Stories that ‘rocked’ Pampanga in 2012

NATURE’S WRATH. On the morning of August 8, Kapampangans woke up in deep floodwaters after the Habagat or southwest monsoon inundated more than 119 barangays in almost 15 towns and cities in the province, breaching the critical San Fernando-Sto. Tomas Minalin-Tail Dike, displacing thousands of families and taking dozens of lives that Capitol put Pampanga in a state of calamity after damage to property and crops rose to more than P40 million.
Nature, beleaguered with political issues like illegal quarrying, made officials led by Governor Lilia Pineda and mayors, plus stakeholders like the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., get their acts together in relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, exemplified by the bayanihan in Mayor Lito Naguit’s Sto. Tomas and volunteerism in Minalin spearheaded by Mayor Arturo Naguit. The fury of Mother Earth, as volunteer Marni Castro quipped, was an “act of nature” which Pampanga could learn from.
ALLIES TO FOES. In a surprising turn of events, incumbent First District Representative Carmelo Lazatin midway of the year set his 2013 sights on the mayoral post of Angeles City, training his political guns on “former ally” current Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan for the reason, the solon stressed, of avoiding a repeat of the hardworking mayor’s “betrayal” of him years ago. The two have since engaged in a long running exchange of brickbats and mudslinging on issues of graft and corruption.
ONE TOWN, TWO MAYORS. The reported “sudden and mysterious” reversal of the Ombudsman’s decision on Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang’s three-month suspension has left not only municipal employees but common folks alike doing business in the town wondering as to who the real mayor is, after Acting Mayor Roy Manalastas and his camp refused to step down after the former re-assumed the post a couple of weeks before Christmas. Although relegating the post in a gentleman’s fashion to avoid violence, Manalastas has questioned the legality of the Ombudsman’s decision, which was “served” just after a month of Tumang’s suspension. Confusion has marred the day-to-day affairs of the town, which has been run by two mayors.
KEEPING AN EYE. Pampanga landed on the Top 15 watchlist of the Commission on Elections, an alleged “potential hotspot” that has kept watchful eyes on the province as election season begins. Refuting the claim, Kapampangan officials headed by Gov. Lilia Pineda have called on stakeholders to join hands and have the province taken off the list. “Pampanga is peaceful. Hindi ganyan ang mga Kapampangan. Let us all work together to show them that we are a peaceful province with or without elections,” reiterated the governor.
NO JUETENG. Police officials led by Regional Director Edgardo Ladao and Provincial Police Director R’Win Pagkalinawan publicly declared that jueteng in Pampanga does not exist. The disclosure comes after Interior Department Secretary Mar Roxas issued a “challenge” on police and other officials to rid the province of the illegal numbers game, allegedly guised as the Small Town Lottery. The statement of the police officials was later on corroborated by a resolution from the Liga ng mga Barangay headed by Ex-Officio Board Member Melchor Pingol, which refuted the claim that jueteng lords operate in villages, branding the accusation as “malicious.”
JUSTICE. The family, relatives and friends of slain Barangay San Miguel [Mexico] village chief Jose Gonzales Jr. continue to seek justice for his death and the serious injuring of his son Jason for what observers branded was “politically motivated” ambush. On December 18 last year, Gonzales’ wife Consolacion filed murder and frustrated murder against two suspects.
BREAKING RECORDS. Quarry revenues have peaked to more than a total P630 million in November 2012, with income boosted more at year-end to break the records of past administrations in collections from the province’s premier industry and income generator.
Officials are optimistic that the P770-million projected income set by Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Officer Art Punsalan will be realized.
Based on records, Punsalan noted that the three-year collection of the past administration which was posted at P616,158,000 has been breached.
From 1999 to 2001 under the NRDC, collections were at P382,580,900. Under former Governor Lito Lapid in 2002 to 2003, it was posted at P34,573,000.
Then in 2004 to end of June in 2007 under former Governor Mark Lapid, revenues were posted at P82,680,000, which was surpassed by the Biyaya A Luluguran At Sisikapan of Governor Panlilio with their P616 million record. “But at the rate the Kapampangan A Lulugud At Matapat of the Pineda-Guiao administration is running, it is history in the making with the current collection of P630-million,” Punsalan said.
THE THIRD CITY. Towards the end of the year, Pampanga’s third city was born as Mabalacat’s cityhood was officially and formally signed by President Benigno Aquino III. Mabalacat City is part of the triad of San Fernando – also a component city – and highly urbanized Angeles City.
First Mabalacat City Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales expressed optimism that the cooperation of the three cities will push further the province’s growth engines in all directions.
WORLD CLASS. After City of San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez ranked 4th in the league of world class mayors—and after being named 2012 Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardee, a cap to the downpour of awards for him and city, comes Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on the nomination list of the World Mayors. Pamintuan is the only Asian to remain on the shortlist.
ON THE ROSTER. Names on the “Rock Pampanga” roster that made Kapampangans smile and rejoice include Senator Manny Villar as one of the Most Outstanding Kapampangans of 2012; then the three Fernandinas who ramped away with major local beauty titles: Mutya ning Kapampangan 2012 Sheena Rhea Puno, Mutya Ning Sinukwan 2012 Korina Christine Reyes and Prinsesita Ning Sinukwan 2012 Francesca San Valenton; and of course, the year ended with a pleasant surprise as Barangay Del Pilar stunned champion and hall of famer Barangay Sta. Lucia in the grand, world renowned Giant Lantern Festival at Robinsons Starmills, as the famous Parul Sampernandu continues to make waves in the international scene.
The local art scene also rejoiced when two films made by Kapampangan directors have made it to this year’s Cinemanila International Film Festival last November 11 to 17 in Taguig City.
The films, “Sydney-Manila Express” and “Manenaya” directed by Bor Ocampo and Richard Soriano Legaspi, are included in the festival’s finalists for short film exhibition.
Meanwhile, Kapampangan artist Willy Layug made a historic first when the Presidential Merit Awardee for Ecclesiastical Arts installed a Filipiniana altar dedicated to Filipino St. Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod at the prestigious Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, Italy during the latter’s canonization to sainthood.
Layug is the first Kapampangan to install his work at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, sharing the same stage with classical masters whose works adorn major churches and shrines in Roman Catholic churches a few blocks away. (Sun.Star Pampanga Reportorial Team)
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2013/01/08/stories-rocked-pampanga-2012-261799
Children ask their parents to bring them to the best resort in Clark Pampanga for a treat during school breaks. In Clearwater which many regard as the best resort in Angeles City Clark Philippines. Kids enjoy safe and secured outdoor facility while some go swimming while others paddle kayaks and rowboats. Parents enjoy this hotel in Clark Pampanga also, fishing, resting and relaxing in the picnic grounds by the lake. In the evening, the whole family gathers at the best restaurant in Clark Pampanga, Yats to enjoy a sumptuous dinner, over a bottle of fine vintage wine from Clark Wine Center.

