Trip Magazine Issue 1 by Trip Magazine

P120

issue 1

EYES on Nueva Ecija

Minalungao

THE ROCKING BEAUTY OF PEÑARANDA RIVER

Let’s Go Chasing Waterfalls: 11 SPRINGS TO CROSS ONE HOUR TREK

BeetleCab: THE WHEEL OF A BUG’S LIFE

Alternatrip THE ECIJA DIFFERENCE

Pasalubong Corner:

BITS AND PIECES YOU TAKE HOME

now

see page 75

mario balane photography

Highlights FEATURE: NUEVA ECIJA

ADVENTURE TRIPS

TRAVEL TIPS

LEISURE

FOODTRIP

LIFESTYLE

Are you on for your next vacation? Have you packed necessary things for the trip? Better be sure that you have everything you need to avoid hassle along the way. Lorraine listed down must-haves for a hassle-free trip.

Eleven springs to cross. One hour of trekking to endure. but it only takes a second to forget everything you’ve been through when you marvel at Gabaldon Falls.

Be captivated by a treasure that is worth all the bumpy ride and dusty road. Witness unexplored subterranean caverns, green pristine rivers, and unique rock formations lying in the southeastern part of Nueva Ecija.

TRIP BARKADA

ALTERNATRIP

TRAVEL LOG TIPS

Hear it from our friends out there! Find out what they’re up to, their favorite trip destinations, and activities they love to do.

Getting there one way or another... Ryan will let you have the Nueva Ecija feel and experience without going far or getting broke!

Irish shares tips and ideas on having your own travelogue a.k.a. travel journal. Be inspired as you plan your next most awesome travel!

TAONG PUTIK FESTIVAL We are used to celebrating the Feast of Saint John The Baptist as a bountiful, wet and splashy tradition. Be fascinated with Bibiclat’s extraordinary way of celebrating the feast!

DUPINGA RIVER Dupinga River is probably the most pupular tourist spot in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. This cheap adventure trip is perfect for students and those who love to have picnic and videoke.

FOODTRIP Who doesn’t love to eat? Kim shares some of Nueva Ecija’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars.

TRAVEL GADGET

GABALDON FALLS

CARRON DREAM PARK This is the biggest amusement park north of Manila, located at Bgy. Sto. Cristo, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. Truly, one of Nueva Ecija’s pride!

MINALUNGAO

PASALUBONG CORNER Looking for something to bring home for family and friends? You can never go wrong with pastillas, batutay, and polvoron!

TRIP MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 Dear Trip readers, The idea of Trip’s first issue excites me like a little girl. I have worked with several magazines before but this one holds a special place in my heart. I can’t believe that starting this day, it will not just be a dream or an idea. The fact that you are holding it in your hands right now is proof that we have survived sleepless nights and endless mental storming. The idea has left its box. It has found freedom in exploring places, learning new things, and making life’s journey worthwhile. It has left its comfort zone and decided to jump off the cliff of endless possibilities. Of course, Trip Magazine will not exist without the help of people who support us and love the best and worst of us. I would like to extend my personal thanks to my parents, Romeo and Liberty Odulio, who still open the door for me even during ungodly hours. Where would I be without you guys? Biggest thanks go to our relentless team. John, you are a treasure; thanks for walking on water with us. Russ, thanks to wifi, we all felt your connection. Ely, my travel buddy, you are the most handsome driver ever; thanks for making things possible. Karlo, my college crush (shame if you delete this one!), thanks for saying yes and doing this. Mary Rose, thanks for sharing the couch; otherwise, I will be sleeping on the floor. Erwin, the most gorgeous and genius of us all, thanks for the Palawan trip (that’s what you owe me for this name mention). To God be the glory! Much love,

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief

Jane Odulio Associate Editor

Karlo Cusi Creative Director

John Fundano Published by PSR Media Network Inc.

Reproduction without written permission from PSR Media Network Inc. is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in this magazine are solely those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Trip Magazine. ©2013 by PSR Media Network Inc. All rights reserved.

Columnists

Mary Rose Dueñas Mary Rose Magcamit Ryan Villareal Kim Odulio Manuel Executive Director

Ely Dela Cruz

featured contributors

Maxie

Geranta Chief Medical Technologist/Freelance Photographer, Percussionist Maxie believes that Ninja turtles exist.

Clark

Sarmenta Wedding/Portraits/Events Photographer, University Professor For him, chest freezer is the coolest gadget ever invented.

Other Contributors: Venus VItales Carlis Gazzingan Devi Kiaki Aranan Andrei Mendoza Precious Alonzo Lorraine Ann Delos Santos

Lay-Out | Graphic Artist: Russ Elloso

Kim

Mary Rose

Naomi Jean

Aechelle Aiza

She believes in GOD as the ultimate anchor of her life and the BIBLE as the best tour guide.

This person loves to sing every time she feels sad, or happy.

This person loves to run Her fave trip destinations every time she feels le- are Boracay and Singapore but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreaming thargic. to be in Paris.

Magcamit Public Relations Officer

Pacoli Learning Center Staff

P. Dumuk Professor

Odulio Manuel Nurse

Precious Liz BaĂąas Medical Student

Irish

Cuyos Rocker

Her trip activities consist She believes in living life of learning/experiencing in simplicity, rock and roll, new cultures, food, dia- and just being awesome! lects, languages, diving (if possible), and climbing mountains

BARKADA

Kitchie Nadal

Name: Kitchie Nadal Birthday: September 16, 1980 Occupation: recording artist If you were not recording artist today, what would you be? psychologist What’s your current state of mind? Love for Jesus is the perfect balance. Describe yourself in three words: introvert turned extrovert Favorite destination in the Philippines: Palawan & Mindanao Latest trip: Kuwait Dream trip: Israel Fave activity(ies): painting, mission work What’s on your playlist? Sugarfree, Cynthia Alexander What’s in your survival kit? pepper spray If you find yourself deserted in an island and you can only bring one thing, what will it be? Bible Cheap thrills: coffee, playing with kids Guilty pleasures: shopping Message to Trip barkada: Jesus loves you!

jaycontreras of KAMIKAZEE

Name: Jay Contreras Birthday: June 4 Occupation: dancer & entertainer! If you were not a dancer/entertainer today, what would you be? lawyer, wrestler, o baka pari! What’s your current state of mind? Steady lang. Happy Daddy! Describe yourself in three words: pogi, macho, sinungaling Favorite destination in the Philippines: bahay ko. Anywhere with my bandmates and family Latest trip: Singapore Dream trip: Amsterdam 02

Fave activity(ies): sleeping What’s on your playlist? E-heads, Urbandub, OPM What’s in your survival kit? deodorant…lagi basa kilikili ko e If you find yourself deserted in an island and you can only bring one thing, what will it be? iPhone Cheap thrills: yosi, isaw Guilty pleasures: litsong kawali Message to Trip barkada: Gumawa ng mabuti sa kapwa araw-araw.

Name: Teddy Corpuz Birthday: Dec. 4, 1979 Occupation: artist If you were not an artist today, what would you be? panadero What’s your current state of mind? chill Describe yourself in three words: wild, blunt, steady Favorite destination in the Philippines: Bora & my house (home) Latest trip: Dubai Dream trip: Europe Fave activity(ies): skateboard, basketball, cards What’s on your playlist? Deathcab, Abra, Louie What’s in your survival kit? Bible If you find yourself deserted in an island and you can only bring one thing, what will it be? Bible Cheap thrills: cards Guilty pleasures: Jack Coke Message to Trip barkadas: Enjoy life! Live today not as if it were your last but as if it was your first! First kiss, dance, first labing-labing!

teddy corpuz

of ROCKSTEDDY

patricia manuel Name: Patricia Marie Manuel Birthday: August 10, 1992 Occupation: Graduating student – early childhood development If you didn’t pursue teaching, what would you be? make-up artist What’s your current state of mind? I’m into finishing my schooling and will let faith lead me. Describe yourself in three words: pretty, sweet, and moody Favorite destination in the Philippines: Boracay

Latest trip: Baguio (spent my Christmas there with my family) Dream trip: PARIS!!! Fave activity(ies): doing other’s make-up What’s in your survival kit? makeup kit?? If you find yourself deserted in an island and you can only bring one thing, what will it be? lip gloss Cheap thrills: carinderia hopping Guilty pleasures: eating Korean food 09

BARKADA

Barbie Almalbis Name: Barbie Almalbis-Honasan Birthday: August 26 Occupation: Singer/Songwriter If you were not a musician today, what would you be? Aside from being a wife/mom, if I wasn’t a musician, I’d probably be another sort of artist. What’s your current state of mind? Happy and hopeful, always thinking about the future—because of my kids. Describe yourself in three words/phrase: multitasker, passionate, saved-by-grace Favorite destination in the Philippines: Roxas City—home! Latest trip: Singapore for a gig Dream trip: I got to visit the Louvres before with a friend, but would love to visit again with my family—especially since I married a painter. Fave activity(ies): Aside from anything music related, movies, basketball, beach, picnics What’s on your playlist? The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr. What’s in your survival kit? Phone If you find yourself deserted in an island and you can only bring one thing, what will it be? A Bible, or better yet, a phone with Bible app and a charger. Cheap thrills: Running around after two toddlers is more than all the thrill I need. Guilty Pleasures: Twin Popsies

josh john steven de guzman

TV5 TALENTADONG PINOY 2012 FINALIST A True Novo Ecijano

“Napakasaya ko po, kasi di ko po akalain na mapapanood ko po yung sarili ko sa TV” 10

On a Year of ADVENTURE TRIPS

and Crossing Out

BUCKET LIST

by JANE ODULIO

“You are still young, free…Do yourself a favor. Before it’s too late, without thinking too much about it first, pack a pillow and a blanket and see as much of the world as you can. You will not regret it. One day it will be too late.” Jhumpa Lahiri, The Namesake

was showing Nanay Neri pictures of where we have been. I told her we went to breathtaking falls, jumped off a cliff, and swam in ice-cold water. She gleamed with her perfect smile, looked at me with excitement, and said she wants to go there also.

