3 more Generics Pharmacy outlets in Tuguegarao soon

With over 1, 200 outlets nation wide, Generics Pharmacy has become one of the biggest businesses in the country. It was actually awarded as one of the Top Ten Businesses of the Decade by Entrepreneur Magazine. Generics Pharmacy continues to grow and expand as it is set to open a number of new branches nationwide, three of which shall be in the City of Tuguegarao. The new outlets shall be located at:

1. Stall 20, Buntun, Tuguegarao City

2. Mall of the Valley, Tuguegarao City

3. Stall 4, Gonzaga Lodge Building, Gomez corner del Rosario Streets, Tuguegarao City

These new Generics Pharmacy outlets which shall open soon shall bring the total number of branches in the city to five(5). The other two stores are located at:

1. Maharlika Highway, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City

2. Gonzaga Street, Tuguegarao City

Moreover, Gattaran and Solana shall soon have their Generic Pharmacy branches at Maharlika Highway, Centro and Rizal Street, Centro, respectively.

4th LBC branch to open at M.o.Va

LBC, one of the biggest companies dealing with remittance and delivery services, will be extending its presence in the city of Tuguegarao by opening its fourth branch in the said city. The newest branch shall provide its clients with an easier and more convenient access because it shall be located at the center of commerce in the city at Mall of the Valley.

The other branches of LBC in the city are:

1. Brickstone Mall, Maharlika Highway, Tuguegarao City
2. Bonifacio Street, Tuguegarao City
3. College Avenue, Ugac Sur, Tuguegarao City
4. Diversion Road, San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City

People: Rommel "The General" Adducul

Rommel "The General" Adducul is the most successful basketball player to hail from the city of Tuguegarao. Here is a list of of his achievements:

Collegiate achievements

• 1994 NCAA Basketball Champions
• 1995 NCAA Basketball Champions
• 1996 NCAA Basketball Champions
• 1997 NCAA Basketball Champions
• NCAA Basketball Most Valuable Player (three times)

PBL achievements

• 1997 PBL Makati Mayor's Cup Most Valuable Player
• 2002 PBL Challenge Cup Most Valuable Player
• 2002 PBL Challenge Finals Most Valuable Player
• Philippine Basketball League Top 20 Greatest Players of all time (2003)

MBA achievements

• 1999 MBA Champions
• 2001 MBA Champions
• 1998 MBA Defensive Player of the Year
• 1999 MBA Defensive Player of the Year
• 1999 MBA Play-off Most Valuable Player
• 1999 MBA Finals Most Valuable Player
• 2000 MBA Most Valuable Player
• 2001 MBA Finals Most Valuable Player
• 2000 MBA Intra-Con Challenge finalists

PBA achievements

• 2004 PBA Gran Matador Fiesta Conference Champions
• 2005 PBA Philippine Cup Champions
• 2006-2007 PBA Philippine Cup finalists
• PBA Mythical Second Team Selection (2004–05)

International career highlights

Club and Country

• 1997 FIBA Asia Championship, 9th place
  • Emirates Sportsmanship Award
  • 1997 FIBA Asian All-Star Games
  • 1997 FIBA Asian All-Star Sportsmanship Award
• 1997 South East Asian Games champions
• 1998 South East Asia Basketball Association champions
• 1998 FIBA Asian All-Star Extravaganza
• 1999 South East Asia Basketball Association champions
  • South East Asia Basketball Association Most Valuable Player (1999)
• 1999 Ramadan Basketball Tournament
• 1999 South East Asian Games champions
• 2000 South East Asia Club Championship champions
  • South East Asia Basketball Association Club Championship Most Valuable Player (2000)
• 2000 South East Asia Basketball Association champions
• 2000 FIBA Asian All-Star Extravaganza
• 2001 South East Asia Basketball Association champions
• 2001 South East Asian Games champions
• 2002 William Jones Cup, 5th place
• 2002 Shell Rimula Brunei Cup champions
  • Shell Rimula Brunei Cup Most Valuable Player (2002)
• 2002 Super Kung Sheung International Basketball Invitation Championship champions
  • Nike Best Shooter Award (2002)
• 2002 Yunnan International Tournament Honghe Cup Grand Prix
• 2005 FIBA Asia Champions Cup, 5th place
  • FIBA Asia Champions Cup Mythical Five Selection (2005)
• 2005 Las Vegas Global Hoops Summit
• 2005 William Jones Cup, 3rd place
• 2005 Shell Rimula Brunei Cup champions
• 2006 Shell Rimula Brunei Cup
• 2007 Bahrain-Philippines Goodwill Games champions

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rommel_Adducul#Career

More than these achievements, one thing that makes the people of Tuguegarao proud is how Rommel Adducul fought cancer and return successfully to the nation's premier basketball league.

