An all-Negrense pop band called “Tres” recently launched in Metro Manila its debut album “Dayo”, containing 13 tracks, a press release from the group said.
The band is composed of Mark Ramos on vocals and guitar, Justin Bandolon – lead guitar and back-up vocals, Archie Tolarba – bass and back-up vocals, Jobim Garay – keyboards, and Tito Mijares – drums.
The band plays mainly pop-rock with a collective influence from Latin music. The album "Dayo" is dominated by love songs of dedication. Other tracks are "Ikaw Ang Musika," "I Look On," "Pangarap Ka Lamang," "Ikaw Ba Yan," "Abot Ang Langit," "Minsan," "Ito'y Para Lang Sa'yo," "Isipin Mo Na Lang," "One More Time," and the acoustic versions of "Angel" and "Ikaw Ang Musika", the press release added
A prospective bidder, who joined the Aug. 20, 2008 bidding for the purchase of furniture and fixtures for the new Bacolod City Government Center, is appealing to Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia to investigate the possible collusion of two other bidders.
Former Negros Occidental Victor Puey, in his letter dated Aug. 23, 2008, to Leonardia said he believes Summit Furnishings, Inc. and Comfac Corporation connived to defraud the city government and the people of Bacolod City by bidding as two separate suppliers when, actually, they were used by one person or supplier.
Puey said both had the same samples using the same materials and style. The irony is that both used the same wrong materials and style based on specifications required by the Bids and Awards Committee, he said. “I doubt that two suppliers could possibly make the same mistake,” he added.
Both Summit and Comfac used the same truck – samples came from the same container van, Puey said. No competitive supplier will ever allow this to happen unless they are one, he said.
Puey said that under the city’s “Instruction to Bid” based on R.A. 9184 on Corrupt, Fraudulent and Corrective Practices – any move to deceive the government by any supplier or to connive with other suppliers is punishable by law and if found guilty, they shall be banned from future biddings and could be prosecuted by the proper courts.
“I pray that you act on this appeal so as not to allow suppliers to make a mockery of our very important bidding process and law which protects the people of Bacolod City from fraudulent suppliers,” he said.
Puey said he is making the appeal because he sees no action from the BAC people especially from its chairman who, he said he believes, knows these things and up to now has not acted on it.
He said that if he has been very vocal against some members of the BAC, it is because of his perception that they are making things difficult for him and siding with certain suppliers
Six suspected New People’s Army rebels blew up construction equipment in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, Friday night causing damage estimated at P3.5 million, police said yesterday.
The bombed P8-million backhoe was being used by AC de Luna Construction firm, in the concreting of the road between sitios of Luciana and Old Fabrica in Brgy. Cabagna-an La Castellana, initial police investigations showed.
Backhoe operator Mario de Leon told the police that he and his companion, identified as Trechel Quiachon, were working overtime in concreting the road in the barangay, when six unidentified men armed with M-16 assaults and hand guns, suddenly appeared, and ordered them to stop working.
De Leon said the armed suspects placed an improvised bomb on the backhoe, while their companions brought them to a safe place, before it exploded.
The two construction firm employees were later released unharmed by the armed suspects, who fled immediately.
Lt. Col. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said the failure of the construction firm management to pay revolutionary taxes, triggered the destruction of their heavy equipment.
Gacal said two extortion letters from the Leonardo Panaligan Command of the Kilusang Larangan Central Negros, had been received by the staff of the construction firm in previous months, but the demand was ignored by the company, he added.
The bombing in La Castellana was the latest atrocity committed by the NPA. A month ago they also destroyed equipment and facilities of a mining company operating in Sipalay City, police records showed.
Gacal yesterday reiterated his appeal for cooperation from business firms, to immediately report extortion activities of the CPP-NPA.
Whatever the NPA calls it, Gacal said they can not hide the fact that they are destroying private properties and putting the lives of innocent civilians in extreme danger.
By this act, he added, they are now reducing themselves to common criminals who would go on a rampage if their extortion demands are not met.
Earlier, suspected NPA rebels also burned three delivery trucks of Tanduay Distillery Corp. in Escalante, burned and destroyed two transloading stations of Lopez Sugar Corp. and Victorias Milling Company in Toboso, and destroyed equipment of two coal mines in Calatrava, police records also showed.
