Bayambang Pangasinan bags the Guinness World Records for the tallest bamboo statue

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The Guinness World Records officially announced Bayambang Pangasinan has the world's tallest bamboo sculpture (supported) during the unveiling of the 50.23-meter statue of this town’s patron saint, Vincent Ferrer last April 5.

Guinness World Records 

Swapnil Dangarikar, Guinness World Records adjudicator

Guinness World Records adjudicator, Swapnil Dangarikar, made the formal announcement as part of the town’s celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the Saint  Vincent Ferrer Parish (1619-2019) and 600th death anniversary (1419-2019) of the patron saint of builders.

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Bannering the theme “Bayang Pinagtibay ng Pananampalataya at Pagkakaisa Laban sa Kahirapan,” the municipality of Bayambang in Pangasinan celebrates Pista’y Baley from April 1 to 8, 2019.

Currently the holder of the Guinness World Record for the longest barbecue grill that it garnered in April 2014, Bayambang successfully acquired another Guinness record, this time for the world’s tallest bamboo sculpture (supported) of a religious figure.

Pista’y Baley, the Pangasinan term for pistang bayan or town fiesta, is one of the grandest and most revered celebrations of Bayambang in the third district of the vote-rich province of Pangasinan. It is the annual moment when the people of all 77 barangays of the town come together in witness and a salient part of a series of revelries where their unity and camaraderie are manifested.

Year after year, Pista’y Baley attracts hordes of visitors from all over the country. Family members of Bayambangueños from other provinces and foreign and local tourists visit Bayambang to enjoy the merriment that only Pista’y Baley offers.

Epic accolade to Bayambang’s overseer and guardian

Saint Vincent Ferrer has been a beacon of faith in Bayambang for hundreds of years, and his presence has been incessantly felt by Bayambangueños through the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish Church. He remains to be a symbol of devotion for the people of Bayambang, and the influence that he has had on the local culture is undeniable.

Many devotees of St. Vincent Ferrer believe that it is their revered patron who perpetually saves them from the onslaught of natural calamities. Historical archives have it that near Palma of Majorca, St. Vincent Ferrer stilled a storm in order to preach from a wharf. At Beziers he stopped a flood. And Bayambang, which he oversees as the patron saint, was saved on several occasions from natural calamities.

This is why the church, with the assistance of Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, his wife, Mary Clare Judith Phyllis Jose-Quiambao, and several private firms, is spearheading the construction of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park in the heart of the town of Bayambang which is politically subdivided into 77 barangays, 11 of which are urban barangays and 66 are rural barangays.

The groundbreaking ceremony held on June 20, 2018 marked the beginning of a bigger and better future for the town. 

Saint Vincent Ferrer’s 50.23-meter monument was erected in Barangay Bani as a testament to the Bayambangueños’ never-ending love for and gratitude to the patron saint of builders.

The park will serve as a place of serenity, not just for Bayambangueños, but for anyone seeking spiritual help and guidance.

Colossal Structure

Standing at 50.23 meters high, this monumental structure made of steel and engineered bamboo currently holds the Guinness World Record for the Tallest Bamboo Sculpture (Supported) of Saint Vincent Ferrer, making it a valuable tourist spot in Pangasinan and Northern Luzon.

Tourists and visitors will look up in astonishment as they gaze upon the height of the image as a symbol of the Bayambangueños’ faith and devotion to the patron saint of builders.

Prayer Park with chapel, fountains, candle-lighting area and business stalls

The current parish priest of St. Vincent Ferrer Church, Rev. Fr. Allen O. Romero, said that the land from God is being developed to become “a beautiful place where people can go and have peace of mind, where pilgrims from different places can visit, and where people can pray and meditate and venerate our patron.”

A chapel will be situated just beside the statue to serve as a place of meditation where devotees can find peace and serenity during their visit. The chapel is added to the master plan because, despite the expected influx of tourists, there needs to be a solemn spot where they can pray and reflect.

