PHILEX MINES HANGING BRIDGE

Philex Mines Hanging Bridge

Baguio City! Known for its cozy weather and charming parks, Baguio City is labelled as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Tourists draw attraction to the good climate and accessible public parks of Baguio City. This bustling city hosts diverse cultures of the Highlands and Lowlands. If we speak of tourist attractions in Baguio, I can speak there is a lot, and, by mean of a lot, I speak of plenty. 

It takes you 4 or 5 hours travel by bus from Pasay or Cubao to get you at the Summer Capital and with the advent of the interconnected North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway (TPLEX) the travel has been convenient and a breeze.

A marker of the Philex Mines Hanging Bridge Rehabilitation

Now, deep within the province of Benguet is a mining company by the name of PHILEX Mining Corporation. Philex Mining Company (Philex for brevity) is an hour travel from heart of Baguio City - Burnham Park. It can be accessed through a jeepney plying the route of Baguio to Philex.

Let this post be clear that Philex is not a tourist attraction. Due, perhaps, to the mining activity and hazardous chemicals including explosives used within the vicinity of the mining area, it is, of course, rational that they do not allow tourists to gaze over its operations. Hence, visitors are strictly subjected to inspection and if you have no valid reason to be there, then you might be or will be denied entry.

Philex has a complex built for its miners. It is a small community high above the skies, towering over the mountain range of Benguet, and having commanding look over the famous pine trees. It has a school, a hospital, a wet market, a housing complex, even a basketball court, and name it, they have it all. 

Saint Louis High School of Philex

When I happened to be here, I was visiting my relatives who live at the Philex complex. My relatives toured me at their humble place and told me a hidden place. It turned out that that hidden place is a tourist attraction of the villagers and yes, it is the Philex Hanging Bridge. I was just as curious as a curious cat of finding out the Philex Hanging Bridge. So, to cure the curiosity of this curious man, I invited them to invite me to take a short walk to the Philex Hanging Bridge.

The pine trees of Philex Mines

We began our journey to the bridge at dawn. I cannot muster any words for the sight of glowing lights from the Philex complex. 

The lights forms a star-like glow from a distance

Leading to the Hanging Bridge is the imposing view of the mountain ranges.

The Sun kisses the morning 

The way to the hanging bridge is known only to the residents of the complex. You have to deal the steep slopes and descents, although roads are paved, and you have to tackle your evade and run skills from the dogs of the community. Now, arriving at the bridge is just breath-taking.

The Philex Hanging Bridge

And yes, crossing this bridge is spectacular. It's an estimated 50 foot drop. You must get into balance when traversing this bridge but locals make their way professional.

A closer look

Big Thanks to these kids!

Always enjoy the smaller picture of your travel. .

Hike. Bridge. Cross.

CEBU BEST EATS SERIES - Buwad

BUWAD (Dried Fish)

Cebu is home to the famous crispy lechon and sweet mangoes. While many relish on munching the crispy skin of lechon Cebu and delight on Cebu's sweet mangoes, one cannot escape another contender of Cebu's best dish - Buwad. Buwad, in local dialect which means "to dry", is a local name for dried fish. A typical Cebuano's diet is incomplete if Buwad is not on their plate.

Buwad on display at Taboan Public Market

Straight forward, Buwad is a carrier of salty sweet ocean taste. But, be careful because excess of consumption of this delicious delicacy is a sure way to raise your Blood pressure and its not pleasurable. Buwad is sold and is commonly available to every Public Market in Cebu. You know where to find Buwad by following its strong scent. 

Where can you buy the best Buwad in town? Unless you can directly source your supply in the islands of Cebu, usually in Bantayan Island, the next best area to greet you with Buwad is in Taboan Public Market in Cebu City. Just a jeepney away from Cebu City Hall, this 10 minute trip to Taboan Public Market will offer you many options from dried danguit to dried pusit and with sides of dried mangoes and chorizo, you can buy your buwad for as low as 300 to 800 per kilo depending on the quality.

Buwad is best consumed in the morning as a side dish of your breakfast but it can be eaten in lunch and dinner. Simply fry these dried fish and your meal is complete. It is best paired with fresh tomato, piping hot rice, and coffee. Like Buwad? Try now!

Cebu. Best. Eats. Series. Buwad

PEBBLE BEACH

The Mabua Pebble Beach of Surigao City

Well clad in Barong Tagalog, it was disheartening to know that the Judge was out of town and that the hearing for my case is postponed. I was new to Surigao City and my boat back to Cebu City will leave past 8 p.m. and guess? it was still 8:30 in the morning. With nothing to do except to wait for my ride home, I’ve decided to talk to some locals and asked the nearest beach they could offer. The recommendation is the Mabua Pebble Beach.

I decided to take a hop on a tricycle and led me to the famous Mabua pebble beach of Surigao City. It was give or take 15 to 20 minutes ride and I arrived in no time. Upon arriving, a poster tells you that there are 380 steps to take to the Tourist Spot. Wait? What? Why would I climb if all I’m after is for the pebble beach?