RESTAURANTS IN BACOLOD
3T Restaurant & Grill Station
Robinson's Place, Mandalagan
Bacolod United House
Hilado Extension., Bacolod City
Tel No 434-9716 / 434-6564
Ting-Ting's Native Food
North Drive
Tel No 433-0594 / 709-8891
Bacolod Seafood Restaurant & Dimsum
Goldenfileds Commercial Complex
Bar 21 Restaurant
21st Street Lacson
Tel No 433-4096 / 435-3852
McDonald's Bacolod
6th Lacson Street
Tel No 434-6670 Fax 433-0983
C&L Noble Inc.
Lacson Street, Bacolod City
Bing?s Chicken Barbeque
No. 6 Manokan Country
Reclamation Area, Bacolod City
New Holiday Restaurant
Centroplex Building
Tel No 434-7337 / 434-3210
MO2 Restobar
Goldenfield,Singcang, Bacolod City
Tel No. 4336026
Cozy Nook Restaurant
15th Street, Tel No 434-1545
Quadnet Bar
86 Side A Bldg., BS Aquino Drive
MO2 ICE Bar and Restaurant
Lacson St., Mandalagan, Bacolod City
Tel. No. 441-1481
Nature's Chinese Restaurant
21st North Drive
Tel No 2-8015 / 435-2133
Inaka Restaurant & Sushi Bar
21st Lacson Street
Tel No 434-4045
Bacolod Chicken Etcetera
Yakal-Hilado Sts.
Villamonte, Bacolod City
Aida?s Chicken Barbeque
Reclamation Area, Bacolod City
Connie?s Cansi House
Narra Avenue, Bacolod City
Bacolod City
Bob?s Restaurant
111 Lacson Street, Tel No 441-1431
Apollo Restaurant
Atrium Bldg., Cuadra / Hilado St., Shopping
Tel No 435-4732 / 435-4733
Jo's Chicken Inato
Rizal-Reclamation Area
Tel No 433-7769
Bacolod Chicken Etcetera I
Liroville Subd., Magsaysay, B.C.
Aboy?s Restaurant
Goldenfiled, Bacolod City
Tel No 435-0760
Cruise Restaurant
St. Joseph Bldg., Gonzaga Street,
Bacolod City
Old West Steakhouse
Goldenfields Commercial Complex
Akasya Grill
17th Street Lacson, Bacolod City
Tel No 433-6369
New Natures Hot Spot Restaurant
Main Shopping Center
Casa Noble Restaurant-Caterer
91 Lacson, Bacolod City
Tel No 435-4781
Jollibee Foods Corporation
La Salle Avenue
Tel No 433-3111
Knights Cabin-Restaurant
Goldenfileds Commercial Complex
Pizza O Restaurant
Goldenfield Comml Complex
Tel No 433-2071
Shakey's Pizza Restaurant
Goldenfield Comml Complex
Tel No 2-6346 / 2-3972
15 Street Pavillion Restaurant & Bowling Lanes
Reclamation Area, Bacolod City
Carlo Restaurante Italiano
Goldenfield Commercial Complex,
Tel No 435-4899
Thai Pan Grille
10th Lacson Street, Bacolod City
Deco Stop Bar & Restaurant
P. Hernaez St., Taculing
Fountain of Justice
In front of the Bacolod City Hall, the former site of the old City Hall where the formal signing of the Spanish surrender to the local forces by Gen. Aniceto Lacson tool place - Col. Isidro Castro, Spanish governor of Negros, signed in behalf of he Spanish forces on November 7, 1898.
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Bells of San Sebastian
The centennial bells of San Sebastian Cathedral were brought down from their places in the belfry and mounted at the right side of the churchyard in 1976, the 100th year anniversary of the Cathedral.
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San Sebastian Cathedral
Built in 1876 upon the initiative of Fr. Mauricio Ferrero, a Recollect friar. It became a cathedral in 1933 is one of the century -old churches found in Negros Occidental.
