Ryan Gosling in Siargao, Philippines?

A rumor about Hollywood actor Ryan Gosling spotted surfing in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Philippines is making the Twitter world abuzz right now. Even celebrities are tweeting about it.

"Just got a txt "Omgomgomgomgomg!!! Ryan Gosling is surfing in Siargao Island!"-800km southeast of Surigao del Norte. Is this truth or rumor?," beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez posted.

"@iloveruffag I think I just died. Ryan Gosling is in Siargao Island? I'm booking a flight right now." "Eat Bulaga" host Isabelle Daza tweeted.

"Is it true? Ryan Gosling is here in the Philippines, surfing in Siargao?? #trueorfalse help!!!" Kapuso star Maxene Magalona said.

However, there has been no one who confirmed the report with a visual proof as of this writing.

"Ryan Gosling" has climbed to the second spot on the list of the most talked-about topics in the microblogging site at the moment,

Canadian actor and singer Ryan Gosling is best known for his role in the 2004 romantic film "The Notebook" which earned him four Teen Choice Awards and a MTV Movie Awards recognition. His other movies are "Half Nelson", "Drive", "Blue Valetine", "All Good Things" and many more.

(Source: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/12/ryan-gosling-in-siargao-philippines.html)

Who is Ryan Gosling?

Ryan Thomas Gosling (born November 12, 1980) is a Canadian actor and musician. He first came to public attention as a child star on the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club (1993–95) and went on to appear in other family entertainment programmes including Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1995), Goosebumps (1996), Breaker High (1997–98) and Young Hercules (1998–99). His first serious role was as a fanatic Neo-Nazi in The Believer (2001), and he then built a reputation for playing misfits in independent films such as Murder by Numbers (2002), The Slaughter Rule (2002), The United States of Leland (2003) and Stay (2005).

He came to the attention of a wider audience in 2004 with a leading role in the romantic drama The Notebook, for which he won four Teen Choice Awards and an MTV Movie Award. His performance as a drug-addicted junior high school teacher in Half Nelson (2006) was nominated for an Academy Award and his appearance as a socially inept loner in Lars and the Real Girl (2007) was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. In 2007, he starred in courtroom thriller Fracture.

After a three-year acting hiatus, he starred in both Blue Valentine and All Good Things in 2010. The former performance as a frazzled husband earned him a second Golden Globe nomination. 2011 proved to be a landmark year for the actor as he appeared in three mainstream films: the romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love, the thriller Drive and the political drama The Ides of March. He is due to appear in five upcoming films: the bank heist film The Place Beyond the Pines, the period crime feature The Gangster Squad, the revenge drama Only God Forgives, Terrence Malick's Lawless and a remake of the sci-fi film Logan's Run.

His band, Dead Man's Bones, released their self-titled debut album and toured North America in 2009. He is co-owner of Tagine, a Moroccan restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. He has had relationships with actors Sandra Bullock (2002–03) and Rachel McAdams (2005–08) and lives in New York City.

(Source: Wikipedia)

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Official Results of the 13th Siargao National Surfing Cup

Official Results of the 13th Siargao National Surfing Cup

Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines

September 17 - 20, 2011 

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How To Really Enjoy Your Vacation: 7 Tips

Vacations may be fun in the moment, but they don't have much lingering stress-reducing, or happiness-raising benefits, according to a study from the Netherlands, published the Journal Applied Research in Quality of Life.

According to the study, after the vacation, happiness quickly drops back to baseline levels for most people. Vacationers were no happier than those who hadn't taken off (as an aside, the greatest boost in happiness came from anticipating and planning the vacation). Post-vacation happiness was affected by how much stress or relaxation a traveler experienced on their vacation. If vacationers described their trip as neutral or stressful, there was no post-trip happiness benefit.

Vacations can reduce stress while you're away, and may improve your life over the long term if you allow yourself to relax. "Many people have epiphanies when they travel because they can view their life back home from a detached, outsider's view and give you a clearer sense of who you are and how you really want to live your life," says Bryan Robinson, Ph.D., author of Chained to the Desk: A Guidebook for Workaholics, their Partners and Children and the Clinicians Who Treat Them.

So how do you take a vacation, de-stress, and have the effects linger more than a day or two?

