Kris’ Brain Activity

Even if I want to concentrate in preparing for my wedding in Sarrat, I cannot avoid my duties and obligations as Board Member.

After 3 days of delivering the bulk of the Manila invites, I had to travel back to Laoag for a couple of weekend commitments.

The Wedding

On September 20 Ria and I attended the Reyes-Cua Wedding in Sta. Monica Church, Sarrat.  Yep, the same venue of our wedding.  We wanted to see how a wedding looked like in that church.  At the same time, we also wanted to visualize how our wedding would look like.  Thank you to Junie and Elaine for inviting us.  Congratulations to the both of you!

Ria and I missed the reception in Fort Ilocandia because she had to fly back to Manila and I had to rush to a pageant.

The Pageant

I went to San Nicolas to attend the Ms. Primacare Pageant.  I was excited to judge the event.  I was expecting girls and a swimsuit competition.  After all, it was the MS. PRIMACARE PAGEANT.

Hollee Mollee, it was a cross-dressing pageant!

Now I’ve judged everything.  I’ve judged little kids in a pageant.  I’ve judged young ladies in a pageant.  I’ve judged senior citizens a pageant.  And I’ve judged gays in a pageant.

Judging real men dressed as women completes my pageant bucket list.

I thought to myself, ‘I missed a wedding reception for this?’  I wanted to leave.

But that changed when the talent competition came up.  My god, I never laughed so much in a long time.  This guy, who looked like a government official in drag, stripped within 4 ft away from the judges’ table and shook his booty.

He was wearing a wig, a bra and a g-string.

A 230 pound man in his late 30s.

I couldn’t look at him straight in the eye.  I was laughing so loud.

And then there was this other guy whose talent was to draw in a legal size pad for 20 seconds with a pencil, and show his ‘work’ to us at a distance of about 30 feet.  I saw a blank white page.  THAT was his talent.

Anyway, the pageant lasted until 1am!  And there were only 9 contestants.  It took us 5 hours to choose a winner.  My gulay, daig pa namin ang Miss Universe.  Imagine, there they get to select a winner within 2 hours from a pool of 80 contestants.  And here we are taking us 5 friggin’ hours to choose one guy winner among 9.

And the guys smelled of liquor pa ha. 

The Race

Early Sunday morning I had to wake up to participate in the 32^nd Milo Marathon – Ilocos Norte leg.  I only had 4 hours of sleep.  I was the first Board Member there.  Governor Keon came.  So did Board Members Barba, Ranada, Galano, Peralta and Castro.  But they weren’t in running attire.  I thought we would all run, the governor at the very least.  But he told me he was out of shape.

Anyway, before the race nag-ribbon cutting kami sa recently renamed President Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium and blessing of its new synthetic track oval.

Afterwards, marathon na.  Madaming participants.  They said there were about 15,000 runners.  First to run were the 21K participants.  Mostly composed of runners from out-of-town (Baguio, Manila, Iloilo, etc.)  Then the 3K runners—children 12 years old and below.  Last to run were the 5K participants.  Obviously, this is where I ran. 

I am not fit.  The only training I did for this race was last Wednesday when I walked around the village for about an hour.  That’s it.  I tried to run, but after one kilometer I was panting already.  I had to slow down and brisk walk.  But when I saw teenagers wearing jeans and sneakers and carrying knapsacks passing me, I just couldn’t take it.  Imagine kids in heavy jeans, flat sneakers and bags beating me?  Aba, di naman pwede yan.  Kahit ang sakit sakit na ng tiyan ko, sige takbo, kris, takbo.

It took me 41 minutes to complete five kilometers.  It was embarrassing.

But at least natapos ko.

And I beat most of the kids in jeans, sneakers and bags.

Now, my body is starting to hurt.

For our wedding this October, Ria and I wanted to decorate the reception area like this:

Unfortunately, the venue for the reception (a church garden) did not have any geena silk. The caterer/s only had a few bundles. Which meant Ria and I had to procure them (what to do with it after the wedding I don’t know).

