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
Recent survey done by Philippines Clark Marketing shows that there is a subtle shift of preferences of Manila visitors heading out of town towards the north to enjoy some peace and quiet time with families. More and more foodies, critics, connoisseurs, frequent diners and wine lovers from Manila travel out of town north to Clark Pampanga to wine and dine in famous fine dining Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar. Most visitors enjoy the fine vintage wines from the cellars of this fine dining restaurant. Some purchase a few good bottles of to bring back home to Manila.

Yats Leisure Philippines

Even tourists and business travelers staying in hotels in Philippines Angeles Pampanga take time off from nightlife, bars and other city entertainment to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of wine shopping in this top rated wine shop in Clark Freeport Pampanga. Foreign and local tourists visiting Clark remember shopping in this wine shop as a memorable experience of their stay in the Philippines, Subic and Pampanga.

Italian food is everywhere in the Philippines but good Italian restaurants are few and far apart. Fans of Italian cuisines now look for fine dining restaurants that serve good Italian food accompanied by fine Italian vintage wine. Although Yats Restaurant is classified as a French Mediterranean restaurant, its classic European cuisine includes many of the great recipes from Italy. The fine vintage wines of Clark Wine Center play an important role in this famous restaurant in Clark to make the Italian wine dinners just that much more special.

Things to do in Subic and Clark Philippines: spend an afternoon in Clark to do a little wine shopping at the most famous wine shop outside of Manila called Clark Wine Center. One of the favorite places to visit in Pampanga Clark Freeport is the white building along M A Roxas highway of Clark which houses over 2000 selections of fine vintage wines. The Clark Wine Center is one of the places to visit, a tourist spot and a good shopping place for those staying in Angeles City, Subic or Clark Pampanga.

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila
Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple: after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave. From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City. From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.

Click here to contact Clark Wine Center in Clark Pampanga for inquiries and orders.

Clark Wine Center
Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building
Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,
Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023

Tel: 0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Road, Ortigas Centger,
Metro Manila, Philippines 1605

Tel: (632) 637-5019 0917-540-3626 ask for Rea or Chay

Log on to this web site for more information about Yats Wine Cellars as the leading wine importer and wine supplier in the Philippines:

ats Wine Cellars Leading Wine Supplier in Philippines

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

While in Clark, 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. Highly recommended fine dining restaurant in Manila for special occasion is Yats Restaurant & Wine Lounge located in the famous Mimosa Leisure Estate in Clark Pampanga. Situated near this popular restaurant in Clark is the Mimosa Golf Course as well as the Mimosa Clark Casino. This top rated restaurant near Angeles City Pampanga in Clark Philippines is frequently used for private parties and corporate functions such as board meetings and other gatherings. 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

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:

http://www.LondonPubClark.com

Besides good restaurants to wine and dine near Manila, Subic or in Angeles City Pampanga, Clark Philippines, those requiring assistance for hotel and resort bookings in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines may log on to http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com for more information and reservations.

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

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

Those visitors who plan to relax and unwind in Angeles City, Subic, Pampanga, Clark Philippines might make an effort to book a room at the famous beach and lake resort Clearwater Resort & Country Club. This famous hotel in Clark Pampanga is frequently visited by families with children looking for a good place in Clark to see, a good holiday destination for the family to relax and unwind in the beautiful outdoor facilities. For more information, log on to www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com

Buy wine in Cebu, Philippines at good wine shops and boutique wine stores that offer good selection of good vintage wines at all price points. Wine lovers in Philippines can find good red wines in wine shops in Manila and Pampanga. Among the good selections of French red wines from Bordeaux are Chateau Gloria, Chateau Lafite, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Petrus, Chateau Lynch Bages, Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Ausone, Chateau le Pin, Chateau Palmer, Chateau Pontet Canet, Chateau Carruades de Lafite, Chateau les Forts de Latour, Chateau Pichon Lalande. This makes it easy and convenient for wine lovers to buy wine in Manila. Manila wine and food lovers looking for things to do in Pampanga and Manila can consider attending one of these wine events. The best way to learn more about wine in the Philippines is to attend public wine tasting events that have no sponsors.

Buy wine gift baskets in Manila from leading wine supplier in Philippines
Wine lovers in Philippines can find good red wines in wine shops in Manila and Pampanga. Among the good selections of French red wines from Bordeaux are Chateau Gloria, Chateau Lafite, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Petrus, Chateau Lynch Bages, Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Ausone, Chateau le Pin, Chateau Palmer, Chateau Pontet Canet, Chateau Carruades de Lafite, Chateau les Forts de Latour, Chateau Pichon Lalande. This makes it easy and convenient for wine lovers to buy wine in Manila. They are also great wines to include in wine gift baskets for delivery in the Philippines Manila wine and food lovers looking for things to do in Pampanga and Manila can consider attending one of these wine events. The best way to learn more about wine in the Philippines is to attend public wine tasting events that have no sponsors. These wine tasting events held by Yats are non-commercial. Yats Wine Cellars does not promote a specific winery, producer or a brand. These wine tastings and wine dinners held in Manila and Pampanga are all designed to let wine lovers explore more interesting aspects of wine.