One day, it will be too late. Nanay Neri just turned 73 and to go for an hour trek will be hard for her. I smiled and promised her that I will show her more pictures of places we’ve been. Time flies so fast. As I looked back and recalled what happened in 20 plus years of my existence, I asked myself if I have lived it to the fullest. Though I go out once in a while, I realized that I have been living a life behind a computer! I’ve been working—I didn’t have time for travel, and I didn’t have time to visit friends and family—I’ve been boxed in a 9-5 day job! And weekends? I rather spend it on bed and get as much sleep as I can. Man, that has been my lifestyle for 5 years! Fast forward now. Hurray! I

In this photo: Jane Odulio Photographer: Maxie Geranta Make-up by Izza Arce Dress by Race Advincula Accessories by Rose Alba 12

discovered freelancing, and its benefits are very rewarding. You have more time for yourself, you get a chance to meet more people and explore more things and places around you. Cheers for the days when you can stop for a while, appreciate the sun, look down at the grass, inhale fresh air, and breathe a prayer of thanks for a wonderful life. Forget the days of snoozing the alarm clock for the nth time, rushing to the bathroom, skipping breakfast, and beating the red light. You know this—you will arrive late at the office anyway, so why rush? Kidding aside, I understand young professional’s frustrations nowadays. They want to establish their career and at the same time they want to enjoy life. Ask them why they can’t get up early. Chances are, they went home late the night before because of coffee or movie date with friends. Well, I have good news for you. Trip Magazine existed for those who contribute to almost 90% of the nation’s income, the consumers and the spenders, the taxpayers and the true heroes of this generation—you! Every order of mocha

frappe you make has 12% VAT charged on it. So tell me, where would our country be without you? You need a trip. You deserve it! And the government is supporting you on this. Well, you don’t believe me? Think about holiday economics. With the government announcing three days of no work in advance, every employee has a chance to plan vacations. And who will not love Cebu Pacific and Zest Air’s promo fares? It’s really time for every Juan to fly! I won’t make this too long because we have a year ahead of us to plan and document our travel story. Consider the world as a large book and each place is a page to read. Starting today, with the birth of Trip Magazine, we will discover it one page at a time. We’re in this together, folks! Cheers to a year full of happy moments, crazy adventure trips, and crossing out bucket lists! See you next Trip!

S T R A N D E D ? LIFE DOESN’T END THERE Visit Jane’s page at www.janeodulio.com or send your questions at info@janeodulio.com

alternaTRIP getting there, one way or the other

| ryan villareal

greencolumn | maryrose magcamit

be ready to discover pain after the fun

NUEVA ECIJA’S DIFFERENCE “Nueva Vizcaya? No Nueva Ecija. Aren’t those the same place?”

his was the circular conversation I had with my close friend from Nueva Ecija who consistently corrects my Nuevas. Being the geographically challenged person that I am, I tend to easily mix cities, municipalities, barrios et al. Who can blame me? We have all sorts of repetitive names for different places in the country like the Nortes, Surs, Orientals,Occidentals and how about the Zamboangas? It indicates direction and.yes, our apparent lack of imagination. Back to Nueva Ecija, despite the fact that I’mfrom northern Luzon and that it’s just three to four hours from Manila, I have never been to this province. The horror film “Sukob,” which was shot in Nueva Ecija, may have contributed to this imposed distance, but I think it is mainly because of the “landlocked” feature of the province that makde me adamant. It may only be three hours, but who has the time to spend three gruelling hours of travelling and end up in a place without the warmth a beach and sea breeze offer. In this archipelago, this sounds unfathomable; however, this is the point where Nueva Ecija becomes interesting. Being different. Until then that I have the time off from work to visit the province, I am resigned to the idea of experiencing the province of Nueva Ecija within the confines of the metropolitan. You may say lame, but I say efficient-it saved money and time. Based on what everybody says, the best way to experience the rich history of a place is through its local cuisine, so I started my

journey to Nueva Ecija at SM North Edsa on a hot Tuesday noon, not to wait for a bus but to eat the famous Nueva Ecija delicacy “Batutay” in a place aptly named “Longganisa Sorpresa,” a restaurant that offers wide variety of longganisa (local sausage) from different regions in the country. Batutay or Bototay is a kind of longganisa that is made up of beef instead of pork, which most of the different longganisas in the country are made of. This unique twist made the longganisa of Nueva Ecija famous.Its taste is unforgettable. I got to enjoy a Batutay meal in a comfy couch atSM North Edsa-Sky Garden overlooking the chaotic Edsa for only Php 100.00, Php 115.00if you include the fare going there.This was cost-efficient. Batutay is a refreshing break from the garlicky taste of most longganisas because of its sweet taste intricately woven with the subtle flavors of garlic and salt solutions. It gave me the impression that this kind of strong flavour different from the most can only be created by people passionate for change. No wonder that Novo Ecijanos like Mariano Llanera, Pantaleon Valmonte, Mamerto Natividad Jr, and Manuel Tinio are etched in history as heroes of the revolution and were in the frontlines of fighting for freedom during the Spanish era in Northern Luzon. That beef sausage really made me know history. After a few hours, I wam ready for the next level of my Novo Ecijano experience by eating dinner at a Nueva Ecija fastfood chainat Walter Mart North Edsa called NE Foodshoppe. Jeepney fare cost just Php 8.00 from where I was. Reminiscent of a more popular fast-food chain which started out as a bakery and eventually expanded its products to home-cooked Fili-

pino delicacies, NE Foodshoppe has the same nature and background. I stumbled on this distinct restaurant a few years back during my weekly grocery shopping. I got my loaf of bread there but for some reasons never tried theirdish, well, until now. The restaurant is not extra-ordinary.It offers the same food viands as other eateries that offer Filipino cuisine; it also has the same kind of adjacent tables, same clinical lights, same tired-looking crew. The difference is how they have Nueva Ecija versions of local cuisines. Craving for something Ilocano, I chose their version of “papaitan” or ox tripes and innards cooked with extracts of bile and tamarind. The papaitan stew is originally an Ilocano dish, known for its strong bile flavor, but the sour version of the Novo Ecijanos is a good bend. They got this brilliantly prepared dish and turned it into something even more surprising. As I sipped of tangy spoonfuls of “papaitan” soup, I realized the colourful mixture of culture in the province since it is strategically located between the sub-cultures of the Kapampangans (south border) and the Ilocanos (north border). No wonder Novo Ecijanos have a hint of everything. They fuse a wonderful concoction of flavor, tradition and culture With the busy work-life in the metropolitan, experiencing a province in half a day is indeed rewarding. I got home with the aftertaste of garlic and bile-really not a good combination for an aftertaste-prepping me that probably someday I get to enjoy these scrumptious dishes on actual Nueva Ecija grounds, and eventually knowing that Ecijano difference.

photo: joseph bonaobra

It’s New Year! What are your travel plans for 2013? Your list may include adventures as exciting as racing, camping, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, sailing and what have you! But at the end of the day, are you prepared for the other side of the story? Be ready to discover the pain after your trip because that is a real part of you adventure. Last year, this same month, my friends and I joined a mountain trekking adventure with some experts. I was very excited about that adventure and even researched about the mountain we would climb–Mount Pulag. It was my first ever mountain adventure and a dream come true! Mt. Pulag is the highest mountain in Luzon, about 2,922 meters above sea level. Its borders are the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya. There, the weather condition is extreme. Good thing I was able to bring extra jackets and clothes.

As I prepared my backpack, I also readied myself for some troubles I might experience. My only preparation to endure aching legs (my only idea of pain I might experience) was regularly going to the gym, which I thought was enough. I thought I have strong bones and muscles for a hike like that. But I was wrong! My body was not prepared for chilly weather condition. We spent our night camping in a long, dark, and humid part of the trail. Also, rain made my adventure uncomfortable.

yourself that it is really part of the game. I’m talking about physical pain. You will experience muscle and body aches, joints and feet injuries, dehydration, stomach ache, or fever that in the following days you will not want to leave your bed and instead take a rest. I’m not discouraging you but I am challenging you to go out to your comfort zone and experience the pain of a true explorer! I’m not expert on this issue but come on! Discover it by yourself. Have a blessed trip to all of us!

After all the troubles, we conquered Mt. Pulag! It was a true escapade that measured my strength and endurance. My friends and I had shared good memories as first timers. It was a different feeling—an unexplained one. However, an adventure is a combination of fun and pain. If you’re a true adventurer, you know what kind of pain I am talking about. It is what your body must tolerate. You have to convince

To make it more personal, more YOU, decorate it with pictures, artworks, quotes, patterns, stamps, or anything that represents yourself. You can even make up a name or a title (i.e.: The Adventures of Jane Around The World, etc.). The sky’s the limit!

Travel Log Tips

Irish Cuyos

ew year. New journeys. New destinations. For all you travel-junkies out there, this is the perfect time of the year for an awesome adventure, so we suggest starting packing your bags & planning your next trip. And what better way to do that than to make your own travelogue a.k.a a travel journal. What is the purpose of a travel journal? A travel journal is similar to a diary wherein you mainly record details of your journeys and/or travels, often told in a first-person perspective. You can write on your journal anything that can be perceived by your four senses during your trip: what you have seen, heard, felt & tasted. Keeping a travel journal not only helps you organize your travel plans but also serves as something to make you remember significant information or experiences that would also be worth sharing with friends & family members. What’s the number one rule? Be CREATIVE! Make your jorunal personal and let it reflect your true self! Remember that one of the purposes of making a travel log is for you to have something to look back on. And most often than not, we want something good to remember. So fill your pages with happy thoughts and crazy experiences! Trust me, it can save you in the future when you are having those “emo days.” Remember: A travel log is not only a place where you can record & write your journeys but also your visual diary. So go ahead and start filling up those pages with awesome images that you’ve captured or even things that you’ve picked up along the way. For example, let’s say you saw a leaf. You’ve never seen such a stunning leaf in your entire life! The vibrant color it radiates, how it glistens in the sun. So what do you do?! Take some glue & paste that leaf in so you can revisit it as time goes by and bring back that wonderful memory and feeling you had upon finding that certain leaf.

To get you started, here are a few things you need to have and few tips to keep in mind to immortalize that most awesome trip ever: Invest on a good notebook. A Moleskine hardbound notebook will never fail you. It’s a good investment and won’t even take much space in your travel bag.