So, last Monday, I accompanied Ria to Divisoria to buy one roll of geena silk to supplement the caterer’s stock.

It wasn’t my first time in Divisoria. I’ve gone there before. However, in those times, I was either a driver or just waiting in a fastfood chain. I don’t remember shopping there myself.

Last Monday was the first time I did.

Ria said it was a good day since it was sunny and all the sellers were there. There were lots of people, from all walks of life. From the well-to-do (I noticed their saucy ‘twang and demeanor) to the everyday man (with amateur-done tattoos all over their bodies). And they sold all sorts of things. They even had hawaiian hula-hula costumes, dog chains, and french fries/chicken deep fryers. These guys sold everything.

Another thing I noticed was the smell. There were some parts of Divisoria that smelled like industrial juice. I would instantly remember the smell of basement parking of some malls and/or a garbage truck. Parang ganun… na lingering.

Tapos may nagbebenta ng pineapple.

Pa’no ka naman kakain ng pineapple kung ganun yung amoy?

I also noticed some peddlers of selling Exra Joss. Their cariton had a small loudspeaker playing the Extra Joss commercial ad.

I wondered why would anyone buy Extra Joss at that place.

Later on I realized why.

Nakakapagod palang umikot ng Divisoria.

Actually, after waiting on Ria to choose a ribbon in a store (Honey, how long does it take to pick a size and color? Just grab one and let’s go) I was thirsty for mamang peddler’s Extra Joss energy drink.

Anyhoo, after going around the place, we stopped at a textile shop and bought a roll of geena silk. Here I am carrying it along the streets of Divisoria:

And here I am perspiring and having a hard time carrying the damn roll after about 2 more minutes of walking:

Actually, the humiliating thing about this is that Ria had been doing similar things for the past 7 occasions for the wedding. She had carried loads of pamaypays, katsa, and other wedding supplies. From Divisoria all the way to her parked car in Tutuban Mall. That’s a long walk. So, I really shouldn’t be complaining.

Having said that, I wish magkakasya na yung dagdag na 1 roll sa reception venue. I’d hate to go back to Divi and carry 2 more of those.

30 June 2008

Dear Kailian,

Kablaaw!

When I campaigned back in April 2007, I told voters that my Program of Action revolved around four major issues, namely, Education, Job-Generation, Investment and Tourism.

After one year in public office as Provincial Board Member, here are my accomplishments.

EDUCATION:

As legislator, I authored numerous ordinances and resolutions relating to education such as the Campus Security Ordinance, Internet Café and Computer Shop Regulation Ordinance, Anti-Student Extortion Ordinance, and the Anti-Street Gang Ordinance.

Entrusted with part of the Provincial Development Fund, I organized a Barangay Law Seminar last November 2007 with my professors from the UP College of Law, which benefited close to 300 newly elected Barangay Officials.

As an advocate of vocational and technical education, I awarded TESDA Scholarships to poor but deserving students.

As a supporter of the teaching profession, I allocated an amount to subsidize a Saguip Maestra teacher in Sta. Maria Elementary School, Laoag City.

Other portions of my PDF also went to minor infrastructure projects in the province’s public schools including CABEZA Elementary, Gabu Elementary, Alipio N. Ignacio Elementary, Shamrock Elementary, INCAT and INNHS in Laoag City, Cabulalaan Elementary in Bacarra, Gabaldon Elementary in Pasuquin, and Adams National High School in Adams.

JOB-GENERATION:

As legislator, I sponsored proposals that would convert the province’s revenue-generating assets into profitable economic enterprises so that jobs could be created.

Last May 2008, I invited the Ocean Bridge and Arc Foundation to give an orientation on the TESDA-JITCO Skills Training and Transfer Program to interested persons for possible training in Japan. So far, of the 100 participants, 20 have passed the preliminary screening.

INVESTMENT:

As legislator, I initiated reforms in the province’s investment code.

One of my campaign promises was to be the people’s watchdog over the construction of the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center, and I tried to do just that. In March 2008 I called for an ocular inspection of the INHCC. As a result of which, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan visited the construction site on April 8. I’ve also inspected the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City and talked to its operators, the Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation (PETCO), to discuss the possible management of the INHCC.