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Negros Museum
The Negros Museum is a unique historical and humanities museum in that in does not collect antiques but stories about the people of Negros Occidental. It showcases important historical events which made Negros as 'The Sugarbowl of the Philippines". Thus, the museum is sometimes referred to as 'The Sugar Museum'. Open from Tuesday to Sunday. from 10:00 A. to 6:00 PM. / Tel. No. 433-4764.
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Palacio Episcopal
Older than the San Sebastian Cathedral by approximately 50 years, the Bishop's Palace was built by Fr. Julian Gonzaga but was eventually finish only in the 1890's. During and after the revolution of 1898, the Palacio served as refuge for the Spanish military and civic officials.
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Museum Negrense de La Salle
The only school-based museum in Bacolod City that was born out of a dream to preserve vital documents, photographs, cultural artifacts and the history of Negros. The museum can accommodate 40 visitors at one time. Large groups are requested to call the Museum at least 48 hours before the visit at Tel. No. 435-5998. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
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Bacolod Plaza Bandstand and Gazebo
Right at the center of Bacolod Public Plaza, the bandstand was constructed in 1927 to complement the weekend cultural activities of the early Bacole Names of world-famous composers like Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner circle the sides of the roofing, attesting to the early Bacolodnon's familiarity with European culture.
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Yulo's Park
The park is the site of the ancestral home of the prominent Yulo family. The Yulo's belong to a clan of politician's that helped shaped the status of Negros Occidental. - a premier province of the south. The Park used to be the center for social and recreational affairs in Bacolod at the turn of the century.
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Negros Occidental High School Alumni Promide
Fronting the Negros Occidental High School along Araneta Street. The promenade used to be a sidewalk renovated and beautified by the city to honor the school alumni who are now prominent civic and government leaders.
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Barangay sang Virgen Chapel
The Sta. Clara Subdivision chapel features a unique mural mosaic measuring a 9 ft. x 21 ft. of the lady of the Barangay Sang Virgen done on a collage of 95,000 pieces of shells of various sizes, shades and colors.
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San Antonio Abad Church
This crown-shaped church features stations of the cross done by Bacolod's top artists. It also features an altar sculpture "The Risen Christ" done by a national Artist, Solomon Saprid.
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Rizal Centennial Park
Fronting the Rizal Elementary School along Araneta Street. The city's contribution to the Centennial Celebration. Inaugurated in December 30, 1996, the park is the tribute of Bacolod to the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and provides an oasis for many city commutes, students and professionals during early morning and late afternoons.
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Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Inc.
Golf is one of the most popular sports attractions in Bacolod today as local golf course - The Negros Occidental golf and Country Club, Inc. provides challenging 18-hole adventures for amateur and professional golfers, with panoramic views of scenic Mounts Marapara and Patag.
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Negros Forest Ecological Foundation & Biodiversity Center
A breeding and rescue center for endangered and endemic animals found in Negros Island as well as other places in the Philippines Visayan spotted deer, Luzon bleeding heart pigeon, Philippine Visayan Tarictic hornbill, Philippine hawk-eagle, monitor lizard, Philippine serpent eagle and the sailfin lizard. Tel. No. (034) 433-9234.
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Bacolod Western Visayas Clonal Nursery
The Bacolod Western Visayas Clonal Nursery lies on a one-hectare flat and gently rolling grassland terrain located 2.5 kms. away from Barangay Alangilan which is about 17 kms. from the city proper of Bacolod. The only one of its kind in the Province of Negros Occidental, this nursery has been put up in order to provide continuous supply of quality planting stocks for the reforestation and greening program of the city. It has an orchard of hedge plants for vegetative propagation, a nursery for seeds and planting stocks; a hardening shed and a potting area for rooted cuttings to pots. Visits to the nursery is by appointment through the City Environment Office; the City Mayor's Office or the City Tourism Office.
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The ANP Showroom
Considered as the country's number one trade house and pasalubong center, the Showroom is an alternative giftshop that houses arts and crafts that Negros island had to offer - from furniture to furnishings, ceramics, scented candles, pottery, novelties, ladies/children's garments, fashion accessories, souvenir t-shirts as well as indigenous foods. Open from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Tel. No. (034) 434-0717 / 434-1000.
