'Yawa-yawa festival' eyed as next attraction for Boracay

(photo by: Churchill Gumboc)

BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN- The Malay municipal tourism office eyes the 'Yawa Yawa' festival of Barangay Argao as the next tourism attraction for this resort island.

Barbara Flores, Malay municipal tourism office said, she already has included in her plan the inclusion of the said festival among her priority projects.

Participants of the 'Yawa Yawa festival' dresses like ghosts and other scary creatures and roamed around the village of Barangay Argao to seek for Christmas gifts.

Its concept was derived from the Holy Innocents Day or Childrens Mass of the Catholic Church. It commemorates the innocent male infants and boys under two years of age who were killed by order of King Herod of Judea who sought Jesus Christ's death.

"We are celebrating the festival for year's that we do not know when it exactly started. We are doing it yearly as part of our tradition," said Argao village chief Ruby Ascano.

Ninos Inocentes is also the name for a traditional Christmas play in nearby Barangay Maloco, Ibajay Aklan loosely based on the Biblical story of the slaughter of the Innocents.

In this play, King Herod kidnaps and holds the newborn Christ child for ransom. But when old women brought him a sack of rice or corn, he releases the infant. The Maloco tradition is celebrated every December 28th.

Pacman spends Xmas holidays in Boracay

BORACAY — Superwelterweight champ Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao spent the Christmas holidays with his wife Jinkee in this resort island.

The couple arrived here on Saturday just in time for Christmas.

They reportedly plan to go back in Saranggani province before or after the New Year.

After this vacation, Pacquiao will undergo a rigid training for his bout against Shane Mosley.

The fight is scheduled on May 7 next year at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Recently, Pacquiao won the brawl against Mexican fighter Antonio Margarito on November 14 at the Cowboy Stadium Dallas, Texas.

While in Boracay, Pacquiao stayed in the West Cove Resort with his friend and long-time Philippine flag bearer, businessman Cris Aquino.

American DJ to perform live in Boracay

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- A disc jockey based in California, USA is expected to render a live performance in this resort island on Jan.12, 2011.

Alfred Darlington, 33 and also known as DJ Daedalus, is an experimental music producer. Daedelus pioneered using the Monome in conjunction with Max/MSP for live performances.

He is a part of the groups Adventure Time and The Long Lost.

He is currently signed to the Ninja Tune label but has released material with a number of labels, including: Plug Research, Mush, Laboratory Instinct, Eastern Developments, Phthalo, Merck, Big Dada, Soul Jazz, Distill,Hefty, Bit Of Heaven, Temporary Whatever, Stones Throw, Alpha Pup, Eat Concrete, Friends Of Friends, Brainfeeder and Warp.

He is also a founding DJ at the internet radio station Dublab. He attended the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.

After his Boracay gig, he will also be performing live January 14 in Dubplate Manila. The Dubplate Manila is the one who will bring DJ Daedalus in this resort island.

Malay Council laments Boracay's exclusion from new peso bills

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - The Malay Council which has jurisdiction over this resort island is questioning the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) why it did not include the world-famous Boracay in the design of the new peso bills.

The BSP has been receiving flak from various sectors for its alleged errors in the design of the new bills.

The new bills' designs are said to have added security features to prevent counterfeiting.

The new bills which were presented to the public last week are expected to be released next year.

The Malay Council discussed the new bills in its regular session Tuesday and the members decided to come up with a resolution to formalize their sentiments. All the councilors have voted in favor of issuing the resolution.

"The BSP should have included Boracay in its new design, the resort island being the premier tourism destination in the country," said Councilor Ezel Flores.

The council believed that the Boracay tourism industry would be further strengthened if the BSP decided to include it in the design of the new peso bills.

The council maintained that Boracay Island has the right to be included in the Philippine peso bills because of the billion of pesos it contributes to the coffers of the government.

Once the resolution is drafted and finally approved, this will be submitted to the BSP Central Office.

Boracay is safe from tsunami scare -- PHIVOLCS

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has officially ruled out any tsunami possibility in this resort island averting any tsunami scare in the future.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said that the geographical location of Boracay, protected by its cove, is that at the back of an open sea. The perfect location makes it difficult for tsunami in Boracay despite the fact that this resort island is along the Tablas fault.

"If a tsunami happens in the surrounding area, we expect Boracay will experience a minimal risk. Boracay's geographical location is considered a suitable tourism destination," Solidum, who traces his roots in Aklan province, said.

Phivolcs local officials said that, for several years, they are constantly monitoring the activity of Tablas fault which traverses Romblon and Antique provinces. In the 16th century, a tsunami reportedly hit the coastal areas of Romblon, making PHIVOLCS believe that it could happen again in the future.

The PHIVOLCS, an agency under the Department of Science and Technology, has undertaken a study on the geographical status of this resort island.

DSWD wants Children’s Code enforced in Boracay next year

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is looking forward to the implementation of the much delayed Provincial Children’s Code in this resort island next year.

Elma Malbas, provincial DSWD officer said that they were already conducting awareness on the Code among the transport group and laborers of the Caticlan Jetty Port.

Earlier, the DSWD-Western Visayas mobilized the Children’s Welfare Desk at the Jetty Port. This means that all of the minors passing in the jetty port would be registered at their desk.

The purpose of which was to protect children from abuses while staying in this resort island.

