Ms. Cabugao Bags Ms. Earth Philippines Silver 2013 title

The representative of the Municipality of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur grabbed the Miss Earth Philippines Silver 2013 title. She is one of the 10 finalists.

The grand title of Ms. Earth Philippines 2013 was given to Miss Olongapo who will represent the Philippines in the Miss Earth 2013.

Miss Cabugao is Jan-Janine Loudette Vicensio Alipo-on. When the judge asked her about fellow women competing to beauty pageants who underwent to plastic surgeries, Janine answered that she is against that, and that women should be contented with what God has given them. Natural beauty, that is. 

Meanwhile, there was also a representative from Candon City but Miss Cabugao shone more in the competition. Last year, there are 4 candidates from Ilocos Sur - Bantay, Vigan, Candon and Cabugao. Miss Vigan landed at 4th runner up last year.

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Ilocos Sur still a Singson Country; 14 positions occupied

Still, the province of Ilocos Sur is a Singson county as the key positions in the province were occupied by this family. The political clan triumphed the May 2013 elections winning all posts where they ran.

The incumbent governor, Luis "Chavit" Singson, being the head of this political family has chosen not to run to any position this time. His youngest son, Ryan Luis Singson has beaten the Liberal Party's bet, Tagudin Mayor Roque Versoza. Ryan Singson is the new governor of Ilocos Sur replacing his father Chavit.

Meanwhile, Ronald Singson, also a son of Chavit, who didn't finish his previous term as congressman because of conviction of an illegal-drug-related offense in Hong Kong, was still able to grab back the position as the representative of the first district of Ilocos Sur.

Eva Marie Singson Medina, the niece of Chavit also ran unopposed posing a sure victory as the mayor of the heavily tourist-visited world heritage city of Vigan. Singson-Medina's son, Carlo Singson Medina also ran as a councilor of the city in flying colors.

Jeremias "Jerry" Singson, Chavit's brother is also a mainstay of the Ilocos Sur Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Jerry has also become a vice governor of the province more than once.

At the city Candon, the richest city of Region 1 due to the blessing of R.A. 7171, Singsons there are clear winners. Ericson Singson, ran unopposed as mayor of this wealthy city while the vice mayor is also occupied by Alfonso Singson. The top spot of the city councilors' list of winners is also taken by another Singson.

Eric Singson (different person with Mayor Ericson SIngson) also had a landslide victory over his opponent making him the representative of the 2nd district of Ilocos Sur in the House. 

Germy Singson Goulart, Chavit's youngest sister also ran unopposed in the town of Caoayan. Goulart used to be a city councilor in Vigan. She resided in Caoayan then ran as a mayor.

With this extensive political dynasty, there are both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are extremely great if they will implement projects well, while disadvantages could be extremely disastrous if they will try to conspire for their personal interests. What can you say Ilocanos?

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Plaza Salcedo in Vigan - Sidewalk improvement

Plaza Salcedo in Vigan continues to improve a lot. From the construction of the dancing fountain, another addition in this historical park is the reconstruction of the sidewalk.

The sidewalk which used to be a grass-covered area has changed into a more pleasing look as bricks have been placed in contrasting colors.

Enjoy your walk in Plaza Salcedo while viewing the romantic Vigan Cathedral, the Dancing Fountain and Laser shows at night.

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Hap Chan Tea House to Open in Vigan

Hap Chan Tea House, the leading authentic Hong Kong style Tea House in the Philippines is opening soon in Vigan. This new branch will be located in Vigan Plaza Hotel at Plaza Burgos. 

This Chinese restaurant is another addition to Vigan's growing retail and franchise sector. Tourists who are looking for this restaurant will surely find their home in Vigan.

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Vigan's 3rd Mercury Drug Branch to Open on May 10, 2013

Another branch of the popular Drug store chain in the Philippines is going to rise in Vigan. Technically, it is the 4th Mercury Drug that is opening in this city. The other Mercury Drug branch located in Vigan Landmark has closed and 7-11 will be occupying the space soon.

So this will be the 3rd "existing" Mercury Drug branch in Vigan. The grand opening will be on May 10, 2013. This branch is located in Puregold Vigan.

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Calle Crisologo as fashion show venue

Part of the celebration of the World Costume Festival 2013 which was held in Vigan is the fashion show at the middle of Calle Crisologo.

The clothes featured during the fashion show held last April 30, 2013 in Calle Crisologo is the result of the workshop conducted by the organizers of the World costume festival.

The costumes highlighted in this fashion show are those that originated in Vigan and Davao. Before the fashion show, a concert was also held at the same venue.

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Vigan Karbo Festival 2013

The 2013 version of the Karbo Festival under the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts was successfully done.

Karbo Festival comes from the word karabaw and bokel, thus KARBO.

The highlight of this activity is the carabao painting. Other events include Boklan Arts competition and the glass mosaic competition.

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World Costume Festival Grand Parade - Vigan

The World Costume Festival 2013 Grand Parade was successfully held yesterday. It was attended by more than 20 international delegates. Major festivals all over the Philippines like the Dinagyang, Kaamulan, Sinulog, Kadayawan, etc also joined the event.

Delegates from Indonesia won the prestigious Golden Kneeling Carabao Award. Of course, Philippine costumes are there to stand out for the parade!

There was also World Body Painting competition whose winner will get a chance to represent the Philippines in Austria. Calesa Parade was also one of the highlights. World Costume Festival will end on April 30, 2013. Binatbatan Festival will follow on May 1.

More photos here: http://www.edmaration.com/2013/04/world-costume-festival-international.html

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SM Savemore Market to Rise in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur

Finally, the popular mall operator "SM" is invading Ilocos Sur. 

SM Savemore Market is opening soon in the town of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur.

Originally, this building was planned to be the newest JTC Mall in Ilocos Sur.

The establishment of this structure was not an easy process since it underwent to scrutiny and there were some oppositions for it's completion. After a long struggle, the structure in now standing.

JTC Mall did not materialize, and now SM Savemore is going to occupy this newest shopping center in town.

SM Savemore is located along the National Highway, in front of the Public Market.

Photo courtesy of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur.

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7-Eleven Convenience Store soon to open in Bantay

7-Eleven seems to be loving Ilocos Sur. After it's first branch in Ilocos Sur that opened in Tagudin, 7-Eleven in Ilocos Sur is spreading like wild fire.

One branch will open at Bantay town. The location of 7-Eleven Bantay would be the former Merge Point Store.

Other branches to open will be the 7-Eleven in Vigan and another one in Sta. Cruz Public Market.

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