Well, I decided to take the steps one at a time and after reaching the peak, the commanding majestic coastline of the Pebble beach appeared before me.

Instead of descending back, I decided to continue my short journey as there is a trail leading to somewhere. And, yes! It was a surprise. A shoreline inhabited with a few residents and all was there was me!

There were pebbles all over the place. It was a new experience walking barefoot at the shore. There are huts available for rent with the pleasure to stay overnight.

As I was gazing the beauty of the Pebble beach over a stormy sky, I was invited by nature itself to take a dip on the waters of the beach. After 2 hours, the tricyle driver I hired came back and brought me back to the City where my boat ride awaits for me to Cebu City.

Thrilling. Awesome. Paradise.

NBI AGENT QUALIFICATIONS

HOW TO BECOME AN NBI AGENT

The National Bureau of Investigation is the prime investigating arm of the Department of Justice. In 2016, Republic Act no. 10867 otherwise known as the "National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act" was promulgated with the purpose of modernizing and reorganization of the NBI.

THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION MARKER

Section 8 of RA 10867 enumerates the qualification of an NBI Agent, to wit:

a. Citizen of the Philippines;

b. of good moral character;

c. A member of the Philippine Bar or a holder of a Baccalaureate Degree who passed the necessary government licensure examination relevant to the investigative functions of the NBI; and

d. Successfully passed the competitive mental and physical examinations required by the NBI.

The NBI Academy is responsible for the recruitment, training, and development of all NBI agents and personnel. (Section 3 (f), RA 10867)

THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION ACADEMY IN BAGUIO CITY

Under the 2017 NBI Academy recruitment program, the additional qualifications of an applicant for an NBI Agent are the following:

1. Must be a citizen of the Philippines, of good moral character and with excellent physical and mental condition;

2. A member of the Philippine Bar, or a holder of a baccalaureate degree who passed the necessary government Licensure Examination relevant to the investigative functions of the NBI;

3. No pending criminal, civil, or administrative charge and never convicted of any crime;

4. Between 25 to 35 years old

5. Between 25 ot 35 years old;

6. At least 5'5" in height for male/ 5'3" for female;h General Weighted Average of 85% in the Transcript of Records (TOR)

7. Vision within normal range;

8. No tattoo marks or pierced ears;

9. Must successfully passed the competitive mental and physical examination required by the NBI; and

10. Willing to be assigned anywhere in the Philippines.

It has been said that NOT ALL are destined for the NBI. The NBI Academy lays a very strict and stringent requirement before an applicant is qualified. Even lawyers and cpas fail in the qualifying examinations and the NBI only admits those who have met the standard of an NBI Agent.

The training is done at the NBI Academy in Baguio City and trainees will be taught with basic investigation and intelligence course. A newly-commissioned NBI Agent with the rank of  Investigation Agent III receives a salary of P65,319.00 (Salary Grade 22). 

For pre-assessment you will be required to bring to the NBI Academy the following documents:

a. Diploma;

b. Transcript of Records;

c. Eligibility (Bar/Board);

d. Birth Certificate;

e. Marriage Certificate (if applicable);

f. Community Tax Certificate;

g. Residential Certificate;

h. Personal Data Sheet (CS Form 212)

i. 2 pcs. 2x2 Pictures

j. NBI and Police Clearances

k. Court Clearances (RTC, MTC, and Prosecutor's Office)

l. ITR/W2, if working;

m. SALN - if government employee

NBI ACADEMY 2017 RECRUITMENT PROGRAM

Do you have what it takes? Are you willing to be assigned anywhere? Will crack under pressure?

For interested participants visit or call the NBI Academy located at the NBI Main Office, Taft Ave., Manila or call Tel. No. 526-6207

ELEPHANT SCULPTURE

THE ELEPHANT SCULPTURE

Art is Art. In its most contemporary sense, art conveys a message. Art are tools to express emotion, feeling, or sentiment. Most of it, seeks to educate the people of something, perhaps, for a greater purpose. Now, in the Philippines, there is an art secretly housed at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center located at Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. It is called "THE ELEPHANT SCULPTURE". 

The Elephant Sculpture was made to make a strong message of compassion of the Philippine Government in its fight against illegal ivory trade. Ivory is a source of medicine and, sadly, of art materials. Ivory is known for its healing attributes but most prestigious for its Ivory sculptures. Ivory comes, primarily, from Elephant tusks and the demand for Ivory is now ever increasing with markets mainly direct to CHINA and AFRICA and ASIA as suppliers.

While no Elephant is known to exist in the Philippine Archipelago, its drive to protect the exploitation of elephants and its by-products (i.e, elephant tusks) remains steadfast. It have been alert and have taken great strides to confiscate smuggled ivory with certainty of prosecution and eventually, punishment.

In 2013, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in its renewed call to end Ivory trading and make a clarion call to the public that importation, possession and use of Ivory is illegal commissioned an artist to make an art in what is now known today as THE ELEPHANT SCULPTURE".

