Pangasinan Great Run – A Half Marathon

Pangasinan Great Run – A Half Marathon will be held on September 30, 2012 at the Capitol Grounds, Lingayen, Pangasinan. The half marathon will start at 4:30AM. The race categories are 500m (kiddie run), 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K. For more details visit http://www.facebook.com/PangasinanGreatRun

Pangasinan shines, in chess

‘Gener’ drenched and flooded most of Pangasinan the other week. The weather was generally gloomy and for the Pangasinenses residing in low lying areas – scary! The localized class suspension advisories in some places were confusing if not late. But then, one can’t easily dampen the spirit of Pangasinenses. Despite the continuous rain and pesky flood, Pangasinan did shine!

A 14 year old chess prodigy officially earned the title of National Master (NM) in the recent 2012 National Open Chess Championships, where he was the youngest player to qualify. And yes, he is from Pangasinan!  The new National Master’s father, Raul Mejia is from San Jacinto. His mother, Eva Mejia hails from Labrador.

Giovanni Mejia, nicknamed “Baby Dynamite” for his aggressive and explosive counter-attacking chess moves defeated the tournament top seed GM Oliver Barbosa. Mejia also upset GMs Rogelio Barcenilla, Jr. and Roland Salvador during his eventful first stint in the national championship dubbed “Battle of the Grand Masters." A “Wesley So” in the making (referring to Filipino chess grandmaster who became a GM at the age of 14), Mejia’s brilliant semifinal finish earned him his NM status. It should also be noted that Giovanni was the Most Valuable Player in the juniors division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 2011, a year after leading La Salle Greenhills (where he is now a third year student) to its first league championship in three decades under the watchful eye of 2010 NCAA Juniors Coach of the Year and LSGH head coach National Master and International Arbiter NM Erwin Carag.

Brilliance does come in pairs as Giovanni’s sister Cherry Ann is a 17 year old chess whiz and a Woman FIDE Master. She finished fifth place in the women’s division of the 2012 National Open Chess Championships. Cherry Ann Mejia was a Silver Medalist in the 2011 ASEAN Age Group GU-16 and Champion in the National Age Group GU-16. She received her WFM title in 2009. She is currently a 2nd year student taking up Sports Management at De La Salle University.

Raul Mejia, Giovanni’s father, said in a phone interview that young chess prodigy’s interest with chess began when he was about 7 years old. Giovanni instantly fell in love with the sport when he saw a magnetic chess board in the market and asked his mother to buy one. It was his father, a champion in his own right in local chess tournaments in Taguig, (where he works) who that taught him the rudiments of chess. Both siblings picked up the sport naturally and now Pangasinan has “chess treasures” to be proud of. As shared by Mr. Raul Mejia, Giovanni and Cherry Ann always look forward to a stay in Pangasinan especially during occasions and holidays, away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis - highlighted by an intense yet family bonding-filled chess game. He is also very happy that his children have brought pride to Pangasinan. His advice to young Pangasinenses: “Never lose hope whether in sports or in life. And always study hard.” 

Pangasinan Movie: Anacbanua (The Child of the Sun)

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Anacbanua (The Child of the Sun)

Written, produced, directed, and edited by Pangasinan filmmaker Christopher Gozum, the experimental film won the Digital Lokal Lino Brocka Grand Prize as well as the Digital Lokal Best Director Award during the 11th Cinemanila International Film Festival in October 2009. It is the first full-length digital feature film in the Pangasinan language with English subtitles. 