"We are just waiting for the passage of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Children’s Code. Anyone, including resort owners, would be held liable if they violated certain provisions in the Children’s Code," said Malbas.

Prior to the passage of the code, resort owners prohibited policemen from entering their premises to investigate suspected child prostitution cases.

"Based on the code, we could use the strategy of rescuing the children whenever they are suspected of having an illicit relationship with an adult be it foreigner or local," said Malbas.

Once the IRR is released, the DSWD will then start a massive information campaign relative to the implementation of such existing laws.

They also hope that stakeholders and resort owners will fully cooperate with the ordinance for the protection of children.

Reports said that children are prone to abuse and trafficking cases in this resort island.

Prosecutor’s office vows vs sex workers

BORACAY — The Provincial Prosecutors Office pledged its moral commitment against sex workers in this resort island.

Atty. Mayen Bien Tolentino of the said office said they are having a campaign against sex workers in Boracay as part of their commitment to eliminate cases of violence against women and children.

Records from the office showed that sex workers here are from the different parts of the country.

"A sex worker could earn P1,000 per hour, especially if their clients are foreigners,” said Tolentino.

These sex workers, when apprehended, are normally charged with vagrancy, Tolentino said.
Some of them were believed to be minors.

"When police look for their identification cards, they always present postal IDs. More often than not, we discover that the name in their postal ID is different from what is in their birth certificate," said Tolentino.

The law, however, only requires a person charges with vagrancy to pay the penalty of P2,000.

Currently, the police are charging apprehended sex workers even during Saturdays.

"I told police authorities that when they arrest sex workers, they should note if the arrest was for second or third offense so we could mete out a higher penalty," said Tolentino./

DOE to conduct energy audit in Boracay

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to conduct an energy audit among resorts and hotels in this resort island in order to encourage stakeholders to take part in their conservation program.

DOE assistant secretary Leonilo Lariosa said the government is able to save P1.2 billion worth of electricity for this year in their campaign for energy conservation efforts among the government offices around the country.

"If the private firms would take part in our energy conservation program, we would be able to use our meager energy resources for a more productive means to further strengthen the economy," he said in a press conference.

The DOE came here as part of their National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM) every December. The theme of this year's celebration is "Towards Energy Access for More Through Energy Efficiency and Conservation."

Energy conservation hopes to reduce need for oil imports. Such reduction will lower the capital and operating costs of electricity and will consequently provide Filipino sufficient electricity at lower possible costs.

"For companies, increased energy efficiency means more savings and higher profit which will lead to greater company stability, more jobs and competitive markets. At the household level, energy conservation will mean less power consumption and more savings from electricity cost," Lariosa added.

To conduct the energy audit, the DOE plans to enter through a memorandum of agreement among business organizations in this resort island such as the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) and the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

They also plan to personally discuss the program among big hotels which are not members of either the BFI nor the BCCI.

Bizwoman charged with estafa confident to hurdle case

BORACAY — A businesswoman based in this resort island is confident that she can hurdle the string of estafa charges filed against her.

Complainants who filed the charges before the Regional Trial Court in Kalibo, Aklan conspired due to greed, alleged Dolores Khanna, also known as Dolly, over a telephone interview.

She was referring to complainants Lawyers Lucas Licerio and Gina Garcia-Aguirre.

Canadian nationals Peter Eckert, Peter Tayler-Anderson, and couple Spencer and Evelyn Anderson also filed separate charges against Khanna.

Khanna described the charges against her as “pure harassment.”

"Prior to their filing of cases, I already took the initiative of bringing the spouses Anderson and other parties to a barangay meeting to help explain what is going with the land dispute between Licerio and the Khannas,” said Khanna.

“I also asked the parties to refrain giving libelous and slanderous remarks and to be patient and help me fight Licerio over a fraud case in court,” she said.

Despite the meeting, the Canadian nationals filed the cases.

Khanna consequently filed disbarment and libel charges against Licerio and Garcia.

“Because of the cases I filed, Licerio’s group illegally took over my cliff property in Bolabog Beach here,” said Khanna.

“My reputation was not damaged with the case,” she said.

Khanna is currently in Makati City. She has been receiving death threats while staying here.
Her lawyers also asked her not to attend court hearings.

Unified ticketing system now being implemented in Boracay

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan - The Caticlan Jetty Port is now implementing the unified ticketing system in order to gain accurate data on the number of tourist arrivals coming to this resort island.

The unified ticketing system is implemented using a turnstile machine inside the Caticlan Jetty Port here.

"Through the unified ticketing system, we hope to have a better count of tourists visiting this resort island. In the past, some tourists are able to elude being counted by tourism officials because of certain reasons," Maquirang said.

Each coming tourist before entering the turnstile machine should pay for both terminal, environmental and boat fee in one counter. They then will be presenting the ticket to the personnel manning the turnstile machine before they could be allowed to pass through.

Aklan residents are exempted from paying the unified ticketing system as they will only be charged of a boat fare.

"Aklanons must however present a valid identification as proof that they are residents of the province," Maquirang said.

The Aklan provincial government hopes to achieve one million tourists at the end of the year 2012.

P1-B reclamation project in Caticlan under fire

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

RESIDENTS and officials of Malay town in Aklan staged a protest rally Tuesday against the P1-billion reclamation project in Caticlan village, gateway to Boracay Island.

