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A VIBE OF ITS OWN MANILA NORTH TOLLWAYS CORPORATION Pathways to progress ADVENTURE TRAILS UP NORTH Explore the mountains of Ilocos Experience a culinary adventure FLAVORS OF THE NORTH A tempting day trip destination BULACAN IN A DAY IN FOCUS

Northbound Magazine #6

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Free publication promoting northern Philippines

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Page 1: Northbound Magazine #6

A VIBE OF ITS OWN

MANILA NORTHTOLLWAYS CORPORATIONPathways to progress

ADVENTURE TRAILS UP NORTHExplore the mountains of Ilocos

Experience a culinary adventure

FLAVORS OF THE NORTH

A tempting day trip destination

BULACANIN A DAY

IN FOCUS

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CONTACT

Tel No: (02) 63Fax: (02) 631

Email: info@northpWebsite: www.north

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1

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TACT US:

02) 637-67982) 631-1674orthphilippines.orgnorthphilippines.org

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CENTERSTAGEGCVB: Moving with Vibe and Vitality Towards ProgressThe Greater Clark Visitors Bureau

shares its plans for a livelier and

better tourism vibe in Clark.

Clark Hotels and HideawaysThe top 3 places to stay in Clark for

that relaxing vacation

MNTC: Building Better Roads for Better LivesThe Manila North Tollways

Corporation shares its expansion and

infrastructure programs for the future

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O N T H E C O V E R

DIOSDADOMACAPAGAL

AIRPORT

The DMIA is located at Clark Freeport Zone and

is home to several budget and full-service airlines

that travel to Asian cities.

PATHWAYS

FLAVORSof the NorthFind out what dishes and cuisines make traveling to North Philippines a gastronomic feast. 32

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EDITORIvan Anthony Henareswww.ivanhenares.com

EDITORIAL & PRODUCTIONPICO Integrated Marketing Agency

PHOTO CONTRIBUTORSBong Bajo, Isabelo Santos, One Degree Mountaineering Group, MNTC, DMIA, Jan Joseph Sta. Barbara

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSGideon Lasco, Nina Fuentes, Sol RacelisBea Beluan, Mia Enriquez

MARKETING DIRECTORMichelle Bautista

MARKETING MANAGERMichelle Liza Co

NPVB TEAMMel Dizon, Executive Director

Charisse Anne Fernandez, CVB Liaison Manager

Michelle Liza Co, Marketing Manager

Published quarterly by theNorth Philippines Visitors Bureau in partnership withPICO Integrated Marketing Agency

NORTH PHILIPPINES VISITORS BUREAU291 St. Joseph Street, Oranbo DrivePasig City, Metro Manila, PhilippinesTel: (632) 637-6798 Fax: (632) 631-1674Email: [email protected]

PICO INTEGRATED MARKETING AGENCY3/F MDCC Building, 3328 Matanzas StreetPalanan, Makati City, PhilippinesTel: (632) 970-0318/ 994-0564 Telefax: (632) 832-2067Email: [email protected]

Opinions expressed here are solely of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by NPVB or PICO. Reproduction of photos in full or in part is prohibited, unless permission is secured from the Editor and the publishers. Every eff ort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, NPVB and PICO cannot accept legal responsibilty for any error or omission.

PATHWAYS

BULACAN: Tourist TemptationSpend one day away from the Metro’s city vibe in this interesting province.

Invitation to Ilocos:Introducing the Trails of the Far NorthPack your bags and get high with adventure trekking the mountains of Ilocos.

CALENDARSeptember - NovemberCalendar of festivitiesin North Philippines

NORTH NEWSNPVB Annual Membership Meeting

NPVB Conducts Events Management Workshop For Region 3

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WELCOME NOTE

STAFF

LETTERS

DIRECTORY

NORTH LUZON MAP

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Hi North Bound Team,

I am writing you from Cagayan de Oro to express how much I enjoyed my vacation in Ilocos Norte during the Independence Day holiday.

