Archive for the ‘Cities’ Category

Earthquake Preparedness Of Makati City

Earthquake is like a thief in the night, you do not know when it will attack unless one have an accurate predicting machine that predicts incoming earthquakes on a specific area, accurately. What is more terrifying about earthquake attack is when one lives in advanced cities where high-rise buildings abound around. For if a strong earthquake will strike such city, surely high-rise building will fall right in everyone’s face.

Thus, the city of Makati in the Philippines have come up a city directive that will safeguard their populace from a strong possible earthquake that will strike the city, for the city of Makati is home to many high-rise buildings in the Philippines. For it is the center of commerce in the Philippine Luzon region.

This directive is the implementation of installing accelerometers or widely known as seismograms on high-rise buildings by building owners and developers within the city beginning from already existing ones and future to be erected ones. Failure to install seismograms will revocate the existing occupancy permits of the already existing high-rise ones and denial of occupancy permits for future high-rise building that will be erected or build within the city.
This directive is on a current strict implementation within the city because earthquakes strike anytime without prior notice as logical reason for the strict implementation.

Actually, this is already stated on the memorandum of National Structural Code of the Philippines on Department of Public Ways and Highways(DPWH) Memorandum Circular No.03 section 105 dated March 31,2011 which states that the installation of seismograms in structures over 50 meters high (equivalent to 50 story building) is a must requirement.

By the way, an occupancy permit is required by the National Building Code in order for a specific new building to be occupied or use publicly, aside from meeting standards specifications on building aspects like mechanical, electrical, fire safety, sanitary and plumbing which the builder owner and developers are required to have.; Without the occupancy permits, et.al. a new building can be use or will not be active on business.

However, though a high-rise building or any building have seismogram, there is a growing knowledge that this earthquake predicting machine are ineffective in predicting accurate incoming earthquakes or they are just installed to measure earthquake waves while there is an ongoing earthquake. Thus, though the Makati city have strict rules regarding earthquake safety and earthquake preparedness, installing a mere sometimes ineffective earthquake predicting machine will not do in combating the forthcoming of a strong earthquake.

Makati City and Metro Manila in the Philippines

Makati City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, which is the greater metropolitan area of the National Capital Region of the Philippines.

Makati City is also the major financial, economical and commercial hub in the Philippines. It is often referred to as the financial capital of the Philippines.

Makati City is the home to the influential Makati Business Club and the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Ayala Avenue in Makati City, which is running through the heart of downtown Makati Central Business which is often called the Wall Street of the Philippines. Because of it’s close resemblance to the Wall Street of New York City.

Makati City is noted for its highly cosmopolitan culture. That’s why many expatriates live and work in the city. The barangays (villages or districts) in Makati City are way different than the other cities in Metro Manila. Because they offer ample free services and health assistance to its residents. The public parks are full of trees and are decently clean.

Makati is also home to many first-class and high-end shopping malls. Targeting the city’s expatriates and the business working class.

Makati City also has the tallest buildings in the Philippines. Almost like skyscrapers, like the PBCom Tower and G.T. International Tower. The city also has many of the country’s 5-Star hotels which are The Peninsula Hotel Manila, The Shangri-La Hotel Makati and Hotel Intercontinental Manila.

Makati City is the home for some embassies too. Like the Australian Embassy, Canadian Embassy and the German Embassy, all are located at the RCBC Tower.
So if you want to experience the clean, hustle and bustle of a city, Makati is worth giving a visit.

Arayat Philippines is a region in Pampanga Philippines where Mt. Arayat seated where residence of it were at the slope of the mountain. Yap, most residence of Arayat in the Philippines or rather Arayat Pampanga Philippines was living beneath the slopes of foot of this inactive mountain. The closest barangay at Arayat Pampanga Philippines to Mt. Arayat is San Juan Bano where the Mt. Arayat National Park is. The park itself have a direct access to mountain itself because it has man-made so called “hundred steps” that will lead you already on the mountain itself once you reach the hundredth step.

Mt. Arayat National Park is the one that makes Arayat Philippines famous or known in the Luzon part of the Philippines as well in Pampanga in the Philippines. It is noted for its very cool swimming pools which of course best during hot weather or summer time. The Park is indeed a very refreshing place due to its natural flora surrounding it. Mt. Arayat National Park is originally a project of the wife of former late Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon during the post war times.