Councilor Jonathan C. Cabrera said the provincial government did not consult the municipal government and Boracay stakeholders during the preparatory stages of the project.

“The provincial government rammed the project down our throats sans consultation despite the ill-effects of the reclamation to the shorelines of Malay and Boracay,” Cabrera said.

Cabrera said they mounted the protest after the contractor of the project began the site embankment works.

The municipal council of Malay has passed a resolution objecting to the project saying it will narrow the 1-kilometer channel between Panay and Boracay, resulting in erosion of the famed beach line of the island resort.

Cabrera said they are preparing a case against the provincial government and the contractor to stop the project.

Major business groups in Boracay – the Boracay Foundation and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – also urged the provincial government to stop the project and conduct more in-depth studies on its effects on the island resort.

The business groups said developments in the reclamation project will compete with establishments in Boracay.

The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) allowed last May 17 the provincial government to proceed with the first of five phases of the reclamation project in Caticlan.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has also issued an environment certificate of compliance to the project’s first phase on April 27.

The first phase, which will cost P260 million, includes reclamation of the 2.19-hectare shoreline of the village and development project at the northern end of the jetty port in Caticlan.

The entire project will be implemented in 10 years and has an estimated more than P1 billion covering 36.82 hectares in Caticlan and 3.18 hectares in Boracay. It will feature expanded jetty port facilities, reclamation of coastline areas, and the construction of commercial office buildings, a health and wellness center and other businesses. It would also restore the now eroded coastal zones and prevent erosion near the port.

Roger M. Esto, Aklan provincial planning and development officer, said the project would improve jetty port facilities for inbound tourists of Boracay Island.

Esto said the Environmental Performance Report and Monitoring Program (EPRMP) submitted by the provincial government to the DENR did not indicate any danger posed by the project to Boracay.

Nieven M. Maquirang, Caticlan jetty port administrator, said the provincial government plans to transfer Boracay-bound passengers to the new jetty port in the reclamation project. The existing Caticlan jetty port will serve passengers aboard roll-on roll-off vessels.

Maquirang said the Caticlan jetty port in 2009 accommodated 1.6 million passengers for Boracay and the nautical highway.

“The existing Caticlan jetty port was only designed to handle passengers for the island of Boracay, but, in 2003, the roll-on roll-off vessels started to operate in the jetty port,” he said.

Maquirang said the proposed reclamation project will cater to the increasing tourist arrivals of Boracay Island.

From January to October 2010, a total of 665,000 foreign and domestic tourists arrived in Boracay compared to 250,000 tourists in 2001.

The Aklan provincial government last year signed a bond flotation agreement with the Local Government Unit Guarantee Corp. and Philippine National Bank (PNB) Trust Banking Corp. to raise P260 million for the first phase of the project.

Balangay expedition team visits Boracay

BORACAY — The Balangay expedition team headed by first Filipinos who climbed Mt. Everest visited this resort island over the weekend as part of their 14-month saga in rediscovering the trails of history.

They included Boracay as part of their journey to trace the arrival of the ten Bornean datus in Panay during the 13th century, said Carina Dayondon, one of the three Filipinas who climbed Mt. Everest.

Aside from Boracay, they have also visited Antique province.

Ariel Abriam, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry here, welcomed the team.

"All kinds of people are welcome into this resort island," said Abriam, a retired naval officer of the United States Navy.

The Balangay expedition team comprises 39 crews divided into three balangays (boats).

They have traveled to countries in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei, among others.

They left Boracay yesterday morning for a one-day sail to Mindoro province, and are expected to return to Manila on December 13.

As of 10 a.m. yesterday, the team was already in Caluya Island near Antique, Dayondon said in a text message.

"Please pray for us; we were being battered by strong waves here," said 32-year-old Dayondon.

The team reported that the Balangay Sama Tawi-Tawi, one of the three balangays, hit a coral reef, causing a gashing wound in their hull and water started to enter.

After going to Mindoro, they expect to pass through Batangas seas and will be docking at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Manila next week./

Do's and Dont's in Boracay to be released

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The local government of Malay, Aklan in cooperation with the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) and other agencies are expected to come up with the Boracay Do's and Don'ts for the information of both the local residents and visiting tourists in this resort island.

Malay Councilor Jupiter Gallenero said that the publication is currently being deliberated at the council. Once approved, the Do's and Don'ts for Boracay will be posted in different airline companies, sea vessels and even in different hotels in Boracay.

"We want the tourists to know that we are strictly implementing based on the several ordinances passed for the sustainability of our tourism industry," he said.

Already, the local government and the BFI have written to the airline and vessel companies to allow the postings of the Do's and Don'ts for Boracay.

Among the local ordinances that are being implemented are the no-smoking, no-littering and no-eating of foods at the beachfront in this resort island.

Earlier, stakeholders have agreed that drinking of beer during parties in the beachfront are already allowed.

Balangay hopes to spur tourism in Mindanao

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- One of the three balangays now being used in the expedition of the Mt. Everest Team will be displayed in the Butuan Museum soon hopefully to spur the tourism industry of Mindanao.

For several years, tourism in Mindanao suffered setbacks following reports of terrorism scare and armed conflicts, among others.