For our more hi-tech friends out there. You can always start and sign up for a free blog on Wordpress (www.wordpress.com), Blogger (www.blogspot.com) or Tumblr (www.tumblr.com). Create an account, choose your template, and you’re good to go. Take pictures and post whatever you want regarding your journey and share it to the world. Maybe even share tips and do’s & don’ts of different places, etc. You can also self-host your own blog if you have that extra dough. You would also have to buy your own domain name through various hosting sites like Godaddy (www.godaddy.com) or Hostgator (www.host01. gator.com). They have multiple packages to suit your needs, so be sure to pick the right one that you think would meet your requirements. And here are but a few essential things that we suggest you write in that remarkable book of yours when you plan your next trip either locally or abroad: Trip Budget. It is always a good idea to plan and organize how much funds are required to make this trip. Determine all the costs for accommodations, food, commutes & leisure.

Destinations. Determine the place that you would like visit. Specify locations. How you will be travelling. Is it by plane? Or by car? Are you travelling alone or will you have someone with you? Accommodation/Food Arrangements. Will you stay at a relatives or a friends’ place? Or at a hotel/motel? If you choose the latter, make sure you make arrangements early on to avoid any sort of hassle. The world is yours for the taking so make sure you keep note of every awesome step you take! Happy journaling and have a rockin’ adventure! 17

trips that count Some might have already made this realization:

taking trips helps people find more of themselves, and most of the time the better versions of they once are. Why is that? Well, maybe because sometimes they become more people-centered. In traveling, there is a requisite to learn, adapt, befriend, observe, be culturally sensitive, be resourceful, be better stewards of nature, and become open-minded. They become witnesses of the extremesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;extreme poverty and extreme luxuryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and so creating in them the propensity to strike the balance. Well, this is what taking trips is for me, or has helped me be.

Travelling is about making investments, priceless, lifelong investments: investing in time, friendship, people, culture, pictures, and memories. This upcoming summer, taking a long break from medical school, I am joining Immergence and Palakaya: Operation Samaria 2013. Mission trips such as this include a healthy mix of meeting new friends, learning new cultures through cultural exchanges with the local people, and economical and wise investment of money. It feels nice offering services such as health and literacy, knowing your calling, your place in this world, being swooned by the beauty of creation,and, of course at the core of it all, sharing this love God has for those willing to know and hear. Medical Ambassadors Philippines,a non-government mission organization of doctors and nurses, is one of the major partners of these trips. With its other partner NGOs, it teaches its volunteers approaches in helping indigenous people groups, approaches that are sensitive to their culture as to not disrupt or corrupt it. A challenge is to embark on a journey that not only fulfills the journer but also gives back to the Giver of journeys. Come and trail blaze with me. Precious BaĂąas

William Johnsonn

Editorial <<< 01

Mary Rose Magc

amit

ou may consider traveling with friends and with people who also love adventures! And, yes, later, they can be your travel buddy.

the very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. the joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences. awesomeness lies outside our comfort zones.

However, a travel buddy can not only be “someone” but also “something” that you can be with when traveling. I’m talking about a reliable buddy that is always on your back to support you in every step you take. This buddy is with you as you plan your trip. You, together with this buddy, decide what items you should bring and know their purposes. This buddy is something you can trust all your belongings to, something that you can depend all the time–your backpack! A backpack is a product designed for your outdoor activities—to be a traveler’s best friend! Its main purpose is to be with you and support you in every trip you make. It helps you to carry all your travel belongings. It’s a multipurpose companion that stays with you throughout your adventure. It strengthens your power and passion to continue your journey. Isn’t it wonderful that the first thing you do before leaving your home is to jump with excitement and grab your backpack? So you better look for a backpack that guarantees quality friendship.

Factors for a long-lasting ‘friendship’ • Size - The first thing you must consider is the size of your backpack. Look for one that can easily be placed on your back. It may also depend on your body size and your perspective of how much weight you can carry. It’s very important that you are comfortable with it, so don’t look for sizes bigger than you. • Quality - If you want a long lasting journey together you must consider the quality of your backpack. Check 24

out its capacity and durability. Check out details of its parts—the zipper, the shoulder straps, etc. Consider also the waist and chest straps that will help you to carry the weight of your belongings. You better invest in a high quality product; something may be expensive but may give you the assurance of stability.

ion statement. Instead you must consider how it will go with your body. The design might also depend on your gender and the type of journey you will take. Just prioritize on a design that will completely support your back and shoulders for equal weight distribution.

• Design - The design may vary depending on your own taste and standard. But you must remember that design is not only about creating a fash-

johnfundano | fotography

Across the automotive industry, carmakers are pouring money into new technology to meet these standards. Features such as a hybrid-electric system that captures energy when the vehicle slows and then uses this energy to boost power when it accelerates, as well as engines that shut off at stop lights to save fuel, may become norms in a few years as a result of the scramble to improve fuel economy.

150

PICK ME UP CARLIS GAZZINGAN

built around it over the last 60 years.

pickup is a dedicated workhorse that can handle plenty of abuse. Many look good, but can they get the tough job done?

Enter the 2013 Ford F-150.

Ford is America’s bestselling vehicle—more Americans buy one than any other vehicle annually—for the past four decades. This is due largely to Ford’s yearly installations of small changes that keep their premier truck line looking young and fresh amid the heavy competition. Also, on top of the bevy of half-ton trucks is a traditional designation identifying light-duty fullsize pickups. Yet, small changes obviously weren’t the agenda of the Detroit-based automotive pioneer this year. While the entirety of Ford’s 108-year history is not founded entirely on the F-150 and its predecessors, it has certainly been

As Ford unveiled the perennially popular truck’s most recent incarnation, it was clear that Ford was about to take one of the biggest gambles to ever come out of Allen Park. Since its debut in 1948, the F-150 has have just a few radical evolutions in design, features, and capability—all while remaining all-steel in frame and body. That's about to change. The next generation of the F-150 features a massive and dramatic overhaul in the form of a 700-pound “ironsuction”. What’s this, you ask? In an effort to improve gas mileage, the 2013 Ford F-150 will either enjoy, or suffer (the verdict’s still out), a largely aluminum body. The radical redesign is aimed to meet tougher American fuel-economy targets which are now starting to have game-changing effects across the board. On top of trying to overcome a wide host of manufacturing obstacles,

Ford will need to convince its die-hard consumer base that aluminum is as tough as steel if it wants to continue its streak at pole position. The switch to the lighter metal will mean a roughly 15% weight cut for the F-150. While this presents a whole slew of challenges for Ford, including expense, production complexity, durability, and, of course, perception, such a reduction would enable the F-150 (and the rest of the Ford pickup lineup, should the aluminum makeover prove effective) to go farther on a litre of petrol and open the door to other evolutionary changes. Ford first got the ball rolling on this radical—and possibly game changing—redesign when the Obama administration pushed through new fuel-economy regulations in the summer of 2011. The regulations ramped up fuel economy goals increasingly per year, leveling out and requiring the U.S. vehicle fleet to average 23.2 kilometres per litre (km/L) by 2025.

It is worth noting though that the raw material for aluminum itself is much more costly than steel, and Ford’s sales and profitability will undoubtedly take a hit should prices go up and profit margins go down. Aluminum is also notoriously difficult to work with in comparison to steel; being more springy, it snaps back farther after it is pressed, which makes it more challenging to build the massive dies on which the metal is formed. Aluminum is more likely to tear if pressed too quickly, requiring the presses to be run more slowly. On the other hand, steel is the more flexible of the two and is capable of surviving deformation (dents, bumps, and scuffs) without cracking, buckling, or otherwise failing structurally. The switch from steel to aluminum also provides a huge logistics headache in the form of aluminum’s lack of magnetism. What this means is powerful and electricity-hungry vacuums will have to be used to pick up the aluminum sheets for transfer, requiring Ford to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in new manufacturing equipment and the use of auto-assembly techniques that pose challenges in high-volume production. All of these factors together have the potential to drive the cost of production up to unknown heights and massively cut the F-150’s longstanding hefty profit margins. Undoubtedly, all of these can and will strongly influence the market's perception of the new generation F-150, as nobody wants to see a rise in price accompanied by a perceived decrease in durability, even if it does bring with it increased gas mileage.

Simply put, buyers may think that cutting weight by switching to a perceived less-durable material in an effort to improve fuel economy would result in a vehicle that does not encapsulate the F-150’s “Built Ford Tough” mantra and further damage Ford’s reputation for toughness.

After all is said and done, the nextgeneration Ford F-150 will ultimately be, at least in part, a so-called "compliance vehicle," engineered to conform to the specifications of the law more than to accommodate consumer needs or automaker plans.

While we can’t say for certain that the engineers over at Ford are not worrying over the redesign that they cooked up, Ford is reportedly cognizant of these challenges and says that durability and reliability are still the main characteristics of the 2013 Ford F-150.

Think the 2013 Ford F-150’s for you? These vehicle highlights will help you decide.

Vehicle Highlights Max Seating Capacity

3 (Regular Cab) 6 (SuperCab, SuperCrew)

Drive Type

4x2 4x4

Horsepower

302 @ 6500 rpm (3.7L V6) 360 @ 5500 rpm (5.0L V8) 411 @ 5500 rpm (6.2L V8) 365 @ 5000 rpm (3.5L EcoBoost®)

Torque

278 @ 4000 rpm (3.7L V6) 380 @ 4250 rpm (5.0L V8) 434 @ 4500 rpm (6.2L V8) 420 @ 2500 rpm (3.5L EcoBoost®)

Transmissions

6-Speed Automatic (standard) 6-speed SelectShift Automatic™ (optional on XL, STX, XLT; std. on FX2/FX4, LARIAT, King Ranch®, SVT Raptor, Platinum and Limited

Wheelbase

125.9" (6.5' box Regular Cab) 133.3" SVT Raptor (5.5' box SuperCab) 144.5" (5.5' box SuperCrew, 6.5' box SuperCab, 8.0' box Regular Cab) 145.2" SVT Raptor (5.5' box SuperCrew) 156.5" (6.5' box SuperCrew) 163.1" (8.0' box SuperCab)

Maximum Conventional Towing

11,300 lbs. (See towing chart)

Maximum Payload

3,120 lbs. (Regular Cab 4x2 with 5.0L V8 and Heavy Duty Payload Pkg)

Warranty

Bumper to Bumper: 3 years / 36,000 miles Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles Safety Restraint System: 5 years / 60,000 miles Corrosion (Perforation only): 5 years / Unlimited miles Roadside Assistance Program: 5 years / 60,000 miles

Minimum Vehicle Base Curb Weight (lbs.) 4x2

4685

4x4

4925

GEARS MINI HD You surely don’t like to miss those wonderful scenic spots and unforgettable experiences in your trip, so better not forget to put your cameras in your checklist. Any kind of camera will do as long as you are comfortable with it. Digital cameras are very handy compared to DSLR. If you prefer a light travel, digital cameras would fit best in your bag, but if you do like to have high quality videos and pictures, a DSLR would be a good travel partner. In taking shots underwater, you must not also forget to consider bringing an underwater camera, especially if you’re going to a summer getaway! Mini HD is probably the best digicam you can bring with you. A 5.0 megapixel camera half the size of your palm would save precious space in you bag.