• Make sure it's relaxing: The only vacationers in the Netherlands study who saw a boost in happiness were those who reported feeling "very relaxed" on their vacation. If you're travelling with young kids (though it may be better not to), consider enrolling them in half-day camps or arranging for a babysitter in the evenings so you have time to relax.
• Create a vacation that fits your personal style. Think about what you love to do, not what you should do. Some people love thrill-seeking vacations, others love exploring and some love just lounging on the beach. If the vacation doesn't fit, it may increase, not lower stress.
• Balance activities. "Alternate your time between staying active and resting," says Robinson. Activity raises feel-good endorphins, while quieting your mind reduces levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
• Take several mini vacations. Since the study showed that people get a mood boost out of planning and anticipating vacations, having several trips throughout the year may raise your overall happiness quotient higher than if you just have one vacation and then there's nothing to look forward to until next year.
• Take vacations during major holidays, such as the Fourth of July or in August, when many people are away and the workload is usually lighter, so you're less worried about work piling up while you're away.
• Delegate work before you leave. Since completely disconnecting from the office might be more stressful for some people, allow yourself to check voice mail and email under strict time limits, say one hour a day.
• Buffer your vacation. "Don't work right up until the moment you leave and head back to work right off the bat," says Robinson. "If possible, schedule an extra day off before you depart and another when you come back to dive back in slowly," he says.

source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-48441331/how-to-really-enjoy-your-vacation-7-tips/

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Biyahe Tayo : Wow Philippines Biyahe Tayo Video and Lyrics

Artists: Lea Salonga, Sharon Cuneta, Freddie Aguilar, Rey Valera, Rico Puno, Joey Ayala, Apo Hiking Society, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Jolina Magdangal, April Boy Regino, Jessa Zaragoza, Paolo Santos, Nina and Rico Blanco of Rivermaya, John Lesaca, and Jong Cuenco


Biyahe Tayo Lyrics:

Ikaw ba’y nalulungkot
Naiinip, nababagot?
Ikaw ba’y napapagod
Araw gabi’y puro kayod?

Buhay mo ba’y walang saysay
Walang sigla, walang kulay?
Bawa’t araw ba’y pareho
Parang walang pagbabago?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Kasama ang pamilya
Barkada at buong grupo
Para mag-enjoy nang todo.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Napasyal ka na ba
Sa Intramuros at Luneta
Palawan, Vigan at Batanes
Subic, Baguio at Rice Terraces?

Namasdan mo na ba
Ang mga vinta ng Zamboanga
Bulkang Taal, Bulkang Mayon
Beach ng Boracay at La Union?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Mula Basco hanggang Jolo
Nang makilala ng husto
Ang ating kapwa-Pilipino.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

From city to city,
Seven thousand and a hundred plus islas
Sa mahal kong Pilipinas
Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao ating puntahan.
Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan!

Nasubukan mo na bang
Mag-rapids sa Pagsanjan
Mag-diving sa Anilao
Mag-surfing sa Siargao?

Natikman mo na ba
Ang sisig ng Pampanga
Duriang Davao, Bangus Dagupan
Bicol Express at Lechong Balayan?

Tara na, biyahe tayo,
Nang makatulong kahit pano
Sa pag-unlad ng kabuhayan
Ng ating mga kababayan.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Nakisaya ka na ba
Sa Pahiyas at Masskara
Moriones at Ati-Atihan
Sinulog at Kadayawan?

Namiesta ka na ba
Sa Peñafrancia sa Naga
Umakyat sa Antipolo
Nagsayaw sa Obando?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Upang ating matamo
Ligaya at pagkakaibigan
Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Upang ating matamo
Ligaya at pagkakaibigan
Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Halika, biyahe tayo…
WOW Philippines…

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Surigao Norte sees tourism growth

12/03/2011 - Citing the growing tourism opportunities, and also the notable potentials of the agriculture sector of the province of Surigao del Norte, the national government has approved the amount of P450,476,000 for the implementation of more infrastructure projects, especially the construction of roads and other related programs to be implemented next year.

To boost the tourism and agriculture sectors, the allocation of the budget is primarily intended for the construction of roads that will connect the various tourism areas, thus generating additional employment opportunities, livelihood prospects, and increased tax revenues that will benefit the villages in the province.

Because of this government support, the local government unit (LGU) officials expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Aquino for providing the much-needed support for the development and progress of the province.

“Additional employment and livelihood will directly benefit the villagers,” said Representative Francisco T. Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte).