My original plan was to stay in Manila for the weekend but while I was waiting for my flight in CDO Airport, I saw a picture of the Paoay Church on the Internet. I have been wanting to visit the North, but because of my work and other priorities, it always get stalled. This occasion could be the best opportunity to maximize the long weekend. Everything was just soperfect, I got the best airfare deal & instant connections to in-land transport service & hotel accommodation.

Rest was never an option the moment I stepped on the soil of Ilocandia. I only had 2 nights & 1 full day in this trip so I carefully arranged my itinerary, eliminating only two things, negative vibes & worry on expense. St. William’s Cathedral & the Sinking Bell Tower was a nice kick-off. I had fun dinner at The Stone House Café and quick caffeine fix at La Preciosa, a must-stop for coffeeholics. I decided to walk back to the hotel to burn what I just feasted on earlier but ended up in Dap-ayan stuffing myself with Empanada!

At the break of light I was already in Cape Bojeador catching the first shy rays of the Ilocos sun. I have been to so many parolas in the Philippines & none can come close to this. One of the best breakfasts in my life was in Kangkang Windmill Cafe.

I thought the winding road ends somewhere near but I found myself snaking through the Patapat Viaduct.

On my 4th straight weekend, I’ve spent it at the beach, on the velvet sands of

Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud. The coastline view on my way backto Laoag made me sleepy. Arriving at Fort Ilocandia, my jaw dropped in the grandeur of the place & I was honestly wishing to meet, on its lavish corridors the Madam of all times. Further south, the Malacanang of the North was the only disappointment because I came on a Monday & it was closed. Then I came to that picture that started it all, Paoay Church! It is perhaps my most photographed stop-over in my entire trip. Finally, only one more church in Ilocos Norte before I complete my trail of the Baroque Churches in the Philippines. My final stop was just so perfect, as we say in Filipino, “ang huling hantungan”, the mausoleum of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos in Batac.

All throughout the trip I kept on praying “Lord, please bless me with a good weather”. Just when I left Robinson’s Mall in San Nicolas, the rain started to pour. Prayers granted. This trip was really for me. I tucked myself for an early evening nap at Balay da Blas and had bagnet & sinarabasab at Saramsam for dinner. I ended the night with BDB’s finest brew while I was making a shout out on Facebook “ikatek tabara ti bagim ken agpatpattulidtid ta dyay puraw a darat umayka para iti naragsak a bigat.”.

Not only did I bring home wonderful memories of Ilocos Norte but also kilos& kilos of Longganisang Iloko & Bagnet! Browsing through North BoundMagazine, I am again charting my next travel - Vigan to see the old houses &the church of Nuestra Senora dela Asuncion, Sitio Remedios in Currimao & all others sights I failed to visit in Ilocos.

Daghang Salamat. I will never forget this travel experience.

Potpot PiniliCagayan de Oro City

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NLEX Continues to Improve LivesWith the opening of the Eastern section of the NLEX Phase 2- NLEX to Mindanao Avenue:

> You have an alternate route to Quezon City> EDSA-Balintawak will be decongested> Trinoma and SM North are just minutes away> Going further South is much easier via C5

The NLEX - Mindanao Avenue CloverleafThe Biggest Cloverleaf in the Philippines

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Find everything up north - from cultural heritage sites, to excellent cuisine; from fi ne sandy beaches to cool mountain weather… it’s all there! Covering the four northern regions of the country - Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, the Cordilleras and Central Luzon – North Philippines has much more to off er than people had previously imagined.

It is fast becoming the preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions because of its great facilities and close proximity to Metro Manila. Just a car ride away. And now, the North is even more accessible with the new North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the recently opened Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Together, let us experience North Philippines. Rediscover the North!

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With only 45 minutes of land travel from Manila, and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport serving as a gateway to and from other countries in the Asia Pacific region, Clark and its surrounding areas have become more accessible to both the local and international communities.

In 2005, a non-stock, non-profit organization that came to be known as Greater Clark Visitors Bureau, Inc.(GCVB), was formed under the auspices of the North Philippines Visitors Bureau, and the leadership of Mrs. Carmen McTavish, a local

businesswoman and community leader.