The Elephant Sculpture

 Quoted hereunder is the dedication message of Secretary RAMON J.P. PAJE, DENR, to wit:

"This structure is a representation of the natural position of a mother African elephant protecting her calf. The upper Circles representing their faces symbolize the quest fro the continuation of the life of these magnificent creations. The dark color of the structure opposing the natural off-white color of the ivory tusk embodies the Philippines' strong support to the global efforts against elephant poaching and illegal ivory trade. The superimposed tusks, that are almost as high as their bodies, represent the beauty of the creatures with their tusks intact. This structure is made of concrete and part of the ashes from more than four tons of elephant ivory tusks that the Philippines crushed and burned on June 21, 2013.

May this sculpture remind us of the thousands of elephants killed for their precious tusks and that their continued existence still largely depends on how humans treat them.

RAMON J.P. PAJE (sgd)

Secretary

Department of Environment and Natural Resources"

Close-up view of the Elephant Sculpture

You can visit the Elephant Sculpture located at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center located at Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City which opens from Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5 pm.

MANILA NORTH PORT HARBOR

SPOT CHECKING OF CONTAINER, MANILA NORTH PORT HARBOR
Manila International Container Port


The Bureau of Customs is the primary agency of the Philippine Government in collecting taxes, duties and fees of goods coming in and out of the country. One of its mandates is to prevent the government of being defrauded from vicious smugglers of introducing in the Philippines smuggled or misdeclared items. Hence, the Bureau of Customs conducts SPOT-CHECKING of containers.

Manila International Container Port North Harbor at Night

Now, here are the STEPS where the District Collector conducts SPOT-CHECKING of Containers, viz:

a. RANDOM SELECTION FROM THE MANIFESTS OF SHIPPERS/CONSIGNEE TO BE SPOT-CHECKED;

b. REQUEST FOR SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS/ PHYSICAL EXAMINATION SIGNED BY THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR;

c. TRANSMITTAL OF THE REQUEST FOR SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS/ PHYSICAL EXAMINATION TO THE SHIPPING LINE AND TO THE PORT OF MANILA (designated port);

d. CONDUCTION OF SPOT-CHECKING BY BUREAU OF CUSTOM INSPECTOR (Note:  The spot-checking must be made in the presence of the Consignee and/or authorized Representative of the Consignee);

e. RECEIVING OF DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS;

d. VERIFICATION OF RECEIVED DOCUMENTS;

f. RECOMMENDATION FOR RELEASE (Note: The recommendation for release must be duly signed by the Bureau of Custom Inspector and Consignee and/or his authorized representative);

g. MEMORANDUM OF RELEASE (Note: The Memorandum must be duly sealed and signed by the Collector of Customs); and

h. TRANSMITTAL OF THE MEMORANDUM OF RELEASE TO THE SHIPPING AND TO THE PORT.

Lifters are busy taking out containers

The schedule for container examination is from MONDAY to FRIDAY from 9:00 A.M. - 3:30 PM.

For all the transacting public, the requirements needed are the following:

a. PHOTOCOPY OF THE COMPANY ID;
b. A DULY SIGNED AUTHORIZATION LETTER;
c. PHOTOCOPY OF THE BILL OF LADING.

Note: Persons who are without proper authorization will not be entertained.

SAMPLE AUTHORIZATION LETTER

For more details, check at your respective District Collector.

BORACAY IS CLOSED!

BORACAY IS CLOSED!

I bet, other than being a local or a media practitioner, you did not have the chance to visit BORACAY while it was under rehabilitation. Perhaps, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's order of closure comes in a time where the beaches, nay the island, of BOARACAY suffered so much from commercialization. Up to this time (May 2019), rehabilitation is still in full swing given the number of things that needed repair, rehabilitation, and rebuilding.

Noteworthy is the striking determination of the Philippine Government in dealing this colossal issue on closure. Sure, tourism died down and jobs were temporarily lost but these are just momentary. We are about to see the complete rehabilitation in the days to come.

While BORACAY was closed, I have the opportunity to visit BORACAY in its pristine condition, when humans, party-goers and tourists emptied the beaches. Well, there were only locals and children who enjoyed the sanctity and serenity of the scenery over a cloudy back drop.

Here are some of the pictures we've taken:

The map of Boracay Island

Establishments along the coast of Boracay are closed

Stormy clouds threatens the coast line

EMPTY! EMPTY! EMPTY BEACH! WOW!

The Rock Formation remains steads fast and will be a mute witness of Boracay's transformation

As the Sun is about to kiss good morning, locals enjoy gazing over the coast to find shell fish.

Pristine as it is.

What was once a crowded alley has not become a highway

The pictures were taken last July 2018. Improvements have already been introduced and sustainable tourism is now the battle cry. We need educated tourist and not a reckless one, we need mindful business enterprises and not those careless, and we need a decisive Government to heal a once prestigious best island of the world.