Gadgets

LED FlashLight

Trip

for your

by Lorraine Ann Delos Santos

re you on for your next vacation? Have you packed necessary things for the trip?

It’s better to be sure you have everything you need to avoid hassle along the way. Free yourself from carrying big bags and loads of stuff. Be sure to consider your comfort in choosing what things you need to bring and what among these will be helpful along the way. Check the list of some essential travel gadgets which may help you in your travel. Here are some of them: Cellphone is one of the most important gadgets you MUST not forget to have on your next trip. You must maintain constant contact with your friends and relatives or with people you plan to visit. You surely need a thing to call or send a message to inform them of your whereabouts and ask for necessary information about places. Sony Xperia Acro S would probably the best gadget to do this. It has good call quality and long battery life. You’ll surely have a clear and clean reception for all your calls. SMS sending is timely and fast! Its battery life can actually last for two days with just a single full charge. It will definitely fit best for longer trips. The Sony Xperia Acro S is also water-proof and dust-proof, which is why it’s really best to bring during swimming, trekking, or even hiking. 28

You should not forget to bring your light source. Flashlights are very important when going on a trip. In case of emergency, accidents, or when you get lost, you must be sure that you have something to light your way. Usual flashlights are hassle to bring because of their size and weight. LED flashlights are best to avoid bringing bulky and heavy flashlights. These flashlights may be heavy-duty but never heavy to bring in your pack. They are smaller and have lower power requirements than usual flashlights. LED flashlights became popular for being lightweight and dependable.

HYPERJUICE Plug

SONY Experia Acro S

Be sure your gadgets won’t run out of battery, or else it’s another problem to solve. Portable power source is essential to bring with you, especially when you go for long drives. At least you are sure that your camera, cellphone and other gadgets are safe from running out of battery in the middle of your travel. Portable power sources are indeed very handy. You’ll have no worries about losing contact with friends and family or getting bored because these power sources can charge up your iPhone, iPod and other gadgets. Hyper Juice plug is the only charger you need during long trips. They can actually charge up an iPhone from 29% and an iPad from 39% battery life to 100% charged. It may be bulkier and heavier than other portable power sources, but it would not be a big issue since it could still fit in your bag.

These are just some gadgets that you may consider bringing during your next trip. You travel for a purpose: for leisure, work, or relaxation. Don’t get yourself stressed by bringing bulky things and loads of stuff that would just cause hassle and discomfort. Try to review these gadgets; they can surely help you a lot on your next dream trip! Lorraine Ann Delos Santos

senyorita’s delight

MARY ROSE DUEÑAS

! c i f i & r r te horri

Hey folks! I bet you had a wonderful start to the

New Year! Hooray!

Well, I’m your new friend, Senyorita. I’m typing with all fingers intact! (Haha. Obviously hindi ako nagpaputok last New Year’s Eve!) Let’s talk about stuff that will interest or horrify you. This is my personal experience on trending issues, may it be about food, dress, movie, activities, dates (rolls eyes) which I’ve tried recently. I’ll tell you about them so you can try them yourself or along with your gang. By next issue, I’ll be expecting tons of messages from you whether you’ve experienced them or you have stories about them. Exciting right?!

fic

STYLE in every Christmas Party. I almost puked! HORRIFIC!!! *** I experienced a white Christmas! Nah, I didn’t go out of the country. I had a taste of how winter feels like at Snow Village in Manila Ocean Park! I was in Dubai for eight years, but failed to visit Ski Dubai (sigh) so I grabbed the opportunity to have fun with penguins and slide on ice at Slide O’ Fun.

*** I love to travel. I enjoy being on comfortable passenger seat to sleep! Many would complain that they prefer a dog instead of me travelling with them because at least it will bark at them! I’m so much bullied, am not I? (Sniff! Sniff!) But who wouldn’t want to sleep? Especially when they have an additional hour or two to their regular travel time because of detours or road constructions on-going! It’s election time, so roads have to be repaired or reconstructed even if they are perfectly okay! I’m so amazed by our politician’s generosity! Tsk tsk. HORRIFIC!!!

Most girls, if not all, are going’ gaga over Daniel Padilla, the undeniably hottest young star these days (credit to the legendary Padilla charisma and his talent too). He is Google 2012’s fifth most searched personality. I’ve attended one of his concerts in Nueva Ecija, and, believe me, everyone wanted to snatch him from the stage! You must see him perform, feel the serenade, and you will definitely want to be on Kathryn Bernardo’s shoes (his love team partner) or wish to be his Valentine! Next issue, we will feature him here in Trip! (Dear Editor, centerfold or cover please!) For you Daniel, a TERRIFIC stamp with smooches!

*** I just checked my Twitter and saw #MajorityWontBackOutOnMIGI on the trending list! If you watch Princess and I, you know that it’s about the Mikay-Gino tandem.

*** Let me define two words that we will use: TERRIFIC – excellent; a MUST-TRY recommendation HORRIFIC – a horrible experience; DON’T’ WASTE YOUR TIME with this *** There was this theory that the world would have supposedly ended last December 21, 2012! Good news! It was postponed! (To heck with it.) So everyone celebrated and danced OPPA GANGNAM

The main attraction was the underwater tunnel, where I saw lots of marine creatures, including sharks, sting rays, and other fishes. (Wala akong nakitang Sirena! Haha) However, it was overly crowded since people would just sit in the tunnel! Manila Ocean Park is a must-visit place for kids and kids-at-heart. I’d love to visit this place again, but maybe during off-peak season. TERRIFIC!!!

Well I won’t tell you about the teleserye; it’s for you to find out. I want to basically highlight the growing popularity of Daniel Padilla! Girls, behave! Haha!

Be Beautiful Inside & Out

by Naomi Jean Pacoli

for Your Next Trip

he concept of beauty is an age-old topic. Men and women alike have their own definition of beauty. All over the world, people have different ideas about beauty. It is innate in people to be drawn to beautiful things. Many words have been said, clichés made. One such saying that I agree with wholeheartedly is this: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” This holds true especially when one is in front of the mirror. One should truly appreciate what he or she sees.

There is one particular saying that I disagree with though: “Beauty is only skin deep.” True beauty is not just skin deep. We

are often very fussy with the way we look, the way we dress, how to wear our hair or how to care for our faces. Nowadays, both men and women have ways of taking care of themselves. We pay close attention to our faces, trying on different types of makeup and beauty products. But as I have said, true beauty should not be just on the outside. I do believe that it should really radiate from within—literally. A healthy person is a beautiful person. Healthy people give off a certain glow. Many people are concerned about their weight or body figure that they resort to extreme dieting, while there are some who are just the opposite. Extreme dieting, which might be close to undernourishment, is not a good idea. Needless to say that it is definitely unhealthy. Overeating, not really minding what to eat, is also not a healthy practice. How then can we keep a balance to this?

utritionists say that the ideal amount of food one must eat, regardless of body weight, age, and height, is as follows: _______________________ Any type of meat (chicken, pork, beef) or fish must be the size of your palm. Bread, rice, or pasta must be the size of your fist. Fruits and vegetables must be double the amount of the ones mentioned above. This is the just the right amount that the body would need for optimum health.

In our elementary school days, we were taught about which food is healthy and unhealthy. Growing up, we might have not enjoyed most of the healthy food and would rather go for the more flavorful but unhealthy ones. To be truly healthy, there must be a balance. I can definitely agree that fast food tastes so much better, and it doesn’t require a lot of preparation, too. However, as science has repeatedly said, fast food is the unhealthiest food around. Reducing the amount of fast food intake is one step to healthy eating. Replacing this with another type of food is the next. Preparing meals at home, which may take extra work, is still the best option. This way, we know what goes into our food. The kind of meals we prepare is another step to good health. There are many cookbooks and even cooking shows that can help we prepare healthy food that includes plenty of vegetables and fruits. Having the benefit of choosing the right food and right amount to eat, plus a good dose of exercise, would truly give us a healthy body, thus giving off that beautiful glow that shows on our faces as well. We may have the most expensive beauty products and makeup at hand, but if we are not healthy inside, these goods might not work very much in our favor. To be truly beautiful, we must remember that what we eat—or don’t eat—plays the biggest part.

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FASTFACTS

nueva ecija Nueva Ecija is the largest province and the biggest rice producer of Central Luzon, thus, often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines.” Among its main attractions is the Pantabangan River, the country’s first multi-purpose infrastructure, which stands today as a phenomenon in Filipino engineering feats. Another is the Pampanga river, cutting across a rich valley floor, famed for irrigation, the generation of hydroelectric power, and the mitigation of flood damage. Nueva Ecija is also the agri-tourism pilot site in Central Luzon due to the presence of the Central Luzon State University in the province. Its other worthwhile attractions include the Minalungao National Park, Rizal Hot Spring, Burburayok Springs and Pajanutic Falls, Barrio Puncan in the town of Carranglan, among others.

