Attention all competing sandboarders today, Feb 22! Registration is free. There will be two categories: Best Time and Best Trick. Cash prizes, trophies and medals await the top placers in both categories. Give it your best shot!
We’re giving away LEAD Movement “Innovators of Sandboarding in the Philippines” tees to lucky spectators. Sandboarding is free to all after the competition.
See you at the dunes. Let’s rock La Paz!
There’s only one sandboarding competition in the Philippines and it happened again for the second time at the Laoag “La Paz” Sand Dunes. And as the young President of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), Mikee Fariñas, has mentioned in her inspirational talk, it has become the sandboarding capital of Southeast Asia.
Though this year’s competition was not as epic in terms of preparations and size, just the same the spirit rose above the sea of sand.
We still get the goosebumps. Five years ago, who would have thought the humble DIY sandboard made of plywood could launch a new culture of extreme sand shredding in these parts?
Judging the intimidating, almost-head-splitting Free Style Category were Ilocos’s premier tattoo artist Janer Santos (chairman), eco-adventure enthusiast from Adams Paul Acupan and pro skater Kriss Castro. The best time was central in the Time Trial Category. A total of eleven city boys and three La Paz homeboys braved the burning sun, the launcher (like how Fairon and Klein want to call it), the ramp and a wipeout. The top five placers in both categories were awarded a trophy and cash prize each.
The get-together was made possible by the City Government of Laoag, through the leadership of Mayor Chevylle Fariñas, and the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement (LEAD), with the unequivocal support of the Barangay Talingan leaders and the Laoag Solid 8 Corp.
Let the spirit of fiesta and bayanihan live on!
Two-time champion in the Free Style Category, Ema Manuel
Congratulations to the winners of the 2nd Laoag La Paz Sand Boarding Competition!
Time Trial Category
1st – Maco Custodio
2nd -Eugene Tan
3rd -Carlo Domingo
4th -Ema Manuel
5th -Jay Clavel
Free Style Category
1st -Ema Manuel
2nd -Adriano Aceret
3rd -Eugene Tan
4th -Carlo Domingo
5th -Maco Custodio
*On behalf of the LEAD Movement, thanking the participants, judges, Laoag Solid 8 Corp., Marc Nicolas (the race director), Clyde (the emcee), Toto, Sean, Rommel, Allan, Jao, Darwin, Nick, Jake, Brgy. Talinngaan, ABC President Mikee Fariñas, the Laoag City paramedics, the City Government of Laoag and everyone who in one way or another helped make the event meaningful.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
Hi, everyone! Sorry for the absence lately. The family was up in Baguio for a national downhill race. Everything went smoothly, including nice, comfortable transportation and accommodations (thanks to wonderful Batibols friends, Gayle and Edzel, and, of course, Luis, Joey and Jack) except for hiccups during the 2-day race at the DENR compound. Met new friends. Brandon placed 6th in the 19 and below category.
Laoagueño John Robert Burgos bested the 29 and below category. So much promise in the young man’s budding biking career.
Here are photos.
John Robert Burgos
Doesn’t Bans look like someone you and I know?
JR Barba with Siobe, Jeric Farr with Pia and Bans Mendoza with Athena:)
The commissaire from Laoag, Jackie de la Cruz.
Double vision.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
There’s a new crop of bazaaristas in Ilocos. Enterprising minds are making a paradigm shift to a culture of originality and character. At the yearly Minuyungan and Partuat Trade Fair, put together by the Department of Trade and Industry, other than the touristy longaniza and bagnet, I happened upon Ilocos-made body and bath products, kankanen and dragon fruit ice candies that I mistook for, heheh, Pinoy pink hotdogs. The designs of bamboo bags from Abra and binakol bags from Sarrat are contemporary.
A great alternative to sugar because of its healthy vitamins is natural sorghum sweetener in syrup form.
Though I went all the way to barangay Pias in Currimao for a feature about her soaps (here), it was the first time meeting Agnes Asuncion. She has lovely skin. If she’s using her products, then her creations are must-trys.
The multi-awarded Superkalan invention is fit for biodegradeble corn cobs and coconut husks as fuel.
The sample inabraw gone pinakbet-looking:)
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
Hi, parents of Ilocos! My organization, the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement (LEAD), has partnered with Project 101, in cooperation with Northwestern University Ecotourism Park and Botanic Gardens, for a summer ecological conservation camp for kids, ages 5 and up. We chose the NU Botanic Gardens as venue because it is a living museum of more than 1400 plant species. It has a butterfly sanctuary, a grass-covered lawn and tree-shaded grounds, ideal for camping, as well as comfort and indoor facilities. The 2 and a half-day camping event on April 25- 27, is sure to be fun-filled, what with a lineup of outdoor adventure activities, basic life support techniques in case of emergencies, arts and crafts, dish gardening and, yes, culinary with the experts.
