A Mother’s Stuff

Urdaneta’s 35 barangays

Urdaneta City has 35 barangays namely:

Alexander * Anonas * Bactad East * Bayaoas * Bolaoen *  Cabaruan * Cabuloan * Camanang * Camantiles * Casantaan * Catablan * Cayambanan * Consolacion * Dilan-Paurido * Labit Proper * Labit West * Mabanogbog * Macalong * Nancalobasaan * Nancamaliran East * Nancamaliran West * Nancayasan * Oltama * Palina East * Palina West * Pedro T. Orata (Bactad Proper) * Pinmaludpod * Poblacion * San Jose * San Vicente * Santa Lucia * Santo Domingo * Sugcong * Tipuso * Tulong

Urdaneta City’s historical background

There are many versions on how Urdaneta City officially became URDANETA. One theory suggests that its original name was ORGANITA, roughly meaning “little organ or unit.” This is possible as it was then compose of portions of barrios of the adjacent towns where they converged to create one compound pueblo. Some of the theorists, the so-called purists, believed this by saying that the Spanish root word is organo; therefore, the right word should be organito. These theorists cite education at that time was centered in the Poblacion and the people in the hinterlands were neglected, thus resulting to bad grammar.

Another contention was that the first “cura parroco” of the town, Fr. Nicolas Alonzo Manrique, during the organization of the publeo in January 8, 1858, named the town “Urdaneta”, in honor of another friar, Fr. Andres de Urdaneta. Fr. Urdaneta was the spiritual adviser of the expedition led by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi which arrived in Cebu to explore the country on April 27, 1565. However, doubts still exist on to whom the town is named. Was it after Father Andres de Urdanteta or Fr. Miguel de Urdaneta or Fr. Simon de Urdaneta? The archives of the National Library state that it was after Fr. Miguel de Urdaneta. The historian Fr. Jose Ma.Gonzales, in his book “Labor Evangelica y Civilizadora de los Religioso Dominicos en Pangasinan”, was silent on this. Some articles on the town’s history say that it was after Fr. Simon de Urdaneta while others claimed it was after Fr. Andres de Urdaneta.

The first inhabitants of the town were mostly Ilocanos. They established nearby settlements that occupy portions of the barrios of surrounding towns, namely Asingan, Villasis, Malasiqui, Sta. Barbara, Mangaldan, Manaoag and Binalonan. The settlers joined together and petitioned the Spanish government to allow them to form a separate pueblo for greater ties and stronger unity. Their petition was granted and Urdaneta was formally founded on January 8, 1858.

The City of Urdaneta

The City of Urdaneta is a 2nd class city in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 120,785 people.

The City of Urdaneta celebrates fiesta every eighth of December. This is in remembrance of the city patron Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception. Festivities are held from the 1st to the 8th of December. Activities include a parade, drum & lyre competition, teachers’ night, balikbayan night, ABC-SK night, ballroom and Miss Urdaneta City coronation night. A carnival is also put up every December as a part of the yearly event.

Urdaneta became a city through Republic Act 8480, otherwise known as “An Act Converting the Municipality of Urdaneta, Province of Pangasinan into a Component City to be known as the City of Urdaneta”. This was signed on January 10, 1998 and was voted affirmatively by the people of Urdaneta City on March 21, 1998.

Faith of San Carleñians

The patron saint of the San Carlos City is Saint Dominic de Guzman. He is the founder of the Order of Preachers and credited for performing miracles in the city. Among them was the minimal damage to the city caused by the return of the Americans to the islands during the close of World War II. The parish church built in his honor was once the biggest in Luzon. The parish of San Carlos is the oldest in Pangasinan.

Roman Catholicism remains the faith of majority of San Carleñians, although there are other denominations that co-exist peacefully in the city. Discrimination of religion is discouraged, though religious practices that seem bizaare and unacceptable by society is widely looked down upon.

