Security intensifies for MS Costa Victoria in revisiting Boracay

Posted December 19, 2014

Written by jay-Ar Arante

Cruise line security experts explain the measures the cruise industry takes to provide a safe and secure cruise vacation for passengers and how passengers can contribute to a secure environment onboard.

In this regard, the provincial government of Aklan, LGU Malay, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Tourism, Maritime Police, and other agencies agreed in a meeting to intensify the security during the revisiting period of MS Costa Victoria this coming January 12, 2015 in the island of Boracay.

According to a report, “MS Costa Victoria will dock first at Puerto Princesa Palawan from Manila before it crosses to Boracay.”

The 2, 394 passengers which among European and Chinese  are  also expected to travel on Aklan’s best tourists spot and other most visited places in Boracay like Mt. Luxury, Puka Beach, D'Mall and Ati-Village while others are also set try some water activities and island hopping.

Meanwhile, MS Costa Victoria is known for its elegant and totally refurbished, new balconies, terraces and windows, as an unmistakable style that marries traditional nautical style.

According to a report, along with its 800 crews, 20% of this are Filipino.

Barangay Balusbos’ recycled Christmas tree won championship title in row

Posted December 19, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Barangay Balusbos recycled Christmas tree, has been crowned as the Christmas Tree Champion 2014 in the Malay Christmas Tree Making Contest.

The said group received the resounding amount of 50 thousand pesos in the annual event organized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay thru the effort of Environmental Service Office.

According to Environmental Service Office Administrative Assistant Joery Oczon: “the said event was participated by all barangays, where recycled materials were being used for the manufacture.”

As an experienced, LGU is enthusiastic about the benefits of Christmas Tree Making Contest bring to the celebration, noting that beautiful recycled Christmas tree is being showcased.

A recycled material that was being used are bottled waters, dried coconuts, soda cans and news papers.

Meanwhile, although placed as second to Barangay Balusbos, Barangay Nabaoy won the Championship for “Street Beautification.”

It can be recalled that Malay Municipal Council has teamed up with Environmental Service Office to bring the Recycled Christmas Tree exhibition to barangays.

SB Malay to provide trust fund for maintenance and repair of sea ambulance

Posted December 18, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The resolution allocating the fund of P4, 523, 95.03 from MDRRM trust fund is approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay.

It is for the implementation of Drainage System, Repair and Maintenance of Sea Ambulance, Water System and Quick Response Fund of the Municipality of Malay.

Committee on Laws Chairman and SB member Rowen Aguirre discussed this during the 39th SB regular session where in the drainage system will be provided with P2.5 million and 1.5 million for the Sea Ambulance.

The said resolution will be discussed again for the opening of Sangguniang Bayan of Malay session for the year 2015.

BIWC: TIEZA’s pumping station still not working

Posted December 18, 2014

Written by Bert Dalida

The pump station in Boracay is apparently still not working.

This has residents up in arms and on the question of when it will be fixed, a hollow echo of nothing is the answer.

In a press conference yesterday, BIWC Customer Service Officer Acs Aldaba said, “the pumping station has not yet undergo into commissioning and testing.”

She added: “TIEZA might be waiting for the Local Government Unit’s consent for a dry-run of the said project."

In this regards, BIWC assures LGU to fix the illegal connections in existing drainage system.

Meanwhile, the problem on flooding in Boracay, which is originating from not having a drainage system, has been discussed over and over at the Town Council of Malay.

On the other hand, TIEZA’s formal opening in Boracay is awaited by many specially island stakeholders, and the Local Government of Malay, who together, with BIWC previously became the center of talks due to the faulty drainage in the island.

At the moment, TIEZA’s office is being constructed at the village of Balabag near the office of BIWC in preparation for its formal opening by end of August.

Translated by Gloria Villas

MTO designates officials in Boracay to ensure traffic this holiday season

Posted December 17, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

To ensure traffic regulation in the island of Boracay this holiday season.