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Recuerdos de Bacolod
"Recuerdos" (souvenirs) is know for its collection of excavated items and heirlooms, wooden saints, furniture and pottery pieces as early as the 7th and 9th century. These antique items were taken mostly from Bohol and Panay.
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Panaad Park and Stadium
Located in Barangay Mansilingan near the boundary of Barangay Alijis, this 25-hectare sports complex and park is known to be one of the best in the country and has already been host to a lot of national sport events. It has a rubberized oval tract, an Olympic-size swimming pool and other sports facilities. Its unique feature is the replica of the landmarks of the 13 cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental.
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Fort San Juan
Was constructed in 1888 mainly thru the initiative of Don Ramon Pastor, the governadorcillo at the time and with the cooperation of Recollect Friar, Fray Mauricio Ferrefo, who designated and constructed the Fort San Juan, with Fernando Cuenca, also built the San Sebastian Cathedral. The Fort served as the jail for prisoners during the Spanish era. After the Negros Revolution in 1898, thirty six (36) Spanish friars were ordered in incarcerated. Today, the fort serves as the Provincial Jail.
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Provincial Building
An imposing structure of Romanesque neoclassical architectural design, is the official seat of the government of the Province of Negros Occidental. It served as the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II.
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Paghimud-os Provincial Capitol Park
"Ang paghimud-os " which literally means "The Struggle" is a fine sculpture erected at the east entrance of the Capitol Lagoon Park. This magnificent work of art was done by one of the country's noted sculptor, Eduardo Castrillo.
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Provincial Park and Lagoon
It is located In front of the Capitol Building. To the north and south ends of the rectangular lagoon stand the statues of a woman and female water buffalo and a man and a male water buffalo, respectively. The woman standing beside the female water buffalo is a massive sculptural work said to have been done by a Italian artist whose work was never been duplicated until a Negrense artist who finished Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines duplicated the Italian's work of art by coming out with a man and male water buffalo. Presently, the lagoon grounds is a favorite jogging area of Bacolod residents.
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The Yamaha multi-pronged road show called “Yamaha Fiesta” kicked off Monday and will run until Sunday at SM City Bacolod. It is a showcase of Yamaha motorcycles where SM shoppers get a chance to test the products’ versatility, manual and AT range, a press release from the company said. Highlighting the event is the Yamaha Concert featuring one of the hottest bands in the country today – Bamboo – tomorrow from 6 p.m. onwards at the North 2A Car park of the mall. Other activities include the Motorcycle Test Ride until Sunday at the North 1A Car park, and the Bike Trick Show by the Narita Brothers today until Sunday at the South 1A Car park. There will also be dealers pre-selling activity, customized motorcycle display, safety riding, fashion show and exciting games, the press release added.* visayan daily star
The slapping incident at the Negros Occidental provincial Capitol in Bacolod City is turning out to be not just a tiff between employees as it raised questions yesterday about the manner in which financial assistance to those in need are being made at the governor’s office.
Gov. Isidro Zayco said he has directed Virginia Parreño, Human Resource Management Officer at the Capitol, to look into the slapping incident involving Jiecyl Abalajon, a technical assistant of Board Member Nehemias de la Cruz, and Joey Aquino of the Governor’s Office, in the Office of Board Member Adolfo Mangao Wednesday.
Abalajon said she slapped Aquino, and he slapped her back.
However, Aquino yesterday said he did not slap Abalajon back he just parried her hits to protect himself. And he said that when he went to the Police Station 2 headquarters in Bacolod City, to file a complaint, Abalajon’s husband, Julius, boxed him, causing his left eyebrow to bleed.
He said Abalajon probably slapped him because he had recommended that the P10,000 financial assistance she had sought following the hospitalization of her child be reduced to P5,000.
Abalajon Wednesday showed reporters a piece of paper indicating that only P5,000 in assistance was approved for her by Jonathan Lobaton, executive assistant of the governor.
But Lobaton yesterday said she was, in fact, given P10,000 through the governor’s office and another P5,000 from the Sanngunian funds.
Lobaton said he is the approving authority for the allocation of assistance sought through the governor’s office that he then forwards to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office for processing.