• Saint Dominic de Guzman Parish Church
• Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Soledad
• Our Lady Queen of the Holy Family Parish Church
• Iglesia ni Cristo - Lokal ng San Carlos
• Iglesia ni Cristo - Ano
• Iglesia ni Cristo - Salinap
• United Methodist Church
• San Carlos Baptist Church
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
• Faith Assembly of God

Mango-Bamboo Capital of the Philippines

San Carlos City is called the “Mango-Bamboo Capital of the Philippines.” It has the largest number of fruiting mango trees - their fruits are among the most delicious in the country - and a flourishing bamboocraft industry. An agro-industrial city, San Carlos also engages in livestock raising, crop production, inland fishing, pottery, food processing, tourism, and commerce. The city is said to have an ideal investment potential because of its large land area, big population and strategic location, being in the center of Pangasinan. Those are the reasons why San Carlos is considered as among the liveliest places in the Province of Pangasinan in terms of economic activity.

San Carlos’ 86 barangays

San Carlos City has 86 barangays:

Abanon * Agdao * Anando * Ano * Antipangol * Aponit * Bacnar * Balaya * Balayong * Baldog * Balite Sur * Balococ * Bani * Bega * Bocboc * Bugallon-Posadas Street (Pob.) * Bogaoan * Bolingit * Bolosan * Bonifacio (Pob.) * Buenglat * Burgos Padlan (Pob.) * Cacaritan * Caingal * Calobaoan * Calomboyan * Capataan * Caoayan-Kiling * Cobol * Coliling * Cruz * Doyong * Gamata * Guelew * Ilang * Inerangan * Isla * Libas * Lilimasan * Longos * Lucban (Pob.) * Mabalbalino * Mabini (Pob.) * Magtaking * Malacañang * Maliwara * Mamarlao * Manzon * Matagdem * Mestizo Norte * Naguilayan * Nelintap * Padilla-Gomez * Pagal * Palaming * Palaris (Pob.) * Palospos * Pangalangan * Pangoloan * Pangpang * Paitan-Panoypoy * Parayao * Payapa * Payar * Perez Boulevard (Pob.) * Polo * Quezon Boulevard (Pob.) * Quintong * Rizal (Pob.) * Roxas Boulevard (Pob.) * Salinap * San Juan * San Pedro-Taloy * Sapinit * PNR Station Site * Supo * Talang * Tamayo * Tandoc * Tarece * Tarectec * Tayambani * Tebag * Turac * M. Soriano St. * Tandang Sora

San Carlos City of Pangasinan

San Carlos City is a 3rd class city in the Province of Pangasinan, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 154,264 people in 28,025 households. This figure shows the city is the most populated land area in Pangasinan except for its density.

The place now called San Carlos City was already a flourishing community since pre-colonial times. It was previously part of a former town called Binalatongan. Binalatongan was the capital of Luyag na Caboloan, an ancient kingdom (now comprised by the provinces of Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, La Union, Pangasinan, and Benguet) ruled by King Ari Kasikis. The name of Binalatongan was derived from the abundance of mongo (mung bean) plants along the San Juan riverbanks.

Caboloan is the name of the primitive Pangasinense dialect, of which its purest form was spoken by the natives of Binalatongan.

In 1718, Binalatongan was renamed (the Municipality [town] of) San Carlos. During the 1960’s, the Municipality of San Carlos diversified into two precincts. In 1965, the smaller precinct became legally incorporated as the Municipality of Basista by virtue of RA 4866. In 1966, the larger precinct became legally incorporated as San Carlos City by virtue of Republic Act No. 4487.

On April 28, 2007, San Carlos City’s former mayor, Julian V. Resuello, was assassinated during an event at the city’s plaza. He later died after two days. Ex-Mayor “Jolly”, as everyone called him, was the best mayor San Carlos City has ever produced. He engineered San Carlos City into one of the economic tigers of northern Luzon. His legacy will remain forever!

Dagupan’s dining, transportation & destinations

Dining

Charged with the existing aroma of various cuisines, the city cradles a variety of restaurants and fast foods joints, an evidence of people’s passion for food. In Bonuan-Tondaligan area alone, there are about 30 seafood diners, which serve the famed Dagupan Bangus any way one wants it: inihaw (roasted/broiled), sinigang, kilawin and daing. For those with adventurous palate, they can try the local favorites “pigar-pigar” in Galvan Street and “kaleskes” in Herrero Perez.

Special Destinations

Bonuan Blue Beach

McArthur Park

The 72-hectare Tondaligan People’s Park where the Bonuan Blue Beach is situated is ideal site for swimming, jet skiing, sailing and other relaxing activities to lift the mind out of the noise and doldrums of urban living.