1. Nueva Ecija was named after Ecija, an old city in Seville, Spain. 2. Nueva Ecija is the largest rice producer in the country and is known as the “Rice Bowl of the Philippines”. 3. Nueva Ecija is the largest province of Central Luzon in terms of land area. 4. The province is composed of 27 municipalities and 5 cities with a total of 849 barangays. 5. Nueva Ecija is a landlocked province bounded by Nueva Vizcaya in the north, Pangasinan in the northwest, Aurora in the east, Tarlac and Pampanga in the west and Bulacan in the south. 6. The province has four major rivers namely; Pampanga River, Chico River, Malimba River and Talavera River. 7. The former name of Muñoz Science City, the only science city in the Philippines and the 2nd in Asia, is Sitio Papaya. 8. The governor who served the longest is Eduardo L. Joson, a World War II hero. He served for 28 long years. 9. During the early days, the head-hunting tribe of the mountainous areas of northern Nueva Ecija known as Ilongots were much feared and dreaded in the entire Nueva Ecija and other neighboring provinces. 10. Of the 27 municipalities and 5 cities of Nueva Ecija, five towns and one city were named after saints–San Antonio, San Isidro, San Leonardo, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo and San Jose City. 11. Talavera is formerly known as Katugian, from tugue, a kind of edible root crop which was

once abundant in the area. 12. The “First Cry of Nueva Ecija” was on September 2, 1896 and was headed by General Manuel Tinio, General Mariano Llanera, and General Mamerto Natividad. 13. In June 2008, Nueva Ecija was declared as the “milk capital of the Philippines’ due to the large population of cattle and carabao and due to the existence of Philippine Carabao Center in Muñoz Science City. 14. Cabanatuan City, a first class urban city, is the “tricycle capital of the Philippines” with more than 38,000 registered tricycles. 15. The major source of power and water supply for irrigation in the province is Pantabangan Dam, which is also one of its popular attractions. 16. In 1850, San Isidro became the capital of Nueva Ecija. 17. One of the first high schools established out of Manila is the Wright Institute of San Isidro. It was established in 1903. 18. One famous historical attraction in the province is Camp Pangatian which is a Prisoner of War Memorial Shrine located in Cabanatuan City. 19. The name of Gapan was derived from the word “gapang” which means crawl. In time the last letter was dropped. 20. The largest universities in the province include Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Araullo University, Wesleyan University.

TRAVEL

gabaldon

falls

levensprings to cross. One hour of trekking to endure. But it only takes a second to forget everything you’ve been through when you see the rippling ice-cold water from 10-foot high waterfalls. Breath-taking. Captivating. Priceless.

Photos by Maxie Geranta & Andrei Mendoza Words by Jane Odulio

The Trip

For this experience, we invited some Trip barkada to join us on the road. They just got their MBA degree so it’s a great way to celebrate their freedom from accounting and financial books! Hurray guys! Congratulations! You survived Dr. C! Yey!!!! *wink wink wink* We had our meet-up place at NE Crossing (It’s quite popular there. You will see Shell Station and McDonald’s on the opposite side). Because of the long ride and rough road, we decided to bring a 4x4 vehicle. You can also go by jeepney which will cost around 50 pesos from Cabanatuan terminal. By the time we got to Gabaldon, the place became colder, so we

decided to roll down our windows. There is nothing that can compare to the cold breeze gently touching our faces. We laughed and picked on each other on our way. It was the craziest trip ever! I guess that’s one of the perks of travelling with barkada. You can be at your worst perky face and yet they love you still. It’s not something like “behave or get your ass off the car!” Finally! After almost an hour on the road, we reached our destination. Before you can get to the falls, you have to pass Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) compound. We were surprised when we saw how huge the campus is. They have an Olympic-sized

swimming pool aside from two other pools.There are nipa huts everywhere where students can lounge around, do their assignments, have group meetings, etc. Oh, how I envy those students!

The Trek

Man, this is the challenge! We’ve been told that it would take an hour to reach the falls but we didn’t mind. In every spring (or small river or stream) that we had to cross, there’s something new to notice, so it didn’t feel like a challenge at all. We joked around, bullied each other, played with our cameras, and did different poses that are 2013 calendar worthy! LOL! (someone needs to wipe that memory card before it gets viral!!!)

The Wildlife Story.

Our group suddenly went quiet when an amphibian welcomed us in one of the springs that we had to cross. No one wanted to move and take a single step! We were frozen in time! What if there was a giant snake mother lurking in the dark and watching her baby from behind? What if there was a pool of snakes and this was just one of them? What if this snake in front of us stung us so bad that in less than one minute we’re dead? Who would rescue us? Who would take care of my dog? Who wouldmanage my blog account? What if this was my last day on earth and I haven’t even told him that I love him? Toinks. After all my delusions, I just knew that we were already on

the other side and started trekking again.

The Main Attraction.

So this is it! The place is so beautiful; we were actually lost for words! Let the pictures speak on our behalf.

MINALUNGAO NATIONAL a treasure that is worth PARK all the bumpy ride and Photos by Maxie Graganta Words by Jane Odulio

dusty road

o weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard about this unexplored subterranean caverns, green pristine rivers, and unique rock formations lying in the southeastern part of Nueva Ecija.

Without thinking twice, we packed our things and went to see it for ourselves. We were warned that the roads there are rough, under construction, and might not be passable. But nevertheless, we were up for the challenge; nothing could stop us in exploring the place (yes, we are one bunch of excited Trip backpackers!). One way of going there is through tricycle. From Papaya, it will cost you around 300 pesos per trip or 500 pesos back and forth. To get to Papaya, you need to ride a jeepney from Gapan which

will cost you less than 50 pesos. This is the best way to get there if you are not familiar with the place. Aside from giving you a ride, the tricycle driver can also be your tourist guide! If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky, you will hear folktales and stories that will make your trip a memorable one! For us, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been told (warned) that the place is enchanted and that tourists are the ones who usually get drowned or lost for no apparent reason. Crazy as we are, we laughed around and even got more excited! The only downside when rid-

ing a tricycle is the dust! You will eat a truckload of dust-literally. But as soon as you get there, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery that will make you forget all that bumpy ride and dusty road. We were expecting (and kinda preparing ourselves) for a fun, loud, and out of control team, but to our surprise, there was absolute quietness and stillness amongst everyone. Minalungao National Park is a sacred place. Though there are facilities for picnics, swimming, fishing, raft riding, and cliff diving to draw more visitors, the place is almost virgin

and everything is carefully kept intact. Taking that into consideration and as a respect for the beauty of Mother Nature, we carefully took our steps and enjoyed the beauty almost in gasps and silent praises as we trek going to the infamous cave above the river and gigantic rock formations. Our next activity consisted of 1,000 steps going to the Holy Cross at the side of the mountain. Because of the beauty that we beheld, we simply could not complain. In less than an hour, we were at the top and we felt like we were

lost in time and space! We carefully said our wishes and thanked God for the wonderful opportunity to behold one of His masterpieces. We lounged around and just enjoyed the view. Simply staring at the mountains was relaxing enough to forget the 1,000 steps that we had to endure. It was worth it! Minalungao National Park is a treasure that we found at the heart of Nueva Ecija. The place boasts of one of a kind landscape, rock formations, and deep green water. The place is almost virgin and that

is the best way to keep it. Although commercialization is coming fast evidently (thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an aggressive road construction and cement trail going to the mountain), we hope that the local government will preserve its beauty despite developments. Aside from the cave adventure and the grotto hike, they now have floating rafts and cottages like the ones in Loboc River in Bohol which you can rent (rent ranges from P700-P1,500, depending on the season).

mudtrip! The mud is the main course of the ritual. They get mud from the farm and roll themselves in the field to fully cover their bodies and faces with the mud. This is one reason why outsiders are attracted to visit the barrio every June 24.

Taong Pu tik FESTIVAL We used to celebrate the Feast of Saint John in a bountiful, wet, and splashy tradition. And we used to celebrate festival wearing colorful dresses and heavy make ups. But if you want to witness and experience something different in celebrating the Feast of Saint John go to Bibiclat—a small farm barrio in Aligaga, Nueva Ecija, about 138 kilometers north of Metro Manila, the ritual is far different from what we used to know.

On the feast day, the local folks gather themselves together and do the ritual called “Pagsa-San Juan” which meant to remember the significant role played by Saint John in baptizing Jesus Christ. But later it became “Taong Putik Festival”. Early evening before the event, participants gather large leaves like banana or coconut and other vines and soaked them in a mixture of mud and water and recover until the dawn for the ritual the next day. They use the leaves and vines to cover their bodies. “Taong Putik” will go around the village and ask for alms, an act of religious virtue. The house owners are very much willing to give money or candles in the belief that they will be rewarded by so many blessings. They gather around in the plaza and light the candles as part of their thanksgiving to their patron Saint John the Baptist. This is followed by an outdoor mass to bless the day of the festival. Most of the people pray for the abundance and a bountiful harvest since their main lifestyle is farming. But there are also devotees that praying for their sick relatives or couples praying for a child. No one can explain exactly when the Taong Putik Festival started. One story tells about an image of the Saint John the Baptist were helped the residents drive away snakes that roamed Bibiclat in early days. The name “Bibiclat” came from the word “biclat,” Ilocano for snake. Photos by Maxie Geranta Words by Mary Rose Magcami t

photo courtesy: emilson reguyal

dupinga river

Photos by Maxie Geranta Words by Devi Kiaki Arahan

e were supposed to go to a resort, but all of a sudden as we got there and as we checked the place, we felt like we’re not going to enjoy, so the plan changed. “Bumalik na lang tayo dun sa tulay na may kubo-kubo, maganda don.” So we did. It’s a river under a bridge. The place is surrounded by nipa huts in different sizes, and we got a big one, near the water. It was good for our group because there was a videoke machine. From the moment we got there, we immediately

steped into the water, and everybody was surprised! The water was so cold as if it was water from the fridge. The strong gust of the wind was also chilly. It was fun to watch one another shaking and smiling. The ambiance was really far from that of the city. It was relaxing to be close to nature. At about one in the afternoon, some of us (about five people) decided to explore more. In the mid part of the river are huge rocks in their perfect form. The strong force of waves could actually take us away, so in order

to pass trough, we held each other’s hand just like rescuers in a typhoon prone area. It was a total adventure! We were like white water rafting without a boat. After that, we decided to go back and tell the group what we just did because it wasn’t that harmful. The rest of the group went together, and just like the first try, the water was cold and the waves were strong. But this time, we were much happier because everyone was screaming when waves slapped in. When we passed the rocky and wavy portion of the river, we saw a small Aeta community with their tradition and simple kind of living.