City Government's Memorial Park Project underway

With the objective of providing its citizens with the best services for their departed loved ones and of generating much needed additional revenues, the City Government of Tuguegarao has already started working on its newest project, the Tuguegarao City People's Memorial Park located at Pengue -  Atulayan Road, Tuguegarao City. With the Sanctuary of Peace: Tuguegarao Memorial Park running out of lots for clients, the said project would provide them with another option where they could also get high quality service.

Baker's Percent to open second store

Future site of Baker's Percent Branch 2

Baker's Percent hopes to continue its momentum gained during the past years by opening a bigger and better store at a commercial building being constructed along Luna Extension, Buntun, Tuguegarao City. The present location of Baker's Percent is also at Luna Extension, Buntun but is not strategic being too far from where most of the people are. With the construction of the new branch, Baker's Percent will be more proximate to the consumers, thus, increasing the probability of increasing higher recognition among them for its products and services.

 Baker's Percent was the supplier of Greenwich Tuguegarao Branch before the fast food chain decided to produce its own breads and doughs.

Cebuana Lhuiller and M. Lhuiller branches in Tuguegarao

CEBUANA LHUILLER

1.       Gomez St., Public Market, Tuguegarao

2.       Don Domingo Market, Anang Bldg. Tuguegarao, Cagayan

3.       Alvin Cinema Bldg., Balzain Highway Tuguegarao City

4.       Burgos St., Tuguegarao City

5.       Caronal Bldg., Gonzaga Street, Tuguegaro City

6.       8 Luna Extension Buntun Highway, Tuguegarao City

7.        College Avenue, Coed Building, Mabini St.,Ugac Norte, Tuguegarao, Cagayan

8.        Stall # 4 Mora St., Carig Sur, Tuguegarao

9.       Del RosarioEditha Bldg., Del Rosario Street, Centro 7, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

                                                                                                                                     

M.LHUILLER

1.        Brgy 11 (Balzain), Tuguegarao City

2.       No. 10 College Ave., Tuguegarao

3.       133 Luna Extension St., Ugac Hi-way, Tuguegarao City

4.       #42-A Bonifacio St., Tuguegarao City

5.       #88 Editha's Building Gonzaga St., Tuguegarao City

6.       25 del Rosario St., Tuguegarao City

By the way, Tuguegarao has the most number of branches of the above mentioned pawnshops (which are two of the biggest pawnshops in the country) in Region 02.

Airport Road undergoing reconstruction

After decades of having to experience a sungka – like road, visitors from the Tuguegarao City Airport shall soon be having a warm welcome as the first road they take from the airport which leads to Maharlika Highway is currently undergoing reconstruction. I, who lives in a village located a few meters away from the airport itself, personally experienced the poor state of this road for almost two decades. Finally, the road is being repaired and there would no longer be “Ka – Blag,  Ka – Blag” whenever we pass through.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the majority of the stretch of Diversiod Road is almost one hundred percent complete. The said road which is categorized as a national road will finally look like one and shall soon offer greater convenience to motorists.

Mexitalian Grande Cucina: Tuguegarao's newest flavor

Another food house has entered the city of Tuguegarao. Mexitalian Grande Cucina isn't as big as the fast food chains currently in Tuguegarao but it could definitely offer the same kind of satisfaction with a variety of Mexican, Italian and Filipino dishes in its menu. They serve tacos, nachos, burrittos, pizzas, pastas and drinks together with Inafi Express. Check the restaurant out at lower ground, Unit # 7 & 8 (turn left from the stairs) Red Square, Rizal St. Brgy. Balzain, Tuguegarao City.

Here are some photos courtesy of  Mexitalian Grande Cucina
 

USLT, SPUP open new course offerings

University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao and Saint Paul University Philippines shall soon be offering new courses for students and professionals in the city. The new course offerings, which are all in the field of health and medicine, are: Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology for University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao and Doctorate course for Medicine for Saint Paul University Philippines.

