53rd Aklan Day Celebration

Today is the 53rd anniversary of the separation of Aklan from Capiz, making it the 50th province of the Philippines. Several bills were launched to liberate Aklan, there was the Urquiola-Alba Bill in 1920, the Laserna Suñer Bill in 1925 and 1930; then Tumbokon bill in 1934, which almost succeeded. But it was Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos who made the the successful bid for the separation of Aklan on April 25, 1956 making it an indepent province from Capiz. The celebration was started with a lengthy parade from Pastrana park to Aklan's Provincial Capitol building.

Governor Carlito S. Marquez with his wife, Elizabeth Marquez and Congressman Florencio "Joben" Miraflores

stunts were performed by the riders of Choice Motor Vehicles

one of 5 brand new Hilux Cabs for the police to use

Representatives from different towns and "barangays" were there in the parade.

Mayor Raymar Rebaldo of Kalibo, Aklan

Mayor Lourdes "Lulu" Miraflores of Ibajay, Aklan

Lezo Mayor Victor L. Fernandez

Several floats from the different towns of the province can be seen in the parade. They showcase the different local products such as lapu-lapu fish from Batan, fish from Buruanga etc.

Other government agencies also joined the parade.

the Governor, together with other goverment officials sit on a stage in front of the Provincial Capitol Building

The program started by raising the Philippine flag and singing of the National Anthem.

After the National anthem, the provincial flag was raised by the Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Governor Gabrielle "Billie" T. Calizo.

After raising the provincial flag, the different representatives of the town of Aklan raised the flags of their municipalities.

the flag of the municipality of Libacao was first to reach the top

After all the flags were raised, the goverment officials honored the former Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos by laying flowers on his monument.

Happy Aklan Day!

SEAFDEC Adventure

Ah, its long been summer time and I have lots of overdue posts. Well, its better late that never...

When I knew that my friend Marcos had a plan to go with Rex and Mayad Studios to a SEAFDEC station in Guimaras, I figured I had to ride along with them.

The station is located in Igang, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. We took a boat ride from Iloilo to Jordan, Guimaras and rode a "multicab" to Nueva Vaencia. Then we rode a really puny boat from the Igang river out to sea. And since I had no waterproof bag, I placed my cam inside a plastic bag.

We had a scary moment when we got stuck in the middle of the sea because of engine trouble. But good thing there was another boat who towed us to the station.

The place was really nice. And thanks to my phobia with water, I did not take my camera out to the fish-cage areas because I'm really clumsy and I broke one part of a pontoon. Seeing really massive fish like the groupers and Milk fish was really amazing. Here are some of the pictures of the SEAFDEC Station.

a fish-cage in the middle of the sea

different cages house different species of fish

several islets in the station are connected with bamboo bridges

surprisingly, lots of cats live there...

Other marine creatures on the station were different species of seahorse and giant clams. And while touring the place, another stroke of bad luck occurred, the engine of the boat failed us again. Good thing there was this other bigger boat to ferry us back to the mainland.

And after a long and hot day, we bid goodbye to the SEAFDEC marine station in Igang, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. And if I'll have another chance, I'll definitely go back there...