Away from it, on the later part of the river is its calm portion. It was blue green, just like a lagoon, and that is exactly the perfect spot and time for us to swim. Couple of hours had passed and we needed to head back to the nipa hut for it’s almost time to go home. Just like any other visitors who discovered such a paradise, we took pictures. With all the awesome experience with my friends, I fell in love with this place.

Editor’s Note: Dupinga River is probably the most pupular tourist spot in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. It is an essential part of life for both the Dumagats who live in the Sierra Madre Mountains and the local residents of Gabaldon and its surrounding municipalities. A part of the river just under the concrete bridge of a highway was developed into a picnic grove where several huts and videoke machines are available for rent. Currently, the river is most suited for swimming, but it also has some parts with strong rapids that if further developed could be a perfect place for adventure activities like water rafting, tubing, and the likes. Gabaldon is the easternmost town of Nueva Ecija and borders Dingalan in Aurora. Known previously as Sabani, this town is tucked in Sierra Madre Mountain range, so expect a cool weather and a beautiful mountain landscape throughout the area.

Experience clean fresh air and enjoy the landscape under blue-sky glimpses. It is like a paradise as described by the visitors.

Panta bangan SERENE BEAUTY OF NUEVA ECIJA

Panta bangan P

antabangan is a first class municipality located at the northern part of Nueva Ecija, which is politically divided into 14 baranggays. Even though Nueva Ecija is a landlocked province, Pantabangan is blessed with the abundance of water and is one of the biggest fish producing areas in Asia wherein fishing is the primary means of livelihood of the locals.

Pantabangan came from the root Ilongot (tribe who inhabited Southern Sierra Madre) word “sabangan” or “sabanganan,” which means "junction of water streams."

The Road

Along your way, be refreshed with the scenic view of Sierra Madre mountain ranges (the longest mountain ranges in Philippines). Preoccupy yourself with taking pictures of the natural beauty of the province. Fill your eyes with green fields and witness the simple and peaceful lifestyle of the people. For the adventurers, the zigzag and elevated road is also ideal for extreme biking and motor tours. You will only inhale fresh and clean air because plants are everywhere.

The Dam

Pantabangan is popular for its man-made dam built by Filipino Engineers in August 1974. It had a great impact to the economic and social lives of the people in Nueva Ecija and nearby provinces. It turned out to become the most visited tourist destination in Nueva Ecija. The Pantabangan Dam is a helpful multi-purpose infrastructure known as the largest dam in Southeast Asia and cleanest in the Philippines. The dam provides livelihood for the town as it is a good source of fish products. It provides local residents with their water and electric supply and irrigation for the regions’ rice and for aquaculture farms. Pantabangan Dam is also best for recreational activities and one of the destinations for fieldtrips and educational tours. The Pantabangan Dam is 351 feet tall and 5,299 feet long and designed to withstand intensity 10 earthquakes. It can irrigate a maximum of 102,000

hectares of agricultural lands, benefiting the farmers. It is the only town in the Philippines which has three hydroelectric plants within its territorial jurisdiction: the Casecnan, Pantabangan and Masiway Hydroelectric power plants.

The Lake

Experience clean and fresh air and enjoy the landscape under the blue-sky glimpses. It is like a paradise as describe by the visitors. Pantabangan Lake is a popular place for spending recreational activities such as boat riding and sport fishing. Visit the Pantabangan Lake and test your patience through sports fishing. Sport fishing is not popular among Filipinos, but it has become a tourist destination for anglers from different countries targeting the popular large mouth bass fish. As it becomes more popular, the administration of the dam and local government set rules for the anglers that encour-

age them to “catch-and-release,” wherein the fish they catch are only measured and weighed and then released for breeding purposes. They are also encouraged to catch only three fishes per day. There are lots of aquatic life in the lake like carp, snake murrel and tilapia. The place is also ideal for camping and picnic.

means fish harvest and “pagdalaw sa pag-aani” or visit during harvest. The festival features street dancing, trade fair, and local competitions. The festival, which debuted last 2008, is held every last week of April to uplift the livelihood of the local residents.

The Pandawan Festival

Photos by Clark Sarmenta and Joergen Mandilag Words by Mary Rose Magcamit

The Pandawan Festival is a special thanksgiving ritual held by the residents of Pantabangan for the abundant harvest. Pandawan derived from the word “Pandaw,” which

Mang Maning’s Dirty Ice Cream

He may look old and his cart may not that attractive. He doesn’t even have a bell, a chime, or a recorded tune playing. Nevertheless, Mang Maning rocks! Experience dirty ice cream like never before with these specialties—cheese, langka, avocado, macapuno, and ube ice cream. But wait, there’s more! You really don’t wanna mess with Mang Maning because he makes the best sherbet in town—in lychee and strawberry flavors! At 10 pesos per cup, you can have as much as you want. And did you know that Mang Maning was able to send all his children to school because of ice cream? You bet… we’re bestfriends now! Haha..

new found love

Puno Ice Cream

I first tasted this at our faculty room when a co-teacher celebrated her birthday. When it’s time to bring out the dessert, everyone went berserk. “Puno ba ‘yan? Puno?!” I was like, “What the heck? Obviously, that’s ice cream! What Puno are you talking about?” Later, after I finished a cup of melt-inyour-mouth, perfectly blended, smooth ice cream, I realized that the ice cream label is Puno. It’s probably the surname of the owner. What sets Puno apart from other commercial ice cream is that they use carabao’s milk. Also, it’s home processed. So now, you may never see Selecta, Magnolia, or Nestle in our place. It has to be Puno all the time.

by Precious Alonzo

So I’m having a love affair. It’s been five months since I moved to Nueva Ecija and I’ve been in constant look out for something that would make my heart race. After hours and hours of spending my free time on my campus’ wi-fi hot spots, I knew I needed to take a walk and explore. Time to kiss Loneliness goodbye and say hello to surprise and

Frozen Yogurt delight. Sure enough, I found treasures at the heart of Nueva Ecija—Cabanatuan City is the place to be! First of all, I love ice cream (you’re not my bff if you don’t know that). It started way back in high school when my friends and I would resort to eating ice cream whenever we felt awful and depressed, and then everything would be okay. Now, for every kind of emotion, whether I’m extra happy or sad, my comfort food would always be my first love—creamy yummy ice cream! OMG! Just like love happens when you least expect it, I ran across several finds that made me wanna scream for more…ice cream!i

When I don’t like it too sweet, I go for frozen yogurt. Sundaes have failed me many times (what’s wrong with those blending machines?) but I have never gone wrong with frozen yogurt. I am more than happy to know that the new campus food court has a kiosk that offers frozen yogurt. Love!

Gelato

I always look forward to Friday because this means I get a chance to have a walk at the mall and be with my Gelato. Oh, how I love that smooth blend of fruits and cream! Today, my Italian friend will fly to Italy and it makes me feel sad. But knowing that it’s for her culinary practicum, I gladly let go of the sad feeling and wish her the best. Two months from now, she will make the best gelato in the world and I would be so proud! Love you butterfly! Buon viaggo!

FOOD

Bread, Coffee, & Poe t ry Wellness on the way! Most of us nowadays are turning out to be very health conscious because of the influence of the media and the athletic peeps around us, but admit it or not, it is difficult to change our not-so-fit lifestyle. In taking the first step in revolutionizing our system, why not start with what we eat. However, not all of us are fans of healthy food like fruits and veggies. Luckily we found a place in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija that is perfect for those who are venturing into tasty yet nutritious food.

Bread, Coffee, and Poetry is a year-old coffee shop owned and managed by Ms. Ann Ramos. The concept of the place is basically to promote a better way of living. Yes, living. Better way of living in the sense that the shop prepares healthy food and at the same time offers books that we can read while enjoying the company of our friends. Basically, the store started as a regular coffee shop, selling usual coffee, shakes, sandwiches and pasta. But then Ms. Ann took a big leap by introducing vegetarian dishes with TVP or Textured Vegetable Protein. TVP is gluten-based chunk of a meat-like product, which can be a replacement for meat products.

I was able to taste different kinds of dishes cooked using TVP, and guess what? The food is dynamite!!! I cannot believe that I can eat something healthy and tasty at the same time. Personally, my favorite is the vegetarian adobo.Its texture is very meaty and the taste is unforgettable, unlike the usual adobo, for the fact that it is prepared with no MSG. Still, it has that Pinoy kick that everybody loves. Also, I was able to try the vegetarian barbeque, vegetarian lumpiang shanghai, vegetarian menudo, vegetarian steamed fish with vegetarian chicken drumstick, vegetarian sausage dipped in mayonnaise (or should I say â&#x20AC;&#x153;soyanaiseâ&#x20AC;? because the dip is made of soya and not egg), and the vegetarian sisig. They made me go wow for not feeling bloated after eating all of them. I had a great experience of eating the right food with very good taste and unexpectedly low price. A serving can cost about 40-60 pesos, and it is good for two people.

But wait! The best part of my visit was the dessert. The famous chilled taho was served, and it was heavenly. The smooth, cold and sweet taste that melts in your mouth makes you ask for more. It is really the best dessert that I had. Since the place is a hub for eating and reading, you can enjoy all the books while sipping the most delicious hot lemon tea with the soothing taste of ginger and cinnamon.

Overall, the place is great for people who are looking for healthy, affordable, tasty, and satisfying food. The shop is located near Wesleyan University-Philippines, wherein lots of students are influenced to try this healthier way of eating. It is indeed a place that I will recommend and will be visiting over and over again. (Kim)

Spring Fashion 52

FOOD

SHAWARMA STEAK & STIX They offer a variety of snacks on sticks, like their special homemade fish balls that you cannot find in any stores in the country. Its texture and taste is quite different, for it is very delicious and light, no greasy after taste and bad odor that usual fish balls have. Mixed seafood, scallops and quail eggs “kwek-kwek” on a stick is a must try. It is very flavorful that you cannot get enough of it. Since the store also serves American dishes, do not forget to have a big bite of their grilled burger, made of 100% pure beef, which goes best with your favorite burger condiments and freshest veggies. The perfect texture and smoky taste of their burger patty make it one of the best burgers that I ever had. The combination of flavors is mouthwatering that for sure you will order another one for your late night snack. And if you want to maintain your shape, Shawarma, Steak, and Stix also serves vegetarian sisig, a sizzling plate full of exciting flavors without the guilt. A piece of advice: never leave Nueva Ecija without having a taste of Cabanatuan City’s pride - the shawarma ala Shawarma, Steak, and Stix. You will surely come back to this place after tasting it. The shawarma is the restaurant’s bestseller, and, personally, I will never forget the taste, the texture and the smell of it. I believe that nothing can beat the experience that I had with their food. After minutes of chewing and tasting all the food that they served, I wondered, “What is the ingredient that makes their food unique and special?” I asked the owner and thought that she would hide it from me because of the fact that I am a total stranger but then she uttered, “The secret is in the sauce,” and that makes sense.