Here, one may visit MacArthur Park, the landing site of the famous American General in 1945; the Japan-Philippine Friendship Garden and the Shrine of the Unknown Soldier. One may want to see the old St. John Cathedral in the busy downtown area where Leonor Rivera, Jose Rizal’s long-time girlfriend, tied the knot with British Engineer Henry Kipping.

Transportation

Five bus companies operate to transport passengers from Metro Manila to Dagupan City. These are Victory Liner, Five Star, Dagupan Bus, Fermina Express and Santrans. The nearest airport, Loakan Airport in Baguio City is only 65 kilometer away while the nearest seaport, Poro Point in San Fernando La Union is 80 kilometers of Dagupan City Boundary.

Dagupan City’s barangays, tourism & recreation

31 Barangays

Bacayao Norte * Bacayao Sur * Barangay II * Barangay IV * Bolosan * Bonuan Binloc * Bonuan Boquig * Bonuan Gueset * Calmay * Carael * Caranglaan * Herrero-Perez East * Lasip Chico * Lasip Grande * Lomboy * Lucao * Malued * Mamalingling * Mangin * Mayombo * Pantal * Poblacion Oeste * Barangay I * Pogo Chico * Pogo Grande * Pugaro Suit * Salapingao * Salisay * Tambac * Tapuac * Tebeng

Tourism and Recreation

Bureau Of Fisheries And Aquatic Resources (BFAR) * Dagupan City Plaza / Museum * Tondaligan Beach * Bonuan Beaches * Dagupan City People’s Astrodome * CSI STADIA (Jimmy Fernandez Complex) * CSI The City Mall * CSI Market Square * Star Plaza Hotel * Luxor Hotel * BHF Family Plaza * Nepo Mall * Magiclub

Dagupan City

The City of Dagupan (Pangasinan: Lunsod na Dagupan, Tagalog: Lungsod ng Dagupan, Ilocano: Ciudad ti Dagupan) is a 1st class city in the Philippines. It is an independent component city of the province of Pangasinan. According to the 2000 census, Dagupan City has a population of 130,328 people in 25,921 households. Located on Lingayen Gulf on the island of Luzon, Dagupan is the chief port and commercial and financial center of Northern Luzon; an active trade is conducted in sugarcane, corn, rice, copra, salt, and an alcoholic liquor produced from the nipa palm. The city is known as the bangus (milkfish) capital of the Philippines because of its abundance of fresh bangus. The city’s name is derived from pandaragupan in the local Pangasinan language meaning ‘gathering place’ as the city has been a regional market center for centuries.

The longest barbecue measured 1,007.56 m (3,305.64 ft) —it was created by the people of Dagupan City on May 3, 2003 as part of the city’s Bangus Festival. Dagupan City broke Canchia, Peru’s 613 meters long record set in November 1999. Dagupeños grilled Bonuan bangus at the “Kalutan ed Dagupan” street party.

Dagupan became a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 170, authored by Speaker Eugenio Perez. It was signed into law by President Manuel Roxas on June 20, 1947.

Dila-Dila or Kumukusay

Dila-Dila or Kumukusay is a tasty flesh formed inside a tough shell. If you think you had enough of the regular seafood menu,comb the city market and score on this salty delight. Don’t let its coarse-looking shell and small size fool you; this tiny seafood delight is packed with deliciously salty succulence. Easy to cook and without much fuss, it`s a welcome instant yummy treat for picnics, afternoon snacks or even compliment for a heavy main course.

A classic seafood pulutan, it is the luscious companion of many local brews. Though it is now shadowed by other popular pulutan, it`s delectable charm is still sought by those in the know.

Basic ingredients:
1 kilo dila-dila (kumukusay), salt, garlic, seasoning Wash the dila-dila thoroughly.

1. Place it in a carajay (kawali) or in a saucepan.
2. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pour a small amount of water and let it boil. Lift the dila-dila once it boils.
3. Then, you can start, picking the dila-dila flesh within its shell, with a pin.
4. Sautee dila-dila in garlic and add seasoning (either vetsin or salt).
5. Let it simmer for 1 minute, then lift.

*Or, you can opt to eat it right after picking it from the shell.

Choose your dip – vinegar, bagoong, ketchup etc.

