graduate school for three masteral and three doctoral degrees.
PAMPANGA AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE
Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines
Tel No# (63)45-8660800
Website: http://www.pac.edu.ph/
Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society Incorporated email : pnpcsiflorum@yahoo.com.ph