GCVB’s primary goal is “to establish and promote Greater Clark Area as one of Asia-Pacific region’s premier international attraction and world-class destination for leisure and business visitors.” GCVB also aims maximize tourism efforts that contribute to the social and economic development of the area.

In order to realize their objectives, GCVB is currently working on a number of projects. One of which is a Visitor’s Guide

THE DMIA PROVIDES ACCESSIBILITY TO CLARK AND TO MOST DESTINATIONS IN CENTRAL AND NORTHERN PHILIPPINES, BOOSTING THE TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES FOR THESE PROVINCES.

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Map that will be provided to tourists through travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and other establishments. GCVB is also working on an inventory of places with historical value that may be offered as tourist destinations. With the abundance of restaurants in the area, and with Pampanga being dubbed as the culinary capital of the country, GCVB is in the process of crafting a dining guide for visitors. A major event that GCVB has also created is the Annual Horse Fest Festival, first held in November 2009 at Clark Freeport Zone.

While much has already been done or is being done in the tourism front for Greater Clark, great amount of work and commitment is still required to revitalize the area.

GCVB is in the process of creating partnerships with the different CVBs surrounding their area like Tarlac, Subic, Pampanga and Bulacan and improving on what they have like the Nayong Pilipino in Clark Expo. They continue to work closely with tourism-oriented NGOs, Clark Development Corporation Tourism Promotions Office, the Angeles City Tourism

GCVB IS WORKING ON A DINING GUIDE THAT WILL PROMOTE THE VARIOUS RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA AND THE LOCAL DELICACIES THAT A TRAVELER SHOULD TRY

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Offi ce and the Mabalacat Tourism Offi ce.

Looking towards the future, GCVB aims to increase their membership by at least 66%, become self-sustaining, attract more sponsors for their events and activities, acquire a visitors information center and continue to be present in major tourism events.

As more and more local leisure hunters, as well as foreign business travelers visit North Philippines, GCVB’s commitment and eff orts to promote Greater Clark as a world-class tourist destination, will continue to help revitalize and make Greater Clark’s unique vibe fl ourish.

THE ANNUAL HORSE FEST IS ONE OF MAJOR EVENTS OF GCVB FOR THE YEAR.

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When in Clark, these hotels stand out as the top places to stay for a relaxing vacation:

Hotel VidaInspired by the tropical sceneries in South East Asia, Hotel Vida is a haven of both comfort and luxury.Only 5 minutes away from DiosdadoMacapagal International Airport (DMIA), Hotel Vida provides guests with a relaxing view of lush landscapes and cool water facilities.

Th e stunning tropical façade, modern amenities and commendable service of Hotel Vida make it truly wonderful place to stay in Clark.

Holiday Inn ClarkA word-class hotel that sits amidst the lush greens of Mimosa Leisure Estate, Holiday Inn boasts of newly refurbished and renovated rooms, suites and villas with modern and excellent amenities.

In line with the global re-launch of the hotel, which happened May of this year, guests can have an enhanced vacation experience with the hotel’s signature comfort beddings and shower facilities.

Numerous leisure options are also available to guests,

CENTERSTAGE

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best experienced with the hotel’s commitment to provide only excellent service to their clients.

Th e relaunch also includes a redesigned logo for Holidan Inn Clark, improved signage and new outdoor lighting, landscaping and design.

Holiday Inn Clark is the only accredited International Deluxe Hotel in Central Luzon as offi cially certifi ed by the Department of Tourism.

Stotsenberg HotelRoughly a 2-hour drive from

Manila and 5 minutes away from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, the sprawling three-storey 239-room hotel, with Casino, Stotsenberg Convention Center good for 2000 pax and teambuilding facilities sits on a stunningly landscaped 4-hectare property.

Th e motivation of the team under the guidance of General Manger Liisa Lindner is to provide a discreet but attentive service to all guests of Hotel Stotsenberg. Th ey fi rmly believe that fl exibility and attention to guest needs is the recipe for success and the motivation

for guests to come back. You will always be surrounded by people who are eager to hear how you feel and who take criticism as a positive tool for development.