Daniel Calo, of the Department of Tourism-Butuan and one of the Balangay crew, said that the Hong Ning Butuan one of the Balangay boats is expected for a homecoming in their museum before Christmas.

But before they return to Butuan, the three Balangays including the Butuan boat will be welcomed in Manila on December 13.

The Balangay expedition team is currently lobbying on President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and inviting him to go aboard the Diwata ng Lahi boat, one of the three Balangays that is being used in their expedition.

Already, Vice President Jejomar Binay, People's Boxing Champ and at the same time Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao, former President Fidel V. Ramos and other dignitaries have confirmed their presence welcoming the Balangay expedition team in CCP Complex next week.

"After the much anticipated homecoming event, the Butuan boat will set sail alone back to the Butuan museum. The docked boat will then be used for tourism purposes in Butuan," said Calo.

The Diwata ng Lahi will be displayed in the National Museum while another boat named Balangay Sama Tawi Tawi will be used for another tourism purpose in Manila Yacht Club also in CCP Complex.

"We are confident that we could spur the tourism industry in Mindanao once the Butuan boat arrives in our Museum," said Calo.

Drinking at Boracay beach front OK’

BORACAY — Some stakeholders and the municipal government of Malay recently agreed that drinking beer be allowed at the beach front here.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Boracay, Boracay Foundation Inc., Boracay Solid Waste Management experts, local media and representatives from the Malay government held an emergency meeting following an incident involving several tourists.

The tourists were allegedly confronted by a member of the Municipal Auxiliary Policemen (MAP) and were given a citation ticket.

Upon their review of the municipal ordinance, the stakeholders realized that only eating food was prohibited at the beach front. Drinking was allowed.

The Malay government together with the MAP has been enforcing the ordinances in this resort island since December 2, creating a surprise to several stakeholders here.

The ordinances include anti-littering, anti-smoking and no-eating at the beach front.

“We also agreed on a possible revision of the ordinance. Now, our focus is to prevent resort owners from placing tables and chairs at the beach front, especially during day time,” said Malay Councilor Jupiter Gallenero.

“We have also agreed that drinking should be allowed,” said Gallenero.

Since the ordinance does not prohibit drinking at the beach front, “then so be it,” said PCCI President Ariel Abriam.

Boracay Island commemorates World AIDS Day

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- This resort island will commemorate the World AIDS Day by holding a candle light ceremony on December 1 in cooperation with the Department of Health, local government of Malay and resort owners.

With a theme "Know yourself, Know your safe, Keep the Promise, Stop the HIV-AIDS", the commemoration will start at the Casa Pilar Resort through an AIDS symposium. Participants of the HIV-AIDS campaign include the transport drivers and boatmen.

After the symposium, an amazing race activity will be held in the afternoon for secondary school students in Boracay.

A candle lighting party will also be held in the evening at the Summer Place resort for everyone who is participating in the World AIDS Day activity.

According to Debbie Villaflor of the PHO, at least 18 positive HIV-AIDS cases were registered in the province.

Some 46 percent of them were Overseas Filipino Workers such as seafarers, land based contract worker and domestic helpers.

The World AIDS Day commemoration hopes to raise additional awareness to the residents of Boracay and act to prevent the disease from spreading.

Meanwhile, the DoH will also hold a free HIV AIDS testing center at the Malay Health Center on December 2. A free circumcision will also be held at the Malay District Hospital on December 3.

Experts study Boracay coastal areas' protection

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- Experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are studying how to protect coastal areas here from further degradation.

Provincial planning and development officer Engr. Roger Esto said Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) commissioned UP to undertake the study.

He also said Aklan's provincial government is assisting the DENR in this undertaking.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) provided funds to the BFI as this foundation requested.

The BFI and Aklan provincial government differ in plans on how Boracay's coastal areas must be managed and protected.

"We don't compete with each other but we'll appreciate the study's results," Esto clarified.

He assured the provincial government's willingness to share such results with the other team of experts.

Results of the study will be used as basis for future public and private action in the area.

Boracay businesswoman denies fraud allegation

A businesswoman, who claims to own real estate properties in the island resort of Boracay in Aklan, has recently came out with a statement on Tuesday clearing her involvement in an alleged fraud involving four foreign expatriates and a Filipino lawyer.

In a statement provided to the Manila Bulletin on November 23, 2010, Dolora “Dolly” Khanna, through her legal counsels, denied accusations thrown against her by Canadians Peter Eckart and Peter Tayler, American couple Spencer and Evelyn Anderson, and Filipino lawyer Lucas Licerio, linking her to an alleged fraudulent transaction involving real estate properties at the Boracay Luxury Homes.

“Mrs. Khanna owns thousands of square meters of Lot 593 by virtue of a series of Deeds and Absolute Sale executed between Atty. Licerio, in his capacity as her and attorney-in-fact of the other remaining heirs, as seller and Mrs. Khanna as buyer,” said the statement provided by Khanna’s legal counsel.

“As owner thereof, Mrs. Khanna has the right to dispose them.”

In a previous story, it was reported that an estafa case was filed by the foreign expatriates and Licerio, alleging Khanna to have sold the properties to the foreigners after claiming ownership of the lots, which were allegedly owned by Licerio.