He said the infrastructure projects that are set for implementation early next year include the Dapa-General Luna Road, Santa Monica-San Isidro Road, Socorro-Nueva Estrella Pamosaingan Road, Cancohoy-Pilar Road, Osmeña-Pilar Road, improvement/concreting of the Dapa-Union General Luna Road, improvement/concreting the Osmeña-Pilar Road, construction of lighthouses along the Del Carmen Channel, installation of lanterns and lighting fixtures at the lighthouse in Santa Monica, construction of the Montserrat Port in Dapa, the Malimono Port, and Gigaquit Road.

Aside from the allocated budget, a total of P115 million was recently approved for this year’s last quarter budget for the province of Surigao del Norte.

“The funding release for this year’s last quarter budget is for our tourism sites in the province, especially on the Paradise Island of Siargao,” added Matugas, who deeply expressed his gratitude to the President for his full support of the province’s eco-tourism industry.

He added that Siargao Island is the home of international game fishing and surfing competitions, and also a tourist hub due to its white powdery sand beaches, and other tourist attractions.

He also said that the budget released for the last quarter for Siargao Island and the province include the following – P40 million for the concreting of the Maasin to Pilar Road, P30 million for the concreting of the junction of the Osmeña to Pilar Road, P20 million – concreting of the Dapa to Union Road, P15 million – flood control project from Dapa to General Luna, P5 million for the farm-to-market road from Santa Paz to Poblacion in San Isidro, and P5 million for the farm-to-market road from Maasin to Katipunan in Pilar town.

Matugas had a round-table meeting Monday with Public Works and Highways Region-13 Director Danilo E. Versola in Butuan City for the implementation of the said projects.

Meanwhile, President Aquino also approved, over the weekend, the release of P19.5 million for the provincial road improvement projects and library hubs in the province.

The budget allocation was personally received by Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas.

“This is really a big boost to our economy, and we express our thanks to President Aquino,” said the governor. (Manila Bulletin)

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Boat capsizes off Siargao Island; 43 passengers rescued

11/05/2011 - A total of 43 passengers, including 11 crew members of a passenger boat, were rescued off the coastal waters of San Benito town in Siargao Island after their vessel capsized due to strong leaking of water coming from the freeboard on Tuesday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

PNP Police Community Relations Officer P/Insp. Elsa Montenegro said that around 4:30 a.m., Oct. 25, motorbanca “Maricris” left the port of Sta. Monica en route to Surigao City. Upon reaching at the seawater of the municipality of San Benito around 5 a.m., one crew noticed a volume of water in the lower part of the boat.

“Attempts have been made to pump the water out of the boat but it failed until the boat sank on the seawater,” said Montegro.

The ill-fated motor banca, owned and operated by Maria Rose Lim, was skippered by B/Capt. Jerry Lim.

A report from Phil. Coast Guard (PCG) Surigao del Norte Station further revealed that the motorbanca was loaded with 320 sacks of copra.

The boat slowly submerged at the sea water while all passengers including the crew abandoned the boat wearing life jackets. According to the PCG report, all passengers were rescued by motorbanca Kimnet-1 and were brought to the port of Sta. Monica.

“All passengers and crew are in good health condition,” the PCG report added. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Science high school to rise in Siargao

10/19/2011 - GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines – After years of waiting, a science high school will finally rise in this “paradise island” of Surigao del Norte.

The dream of parents, teachers and local officials came true when Budget Secretary Florencio Abad Jr. along with his wife Rep. Dina Abad, lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the General Luna Science High School Saturday.

Abad will be accompanied by Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st District), Gov. Sol F. Matugas and General Luna Mayor Peter Ruaya.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released an initial P6.5 million for the General Luna Science High School.

The department also lined up and approved the construction of the P53-million provincial hospital in Barangay Sta. Cruz in Placer town, Surigao del Norte.

It was gathered that the construction of the provincial hospital in Placer is very vital since it will cater the medical needs of thousands of village communities along the southern part of the province.

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO

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Siargao world surfing competition begins

9/17/11 - GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines – A huge number of participants, tourists and guests from around the world began converging here last Friday for the start of the 2011 World Junior Surfing Competition.

While competitors officially started their action Saturday, a large number of tourists, both foreign and domestic, and other guests also enjoyed viewing the scenic beauty of this paradise island.

The world junior surfing completion will last up to Oct. 3 this year.

At least 31 surfers from Australia, 31 from Japan, 10 from the United States, Hawaii, Europe, Brazil, South America, Malaysia and Indonesia and eight from various areas in the Philippines participated in Saturday’s contest.

Department of Tourism Undersecretary Ma. Victoria Jasmin is witnessing the biggest world surfing competition here.

