CandonCity

ALOHA MEDICAL MISSION IN CANDON

2009-01-17T00:26:00.000-08:00

ALOHA MEDICAL MISSION IN CANDON
Written by Engr. Patrick C. Cortes

The Aloha Medical Mission of Honolulu and the Candonians of Hawaii are conducting a medical mission in Candon City from January 19 to 23, 2009. Dr. Ignacio Torres, a Candonian and surgeon from Honolulu, Hawaii, organized this mission and will coordinate this project. Forty physicians, nurses and lay personnel will perform up to 150 operations and see up to 5000 patients. They will be working at the Candon City Hospital. Poor and sick “Kailians” who are suffering from illness or chronic disease are encouraged to have a medical check-up and treatment. For more information about this project, please contact the Candon City Hospital (742-5675).

Aloha Medical Mission-Candon Team

Physicians

1. Efren Baria, M.D. - Anesthesiologist
2. Rodrigo Bristol, M.D. - General Surgery
3. Zita Bristol, M.D. - Internal Medicine
4. John Fegurgur, M.D. – Plastic Surgery
5. Mayu Gonzales, M.D. - Psychiatry
6. Elisea Singson, M.D. - Nephrology
7. Remedios Sonson, M.D. – Obstetrics Gynecology
8. Ramon Sy, M.D. - Otorhinolaryngology
9. Robert Sy, M.D. – General Surgeon (Phils)
10. Antonio Tan, M.D.
11. Ignacio A. Torres, M.D.
12. Mariano Torres, M.D.
13. Anesthesiologist – brought by Dr. Robert Sy
14. Anesthesiologist – brought by Dr. Robert Sy

Nurses

1. Lolita Ching, R.N.,
2. Vivian Dollente, R.N., OR
3. Shon Magsalin, R.N., OR
4. Miyo Takushi, R.N., OR
5. Marlo Torres, R.N. Oncology
6. Toni Torres, R.N. (Public Health)

Lay Volunteers

1. Edmund Agpaoa
2. Fe Baria, M.D.
3. Gracelyn Devega
4. Abraham Gonzales
5. Greta Pecson
6. Richard Pecson
7. Sam Sonson
8. Elizabeth Sy
9. Marissa Sy
10. Antonio Tan, M.D.
11. Ignacio A. Torres, M.D.
12. Van Torres

Candon City hosts Begnas Ylocos Festival

2008-11-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

Candon City hosts Begnas Ylokos Festival

Candon City played a gracious host to the First Begnas ( thanksgiving) Ylocos Festival on Oct 28- 30, 2008.

The Festival with the theme of “Agbiag ti Kaugalian a Nainsigudan” ( Long live our traditional and cultural values) was participated in by 23 towns of Ilocos Sur and Candon City that showcased the culture of different Indigenous peoples living in the said areas.

Leading the guests were Deputy Speaker Eric Singson, Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano, Vice Governor Jeremias Singson and City Mayor Allen Singson.

Deputy Speaker Singson and Gov Savellano funded the three day festival.

The Festival is show of appreciation by the people to the good harvest.

The participating towns and City has Indigenous peoples that belongs to different tribes like Bago, Kankana-ey, Itneg and Tinggian.

Candon City government led by City Mayor Singson provided and prepared the venue and other facilities needed with the support of the Department of Education- Candon City Division and different barangay officials and folks of the City.

The Candon South Central School and Candon North Central School were the main billeting area for the participants while Candon City Beach Resort served as the official residence of the Baggak ti Daya contestants and the organizers.

It was three day showcase of talents of cultural ensemble, indigenous dances , songs and games, rituals, food festival and trade fair.

Former Candon City Councilor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Robert Tudayan proposed the staging of the affair after very good success in the city with its annual Bago Festival held every December.

Fiesta ti Bantay ( feast of the forest) in Candon

2008-08-26T00:22:00.000-07:00

City’s watershed rehabilitation project: Fruit Bowl of Ilocos Region

Candon City’s Watershed Rehabiltation and Development Project has another high aim.

To be the Fruit Bowl of Ilocos Region.

This is the main goal in this year’s Fiesta ti Bantay (Feast of the forest) celebration along the mountains of Palacapac and San Andres.