“After buying the Boracay properties from Atty. Licerio in 2007, Mrs. Khanna, developed the properties, designed and constructed homes and other improvements therein, and marketed them at her sole expense,” Khanna’s cam said.

“The project was referred to as the ‘Cliff Project,’ where the Anderson spouses, Spencer and Evelyn, having fully paid for their homes, was issued a Deed of Absolute Sale. Since then, possession of their homes has been entirely turned over to them.”

The said statement also shed light on the allegations against Khanna concerning her status as a businesswoman in the Philippines and in the United States.

“Mrs. Khanna is a reputable business woman with multiple successful businesses in the United States. She recently returned to the country… and decided to acquire dual citizenship and invest in Boracay as a sign of her confidence to the Philippines,” the statement clarified.

World's kiteboarding star in Boracay for All Chicks Kite Camp

BORACAY ISLAND- World's kiteboarding superstar Susi Mai is expected to come to this resort island on Tuesday for the 10-day All Chicks Kite Camp Philippines to be held in three destinations in the country.

Aside from this resort island, Susi Mai, which hailed from Dominican Republic, will also visiting Pagudpud Ilocos Norte and Seco Island in nearby Antique province. Susi Mai is also known as the 'Queen of Air.'

The tourism sector here welcomes the arrival of Susi Mai as it would continue to spur the tourism growth of this resort island.

Reports reaching this resort island said that Susi Mai had already arrived in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte province and is looking forward for the wind she deserves.

The All Chicks Kite Camp Philippines will kick off in Kingfishers Resort in Pagudpod at 6:30 pm Monday.

After her showdown, she will then visit this resort island Tuesday for another venue of Kite Camp Philippines. The event in this resort island is expected to start at 6:30 pm on Monday.

She will also be visiting Seco Island in Antique and is expected to return to Ilocos for a culmination on December 2.

For several years, Susi Mai has been visiting places around the world to compete for Kiteboarding events.

US-based Filipino creates world's first Apple diagnostic aid software

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan-- A Filipino pediatrician based in Bangor in Maine, USA introduced the world's first Parents Diagnostic Aid application software through Apple.

Dr. Leonardo Leonidas created the application along with a local Information Technology graduate here.

Leonidas said since he launched his application over Apple last November 9, parents from Brazil, Great Britain and Spain already downloaded his software.

His application costs US$ 3.99 and can be downloaded through Apple-made gadgets like Macintosh, Ipad, Itunes and Iphones.

The application can be merely viewed in other platforms like IBM, however.

Although Leonidas is based in the USA, he made the software innovation in his house in Lezo, Aklan.

He's proud his gadget application is increasingly being known as something made in the Philippines.

“I created this mobile machine application to reduce medical errors to our children - in the USA, around 1,062 (American) pediatricians surveyed reported having medical errors which could harm patients once or twice a year,” Leonidas said.

Pediatricians in the USA treat patients who are 21 years old and below.

“In my application, parents can at least see 13 common complaints that are experienced by children. These are fever, chronic cough, wheezing (asthma), abdominal pain, headache, chest pain, fainting spell, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, back joint limb pain, abnormal walking and neck swelling.

When a child experiences one of these symptoms, they can browse through their gadgets and answer five to 17 survey questions related to their complaint,” said Leonidas.

The survey questions cover different symptoms of a certain illness.

“Parents still need to bring their children to pediatrician for medical treatment. If their pediatrician's opinion does not agree with what my software application says, they have reason to ask for a second opinion on the case,” said Leonidas.

Leonidas will be recognized this December 21 as among outstanding alumni from University of the Philippines (UP).

He also gained recognition in 2006 from UP Medical Alumni Society in America for being overseas teacher of the year.

Twenty year-old application programmer Roger Molas said he finished the diagnostic aid application in three months.

“We applied on November 1, 2010. After following requirements asked by Apple store, it was approved nine days after and immediately sold in the market,” said Molas who is part of the Medical Application Developers Team.

Foreign expatriates, lawyer file charges vs Boracay realtor

BORACAY ISLAND, — Four Canadian and American expatriates and a Filipino lawyer have individually filed a case of estafa with the Aklan Provincial Prosecutor's Office Monday against a Filipina who claims to own vast properties in this resort island.

In a press conference, the complainants presented themselves as Canadians Peter Eckart and Peter Tayler-Anderson, Spencer and Evelyn Anderson, and Filipino lawyer, Lucas Licerio, all residents of Boracay Island who said they were “duped” by a certain Dolly Khana who claimed to be the proprietor of Boracay Luxury Homes.

"Khana have duped the foreigners of around P100 million for the past years and they want to get their money back. They are businessmen in the United States wanting to retire for good in the country but the suspect duped them by promising them real property ownership in Boracay," said Atty. Gina Garcia, their lawyer.

Licerio said that in 2007, Khana approached him as agent to sell his lots in Boracay Island. She then turned around and, claiming ownership of Licerio’s lots on the island, sold these to the foreigners.

"We believe Khana has victimized more foreigners who are afraid to come out in the open for certain reasons. We have documents to show that Khana have already been convicted of estafa charges in California, USA," said Garcia.

She said that they presented themselves in a press conference to encourage other victims to come out in the open and, at the same time, warn other would-be investors against dealing with Khana.

The Anderson couple also claimed that they have been harassed by Khana and allegedly made threats against their lives if they pursue plans to press charges against her in court. The Andersons have filed complaints with the police comprised of eight alleged harassment cases they said they experienced with Khana.

