Bigger Gali-langoy Eco-Adventure Race this September

Exhilarating and amazing as it was, the Gali-Langoy Eco-Adventure Race will have its second edition not next year but this coming September.

This was promised by Mayor Hernani A. Braganza during the awarding rites of this very successful staging of this unique aqua-triathlon at Lucap Wharf here to the delight of the participants and tourists alike.

"The competition looked too easy for our athletes," said Braganza referring to the island to island swim, island to island parao and island to mainland kayak race which was covered by GMA 7 and ABS-CBN and local radio stations and print media.

“We might just as well make it more competitive and even longer to bring out the best in them,” added the city’s biggest sports fan and enthusiast. 

“Probably a 3-day event will do, a whole day swim relay, another day for parao race and one more day for kayak race from Hundred Islands to the mainland.” 

Braganza said the activity will be this September as the highlight of the celebration of the 6th anniversary of the Hundred Islands turn-over from the Philippine Tourism Authority to the city government of Alaminos.

The mayor, who personally witnessed how exciting the race was and how the eleven teams enjoyed the competition, was surprised how the local tankers finished the 1.41 kilometer swim leg in 37 minutes. 

He also disclosed that after seeing the parao race, local and foreign tourists expressed interest on renting the parao and possibly go fishing outside the marine sanctuary.

Braganza said local fishermen using parao nowadays could easily have an income of P 200 a day from an average of 4 -5 kilos of fish caught.

“If they will have it rented to our guests, they could easily earn P 200 in just an hour," he explained.

“And this will basically be another livelihood opportunity for our people aside from the kayaking industry which is now flourishing in our city. We wanted the Hundred Islands to be bigger than Burnham Park from our sister city - Baguio and ultimately be known as the kayaking capital of the country".

Team Telbang 2 which dominated the swimming competition is this year’s champion with Team Lucap 1 and Team Telbang finishing the second and third place, respectively.

Ryan Gutierez easily claimed the Lopez to Quezon swim leg and submitted a 5.52 mins., Nelson Casipit ( 23.09 mins.) ruled the Quezon to Clave Islands leg and Aldrin Gutierrez (18.85 mins) won the Clave to Children Island leg.

In parao race, Team Lucap 1 reigned supreme and the winning pairs were Ronnie Alcartado/Roger Abrocio, (18.85mins), Rey Villena/JR Donato (13.28 mins) and Joeny Navarro Jr./Dendo Villena (19.09mins).

The duo of Alcartado and Abrocio also topped the Governor Island to Lucap wharf kayak race which clocked 28.06 mins.

Top three teams in the First Gali-Langoy Eco-Adventure Race received especially designed e-kawayan trophies, medals and cash prizes amounting to  P 30, 000, P 20, 000 and P10, 000 for the first, second and third placers respectively.

Leg winners also received P 3, 000 pesos each while the top finishers in the grueling Quezon to Clave Islands and Clave to Children Island swim legs got P 5, 000 each.

Non winning teams also received a P 3,000 consolation prize.

Mayor Braganza personally handed the prizes to the race winners.Joining him during the awarding rites were Vice Mayor Cesar Manzano, city councilors Earl James Aquino and Margielou Orange Humilde, Jose Elvis Sison, Gali-langoy chairman; ACPO Chief- Col. Rollie Saltat, vice chairman; and Ernesto Sarmiento, race director.

In separate interviews with Pangasinan media and ABS-CBN North Central Luzon and GMA 7, Braganza thanked the organizers, sponsors and the participations for the successful staging of this one of a kind eco-sports adventure.

He cited that Gali-langoy is another program of our city government aimed at promoting not just the majestic beauty of the Hundred Islands National Park but also the Alaminians’ innate talent in swimming and sheer endurance in eco-adventure sports, stressed the mayor.

“This event is one of the highlights of this year’s celebration of our Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) that includes the thanks-giving mass, iguhit mo ang yaman ng hundred islands (pantalan art painting),the nightly concert at the wharf and highly anticipated fireworks display and the MOA signing on the crafting of short courses in our city,” he said.

“Through Gali-langoy, we are also promoting these low impact environment friendly activities in order to protect the natural habitat and breeding ground of hundreds of marine species that now thrive in our park,” he stressed.

One that will further ensure a healthier and bountiful protein bowl for Alaminians and the Pangasinenses in general.