Arayat Pampanga Philippines is located at Central part of Luzon Philippines and is nestled at the foot of Mt. Arayat. Actually, Arayat Philippines is not the only place in the world that has its name, for there is a place in Spain which is also called “Arayat”. Arayat Philippine historians say that it is from this place Arayat Pampanga in the Philippines gets its name.

During the Spanish times, an encomiendero who conquer Arayat whose name is Fernando de Arayat has renamed Arayat which formerly known then as “Alaya” which means “East” and Mt. Arayat was then called Mt. Alaya. And the inhabitants of it were Aetas. It is said it is kind of wilderness ambience at the foot of Mt. Arayat which the Spanish encomienderos has transformed it into a farm land irrigations.

By the way, aside from the Mt. Arayat National Park which some tourist visit, Arayat Pampanga is also well known of its dignitaries who live at early times like Jose Alejandrino (the statue at the Arayat municipal) who is a companion and contemporary of Dr. Jose Rizal (Philippines national hero), who is also my forefather in my mother’s lineage or genealogy. Dr. Emigdio C. Cruz whose name bears a district hospital at San Agustin Norte Arayat Pampanga is known or said to be lived during World War II.

Moreover, Amelito Mutuc and Leoncio Parungao is both secretary during Diosdado Macapagal Government who made also Arayat proud. There are also military dignitaries, like Major General Rene R. Cruz who is former RaCom Commander and PC-INP Commander, Col. (Ret.) Vicente A. Pascual who is former a Deputy Judge Advocate General, and Commodore Lodovigildo L. Gantioqui who of the Philippine Navy.

Another well known at Arayat Philippines is Arayat’s well known organized tricycle association which is the famous New 06 Association, Inc. Wherein, my father is the founder and I too have work as an assistant secretary of the associations during the 1990 and early 2000.

Calamba Laguna Philippines

Perhaps most Filipinos already knew what’s in this place, yeah, it is the home place or birth place of Doctor Jose P. Rizal –the Philippines’ National Hero, A renaissance genius man. He is an artist, a doctor (ophthalmologist), a poet, a publicist, an engineer, a sculptor, a novelist, a teacher, a linguist who could speak 21 languages, and of course a martyr hero. Actually, his ancestral house at Calamba has now become a tourist attraction for those who visit Calamba Laguna Philippines where a memorabilia about him was on display. They call it Rizal Shrine.

Actually, his ancestral home was destroyed during World War II but was restored during the presidency of Elpidio Quirino, which is during 1950s.

However, it was not only Dr.Jose P.Rizal is the known hero that Calamba Laguna have produced, actually, there are still other four National heroes, namely General Paciano Rizal, Teodora Alonzo, General Vicente Lim, and Lt. Geronimo Aclan. Thus,an association have arise,that is the Calamba Association Of Northeastern USA,Inc. base on New York.This Calamba organization have established by the former residents of Calamba Laguna Philippines to promote Calamba Philippines itself and for the welfare and improvement of the lives of Filipinos in line with the heroic deeds of the national heroes which have sprouted from Calamba Laguna in the Philippines.

Anyway, what are other places of interest at Calamba Laguna Philippines aside from its hero’s zone area? At Laguna Philippines there are many resorts and hot springs you could visit, however, we will discuss them at my article Laguna Philippines. Calamba Laguna is only at the footstool of Laguna Philippines’s famous Enchanted Mountain –Mt. Maria Makiling,thus you could tread upon the Mt. Maria Makiling through Calamba Laguna. Moreover, Calamba has rich source of fresh clean water due to Laguna Philippines have many hot springs within its vicinity. Calamba Laguna has also hot springs at Laguna de Bay- the Wonder Island Resort.

Another place of interest at Calamba, is the St. John the Baptist Church. It has a beautiful ambience and most tourists attend mass on it. I remember, when I was a child we attend mass in it after we visit the Rizal Shrine. For it is said that on this church, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was baptized. Furthermore, at the front of Calamba Laguna Municipal Hall, there are a beautiful potted plants and flowers for sale that could awe your site.