The complainants also said that both the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) deemed Khana's Boracay Luxury Homes and other attached companies as unregistered and that Khana is not a taxpayer.

“One of Khana’s schemes is to put out full-page color advertisement in several national magazines and other prominent publications in the country, all promoting her Boracay Luxury Homes. Khana seemed to be an influential person," said Garcia.

One source in Boracay said Khana is a “Fil-American and is presumably a relative of former Secretary Ignacio Bunye.”

Last October 8, a dozen National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents along with a crew from broadcast firm, ABS-CBN Iloilo swooped down on this resort island following reports that a group of children were being held hostage by Licerio. The reports turned out to be false, with Licerio believing that Khana had been behind the false information given to the NBI and the broadcast media outfit.

Khana is believed to be in Boracay, avoiding attempts by the media to get her side of the story.

UK-based performer live in Boracay

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- A musician-performer based in the United Kingdom (UK) will be performing live at the Jungle Bar along Kingfisher Road here December 4.

RSD also known as Rob Smith before his arrival here will also be performing live in Nagoya, Japan on November 26. Smith is a partner of a respected duo production Smith and (Ray) Mighty in UK.

For two decades, Smith and his partner Mighty have been pushing for bass heavy rhythm. They were also known for their reggae, punk, soul, hiphop, jungle and more recently dubstep.

The pair's early releases on the Three Stripe label were influential in laying the groundwork for both the trip hop and jungle scenes for which Bristol would become renowned.

Aside from their own releases, they take production credit for Massive Attacks first release ’Any Love’ and Fresh Fours top ten hit ’Wishing on a Star’.

Under the moniker RSD, Rob Smith produces fresh, innovative bass music that simultaneously pays dues to his deep sound system roots while pushing things ever forward.

He remains firmly at the forefront of Bristol's endlessly inventive music scene. With a staggering discography and a range of projects encompassing dub, drum and bass, 2-step and dubstep, Rob Smith has his finger squarely on the bass-pulse.

His performance will also feature Manila-based DJs Red-i (B-Side, Dubplate Manila), Salamangkero and Erwin Edralin.

Manila-based tourists would be given a 20 percent discount on selected resorts here if they wanted to see RSD perform live in this resort island.

Vessel to ply direct to Boracay Island

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The M/V Mary the Queen, owned by the Romblon Shipping Lines, will have its first voyage on November 14 Manila to Caticlan and vice versa.

Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port administrator, said that based on the documents submitted by the company, they are going to stay permanently on their route Manila-Caticlan.

"Tourists bound for Boracay Island will have another alternative route to go to," said Maquirang.

Aside from the airplanes, tourists bound for this resort island can also take the Strong Republic Nautical Highway or the roll on-roll off passenger barges as their medium of transport.

Every summer season, the Negros Navigation also have their scheduled similar voyage Caticlan to Manila and vice versa.

The M/V Mary the Queen is formerly owned by the MBRS Lines.

2012: A milestone for Boracay Tourism

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The Aklan provincial government considers the year 2012 as a milestone for the Boracay tourism industry.

Karina Quimpo-Ruiz of the Aklan Provincial Tourism Office said that they are confident that this resort island will be reaching the one million -targeted tourist arrivals in the year 2012.

"We initially targeted the one million mark on the year 2013 but because of the current positive outlook on tourism industry, we are optimistic that Boracay will reach its goal of having one million tourists in the year 2012," Ruiz said.

Among the factors that the Aklan provincial government had considered is the approval of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) for the Aklan Provincial government to push for its much delayed reclamation project at the Caticlan Jetty Port.

The government aims to put up additional tourism infrastructures in the reclamation project such as the MARINA hotel, cable car facility, medical tourism facility, among others.

The new project will be managed by the Aklan provincial government under the Economic Enterprise Development Department.

Equipment for P2-B Polo Club project starts arriving in Aklan

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- Equipment for the construction of the P2-billion Polo Club project in this Western Visayas province have started arriving in the province, says Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez.

The investment of the Alphaland Development Inc. which comprises of a 500-hectare property in Nabas, Aklan is expected not only to boost the tourism lure of Boracay, but also to expand the tourism investment zone in the province.

"The arrival of the equipment means the investors have already started to construct the project which also translates to economic and livelihood employment opportunities for the province," said Marquez.

Because of this development, the province is confident that it could be able to reach its 1.5 million tourist arrivals targeted for 2015.

The Polo and Country Club is an investment tourism hub where tourists can expect to see high breed of horses while enjoying the cowboy-like kind of environment. The planned investment in Boracay is a mixed use of resort complex and water recreational facilities.

"Aside from the Alphaland, expect more new investment opportunities coming to this resort island," said Marquez.

The Alphaland, aside for investing in Boracay, also has already its own investment hubs in Quezon province with its 37-story high-end office building in Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

Kiteboarding: Boracay prepares for Kiteboard Tour Asia

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- This resort island prepares for the holding of the Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA) on March 16 to 20, 2011.

Organizers said that aside from this resort island, other venues for the Kiteboard tour will be on Hainan, China (November 25 to 29); Mui Ne, Vietnam (January 12 to 16); Pranburi, Thailand (February 16 to 20); Philippine tour will be in Boracay and Busan, Korea on April 15 to 19.

