RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G.Bonilla
Don Isabelo De Los Reyes of Vigan City

VIGAN CITY -- Labor Day is a tribute to the famous son of Ilocandia, the brilliant Don Isabelo de los Reyes. He was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur to Don Elias de los Reyes and the well-known poetess and considered as the sappho among Ilocano writers Leona Florentino.

An excellent student at the San Juan de Letran who finished Bachelor of Laws at the University of Santo Tomas, Don Belong was a rare breed of Filipino patriots dependable and courageous in defending oppressed and marginalized segments of society. He was known as the Father of Philippine Folklore.

His prolific pen wrote articles criticizing the maladministration by Spanish authorities and because of his creed and noble principles, he was arrested and jailed. He organized the first labor union of the Philippines, the Union Obrera Democratica Filipina, and initiated the first Labor Day celebration on May 1,1902.

He published the first labor newspaper entitled La Redencion de Obrero.Don Belong proclaimed the establishment of the Philippine Independent Church and nominated Fr. Gregorio Aglipay, the Vicar General of the Revolutionary Army under the Aguinaldo administration, as the church's Supreme Bishop.

He was truly a pride of Ilocos provinces having been elected Senator who held office from 1922 to 1928.Vigan City is famous because of its sons and daughters who gained prominence in the national scene to include former Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson. The statue of Don Isabelo de los Reyes is apparent in the eyes of visitors and tourists before the welcome arch of Vigan.
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The Dream Trip is a visual, experiential and gastronomic tour of Manila and selected destinations in the Philippines. It aims to create a positive and highly favorable impression of the Philippines as destination for meetings, conventions, and exhibitions to buyers from all over the world. It provides local suppliers the opportunity to showcase their services and facilities to foreign buyers. Proposed destinations include Bohol, Boracay, Camarines Sur, Cebu, Davao, Ilocos, Marinduque, and Palawan.

It was indeed a privilege on my part to be with tourism personalities during a meeting held at Cafe Ilocandia in Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel and Casino, the only five-star hotel in the North. The subject of discussion was about the promotion and inclusion of the tourist spots in Ilocos Norte as destination of tourists specially those from foreign countries.

Travel Cafe Philippines director for business development Rosvi C.Gaetos,CCT.168 Travel and Tours VP-Gen. manager, Ine Faustino, Jerome Diaz of Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, and nadam Connie initiated this undertaking to discover the potential of the province as haven for tourists.

The presence of Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Yvonne Ranada, Fort Ilocandia's pride like Mitzie and Kenneth representing Madam Sarita Ablan, the sales director of the sales department of FIRHC, made the conversation interesting. Gaetos said Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael Marcos Keon is very supportive of this endeavor and they admired the chief executive for his charismatic personality and warm welcome of visitors.

After the meeting, I was with the group in their tour to Vigan City and a meeting with Gov. Deogracias Victor B.Savellano. The Staff of the governor were accommodating, likewise with provincial board member Alexander G. Bestoyona who shared ideas with the group.
Just like the historic and panoramic province of Ilocos Norte, Vigan is a good example of a preserved Spanish colonial village in Asia. With its architecture of mixed Filipino, Chinese and European influence, it projects a culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in Asia.

This first week of May, Vigan will celebrate Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts. Tourists, both local and foreign, can witness the Binatbatan Street Dancing, Calesa parade and Karbo Festival and other added attractions prepared by the people of Vigan like Abel fashion show, trade and food fairs, religious rituals, comedia, and the famous Santa Cruzan.

The group of Ma'am Rosvi also visited the St.Augustine Church in Paoay and they marveled at the foundation of the Church more so with the taste of the Pinakbet Pizza at Herencia Cafe.Indeed, the day of April 29 was a red-letter day in Ilocandia.
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Happy Birthday to former vice mayor of Laoag City Dr.Edmund Ranada, the husband of provincial board member Yvonne Ranada and also Dr. Francisco Ranada III and family who were with us during the graduation party of Dra. Marinelle Valdez De Los Santos.

I would like to congratulate lawyer Marissa Asencion, the daughter of Judge Marciano Asencion, Atty. Kristian Nicolas, lawyer Marvin Chan, Dr.Jimmy Asuncion, and the successful Medical graduates from Our Lady of Fatima University like Sharon Bayang and Angeline Simon. My greetings to Aimee and Greta and co-employees.
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The construction or renovation of historical establishments of Ilocos Norte entails a lot of hard work and sacrifice. It’s good to preserve the past but if it is more proper and advisable to build the foundation of the future linked with the past civilization. The renovation of St.William's Cathedral is an example.

Despite opposition of some concerned groups with regards to its renovation and improvement, the priest in charge of the development of the Augustinian inspired Church built in 1612 remained resolute to change some of the elements to keep the structure of the church strong and enduring ready to withstand the test of time. The safety of the parishioners is the primordial task of keeping pace with the technology of modern times/
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The effectiveness of our educational system and delivery of educational services to the people hinges on the teachers and educators. It is vital to study current practices in the assessment of student learning and identify areas of improvement for more effective evaluation. Systems and services can only be as effective as the teachers who are the ones who articulate them before the people.

Conferences and other educational meetings are necessary to enhance skills and expertise of teachers for the future of our nation. They are the hammers of students wherein the future is shaped. Superior educators or teachers inspire learners to be achievers.

The one who teaches by example is the personification of an excellent teacher. I would like to greet the readers of Northern Philippine Times like Sandra Lamoste, Kathrina Raval, Pauline, Chlowie, and Kailie Louis. May God bless us all!