Synopsis: A middle class and Western-educated poet (Umaanlong) returns to the Pangasinan region, the land of his birth and his ancestors from which he was uprooted for a very long time. He is sick with a lingering physical, mental and spiritual illness. He meets the Musia (Muse) who takes care of him during his illness. The Musia performs a series of rituals that identifies the cause of the Umaanlong’s disease and appeases the ancestral and nature spirits inhabiting sacred spaces in Pangasinan’s physical landscape. While in half-sleep, the Umaanlong’s soul leaves his diseased body. The soul flight transports the Umaanlong to places and time zones in Pangasinan’s landscape and history where he undergoes cosmic immersion, a deep and intense spiritual experience for chosen people like him where the self gets absorbed in the universe. The Umaanlong discovers the Ogaw (child) who serves as a spirit guide in his magical journey. In this cosmic immersion, the Umaanlong undergoes a series of gradual and violent transformations similar to the fermentation of fish sauce, slaughtering of livestock, pounding and shaping of burning metal rods in the anvil, the moulding of the clay into pottery, and the baking of the moist bricks in the fire of the kiln. These series of rituals are tests a novice undergoes when he is called and destined to serve his people. Through this soul travel, the uprooted poet reclaims his primal and ancestral connection to the water (danum), to the land (uma), and to the people (katooan), key figures that mark Pangasinan’s landscape, history and identity. Like his ancestors who belonged to the exclusive ranks of traditional healers, storytellers, and wise leaders in the ancient communities of Pangasinan, the Umaanlong completes these series of difficult tests in a novice’s initiation. The Umaanlong returns to the real world offering himself and his art towards the humanistic progress of his community and the people of Pangasinan. In this renewed and higher state of being, the Umaanlong reunites and becomes one with the Musia. 

Hataw Balungao!: The Balungao Hilltop Adventure

Hataw Balungao!

Balungao is a 4th class municipality in the 6th District of the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. A municipality with 20 barangays, it's primary place of interest is an inactive/ extinct volcano: Mount Balungao. 

Mount Balungao stands at 383 meters high and is situated about 5 kilometers southeast of the Balungao town proper. The mountain boasts of both hot and cold springs; one of only two found in Pangasinan (tManleluag Spring National Park in Mangatarem). Balungao is 188.55 kilometers from Manila thru Carmen, Rosales. 

In September 8, 2011,  a new adventure resort was opened within the hot and cold springs resort. Aptly named Balungao Hilltop Adventure, it is the longest Zip Line in Region 1. The Zip Line has a length of 600 meters which could last from 15 seconds to a minute depending on your weight and your position when you are suspended at the Zip Line. 

Entrance fee is P50 for adults and P25 for children. Cottage amenities like the "Kubo" can be rented for only P200 while the "Umbrella" is pegged at P100. Overnight accommodation (12 hours) is also available at the Cabana for only P800 per room (maximum of 4 persons per room).

The rates for the adventure activities are as follows:

Zipline - P300

ATV Driving - P200/ 15 minutes

Bungee Trampoline - P100

*Sulit Package - P500 inclusive of Zipline, Bungee Trampoline and 15 minutes of ATV Driving.

Other adventure amenities included in one's stay in Balungao Hilltop Adventure are Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Mountain Biking, Trail Walking, Trust Fall, and a dip in the Hot and Cold Swimming Pools. Operating hours is from 8am to 5pm. 

At the radio travel show Biyahe at Gimik on Sonshine Radio Dagupan 981, Balungao Mayor Philip Peralta revealed to hosts "What's Up Dagupan" and Jay Mendoza that the facility has allowed the local government to recoup their investment within a span of a few months. "In fact last December (at the peak of tourists' arrivals), we were able to earn more than a million pesos" said Mayor Peralta. He thanked the governor, congresswoman, municipal officials and residents of Balungao for making the project possible. The area is safe and secure as assured by the mayor. Further improvements like additional room accommodations and restaurants are still being planned.

When in Pangasinan, the Balungao Hilltop Adventure is worth visiting especially for the adventurous travelers and tourists. Make sure though to bring your own food and refreshments as the resort facility doesn't have a functional restaurant as of the moment. 


For inquiries, one may call the following contact numbers: (075) 583-8421, (075) 583-8412, 09215988081. One may also visit  Balungao's website: www.balungao.org for more details. 


It's more fun in Pangasinan! 