Craving for something different yet very satisfying? I know a place where you can enjoy the Arab-Pinoy feeling that for sure will capture your taste buds. Shawarma, Steak, and Stix is all about serving delicious foreign foods at low cost. The resto is located at the heart of Cabanatuan City in a popular subdivision. This particular establishment started years ago at a garage and eventually expanded. The idea is to create a space that can cater to all sorts of people: students, young professionals, adults, and even children. Everybody can enjoy the very delicious Turkish delicacies as well as American and Filipino cuisines. (Kim)

yogurTre e Dessert alert!!! Cabanatuan City is known to be one of the hottest places in the country, so I believe it is a perfect place to have a frozen yogurt station. We all know that yogurt is healthy and at the same time fun and delicious. With all honesty, I was not into yogurt, but Yogurt Tree converted me to a frozen yogurt lover. Now, I cannot stand a week without a cup of it. The yogurt flavors and toppings when perfectly combined taste heavenly. The creaminess and coolness of each cup make your day a million brighter. Yogurt Tree is definitely a place for fun, food and relaxation; the place is well lit with colorful chairs that will surely turn your bad day into your best day ever!

Yogurt Tree also serves cakes and ice creams that will surely tickle your taste buds. Do not forget to order the most delicious ice cream in Nueva Ecija. Puno Ice Cream is a product of a local ice cream maker. It is very popular for its signature taste that will make you forget other ice creams that you have tasted. The wide array of yogurt flavors and toppings costs lower than those offered by other frozen yogurt shops. It is a great pleasure for our team to have a taste of their frozen yogurts, and I will definitely recommend this place to everyone. This is indeed the best place to make your brain freeze because of its perfection. (Kim)

FOOD

BARJ CAFÉ Coffee break! To all coffee lovers out there, here is the perfect place for you. Barj Café is the most visited coffee shop in town. The place is very cozy, the people are nice, and the food is served with love. Having a cup of hot coffee or a tall glass of frappe feeling like being at your own living room is a superb experience. The dim lights make the place very warm and comfortable, perfect for couples who want to have a great chat, group of friends who wants to hang out, or families who just want to bond. This is indeed a place to go after a long tiring work; the stress-free environment makes it different from the rest.

The café offers a variety of hot and cold coffees with a special touch of bittersweet delicious taste thanks to real freshly brewed coffee. Every sip is relaxing. My personal favorite is the mocha macadamia with whipped cream; the taste of real macadamia nuts and the smooth taste of coffee are to die for. I was also able to try rice meals and cakes, and everything was indeed well prepared. The food was exceptional, not to mention the well-presented. This is a place where professionals in Cabanatuan spend their evenings. Since the place offers free wifi service, the customers tend to have their small meetings or do their researches in the shop while using their gadgets. The fact that it is along the main highway, it is never difficult to visit the place. (Kim)

04 >>> ARCHITECTURE

LEISURE

Dream Liner

You are seated upside down ten meters above the ground, at a fast speed that makes you hold hard on to the bar that keeps you secure. An exhilarating roller coaster ride indeed.

Carron Dream Wheel

Enjoy the green scenery of Nueva Ecija as you ride 18 meters above the trees in 14 gondolas that can accommodate four to five riders each. You will enjoy the ride and nature at its greenest at three minutes per cycle.

Voyager

CARRON

dreampark: where dreams are real C

ARRON DREAM PARK is the biggest amusement park north of Manila, located at Bgy. Sto. Cristo, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. This themed amusement park is envisioned to be the top of mind destination of families, friends, officemates, and classmates who want to enjoy and experience exciting rides and attractions in a special setting that can only compare to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happy dreams.

The Voyager is one of the biggest super viking rides in the Philippines at 16 meters high with a capacity of 60 riders. This ride will surely turn your stomach in jitters and backs glued to your seats as the giant ship falls forward, after it pulls back against gravity.

Carousel of Dreams

Bumper Boats

Move on to another form of excitement by doing the bump using bumper boats! There are ten boats that can sit 2 persons each inside a 150-squaremeter water pool. This will offer great fun and splash.

Carron Express

Come take a leisurely ride around the park on a road train that can accommodate 18 passengers.

Twirly Cups

This is a relaxing ride for kids who are seated inside six tea cups that can seat 5 persons each.

Gear Shifter

There are ten bumper cars that will collide with one another on the 150-square meter metal platform to the enjoyment of kids and adults alike. Yes, do the bump!

Picaroon

A classic ride in any theme park, the carousel will bring you down memory lane as you enjoy the ride with your kids and loved ones.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be dismayed if the kids cannot ride the VOYAGER, for they can ride the PICAROON instead.

Nessi Roller Coaster

Twelve kids and teens will fit in a plane that moves forward and makes a u-turn at the end of its platform.

The mini version of the Dream Liner that surprises you with abrupt falls and sharp turns to make you shout out load.

Convoy Tours

The Convoy Ride offers 5 vehicles that can carry 4 riders per car, running on a metal platform and track for kids and toddlers to enjoy. So mom and dad, get ready and click your cameras as your child giggles away.

Smash

Take a thrilling ride on a 24-seater airplane that rises up to 7 meters and moves forward, backward, up, and down. If you hear shouts of excitement and approval, then it is from the riders of this SMASH.

Vortex

Frosty Train

A perfect ride for children is the mini train on railroad tracks with four vehicles that can carry 14 riders at a time.

City Blaster

This ride not only makes a circle but also pops up and down to the excitement of the kids.

Nightmare

There is a haunted house inside that is inhabited by ghosts and scary creatures. The horror house will be your worst nightmare.

LIFESTYLE

Beetlecab The Wheel of a Bugâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life Name of Group: Beetlecab, Volkswagen Club of the Philippines (VWCP) Nueva Ecija Chapter

President: Jorge E. Marcos

Major Focus: To promote camaraderie among members and to travel lots of places.

Trip meeting place: every 1st Friday of the month at 7-11 Caltex, Bitas, Cabanatuan City.

Date of Establishment: Since July 12, 2008

Place of Origin: Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

Any support from the government, NGOs, or other group? none.

How to become a member? You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily have to own a volks to be a member as long you have the passion for these kinds of car, you can be a member. Is this a hobby for rich individuals? No, not really it can be a hobby for everyone, whatever his/her status in life. If we will give you a million now, how will you spend it: A million? hmmmm. I would use it to buy another Volkswagen (Karmann Ghia). What will make you give up this hobby? Nothing. Last word for Trip Barkada out there: If you like doing something, then go for it. More power and good luck.

NEGOSYO

DVF Dairy Farm O

nce upon a time, there was a man who loved to dream. He never had a single doubt that his dreams would come true. One day, he just decided to leave his banking career and stay in the farm. He left his career for carabaos! Yes, water buffalos. He bought 10 carabaos and put them in the middle of the rice field. His parents scolded him and asked what he was doing with his life. He was adamant.

This is the story of Danilo V. Fausto, the man behind DVF Dairy Farm Inc. and the author of Dare to Dream: A Filipino Entrepreneur’s Tale of Success in Dairy Farming. Indeed, he never regretted his decision 25 years ago to leave his secured job for dairy farming. Miracle Sibayan, plant manager, says DVF Dairy Farm processes 800 to 1,200 liters of milk a day. They sell 90 percent of its prod-

ucts in Metro Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu and the rest in its Nueva Ecija outlets. The milk supply is turned into liquid products (pasteurized milk), flavored milk (chocolate, buko-pandan extract, and melon flavored), cheese line (kesong puti, queso blanco, and mozzarella cheese), yogurt line (creamy, crunchy yogurt with nata de coco, non-fat yogurt, and mango-flavored yogurt) and dry products (pastillas, espasol, and milk candies).

Trip! Magazine is really honored when DVF Dairy Farms welcomed us in their plant and farm to witness their production. It was really fun to see the milking of carabaos and the delivery of milk straight to the plant for processing. You can smell and breathe the freshness of milk. We wonder why tetra packed milk products in the supermarkets are labelled “Fresh Milk.” At DVF Dairy Farm, we realized the real definition of fresh. Cheers! We salute you guys for giving the consum-

ers what they deserve--value for their money and delicious treats delivered fresh daily! We also commend you for giving livelihood to those small dairy farmers in Nueva Ecija. Keep it up! ‘Til our next trip!

a land flowing with milk and milk products 62

Folklores in Nueva Ecija

Venus Vi tales

Folklores and folktales are part of everyone’s life. They serve as evidence of one’s rich culture. As a child, I remember my grandfathers, “Papang Hugo” and “Papang Monico,” telling me and my cousins stories that we found very entertaining. We always found it amazing that they could tell stories without reading any book. The stories about treasures which can be found at the end of a rainbow, the tikbalang and kapre courting a woman and showering her with goods, and the tree that gives food that people ask for were all credible in our young minds. My cousins and I even chased the end of the rainbow; we walked several kilometers to find the said treasure. We avoided the Balete tree where the kapre and tikbalang reside. And we waited on the foot of a tree for hours for the foods that we wished for. But to our discontentment, we did not find the end of the rainbow, we did not receive the foods we wished for, and we did not encounter any kapre or tikbalang. Our grandfathers told us that the end of the rainbow is very far and that the foods we wished for will be given to us on Christmas Day if we are good. The kapre and tikbalang never show themselves if they do not want to.