At heart, we aim to empower the kids to get out of their comfort zones and embrace the outdoors and adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.
After all, a fresh perspective on the environment at youth makes all the difference.
For more inquiries, and registration forms, you can also contact: blauearth@yahoo.com
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
I’m usually just at home the day after Good Friday. My Havaianas never run out of stories to tell.
Making a splash at the Municipal Beach in Pagudpud were the fruity pop-up shop and beach bar. Havaianaticos were treated to Plato Wraps, halo-halo and summer spritzers. Selfie-ing just got more zealous:) There was visual fire dancing by sundown.
The hardworking Bernard and Me-Ann Macaraeg of Visionaire, Inc. and Red Dot stores
There’s something about Kit Mandac’s OOTD and her floral arrangement:) She’s matchy-matchy like the time she did the tropical flowers at the press launch of last year’s first MYOH in Ilocos.
A Kaway-Kampay event of the PGIN was happening simultaneously.
Rubbed eyeballs with a bunch of friends like Spider Rodas, photographer Glenn Tumaneng, the Vertext family, Pagudpud tourism officer Peps, Lovely Abadilla and a lot more.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
The Gingersnaps Easter event at Rizal Park is for moms too ‘coz Easter’s new life is for everyone. In the age of social everything, I had fun photographing kids. I’d like to think I’m likeable like a bunny:)
I didn’t notice Gingersnaps has been dressing up kids and pregnant moms for twenty years now. It has always been on top of its game.
Red Dot knows how to make their little clients feel special.
Ericke will be happy to see Marty has perfected the fashion blogger pose:)
A blessed Easter to you and your family!
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
At the exuberant first CAMP for EARTH in Ilocos, “little hands and little steps” were the focal point of the summer camp out.
More often than not, parents underestimate the child’s thirst for knowledge. The initiators, non-government entities Laoag Eco-Adventure Movemnent (LEAD) and Project 101, in partnership with the Northwestern University Ecotourism Park and Botanical Gardens (NUEBG), see so much promise. The stimulus of fun in action expectantly help “rewire” young minds for a cleaner and happier earth.
The youth are a bundle of thoughts and passion — it amazes the volunteers of the said pilot project to no end.
Experts such as manager Michael Calaramo of the NUEBG, the search and rescue crew of the Philippine Air Force 505th SAR Grp and the SAR unit of the Philippine National Police-Ilocos Norte, and celebrity cake artists Ace and Kit Mandac of Ava’s Cakes and Partyshop were tapped to share their skills on select lively topics relevant to skill and idea building and empowerment.
New friendships were forged as well.
The 3 R’s and the concept of sustainabilty were introduced and practiced while at camp. A commemorative group tree planting activity before the graduation ceremonies made the event more meaningful.
On a personal note, words are not enough to describe how proud I am for the first campers for earth. The summer heat was not a damper to their spirits. Congrats, eco-campers!
Camp for Earth wishes to thank Viajero Outdoor Center in Cagayan de Oro for the outdoor gear gifts, Northwestern University President Ms. Liza Nicolas, Mrs. Erlinda Gloria, Raine Mateo Calucag, Philippine National Red Cross Ilocos Norte Chapter, the volunteers and facilitators, Ms. Alma Ajero, Crystal Dew, Leah’s Empanaditas, Red Dot, the NUEBG staff, Mr. Butch Nicolas, Mr. Reny Tan, the little campers and their parents.
Like Camp for Earth on Facebook.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
Laoag City is the venue for Resilient Cities, Brighter Futures, a forum and workshop on anticipatory thinking and strategic foresight for climate-resilient cities, slated on May 21-24.
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Post mega disasters, an intense framing and re-framing to support and shape sustainable and resilient cities are the order of the day.
Expected to join the 4-day capacity building is a lineup of movers and shakers that include world-class architect/urban planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr, World Wildlife Fund-Philippines (WWF) CEO and President Lory Tan, Project NOAH Executive Director Mahar Lagmay, Planning Officer Xenon Walde of Makati City, Prof. Jake Cadag, Mayor Chevylle Farinas of Laoag City and Governor Joey Salceda of Albay.
Dr. Sohail Inayatullah, professor at Tamkang University, Taipei, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, Macquarie University, Sydney, and 2010 Laurel Award winner for All Time Best Futurists by Shaping Tomorrow Network will facilitate the Foresight workshop. His specialty is help develop alternative and preferred futures.