“The watershed rehabilitation and Development Project is one of the flagship program on my administration and from what I see we are reaping now the fruits,” City Mayor Allen Singson told the media as he personally led the annual planting.

More than one thousand people joined the city mayor including other city officials, city employees, other government officials from different agencies and students.

Other were barangay officials particularly from Palacapac and San Andres, village folks ,private sectors and non-governmental organizations.

This is the fourth straight year that the city government led such undertaking over the sprawling government owned 132 hectares.

In 2006, the city government had led the signing of Memorandum of Agreement with other government offices, agencies, NGOs and other sectors for the 10-year CCWRDP.

In has so far done reforestation on about 70 percent of the whole projected area.

Singson said that they are targeting the Fruit Bowl center of the region as the area has practically all kinds of fruit bearing trees and some are beginning to bear fruits.

In the approved project proposal, it requested 2, 850 seedlings of different kinds of fruit bearing trees this year that was planted in 18 hectares.

The proposal was prepared by Eric Gacutan, Agricultural Technologist of the City Agriculture office and was endorsed and submitted by City Agriculturist Elmor Leano.

It was recommended by City Councilors Francisco Bona, Jr and Oseas Diasen and approved by Singson.

Among fruit bearing trees planted were lanzones (duko), Rambutan (rongrein), durian, mangosteen, marang, Davao pummelo, latext-less jack fruit, sweet tamarind and Guimaras mango.

Other previously planted were mahogany, rambutan, Bangkok santol, coconut and pineapple.

The CCWRDP’s project’s vision is to be “ a sustainable water and livelihood source that is managed, protected and conserved by an empowered, culturally distinct and enterprising people as a showcase of responsible convergence.”

Its mission is for all to be “committed to organize a functional structure that will mobilize advocate, advance the continuing rehabilitation and development of the Candon Watershed through researched based technology.”

The project aims to transform and develop a total of 132-hectare marginal area into viable agro-forestry area in for the period of 10 years.

Its other objects are:

To conserve and maintain 132- hectare watershed system; to enhance and promote ecological balance and introduce appropriate technologies for watershed management.

To minimize siltation and flash flooding in the adjacent communities and to generate employment opportunities for the people of Palacapac and San Andres.

In relation to fiesta ti Bantay (Feast of the Forest), the land fill area of the city situated in Balingaoan was also including in the tree planting activities.

Supervised by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office led by Officer- In Charge Engr Ishmael Ganaban, they were able to plant to about 1,500 mahogany trees.

The City employees led the tree planting in the area together with faculty and staff and students of Candon National High School, Saint Joseph Institute, Department of Education Candon Division, ISECO and other agencies (LBJ).

photos relief operations by candon city government

2008-08-25T20:36:00.001-07:00

The City Government of Candon waste no time and immediately dispatched relief goods and implemented other measures to ease the effects of Typhoon Karen that hit hard the city.

The city was practically under water and many lives were in endanger as result of the typhoon.

The city government led by City Mayor Allen Singson worked round the clock to patrol the whole city and look at the situation of the Candonians.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office was the lead department in the distribution of relief goods.

addtional photos relief operations candon city government

2008-08-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Additional photos of the relief operations done by the city government of Candon for the victims of Typhoon Karen

City Government works for immediate relief operations

2008-08-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Additional photos of Candon City at the height of Typhoon Karen

2008-08-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Additional photographs of Candon City, Ilocos Sur at the height of super Typhoon Karen.

Candon City at the height of Typhoon Karen

2008-08-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

The City of Candon was one of the hardest hit by super Typhoon Karen on Aug 18-19, 2008.
The whole city was under the mercy of the said typhoon as flood practically put the whole city under water.

the main roads were almost not passable with only heavy or huge vehicles like dump trucks can fly the routes.

The city government led by City Mayor Allen Singson immediately made actions ensure the safety of all its residents and those passing by.

Deputy Speaker Eric Singson ordered the different construction companies to lend their dump trucks to carry people from the endangered area to evacuation centers.

the city dump trucks were used to carry goods to be delivered to the people and transport people especially those stranded.

Thanks GOD the storm calm down after Aug 20.