Regarding death and burial, most Novo Ecijanos believe in lamay and observe certain practices about libing. During lamay, visitors and relatives of the dead should not shed tears on the coffin because it will be difficult for the dead to enter heaven. The belief about pabaon or the practice of including clothes and personal needs, specially candle and slippers, upon burial is also a must. This belief according to elders is done so that the dead will not come back and ask for their belongings. It also guarantees peaceful journey to heaven. Another folktale of Novo Ecijanos that is related to the dead is the usog. According to Novo Ecijanos that I asked, usog is the ability of a person to inflict harm or

pain to a person that he/she is mostly annoyed with. My mother told me that during burial, kids are carried over the coffin to give them usog. If the foot of the kids touches the coffin, the greater the usog the kids will posses. Piyesta or feast is observed in celebration of the founding day of the municipality or in celebration of the feast day of a saint or somebody who is significant in the community. Among the most notable piyesta celebration in the province of Nueva Ecija is the Taong Putik in Bibiclat, Aliaga. Taong Putik is celebrated every 24th day of June in honor of their patron, St. John the Baptist. Early in the morning, devotees put mud and dried banana leaves or vinous plants to cover their faces and body. With red candles on hand they go from one house to another to ask for money, which will be donated to the church. After which, they attend mass in front of the plaza then go to the river to clean themselves. This tradition symbolizes humans as descendants of Adam and Eve who are sinners, with John the Baptist giving them first sacrament of baptism to wash away their sins. Some Novo Ecijanos believe and practice these folklores, but some do not. Regardless, these folklores prove one thing–Nueva Ecija has unique and rich culture.

Now that I am no longer a small kid, I came to realize that these stories are folktales, but they still linger in my mind. The province of Nueva Ecija provides numerous folklores which guide many Novo Ecijanos in their day-to-day life. Some of the folklores are visible in pagpapakasal, panganganak, lamay at libing, usog and piyesta. I talked with several elderly in my neighborhood and learned the following: In pag-aasawa o pagpapakasal, typical folklores are observed by most Novo Ecijanos. An elderly in my neighborhood told me that her family follows the “moon” whenever any of her sons or daughters decides to get married. According to her it is best to schedule pamamanhikan and pagpapakasal on a full moon because the full moon guarantees good life for the newlyweds. They also observe the practice of hanging clothes of the groom or bride on a window so that it won’t rain and ruin the ceremonies. Novo Ecijanos also practice the unique way of panganganak. Upon delivery of the baby, the new mother is required to practice pagdidimon. She is not allowed to take a bath with cold water for a few weeks; once she is ready for her bath, she bathes in water with boiled herbal leaves. Also, she should wear long clothes or tie a cloth belt or bigkis around her waist because being exposed to open air will make her go crazy or become kulang-kulang.

“Trip’s Spooky Nights: Travel adventures won’t be complete without ghost stories. We had seen this abandoned house at Guimba, Nueva Ecija and had goosebumps as soon as we entered. Is that an orb? Are there spirits residing at this house? We asked the neighbors but no one wanted to speak up. They seemed scared. They just walked away. Hmmmm...”

The Science City of

MUÑOZ

by Mary Rose Magcamit

uccess can be achieved through years of research and exceptional performance. The development of a city is within its people’s capacity to nurture and protect their territory. From being an unknown and poor town, the City of Muñoz became remarkable because of the hard work and dedication of its people to build a city that rises among others.

The Science City of Muñoz is one city in Nueva Ecija situated 147 kilometers north of Manila. The total land area of the city is 16,305 hectares, housing houses 37 barangays. Because of its rich topography and tropical climate its largest land portion is devoted for agricultural research and technological centers. The Birth Before the 1990s, Muñoz was in a dreadful state, having poor agricultural production because of lack of technology, low employment rate, malnutrition and lack of government funds to support its citizens. It was formerly called Sitio Papaya but was later renamed as Muñoz in 1886 to honor its first Spanish Governor Don Francisco Muñoz. And in 1913, it was declared as a new independent municipality. Through research and development, Muñoz was transformed into a center of science and technology, trade, commerce and agro-industry. 66

Then, it became financially stable. On September 3, 1993, Muñoz was declared by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as Muñoz Science Community for it is became a haven for various educational research and development agencies, foremost is the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), a learning institution committed to contributing high impact to the environment and to the people it serves. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are also situated in the city. Finally, on December 9, 2000, it was totally transformed into its present status as a science city by virtue of Republic Act of 8977. Being a science city, it was acknowledged as one of the members of the League of Cities of the Philippines. It is the first and only science city in the Philippines and probably the second in the world after Tsukuba Science City in Japan.

Today, farmers adopt modern technologies especially on nutrient and water management to enhance their knowledge and competency in farming and become outstanding in their profession. The City of Muñoz is continuously growing and holds its success, becoming an agricultural science city.

the first test-tube buffalo was born on April 5. And in 2007, scientists initiated a study to breed a super water buffalo that can produce 4 to 18 liters of milk a day using gene-based technology. The Matingkis Farm Tourism Project - A world class tourism spot, this place is designed

Interesting Research and Activities CLSU Living Fish Museum - This breeding farm showcases indigenous and tropical freshwater fishes collected from different provinces in Luzon. CLSU Agricultural Museum - A sociocultural arm for information in Central Luzon,

it is the first and only museum in the country that promotes cultural heritage of Filipinos in Central Luzon. It has the following sections: rice and vegetable planting implements, household ingredients utensils, personal apparel, and hunting and fishing implements. CLSU Concrete Tank Culture for Tilapia - This unique breeding farm showcases a proof of demanding tilapia in concrete circular tanks, with provisions for continuous water exchange and aeration. Each tank is stocked with 6,000 tilapia fingerlings. Philippine Carabao Center Headquarters - It is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture created in 1992, and its main purpose is to study and promote the carabao in the Philippines as a source of draft animal power, meat, and milk and to help the rural farmers. The PCC had some success in reproductive biotechnology in 2004 when

for ecological education and serves as venue for functions and recreation. Through the help of the National Irrigation Administration, local officials discovered a natural spring that would forever change the lives of the farmers. They also launched the Matingkis Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP), which became the town’s center of attraction. Today, at least 300 hectares of farmlands are being irrigated by this reservoir. Philippine Rice Research Institute Plant Tour - PhilRice plays a key role in building and sustaining a competitive rice economy through research into farming systems, technology, and policy-making. Here, you can see different and latest farming technologies.

PASALUBONG

Tates’ Polvoron

here are different varieties of longganisa in the country. Every town produces a distinct variation of the delicacy that makes the town famous. Take for example the City of Cabanatuan’s sweet longganisa popularly called “batutay.” Batutay is the Cabanatuan’s specialty. It is a garlic-rich longganisa made of beef instead of pork, which the usual longganisa is made of. It has both tangy and sweet flavors that make your tongue crave for more! No wonder it is the city’s greatest food to offer. Batutay is a mixture of garlic, beef meat and fats, pepper, salt, soy sauce, and sugar all wrapped in pork guts. When you visit Cabanatuan, make sure you taste this treat. The product is readily available in the local market, so you can easily bring home some as pasalubong to your friends and family. All the meat lovers out there, you better try this extraordinary longganisa!

The dessert that you deserve! Polvoron is one of the country’s local delicacies, and every town has its own variation. What makes Tates’ polvoron different from the rest? Its recipe is originally made by Mrs. Charito Manuel, who passed it down to her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Tess Manuel. The taste of this polvoron is very unique for it is mold into perfection. You can feel the melting taste of butter and milk. You will surely ask for more! The perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess makes it stand out from other pastries or sweets. The product is known for its texture and taste that you will never forget. The sugar crystals and pureness of milk will make you go loco!

The Cabanatuan City holds their yearly Longganisa Festival every February 2 to promote the product and to strengthen the longganisa-making industry of the city. (Kim)

POLL “To the beach and try someth ing new like sur fing!” Belle de Lara -Cuda

“Bahamas Islands!”

“Istanbul, Turkey!”

JC Aniceto

Nympha Sale C

ubicle

Kung magkakaroon ka ng sapatos na lumilipad, saan mo gustong pumunta? “To the person I love!” Arlene Pineda

“Kung saan may concert ang mga fave kong banda- Smashing Pumpkins, Muse, RadioHead Jhunter Alejandro

kalawakan para “Pupunta ako sa personal kung makita naman ng g earth mula gaano kaganda an mga kalapit na sa itaas pati na sa akalanghap na rin planeta nito at m in dahil mahirap ng sariwang hang n.” na hanapin dito ya Eman Pangilinan

Ordan

k tok ng bahay “Sa taas ng tu g n ko lang kun namin. Titigna p view.” maganda sa to Renen Maria

“Pupunta ako sa lugar ng espesyal sa akin at isasama ko syang lumipad papunta sa mga pangarap naming lugar. Eleanor Neria Gustafsson

“All around the world but most especially sa San Pedro, California to be with my one and only!” Justine Tumanda

“Pupuntahan ko ang mga players ng NBA. Ibebenta ko sa kanila yung sapatos ng 100 billion dollars. Sapat na siguro yun para mapuntahan ko lahat ng lugar sa mundo at mabili ang gusto ko. Hehehe Ayos yon di ba?” Sanchez Arthuro r g tahimik na luga “Gusto ko sa isan ng aw ang lahat na ako lang at isig raramdaman bigat sa aking na sa ng 2013 ko.” para sa pag-umpi Em Poy

“I want to go to Bohol and Boracay!” Felix dela Paz

diskubre ng “Sa hindi pa nadi r na ako pa sinuman, sa luga unta.” lang ang makakap Leepot Bienes

“Sa North Korea. Kikid napin ko si Kim Jung Un at tu turuan ko siya ng Gangnam sty le para matapos na ang kahib angan sa pakikidigma ng mga North Koreans.” Marion Reyes

EVENT

NightLife rocksteddy

kitchienadal

barbiealmalbis

kamikazee

rip Magazine, in cooperation with Pinoy Sound Radio, sponsored a benefit concert featuring Barbie Almalbis-Honasan, Kitchie Nadal, Rocksteddy, and Kamikazee at NE Pacific Mall last December 22, 2012. This is Trip’s way of saying thank you to all Novo Ecijanos who helped us in making this maiden issue possible. We had fun Nueva Ecija! ‘Til next time!

PHOTOS BY: MAXIE GERANTA CLARK SARMENTA

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ikaw,

mario balane photography

anoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ng

mo?