At the center of the rotunda will be a fountain, a calming presence to welcome visitors to the Prayer Park. The water element is added to the park because of the weight of its importance to Catholicism. For Catholics, water is a symbol for purification and cleansing. This is why Catholics dip their fingers in holy water before attending a holy mass and why water is poured over a baby’s head during baptism. This element adds to the overall solemnity and tranquility of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park.

Like any other religious spaces, an area where devotees can light candles is important to have. At the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park, the candle-lighting area is situated just at the back of the 50.23-meter high structure. It will be a spot where devotees can pray for the illumination of their minds and souls, and as the light from the candle keeps glowing, the faith of the devotees keeps on burning.

Situated near the chapel and candle-lighting area are the stalls that will be erected to provide a venue where devotees can buy their food, candles, or souvenirs.

Because the park is expected to attract many tourists from all around the Philippinesand even the world, Bayambangueños would like to showcase what else the town has to offer by marketing the different delicacies and products that are proudly made in Bayambang.

Aside from marketing the prides of the town, this will also give the locals a great source of revenue, which is one of the major goals of the project.

Redmi 7 returns for an exclusive Flash Deal on Shopee

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7 things to know about the fastest selling smartphone under ₱6,000 on Shopee​

The Redmi 7, the latest budget smartphone from global technology leader Xiaomi, sold out within 30 minutes after it was put on sale last April 5 on Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. This made the Redmi 7 the fastest-selling smartphone under ₱6,000 on Shopee Philippines. To celebrate the record-breaking feat, Shopee and Xiaomi will once again hold a Flash Deal for the Redmi 7 on April 10 at 2PM.

Xiaomi is known for smartphones with amazing features at an affordable price and the Redmi 7 lives up to that standard. Here are seven things you should know about this budget phone with a flagship-level design.

1. Premium-style design

The Redmi 7 offers an immersive viewing experience with its Dot Drop design and reduced bezels, that’s all Corning® Gorilla® Glass. The case may be plastic but it feels premium in the hand, especially with its stylish gradient back cover available in Comet Blue and Lunar Red.

2. Powerful processor

It runs on the Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 632 mobile platform and boasts of an Antutu score of 52520, outperforming other phones in its price range. This gives the Redmi 7 support for a smooth gaming experience and makes it great for daily use.

3. Infrared (IR) Blaster

The Redmi 7 comes with an IR blaster that turns the phone into a universal remote to control devices and appliances. No need to search the whole house for the remote control, just use the Redmi 7.

4. Palm Shutter

Selfies can be hard to take, but not with the Redmi 7. Use its Palm Shutter feature to conveniently take pictures. Just flash a palm to the camera, like a high five, and the camera will instantly start a countdown timer perfect for getting selfies or groufies on point. Users should watch out because more gestures will be added soon.

5. 4,000 mAh battery

With a 4,000 mAh battery, the Redmi 7 can last up to 15 hours of continuous video playback, 26 hours of voice calls and an astounding 412 hours of standby time. Users can also listen to 3,778 tracks continuously on a single charge. 

6. True dual sim tray

Many dual smartphones sport a hybrid sim card tray, where only one slot is dedicated to a sim card, and the other is a hybrid sim card-memory card slot. With the Redmi 7, on the other hand, users can have all three running at the same time with its three card tray - two slots for sim cards and one for the memory card. Perfect for people who want all their contacts and data in one device.

7. Available exclusively on Shopee

Last but not least, the Redmi 7 is available exclusively on Shopee and will go on Flash Deal at 2PM on April 10, where the Comet Blue Redmi 7 with 2GB RAM and 16GB memory will drop its price to ₱5,599, and the Redmi 7 variant with 3GB RAM and 32GB memory will be sold at the lower price of ₱6,299.