Aside from Rizal’s memorial statue at Luneta Park, he has also another memorial statue at Rizal Memorial School at Calamba Laguna.

However, if you want to visit Calamba Laguna Philippines, it is only 53 kilometers away from Manila Philippines and lies at the southern terminal of South Luzon Expressway. And they say it is a gateway to many part of Laguna in the Philippines and to other adjacent cities and regions.

Calamba Laguna is the largest city of Laguna Philippines which largely are migrants from Manila Philippines and Tagalog regions of the Philippines, as well some religious groups and foreign tourists. Thus, it has many real estate businesses within its region.

Iloilo city Philippines

Iloilo city is one of the largest cities in the Philippines and at the Western Visayan Region as well. It is the capital city of the province of Iloilo Philippines. It is 55 minutes away from Manila Philippines if you happen to took a flight from Manila into this city. However, if you like sea adventure trip, it will take you 19 hours before you reach it if you travel from Manila Philippines.

Iloilo city Philippines is said to have a strategic location for business opportunities, thus Iloilo city is now known for it very robust Banking industry. Did you Know, Iloilo city host a variety of banking institutions? That is, from small into large bank companies, from commercial into universal, from thrift banking into saving, from rural or cooperative. And from local banks into foreign banks, all are in the heart of Iloilo city Philippines. Thus, it is now a hub for most trades, commerce, and industry business.

Iloilo city Philippines has two largest local banks and three foreign banks, namely the Valiant Bank and Queen City Development Bank, and Citibank, Maybank, and Standard Chartered Bank, respectively.

However, aside from banking and commercial industry, Iloilo city is also one of the largest Fishing Industry in the Philippines. That is because of its rich fishing grounds. Its Fish Port is funded in a multi-million budgets. For it is where the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center conducts aquatic research. Moreover, the center for marine and aquatic studies in the Philippines is in it. Did you know that the Iloilo Commercial Port complex is the first island Pier to exist in the Philippines?

However, if you love beaches, Iloilo city has also beaches you could enjoy. You could see it white sand beaches at Sicogon Island. Sicogon Island is of the Higantes Island within the municipality of Carles. Carles is a municipality at Iloilo Philippines. To get to Sicogon Island, if you happen to be at the Iloilo city itself, you can take a public transportation toward the municipality of Carles. The travel is 3-hours. And from the municipality of Carles, you could ride a motor boat to get into the island. However, if you happen to be at Manila Philippines, you could take the Roxas city route for it is said that it is near the municipality of Carles. Moreover, did you know that the beaches at Sicogon Island is more older and most famous beaches among tourist before Boracay Beaches is discovered and known?

There are also some historical sites one could visit at Iloilo Philippines, like the For San Pedro site,the La Villa Rica de Arevalo where Spaniards rule at that time.The Museo Iloilo where one could witness the preserved sunken British ship and Spanish artifacts memorabil,as well as the Local ILonggos crafts.

Aside from Museo Iloilo as a landmarks you could saw at Iloilo city, you could also see Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, the Molo Church, the Jaro Belfry, the Calle Real, the Arroyo Fountain, the Distrito Jaro, the Muelle Loney, and other beautiful landmarks which your eyes could feast.

The Nostalgic Vigan City Philippines

The moment you step in into this city, a nostalgia of Spanish era in the

Philippines will flashback your soul in this era in the Philippines as if you

immediately return into the past life and settings of the Philippines during the

Spanish times. That is the thrill Vigan City Philippines will give you once you

visit this city. Both local of the Philippines and foreigners who visit this

place were awe by the nostalgic beauty of Vigan City Philippines and exclaim “It

is a place no other”.

The landscape of the whole city or town is all dressed up during the Spanish era

in the Philippines. The town is filled with antiquated houses with a blend of

Spanish, Latin American, European and Asian architecture with cobbled narrow

streets and calesas. However, these ancestral houses were built by the Chinese

taipans at that time but manage to survive during World War II. You could see

these 180 ancestral houses and other historical landmarks strung altogether at

Mestizo District.