Mark Alexander of the Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies, Dr. Jiang Bang Deng of the Graduate Institute of Futures Studies at Tamkang University and Dr. Hyun Ryul Park, Professor Emeritus at Chung Ang University, South Korea, will share insights and experiences on how they use and apply foresight in governance in the United States, Taiwan and South Korea.
The project is an initiative of the UNESCO, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines and the Center for Engaged Foresight in partnership with the City Government of Laoag, Northwestern University, Tamkang University, Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies, International Society for Heal Being Studies and SMART Philippines.
Interested leaders may contact Mr. Shermon Cruz, Executive Director of Center for Engaged Foresight CP Nos.: +639479639858 / 09173185162; Tel. No or Fax: 077 607 03 43; or email: engagedforesight@gmail.com
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
The Havaianas event you and me have been waiting for kicks off once again at the Robinsons Ilocos Norte on the 23rd of May, Friday, and winds up on the 25th, Sunday.
Last year, we got our Ilocos pride pins on our flip-flops. This year, we say hello to the festive Brazilian street culture. To quote Vogue, “Brazilians have the ability to make a party out of nothing, and then make it the most exciting night you’ve ever had.” So it’s time to party with Make Your Own Havaianas full-customization out of Brazilian Carnavale bright, bold soles and straps and fun limited edition pins.
Anne Gonzalez, Terry SA Managing Director, says, “Brazilian culture is all about self expression, and not being ashamed of how vividly you express it.”
2014′s commemorative pair features colorful Bonfims. These are Brazilian wish ribbons worn for good luck. The print wishes every wearer Alegria, Diversao, Empolgacao, Euforia, and Felicidade or Joy, Amusement, Excitement, Euphoria and Bliss – true to the Havaianas always summer spirit.
Brazilian inspired performances will make the event even more bouncing, as Capoeira, Mardi Gras, and Samba dancers hit up the dance floor every day at 5 in the afternoon.
As the summer season hits full throttle, tis the time of the year with our favorite Havaianas. See you, guys and girls! Viva Brasil!
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
Where do governments or even ordinary citizens fail? As opposed to long-term, we tend to plan short-term. To be able to see what lies ahead and sketch a system to reach our preferred future was the focus of “Resilient Cities, Brighter Futures”, the first ever futures forum-workshop in the Philippines, organized by UNESCO in collaboration with Northwestern University and the City Government of Laoag, held at the Laoag City Hall Auditorium last week.
World-renowned futurist Dr. Sohail Inayatullah engaged participants, which included representatives from local government units, the private business sector, non-government groups and the academe, both from here and abroad.
“Back to the future — we are past our prime, we need to return to simpler times,” Dr. Sohail Inayatullah says of the need for transformation.
Prior to the workshop proper, futurists from the Tamkang University, the Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies, Chung Ang University and Laoag’s Northwestern University shed light on futurology as a tool for recognizing issues.
Project NOAH Executive Director Mahar Lagmay, globally-recognized architect/urban planner Felino “Jun Palafox Jr, Dean Mario de los Reyes of the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning, WWF Moncini Hinay of WWF-Philippines, Makati City Urban Development Officer Merlina Panganiban, Laoag City Mayor Chevylle Fariñas, Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office Statistician John Eugene Vincent Escobar presented more or less climate change status and disaster management in some parts of the country.
Looking back at the outputs, we arrived at a future of a participatory governed, forward-rallying society. Hereafter, the future is something You and I build.
With fellow local participant.
Photographed by Alex and Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
The second album launch and concert of the internationally awarded children’s choir, the Samiweng Singers of the Ilocon Norte National High School, was unexpectedly held in a church. Two or three people outside the Laoag Cathedral were a little confused. In my head, there is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is, like American minister and hymn writer William P. Merrill once said.
And imagining the SSAA choir’s sweet, cherubic voices, the church of my childhood beckoned.
The singing coincided with the visit of the Sr. Sto. Niño de Cebu.
I am a big fan of the Samiweng Singers. They are a breath of fresh air to local cultural events. They make the Ilocanos proud with every accolade they receive. I get goosebumps watching videos of their winning moments at the World Choir Games, referred to as The Olympics of Choral Music, held in held in Cincinnati USA.
The highlights of the choir’s stellar singing journey — the top prize at the 29th National Music Competition for Young Artists in 2002, Overall Winner (children’s, youth choirs, and sacred music categories) at the 1st Vietnam International Choir Festival and Competition in 2011, a gold and 2 silvers at the 7th World Choir Games in 2012 and a nomination for Best Choral Group at the 25th Aliw Awards. The list is too long to mention.