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73,000 tourists flock to Hundred Islands from Jan-April

MANILA, Philippines – Tourism in the Hundred Islands National Park had a flourishing turnout in the early months of 2011 with thousands of tourists flocking to the place for their holiday getaway.

According to the local government, 73,000 tourists visited the main attraction of Alaminos, Pangasinan from the months of January to April this year.

More tourists also spent their Holy Week vacation in the park this year at 12,195, as compared to last year’s record of 10,560.

The increase is attributed to the new outdoor activities offered by the park.

Aside from swimming, the park also offers snorkeling, scuba diving, and bird watching.

The Hundred Islands National Park is also promoting island-hopping for adventure seekers, with rates being offered as low as P800.

Delighted by the turnout, park manager Rey Livara said: "Natutuwa kami na marami pa rin ang dumaragsa dito."

The local government remains keen on attracting more and more tourists in the coming months.

Tourism has been a boon for the business sector particularly those in the hotel, restaurant and souvenirs services, Livara said.

Vendor Anita Baniqued added: "Madami talaga ngayong (turista)… kaya kami naman nakakaipon na din para sa pamilya." 

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Pangasinan Pista’y Dayat 2009: A Summer Spectacle with social relevance

LINGAYEN — Pangasinan Pistay Dayat 2009 offers a complete summer spectacle here that caters to children, teenagers and adults, as the provincial government prepares a series of fun-filled activities infused with social relevance from April 25 to May 2.

Check out the  SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

The Lingayen beach will host most of the events aimed at raising awareness on environmental concern and preserving the culture and tradition of Pangasinan.

The weeklong celebration is set to kick off with a fluvial parade along the Agno River at eight in the morning of April 25 and a boodle fight at lunchtime in Salasa, Bugallon.

Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo will also open on the same day at 4:00 a.m. featuring the best product of every municipality and city in the province which will also coincide with Drum & Lyre/Drum and Bugle dubbed as “Banda Parada” exhibition from Capitol Plaza to Lingayen beach.

Music will take center stage in the evening during the semi-final of the “Konsyerto sa Gulpo,” a concert featuring the original composition of local bands advocating environmental awareness. The six districts will each have two representatives to compete in the concert.

Children will have a full day of fun flying kites or sculpting sand castles on April 26 during the Children’s Day or “Gantilan na Ugugaw ed Dayat.”

At 4:00 p.m., the multi-awarded Calasiao Children’s Choir, which is set to join international choir fest, will render a concert at the Lingayen Beachfront. The Bingo Socials will also be simultaneously held to raise funds for the Choir.

They will also be treated to a world class performance of amazing acrobatic show and visually stunning dance number by the Wanders International Circus on April 29 at 7:00 p.m.

After its successful debut last year, the Grand Orchestra and Ballroom Dancing Showdown now dubbed as “Sangkabalegan ya Suwayan tan Sayawan” will return on April 27 with a bigger number of participants from four last year to 10 this year.

The loveliest ladies of Pangasinan will vie for the coveted title of Limgas na Pangasinan 2009 Talent competition on April 28 at 4:00 p.m.

The yearlong search for Cleanest River and Coastal Municipality/City will have its awarding ceremony on May 1 at the Lingayen Beachfront. The search is a brainchild of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. aimed at protecting the coastal and rivers in Pangasinan.

The other anticipated events are: “Pagalaw na Luyag” or Pangasinan Native Games, GATE Chess Competition Elimination Round and Beach Volleyball (Men & Women) on April 27; Cultural Show or “Labi na Ligliwa” on April 28; Youth Camp or Doypuay Kalangweran” on April 29; Open Family Beach Camp on April 30; Thanksgiving Mass on May 1, Lingayen Beach Woodstock featuring Konsyerto sa Gulpo Finalists and Banda ni Ate at 10:00 a.m. and Governor’s Cup Shootfest on May 3 at the PNP Firing Range in Lingayen. (PIO/Ninia F. Nicolas

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Pangasinan town puts up food strip for seafood

DAGUPAN CITY, April 23 (PNA) — Binmaley town will put up a unique seafood eatery strip along the road in Barangay Lomboy to serve exclusively seafood, like bangus, siganid (malaga), shrimps, prawns, crabs and others to tourists and visitors.

Binmaley Mayor Simplicio Rosario said each eatery would cook live seafood which the customers could buy from a common fish buying area nearby, to be cooked in their presence.