Among the best resorts in Clark Pampanga, Clearwater offers the best outdoor facilities as well as the best venues for events, company outings, team building, debuts, weddings, prenuptial, planning, family retreat, school field trips and other personal and corporate functions and events. Even organizers prefer this resort in Clark Pampanga not only for its good facilities and event venues but also for its location which is conveniently accessible from Manila; tourists and family travelers prefer this resort in Pampanga because of safety reasons.

Yats Restaurant is the best restaurant for special dinner, best restaurant for dinner with friends near Manila, also the best place to celebrate special events.

Famous Restaurant in Pampanga, a place to dine with friends in Clark, cozy restaurant with a nice ambience, a nice function place for special occassions

Are you looking for an attractive restaurant or a nice place to eat with friends in Clark, Angeles City Pampanga? Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar is a restaurant with good food and good wines for dinner located at Clark Angeles City Pampanga. Perfect for exclusive dinner venues for groups, recommended for private dinner in Philippines. A Restaurant in Clark for business dinner meeting. Private dinner place or dinner restaurant in Clark Subic Near Manila Angeles City Pampanga. Yats Restaurant is one of the Good Restaurant in Pampanga Angeles City Clark near Manila.

www.YatsRestaurant.com

Looking for a party venue in town?
Clearwater Resort and Country Club is one of the ideal venues for birthday party because it is a risk free venue. Not only Birthday Parties but also a good place to enjoy family reunion. A good place to celebrate special occasions. Clearwater Resort and Country Club is one of the resorts in Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga or near Manila with activity amenities, place that are nice for celebration.