Bangus (Milk Fish)

Bangus or Milk Fish’s head is slightly smaller than most but what it lacks in that area, it more than makes up in body size. Ocean grown and fishpond grown bangus in Alaminos are equally plump and juicy, giving a silent promise of delicious recipes. It’s a delight to sample every dish made with this ocean gem, but its far relaxing to come and taste the home goodness of the usual recipes like sinigang and relleno. Both are perfect treats during a picnic or cuddling at home in rainy season.

SINIGANG NA BANGUS
Basic ingredients:
1 Medium sized Bangus (clean, scaled and sliced into 2), 8 tamarind (sampaloc), 2 pieces okra (cut into 2), 2 pieces eggplant (cut into rings), 1cup kangkong or camote tops (cut into 2″ long), 1 big Onion (diced), 2 medium sized tomatoes (quartered), 3 pieces long green pepper, salt and patis, 5 cups water

1. Boil tamarind either in water or in ½ cup of rice washing until soft. Strain juices and set side.
2. Then, let the water and tamarind juice boil.
3. Add the tomatoes, onion, okra, eggplant, and kangkong or camote. Lower fire.
4. When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the fish.
5. Season with salt and patis to taste.
6. Let it simmer for a few minutes. You can also add 2 or 3 green peppers, then, simmer a bit more.

RELLENONG BANGUS
Basic ingredients:
1 medium sized bangus, 1 onion, 2 tomatoes, 1 clove garlic, 1 egg (beaten), ½ cup peas, 2 calamansi

1. Clean the bangus and slit its back open. Remove its backbone and scrape off its meat. Rid of all spines.
2. Add salt and pepper to the flaked meat. Set aside.
3. Sautee garlic, onion and tomatoes, then, add the fish meat. Cook well for 5 minutes.
4. Add calamansi juice and peas before removing from heat. Then, add the beaten egg.
5. Stuff the fish skin with the mixture and sew up the opening. Fry in deep hot fat until fish is golden brown.
*To give it a little punch, soak the bangus skin in soy, calamansi and some pepper as you cook the fish meat.

continue reading »

Alaminos Agri Trade Fair

The annual Agri Trade fair, where the city is a regular and active participant showcases the best of Alaminos City’s products. Spectators can take second looks and have a good helping of the exhibited delicacies that are the finest in the city, like the irresistible Alaminos’ longanisa, to-die-for grilled bangus belly, and delectably unique binungey and oyster nuggets. They can also lose themselves in the array of things that show what they could look forward to once they decide to go here now or in the coming days, like photos of the beautiful Hundred Islands National Park and other tourist destinations.

Talaba (Oyster) Festival

The talaba (oyster) is one of the gems of seafood cooking in many of the city’s households, especially those near the sea. A festival is held in celebration of its succulent taste that grace many dishes, casual and exotic alike. People can be found cheering the contestants in an oyster-shucking contest or licking their lips at the floating aroma and creative presentations of various delectable dishes entered in a cooking showdown or maybe do more than just watching and just tucking in to an oyster feast in one of the local dining houses, which often give generous extras during the celebration. Exhibits can’t be left out. Usually, there’s also a beauty pageant and some performances of local bands.

Halloween & Street Parties of Alaminians

Trick or treat season used to be just a school delight or a barangay mini activity. It is a kind of get together for neighbors to catch up on what they’ve missed about each other. Now, it’s a city festivity. One can indulge in spooky delights by wearing either a scary mask from the movie ‘Scream” or a simply horrific mummy costume, join street parades and dances filled with ecstatic ‘zombies’ and maybe sample a bit of every Halloween promo of some establishments in the city, like discounts on ‘scream fest movies’ from video rental shops or a special Halloween food treat in diners. Another Halloween regular is a heart pounding, hair-raising ride or mini-trip in Halloween booths and tunnels. Young people also enjoy planning ghost quests, visiting rumored haunted houses like the one near the public elementary school and for a few daring souls, the cemetery at midnight. The rumored ghosts may not be real but during Halloween, one never knows the spooky surprise that lies in every corner.

Street parties are the best crowd drawers and have maximum showcase potential, thus their frequency in national and local celebrations. Vibrant colors, innovative choreography and rhythmic beats are the regulars in each Alaminos street party.