In case that you are curious and want to explore more please call Ethel Austria, Senior Sales Manager, 0917 5900426 and ask for our “Rainy day promo”.

FontanaA home away from home set in a vast and sprawling garden best describe Fontana Leisure Parks.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing afternoon with the majestic Mt. Arayat as backdrop in Fontana’s villas decked with modern and world-class amenities.

Th e resort also features a water park where guests can choose from several swimming areas like the Wave Pool, Lazy River, Water Factory and Pirate Ship for the young ones plus giant slides for that extra cool and thrilling experience.

For Asian dining, guests can try Red 8, one of the restaurants in the resort or the Korean restaurant that off ers barbecue and shabu-shabu for the whole family to enjoy.

CENTERSTAGE

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MANILANORTHTOLLWAYS CORPORATION

CENTERSTAGE

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MINDANAO AVENUEINTERCHANGE

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G/F OASIS COUNTRY RESORT HOTEL, SEVILLA, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO LA UNIONTEL. NOS. (072) 888-2098 / 888-2411 / 242-1656 FAX (072) 888-2098

EMAIL: [email protected] | WEBSITE: WWW.VISITREGION1.COM

D EPA RT M EN T O F T O U R I S M R E G I O N 1

ILOCOS NORTE ILOCOS SUR

LA UNION PANGASINAN

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PATHWAYS

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1210 Don Juico Avenue (Friendship Road), Clark, Angeles, Philippines

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surprise that Carabao milk is used for making pastillas, can you imagine eating chicharabao or chicharon made with Carabao skin? It was surprisingly good and seemed less evil than its porky counterpart. Th is is a must-try if ever you fi nd yourself in Tuguegarao.

Of course, the Ilocanos also put an interesting twist on Western favorites. When in Laoag, stop by Saramsam Restaurant for a night of pizza, pasta and fondue. But why Saramsam and not the usual pizza place? Four words: poque-poque,

Saramsam pasta and kalti. Give your palate a treat with this unusual – yet utterly sublime – trio of eggplant pizza, pasta with fresh herbs, shrimp and ripe & green mangos, and Ylocano fondue with latik instead of chocolate or cheese.

North Philippines has a wealth of culinary treasures just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for an authentic taste of a dish you’ve only tried in Manila or in search for new fl avors, you will surely fi nd it up North.

TRAVELERS FLOCK TO SARAMSAM RESTAURANT IN LAOAG TO TRY THEIR POQUE-POQUE PIZZA AND PASTA.

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PATHWAYS

A two or three hour drive from any point of Manila going north will lead you to the one of the most historical places in the Philippines, Bulacan. Representing one of the eight rays in the Philippine flag, Bulacan is sure to surprise you not only with its history, but also with its rich culture, heritage and beauty. by mia enriquez

tourist temptation

APART FROM THE BARASOAIN CHURCH, BULACAN IS ALSO HOME TO BASILICA MINORE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. PHOTO BY ISABELO SANTOS

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Every normal Bulacan visitor starts with the most famous landmark of the province, the Barasoain Church, which is located in the city capital, Malolos. It is famous for being the site of the first constitutional democracy in Asia. Up to this day, visitors and natives alike continue to gawk in awe at the untouched beauty of the church.

From Barasoain, a twenty-five minute drive can take you to the next town, Guiguinto, which boasts of the Bulakeños’ landscaping ability. The Garden City which can be

found in Santa Cruz gives its visitors a serene but inviting sight of greens and colorful flowers. No wonder Sta. Cruz is called the Garden Capital of the Philippines.

Another town in Bulacan, Balagtas, is fast becoming one of the province’s first-class towns. The town which was named after one of its sons, Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar, author of the popular masterpiece “Florante at Laura”, houses three huge malls and supermarkets. Soon, it will also be the home of the North Food Exchange

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or NFEx, a project of the local government designed to provide opportunity and infrastructure for the economic and physical transformation, not only for Bulakeños, but for the all Filipinos. NFEx will eventually become the economic system center for sustainable development and will primarily focus on making the province’s agro and fishery industries globally competitive.