Asked why such a large amount was given to Abalajon from supposed PSWDO funds, which are usually allocated for needs of indigents, Lobaton admitted that Capitol employees are not included in the classification of indigents.
Capitol employees supposedly cannot apply for such assistance but if they are in need of help, consideration has been made, he said.
However, because of what happened we have made strict guidelines that employees of the Capitol should not be covered, he said.
Lobaton also denied allegations that the full amounts being approved for assistance were not being given to the supposed recipients, and that someone was taking cuts.
Zayco said the slapping incident was not good, differences should be resolved through dialog and not through violence.
He also said requests for assistance submitted to the governor’s office under the process are forwarded to the PSWDO for evaluation.
visayan daily star
The charges of murder on two counts, frustrated murder on four counts and attempted murder on two counts filed by Pulupandan Mayor Magdaleno Peña and his companions against former Mayor Luis Mondia Jr., mayoralty candidate Samson Mondia, and 39 others, have all been dismissed by the Negros Occidental provincial prosecutor’s office for lack of probable cause.
The 94-page joint resolution was penned by Assistant Provincial Prosecutors Edgar Blancaflor Baylin, Roger Agno Tranquilo and Ma. Consolacion Triunfo Bascug on Aug 12 and approved by Provincial Prosecutor Daniel Miranda Villaflor.
They also recommended that the National Bureau of Investigation conduct a reinvestigation of the cases.
The Mondias and the 39 others were charged for an ambush in Pulupandan town on May 30, 2007 that resulted in the injury of Peña, his nephew and Pulupandan Councilor Gerard Suatengco, and their escorts Diego Ofqueria Anciano Sr. and and Marciano Magbanua Miravalles. All four filed the complaints of frustrated murder against the 41.
Killed in the ambush were Jose Morel Miguel Merced and Ronnie Tamson Gegavine. Their wives Flordeliza Merced and Ma. Theresa Gegavine filed charges against the 41 for murder on two counts.
Peña’s police escorts PO2 Pedrito Provido Lupo and PO2 Ariel Tabasuares Flores , who said the ambush was an attempt on their lives, filed charges against the 41 for attempted murder.
In their joint resolution, however, the prosecutors said that, based on the evidence at hand, they found no probable cause that any of the 41 respondents named had committed any of the crimes charged.
‘BRAZENLY INCREDIBLE’
The prosecutors also said the credibility of the complainants and their witnesses were highly questionable and their allegations “brazenly incredible”.
Besides, the identities of the ambushers are further clouded by a June 2, 2007 New People’s Army Boy Gatmaitan Command press release admitting responsibility for the ambush on the convoy of Peña. Although Peña imputed some connections between the NPA and some of the respondents, it is not supported by evidence, the prosecutors said.
FERNANDEZ, NPA TOO
Peña last night said he would file a petition for review before the secretary of justice and will ask that priest-turned-rebel Frank Fernandez and the other NPA district commanders be included in the ambush charges with the Mondias.
“I will also file the appropriate criminal and administrative charges against Villaflor and the three other prosecutors for disobeying the order of the president for a total war against the NPA. I am sure the president will not be happy with what they did,” he said.
Their failure to file the charges will embolden the NPA, he claimed, adding that he will bring the matter up with the Secretary of Justice and the President.
Aside from Luis and Samson Mondia, the prosecutors also dismissed the charges against Louie Mondia, Luis Mondia III, Edgar Mondia, Pacloy Mondia, Mario Teyres, Fritz Javier, Martin Mata, Diego Malacad, Noel Occena, Arnel Semillano, Robinzon Galanza;
Allan Arellanao, Joemarie Dalumpines, Renato Dioso, Doroteo Vallejo, Gamay Jereza, Medardo Sayosa, Romeo Nanta, Loggie Pabol, Fren Singapore, Ruben Olvido, Renato Ronamo, Rogelo Montero;
Bebong Biadora, George Atilano Sr., Jonel Española, Owa Española, Ronnie Fantonalgo, Marchie Malapitan, Raul Calderon, Carlos Villanueva, Samuel Diamante, Clarence Española, Benjamin Atchura, Alberto Magdalera, Dionato Dioso, Antonio Dichino, Arnel Catañeda, Genaro Animay and Mario Treyes.