TOURISM:

As legislator, I penned a number of measures that would support the tourism sector including the Amended Rabies Control Ordinance (Provincial Ordinance No. 16-2008), which sought to prevent dog-biting incidents in tourist-prone areas.

Entrusted with part of the Provincial Development Fund, I allocated some money for the construction of tourist-spot road signs along the national highway in Burgos and Bangui.

As a supporter of the tourism industry, I organized the Zoom IN Photo Contest last December 2007, which received almost 300 photos of different tourist spots in the province. In March 2008, I made postcards out of the winning entries and distributed them to locals and visitors.

Along the way I found myself supporting other advocacies like Health, the Environment and the Youth sector.

HEALTH:

As legislator, I sponsored several proposals concerning health issues such as the Reproductive Health Care Code, restricting cremation or the burning of human remains, and the Blood Handling Fee Fund for Indigents (Provincial Ordinance No. 20-2008).

Entrusted with part of the Provincial Development Fund, I organized a Medical Mission last May 2008 together with the UP College of Medicine and concerned local medical practitioners in Brgy. Davila, Pasuquin.

Also, as Chairman of the Provincial Population Development Committee (POPCOM), I’ve attended its seminars on adolescent sexuality in Bacarra and Piddig.

ENVIRONMENT:

As legislator, I authored Provincial Ordinance No. 060-2008 reminding all lower Sanggunians to adhere to the Clean Air Act of 1999 and the local Environment Code by enacting ordinances addressing the need to convert two-stroke engines used by our tricycle drivers into more efficient and environment friendly engines.

Last May 2008, together with the PENRO, CENRO and Green Ilocos Norte Network and Advocacy (GINNA), we went to Vigan City to learn more about Envirofit Foundation’s Direct In-cylinder (DI Fuel Injection Retrofit engine technology for possible implementation in Laoag and Batac.

YOUTH:

As legislator, I initiated efforts to curb juvenile delinquency and to protect our youth. I filed ordinances regulating the sale of rugby, as well as spray paint, and prohibiting minors from operating motorcycles. I also authored Draft Resolution No. 2008-04-082, calling for reforms in the Sangguniang Kabataan law.

Still a member of the youth sector, I supported the Governor Keon’s sports development program by contributing to the renovation of the Marcos Stadium Trophy Room to encourage our athletes to strive to be the best in their respective fields.

Finally, as Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, here are my achievements:

I authored a number of measures that sought to increase the revenue of the province such as DPO # 2008-03-041 created a trust fund for the Rizal Amusement Park; DPO # 2008-04-045 established a trust fund for the Dap-Ayan Food Complex; DPO # 2008-04-046 imposed fees for putting up streamers at the Ilocano Heroes Hall; and, DPO # 2008-05-049 imposed rental fees to communications companies for the use of provincial land for their cell-sites.

More importantly, I authored Draft Provincial Ordinance No. 2008-01-031 known as the Revised Revenue Code of 2008. I am particularly proud of this measure because we held several public hearings to discuss the matter and I defended the measure on the floor for quite a number of sessions. The proposal is scheduled on Third and Final Reading this coming July.

All in all, I have filed twenty-one (21) draft ordinances—three (3) of which were enacted into law; and sixteen (16) draft resolutions—with five (5) approved by the Board. I enclose a list of all of my proposals (Annex “A”) for your perusal and review.

Of the Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 550,000.00) entrusted to me from the Provincial Development Fund (July 2007 to June 2008), I’ve used most for the education sector. I enclose a record of all my disbursements (Annex “B”) for your information.

It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the People of the 1st District of Ilocos Norte in the 7th Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so.

I look forward to serving you for the remainder of my term.

God bless the People of Ilocos Norte.

Very truly yours,

Kris Ablan
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Earlier today the Laoag City Government, headed by Mayor Michael V. Farinas, together with the Archdiocese of Laoag, headed by Bishop Sergio Utleg, held a public hearing/consultation at the Laoag City Hall Auditorium regarding the conversion of Laoag Central Elementary School into a Commercial Establishment (i.e. mall or department store).