Visit the Xiaomi official store at https://shopee.ph/xiaomiofficialstoreph. 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Maine Mendoza, Drew Arellano and Nico Bolzico are the newest Pilipinas Shell's ambassadors

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Pilipinas Shell presented   newest ambassadors during a media launch at the Manila House in Bonifacio Global City last April 8. 

Drew Arellano, Maine Mendoza and Nico Bolzico are the newest  Pilipinas Shell's ambassadors 

The ambassadors are not just the faces of the Shell brands but are living proof of the company’s commitment to their customers, as they relate their personal experience in using Shell's products and services through the years.

Maine Mendoza

One of the most influential celebrities in the country today, Maine Mendoza, is the new brand ambassador for Shell FuelSave. Launched with a new formulation last year, Shell FuelSave has DYNAFLEX Technology designed to help improve engine efficiency.

Shell has always been embedded in Mendoza’s life even before rising to fame, as their family owns a number of Shell retail station dealerships. 

“My parents wanted to invest in a company that is recognized for credibility and quality,” she shared. “So when the opportunity came, they didn’t have to think twice about partnering with Shell.”

Now that she drives around the city a lot, she only has one go-to fuel. “I’ve always been practical, and I always go for the smart option. I recommend Shell FuelSave because it’s so fuel efficient that I can navigate traffic with no worries,” she added.

Drew Arellano

Shell's second ambassador is prominent actor and travel show host Drew Arellano. His fuel of choice is Shell V-Power, Shell's best-ever premium gasoline with boosted DYNAFLEX Technology designed to deliver both performance and efficiency.

Biyahero for life, Drew is a member of the popular BrapPack, a group of driven, outdoorsy men who bond over long motorbike rides in and out of the city while promoting road safety.

“I definitely need reliable performance on the road and that's why I use Shell V-Power," said Drew. "Since I started using it, I've never had problems--whether I’m going on long bike rides with my buddies or just simply cruising around with my family in our SUV,” Drew added.

While Shell offers world-class, high-quality fuels to help their customers make the most of their drive, the company is also committed to supporting several advocacy programs, such as road safety and environment sustainability.

Nico Bolzico

Aligned with the same goals, Nico Bolzico is proud to be a Shell ambassador. “I am so happy to learn that my most trusted fuel brand is also supporting various advocacies that aim to make the future greener” noted Nico.

He also pointed out how he was impressed with Shell's various partnerships with Plastic Bank and its role in the Global Road Safety Partnership Philippines (PGRSP).

Nico also recalled how his father recommended Shell to him when he was just starting out driving in Argentina. “Shell Fuels has always given me worry-free journeys. I would never compromise on quality, and Shell is truly world-class.”

“Shell has always been dedicated to ensuring that we have the best-fitting fuels range for motorists,” declared Mark Malabanan, Shell V-Power Brand Manager.

 "We are happy to have Maine, Drew, and Nico as our newest ambassadors because they are living testaments to what our brand stands for and the value we can give to our customers.”

On its 105 years of partnering with the Philippines in nation-building, Shell continues to power progress through more and cleaner energy solutions that focus on delivering quality products while advocating safety and social responsibility.




Related Story on : 
https://enjoyingwonderfulworld.blogspot.com/2019/03/shell-advance-ambassador-coco-martins.html?m=0

ET Gets Positive Feedback From Pasay Residents and Netizens

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The color blue will soon become prominent in every nook and cranny of Pasay City with Tropang Togonon, led by former Manila City Chief Prosecutor Edward Togonon, receiving positive feedback from residents and Pasay netizens.

Favorable comments, posted on Facebook and Twitter accounts, outnumbered those from small group of people who, obviously, were against Togonon’s bid for mayoralty seat. This is the first time that a new name in Pasay politics emerged despite the presence of traditional politicians. 

Togonon’s strong desire to help Pasay residents turned out to be his greatest motivator in facing up against familiar names in the city’s political ruling system. With majority of Pasayenos in full support of his candidacy, Togonon is all the more inspired to do public service.