OCCULAR INSPECTION
The prosecutors said in their joint resolution they meticulously went over the evidence of both parties and verified the same by ocular inspection of the crime scene.
The prosecutors noted that Peña initially said in his counter affidavit that when four armed men, whom he identified as Treyes, Javier, Samson Mondia and Mata, fired at the vehicle he was riding on, he immediately ducked to the floor.
That was a normal reaction to a startling occurrence, a man’s instinct to live, and highly credible, the prosecutors said.
However, the prosecutors noted that in the clarificatory hearing on March 27, 2008 when Peña was asked if he was already ducking when he was hit by bullets, he replied “No. no I did not go to the bottom of the dashboard. I was looking at all of them. And I saw Samson, Mata, Malacad and Mario.”
Peña turned his head from left to right to left demonstrating how he was able to see his assailants while still sitting in the green Ford Expedition, the prosecutors also noted.
This new allegation is contrary to human experience, the prosecutors said. Peña would have been hit by the bullets to death, or at the very least, threatened by death, had he not ducked immediately, the prosecutors said, noting the bullet holes in the green Expedition vehicle.
The prosecutors said they believe Peña made the new allegation to give credence to his claim that he had identified his assailants. Had he ducked immediately to the floor of the green Expedition, he would not have seen his assailants, the prosecutors said.
“A meticulous evaluation of the accusatory allegations of Atty. Peña would show, indeed that he was not able to see his assailants, the prosecutors also said.
They also noted that when Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, Negros Occidental police provincial director, interviewed Peña at the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City after the ambush, the mayor told him that he identified some of the suspects but refused to divulge their identities.
PNP DOUBTED
Peña argued that he did not divulge the identities of his assailants because he doubted the impartiality of the PNP.
He also said he instructed the other victims to give their statements only to the National Bureau of Investigation-Bacolod and never to the PNP, the prosecutors noted.
The prosecutors said that, had Peña identified his assailants to Franco, the police director could have ordered a hot pursuit and the immediate arrest of his assailants, who were mostly only residing in Pulupandan and are known there.
The prosecutors said it was their honest belief that, as far as the allegations of Peña are concerned, there is no probable cause that the respondents committed the ambush.
DIFFERENT VERSIONS
The prosecutors also noted that six witnesses interviewed by the PNP had different versions of the incident from those of Peña and his companions.
These witnesses only saw one to three assailants and not one of them estimated the length of firing during the ambush to exceed five minutes, contrary to the allegation of the complainants and their witnesses that it lasted 15 to 30 minutes.
They also noted that the witnesses described the assailants as between 20 to 25 years old.
To give justice to the victims of the ambush, especially the widows and the orphans of Merced and Gegavine, the prosecutors said they believe the NBI should investigate the witnesses interviewed by the police and some of the complainants who may just be withholding the truth, or may have been compelled to “embellish” their testimonies.
NO OFFENSE
The prosecutors said they were dismissing the charges against the 41 because no person should be charged in court without an offense.
They are also dismissing the charges to save the state from the expense and vexation of a needless, costly and fruitless prosecution and to ensure that the state prosecutions shall be undertaken only when there are chances that the ends of public justice will be served.
“Only a showing of probable fall from innocence should subject a person to the agony and hazard of a public prosecution,” they also said.*CPG
visyan daily star
October 19, 2008 - BACOLOD CITY CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION
The Municipality of Bacolod was made into a City effective October 19, 1938 by virtue of Commonwealth Act. No. 326. The event was spectacular considering the fact that no less than Hon. Manuel L. Quizon, President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines himself graced the occasion when Hon. Alfredo M. Montelibano, Sr. took his Oath of Office as the first City Mayor.
The Celebration kicks off with a mass, Charter Day Program in the morning and a Charter Day Parade in the afternoon.
October 1-21, 2008 - MASSKARA FESTIVAL
Bacolod City never seems to lose its luster, especially when MassKara celebration comes.
The annual MassKara Festival held every October, is a celebration, which has earned Bacolod the title "City of Smiles".
It was conceived in October 1980 by a group of government personalities, civic figures and artists with full support from the city government in the midst of the sugar-producing provinces severe economic crisis - resulting to the ailing of sugar industry.