If the project involved just a plain, unoccupied parcel of land to be leased or sold to an investor (i.e. SM, Robinsons, Gaisano, etc.) then there’s no problem. Go ahead and build one! I’ve been waiting for a National Bookstore and a decent movie theater for a long time.

But the project is made complicated because it involves a public elementary school on land originally owned by the Roman Catholic Church.

First, on the matter of the public school. The lot, which covers a 13,000 sq.m. area, is where the Laoag Central Elementary School (LCES) is located. Logically, if you’re going to build a new structure, the present occupants must be relocated, if they even want to.

The good news is that they want to.

The gooder [made-up word, i know] news is that the developer/investor is willing to build a new school complex for LCES in another location, complete with other facilities LCES doesn’t have as of the moment (like camping area, bigger room size and high-tech AV rooms).

Yun naman pala, eh. Eh, di okay!

Second, and I believe more important, matter is regarding the ownership of the lot. The lot was owned by the Roman Catholic Church. It was sold to the local gov’t of Laoag back in the 1920’s on the condition that it be used exclusively for educational purposes. Otherwise, the sale will be annulled.

I think anyone would agree with me that the operation of a mall is no way related to “educational purposes.”

What the City Government wants to do is enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Church to create a Joint Ownership between the two and lease the lot to the developer as one entity. Ang profit sharing ng dalawang co-owners ay 75% to the Church and 25% to the City Government.

On this point, I was forced to stand up during the open forum and give my unsolicited advice.

I told them that I didn’t think they could do that. I mean they could do that, it’s a free country, but it’s not such a good idea kasi magkakaroon ng confusion. Pwede pa nga na may nangyaring novation, I dunno. Ang dami kasing pwedeng mangyari. Ang alam ko, with this MOA in question, nag-short cut sila.

For me, with my little experience as a corporate lawyer, the issue of ownership should be resolved first.

And we can only do that if the City Government would return the said parcel of land due to the fact that the condition will be violated.

That way, the annotation in the TCT is made clean. Malinaw. Babalik siya sa simbahan.

Then and only then, after it is reverted back to the church, the latter can enter into a new contract with the City Government.

Otherwise, kung di-diretso tayo sa MOA (Joint-Ownership) there’s always a cloud over the title. Ano na nangyari sa unang sale? Na-annulled ba? Na-novate ba? And more important, who is the owner?

After my comment, Mayor Farinas explained that the issue of ownership should be resolved by the courts and the reason why they came up with the MOA is so that there wouldn’t be delay in the implementation of the project.

Precisely my point! If the issue gets dragged to the court system, then the project might not push through.

So, better pa rin na maayos na yung issue of ownership.

I dunno kung tama ang interpretation ko (na dapat step by step gawin). I hope my brods na lawyers (paging, Ryan, Marc, Jat and FJ) who read my blog could comment on this.

Meanwhile, I hope the City Government slows down a bit and studies this whole transaction in detail before they do anything we’ll regret in the future.

Yes, putting up a mall or department store will mean more jobs for Laoagenos, but if the project will be stalled in the middle of things due of legal issues, then lahat tayo talo.

PS: Anong say ng simbahan? Okay lang sila sa “Joint-Ownership.” Okay sila sa MOA.

Benguet Consolidated Mining Corporation (BenguetCorp) held its first province-wide public consultation today at the Ilocos Norte Capitol Auditorium.

Above is a photo of BenguetCorp’s President and CEO, Mr. Benjamin Philip Romualdez, explaining to us the ABCs of large-scale responsible mining.

The afternoon program was well organized. First, officials from the DENR talked about mining in general.

Next, officers from the MGB discussed the FTAA process.

Then, representatives from the NCIP (since most of the prospected lands are ancestral lands belonging to indigenous peoples) explained the IPRA law.

The organizers were smart because around this time waiters started serving food. Now, usually in this kind of forum and snack namin kape at biskwit lang. Aba, heavy merienda ang sinerve. Pang mayaman. (see picture)

We were served barbeque, fried chicken, pancit, fresh lumpia, soda, coffee, cream puff and brownie.

