The Philippines » Pampanga Philippines

The Evolution of the Flag of the Philippines

The Philippines — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:07:22 +0000

The current national Philippine flag today is just a mere derivative flag from the Philippine flags that precedes it. Long before it was wave on General Emilio Aguinaldo’s balcony on 1898, its predecessors already made a mark to some Filipinos who love their countries.

The very first Flag of the Philippines that has been created is said to be the flag of Andres Bonifacio. It is the flag of their Secret Society named Katipunan, which has an acronym of three Ks or KKK. These three Ks stands for Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or in English word Highest and Most Honorable Society of the Sons of the Nation.

This very first Philippine flag is in full red color with the three Ks on white color on the center of the red flag. You can google the image of this flag to see for yourself what it looks like. This KKK flag was made by Andres Bonifacio’s wife Gregoria De Jesus and Benita Rodriguez.

This Flag of the Philippines have variations that is some put the three Ks in a horizontal position, some in triangular form and some one large K only.

Another distinct variation of this flag is the flag of General Mariano Llanera. His version is of black background with one K on the left side and a skull above a two cross bones on the right.

This first Philippine flag has gone many revisions, variations and versions until it reach the present day flag of the Philippines.

There are variations with the three Ks but with an image of a sun above them but with red as background; there is a version with a white triangle lying down horizontally on the left corner or an equilateral triangle and within this white triangle are the three Ks spread on the three corners of the triangle, while on its center is the image of a rising sun behind a mountain, this version was said to be created by General Pio del Pilar; some version of the Philippine flag is the one called the Sun of Liberty of the Naic Assembly whose only image on the red flag is the image of a sun with a face on it without the three Ks.

Another variation is the Magdalo flag. This flag has only an image of the sun on the center which one letter K at the center of the sun. The letter K here is written on the ancient Filipino alphabet.

However, on the Battle of Tirad Pass and Pasong Balite, General Gregorio Del Pilar introduce a new flag with a striking resemblance of a Cuban flag. But this flag of General Gregorio Del Pilar was not at all sensationalized by Filipinos because of it resemblance to a Cuban flag.

But on 1898, while on exile at Hong Kong, Emilio Aguinaldo made another banner flag. This time the flag have a freemasonry triangle symbol with three stars on the corners and a sun with a face or a mythical sun on the center, Which according to him, the eight rays of the sun represents the eight provinces that revolted against the Spanish ruling, namely Manila Philippines, Pampanga Philippines, Cavite Philippines, Bulacan Philippines, Nueva Ecija Philippines, Bataan Philippines, Laguna Philippines, and Batangas Philippines. While the three stars represents: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

And this flag was wave at General Emilio Aguinaldo’s balcony, and also this flag of the Philippines was revised by former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon by removing the face on the sun. Thus revised version has now become the current flag of the Philippines. It is now the accepted Philippine flag.

Studying in the Philippines: University of the Philippines

The Philippines — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:06:23 +0000

What is like to study in the Philippines? We know it is not like in Harvard or other well known schools and universities in the world that has an excellent and exceptional teaching method and facilities. However, if you like to study in the Philippines, there are handful known and respected university in the Philippines recognized by the world today. One of the Universities of the Philippines which are respected and well known is the University of the Philippines or UP.

University of the Philippines is the Philippines’ premier university that offers quality higher education. According to it, most of the 30 % of its faculties have doctorate degrees in their respective fields and 42 % has master’s degrees, thus, making it really the best University in the Philippines.

Actually, the University of the Philippines is the only university in the Philippines that has been noted and included at the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) whose membership is made thru casting votes. Therefore, it means the University of the Philippines has a win a vote to become a member of APRU.

Moreover, University of the Philippines is also the only Philippine university that has been included in the ASEAN-European University Network or ASEA UNINET, as well as one of the two universities in the Philippines in the ASEAN University Network or AUN. Wow that is really makes studying in the Philippines excellent and elevates into the ranking of the most respected universities and school in the world.

University of the Philippines have seven branches within the Philippine archipelago, namely, UP Manila, which is located of course at Manila Philippines; UP Diliman, which is located at Diliman Quezon City Philippines within Metro Manila Philippines; UP Visayas, which is located at Visayan region of the Philippines which comprises UP Cebu, UP Iloilo, UP Tacloban and UP Miag-ao; UP Los Banos, which is located at Los Banos Laguna Philippines ,which is recognized as the Agricultural Center of Asia; UP Mindanao, which is located at Mindanao Philippines of course; UP Baguio, which is located at Baguio Philippines, which is said to be the youngest constituents of UP; and UP Open University, which is a distance learning education system or it offers distance education to those who cannot afford to do the natural mode of studying.

Among these branches of University of the Philippines, UP Diliman is said to be the flagship campus among its branches or constituents and the seat of administration. Moreover, UP Diliman has an extension learning program at Pampanga Philippines which is located at Clark Special Economic Zone, Pampanga.

Not only in Pampanga Philippines UP Diliman has Extension Learning Program, but it has also at Olongapo city Philippines, which is located at Olongapo city Zambales Philippines.

The University of the Philippines is of course also known for its controversial Oblation Statue- the nude man, which its fraternities mimic it annually and make an “oblation run”.

Arayat in the Philippines

The Philippines — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:18:39 +0000

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.

