Pampanga | Lifestyle - Sun.Star Online

Catching the cold breeze inside Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

Wed, 05/01/2013 - 23:09

I SHUN away from most guided tours because I find some of them too expensive, pretentious, and provide little opportunity for self-exploration.

I usually depend on my personal research and self-exploration in finding the best attraction that an unfamiliar territory can offer. It was through this that I found myself in the exhilarating search for Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave in Camalig town in Albay.

Local artists gather for rare reunion in Magalang town

Thu, 04/11/2013 - 00:16

THE best local artists in Pampanga and nearby provinces gathered in the rustic home of painter Andy Ramos in Magalang town in a once-in-a-lifetime gathering centering on talks of art, pushing of art advocacy, continuing art education of the young and cascading of skills from the most accomplished within their ranks.

But when artists gather in such a rustic home at the foot of Mount Arayat, one cannot help but be inspired, some artists even went too far as to try their singing voices after being encouraged by drinks and the festive food prepared by their gracious host.

SM City Downtown joins Earth Hour with other SM Supermalls

Mon, 03/25/2013 - 15:00

SM CITY San Fernando Downtown joined this year’s Earth Hour, drumbeating the commitment of mall goers, public officials and tenants to promote environmental awareness and protection.

The event which started at 8:30 p.m. at the mall’s 7th floor open air venue was attended by 3rd District Board Member Monina Laus. The event featured the turning off of majority of malls main lighting and ceremonial candle lighting and dance performances.

CLTV 36 launches region’s biggest talent search

Mon, 03/25/2013 - 14:59

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- It’s time to dream big and reach for the stars!

This, as Laus Group’s CLTV 36 -- the premium TV network in the region---in partnership with Robinsons Land Corporation, on Saturday launched “Star Mill,” at the Atrium of Robinsons Starmills in this city, in time for the celebration of the station’s 6th anniversary.

Branded as the biggest ever reality talent search in Central Luzon, the “search for the star in a million” aims to discover the best of the region’s artists and performers and give them broader recognition through CLTV 36’s extensive reach.

Maestro Rafael Maniago: A portrait of an artist

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 20:53

MAESTRO Rafael "Paeng" Maniago is more than just an artist. He is a mentor, a humanist, a friend to fellow artists and admirers.

Maniago lives a prolific and colorful life with his art at the center of everything that he does, that he literally breathes and lives his art day after day.

A breath of fresh air for ‘Katy the Musical’

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 21:52

THE younger generation of theater goers and music lovers would have a rare chance to see again the re-staging of the landmark original Filipino musical "Katy!" at the CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino this January.

A Glittery Quota Pampanga Christmas Party

Wed, 12/19/2012 - 22:43

THE Ladies of Quota International of Pampanga certainly know how to end the year with a blast. After embarking on a rollercoaster list of social programs and projects this 2012, the all-women group is now ready to take 2013 by the horns and start the New Year right.

Rolando Quiambao: Dreaming of Kites and Lanterns

Wed, 11/21/2012 - 22:12

ROLANDO Quiambao, one of the famed lantern masters of the City of San Fernando, is still mesmerized by the dazzling lights of the lanterns that are produced by his workshop in this capital city.

Like the myriad of colors of his lanterns, he lives a very colorful life. Considered as one of the most accomplished lantern makers here, Quiambao still dreams a lot for the San Fernando lantern.

The enduring art of Maestro Rafael Maniago

Wed, 08/29/2012 - 14:22

MAESTRO Rafael "Paeng" Maniago lives a prolific and colorful life with his art at the center of everything that he does, that he literally breathes and lives his art day after day.
Considered as the best among the best painters and arguably the best portrait artist of his generation, Maniago is sought by art lovers, collectors and students alike.

His works today are hot commodities that adorn educational and government institutions, the private collections of rich art collectors and in the homes of ordinary people and friends both here and in the United States.