Where to go in Clark? Hotel Clark Philippines is a De Luxe Hotel in Clark and Subic, a risk free place to stay, cozy and nice ambience, a nice function place for special occassion

www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Event organizers and planners looking for a large venue for big groups in outdoor functions and gatherings highly recommend Clearwater Resort located near Manila in Clark Philippines. Most hotels in Pampanga are tight in space and few offer any real outdoor space that families with children need to let kids enjoy the facilities of a good private resort near Manila. This special hotel in Angeles Pampanga Clark Freeport offers large space and facilities that can accommodate big events, concerts, company outings, team building and other company and social gatherings.

What really defines the ambience and lifestyle of this private outdoor resort in Clark is its spacious picnic grounds. The largest one is called the Brunello Garden which can easily accommodate functions and events for 3000 or more. Being several hectares in area, this amenity of Clearwater Resort is frequently visited for family picnics. Visitors from Manila travel to Clark to unwind and relax underneath old Acacia trees in the Brunello Gardens. This is one way for stressed out city residents to spend quality time in a leisure laidback pace.

Looking for a restaurant in Clark for a Business meeting? Or a place to eat with friends? Yats Restaurant offers exclusive dinner venue for groups, a good place to celebrate special occasions, it can be a party venue in town. Yats Restaurant is a recommended restaurant for private dinner in Philippines, a well-recognized restaurant that serves good food and good wines for dinner.

For inquiries and bookings, click here to contact Clearwater Resort now

Family bonding can be very enjoyable this summer vacation if travelers can go north to Clark Pampanga and hang out in famous and highly recommended beach resort near Manila Clearwater near Angeles City Philippines. This is one of the best hotel resort in Pampanga, frequently visited by family travelers with children.

There is a casual café with a beautiful view which serves good breakfast and basic lunch and dinner. Foodies can opt to drive over to Mimosa about 3 minutes away just a bit too far to walk, to have dinner at the fine-dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar. This cozy and romantic restaurant serves French Mediterranean cuisine at prices that are surprisingly affordable. For wine lovers, this restaurant in Mimosa Clark Freeport Pampanga is a treat with its award winning 3000-line wine lists that contain not only the famous labels but also connoisseurs’ choice of fine vintage wines.

Clearwater Beach and Lake Resort
Creekside Road near Centennial Expo, Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023
(632) 633-1566 (045)599-5949 0917-520-4403 0922-870-5177 Joanne or Jeremy

Reservation@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea, Kristine or Chay

Getting to this beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines
After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection. Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road. YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down.

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com

Staying in a good hotel or resort in Pampanga Clark Philippines, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

Wine lovers looking for a special bottle or something that is of great value and special discounts might log on to this web site to shop for fine vintage wines
http://www.YatsWineCellars.com

While staying in some of the best hotels in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.
http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

Clark Pampanga has many good hotels and resorts to choose from, accommodating guests looking for holidays and vacations in the Philippines. Best hotels in Pampanga offer good outdoor facilities to children and kids to enjoy the resort while parents and adults relax and unwind in safe and clean venues. For assistance with hotels in Pampanga and Clark Philippines, log on to
http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

The lifestyle in Clark Pampanga is quite unique. For more information about shopping, sports, golf, leisure, hotel accommodation, where to see and visit, what to do, where to wine and dine and good places to hang out, relax, have a drink with friends, child-friendly establishments, log on to
http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com

The London Pub is a very popular resto bar for residents, tourists, business executives and visitors from Manila to hang out, drink, relax and unwind after work or a game of golf during the day. Fine English cuisine, family comfort food is served. It is also very famous for the best fish n chips in the Philippines.
http://www.LondonPubClark.com

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