"The KTA is open to everyone from anywhere, amateur and pro-riders alike. It is the one and only officially Asian continental tour sanctioned by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA), the kite surfing world governing body which in turn is the class representative to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) sanctioning international sailing competitions from world championship to Olympic levels," the organizers said.

The organizers added that they had chosen Boracay to be one of most established kite locations in Asia because of its world reputation for top class wind and kiting conditions and as one of the Philippines' top holiday destinations.

The KTA competitions will be held at the Bulabog beach side of the island where all the kite schools and action takes place during the winter monsoon months.

The kiting here takes place inside a large reef protected bay that means for the most part flat or more or less flat water in al but the strongest of winds, which can be pretty strong during January, so expect chop on those days.

The organizers added that the 2011 event highlights the fully sanctioned continental tour. This means that riders will be awarded world ranking points for winning and being placed within each of the disciplines they compete in.

In turn, riders will then be able to view their overall world ranking position against all other riders in the world on the official International Kiteboarding Association website at any time during the season.

Under the IKA sanction, the KTA is able to run a number of different disciplines under their unified rule and rankings system.

For the 2010/11 tour, the KTA events will concentrate on two of these disciplines. The two KTA tour disciplines are Freestyle and Course racing.

This year, further to the two main IKA points ranking events, the KTA Asian Tour will also include, in the course racing section, a twin-tip sub-class to compliment the race board competitors keeping the entry level to racing open to everyone.

Old Skool will also be making an appearance this year with the KTA Big Air Old Skool continuous cup in association with SPLOCS.

Each tour stop has been designated as a four day event. The first day is allocated as a free ride warm-up day for riders to test out the location and to allow for registration and the competition format, rules and safety briefings to take place.

The following three days are full competition days which will be organized and ran in accordance with the weather conditions on any given day.

The final event, wind-up and prize giving, will then take place at the end of the event party on the final evening of the tour stop.

Private-public partnership boosts Aklan tourism

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan- The private-public partnership introduced by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is working well for the Aklan tourism industry says Engr. Roger Esto, the head of the Aklan Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO).

Esto said that in the offing right now is the offer of a subdivision magnate based in nearby Roxas City, Capiz to donate a 5,000 square meters lot in Lambingan beach in Kalibo for the use for the development of the tourism industry.

"Because of the offer of the Ong family in Roxas City, the Aklan provincial government has initially allocated for the development of the lot to be implemented next year," said Esto.

Once the plan pushes through the Lambingan Beach will be converted into a seaport. The seaport will then served as another entry point for tourists visiting this resort island.

"What we are planning to do is to possibly bring tourists from the nearby Kalibo International Airport to the Lambingan seaport and they will board a motorized boat which will then carry them to Boracay Island," said Esto.

The planned seaport travel is considered short cut for the tourists who are excited in getting to this resort island the soonest possible time.

Man jailed over bomb joke

BY BAM LUCES

BORACAY – A 50-year-old man was recently arrested by personnel of the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office (BSTPO) over a false bomb threat.

Junny Pahimuyan of Brgy. Igang, Pototan, Iloilo will be charged for violating Presidential Decree 1727, according to BSTPO Investigator PO2 Ariel Naral.

Pahimuyan was nabbed about 4:45 p.m. on November 2.

PO2 Pat Joenard Belermino and SN2 Hope Parreño, members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Boracay on duty at the Passenger Assistance Center in Boracay Cagban Jetty Port, earlier noticed Pahimuyan and a porter carrying two boxes.

The PCG members were suspicious of the boxes which were wrapped by a packing tape.

Without passing the passengers’ area, Pahimuyan and the porter brought the boxes to the MBCA Roselyn boat bound for Caticlan Jetty Port, they said.

Belermino and the boat captain approached Pahimuyan and inquired about the contents of the box.

“Ano na, bomba? (Is that a bomb?)” asked the boat captain. Pahimuyan shouted, “Huo, bomba ini (Yes, it is).”

Pahimuyan’s response caused panic in the area, police said.

The PCG members held and ordered Pahimuyan to put the boxes down for verification.

Pahimuyan was acting arrogantly while the boxes were being opened, according to Belermino and Parreño.

They found nothing but kitchen utensils inside the boxes; there was no bomb.

Belermino and Parreño asked the BSTPO to arrest Pahimuyan.

Pahimuyan was subjected to an inquest the other day in Kalibo, Aklan.

But Pahimuyan, assisted by Atty. Flosemer Chris Gonzales of the Public Attorneys’ Office, executed a waiver of detention pending preliminary investigations.

Pahinuyan later admitted that he was drunk and did not think that his joke would cause a commotion, police said.

Pahimuyan, temporarily residing in Brgy. Yapak here, is currently detained in the lockup cell of the BSTPO./

Filipina joins Top 20 World's Coolest Intern Candidate

BORACAY Island-- A 21-year old Filipina made it as one of the 23 World's Coolest Intern candidate in the world of blogging.

Jonha Revesencio of Kalibo, Aklan was considered by the organizers on her blog entry "Defying Gravity" and is the sole representative of the Philippines in the world competition.

She asked Facebook, Twitter and Youtube fans to like her page so that she could be able to win the event.

The organizers said they received at least 1,900 applications and only 23 of them have been selected for the final competition.