As parent to two former students of the school, I am also a big fan of the Ilocos Norte National High School and their programs which effectively enhance the innate talents of its students.
Retired teacher Robert Caluya founded and mentored the choir. He was succeeded by teacher Sherberk Cabrales (in photo above) as choir conductor. Along with fellow teachers Sherween Cabrales and Egdonna Legaspi, Sherberk trains the choir members, with ages ranging from 12-17.
Fresh from their Hawaii performance, the Samiweng Singers regaled the audience with a repertoire of Ilocano songs and sacred music. They were joined by alumna Michelle Pascual, currently a University of the Philippines student, and INNHS Special Program in the Arts student Hannah Mae Uganiza, who will be remembered for her audition song Lipad na Pangarap for The Voice Kids Philippines.
Samiweng is an Ilocano portmanteau of sam-it and aweng, which translates to sweet echo.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
Dear ladies, why not spend this coming Saturday afternoon at the Inner Beauty Conference? 2014’s theme is Feminine Genius!
Didi Nakar Marañon, author of the Inner Beauty books, states how it began and the objective behind the Inner Beauty Women’s Conference
“It started with a desire for ‘the hidden character of the heart’ (1 Peter 3:4) to shine through. I wanted it for myself. And in the process, I started sharing the whole idea with others. It resonated with women of all ages because we are so bombarded with the quest to beautify ourselves externally. There is a dearth of input and conversation in society to raise consciousness on the significance of a woman’s inner beauty. I believe that more than physical beauty and personality, one’s inner beauty must be given importance.”
Join the hundreds of women on July 19, 2014, Saturday, from 2 to 6 pm at the Elim Global Headquarters, #51 10th St Rolling Hills Village, New Manila, Quezon City. Discover your purpose and make a difference in the world
Tickets at P500. For inquiries, contact 722.2621 or email innerbeauty@springsonline.org. Check out details on the Inner Beauty Conference Facebook page.
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
The REFMAD Farms of the Dacuycuys will always have a special place in the heart of the author of BlauEarth. She has witnessed how the humble hut, surrounded by varying heights of dragon fruit posts, has been markedly reduced in prominence over the years. The baby of Ms. Edita Dacuycuy is now a lady, ever blooming and ripening.
From time to time, Ms. Edita is able to leave the farm to her daughter Mildred aka Mimie (her co-planner and gal Friday since day one) and travel and share the good news about how growing dragon fruit in Ilocos has helped not only her family, but other farmers and communities as well, besides the healthy benefits of this high value crop.
The well-loved farmer in Ilocos Norte has made a significant contribution to tourism — the bucolic yet contemporary destination continues to attract visitors from all walks of life.
Mimie shares with us photos from one of the international exhibits and expositions REFMAD Farms has participated in. She carries the nation’s colors everywhere she goes. She’s met many wonderful people (like Chef Gaita Fores, in photo below) and learned significant global trends and techniques that she wishes to adopt and practice in the farm. “Her hands are full,” Mimie says when asked if her mom is ready to leave the nitty gritty to her.
The brainchild of Mimie, the just concluded first Dragon Fruit Picking festival at the farm (the start of a yearly thing) was well-attended by friends and dragon fruit fans, and covered by both national and local media. I was actually the last picker at the 5-day festival. I liked it because I was able to sit down with her for the first time. It was always Tita Edita who taught me the things I needed to learn about dragon fruit.
The hardworking duo behind the successful REFMAD Farms wish they have more time for all the things they haven’t done yet. With a lot of TLC, quality soil and, yes, music (you have to go there to believe), they are able to harvest 10-12 times in 6 months. Their ice cream and vegan dragon fruit lumpia (that tastes like meat) are attractions in themselves. Their dragon fruit wine was featured at Sofitel. Their vinegar is also doing well.
Ripe for the picking: my fruit.
It’s sweet and fruity, but interestingly, it makes a very good cider when it ages.
International exhibit photos courtesy of Mildred Dacuycuy
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
Yesterday, with some 300 students, I went to vote at the first ever forum on BLACK SAND MINING at the Northwestern University New Media Hall.
Ilocanos protested all forms of mining at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall back in June (here). In spite of Board Member Joel Garcia’s withdrawal of his infamous resolution (here), the threat of black sand mining in the province continues to hang over.