Good luck to both universities in their newest ventures!

Congratulations to Max's Resto Tugue

We would like to congratulate Max’s Restaurant Tuguegarao branch for its achievements in the year Two Thousand Eleven. The achievements are the following:

1.       Winning the “Most Improved Branch” among all Max’s Restaurant in the whole country

2.       Garnering the “Highest Percentage Increase on Father Day’s Sale “ in 2011

3.       Achieving “100%, the highest among all Max’s Restaurants in the country,  in the Mystery Shopper system wide grading protocol”

www.maxschicken.com

Kudos! More power!

Support Puerto Princesa Underground River

In a few months, the new 7 wonders of nature will be known to the world and we Filipinos are hoping that our very own Puerto Princesa Subterranean River will be included in that exclusive list. Let's do our share and vote for our bet now!

Visit this link and vote: Puerto Princesa Subterrenean River for Nature's Wonders

Buntun as next commercial hub

Over the past years, the city of Tuguegarao experienced good progress that its commercial district can't accommodate the increase in the number of business establishments anymore. Adjacent barangays of the Centros like Ugac Sur and Norte, Carig, Leonarda, Pengue, Tanza and most notably Buntun as a result became the next destination for entities looking for suitable locations for their businesses.

Among those mentioned, perhaps it is Buntun which has the greatest potential to become the city's next commercial and trade center. Right now, various establishments have risen along the national highway and is expected to increase even more as the economy of Tuguegarao and the rest of the third district of Cagayan grows.

Being the most proximate barangay to a huge market that includes people from Solana(with a population of 80, 000 people), Enrile, Tuao, Piat, Sta. Maria in Isabela and even some towns in Kalinga, putting up a business in Buntun would be a great idea because people from the aforementioned places would prefer to have their transactions in a place near them instead of going to the already crowded Centros of Tuguegarao. People have began to realize that it is more convenient and more cost - effective because they would only have to spend a smaller amount for the transportation. From supermarkets to hardwares and supplies stores, almost everything could already be found in the barangay. Aside from that, what makes people frequent Buntun is the presence of the state - of - the - art Saint Paul Medical Center, arguably the biggest and most modernized medical institution in Region 02.

Another reason why Buntun can be considered as Tuguegarao's next commercial center is that the city government of Tuguegarao actually has concrete plans to transform the barangay into it. The plan has been drawn up and hopefully it pushes through. The master plan features the conversion of a huge chunk of prime lot into an highly urbanized area where it would be divided strategically into residential, medical, governmental,educational, commercial and recreational areas. 

With the economic growth of Buntun and the action of the government to complement it, Buntun definitely has a great chance to be the next destination for businesses in Tuguegarao.

FCI expands business

Despite the growth of competition throughout the years, FCI Citimall has stood its ground and still remains as one of the most frequented spots in the city of Tuguegarao. Currently, it still enjoys a high occupancy rate for both its Phase 1 and Phase 2 buildings with some of the country's biggest food chains like McDonald's, Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Mister Donut's and Tapa House as its most important tenants. It also houses Penshoppe boutique, Broadway Gems, Manel's Total Department Store, Aficionado, dozens of cellphone shops and many more.

FCI Phase 1

Just last year, FCI Citimall opened its Phase 3 which became the home of Max's Restaurant and Levitate Bar. Levitate Cafe shall open store in the same building on November 8, 2011.

FCI Phase 3

The most interesting news which became known just recently about FCI Phase 3 is that it shall soon be the home of Region 02's first internationally branded hotel. The Fragantes, who own FCI Group of Companies, are said to have entered into a franchise agreement to bring Holiday Inn to Tuguegarao. Holiday Inn is a chain of hotels recognized internationally for its high quality service.

Moreover, FCI is also set to add 24 Hour convenience store 7 Eleven in its growing list of businesses in Tuguegarao City. 

Levitate Cafe's soft opening set on November 8, 2011

Before, Levitate was just known as a night hub for partying, drinking, and dancing. It is perhaps the most popular bar and disco in Tuguegarao. But now, Levitate would be more than just that because they have just entered into a new venture, Levitate Cafe which will have its soft opening on November 8, 2011.

Don't forget to visit Levitate Cafe on the aforementioned date at FCI Phase 3, Tuguegarao City.