By the time all of us were full, that’s when Mr. Romualdez gave his presentation. I kidded with my seatmate na matalino ang BenguetCorp. Pinakain muna kami para maantok kami at di na tumayo at mag-react during the open forum Hehehe.

Anyway, Mr. Romualdez’ presentation was very convincing. They are still at the FTAA application stage. They want to explore 5 towns, namely, Adams, Vintar, Carasi, Solsona and Nueva Era. A total of 21,000 hectares. According to their initial research our province has Gold, Manganese, Iron and Copper. ‘wag daw muna kami mag-alarm kasi “exploration stage” lang daw sila. And it will take them 4 years to explore, if permitted. And another 7 years to make feasibility studies, again, if permitted. After that, tsaka lang sila magmimina. So, matagal pa daw.

Then, pinasalita nila si Bishop Utleg. He said kahit na malayo pa yung time na magmimina ang BenguetCorp, if we allow them to explore now, it is as if we are allowing them to mine in the future. For how can we then tell them to go away after they have made their studies (and apparently would have spent 9 million pesos)? By that time, di na kami makaka-hindi.

Afterwards, Open Forum na. Usually, ako ang unang nagtatanong (ganito na ako grade school pa lang), but this time I didn’t have to initiate. Ang daming mga stakeholders and pumunta sa mic at nagtanong. In fact yung mga IPs from Adams came complete with big placards which read, “NO TO MINING!”

After about 35 minutes, while people still wanted to ask questions, Congressman Bongbong Marcos stood up and gave his remarks. In a nutshell, he said for us to study this matter extensively, and that we should balance environmental concerns as well as its economic benefits.

And then tapos na.

Sa akin lang, yes, may benefits sa mining. And as chair of the committee on ways and means, I should be endorsing this project since it would mean jobs to hundreds of ilocanos and added income for LGUs. Pero alanganin ako kasi kahit sabihin natin na pwede naman magkaroon ng RESPONSIBLE mining, the truth of the matter is, may mawawala sa lupa namin.

Kahit gano ka ingat ang minero sa pag-mina, may mawawala na mineral resource. You can’t replant gold, like trees. That’s the bottom line.

So, tama nga si Congressman Marcos. This is a complicated issue. Kelangan talagang pagbalansehin ang dalawang panig.

mag-re-research muna ako…

The vice-governor called for a special session this week to pass a resolution certified as “urgent” by the governor.

This was about a resolution authorizing the governor to participate in the Monetization of IRA Collectibles for Local Empowerment Program (or MIRACLE 2 Program, in short).

What happened was for fiscal years 2001 and 2004, the government worked on a reenacted budget. Because of this, there were adjustments in the IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) shares of the local government units. Adjustments that were withheld until this day.

This differential amounts to P12,577,000,000.00. You read right, 12.5 Billion Pesos.

As for my province’s share? It comes down to P29,602,853.00. That’s 29.6 Million Pesos.

Now we are entitled to the entire amount. The Local Government Code of 1991 says so. And we were entitled to that back in 2001 and 2004, but the National Government withheld it from us.

Now it comes to us with this MIRACLE 2 Program.

Shoving down our throats is more like it.

What’s happening is, National Government is saying, “We are giving you two (2) choices, we give you your 29.6 Million now; OR, we give it to you in 7 installments.”

Sounds reasonable, right?

Until you read the fine print.

The catch on Option A is we get the money discounted na. You know how much the discount is? THIRTY PERCENT! 30% of 29.6 Million is around 9 Million. So, if we choose Option A, we only get 20 Million. Good bye, 9 Million, although to begin with, amin din dapat yun.

What a rip off!

The catch on Option B is that the first installment will be paid in 2009 pa. AND, we are only assured of payment while GMA is president. We are not sure if the next President will honor the payables from 2011 to 2015.

Ano ba yan?

Either way, we’re screwed.

Ang sobrang nakakainis dito, pera namin yan eh. We are entitled to the entire 29.6 Million. Why can’t we get it then?