Brillante’s film ‘Captive’ starts premiere in Pampanga

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 22:37

CANNES Filmfest Best Director Brillante Mendoza's film “Captive” is set to be shown in cinemas all across the country this September but not before having a debut premiere in Pampanga, the director’s home province, on September 2.

“Captive” is Mendoza’s latest contribution to the independent film industry here. The film was an entry in the recent Berlin Film Festival last year. However, the film failed to bag any award but nonetheless received wide-ranging reviews from different critics.

Pampanga’s First Floating Garden

Thu, 07/12/2012 - 10:59

IMAGINE being able to plant crops, rain or shine, without the threat of floodwater or drought. Imagine this possible even in perennially flooded areas like swamps and canals.

In a village in the City of San Fernando, villagers need not imagine -- because they live amidst this possibility using the latest farming technology.

Barangay Del Pilar has launched the first-ever floating garden in Pampanga using the technology of using water hyacinths as floating rafts for garden and vegetable cultivation.

Grand Independence Day at SM City Clark

Wed, 06/13/2012 - 14:10

SM CITY CLARK commemorated Tuesday the country’s 114th Independence Day with a host of cultural and civic activities, culminating in the mass formation of a giant Philippine Flag and the opening of an exhibit on independence-inspired art.

Some 300 people, mostly dancers, extras and students from the Angeles City National Trade School made a formation of the Philippine Flag at the mall’s front covered walk.

A last minute trip to the heritage city of Carcar

Sun, 06/03/2012 - 21:13

WITH summer officially over and the month of June ushering in the long awaited rains and cooler weather, I still managed to make a last-minute trip to Carcar. This city is known as the “Heritage City of Cebu” and is also famous for its world-class shoe industry and heart-stopping chicharon (pork skin crackers).

Santacruzan with a new twist

Mon, 05/28/2012 - 22:35

WHOEVER said that you would have to be young to be in a Santacruzan?

The Santacruzan during the Pyestang Fernandino 2012 in the City of San Fernando held over the weekend took a different turn as the young and not-too-young paraded in their best gowns for the popular religious festival.

The religious promenade included the fabulous women of Pampanga’s high society, women leaders, and club officers, and of course the women of this year’s Pyestang Fernandino Executive Committee.

A healthy Christmas party with Quota International of Pampanga

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 20:24

WHO said that aerobics and Christmas party do not mix?

Aslag Kapampangan all set for 2011 Pop Music Festival

Thu, 11/17/2011 - 11:40

KAPAMPANGAN musical talents will again shine on November 17, 4 p.m. at the SM City Pampanga Annex 3 for this year’s 3rd Aslang Kapampangan Pop Music Festival 2011.

But this year, student singers, writers and composers will take center stage as Aslag Kapampangan offers opportunities to talented Kapampangan youth aspiring to develop their craft and deepen their passion for Kapampangan culture and arts through the festival.

First day in cosmopolitan Singapore

Wed, 11/09/2011 - 00:49

SINGAPORE is the complete anti-thesis of the Philippines. It’s a clear example of what the Philippines could be if the system worked, if people obeyed the law and if officials really worked for genuine public service.

Rotary Youth Leadership Award: ‘Making Abundant Memories’

Thu, 11/03/2011 - 20:44

THE Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) was held last October 28 to 30, 2011 at Hannah's Beach Resort, located at the heart of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The event was led by Distrct 3790 Governor, Dr. Digna Ragasa.

I was able to attend this event for I represent the Rotary Club of Balibago where my granddad is currently the president, belonging to Team Cluster 3B under the leadership of Assistant Governor Ariel Jersey.

Although I'm not part of any Rotaract/Interact Clubs, the experience was still something worthwhile during my two weeks vacation for this semester.

Haima Philippines Launches New Generation Haima Cars, Vans

Fri, 10/07/2011 - 00:46

HAIMA, the promising new brand from the largest multi-brand automotive dealer network in the country today - LausAutoGroup - unveils seven new models today, October 7, 2011.