Tuguegarao inaugurates housing project in Cataggaman

With Vice Presiednt Jejomar Binay leading the way, the Local Government Unit of Tuguegarao in cooperation with the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, has opened the Housing Project at Brgy, Cataggaman, Tuguegarao City. This project is expected to benefit low income earners not only from Tuguegarao but also those from the other provinces in the region who would like to have a place they could call home.

Source: www.tuguegaraocity.gov.ph

In my opinion though, the housing project should not have been located in Tuguegarao city because as per statistical data, Isabela has a greater number of poor households with 54, 678. Percentage wise, it is Quirino which has the highest with 35%(Philippine Information Agency). While it is true that the housing project is for the benefit of the people of the entire Cagayan Valley Region, it would have been better if it was located near to majority of those who should be benefited. It makes logistical operations a little less stressful.

SM to enter Tuguegarao in the future

Here's a part of a document published at SM's website and dated 2010:

Malls under Construction

For 2011, the Company plans to open SM City Masinag in Antipolo City with gross floor area of 82,804 square meters, SM City San Fernando in Pampanga with gross floor area of 40,000 square 9meters and SM City Olongapo in Zambales with gross floor area of 30,000 square meters. Part of the 2011 program is for SM Prime to also expand two of its existing malls namely SM City Davao in Southern Mindanao and SM City Dasmariñas in Cavite. The Company is also scheduled to open SM Suzhou, its fourth mall in China, which is located in the province of Jiangsu with gross floor area of 70,000 square meters.  

The Company retains ownership of all the sites on which the SMPH malls are built, with the exception of SM City Bacoor, SM City Manila, SM Center Valenzuela, SM Center Molino, SM Center Pasig, SM City Clark, SM City Taytay, SM Center Muntinlupa, SM City Naga, SM City San Pablo, SM City Calamba, SM City Xiamen, SM City Jinjiang and SM City Chengdu, which are held under long term leases. In addition, the land where SM Mall of Asia and SM City Baguio are constructed are owned by SM Land, Inc. and SM Investments Corporation, respectively, both companies are also under the SM Group. The land where SM City San Lazaro is constructed is owned by San Lazaro Holdings Corporation, a 100%-owned subsidiary. Rental rates are based on prevailing market rent for the said properties. Lease renewal options are subject to mutual agreement of the parties. SM Megamall is owned by FARDC, a 74% owned subsidiary and SM by the Bay is owned by FLVI, a 50% owned subsidiary. 

Other Development Properties
Size Location  In Sq. M.

Owned

Cebu SRP 304,100
Pangasinan (Urdaneta) 153,808
Pangasinan (Dagupan) 147,699
Davao (Lanang) 100,000
Cabanatuan City  41,721
Cavite (Trece Martires) 20,000
Tuguegarao City 16,181
Palawan (Puerto Princesa) 15,619

Leased

Taguig  33,975
Elliptical (GSIS) 29,567
Commonwealth 20,230
Balara, Quezon City 14,170
97,942
Total – 13 sites 897,070

Source: http://sm.com/uploads/DownloadableForms/SEC%2017-A-2010.pdf

The said lot is located at Mabini Street corner Luna Extension near People's Gym.

USL: Top 3 best performing school in October 2011 CPA board examinations; SPUP, CSU also post good passing rates

University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao landed at third place in a tie with De La Salle University - Lipa in the recently concluded October 2011 CPA Board Examinations. Only four universities in the whole country made it to the list of top performing schools namely: University of the Philippines Diliman with 100%, followed by University of Santo Tomas with 88% and then De La Salle University - Lipa and University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao with 80%. In order for a school to be included among the top performing schools list, there should be a minimum of 50 examinees and a minimum of 80% passing rate.

Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph/uploaded/documents/CPA1011ft.pdf

Meanwhile, CSU and SPUP also posted impressive passing percentages with 86.36%(19/22) and 74.29%(26/35), respectively.

Here's the list of schools in Region 02 with their respective passing percentages:

Aldersgate College - 33.33%(2/6)
Cagayan State University - 86.36%(19/22)
Lyceum of Aparri - 23.53%(4/17)
Northeastern College - 27.78%(5/18)
Patria Sable Corpus College - 100%(3/3)
Our Lady of the Pillar's College - 24.24%(8/33)
Saint Ferdinand College - 10.34%(3/29)
Saint Mary's University - 69.39%(34/49)
Saint Paul University Philippines - 74.29%(26/35)
University of La Sallete - 28.85%(15/52)
University of Perpetual Help System Cauayan - 66.67%(2/3)
University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao - 80%(40/50)

Tuguegarao City: Center of Education in Northeastern Philippines

Ayala Corp. to invest in Aparri and Pamplona

The economies of Aparri and Pamplona towns in the province of Cagayan have recently received a boost for its econonmy after Ayala Corporation, which is new to the renewable energy sources industry, announced its plan to venture into projects in the aforesaid locations.