The international and national surfers will participate in three categories.

The 13th Siargao National Surfing Cup, to be participated by surfers from all regions in the country, also started Saturday and will run until Sept. 19. This is the pre-qualifying rounds for all Filipino surfers to identify the official representative of the country to the Cloud 9 Billabong Pro Junior Asia and the SMART 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup.

Among the participants expected to top in the finals are surfers from Baler, Aurora, Samar, La Union, and other parts of the country.

The top 12 surfers will be chosen to become the country’s representative to the 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup.

A total of R200,000 is at stake for those who will emerged champions both in the open and junior categories while top Filipino surfers ages 20 and below will officially represent the country in the Billabong Pro Asia championships.

The Billabong Pro Junior Asia Surfing Championships, scheduled on Sept. 20 to 28, will be the first ASP event to run in the Philippines and will be held at the world-class break Cloud 9. ASP Australia General Manager Dane Jordan is excited to make this a landmark event for the region, adding that the ASP and the surfers will show the world what Cloud 9 and the Philippines have to offer.

The Billabong Pro Junior Asia is presented by Sony Ericsson with supporting sponsors Air Asia, Nixon, and Von Zipper. The event is endorsed by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and DoT. This year’s champion will receive $25,000. (Manila Bulletin)

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Siargao Events 2011

SIARGAO ISLAND EVENT 2011

»13th Siargao National Surfing Cup from Sept. 17-20 at Cloud 9 in General Luna

»Cloud 9 Billabong Pro Junior Asia from Sept. 21-28 at Cloud 9 in General Luna

»Smart 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3

»1st Siargao Adventure Race from Oct. 4-6 in Santa Monica.

For more information's, contact Zenny at zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph

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Mangrove protection

8/23/11 - DAPA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines – Government officials and environmentalist groups pooled their resources to protect the mangrove forest plantations in Northeastern Mindanao, particularly on Siargao Island where the vast mangrove plantations are located.

Efforts to conserve and protect these vast mangrove forests are being undertaken through intensive information drive regarding its importance.

In some parts of the region, these mangrove forests continue to disappear due to continued use of mangrove as firewood.

On this island alone, about 8,600 hectares of mangrove forests already exists, and considered as one of the biggest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao.

With this, more than 4,000 hectares are found in the municipalities of Del Carmen and San Benito in the province of Surigao del Norte.

Fringing contiguous mangrove forest is also found in the municipalities of Dapa, Pilar, San Isidro, General Luna, Santa Monica, and Socorro, all of Siargao Island.

Local government unit officials, non-government organizations and concerned government agencies also conducted patrolling, and reforestation and rehabilitation projects in all mangrove areas in the region, especially on this island.

Found on sheltered coastlines and rivers deltas, mangroves grow in brackish wetlands between land and sea where other plants can’t grow.

They protect the coastline and prevent erosion by collecting sediment from the streams and slowing down the flow of water.

Mangroves also have important ecological functions as well as economic uses.

These include: protection of the shoreline, sea grass beds, and coral reefs; nursery for some species of fish, shrimps, and mud crabs; and provide food and sanctuary for other marine life.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also intensified the protection of marine flora and fauna on this island.

Just recently, a big number of marine turtles were returned to the sea by local officials.

Surigao Island is endowed with rich marine flora and fauna, where the sea grass serves as the haven and refuge of marine fauna.

They are important as nurseries for fish, shrimps, lobsters, scallops, and other valuable invertebrates.

Dugong, marine turtles, some sea urchins, fishes and invertebrates feed directly on this habitat.

Sightings of dugong and reports of confiscation of marine turtles are indications that this place is a viable habitat of these endangered species.

The beaches and coastal areas of Siargao and Bucas Grande Island are known to be home of the four marine turtles out of the seven species in the world.

Marine turtles play major roles in nutrients recycling of the marine ecosystem.

They graze on sea grass that helps in the formation of fresh, young leaves with higher nutritional content.

Over the time, these grazed areas offer food and shelter to various small organisms, including small fishes/fingerlings.

All marine turtles serve as nutrient exporters from their foraging habitats to their resting and nesting ground.

It was learned that the population of sea turtle has rapidly declined in the world.

Heavy demand for turtle by-products as wall décor, jewelry pieces, guitars, bags and shoes, egg poaching, pawikan hunting, and loss of nesting sites threatened the remaining stocks of the sea turtles. (Manila Bulletin)

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