Speaking during the “Kapihan sa Lenox Hotel” here on Wednesday, Rosario said this was one way by which Binmaley could promote its rich harvest of aqua-marine products.

“I am looking for a lot where we can set up the area from where diners can buy their live fish to be cooked,” Rosario said.

The mayor lamented that though Binmaley produced more bangus than Dagupan, the latter beat his town in putting up the Bangus Festival and in proclaiming itself as the Bangus Capital of the World.

Nevertheless, Binmaley has its own "Malaga and Sugpo Festival" which is being held during the town fiesta first week of February each year.

Rosario said there were many eateries that were serving exclusively seafood along the Amado Espino Sr. Avenue in Barangay Lomboy that led towards the Agno River dike road, before exiting along the national highway leading to Bugallon town.

Binmaley is a first class town in Pangasinan just west of Dagupan City. The town is famous for its fishponds that produces the tasty bangus, malaga and shrimps, among others.

In setting up the seafood eatery strip, the municipal government would put up decorative lights along the road in front of the eateries as its part in promoting seafood to the Filipinos’ palate, Rosario said.

He said he had already talked to owners of existing eateries in that strip, including future entrepreneurs and exhorted them to clean their surroundings and establishments in preparation for the influx of diners. (PNA)

Pangasinan's Pista'y Dayat grandest holiday ever

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 5 (PNA) -- The Pista'y Dayat celebration in the province to be held from April 25 to May 3, promises to be spectacular, fun-filled and the grandest holiday ever.

With heavy preparations now going on, the sea festival is expected to draw thousands of spectators who shall witness must-see events of the grandest festivity in Pangasinan.

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. said this year's festivities will showcase his main advocacies -- environment and tourism -- in order to raise the level of awareness among Pangasinenses on the need to save, rehabilitate and promote the eco-tourism industry of the province.

With its theme, “Matuwan Pasimbalo: Gayaga na Luyag Tayo,” the sea festival is expected to serve as a showroom of the various accomplishments of the province notably on environment and tourism.

This also serves as a thanksgiving and unifying event among Pangasinenses in their march to prosperity and progress in order to realize the dawning of the Golden Era in Pangasinan.

The Pista'y Dayat 2009 will have its soft opening on April 17 featuring two exciting events to be sponsored by the San Miguel Brewery Inc. like the Dance Revolution and the Battole of the Band.

It will also feature a fluvial parade of colorful and aesthetically designed bancas which will sail along the Limahong Channel, and the conduct of On-the-Spot Essay and Painting competition.

The festival’s formal opening dubbed “Ilog Ko: Bilayen Ko, Aroen Ko,” will be held on April 25, with the launching of the ‘Pakar Awards’ or the search for the cleanest river and riverbanks.

Pangasinan tourism will take center stage with the holding of a Tourism and Trade Expo meant to exalt all native products thru a showcase, exhibit and sale of prime tourist destinations and other best prime and local produce of different towns and cities.

The 'Banda Parada' on April 26 is another activity worth watching as this will be participated in by multi-awarded Drum and Lyre and Drum and Bugle Corps for the delight and enjoyment of the viewing public.

Sports and native games will be offered on April 27 with “Pagalaw na Luyag” via native games like 'palosebo', 'culliot', coconut smashing, arm wrestling and arnis and beach volleyball, both for men and women.

Another highlight of the festival is the Grand Orchestra and Ballroom Dancing Showdown, a 12-hour non-stop music and dance entertainment that will feature the best orchestras of Pangasinan.

Made bigger this year, this electrifying showdown is expected to position the province as the Fiesta Orchestra Capital in the world and the Ballroom Dancing Capital of the country.

Younger generation will have a chance to enjoy the cozy ambiance of the Lingayen beach thru the ‘Doypuay Kalangweran’ (Youth Camp) slated from April 28 to 30 while beautiful maidens vying for the most-coveted title of 'Limgas na Pangasinan' will have a chance to show their skills and crafts via the Talent Competition on the night of the 28th.

The fairest of these beauties will be crowned on May 1.

Labi na Ligliwa Cultural Show is a night of talent and old traditions rolled into one that will display the singing prowess of talented amateur singers back-to-back with a lifestyle-drawn theatrical venue via zarzuela.

Skydiving, street dancing and employees night is a fun-filled respite to be featured on April 29.