2012 Mangaldan Town Fiesta Activities

2012 Mangaldan Town Fiesta Activities


March 3 & 4, 2012 - Mayor’s Cup Shootfest (MAPSAI) 
8:00 A.M; Jharssel Shooting Range Bari, Mangaldan, Pangasinan
c/o P/Spt.Mateo C. Casupang


March 4, 2012 - Wer-weran ed Mangaldan Bike Race
6:00 a.m Municipal Grounds c/o Mr. Jesus Garcia Jr.


Gabi ng Pasasalamat (Religious Groups)
6:00 P.M; Mangaldan Public Plaza 
c/o Pastor Rodrigo G. Sante 


March 6, 2012 - Mr. and Ms. Hot Bodies 2012
7:00 P.M; Mangaldan Public Auditorium
c/o Harlijk Production Mr. Maharlika Mirasol


March 7, 2012 - Sangguniang Kabataan Night
8:00 P.M; Mangaldan Public Plaza
c/o Hon. Charlene Joy F. Flores (SK President)


March 8, 2012 - Senior Citizens Night
8:00 P.M; Mangaldan Public Plaza
c/o Mr. Adriano M. Biala and Mrs. Linda S. Ang


March 9, 2012 - LGU/Educators/ Balikbayan/OFW/Peoples Night
7:00 p.m c/o 2012 EXECOM


- PBA Legends vs Celebrity Players (Basketball Exhibition)
1:00 P.M; MYDC Gym
c/o Globe Telecom and Harlijk Productions 


March 10, 2012 - Parade 
7:00 a.m c/o Sir Jose A. De Vera


- Baptism
9:00 A.M – 12:00 NN/1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M
- Mass
6:00 A.M/5:00P.M
c/o Madam Vicky B. Sotto and Mdm. Teresita G. Cera
Parish Office Secretariat


- Coronation Night
8:00 P.M; Mangaldan Public Plaza
c/o Mrs. Gloria G. Romero and 2012 EXECOM


March 11, 2012 - Mass
5:30 A.M/7:00 A.M/8:15 A.M/5:00 P.M
- Baptism
9:00 A.M – 12:00 NN/1:30 P.M – 3:00 P.M
- Confirmation ( Kumpil )
10:00 A.M – 12:00 NN
c/o Mrs.Vicky B.Sotto and Mdm. Teresita G. Cera
Parish Office secretariat


- Samahan ng Mga Barangay Night
8:00 P.M; Mangaldan Public Plaza
c/o Hon. Ritchie G. Abalos (Liga President) 


March 12, 2012- Raffle draw- 
1:00 p.m- Municipal Grounds
c/o Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera (MHO)

San Carlos City Sets World Record for Largest Mango Pie

Residents of 86 villages in San Carlos City, Pangasinan took part in making a 100-square-meter mango pie, big enough to fill a gymnasium - which sets the world record for the Largest Mango Pie. The bid for the World's Largest Mango Pie is one of the event highlights of San Carlos City's Mango-Bamboo Festival 2011.

Mayor Resuello enjoys a piece of the World's largest Mango Pie 

Photos by: Jojo Riñoza

Saray Balon Opisyal na Ulupan na Pansiansiay Salitan Pangasinan 2011-2013

Tagidulong: Elnora Dudang

Kumaduan Tagidulong : Sonny Villafania

Tagakorit: Catalina Felicitas

Treasurer: Melody Geminiano

Bus. Managers:
Adrian Carvajal
Larry Milanes

PRO:
Simon Francis Blaise Vistro
Sergio Bumadilla

Auditors:
Joseph Estrada
Jessamyne Diokno


Balon Editorial Board na Balon Silew

Editor-in-Chief: Sergio Bumadilla

Associate Editor-in-Chief: Melanio Malicdem

Managing Editor: Mel Jovellanos

Literary Editor: Renato Santillan

News Editor: Dave Rabelas

Feature Editor: Vergie Estrada

2011 ASNA Awardees

Seven Pangasinenses who excelled in their respective fields and brought honor to Pangasinan receive this year's ASNA Awards. The ASNA Awards is the highest recognition given to outstanding Pangasinenses who have excelled over a lifetime in their respective fields of endeavor, who have established a reputation that cuts them above the others, and for this reason have brought pride and honor to our province.