Representing DEFEND Ilocos, Madonna Rabang Peta was instrumental in bringing an art and photo exhibit by students in Ilocos Sur. Also one of the panelists, she gave a clear-cut presentation of the mining status in the Ilocos Region
Co-guest panelist Arthur Valente of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte says — there should be more follow-ups for fora on environmental threats and degradation, especially for the young minds to ponder on.
Anti-mining advocates, Ilocos Times columnist Steve Barreiro and Patrick Cerezo of the Kabataan party-list served as reactors.
Atty. Joel Garcia assured the attendees that he will not support black sand mining, not now, and in the future, garnering him a courteous applause.
Says Shermon Cruz, convenor of the black sand mining forum, organized by the KWAGO Society.
The “revealing” discussion on Black Sand Mining this afternoon is bit better in “content and context” than the SP Public Hearing we had a few months back. What was presented were real data, assessments, intensive research, case studies, immersion experiences, personal stories, legal and media views on black sand mining and its real (not potential) impacts. Students, professors and concerned citizens were exposed to real NGO-GO-GA-NGA-PO-Party list-Media talks and dynamics of mining (small and large scale), quarrying, public safety and risks, environmental governance, government enforcement issues, impact to poverty incidence, food security, public safety, resilience, climate change and others. Student questions were direct and reactions were straight to the point.
Sharing my journey as a LEAD Movement member.
Taking out the black in black sand and the verdant in nature.
Photos by DEFEND Ilocos, LEAD Movement , Shermon Cruz and BlauEarth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
Sunny, effervescent, refreshing — those three words enter my mind as soon as I step into Cefi & Me. The baker in Toni Carag has been unleashed and baby Cefi, the frosting to her cupcake, appears to be getting a thrill from the whirling scent of confections inside the patisserie.
Cefi & Me is situated at the corner of pristine Paseo de Paoay close by the painfully beautiful Paoay Church. (I live in Ilocos, but it feels like I am in a different world whenever I catch a glimpse of the church’s striking architecture.)
Kristine Manuel and Kit Mandac had the honors to cut the ribbon.
Reishan Paredes and Joanna Jimenez light up the room.
How time flies, Toni and her cousin Tina’s babies! Our godson, MJ (in black), is all grown up. But I love it that Toni always calls me “manang”. The other baby in the photo below is Cooper, the cute son of Carlos and Janina Fariñas. Hihih, and Nerisa might just have given birth.
I made sure I had a photo with photographer Glenn Tumaneng because he had to take my photo (at the bottom of the post). Of course, you shouldn’t believe me ‘coz the vibes of the afternoon was cheery.
Radiant Kristine Manuel. I saw the light and I had to pressure her for this photo.
Check out the interesting menu. We had gyros, penne, fresh dragonfruit and I bought cheese cupcakes. Yum! If I were not too full, I would have ordered kesong puti bun d’ sal.
I want to congratulate and wish Toni all the best in her new endeavor.
Other photos by Kit, Glenn T and Joanna
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
It’s the season once again for platefuls of atang and burning candles. When you’ve already exhausted the Nation white paint you bought from Ace Marketing, you may want to pay Requiem a visit. Young Ilocano artist Khervin Gallandez is all set for his first show. The Halloween art exhibit opens on the 25th at Samtoy Books, La Tabacalera Lifestyle Center.
On the same day, have a beer, or more, at the Eagle’s Nest Night of the Living Drunks. Be a Drunkentein for a night, but please, people, don’t be accurate zombies. Enjoy!
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014
Downhillers across the country! Got news from DROP (Downhill Riders Organization of the Philippines) for you! The Fox Downhill National Series opens in Laoag on February 28 via the Pamulinawen Festival Breaking Away MTB DH Challenge as one of the highlights of the month-long annual city fiesta.
FOX Downhill National Series is now open for registration!
1. Use the link and get a special claim stub when you complete the registration
2. Exchange the claim stub at any FOX Store and get your FOX Sticker+Discount Coupon
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015
It’s that time of the year once again:) Happy Fiesta, Laoag!
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015
The Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag hosted the Chinese Cultural Week at the Robinsons Ilocos Norte in San Nicolas.
Ilocanos and the local Chinese community were treated to a rare display of Chinese arts and culture in the province by way of song, dance and martial arts presentations, with the students of the St. Santiago Schools in Laoag and Santiago (Isabela), the Paoay Lake National High School delivering their best. A special dance rendition was also performed by the Chinese consul’s other half.
Lion and dragon dances by the Isabela troupe were the highlights of the opening day.
Members of the St. Santiago School Foundation, the Ilocos Norte Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Consul of the People’s Republic of China in Laoag with Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and San Nicolas Mayor Melanie Valdez.
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015