The main day, May 1, will be highlighted with a thanksgiving mass and the awarding ceremony for the cleanest coastal municipality/city called Tambuyong Awards which is the banner program for this year’s sea festival.

The adrenaline of the viewing public will rise high with the conduct of the Lingayen Beach Woodstock featuring the finalists of the Battle of the Band and the Banda ni ATE as main performers.

The Coronation Night will cap the weeklong activities.

The celebration will be capped with the holding of different activities on May 2 at the Lingayen Beachfront by corporate sponsors.

Simultaneously, the Governor’s Cup shoot fest kicks off on May 3, while the Trade Fair will have its last day sale. (PNA)

Western Pangasinan teeming with diving sites

DAGUPAN CITY, March 31 (PNA) — A city councilor here, who is a certified diving instructor, confirmed that there are many diving sites in Pangasinan, particularly along the province’s western part.

Dagupan City Councilor Karlos Liberato Reyna IV, president of the Tiblong Diving Association, said divers could explore the underwater sites in Burgos, Anda, Surip in Bani; Bolinao and the Hundred Islands off Alaminos City.

Unfortunately, according to Reyna, Dagupan is not a diving site, because the beach is of black sand and does not have any rock corals, which are what the divers really explore.

When candidates for Miss Earth visited the Hundred Islands late last year, Councilor Reyna was invited by Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza to guide the Miss Earth beauties on how to scuba dive.

”Since most of the Miss Earth candidates wanted to learn how to scuba dive, I taught them only the basics of diving just to showcase to them the underwater beauty of the Hundred Islands”, said Reyna is the grandson of former Dagupan City Mayor Liberato Reyna Sr., once a be-medalled swimmer of the University of Sto. Tomas.

Tiblong Diving Association, said Reyna, was organized not only to promote diving and tourism in Pangasinan, but also to support the campaign for environmental awareness on the need to protect underwater resources.

Legal officer and co-founder of Tiblong is Lawyer Jose Netu Tamayo, also a councilor of Dagupan City, who is an army reservist with the rank of captain. (PNA)

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DOT: Pangasinan now No. 1 tourist destination in Ilocos

By Leonardo V. Micua

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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, March 15 (PNA) -- The province of Pangasinan is now the number one tourist destination in Region 1 based on a survey conducted recently by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The survey showed the province under the leadership of Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. posted a record 41.47 percent tourist arrivals as compared to Ilocos Norte, the former top grosser in tourism in the region, with 35.64 percent.

Two years ago, Pangasinan was the tail-ender among four Ilocos provinces in the number of tourist arrivals, according to the DOT.

Gov. Espino said he is pushing hard to promote tourism in Pangasinan as part of the overall development plan of his administration.

Cited as the main reason for the improved tourism program in Pangasinan was the grand transformation of the capitol building, from an old rickety one built in the early 1900, to become one of the best capitols in the entire country today.

The capitol is now a premier tourist come-on of the province, serving as the official house of all elected provincial officials.

In the early part of his administration, Governor Espino vowed to make the capitol the centerpiece of tourism in Pangasinan.

Also undertaken, aside from the refurbishing of the capitol building, was the repair of the adjacent Kalantiao, Malong and Finance buildings and its component areas such as the Veterans Park and Lingayen beach front.

The provincial government-owned Capitol Resort Hotel has also been refurbished to serve as a venue for the various functions of the provincial government and the public.

To boost tourism, the provincial government bought six eco-tourism buses that could bring tourists to any point in Pangasinan after they had visited the capitol.

Espino said the provincial government's Tour Assistance Program provided tour and escorting services produced seven DOT-certified/accredited tour guides through a first-ever Tour Guiding Seminar.

Aside from these, the province has also 18 active tour guides who are all employees of the provincial government.

About 7,000 visitors and more than 16,000 others, mainly students from private, public, state colleges and universities, have already availed of the tour guiding services from the capitol to the different towns of the province.

Another historic undertaking of the provincial government was the launching and provision of six shuttle buses that ferry employees to and from their point of destination for free.

These buses are also utilized by all provincial employees in their study tours and in the conduct of their “Employees Tour and Team Building ” program.

The Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center was also rehabilitated to enable it to continuously host regional, national and international sporting events.

At the same time, Gov. Espino announced that the province has some 300 hectares of foreshore land in the northwestern part of Lingayen that is set to be converted into a sprawling eco-tourist zone. (PNA)