88. 5 KAPAMPANGAN BEAUTIES WHO COMPETED IN THE MISS INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT

Miss International Beauty Pageant  is a Tokyo-based international beauty congress  first held in 1960. It is considered as one of the "Big 4" pageants in the world. The Philippines has won the crown five times.

MIMILANIE LAUREL MARQUEZ, Winner, Bb. Pilipinas-International 1979

Miss International 1979

Born b. 16 July 1964), daughter of director Artemio Marquez and Marilou Laurel. Studied at the Holy Angel College and later was discovered by couturier Renee Salud. 3rd place, Maid of Cotton. At age 17, won Bb. Pilipinas-International. Named as the country’s 3rd Miss International.  Her court included:  Anna Maria Rapagna (U.S., 2nd)  , Elisabeth Schmidt (Austria, 3rd) , Kate Elizabeth Nyberg (Finland, 4th) , Hideko Haba (Japan, 5th) . Winner, Kumamoto Festival Award, Best National Costume. Won Face of New York 1986. 1st Runner-up, Supermodel of the World and Clairol Award winner. Voted as the Most Beautiful Miss International by Global Beauties, an internet group of beauty aficionados. Semi-finalist, Mrs. World 2005.

CATHERINE JANE DOUCETTE DESTURA BRUMMITT,Bb. Pilipinas-International 1984

Catherine grew up in Balibago and went to Wagner High and Holy Family Academy. was named Bb. Pilipinas-International in 1984 but at 23, failed to compete in the Miss International pageant due to the pageant's age limit of 22. She was replaced by Miss Maja Philippines, Maria Bella Nachor. Catherine competed in the Maja International pageant placing as one of the semifinalists. She joined showbiz and became aTV actress, where she joined the  cast of the sitcom “Chicks to Chicks”. Now a flight stewardess in US Air.

MARIA LOURDES DIZON ENRIQUEZ, Bb. Pilipinas-International 1987

Daughter of Marcelino Enriquez and Monica Dizon y Hizon, whose mother was Miss Pampanga 1933, Corazon Hizon. As Miss San Fernando, she placed third in the Mutya ning Kapampangan 1987. Later joined the national pageant and copped one of the major crowns at stake. Went to Japan for the international pageant, won by Puerto Rico’s Laurie Tamara Simpson.

MARIANNE BIANCA GARCIA GUIDOTTI, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2014

Marianne Bianca Garcia Guidotti's maternal grandfather was born and raised in Mabalacat, Jose T. Garcia, Jr. son of Dr. Jose Garcia, former town mayor. Bianca was raised in Manila, The Netherlands, and Brazil because her Lolo, Uncle Peping was in the Foreign Service. Born September 5, 1989, Guidotti graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in European Studies while majoring in International Relations. She speaks four languages fluently: English, Filipino, Spanish, and Portuguese. . She lived in Brazil for six years while her grandmother was a diplomat for the Department of Foreign Affairs, and when her mother, Gela,  married a Brazilian citizen, Osmar Guidotti. Prior to her beauty pageant commitments, she was working as a technical assistant at a non-governmental organization, CSFI (Community and Family Relations International), which is engaged in the humanitarian response to the widespread devastation, as well as loss of life and livelihood.

MARIA ANGELICA ANDOLONG DE LEON, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2017.

Mariel de Leon won one of the Bb. Pilipinas crowns on her second try. Her parents are actors Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong. Her grandparents were well-known stars of the 1950s; father Gil de Leon was a noted actor-director while her mother, Lilia Dizon was Pampanga-born, the daughter of Kapampangan Regina Dizon with American Abe Strauss.

PLUS! A BB. PILIPINAS-INTERNATIONAL ANGELES CITY RESIDENT..

MELODY ADELAIDE MANUEL GERSBACH, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2009

Top 15 Semifinalist, Miss International 2009

Melody was born on 18 November 1985 in Daraga, Albay to Wolfgang Gersbach, a German national and Marina Manuel. She, however, was raised in Angeles City, where her parents operated a German restaurant business in Clark. She went to school at the Chevalier School until 1995.  She finished Management from the Univeristy of Asia and the Pacific. At age 23, she was crowned Bb. Pilipinas International and represented the country in the Miss International tilt in Macau that same year, placing among the semifinalists. On 21 August 2010, while en route to a meeting for Miss Bicolandia 2010 in Naga City, the car she was riding was hit by a passenger bus. The head-on collision resulted in her death and two others. After her wake at Heritage Park in Taguig, her remains were brought to Angeles City where she grew up. Her final memorial mass was held there. Melody was interred at the Holy Mary Memorial Park in Angeles City.