The ASNA Awards also seeks to give recognition and focus public attention to outstanding Pangasinenses whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted in outstanding contributions to the welfare of the people in Pangasinan and to our country at large.

The ASNA awards, now on its second year, serve as one of the highlights of the 431st Agew na Pangasinan (Pangasinan Day) celebration on April 5.

The 2011 ASNA Awardees are: 

Former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani for foreign service, Alma M. Quintans - Kern (a granddaughter of Don Daniel B. Maramba) for international community leadership, Marcelo M. Casillan, Jr. for community service, Joyce E. Bernal for arts and culture (film), and retired Lt. Gen. Arturo B. Ortiz for humanitarian and military leadership.

Former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani

Alma M. Quintans - Kern

Marcelo M. Casillan, Jr.

Joyce E. Bernal

Lt. Gen. Arturo B. Ortiz

The Balitok Award, a special category for the truly outstanding sons of the province was conferred to former House Speaker Jose C. De Venecia, Jr.  for Global Leadership and National Artist Salvador Bernal for Theater Design. Balitok means gold or treasure in the Pangasinan language.

former House Speaker Jose C. De Venecia, Jr.

National Artist Salvador Bernal

The awards will be conferred at the ASNA Awards Night and Grand Ball. It is a formal dinner and dance in honor of Pangasinan's ASNA and Balitok Awardees to be held at the Sison Auditorium on April 5, 2011 at 7 pm. 

Agew na Pangasinan

Agew na Pangasinan April 5, 2011 Activities:

7:00 am- Thanksgiving Mass (Venue: Capitol Plaza)

8:00 am- Commemorative Program (Venue: Capitol Plaza)

9:00 am- Unveiling Ceremonies of the ASNA Monument (Venue: ASNA Mini Park) 

9:30 am- Blessing and Inauguration of the Pangasinan Training and Development Center

9:45 am- Photo Exhibit: Impantekep Na A Palabas Tan Kaplesa. An exhibit of photos featuring heritage and historical sites in Pangasinan fused with the present milieu. (Venue: Pangasinan Training and Development Center)

7:00 pm- ASNA Awards Night and Grand Ball. A formal dinner and dance in honor of Pangasinan's ASNA and Balitok Awardees. (Venue: Sison Auditorium)

Pangasinan's Official Facebook Page is up, Website to follow

The Official Facebook Page of the Province of Pangasinan is now up. 

Pangasinan's Official Website will follow suit and will be up and online on April 5, 2011 during the Agew na Pangasinan 2011 Celebration. 

As 2010 ASNA Awardee for Literature, Santiago Villafania would say: Maas-asna! 

Urbiztondo Goat Farm

Goat raising in the Philippines is on the rise as there is an increase demand in goat meat and goat milk. It is also a way to provide a profitable livelihood for farmers as it requires minimum capital, it is low risk and easier to manage.

To maximize profit, farm owners have looked into Boer and Anglo Nubian breeds for sale as well as to upgrade the breed of local goats. Boers are known for their meat. A mature Boer bucks weigh between 110–135 kg (240-300 lb), and mature does between 90–100 kg (200-220 lb). A local goat costs a maximum of a thousand pesos only while an upgrade may cost more than P5,000 depending on its live weight. Anglo Nubians or Nubian does are known to for its milk which has a high butterfat content. 

The government has realized the economic potential of goat raising. In 2007, the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Agrcultural Research has launched a Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) Goat Agribusiness Development Project wherein farmer-beneficiaries were given upgraded bucks (Boer and Anglo Nubian breeds) to farmer-recipients who meet the requirements on housing, ownership of five heads of doe, and pasture areas for grazing and forage. Upgrading the breed of goats is necessary to also upgrade the farmers' income, which means that they can now sell their goats at a relatively higher price.