Moreover, did you know that Vigan’s historical town was place by UNESCO World

Heritage Convention side by side with the Pyramids of Egypt, Taj Mahal of India,

The Great Wall of China, and other famous world heritage? Yes, you heard it

right, UNESCO World Heritage Convention did. At December 2, 1999 UNESCO World

Heritage Convention inscribed Vigan City among the list of World Heritage

Cultural Properties for the exceptional and universal beauty of Vigan’s historic

town.

So, where is Vigan City in the Philippines located and how to get there? Vigan city

Philippines is located at the northern Luzon Philippines at the province of

Ilocos Sur Philippines. It is 408 kilometers away from Manila Philippines, 139

kilometers away from San Fernando La union Philippines and 80 kilometers away

from Laog city Philippines.

Once you get there, you can either ride their calesas or jeep or tricyle to tour

the town. Moreover, if you like to stay for few days in Vigan’s historic town,

you can pay for board and lodging there at the historical town. For some

ancestral houses there were turn into hotel for the accommodations of some

tourist who want to stay for few days at the area. However, there are also hotels

in Vigan city which of rural settings if you don’t like to stay at the ancestral

houses. However, there are also resorts accommodations in rural settings if you

don’t want to feel the nostalgia effect of the town.

Aside from nostalgic Vigan’s historical town, you could also witness the Burnay

Industry or Vigan’s earthenware jars process how a potter’s hand molds

earthenware. Is that exciting to see? Moreover, we could also see the art of

“abel-weaving”. Abel-weaving is the art of making fabrics using a wooden handloom

and other accessories use in it to produce clothings, blankets, etc. It is one of

the industrial prides of Vigan City aside from earthenware jar making.

There is also the “damili” industry or the terra-cotta craft which indigenous

people of Vigan city in the Philippines made and produces cooking pots, water vessels, charcoal-fed

-cooking stoves, etc.

General Santos City Philippines is one of the cities in Mindanao Philippines which the Philippines can be proud of because it is where most tuna fishes in the Philippines come from. For General Santos City Philippines is the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”. Thus, because of its abundance of tuna fishes and other sea foods, locals feast and pampers themselves with different or variety of tuna dishes and other fish dishes such as the Opah (second most eaten seafood specifies at General Santos City Philippines aside from Tuna fish) in their meals and eating feast. Food establishments at General Santos city or to say restaurants and eateries, has experimented dishes and recipes whose main ingredient is the tuna fish. One example of tuna dishes mix with other fish is the “sutukil-sugba” dish which composes of charcoal-boiled tuna mix with special sauce and dipped in toyomansi.

Aside as General Santos city Philippines is known for its abundance of tuna fishes and major exporter of tuna fish in the Philippines, this city has known also in the world as the hometown of now world-known boxer – Manny Pacquiao.

Furthermore, its airport which is located at Barangay Fatima General santos city. It is known as the largest airport in Mindanao Philippines which cater flight services from Manila Philippines and Cebu Philippines, as well as most key cities in the Philippines. By the way, it is called General Santos International Airport, however, it is alternatively called the Tambler Airport for it said to be near Barangay Tambler. General Santos International Airport is new airport in General Santos which replaces the older airports on it. It is located 17 kilometers away from the down town city.

Another distinct feature of General Santos City is its Wharf or Pier. Its wharf is one of the best piers in the Philippines. With its large wharf, not only it connects the cities from the key cities in the Philippines but also cities and piers outside the Philippines.

Though General Santos City is a small fragment of land bounded by Sarangani Philippines and municipalities of South Cotabato Philippines at Southern Mindanao Philippines, yet it is not only large in population (considered to be the most populous cities in the Philippines) but also in commercial and industrial matters ,as well as agricultural also.

Speaking of agricultural side of General Santos City, this city is the one of the largest producer of agricultural crops like corn, rice, asparagus, pineapple, coconuts, copra, potatoes, and other agricultural crops and fruits and vegetables.

It has abundant of agricultural crops because like Davao city Philippines, General Santos city is also a typhoon-free region and have only sufficient amount or volume of rainfall to water its agricultural lands.

So thus, General Santos city is not only large in terms of industrial matters but also in agricultural matters which makes it one of the best cities in Mindanao Philippines as well the best destination in the Philippines, despite of the recent negative news report of frequent bombings within the city. It is part of Mindanao Philippines to have such negative news reports due to its bandits making it their haven.