SOURCES:

Melanie Marquez: veeztars.com, c/o Tony Paat

Catherine Brummit: c/o Tony Paat

Lourdes Enriquez: Mr. & Ms. Magazine, 1987

Bianca Guidotti: missosology forum, http://missosology.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=269600&start=630

Mariel de Leon: Interaksyon, https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=mariel+de+leon+binibining+pilipinas+international&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiiycvf5qTcAhURfd4KHd7ZBKcQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=662#imgrc=ZwbfXoSPnc2gGM:

Melody Gershbach: http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/08/21/10/bb-pilipinas-titlist-gersbach-2-others-die-camsur-road-crash

87. 15 KAPAMPANGAN FIRSTS

SOURCES

Panday Pira: Discover Philippines

So Asuncion Ventura: https://www.geni.com/people/Cristina-Sor-Asuncion-Ventura-y-Bautista/6000000013921850070

Amado Yuzon: http://www.upli-wcp.org/about-the-founder/

Mariano Paras Henson: http://www.writeopinions.com/doctor-of-civil-law

Joaquin Gonzales: https://apalitdoblezetastories.wordpress.com/category/family-tree-writing/page/3/

86. 10 KAPAMPANGAN PLACE NAMES AND THEIR ORIGINS, part III

1.      BUCANAN, Magalang

A barangay in Magalang owes its  foreign-sounding name from a modern sugarcane crusher made in England with a “Buchanan” brand, owned by a local haciendero. These imported steel crushers made sugar processing easier, helping modernize the industry.

2.      BUNTUK BABI, Concepcion

The contemporary name of this barangay is Sta. Monica, but its old name, Buntuk Babi (Hog’s Head), is still fondly remembered. The name, as the story goes, was a tribute to a Negrito chief who hanged pigs’ heads as trophies of his achievements. Another version had it that the name came from the locals’ tradition of hanging a “buntuk babi” in their veranda during their fiestas. The barangay was once visited by Felipe “Apo Ipe” Salvador, a religious cult leader of Sta. Iglesia.

3.      CALANTIPE, Apalit

Barangay Calantipe in Apalit was named after a local wetland bulrush or grassweed,  that grew in profusion in the place. Belonging to the genus Scirpus, the calantipe plant has grass-like leaves, and clusters of small spikelets.

4.      CASTULI, Macabebe

The flowering plant (hibiscus abelmoschus) that looked like a gumamela gave its name to an Apalit barrio still known today as Castuli. The perennial herbaceous plants, which can grow up to two meters tall, bears 5-petalled white or yellow flowers, with a red or purple spot at each petal’s base. Castuli has medicinal and culinary uses, Abelmoschus is now recognized as a separate genus from hibiscus plants.

5.      CONSUELO, Macabebe

“Maniup” was the old name of brgy. Consuelo, owing to a story of a ghost that haunted the area that blew (“tiup”) wisps of cool air at people who passed by. But when a wealthy entrepreneur moved in to set up a liquor business there, many locals found gainful employment at his gin factory. As business flourished, the population of the barrio grew as migrant workers streamed in. The barrio prospered even more, and the residents enjoyed lasting “consuelo” (kuswelo, in the vernacular)—contentment and happiness—at last.

6.      MABUANBUAN, Sasmuan

The riverine barangay of Sasmuan—Mabuanbuan---got its name from a specie of fish that thrived in their waters called “buanbuan”, which Bergaño describes as “a delicious fish, spiny and with white scales”.  Thus, “Mabuanbuan” means a place flourishing with buanbuan fish. Surprisingly, Tagalogs call it “bulanbulan”. Buanbuan is a kind of tarpon fish, found  in brackish or freshwater, can measure more than a feet long,  and can be fished all year long.

7.      MALATUMBAGA, Magalang

A sitio of San Vicente, Magalang used to be called “Malatumbaga”,  a hardwood lumber tree similar to molave. The durable malatumbaga is used in house constructions, for making posts, window sills, floors, sculptures, frames, railroad ties and ship-building. In turn, the malatumbaga tree gets its name from a hard, reddish bronze metal called “tumbaga”, used for jewelry.

8.      MAMATITANG, Mabalacat

Mamatitang used to be a vast sugarland with prime sugar haciendas owned by rich Mabalacat people. Mascup River ran through one of its sitios, a popular resort destination.  Mamatitang was named after an early female Baluga settler named “Titang”. “Mama” was an appellation used to address old people and the two words became one.