There's a goat farm in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan that aims not only to produce elegant and productive lactating Nubians but also to help improve lives of people in the community by providing a source of income and educating farmers in sustainable goat raising technologies, self sufficiency, accountability, responsibility and other human values. Aptly named after the town where it is situated, Urbiztondo Goat Farm (UGF) is a family owned farm that aims to positively impact local community development. The farm is known for producing good looking and productive Nubians known as Urbiztondo Nubians.

Former Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol, one of the pioneers/experts of Boer and Anglo Nubian farming and owner of Brave Heart Farms has lauded Urbiztondo Goat Farm and it's  owner,  Camilo Velasco, Jr. He said in an email: "If there is anybody who understands goat pedigrees better, it is Milo. he is who I would call an "idealist" on goat bloodlines. I shared with him some of the best lines that I have including the only offspring of a black Anglo Nubian buck, jagged edge, the spotted goats from Oklahoma and the California line from Kastdemur's, Lakeshore and Elkhorn. He has two daughters of 70 Rocky, the best Boer buck of NGSCP 2007.

UGF's successful operation is hinged on proper farm management constituted by herd management, forage management and farm hand management- with a heart.

Here are pictures taken at the Urbiztondo Goat Farm:

You may contact Urbiztondo Goat Farm at the following numbers:

Magic Jack (424) 249 8685

Smart          (0063) 9189447131

Globe           (0063) 9175972554

Urbiztondo Goat Farm is located at Dalanguiring, Urbiztondo. 

How To Get to Urbiztondo Goat Farm:

From Manila take the road to Camiling from Tarlac City. For those coming from Manila or the SCTEX, this means having to go though the Tarlac City proper. At the Camiling junction take the left turn through the Camiling Town Proper. This is the Carlos P. Romulo Highway or the Tarlac Pagasinan Road, that takes you to the Hundred Islands and Bolinao. But you do not have to go that far. At the Mangatarem Town Proper, take a right turn at the Mabini Street. This road takes you to Urbiztondo. Dalanguiring is about 1.5 kilometers from the Urbiztondo Town Proper.

Visit UGF's website at http://urbiztondogoats.webs.com/

Pangasinan is Region 1's Best in Development Programs

Pangasinan is adjudged as the best province in Region 1 in development efforts, ahead of the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union. The province received seven out of eight awards for its various development programs in 2010. The awards were given recently by the Regional Development Councils (RDC).  

The awards that Pangasinan bagged were the Hall of Fame Award, National Statistics Month celebration 2008-2010; Hall of Fame Award, Most Outstanding Coastal Resource Management Implementer 2009-2010; Best Provincial LGU Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Project Implementer for 2010; Best Project Implementer 2010; Best Poverty Reduction Program Implementer; Champion, 2009 Search for the Best LGU Province based on Local Government Performance Management System; and Champion, 2010 Search for the LGU Best Practice. 

The lone award which Pangasinan did not get the best award was the 2010 Search for the Cleanest, Greenest and Safest Province. Pangasinan copped the first runner-up honors in that category.

Congratulations to Pangasinan! Mabuhay ang mga Pangasinenses! 

The Pangasinan Provincial Capitol in Pictures

The beauty of the Pangasinan Provincial Capitol as captured in pictures:

Ana "Hurricane" Julaton successfully defends WBO Super Bantamweight title

Ana "Hurricane" Julaton successfully defended her WBO Super Bantamweight title against  Franchesca "The Chosen One" Alcanter at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, California via an unanimous decision. The bout which was dubbed "The Return of the Hurricane" is indeed the successful return of "The Hurricane." 

Ana Bonifacio Julaton was born in San Francisco California but traces her roots from Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. She now resides at Berkeley, California.

Mabuhay ang Pangasinan! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!    

The Search for 2011 Outstanding Pangasinenses is On

Do you know a Pangasinense who excelled in government service, community service, arts and culture, medicine, agriculture and aquaculture, mass communications, business and entrepreneurship, law, education, science and technology, and sports; and contributed to the welfare of the people using their field of specialization? 