This could have been traumatic to anybody but not to the people of Bacolod who made something good and creative out of it.
MassKara is a festival for local and international tourism. It is intended to provide a venue for the activities and cultural expression.
The word MassKara was coined from two terms: 'Mass" meaning people and "Kara" means the face... thus MassKara means the "face of the Masses". Considered to be the festival's highlights are sports competitions, cultural shows, trade fairs, beauty pageants and the famous MassKara Dance Parade where masked dancers display their gracefulness to the lively rhythm of the musical beat with cooperation, coordination, mastery and stamina. During this celebration people from all walks of life dances around the city's major thoroughfares.
The colorful masks and costumes of the dancers with so much attractiveness gives a lot of intensity to the dance parade. With full of fun, freedom and camaraderie, everyone is caught up in the streets swaying and dancing with so much excitement and momentum.
SM City Bacolod is a supermall located along Rizal Street, Reclamation Area, bacolod ciy, Negros Occidental, Philippines. It has a total of land area of 161,096.60 square meters and a total floor area of 61,413 square meters. SM City Bacolod is the 29th supermall of SM Prime Holdings and the 3rd in the Visayas Region. It opened on March 1, 2007.
Mall features
SM City Bacolod hosts international and local fast food chains, restaurants, and stores. It has four cinemas showcasing films and live sports games. The mall is divided into two buildings called the "North Wing" and the "South Wing". The two buildings are connected by two bridge ways that allow patrons to walk between the two structures. The South Wing houses the grocery supermarket, cinema, local fast food chains and pharmacies. The North Wing houses the department store, appliance center, food court, international fast food chains and boutiques.
COLLEGES:
1. Colegio de San Agustin - www.csab.edu.ph
2. University of St. La Salle - www.usls.edu.ph
3. La Consolacion College - www.lcc.edu.ph
4. University of Negros Occidental Recoletos - www.uno-r.edu.ph
5. Riverside College - www.riverside.edu.ph
6. West Negros University - www.westnegroscollege.edu.ph/index.asp
7. VMA Global College - www.vma.edu.ph
8. John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation -E-mail:jblcf-b@globelines.com.ph
9. Convention Baptist Bible College - Tel. No. (034) 446-0798
10. AMA Computer Learning School - Tel. No. (034) 433-9251
11. ABE Computer College - Tel No. (034) 432-2483
12. STI Computer College - Tel. No. (034) 432-1911
13. APTECH Computer Education - Tel. No.(034) 434-9464
PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
1. Carlos Hilado Memorial State College - Tel. No. (034) 434-8862
2. Bacolod City College - Tel. No. (034) 444-0194
VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS:
1. Capitol Institute of Technicians - Tel. No. (034) 433-6280
2. Visayas Technical School - Tel. No. (034) 434-2903
3. La Salle Tech. - Tel. No. (034) 433-3520
4. Inst. of Manpower & Computer Technology Inc. - Te. No. (034) 432-3904
5. Mary Pauline's Healthcare International Inc. Tel. No. (034) 432-3931
6. St. Augustine Caregiver - Tel. No. (034) 433-6704
7. Victory Business College 8. Universal Health Caregiver
9. PNRC Caregiver 10. Lifeline International Caregive
www.bacolodcity.gov.ph
Gov. Isidro Zayco last night said he has directed the Provincial Legal Office to determine the administrative and criminal liability of persons responsible for the disappearance of National Food Authority rice intended for the Food-for-Work program of the Negros Occidental provincial government.
Zayco said he had earlier asked the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office to investigate the status of the distribution of NFA rice stored at the Panaad Nursery Warehouse in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, through the Provincial Environment Management Office.
The initial report of the PNP is that about 396.79 sacks of NFA rice amounting to about P357,111 cannot be accounted for by the provincial personnel concerned, Zayco said in his memorandum to the PLO.
Zayco directed the PLO to conduct an investigation and to submit recommendations and file the necessary cases against the erring personnel as evidence may warrant.
A NOPPO investigation report said that on July 12 a text message was received by the governor about rice being taken from the warehouse at dawn.