Aside from the province’s natural riches, Bulacan also prides itself on having good manpower. This proves to

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be true in Bocaue, the Fireworks Capital of the Philippines. Every year, the town is the direct target of Filipinos from all around the country just to buy their “iwas-malas anting-anting” for New Year. People get stuck in traffic, line up for hours and spend lots of money to get what they call the “best fireworks in the land made by the best fireworks makers”.

Bulacan’s heritage is also something worth knowing. Gregorio del Pilar, the hero of Tirad Pass, has a

APART FROM THE BARASOAIN CHURCH, BULACAN IS ALSO HOME TO BASILICA MINORE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. PHOTO BY ISABELO SANTOS

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HOW TO GET THERE

Don’t worry about your budget! You can try all these activities and all these food items for less than Php 2,000. So wherever you are in the Metro, you can just hop on any of these buses: Baliuag Transit, California Bus Line, Sampaguita Liner, Royal Eagle, Del Carmen, German Espiritu, Philippine Rabbit, Victory Liner

and Aladdin Transit. These buses pass through at least one town in Bulacan, prepare Php 30 to Php 60 for bus fare, and ask to be dropped off at the nearest Bulacan town. Each town is just a seven-peso jeep ride away from each other so you’re sure to visit all these in one day! So, do you have a day to spend?

THE LARGEST HYDROELECTRIC DAM CAN BE FOUND IN ANGAT, BULACAN. PHOTO BY JAN JOSEPH STA. BARBARA

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INVITATION TO

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PATHWAYS

THE MISTY SUMMIT OF MT. SICAPOO IS THE HIGHEST, MOST FORMIDABLE PEAK OF THE FAR NORTH

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An exciting new frontier in Philippine trekking are the mountains of Ilocos Norte, which lie at the northern edge of the majestic Cordillera range. These mountains are lush and tropical though at times they reach the lofty, coniferous forests akin to the more southern peaks of Benguet and Ifugao. Although virtually unknown to mountaineers until last year, PinoyMountaineer.com, the online guide to hiking in the Philippines, collaborated with the intrepid, Laoag-based ONE Degree Mountaineering Group to document some of the mountains of Ilocos Norte.

INTRODUCING THE TRAILS OF THE FAR NORTH

By GIDEON LASCO

Photos of One Degree Mountaineering Group

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ONE Degree explored a total of six mountains, some of which were first ascents, including that of Mt. Sicapoo, the highest mountain in the whole of Ilocos Region - in itself a mountaineering record!

Here’s an overview of the mountains of Ilocos Norte:

MT. PALEMLEM - The highest peak of Adams, this peak was dubbed “Pico de Loro Norte” because of its characteristic shape, and perhaps because its dense jungles have harbored a great number of avian species. The views at the summit are fantastic - the Ilocos plains with such beautiful landmarks like the Laoag River and the windmills of Bangui; here the huge island of Luzon is at its northern border, facing the South China Sea. DURATION OF CLIMB: 1-2 DAYS. DIFFICULTY: 4/9.

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3

MT. LINAO - Forested like Mt. Palemlem and also located in Adams, and packing some ‘extra challenges’ like blood leeches (limatik), the characteristic feature of this 952-meter mountain is a scenic, clear lake at the top. Hence the name of the mountain, which is also the name of the beautiful body of water (Lake Linao). DURATION OF CLIMB: 1-2 DAYS. DIFFICULTY: 5/9.

MT. KILANG - With an impressive height of 1656 MASL, Mt. Kilang in Solsona sits on the north eastern boundary of Ilocos Norte with Apayao. Shrouded in fog most of the time, and with rattling winds, the mountain is seen as enchanted by locals, who avoid it, “scared of its shadows”. Kilang (as local tradition would have it) means in Ilocano, “pagurnungan ti karurwa” which literally translates to “catch-basin of souls”. Aside from these daunting beliefs, there are also physically challenging boulders that would greet the hiker before

THE STEEP TRAILS OF MT. TIMARID PASS BY SCENIC PINE FORESTS

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For more information on climbing these peaks and other hiking destinations in North Luzon and elsewhere in the Philippines, visit www.pinoymountaineer.com.