Municipal Transportation Office (MTO) Malay designates officials to strictly monitor the vehicles coming in and out on the island.

Transportation Officer Cezar Oczon said in an interview: “The office is now also working hand in hand for the new signages in preparation not only for Christmas but for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit as well.”

Meanwhile, Oczon guarantee that they will provide assistance to the travelers in partnership with the police and other government agencies.

“Among our focus is also giving advice to the motorists in particular with regards to the overloading and other situations that may cause danger.” He added.

On the other hand, Oczon also advice the motorists to avoid driving away after drinking liquors.

He explains: “You are not only putting your life at risk but you are risking the lives of all those you come across while driving.”

Meanwhile, the MTO said the inspections aim to make sure the facilities are clean and made safe for vehicular traffic.

They will not also hesitate to impose penalty for those who will violate the policy and traffic laws.

Foreign/Local Tourists, Boracay residents come in droves for simbang gabi

Posted December 16, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Thousands of Catholics flocked to Holy Rosary Parish Church in Boracay for the opening of the nine-day Misa de Gallo, an annual tradition in the runup to Christmas.

At the church, Father Arnold Crisostomo said, “the celebration honors Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, where he urged the faithful to intensify their devotion to the rosary.”

Misa de Gallo, which in Spanish means “Mass of the rooster,” consists of nine-day votive dawn Masses in preparation for Christmas.

The annual Filipino tradition begins on Dec. 16 and ends on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.

The practice was introduced by Spanish friars so that farmers may hear Mass before going to the fields early in the morning.

Candidates prepare for "Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2015" Coronation

Posted December 16, 2014

Written by Gloria Villas

Candidates for the "Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2015" pageant are busy preparing for the highly anticipated coronation on January 9, 2015.

In this regard, in preparation for the grand coronation night, activities for the pageant are in full swing as well.

It can be recalled that KASAFI said, “The huge turnout of Mutya hopefuls was trimmed down to 16 from 35.”

KASAFI added:  “the screening of candidates was held on September 27 at KASAFI office based on the criteria that must be Filipino citizen, 15 to 24 years old and has a height of 5'4 and has Aklanon parents.”

Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (KASAFI) also brag that "Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2015" has become the biggest and considered as one of the prestigious event in Western Visayas.

Meanwhile, “Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan” winners will receive cash and other attractive prizes during the pageant finals.

The 16 candidates will vie for the coveted title on January 9, 2015 at Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports and Cultural Center in Kalibo, Aklan.

Giant Christmas tree in Kalibo to be lighted up this evening

Posted December 16, 2014

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

Tonight is the awaited ceremonial lighting of Christmas tree at Pastrana Park in Kalibo.

Mayor William Lachica and local officials of Kalibo will lead the ceremonial switch-on of Christmas lights and fireworks display at 5 p.m which will be witnessed by the residents of Kalibo and its neighboring town in Aklan.

Every corner of the plaza and the trees will be decorated by beautiful and flashing Christmas lights called “Iwag it Kalibonhons”.

The construction of the gigantic Christmas tree which is based on a nativity scene and larger compared to the previous years’ is supported by Aklanons from Juneau, Alaska.

It can be recalled that the lighting of the giant Christmas tree has been the annual tradition of Kalibonhons in reminiscing the Christmas season and the Birth of Christ and in line with the start of "Misa de Gallo".

Authorities investigate person found dead in Boracay

Posted December 15, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Authorities are investigating after a person was found dead in Sitio Bolabog Balabag Boracay yesterday.

Authorities responded to a unit at 3:30 yesterday afternoon in front of a resort, where an unidentified person aging 30-40 years was found in a decomposing period.

Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) confirms there is an investigation into a death there, but says it does not appear to be suspicious at this time.

Meanwhile, PCG Boracay Commander Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronnie Hiponia cleared that it was not the missing fisherman that was lost during the onslaught of typhoon Ruby.

On the other hand, Boracay Action Group and Coast Guard recovered the man, who was then transferred to Prado Funeral Homes.