9.      PAGUIRUAN, Floridablanca

The name “Paguiruan”, sometimes spelled as Pagyuruan, came about due to a local industry that began in the small Apalit barrio. Years ago, people used to go to the place to harvest fruits from buri plants which grew thickly in the area.  They were able to manufacture a certain type of sweet-tasting delicacy  called “yuruan”. It soon grew to a lucrative business for the people, who, in trun, renamed their barrio into “Pagyuruan”, a place where “yuruan” is made.

10.  SUCAD, Apalit

Formerly called Sta Lucia, barrio Sucad derived its name from “sucad”, meaning “to measure, so as to indicate a boundary”. Town lore has it that menfolk from Sucad distrusted male visitors from nearby San Simon who came to their barrio to serenade the local maidens. To prevent possible trouble, the San Simon men were called to inform them that they cannot overstep their bounds. A demarcation line was agreed on to define their barrio’s boundaries, which cannot be trespassed by both sides—“angga mu queni ing ‘sucad’ yu”.

SOURCES:

Historical data papers: Floridablanca, Candaba, Floridablanca, Macabebe, Magalang

Bartolo, Lou Aldrin L., The Magalang Book, NCCA, Center for Tarlaqueño Studies, 2015.

Dizon, Lino L. Amlat, Kapampangan Local History Contours in Tarlac and Pampanga,

Center for Tarlaqueño Studies, Tarlaca State University, 2000.

Sibug, Edgardo C., Porac, A Rancheria at Batiauan 1594-2004, published by the Municipal Government of Porac.

Vocabulario de Pampango en Romance y Diccionario de Romance en Pampango. The English Translation of the Kapampangan Spanish Dictionaryy written by Fray Dego Bergano of the Order of St. Augustine, first published in 1732. Holy Angel University Press.

PHOTOS:

All maps: googlemaps, unless otherwise noted.

Bucanan:  pinterest

Buntuk Babi:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:09997jfSanta_Monica_Cafe_Chapel_Welcome_Signs_Concepcion_Tarlacfvf_10.JPG

Calantipe:

https://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Scirpus+lacustris

Consuelo:

HDP, Macabebe

Mabuanbuan,

https://fishingthephilippines.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/tarpon.jpeg

Malatumbaga:

http://www.fruitipedia.com/segera%20-%20Aglaia%20ellptica.htm

http://malatumbaga.blogspot.com/

Mamatitang:

Castro, Alex R. Scenes from a Borderton and other Views, 2006, privately printed.

Paguiruan/ Pagyuruan:

HDP Floridablanca

http://pudblogko.blogspot.com/2014/08/cravings-buli.html

Sucad: HDP Apalit

85. 8 WATER FALLS IN PAMPANGA YOU SHOULD KNOW

And you thought that, since  Pampanga is one of the Central Plain of Luzon provinces, it would all be flatland. But remember , Pampanga is hemmed with mountains , hills, valleys and cliffs too, where water can run, cascade and fall. Here is a list of Pampanga’s waterfalls—some already popular with tourists, others not so well-known.

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DARABULBUL FALLS, Porac

The Darabulbul or simply, Dara Falls can be found in hilly Brgy. Jalung, Porac. It is so named because of the gurgling sound created by the strong water flow that emanates from the mountains. Often likened to Pagsanjan Falls of laguna, Dara Falls is a favorite destination of locals during the summer months. The falls can be reached after a 15 minute trek from the Porac bridge.

HADUAN FALLS, Mabalacat

The Haduan Falls is located in Sitio Haduan, within Mabalacat City, accessible through the Gate 14 of the Clark Freeport Zone, but only after a 2-hour trek through the rocky and cold Haduan River. The river is used freely by Aetas for washing and feeding livestock. The trekking experience with an Aeta guide includes crossing a hanging bridge and climbing a stone wall to reach the falls, which is not really high but is described as serenely beautiful. A waiver is needed prior to the trek as the Gate is part f a leased property. The local government has plans to develop Haduan Falls as a major tourist destination of the city.

MIYAMIT FALLS, Porac

Miyamit Falls is perhaps Pampanga’s most popular natural wonder, as it has been used several times for extreme sports and ultra-marathons. Located at Sapang Uwak in Porac, the hundred-feet Miyamit Falls is known for its strong water surges and rock formations. The water is clean, potable and cool, views are enchantingly relaxing and scenic. Access to Miyamit Falls is via a long trek, and requires a signed waiver from the Porac Municipal Hall.

MT. ARAYAT NATIONAL PARK FALLS, Arayat

Established on 27 June 1933, the national park in San Juan, Baño has natural scenic attractions including  a spring-fed waterfall that cascades into the crystal-clear waters of the swimming pools.