The facts gathered sufficiently establish that only Romulo Sibulboro, Panaad nursery supervisor, was in full control of the key to the warehouse at the Panaad nursery from August 2007 to May 2008 when the alleged discrepancy occurred, the NOPPO report said.
This was shown by the statements of the witnesses who all gave their accounts of the issue under investigation, the report added.
It was also established that, on several occasions, Sibulboro entrusted the key of the warehouse to a certain GL Leonardo, wife of Refi Leonardo, to open the warehouse and withdraw rice without his presence, the report said.
The key could have been secretly duplicated without his knowledge, the police report added. It was noted that the rice disappeared without any sign of forcible entry.
PO2 Eric Salavado, who was tasked to investigate the matter, said it is his firm belief that the disappearance of the rice was a result of mismanagement attributed to negligence on the part of Sibulboro.
The police investigator recommended that Sibulboro be made to justify where the unaccounted rice went with supporting documents. Otherwise, he will be charged under the existing rules of the Civil Service Commission, being a government employee and held criminally liable for qualified theft under the Revised Penal Code, the police investigator said.
The same case could also be filed against the Leonardo couple as accomplices, he added in his report to the governor.*CPG
The Visayan Daily Star
BY CARLA GOMEZ
Criminal and administrative cases were against the city officials "for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as grave misconduct and acts prejudicial to public interest."
SUNSTAR BACOLOD
After years of seeming hibernation, Mambukal is once again emerging as Negros Occidental's premier resort and tourist destination. The improvement of the tourism flagship of the province continues with the inauguration of the 300-person capacity Convention Center and the operation of the newly renovated Ishiwata Bath House.
Mambukal Resort lies 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as a gateway to the Mt. Kanlaon Volcano.
Originally developed by a Japanese architect named Ishiwata in 1927, the resort started as a bath house and picnic garden and has provided cool haven for Negrenses and their guests.
Spread over 23.6 hectares, Mambukal is blessed with exceptionally beautiful natural resources.
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Mambukal also boasts a number of hot sulfur springs whose medicinal waters are a balm for the weary flesh and continually feeds the warm dipping pool.
Its slopes and dips house interesting rock formations and lush forests of tropical and semi-tropical trees as well as a variety of pines, ferns and orchids that thrive on its cool climate and rich soil, known as Mambukal clay.
For visitors who wish to take time, the Tourist Lodge offers standard rooms and suites. There are single airconditioned cottages or camp sites to choose from as well as picnic sheds for day visitors.
The Tourist LodgeMambukal is also ideal for those inclined mix business with pleasure, with a conference room and various function rooms available.
Mudpack Festival - The improvement of Negros Occidental's tourism flagship, the Mambukal Resort, continued with the construction of the 300-person capacity Convention Hall, assisted by the Department of Tourism, which was recently inaugurated during the 9th Mudpack Festival.
No other resort in the Visayas gives one a holistic experience of nature that invigorates the mind and soul, transporting visitors to the realm of peace and tranquility - and the journey starts from the gateways of Mambukal.
To see more of Mambukal's natural beauty visit our gallery. and the Mudpack Festival gallery.
Mambukal Mountain Resort
Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia
Province of Negros Occidental, Philippines
Tel. No. (034) 7100-800/TeleFax (034) 7100-801
Mambukal Reservation Office
Provincial Capitol Building
Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City
Tel. No. (034) 709-0990/TeleFax (034) 433-8516
Negros Occidental Tourism Center
Provincial Capitol Building
Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City
TeleFax (034) 709-8755/Tel. No. (034) 433-2515
E-Mail: tourism@negros-occ.gov.ph
MOVIE SCHEDULE
Centroplex Cinema
A. You Don't Mess with Zohan
B. The Mummy
Robinsons Place Movie World
1. The Mummy 3
2. A Very special Love
3. You Don't Mess with Zohan
4. Bank Job
5. The Dark Night
6. The Hottie and the Nottie
Gaisano City Cinema
1. Bank Job
2. Zohan
3. A Very Special Love
4. The Mummy
SM City Bacolod Cinema
1. A Very Special Love
2. The Mummy
3. The Dark Night
4. You Don't Mess with the Zohan