Senate President led Deputy Speaker’s birthday guests

2008-08-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

2008 birthday bash:

Senate President led Deputy Speaker’s guests

Like in his previous birthday celebration, Deputy Speaker Eric Singson’s celebration was done simple but meaningful and array of top guests.

Heading the list of Singson’s birthday wishers was Senate President and close friend Manuel “Manny” Villar who squeezed from his busy schedule just to be able to greet personally the deputy speaker.

Others were former Ilocos Sur Gov Luis “Chavit” Singson, Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano, Quezon City Congressman Vincent “Bingbong” Crisologo, Abra Gov. Eustaquio “Takit” Bersamin.

Different mayors all over the province led by his eldest son, Candon City Mayor Allen Singson with his wife Freda Luz and League of Municipalities of the Philippines- Ilocos Sur Chapter President Narvacan town Mayor Edgardo Zaragoza.

As traditional, it started with the Holy Mass led by Nueva Segovia Archbishop Ernesto Salgado assisted by other priest headed by Candon City Parish Priest Msgr. Vicente “Vet” Avila.

Villar in his message assured his full support to the deputy speaker’s projects and programs for the people of his district and the whole province.

The birthday celebrant in his short remarks expressed his full appreciation of the people who came to greet and join him in birthday bash.

Throngs of people all over the province came like in previous years to greet and enjoy his celebration.

Singson also distributed scholarship grants to deserving students, hand over checks to priority programs and projects to the different recipients.

The Deputy Speaker, once the youngest elected mayor in the region, serving his third consecutive term and seventh over-all as representative dating back to the Batasan days is acknowledged as the most loved and respected public servant in the district.

He is well-respected by his peers in Congress as he was able to get elected in his post and also in Northern Luzon as he is the incumbent President of the Northern Luzon Alliance, the association of representatives from Ilocos, Cordillera and Cagayan Regions.

( LBJ)

110th Independence Day celebration in Candon City

2008-06-13T01:48:00.001-07:00

110^th Independence Day celebration in Candon City

ILOCOS Sur' last rebel Don Isabelo Abaya was given the much recognition during 110^th Independence Day celebration in line to the government's simultaneous nationwide flag-raising and government service delivery program.

Chosen as the regional venue as full appreciation of Abaya's heroic and leader of the Candon uprising' Ikkis ti Candon' ( Cry of Candon) as he led the fight against the spaniards' oppressions and abuses 110 years ago.

"We are deeply honored that our local hero was given such recognition for his contribution to the fight for Philippine independence during the Spanish time," City Mayor Allen Singson said.

DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. was the guest of honor with Deputy Speaker Eric Singson, Ilocos Sur Gov. Doegracias Victor Savellano and City Mayor Singson leading local leaders in the affair.

After the simultaneous flag raising, wreath was offered to the monument of Abaya which is built at the city's plaza.

The life size statue shows Abaya or popularly called as Don Belong hold a bolo in his right hand while a red flaglet in his left on top of a galloping horse.

As part of the public service program, Ebdane led the distribution of cash and goods including rice to 420 families benefited from the three 'food for work' program of DPWH assisted by the City Government.

Medicines for botica sa barangay and Philhealth cards were also given to the recipients.

Abaya led the declaration 'Republic of Candon' in March 25, 1898, more than two months before the declaration of Philippine Independence.

The said date was eventually adopted as Candon's foundation day and city's fiesta main day.

traffic advisory ( 110th independence day celebration Candon City, Ilocos Sur

2008-06-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Traffic Advisory

The national highway from the old city hall up to north side Candon Supermarket will be close to buses and heavy vehicles 6AM to 9AM tomorrow to give way to the celebration of the 110^th Independence day in Candon City.

It will be held at plaza wayawaya, infront of the St. John Sahagun Church and at the monument of Don Isabelo Abaya at the City Plaza.

Light vehicles coming from the north can take road going west of the old city hall and 25 de Marso street.

Those coming from the south can use the Marina Street (north of Candon Supermarket going to 25 de Marso street and come out at the old city hall.

Candon will be the regional venue of the Independence commemoration in due recognition to its foremost local hero Don Isabelo Abaya.

Abaya led a short live revolt to fight off the oppressions and abuses of the Spaniards.

Heading the guests of the celebration is DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr.