MT. PINATUBO TWIN FALLS, Porac

After a long, arduous trek through the Delta 5 trail going to the volcano, the adventurer will be treated to the wondrous view of the Mt. Pinatubo Twin Falls  that falls through the crevice between  steep walls.  The waters cascade quietly in two levels, hence the name.  The main fall  descend to a lower rocky tier, where the water flows and collects into a pool., set amidst an awe-inspiring scenery. The twin falls could be accessed through Porac, and requires a 4x4 vehicle to reach. Those with more strength and stamina can opt for a 9-hour trek.

PAU FALLS,  Arayat

Located at barangay Baliti in Arayat, Pau Waterfalls can be reached via narrow, steep  trails. However, the waterfall and its environs are not well-kept; trash is often found in the water. It is hope that the local leaders can maintain and clean the area as the Pau Waterfall has the potential to be a major tourism revenue generator.

SAPANG ANGKA FALLS, Porac

The Sapang Angka Falls got its name from the jackfruit (angka) that once abound in the place before Pinatubo wiped them out. Going to Sapang Angka involves crossing many treacherous river trails via the Delta 5 route from sitio Pidpid. On a hassle-free day, it can be reached after an hour and a half of trekking from the Delta 5 trail. The area around the Sapang Angka Falls is small, but the atmosphere is serenely beautiful and relaxing.

3rd FALLS, Sapang Bato

Said to be a refreshing summer spot for Aetas in the past, the 3^rd Falls in Barangay Sapang Bato can be accessed by traversing the lahar-filled valley of Sitio Target. It is a mini-waterfall that cascades on craggy rocks, but the chilly water is invigorating, a welcome respite to the summer-weary visitor.

 CREDITS:

Photos:

Haduan Falls: courtesy of Elijah Manlapaz, Mabalacat City News FB group, https://www.facebook.com/MabalacatCityNews/photos/pcb.183276175655222/183272678988905/?type=3&theater

Pau Falls; Revive Mt. Arayat FB page: https://www.facebook.com/ReviveMtArayatNationalPark/photos/rpp.134554966728389/402139886636561/?type=3&theater Photo by RAFlores © 2015.

Dara Falls, 3^rd Falls,  Miyamit Falls, Mt. Arayat Park Waterfall: www.pampangatalents.com

Mt. Pinatubo Twin Falls: Mountains & Beyond: http://www.mountainsnbeyond.com/2012/06/mt-pinatubo-twin-falls-porac-pampanga.html

Sapang Angka falls: 1D Trek to Sapang Angka Falls, Porac Pampanga

By Armela Patalud -  November 8, 2016, aroundthemetro.ph, http://aroundthemetro.ph/sapang-angka-falls-porac-pampanga/

Info:

5 Stunning Waterfalls in Pampanga You Shouldn’t Miss This Summer, Traveller Buddy: https://travellerbuddy.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/5-stunning-waterfalls-in-pampanga-you-shouldnt-miss-this-summer/

Mabalacat City News FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/MabalacatCityNews/

84. 12 MORE BIRDS AND THEIR KAPAMPANGAN NAMES, part II

SOURCES:

Lyre bird (kansusuit): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PSM_V46_D799_The_lyre_bird_menura_superba.jpg

Parrot (katala): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eclectus_roratus_-Malagos_Garden_Resort,_Davao_City,_Philippines_-male-8a.jpg

Hanging parrot (kulasisi): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:09949jfPhilippine_Hanging_Parrot_Bulacanfvf_02.jpg

 Yellow-vented bulbul (luklak): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:09949jfPhilippine_Hanging_Parrot_Bulacanfvf_02.jpg

Martin (martinis): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_house_martin#/media/File:Delichon_dasypus_-Taiwan-8-4c.jpg

Common moorhen (patirik-tirik) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Common_moorhen_(Gallinula_chloropus)_with_worm.jpg

Collared kingfisher (salaksak) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Collared_Kingfisher_RWD2.jpg

Philippine coucal (siabukut): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_coucal

Swallow (sibad): https://passnownow.com/10-amazing-bird-facts-swallow/

Pied fantail (silingsilingan ): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pied_Fantail_-_Bali_Barat_MG_9069_(29753605161).jpg

Brown shrike (tarat) : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brown_Shrike_(Lanius_cristatus)-_Immature_feeding_in_Kolkata_I_IMG_1898.jpg

 Marsh hen, moorhen (uis): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Young_moorhen.jpg

White tern (kampapalis dagat): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_tern_with_fish.jpg