4

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he reaches the summit - making Kilang one of the most interesting destinations in the list. DURATION OF CLIMB: 2 DAYS. DIFFICULTY: 6/9.

MT. SIMINUBLAN - a towering presence in Nueva Era, this mountain with its beautiful pine trees offers views of Ilocos Note and Abra provinces. Since it was first climbed in 2007, its summit has only been climbed once making it a pioneer destination in the North. DURATION OF CLIMB: 2 DAYS. DIFFICULTY: 6/9.

MT. TIMARID-SIMAGAYSAY - These are twin mountains in Solsona that can be done in a traverse. The first recorded ascent was in June 2009 and the author was given the opportunity to join this momentous climb. The traverse takes three days, passes by a variety of terrain, involving fording some streams as well as hiking up grassy slopes and pine ridges. The same trail circuit leads to the next mountain on our list, Mt. Sicapoo.

DURATION OF CLIMB: 3 DAYS. DIFFICULTY: 7/9

MT. SICAPOO - The ultimate hiking challenge of the Far North: the highest mountain in the Ilocos Norte, at at 2338 MASL and the northernmost two-thousander in the Philippines. First climbed in December 2009 by ONE Degree Mountaineering Group, it was favorably compared with some of the most difficult peaks in the Philippines, such as Mt. Halcon and Mt. Guiting-Guiting. Its trails, like those of Timarid and Simagaysay, involve narrow pine ridges, over twenty river crossings, dense forests and trail-less trekking in the virtually unexplored portion of the summit which stands at the border of Apayao province. DURATION OF CLIMB: 4 DAYS. DIFFICULTY: 9/9 (SOME TRAILS ARE NOT YET ESTABLISHED).

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LAKE LINAO, A BEAUTIFUL

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LINAO HIKE

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Th e North Philippines Visitors Bureau held its 2010 Annual Membership Meeting and Elections last July 15, 2010 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. Elected to the Board of Trustees for 2010-2011 were Renato U. Ticzon (President) from Manila North Tollways Corporation, Nilo Mapa (Treasurer) from Robinsons Land Corporation, Marivic Del Pilar (Secretary) from Victory Liner Inc., Carmen Tayag-McTavish of Greater Clark Visitors Bureau and Lydia Co of the Tarlac Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Also present were representatives from the Conventions and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) in Greater Clark, Greater Subic, Pampanga, Tarlac, La Union, Ilocos Norte and Bulacan, the newest CVB of NPVB.

Th e North Philippines Visitors Bureau conducted an Events Management Workshop for Central Luzon last August 6, 2010 at the Boardroom Plus Function Hall, Clark Freeport, Pampanga. It was attended by 50 delegates representing the Conventions and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) from Greater Clark, Greater Subic, Tarlac and Bulacan.

Th e Events Management Workshop aims to impart the knowledge and skills essential to events management - conceptualizing, organizing, implementing and evaluating promotional activities to the members of the North Philippines Visitors Bureau.

NPVB holds Events Management Workshop for CL CVBs

2010 NPVB Annual Meeting held last July

north news

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CLARK

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CAGAYAN

LA UNION

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PANGASINAN

PAMPANGA

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SUBIC BAY

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(078)844-2249 | (078) 844-1275 | (078) 846 1722

Gil Puyat Avenue corner Andres Soriano Street, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines

Manila Offi ce: Unit 5D Atherton Place, Tomas Morato Corner Roces Avenue, Quezon City.

Clark Offi ce : Tel No. (045) 499-0777; Fax No. (02) 584-4042 / 4043 | Manila Offi ce :

Tel No. (02) 412-8269; 412-8110; 371-0566

www.h ote l s to t senbe rg .com

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TARLAC

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