Zambales In The Philippines

The Philippines — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:41:47 +0000

Zambales in the Philippines and its Popular Municipalities/Cities

This province adjacent Pampanga Philippines is well known of course as the region where Mt. Pinatubo erupted during 1991 where it devastated almost the entire central Luzon Philippines. However, despite of this famous natural disaster, Zambales Philippines still stands out among the provinces of central Luzon Philippines. This is so because of Zambales Philippines prominent municipalities and cities like Olongapo city, Subic Bay Freeport, San Felipe Zambales, Iba Zambales, Botolan Zambales, Palauig Zambales and other famous Zambales municipalities.

Olongapo city Zambales is said to be the first class city in Zambales Philippines. It is said to have 227,270 dwellers within the city and one of cleanest city at Zambales Philippines. However, it is distinct city among the cities or municipalities of Zambales in the Philippines for it is a chartered city. That is, it has its own government and legislation in the city and not in compliance with the local governance of Zambales Philippines. This is due because Olongapo city before it has become One of the Philippine cities or rather one of Zambales municipality, it is under the governance of United States and part of United States naval reserves in the Philippines, it was only by the untiring effort of James Gordon, Olongapo city become Zambales own city but with chartered governance.

Another Zambales City which is adjacent to Olongapo city is the Subic City or Subic Bay Freeport Zone which is of similar situation with Olongapo city. As we know, Subic Bay is a home or former home of United States Military facilities outside the US mainland jurisdiction. And the US Naval Base location at Subic Bay is the one called Freeport Zone where the entire tourist (local and foreigner alike) flocks to play Casinos, rest and unwind at its beaches and resorts, etc. Like Olongapo city, Subic Bay was formerly held in administration of the United States Government but Like James Gordon have done to Olongapo city, his Son Richard Gordon lobbied its independence also.

Another famous Zambales Municipality of town is the home of Mt.Pinatubo which is Botolan Zambales. Botolan Zambales is the host of two major festivities at Zambales Philippines, namely the Domorokdok Festival held during May, and the Fiesta Poon Bato held during January. Botolon Zambales also boast of its fast growing recreational and resort areas like hiking near a waterfalls for example as a recreational activity.

San Felipe Zambales in other hand boast its best access routes into the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo and its Mountain ranges and rivers and beaches.

Iba Zambales,as we all Filipinos know that it is the birth place of former President Ramon Magsaysay and the Provincial Capital of Zambales Philippines. Iba Zambales has also beaches and rivers and its beaches is one of the busiest and most flock beaches in Zambales Philippines.

Palauig Zambales, however, home the highest peak mountain in Zambales Philippines, which is Mt. Tapulao with 2037 meter peak high. It is best for those who love mountain hiking. Actually, a Korean tourist who was impressed by Mt.Tapulao’s beauty has dubbed Palauig Zambales as the Baguio city of the Philippines of Zambales Philippines.

Batanes Island Philippines

The Philippines — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:11:02 +0000

What can a tourist expect to this northern top island of the Philippine archipelago? Well, if you like historic adventure or tracing the roots of Malay people in the Philippines, Batanes Island Philippines is the answer. This island is famous for its Ivatans inhabitants. Ivatans are said be descendant of Malay people who cross through the island of Formosa (now Taiwan) into the Philippine archipelago. Thus, Batanes Island Philippines is called “The Land of The True Insulars”. For the Ivatans who dwell in this island are called “True Insulares”. The word “insulars” means “isolated, deeply private” Which gave us an impression that this people and the Batanes island Philippines itself is indeed a frontier or untouched people and place, respectively, exhibiting a beautiful virgin place. So let us now look the insularity of this island.

The People

Stepping into this island, a Malayo –Polynesian which has kind of resemblance to Japanese and Chinese countenance people will welcome you. These are the so called Ivatan people of Batanes. They are kind of race of people that can only be seen in the Philippines. You can see their naturally crafted beautiful native houses built in stones and dried cogon grass along the roads of Batanes.

Take out your camera and have a souvenir picture with this rare race of people in the planet.

Hit its Beautiful Green Hills and Relax.

Yes, Batanes have green hills where cows roam up it and you also could do quiet meditation up the hills. And up hill see the picturesque landscape of all Batanes Hills.There are trekking activities held in two Batanes Hills,namely the Marlboro Hills and Naidi Hills.

Beaches

One of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines listed by the Department of Tourism is Batanes’ Sabtang Island. This island remains undisturbed and unspoiled with intermittent white sand beach, steep mountains and deep canyons. However, you can visit it for sight-seeking purposes.

Another white sand beach in Batanes is the Di-atay Beach. This beach has multi-colored rocks and beautiful coves.It is best and ideal for picnics and beach combing if you want to visit this beach.

Another white sand beach is the White Beach located at Vatang, Hapnit, and Mavatuy Point.

Mountains and Volcano and Caves

If Batanes have many hills, surely it ha also mountains (or mountain volcanoes) and caves for mountain lovers – Batanes’ Mt. Iraya and Mt. Matarem. Mt. Iraya is a dormant volcano best for mountain climbing,trekking and trailblazing activities,while Mt,Matarem is an extinct volcano.

Not only mountain lovers could enjoy Batanes Mountains and hills but also its famous enchanted cave –the Chawa cave. This cave has salt beds and an open mouth channel leading to South China Sea. Another famous cave is the Nakabuang Cave.

Aside from all what we have mentioned, there is another activity that is worth doing if you are tourist here at Batanes, that is you can do bird watching at Cuyab Batanes. Like in Pampanga Philippines, many migratory birds from China flock into region of Batanes to seek refuge from cold weather from China during winter.

There is also a beautiful white lighthouse tower at Basco Batanes.