Zamboanga City in the Philippines

What makes this city at Mindanao Philippines stand out among Mindanao Cities, Though Davao city Philippines already have name in Mindanao?

Zamboanga city Philippines is the second fastest growing cities in Mindanao Philippines aside from Davao City Philippines, thus, it could compete or Zamboanga city have the viability to compete with Davao city Philippines. Well, Zamboanga city for the sake of those who don’t know the city well, it is indeed the Major busiest port in the Philippines and major exporter of sardines in different countries; specifically, to different countries in Europe, Middle East, and Far East.

Recently, Zamboanga city Philippines was considered to be the Top Seaweed Producer in the Philippines, for seaweed farming industry grows strongly in Zamboanga city than in any other port cities in the Philippines.

Aside to be the port capital of the Philippines, Zamboanga city Philippines is also known as the “Flower city” of Mindanao due to its flowery ambience. Moreover, it has unique flora attractions as well fauna attractions. Aside from fauna and flora, you can see on Pasonanca Park a unique beautiful tree house with a gentle stream traversing round it. By the way, Pasonanca Park is the main tourist attraction in Zamboanga City in the Philippines. This park abounds with 600 different species of orchids aside from variety of flowers and trees surrounding it.

Zamboanga is also known as the “Asia’s Latin City” due to the vestiges of Spanish culture flaunted within the city mix with different cultures now existing within the city. The Spanish have set their foot of course to this city and left a footprint upon it. Actually, the Spaniard has set a Pilar Port to it and has perhaps so called it “City of Flowers”. However, it is said that the natives of it, that is before the Spaniards set their foot upon it, have so named it “Samboangan” which means “many flowers”.

One of the province cities within Zamboanga region is the Pagadian city. Pagadian city Philippines is a province city within Mindanao; however, this city set itself apart by projecting sophisticated cityhood which strikes a resemblance to HongKong City. Thus, Pagadain city Philippines is dubbed as the “little HongKong of the Southern Philippines”. Pagadaian city is the gateway of Zamboanga city to it Western region, which is Zamboanga Del Sur Philippines. Furthermore, almost all the regional departments of Zamboanga city Philippines was moved to Pagadian city Philippines making Pagadian city the center for Regional Departments of local government of Zamboanga city, when Pagadaian city have adopted its cityhood.

Actually, Zamboanga city Philippines is the transportation and commercial hub of Western Mindanao. For it have the busiest ports in Mindanao Philippines.

There are much more to say about Zamboanga City Philippines, but only thing it could say about it, that is, Zamboanga City Philippines is indeed the second most important prominent city of Mindanao which Mindanao can be proud of, aside from Davao City Philippines. Davao city in the Philippines is an enclosed city but Zambonga city Philippines is a bay port city. And this difference of these two cities set them apart their respective beauties and usefulness to Mindanao Philippines.

Davao City in the Philippines

Among the cities of Mindanao Philippines, as well in the entire Philippines itself, Davao City Philippines stands out to be the most investment-friendly place to invest your money in the Philippines. Moreover, it is also best place for outdoor activities due to its stable weather condition all year round.

Let us enumerate the reasons why it is the best place for investing your money within the Philippines as well in the Asia-Pacific region.