The organizers should have only 20 chosen finalists but were extended to 23 because some of the finalists got tie scores.

JamiQ, the organizers' partner and one of Asia's most established online sentiment analysis and research consultants, has audited and consolidated the top 20 applicants based on their digital footprint from a quantitative perspective.

Revesencio graduated in STI-Kalibo and has been interested in blogging since then. She is now in Iloilo City working as a call center agent.

"We have been overwhelmed with the response from the applicants and the effort they and their supporters have put in which only makes the decision for the Standard Chartered Breeze team even tougher as we search for our latest addition.

So before we introduce our Top 23, we would like to tip our digital hats to all applicants for making the World's Coolest Intern even cooler.

It has been our privilege having you as an applicant and we look forward to staying in touch and the possibility of working with you. A big thanks from all of us and our partners in the Breeze team," the organizers said.

Among others, bloggers from Singapore, India, Australia, USA, Malaysia and Hong Kong are competing in the said event.

Funboard: New features on the 22nd International Funboard Cup

BORACAY ISLAND- Spectators could expect new features on the forthcoming 22nd Neil Pryde Boracay International Funboard Cup slated Jan. 24 to 29, 2011.

Nenette Graf, one of the organizers of the event, said that, originally, the event only consisted of timed slalom races. However, next year's event will feature speed trials, Kiteboarding freestyles, and kiting hangtime.

"The races are free for spectators to watch and are held in the international seaside community of Bulabog beach. The event brings competitors from all over the world to compete for friendship, victory and honor," said Graf.

The pristine white sand, blue smooth waters and hammering Amihan winds of Bulabog beach are said to make funboard competition an ideal venue for this resort island.

Neil Pryde is the title sponsor and has been involved in the creation and running of this event for the past 22 years. Unknown to many, the annual funboard cup has been considered as Asia's longest running international sporting event for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

The CNNgo.com have voted the funboard cup as one of the top 52 Weekend Events Destination in the World in 2010.

Boracay Community Market revived to cater to both locals and foreign tourists

BORACAY ISLAND,- The Boracay Community Market has been revived here once again by its organizers to showcase the organic products, souvenirs, home-baked bread and muffins, farm fresh vegetables and foods, local artists and paintings, as well as local indigenous crafts.

The organizers said that the community market is open to all Boracay residents who want to sell their stuff and is located at the Plazoleta area white beach.

The opening will be staged on November 6.

"As we near Christmas, the market provides an opportunity for the tourists to meet more local offering regionally produced," the organizers said.

The organizers only charge P100 per table on each interested local vendor.

Held every Saturday, the community market has been materialized by the locals as a venue for discussions on gossip about the lifestyles around this resort island, current events while showcasing the local ingenuity of the locals.

The organizers also hope that the local culture of the Boracay residents could be showcased through the said community market.

‘Promised land’ eludes Filipino tribe in Boracay

Boracay Island- A TRIBAL group on the island of Boracay, central Philippines, continues to wait for land promised to them by the government.

“We expect a formal turnover of the (land) title,” said Sister Victoria Ustan of theMissionaries of Charity, who has been helping the Ati tribe claim their ancestral land.

The National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) announced on Aug. 3 that that a Certificate of Ancestral Domain has been issued to the Ati tribe, 10 years after they filed a petition to claim land in the village of Manoc-Manoc on Boracay island.

Sister Ustan said the Atis were happy upon hearing the good news but they are now planning to write a letter to President Benigno Aquino III because the land title has not been released.

“If we are just near Manila we would have visited the NCIP office to ask about the delay,” said Ati chieftain Delsa Justo.

Since 2000, the Atis, who number about 2,000, have been legally claiming ownership over Boracay Island, which they regard as their ancestral domain. The island has become a famous tourist destination for its white sands and scenic sunset.

The Supreme Court earlier declared Boracay Island a government land, affirming a presidential proclamation that classifies more than half of the island as “disposable.”

“It is difficult to teach the Atis values about life without them having permanent land,” Sister Ustan added.(www.ucanews.com)

Fire injures 2, destroys 25 structures

BY BAM LUCES

BORACAY – A resident and a fireman were injured in a fire in Sitio Ambolong, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc (Station 3) here on Wednesday around 9:30 p.m.

About 25 residential and mix-occupancy structures made of light materials were burned to ashes, according to PO1 Cyrus Parce, desk officer of the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office (BSTPO).

Fire Officer 3 Franklin Arubang of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here said, “The cause of conflagration was not yet determined… it is still under investigation.
”
“Evidences like ashes and electrical wiring from the house where the fire allegedly started were sent to the Arson Laboratory in BFP Manila for verification and laboratory analysis,” he added.

Parce said they received a call about the fire around 9:20 p.m.

He said they immediately informed the BFP about the situation.

Volunteer residents and personnel from the Boracay Sewerage System helped the BFP firefighters put out the fire.

The fire was totally put out around 11 p.m.

Eva Lumbo, one of the fire victims, said she woke up when the fire was already reaching their house.

“We did not have enough time to safeguard our belongings. My husband secured nothing but our TV. The fire was so big already… we just ran to the main road and saved ourselves,” Lumbo said.

She said their family slept early because earlier, the electrical power was out.

The damages were estimated to be P1.8 million.