He will be joined by Deputy Speaker Eric Singson, Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano, City Mayor Allen Singson and the other local officials.

REUNION

2008-06-07T23:31:00.000-07:00

REUNION

UST ruby class 1968 graduates faculty of pharmacy

Please come attend class reunion on December 2008

For more details contact:

Grace Gacula Singson

02-9311242 - residence

02-9315350- office

Aida Lina Bautista

09176272538

Candon is all set for 110th Independence Day celebration in Ilocos Region

2008-06-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

Candon is all set for 110^th Independence Day celebration in Ilocos Region

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur (june 6, 2008)- The hometown revolutionary hero Don Isabelo Abaya is ready for the 110^th celebration of Independence in Ilocos Region.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the successful celebration in our city because we are deeply honored to host such historic event,” City Mayor Allen Singson said

The city was chosen to be few selected venue of nationwide celebration of the Filipino’s independence from the Spanish colonial rule 110 years ago.

Like the other venues, Candon has its Abaya led “Ikkis ti Candon ( Cry of Candon), a short lived revolution against the Spaniards’ oppressions and abuses.

Singson said that DPWH secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. will be the guest of honor.

Joining him will be Deputy Speaker Eric Singson, Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano, regional directors of the different departments, other provincial, city and local officials.

They will be leading the traditional flag- raising, wreath laying activities to be held at the Monument of Abaya situated at the city plaza.

As preparation the city government and the DPWH second district office had been working on the programs and activities to be done.

No less than DPWH Undersecretary Ramon Aquino and District Engr. Ray Elaydo in coordination of Candon City Engr. Esteban Martinez are personally overseeing all the preparations.

Martinez was tasked by City Mayor Singson to be the event’s coordinator representing the city.

The ‘food for work’ project is the foremost program to be done that will benefit 420 poor families in the city.

Candon City Health Officer Narciso Ramos said that Phil Health Cards will also be distributed during the said affair.

The different departments and agencies of the regional offices will be having their own boots to offer their services. ( jun balbin)

Candon is Ilocandia’s best performing LGU

2008-06-06T01:34:00.000-07:00

Candon is Ilocandia’s best performing LGU

Candon City was adjudged recently as the Best Performing Local Government Unit (city level) in the whole Ilocos Region for 2006.

"It was the combined effort of the city officials, city heads, city employees, attached national government agencies and the whole cooperation of our people that made us win the award," Mayor Allen G. Singson said.

The award was handed last March during the Regional Development Council meeting held in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Singson pointed out that the award is a reflection on the harmonious relationship of city officials, the city employees and the constituents.

The Department of Interior and Local Government is the lead agency in handling this prestigious award.

City Vice Mayor Nestor Itchon said that the legislative branch is always very supportive to all city programs and projects.

“We share the same objectives and visions with the executive department as far as the delivery of services to our people that is why we had excellent performance that was clearly notice by the judges of the contest,” Itchon said.

"I was expecting it because the city met all the requirements," Victoria Ramos, City Local Government Operations Officer, said

The Regional Development Council- Region I in a resolution (RDC I Excom Resolution No. 46, s. 2007 approved on December 20, last year) approved the proposal of the conduct of the RDC- DILG Performance Awards.

It recommended two categories, the "Best Performing LGU" and the "Best Practices in the Ilocos".

The RDC said that the award aims to encourage LGUs to adopt good practices in the implementations of local programs.

The Best Performing LGU was evaluated based on five performance areas, namely: a)governance (20 percent); b)administration (35 percent); c)social services (25 percent); d)economic development (10 percent), and e)environmental management (10 percent).

The selection process was spearheaded and coordinated by the SeCom on Development and Administration through the regional selection team composed of the National Economic Development Authority-1 (NEDA), DILG-1, Department of Budget and Management –1 and Civil Service Commission-1.

Ramos said that the DILG is the lead agency because in the evaluation process, it is using the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) system.

Meanwhile, Singson said that the city is expected to reap more similar award and other recognition because of the current smooth rapport in the governance of the city.