Togonon and his team tirelessly go around Pasay and visit every barangay to share with the residents their objective in seeking public office. Every townhall meeting held in different barangays never failed to gain positive response from the people who took the time to troop to the venue in order for them to know more about Tropang Togonon’s feasible plans for the city.

After a townhall meeting held at Brgy. 201 in Kalayaan, Pasay, Vilma Baniqued took to E.T. 2019 Facebook page her wish by saying, “Sana po mga taga Pasay, iboto natin siya nang magkaroon ng tamang pamumuno ang Pasay.”

Elsa Bejar Giray, on the other hand, wrote, “Togonon tayo for a change. God bless us all. Go, go, go panalo tayo!”

Meanwhile, under Chairman Daniel Twitter account, one comment read, “Salamat chief, magbabago na ang Pasay #Tropang Togonon.”

Residents of Brgy. 183 in Villamor, Pasay also showed their strong support to Team Togonon. Francois Fernandez wrote the comment, “Ang daming tao…go for the win Kuya Edward.”

Vidal Doble firmly expressed his support by telling, “Mga taga Villamor, Togonon na tayo…kung gusto n’yo na mas maunlad na buhay.”

In Brgy. 125 headed by chairman Malen Reblando, Team Togonon’s townhall meeting was also a success. It gained favorable response from residents with Felisa Polonan commenting on E.T. Facebook page: “Sa lahat ng meeting, laging puno ng tao dahil gusto nilang marinig ang programa nila…halinapo kayo at suportahan natin ang tropang Togonon.”

Having witnessed the jam-packed crowd, Carmen Adolfo commented, “Pangitain na yan, ang daming tao.”

The townhall meeting is also an opportunity for Pasayenos to bring to the attention of Team Togonon their concerns, issues and aspirations for Pasay. Togonon is aware that the people want change and he is ready to give them a better public service.

Maritess Ningge of Brgy. 156 commented after the 14th townhall meeting, “Tropang Togonon. Dito na tayo sa mga kandidatong lahat galing sa hirap at may puso para din sa mahihirap.”

In Brgy. 135, Mike Panilagao said, “Makuha n’yo po sana ang tagumpay.”

With a heart of gold, Tropang Togonon was first to attend to victims of fire in Brgy. 178, Zone 19, Maricaban, Pasay. Twenty-nine families had lost their homes and Togonon, together with other concerned Pasayenos, wasted no time in providing food by feeding sopas to the young and old members of affected families.

BA RU Bal wrote on E.T. 2019 Facebook page: “Salamat sa punta sa lugar namen.”

Grateful Lyza Alexandra Armas, on the other hand, commented, “Yan ang serbisyong totoo.”

Comments of Pasay residents serve as a clear sign that Togonon is a hard opponent to beat.

Chief Prosecutor Edward Togonon Pasay City Mayoralty Candidate

All set for political comeback for Team Pilipinas (Gilas) and NLEX Road Warriors Coach Yeng Guiao

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Popularly known as “Coach Yeng”, the former Pampanga Vice-Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao is all set for a political comeback and will brace for his campaign in 2019 despite his double-duty as Team Pilipinas and NLEX coach.

Having served as a board member and three-term vice-governor of Pampanga and held the same congressional seat in 2013, this year, Coach Yeng wants to retake his former congressional seat in Pampanga’s first district.

In an exclusive interview with bloggers , Guiao said that he is running under the Kapanalig at Kambilan Ning Memalen Pampanga (Kambilan) party to retake his former congressional seat in Pampanga’s first district.

Sports person, Coach Yeng is no stranger to politics but the works he has and always been doing is full with advocacies. His legislative platform has been and will be centered on healthcare, education and other basic social services. Guiao also bared plans to strengthen more programs for senior citizens.

Coach Yeng added, stressing that the district, now more than ever, needs more basic services. “We are looking at more health care security for the people of the district as well as more access to education.” 

Coach Yeng's love for sports will also be reflected in his programs as he will push for youth development under sports. 