For more details, visit this link: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideBusiness.htm?f=2011/march/24/business3.isx&d=2011/march/24

Pancit Tuguegarao a.k.a Batil Patung

One would not possibly be considered a citizen of Tuguegarao if he has  not tasted the city's very own delicacy, Pancit Batil Patung. Even in the presence of the country's biggest fast food chains in the city, this pancit perhaps remains to be the most sought after food in the city as manifested by the numerous panciterias found all over the locality. These panciterias seldom ran out of customers as locals and visitors alike always want to get a plate of this sumptuous noodle meal.

Some people, especially those who are not actually from Tuguegarao, are sometimes confused with what is the difference between pancit Tuguegarao and pancit Cabagan? These may be of help: Pancit Tuguegarao has a sunny side up egg on top of it while Pancit Cabagan has quail eggs or pugo. Usually, its carabeef for pancit Tugue and karahay for Pancit Cabagan. The miki of pancit Cabagan is rounded and thin while that of pancit Tugue is flattened and thick. Those are the common features of both dishes but panciterias usually have add ons that make them look like the other pancit. Pancit Tuguegarao also has this so called Kaldo or soup.

With the exposure that Pancit Tuguegarao lately is getting, after having been featured in 24 oras and Jessica Soho and having been published in some newspapers like the Philippine Star, the growing popularity of Pancit Tuguegarao inures to the benefit of the entire Tuguegarao city. The curiosity about the pancit that has been growing over the years has enticed people to come over the city and have a taste of it. Of course, more visitors would mean more economic activity for Tuguegarao.

Tuguegarao's trademark

If there's one thing that makes Tuguegarao quite known to many Filipinos is the fact that the city is considered as the hottest place in the country. The city's temperature ranges from an average of 19.5 degree celsius to 35.5 degree celsius and becomes even hotter during the summer period from April to June. In fact, Tuguegarao posted the highest temperatures in the country during the last two summers when it registered 38.5 degree celsius and 39.5 degree celsius on April 8, 2010 and April 21, 2011, respectively. 

But those figures are no match for this one. Tuguegarao holds the record for the highest temperature registered ever not only in the Philippines but of the entire Western Pacific region when it posted a scorching 42.2 degree celsius on April 29, 1912. April really seems to be a hot month for Tuguegarao, isn't it?

The reason for this extreme heat people experience in Tuguegarao is its geographical set - up and not pollution as what others believe. Tuguegarao is bound by huge mountain ranges and these serve as natural traps, preventing heat coming from the ground and the sun  to escape from the lowlands of Cagayan, including Tuguegarao.

Here's something that I believe only a few people would know. Don't you know that during the months of January to March, Tuguegarao also experiences cold temperatures comparable to that of the one experienced in the highlands of Cordillera. I may not have the data to support it but based on experience, I could tell. There was even a time when it was shown on TV that the city's temperature was at 15 degree celsius, only two degrees hotter than the temperature posted by Baguio on the same day.

USLT builds new campus

For years already, University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao has lived up to its tag as the School of Topnotchers in the whole Cagayan Valley region. In this decade alone, USLT has produced numerous topnotchers and just recently, a Louisian topped the 2011 Geodetic Engineering Licensure Board Examinations.

In addition, USLT prides itself as one of only ten academic institutions nationwide to be granted full autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education(CHED) joining Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University among others. USLT is the only university in Region 02 and one of only two outside Metro Manila to be included in that list.

With all the achievements USLT have achieved over the past years, it has become the preferable destination of students who would like to have quality education in Region 02.

Because of the steady rate of increase in the number of enrollment every year, USLT has already started construction of their extension campus located at Bartolome Street, Leonarda, Tuguegarao City. The extension campus, which is around five hectares in size, shall be the new home of the high school and elementary departments as well as the School of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts of the  college department. Furthermore, it shall also feature a track oval with big bleachers, a swimming pool, a convention center, a man made pond,etc.