"This recognition is shared to everybody because this is was we aspire for," Singson said. (LBJ)

sarahmani sweeps ilocandia

2008-06-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

Sarahmania Sweeps Ilocandia
Sarah Geronimo cannot hide her elation upon coming up the stage with about 20,000 people cheering her every move in her opening song and dance number.
Geronimo's concert was dubbed as "Sarah Geronimo in Motion" concert held at the beach front, Darapidap, Candon City, Ilocos Sur last April 16.
“Tuwang tuwa ako sa dami niyong pumunta," Geronimo told the crowd.
Joining Geronimo in her concert was Mark Bautista.
Geronimo's concert was free to the public as it was sponsored by Extreme Magic Sing and Deputy Speaker Eric Singson who was present during the two-hour concert.
The crowd could have been bigger if not for the downpour an hour before the concert.
"We thank God that the show went on as scheduled because we wanted to bring first class entertainment to our people," Singson said.
Singson said that because of the full appreciation of the crowd there is a possibility of another concert in the future.
Geronimo told the crowd that her concert was practically similar to her recent successful US concert tour.
The concert according to Sarah chronicled her career starting from her humble beginnings until her present success.
Among her popular songs she belted were "To Love You More," "Bituing Walang Ningning," "Pangarap na Bituin" and others. She also had a duet with Bautista.
One of the most cheered portion was when Sarah sang a medley of Jukebox hits with funky beat to suit today's style.
"Nagpapasalamat ako sa Dios na nabigyan ako talent na ito at alam ko din na hindi ito permanente. Habang napapasaya ko kayo ay gagawin ko sa lubos ng aking makakaya," Geronimo said.
She added that she could probably repay all the blessings and support she is receiving as she chose "Forever is Not Enough" as her closing song.
Sarah's humility and talent was well appreciated by the adoring crowd.
"It was fun. I appreciate very much her talent together with Mark. It was a superb performance," said Cherry Lou Robredo, of Candon City and a product of Ryan Cayabyab school of music.
The crowd remains intact for the two-hour show that brought audience all over the province and nearby provinces.
Sarah is one of the main endorsers of Extreme Magic Sing together with World Boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao. ( LBJ)

Candon: The Gateway to the Ilocos and Cordillera

2008-05-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Candon: The Gateway to the Ilocos and Cordillera

Candon, from its creation in 1870 up to present, has always been at the forefront of the Ilocos Sur Province.

It has cemented itself as the center of education, trade and commerce in the second congressional district of the province and the most populous local government unit in Ilocos Sur.

After six years as a city, Candon has spread its horizons in northern Luzon owing to its favorable geographic location and robust economic growth.

Banking on this year's P181 million city budget excluding its average P16 million tobacco excise tax, expect the city to further climb to the economic ladder in the next years.

Under the stewardship of City Mayor Allen Singson, the city government is aiming high to provide all the basic needs of its about 60,000 residents and in wider perspective, establish the city as one of the economic centers in north Luzon.

More so that Singson's father, Deputy Speaker Eric Singson of the House of Representatives, has always been supporting the city programs and projects as reflected in the huge amounts poured in the city from his district share of tobacco excise tax and other funds under his disposal.

The city dubbed as the tobacco capital of the country is situated 347 kilometers north of Manila and 63 kilometers south of the Ilocos Sur capital, Vigan City.

It is bounded by municipalities of Santiago and Banayoyo in the North; the rugged terrains of the municipalities of San Emilio, Galimuyod and Salcedo in the East; the sprawling plains of Sta. Lucia in the South; and the immense South China Sea down west.

The city government after attaining cityhood focused its attention is completing all the foundations for its economic take off.

In 2005, its four-storey city hospital started its operation. It has more than enough capacity to be of service to all Candonians and the neighboring towns.

In 2006, the city government transferred to its new state of art and elegant city hall to better accommodate all the Candonians.

The four-storey P100 million city hall situated in Calaoa-an, Candon city, so far is also turning to be a tourist attraction as it is built along the National highway. This year, the Candon Water district will be operational to complete all the basic foundations.

Tourism destination

Candon is turning also into a convenient tourist destination as it has also its beaches, verdant fields and rocky mountains.

It has its own collection of old Spanish houses along the center district of city including a city museum where memorabilia and old articrafts are displayed.

It can easily serve as convergent area for tourist to explore the whole province and in particular the second district.

The second district of the province is composed of 22 towns and Candon City has an array of tourist destinations to show up.