“As a politician you have to be aware of the everyday needs of your constituents: mga tulong sa ospital, mga namamatayan, mga naggagamot, nag da dialysis. Of course we are also putting emphasis on that. Some of our major advocacies are education and health and the protection of the environment.” says Coach Yeng Guiao.

“I have been a coach for 2 and a half years, in different teams, 7 championships in the PBA and also made the world cup with Gilas Pilipinas. We are preparing for the World Cup in China, where the best of the best will meet. These are good teams but we hope to pull some upsets. There are 4 teams in a group and if we win two games, we are going high in the rankings. Angola is the African champ, Italy and Serbia is world ranked. This time I have a different challenge, to represent the 1st District of Pampanga. I have ran for 3 terms as a Vice Governor of Pampanga, so I have both basketball and politics all my life. This is a challenge, in any way or form, I have an advocacy to have continuous improvement of the Clark Airport which is in my district. We now have more tourists, bills and resolutions have been passed. We now have a new terminal, there are other items like the North Rail too, hopefully work it out so we can run from Tutuban to there and be finished in two years. Clark is also the sports capital of the country, in hosting the SEA Games, this will be true. We have been pushing for this ever since. Hopefully this will benefit much of my constituents, together with the usual things they need for education, health, and life. Clark is progressing because all the places around it us benefiting from it now. We are also doing a lot in improving the educational system, and the health advocacy. The new law applied for universal health care is one example, we support that fully and hopefully we find ways to improve that.”

“Since I am in Basketball I am focused on it but I am a sports fan and enthusiast, to improve the other sports in general is part of that. We need to make every sport especially the ones we excel at be done and officiated better. We want to promote sports with weight categories because we have a lot of talent. I am one of the main authors of giving bigger rewards for sports winners. It is what is being used today. Funding is of course a problem, other countries are spending more but my take is that to concretely make this better, we filed to do an existing law to get 5% of gross to go to sports. Right now, 2.5% is sent to law, while the other half goes to the office of the President and nobody challenged it but I did. I am still waiting for the decision, that is 13-15 Billion pesos and it would be a big help in the yearly income of sports for that. In order to answer to solve it, we need to have that reinstated.”

“Clark has 120,000 employees, improvement of educational system and making them a part of that plus run for more investments in the district will make it a whole lot better. Living a healthy and active lifestyle is the best thing to have rather than us waiting to get sick. I will support legislations to improve the environment. If I win the district, I will still be coaching, I don’t believe we have to stop as long as we can do both. Being disciplined in the management of your time, in basketball and legislation, I have already done that in the last few years and we didn’t have a problem in commitments because I have done both. Politics and Sports have similarities, you cannot go to a game or office unprepared. There are also intrigues, but you have to be emotionally stable, you will see bashers, the pressure is great and you can lose your job. You are only as good as your last term or game, it is part of our job and we have to accept that. It is a competition, you are joining the PBA for results, same with your district, coaching for 30 years, I have seen how it happens and I can focus on service for constituents. It is both stressful, one is for 48 minutes, the other for 3 years. I constituents asking for help 24/7 and you get used to it, to handle it. I am under a local party.”

Coach Yeng is supported by team members at Team Pilipinas (Gilas) and Team NLEX Road Warriors.

Asi Taulava says “In international competitions, our team, it’s a different game. Our coach as a congressman can boost that. We are all rooting for him.”

Kieffer Ravena says “The short time I have been with them, he is very genuine. He says it when you need to improve on, every opportunity he gets to help in the youth of Pampanga. In my scenario, it would have been easy to let me go but they supported me, it helps to have leaders who gives you confidence to do your own thing. A lot of players know and want to play for him, to become the best person possible, he does it a lot. He makes students be in their best position, I am open to help in his campaign. I believe in what he is fighting for, not because he is my coach, but his sincerity, if he gets elected Pampanga will be benefiting from it.”