1. The first thing to consider in investing your money is the location, is not it? If it has number of people flocking into it and have no frequent natural disturbances. Yes, Davao city Philippines has these elements to make you a successful investor. Davao city Philippines is a Typhoon free region where the weather conditions are fit for business investment and sport activities. Thus, you could expect a consistent flocking of people into it.
2. It has a multi-cultural happy and clean cosmopolitan people. That is, a variety of group of people flocks into it. From Davao city Philippines’ indigenous tribes (both Islamized and non-Islamized),Christianized migrant settlers from all over the Philippines, and growing number of global ex-patriates communities having different languages, Cultural traditions, political persuasions or motivations ,and religious beliefs. Imagine this conglomeration of diverse people in this one city? Davao city Philippines is indeed Mindanao’s pride, as well as Philippines pride.
3. Davao City Philippines has the most admired independent and strong local government administration or management in the Philippines. It is far more ahead of the National government in crafting and implementing policies and programs and innovative in governance.
4. Davao City Philippines has the lowest crime rates in the world per month (0.8 % only in every 10,000 persons) Its Police Office has been chosen and considered to be the best Police Group in the Philippines.
5. It has the only the most prepared Integrated Emergency Response System in Asia similar to United States and Canada – the 911.But Davao’911 service is absolutely free of charge.
6. Davao City Philippines promotes healthy lifestyle and advocates it to its constituents. Davao City Philippines pioneered the anti-smoking law, tough policies against dangerous drugs environmental pollution, etc.
7. Davao city Philippines Values greatly money and considered financial situation of its people.
8. Davao city Philippines is an Open city for all, it does not discriminate what kind of people you are if you wanted to live in it.
9. Davao city Philippines has excellent public infrastructures and facilities.
10. Davao City Philippines’s tap water is considered to be the “Best Water in the World”. Its water is tested internationally to be the best quality of clean and safe water in the world. Actually, it is said “it is absolutely perfect”

Davao City Philippines is indeed the best place and the best city in the entire Philippines compares to Manila Philippines and Cebu Philippines. It is Mindanao’s best city, Mindanao Philippines could boast of in the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Therefore, if you want to invest your money for business venture in the Philippines, invest it at Davao in the Philippines; for sure you will reap what you have sown.

Prominent Cities of Mindanao Philippines

Despite of the negative reports bombard against the regions of Mindanao to be a risky place for tourist and locals alike, Mindanao Philippines still stand out as good place for investing your money for business and for extreme sports , a businessperson and sport enthusiast could trust of.

For the cities of Mindanao Philippines really makes the Philippines into a pedestal level in terms of commerce and beauty. What does Manila Philippines have to say about this?

Among the cities of Mindanao Philippines, Davao City Philippines is the most important city that brings great pride to Mindanao not only it is Known for its Durian fruit but Davao city Philippines is known to be the Crown Jewel of Mindanao in terms of economic progress. It is far more investment-friendly city compare to Manila Philippines and Cebu Philippines. For Davao city Philippines, first and foremost, is a Typhoon-free region which means it has a good and fair weather all year round and it has multi-cultural groups of people within it, thus, making it a good place for investing your money. Yup, it has good selling propositions.

Another city which Mindanao Philippines is proud of is Cagayan de Oro city Philippines. Cagayan de Oro city Philippines boast its well known extreme sports activities, particularly its white water rafting and river trekking activities. In terms of economic importance, Cagayan de oro city Philippines is the shopping capital of Northern Mindanao Philippines. It has a number of Malls and Shopping centers, namely, Limketkai Center, SM city Cagayan De Oro, Robinsons Cagayan de Oro, MAKRO Cagayan De Oro, Ororama Chain of Stores, Gaisano City Mall, Divisoria Night Café and Market, Carmen Public Market and Commercial Complex, Cogon Public Market and Commercial Complex, Puerto Market, Agora-lapasan Market, Bulua Market, Ayala Center Cagayan de oro, Pacific Island City Mall and other proposed malls.

Another Mindanao city which is good for Investment is Zamboanga City Philippines known as the city of Flowers. In terms of economic essence, Zamboanga city Philippines is now known as the Philippines’ Top Seaweed producer and it has the busiest port in the Philippines. Furthermore, Zamboanga city is also known as “Asia’s Latin City” because of the vestiges of Spanish culture and language mix with other dialects.

Another prominent city in Mindanao is General Santos City Philippines. General Santos City Philippines is known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”. It is also the home of some media practitioners in Mindanao. Moreover, it is the home city of now world known boxer – Manny Pacquio.

Another city of Mindanao is Pagadian City Philippines. Pagadian City Philippines is the first class city in the province of Zamboanga Mindanao and was dubbed as the “little Hongkong of the South”. It is the regional center of Zamboanga Mindanao.

There are many cities in Mindanao which puts Mindanao Philippines in the good limelight despite of the dark light thrown upon its regions due to rebels hiding within its forest and abducting tourist and locals alike. Anyone could still invest their money and time to it despite of the negative reports about it.

Come and visit beautiful Mindanao in the Philippines!