The Tirad Pass of Gregorio Del Pilar of Gregorio Del Pilar town is only about an hour ride east of the city. Another historic site is the Bessang Pass in Cervantes town which can be reached in three hours.

The baroque-style Church of Santa Maria town which is inscribed in UNESCO as one of the world heritage site in also a few minutes away.

The tourists can take comfort in the hotels and inns in the city which are mostly located near the beaches on the west of the city.

All year round festivities

Festivals have been part of the Candonian's life for centuries.

The calamay festival is the city's way of promoting the product which is the city's top delicacy. Calamay (glutinous rice cake) gained huge media mileage after the city government sponsored the baking of one gigantic calamay displayed at the city plaza in 2005.

It followed it up with an even bigger and heavier version in its attempt to break the current Guinness World record of 2,097 kilos owned by Japan in 2002. It was able to break it as 45 calamay bakers from Candon were able to churn out 2,547 kilos of calamay. The calamay needed 200 gantas of ground glutinous rice, milk from 2,000 coconuts, 1,200 kilos of white and brown sugar mixed and cooked in 125 vats.

This year the city government did not produce another huge calamay as it opted to have the first calamay eating and packaging contest as another way of promoting the production.

Aside from the calamay festival, the city has the Tobacco Festival to give tribute to an industry which it started in the 1950s and still dominate up to now.

Its Tobacco Festival is one-week of frenzied activities centered on tobacco making. It has the panagdubla (tobacco-rolling contest) and the invitational street dancing with tobacco as the motif.

The city government for the last two years has sponsored the Feria Exposicion 1892 commemoration which is being held at the month of December.

That Feria Exposicion, which was widely covered by the press at that time, showed that Candon was already the center of trade in the Ilocos more than 100 years ago.

History

The most widely accepted origin of the city's name is from "Kandong," the big tree in the village that time.

According to tradition, when the colonizers set foot upon the place and inquired as to its name, the natives answered, "Kandong" referring to the tree. Since that time on, the place came to be called Candon.

There are however two other theories, the medical plant found existing at the coming of the Franciscans and the "Candone", a latin word meaning "outspoken, honest, upright and hospitable."

Candon was created as town in 1780 upon the installation of the first civil government under the Cabreza de Barangay, Don Juan P Madarang by his Eminence D. Mariano de Conquera, an Agustinian Friar.

Cry of Candon

Like other towns, Candon has its own history and foremost among them is the Candon uprising popularly known as the "IKKIS TI CANDON," in 1898 as a response to the abuses and oppression perpetrated by the Spaniards. The revolution was led by the city's top local hero, Don Isabelo Abaya.

Candon first crack to gain cityhood was initiated by Congressman Eric Singson in the 10^thCongress. It reached the Senate but it was overcome by 1998 elections and politics.

It was re-filed by then Congresswoman Grace Singson and eventually Candon become a component city under Republic Act 9018 in May 5, 2001 after it was signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Malacanang palace.

Like the Kandong tree, Candon towers among the other towns in the province in terms of economy and will continue to do so as it has always a big brother and role model to them.

It will always espouse honesty, hospitability and uprightness as taken from the origin of its name. ( Leoncio G. Balbin, Jr)

Demography of Candon City

Total land area - 10, 328 hectares

Built-up area - 7, 306.44 hectares

No. of barangay - 42 ( four of which are urban)

Total population - 54, 107 ( as of 2004)

Total no. of households - 11, 387 ( as of 2004)

Average size per household - 5 persons

Population dependency rate - 54 percent

Population growth rate - 2 percent per annum

Available manpower - 30, 590 ( as of 2004)

World's biggest rice cake

2008-05-28T02:08:00.000-07:00

WORLD"S BIGGEST RICE ( CALAMAY)- The City of Candon through the Bagar calamay makers churned out 2,547 kilos of calamay (glutinous rice cake) besting , the 2, 097-kilo rice cake baked in Niigata, Japan in 2002 to claimed the tagged as the producer of world’s biggest rice cake (glutinous rice cake)
The Candon calamay used 200 gantas of glutinous rice, milk from 2, 000 coconuts and 1,200 kilos of brown and white sugar, using 132 vats.