Nominate him/her for the 2011 Asna Awards. 

The Agew na Pangasinan Executive Committee has just launched the search for this year's  Outstanding Pangasinenses or the 2011 Asna Awards.

The ASNA Awards is the highest recognition given to outstanding Pangasinenses who have excelled over a lifetime in their respective fields of endeavor, who have established a reputation that cuts them above the others, and for this reason have brought pride and honor to our province.

The ASNA Awards also seeks to give recognition and focus public attention to outstanding Pangasinenses whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted in outstanding contributions to the welfare of the people in Pangasinan and to our country at large.

Secretary Francisco Duque III

Santiago Villafania

Last year's ASNA awardees were former Health Secretary and now Civil Service Chair  Francisco Duque III (government service/public health); Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist/writer Rina Jimenez-David (mass communications) COA Commissioner Reynaldo Villar (government service/accounting and auditing); Santiago Villafania (arts and culture); Dr. Westly Rosario, BFAR-National Integrated Fisheries Technology and Development Center (NIFTDC) chief (aquaculture); lawyer Menardo Jimenez of the GMA Television Network (business and entrepreneurship); Police Supterintendent Eric Noble (community service) and Rodolfo Tan-Cardozo, the first international chess master for Pangasinan (sports). 

Former President Fidel V. Ramos with SiRVis 

F. Sionil Jose with SiRVis

Former President Fidel V. Ramos and writer and novelist F. Sionil Jose were conferred the Balitok Award, a special category for the truly outstanding sons of the province. Both in the Ilocano and Pangasinan language, balitok means gold or treasure.

Former DTI director Jaime Pasagoy-Lucas received a special citation for being the founding president of Ulupan na Pansiansia’y Salitan Pangasinan (Association for the Preservation of the Pangasinan Language) which champions the “preservation, development and spread of the Pangasinan language in all sectors of society in Pangasinan and for Pangasinenses anywhere in the world.

Deadline for submission of nominations by any individual or organization is March 15. The award ceremonies will be held during the Agew na Pangasinan celebration commemorating the 431st Foundation Anniversary of the province on April 5.

For inquiries and submission of nominations, contact the 2011 ASNA Awards Secretariat or the Provincial Tourism Office at (075) 542-8007 or tourismpangasinan@yahoo.com.

"ASNA" an old form of the Pangasinan word "asin", also used to describe the good quality of a man's character or his demeanor; Asin a mabli na Pangasinan, Silew ed bilonget, Nabang ed kaluyagan, Antabay na kalangweran.

Agew na Dilan Nianakan 2011

Iimbitaan na Ulupan na Pansiansiya'y Salitan Pangasinan so amin ya midagop ed Agew na Dilan Nianakan no Pibriro 21, 8 na kabuasan ed Pangasinan State University (Lingayen). Nagawad dia so panagbasa na anlong.

Mansalita, manbasa, mankorit ed salitan Pangasinan ed sayan agew!

The Ulupan na Pansiansiya'y Salitan Pangasinan is inviting everyone to attend the celebration of the International Mother Language Day* on February 21, 8 am at the Pangasinan State University (Lingayen). Poems in Pangasinan will be read. 

Speak, read and write in Pangasinan language on this day!

*February 21 is designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as International Mother Language Day. It is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity and multilingual education. The celebration comes as the cold statistics indicate that half of the world’s 6,000 languages are endangered.

Binmaley Sigay Festival 2011

Binmaley celebrated it first-ever Sigay Festival which was held from January 26 to February 2, 2011.  The week-long festival is also a fitting commemoration of the town's 421st founding anniversary. It is also launching pad for the town to be recognized as the "Seafood Capital of the North" as envisioned by Binmaley Mayor Lorenzo M. Cerezo.

The word sigay, in the Pangasinan language, broadly translates to harvest, or a time to gather the rich yields of the farm, the sea, the ponds and the rivers. It also relates to a contraction of the words silew meaning light and gayaga meaning merriment.

Photos by Jojo Riñoza.