I don’t understand. The 1987 Constitution and the Local Government Code both say that the policy of the State is devolution and decentralization of powers. Connected to this is the automatic release of LGUs shares in national taxes. How come then does Malacanang still hold us by the balls?

Akala ko ba decentralized na tayo?

Akala ko ba devolved na tayo?

Why are we still at the mercy of Malacanang?

So, this is all pretend? The Constitution and the Local Government Code are just guides, ganun ba?

Anyhoo, according to the vice-governor, we needed the money, so the SP approved the MIRACLE 2 Resolution during the special session today.

What did I vote?

Well, I was hedging on voting for the resolution if we could negotiate the rate of discount–may be lower it to 25% (after all, each percent amounted to 300,000.00). But my proposal was shut down by the DBP and LBP representative. Fixed na daw yung 30%. Bale, take it or leave it daw.

My jaws dropped to the floor. non-negotiable?

Unbelievable. Some choice you gave us.

I abstained.

For the life of me, I don’t know why we let ourselves get bullied by these people.

For related news, here are some links:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080514-136555/Arroyo-orders-release-of-P1257B-IRA-differential-to-LGUs

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/101266/DA-uses-LGUs-IRA-to-buy-fertilizer-for-rice-program

My fiance, Ria, treated me to my first facial last week. In return, I treated her to hair strengthening treatment. Mini-gifts in celebration of being together for 8 years.

gifts… that’s what I thought… gifts are suppose to be pleasant, right?

So we come in and the attendant tells me to lie on the chair/bed/gurney. She then moistens my face with a sponge; Covers my eyelids with cotton patches; Applies some gel on my face; and begins to massage it. Somewhere in between or after, I’m not so sure, she puts a steamer inches away from my face. Para daw magbukas yung pores ko. 10 minutes daw. I had no problem in the first few minutes, but later on I almost suffocated.

Di pala walk on the park ‘tong facial na ‘to. But I remained optimistic.

THEN, the pricking.

The attendant started with my forehead. Not so bad.

And then she attacked my nose.

O

M

G!

This is not a gift! This is not a gift! I told myself repeatedly as I tried holding back my tears. My fiance hates me, I screamed inside.

The pain! The pain! THE PAIN!!!

Memories of being initiated in the fraternity came flashing by as I weighed which event was more painful.

Ang sakit talaga.

Meanwhile, the attendant just goes on with her pricking, never mind kung nagluluha na ako dun parang niagara falls.

I mustered up the courage to tell her na masakit.

Sabi niya madami kasi akong blackheads sa ilong.

Langya, ininsulto pa ako ha.

Amenado naman ako na I have big pores in my nose, but does it have to hurt so bad to declog them?

After the 30 minute ordeal (which seemed like an eternity), she wiped my wet ears (that’s where all my tears went) with tissue, and then used this laser thing on me to close the pores daw. Whatever, she could’ve used a spatula for all i care, I was just glad the hurting was over.

When I saw my fiance again I asked her if she knew how painful facials were.

She just grinned.

Gift ha.

This was punishment for all my procrastinating on wedding preparation duties, I know it.

I’m never going to have a facial again.

Whenever I drive around Metro Manila and other provinces (including Ilocos), I can’t help but notice the different projects of the President, Vice-President, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Vice-Governors, Board Members, Mayors, Vice-Mayors, Councilors and even Barangay Captains kasi naka-paskil mga mukha at pangalan nila eh. More often than not ang nakalagay ay, “A Project of so-and-so,” at picture nila na naka-smile.

I hate to say it, but I was also guilty of this. I did this sa first tent na binigay ko. It read, “A Project of the Office of Kristian R. Ablan and the San Mateo - Lataag Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association.” (Although wala naman picture ko)

This got me thinking, sa akin ba talaga nanggaling yung project?

Hindi eh.

It’s not MY money. It’s actually the people’s money. It’s taxpayer’s money. So who am I to say na it’s MY project. Siguro, I’m responsible for facilitating and channeling the funds, but that doesn’t still make it MY project. It’s still the people’s project.