HISTORY OF CALAMAY

After World War II, the Philippines was totally devastated and Candon was not exempted.

But in the village of Bagar, several coconut trees were left standing.

During that time, six elderly women in a casual conversation thought of coming out with new ways of using the food materials spared from the war including the said coconuts.

They were able to amass brown sugar, glutinous rice, vat and, of course, coconut.

Maximizing the coconut, they included its milk. They mixed all the ingredients and stirred it up until it became sticky.

They cooked it and when they tasted it, much to their surprise, it was pleasantly delicious.

Thus started the making of Calamay (glutinous rice cake ) in Candon.

More than six decades had passed and yet the same style of cooking as well as the same ingredients were being used in the now City of Candon.

Only the preparation of materials like the mechanized grounding of glutinous rice was improved due to the advent of technology and the increase of demand.

Lisa Abaya, President of the Calamay Vendors Association of Candon City, said that calamay was then consumed only locally in Bagar until other people tasted it and it became a hit.

Abaya, now in her 40's, said that one of the six elder women, Rosa del Rosario, was her grandmother.

Abaya said it was she who transferred the knowledge of making calamay to her mother, Caridad Dario and, later, to them.

Abaya said that calamay was initially sold in containers made of coconut shells and wrapped in banana leaves during 1960's.

They changed the banana leaves into plastic because the former easily spoils the calamay. Abaya knew what she was talking about as she could still remember when she was a little girl helping and joining her mother in cooking and selling the product.

She however admitted that she could not recall how the product got its name.
Her guess is it could have been derived from the early manner of cooking.
Since it involved practically all manual or using of hands, its name may be coined after the Pilipino word kamay.

Calamay up to now is baked and cooked with the same formula.

They first cook the young coconut slivers in boiling water and then add the coconut milk. They then mix the ground glutinous rice and sugar. They stir it until it become sticky and nearly dry.

Calamay in Candon has gone a long way even if it stayed the same.

It is the city's choice as its One Town One Product entry to the Department of Trade and Industry project.

The product has circled the entire world as it is a favorite pasalubong (present) by Candonians and Ilocanos to their relatives in the country and abroad.

In 2006, it placed the city in the world map when arguably the world biggest rice cake was baked here.

The Bagar calamay makers churned out 2,547 kilos of calamay, besting the 2, 097-kilo rice cake baked in Niigata, Japan in 2002.

The Candon calamay used 200 gantas of glutinous rice, milk from 2, 000 coconuts and 1,200 kilos of brown and white sugar, using 132 vats.
( Leoncio Balbin, Jr)

candon city festival 2008 panagdubla (tobacco rolling)

2008-05-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

A Contestant of the panagdubla (tobacco rolling) tries furiously to produce smoke out of the one-meter long rolled cigar. The winning team is the first to puff smoke. The competition is one of the highlights of the 2008 Tobacco Festival of Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

candon city festival 2008 panagdubla (tobacco rolling)

2008-05-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

Panagdubla (tobacco rolling) contest- participants of the panagdubla (tobacco rolling) try to out do each other to roll as many cigar as they can in five minutes time period. It is one of the contest during the festivities of the 2008 Tobacco Festival of Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

candon city festival 2008 panagdubla (tobacco rolling)

2008-05-27T22:07:00.001-07:00

Panagdubla (tobacco rolling) contest- participants of the panagdubla (tobacco rolling) struggle to produce smoke in the one-meter long cigar. The first team to produce smoke wins. The competition is part of the 2008 Tobacco Festival of Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

candon city festival 2008 panagdubla (tobacco rolling)

2008-05-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

candon city festival

2008-05-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Deputy Speaker Eric Singson delivers his message during the administration night of the week long celebration of 2008 Tobacco Festival in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

candon city tobacco festival photos

2008-05-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Participants of the street dancing contest show their wares during the 2008 tobacco festival of Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

candon city tobacco festival photos

2008-05-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

City Employees of Candon join the annual grand parade of Tobacco festival.

longest cigar paraded during tobacco festival

2008-05-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

The 104.6 meter long rolled cigar was carried by city employees of Candon during the annual grand parade of its Tobacco festival. The more than 300 kilos cigar which is considered the longest ever in the Philippines was rolled by 10 people in two weeks.