Artists launch 1st ever 'The Film Academy of Pampanga'

Mon, 10/03/2011 - 23:59

AMID the rainy weather last Monday, The Film Academy of Pampanga (TFAP) was successfully launched and attended by prominent Kapampangan personalities. It was spearheaded by its chairman Andy Alviz.

Dole-Central Luzon best performing regional office

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 21:07

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Central Luzon was lauded as the best performing Department of Labor and Employment regional office by the agency’s national desk.

A tribute exhibit for Perfecto Mercado at Metropolitan Museum

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 21:07

KAPAMPANGAN artist Perfecto Mercado will be given a tribute exhibit by family and friends that is set to open on October 5, 3 p.m. at The White Cube Gallery of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

The exhibit, “Dreamscapes of Perfecto Mercado”, features the fantastic and eerie landscapes created within the last 10 years by the late artist from Capas, Tarlac.

‘There Be Dragons’ to premier in Pampanga

Mon, 09/26/2011 - 23:53

THE Educhild Foundation Inc., in cooperation with the Foundation for Angeles Values Education Inc. (Fave), will host the premiere showing of “There Be Dragons” at 7 p.m. of October 14 at the SM Clark Cinema 2 to jumpstart the five-year expansion and professionalization plans of both foundations.

‘Nicolasas’ of our Times: A Heroine’s Tradition

Sat, 09/10/2011 - 22:37

THERE is no denying that it is only in the City of San Fernando, led by an “honorary woman” in the person of world-class city local chief executive Oscar Rodriguez that women are revered, honored and pampered twice a year.

Bike ride marks RP-US military bases deal rejection

Sat, 09/10/2011 - 22:37

ANGELES CITY -- Anti-bases veterans, activists, environmentalists and cycling clubs started a three-day bike ride in commemoration of the Philippine Senate's rejection of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement in 1991.

Over a hundred cyclists, who joined the bike ride, left Manila Friday as a way to commemorate the Senate’s rejection of RP-US Military Bases Agreement 20 years ago on September 16, 1991.

The bike ride, which began at the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila, had a stopover in the former US airbase in Clark Freeport.

It will end in Subic on Sunday, September 11.

The Museo Ning Angeles

Sat, 08/27/2011 - 22:34

GETTING acquainted with events that have happened -- whether recent or ancient past -- is one step further in getting to know ourselves and from where we are coming. It is the history of our public lives that could help unify us, having discovered we have common backgrounds. It could also encourages critical dialogue about the importance of what went before, since occasions that have transpired are but markers rather than fixed timelines.

As hospital bills rise, folks turn to PhilHealth

Sat, 08/27/2011 - 22:31

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- It would cost thousands of pesos for a dengue patient to fully recover.

For one, confining a dengue victim to a hospital for several days or even weeks is necessary. In some cases that the patient needs blood transfusion, hospital bills and treatment expenses soar higher.

Lucky enough if the patient has an immediate relative that matches his blood type, but if not, they would need to buy blood in bags.

Health officials said one blood bag costs around P1,500 at the maximum, a price a minimum wage earner would decry as expensive.

2011 Ford Expedition line-up

Thu, 08/11/2011 - 22:16

Ultimate business class of land travel

FORD continues to raise the bar of its business class offerings with the launch of its 2011 Ford Expedition XLT EL (Extended Length) and Ford Expedition XLT, which exclusively feature a wealth of convenience options giving the ultimate luxurious feel and drive.

'Impressiography': The Art of Ruston Banal

Tue, 08/09/2011 - 00:34

IN A TIME when contemporary artists' subjects and objects are represented in a sacrilegious approach; with sacred but profane iconographies, and a shock value presentations of "mockery of faith" and idolatry, there are still disciples of visual arts who express themselves the epitome of beauty and good life through their relentless love for the arts.

How do you stay healthy?

Sat, 07/30/2011 - 19:53

ANGELES CITY -- Have you ever had sore throat or a headache or probably a fever due to the sudden change of weather?