And if ever someone should be credited for the project, I think it should be the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, kasi kami collectively and nag-appropriate ng development fund. Hindi pa rin ako.

So, my new policy is to recognize those who parted with their hard-earned money so that government could effectively deliver basic services and serve the general public — the taxpayers.

And that is why, in my most recent BDF project, when I delivered cement and GI Sheets at CABEZA Elementary School and I had a photo taken for records purposes, we held a banner reading, “A Project of the Hardworking Taxpayers of Laoag City.”

Because, in the final analysis, it is THEIR project.

My inspiration to hold a photo contest last year was to come out with a calendar that featured the different tourist spots in Ilocos Norte. Kasi di ba politicos usually distribute calendars during Christmas and New Year with their faces on it? Yung may “Season’s Greetings from Mayor So-and-so.”

I just think its too ‘trapo-ish’ and cheezy for me. I told myself, kung maglalabas din naman ako ng kalendaryo, might as well one that features my province’s tourist assets. Kasi we lack in that department and I like to help boost our tourism economy. Kasi it helps the mom-and-pop businesses dahil nga dumadagdag ang mga customers nila. It also helps the working sector because more jobs are created.

And that’s why I organized the ZOOM IN Photo Contest. Unfortunately, by the time I got the pictures and awarded the winners, it was last week of December na. There was literally no print work going on kasi holiday. And when business resumed in January, the printer told me it would take them 3 weeks to print the 15-month calendars that I wanted. So, February na lalabas. That was too late.

It was my fault. I should have held the contest earlier.

Anyhoo, here I was with a bunch of great photos of the province and no calendar to print.

What else could I do with them that wasn’t schedule-dependent? Naisip ko na we also lack in the post card project. I mean seriously, you go to National Book Store and look at all the postcards, how many feature Ilocos Norte? More often than not, wala. Mostly Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan and Davao yung mga postcards. Kung from the north, usually Vigan. Wala o bihira ang may postcard ng Ilocos Norte. Kung meron man, Paoay Church lang.

And so, that’s what I did with the ZOOM IN Photos. I turned them into postcards. I picked 12 photos that depicted the different tourist spots found here in the province. Some are well-known, like Saud Beach, Paoay Church, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. I also put the lesser-known tourist spots, like Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Kaangrian Falls and Pangil Beach, to spur up growth tourism in those areas.

I printed 500 sets of those 12 photos. So that’s 6,000 postcards. I gave away 250 sets. The other 250 sets, I sold by consignment so that I could recover the costs. Kung maganda ang reception, I will print out more. Pag-hindi, I will venture into other souvenir products like keychains or ref magnets.

Another little contribution to spur up growth in the local tourism sector.

This is another little project of mine. One thing I noticed while traveling along the Ilocos highway is that there aren’t enough road signs pointing to the province’s tourist spots. Not unless you’re from the area or its your second time around. That’s why I thought of making tourist road signs like the ones they have abroad–colored brown with white lettering and directional signs.

Now, I only had a small budget, so I had to choose my points-of-interest carefully. I could only afford 4 signs. I picked Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (pictured above) ‘coz its signs were fading away; Kapurpurawan Rock Formation (pictured below) because it’s a new attraction; the Bangui Viewdeck; and the Bangui Windmills.

If you’d noticed, there are two designs. The one above was the first prototype. The fabricator didn’t quite get what I wanted. The edges are pointy and medyo faded yung pagka-brown. Sa next batch, tumama na siya–rounded na yung edges and darker yung kulay.

Anyhoo, I had the 4 signs put up today, in time for those going on a road trip this coming Holy Week and for the summer season. When I get more funds, magpapagawa pa ako for Mairaira Cove, Patapat Viaduct, Kaangrian Falls and Paoay Lake.

All for local tourism sake.

PS: Forgive the small “KRA” in the lower right corner. I didn’t want to be “trapo”-esque and put my whole name underneath the sign, like I owned it, but I couldn’t not put a ‘mark’ naman. I had to put something. It’s just for identification and future reference.