Camarines Sur's Pride -- Naga City

Naga City is one of the Bicol Region's foremost cities. It is one of its pride in terms of good governance. it earned the Seal of Good Governance for years and continues to pave the way for better governance by its leaders.

It is home to several churches which are not only popular among its people but among tourists, local or foreign as well. This goes to show that the Naga City people are very much the same as other Filipinos who are religious by nature.

Proof to the people's religiosity is their devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia which is celebrated every September which draws a lot of devotees from all parts of the country. Several foreigners also take part in this annual pilgrimage.

It is in this light that several hotels have been built to accommodate the influx of tourists not only during the Penafrancia festivities but throughout the whole year. Naga City has its share of visitors who would like to relish the hospitality of the people.

Of course, a trip to any Philippine city would not be complete without tasting the local fare. Naga City has restaurants that serve delicacies that are modern yet Bicolnon by origin. Aside from the usual fastfood chains, home-grown eating places abound.

Naga City is where you can find two of the best educational institutions -- Ateneo de Naga University and the University of Nueva Caceres. They offer the best learnings that students can get. But, of course, other schools cannot be outdone.

With the construction boom of subdivisions in the city, it is safe to say that Naga is one place where families can live in peace. It is also a manifestation that the standard of life there has become more cosmopolitan through the years.

They say that traffic is a sign of progress especially in a highly-urbanized city. Yes, Naga City may be experiencing traffic their own style but isn't it a sign that the city is becoming an important hub in the Bicol Region?

This landlocked city in Camarines Sur can be accessed by air and land. I just hope that Naga will have its own airport. It's airport is located in Pili town which is just nearby.

With it distinct character and appeal, it is not hard to love Naga City, the pride of Camarines Sur.

Como: An Italian City Near the Alps

Como is an Italian city located at the northern part of the country and is near the border of Switzerland. It is considered a resort city sans the beach and the sea.

But it is known for its lake which is frequented by tourists. It is a picturesque area known to retirees and celebrities who make the city their second home. The atmosphere is very inviting and serene.

Despite Como's proximity to Switzerland and distance to other local cities, the architecture and other buildings still have that Italian touch. It reminds everyone that you are still in Italy and not somewhere else.

Como is a city where the old and the new mix harmoniously. Even the old and the new generation live with happy co-existence. It is a city where the culture of the old and the new created a personality that is distinctly Como.

As in any other Italian city, churches are all over. Almost in every area, a church is within reach. This is a testament on how religious Italians are.

There are structures in the city that make Como unique. It is amazing to note how the people take care of their monuments. They are clean and widely revered by the locals.

My visit to Como was a refreshing one. I was astounded at how the environment is being preserved and how the city's atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.

Many thanks to Laarni Silva for bringing us to Como. It was a trip that was worth the time.

General Santos City is Not Just All About Tuna

A jewel of a city named General Santos City is fast becoming a hub especially from tuna that can be harvested from its bountiful seas. But the city is not just all about tuna. It has other things to offer to its visitors.

As in any other major city in the Philippines, malls have mushroomed in General Santos. Name all major malls in the country, the city has it all. Being a hub of Region 12, a lot of people go these establishments for shopping and leisure.

They say that when commercial establishments hit a boom in a certain area, it is destined for progress. That is what I saw in General Santos City. Aside from the city proper, businesses flourish in adjacent areas and it is a good sign.

The development of residential enclaves has started in the city. With its vast land area, General Santos City can be a good place to build homes.

A growing population necessitates the building of health care facilities to take care of the needs of the people. Hospitals are abound in General Santos City. This goes to show that the local government knows its priorities especially those that will benefit the people.

But General Santos City would not be as it is now without the tuna that made the city popular not only here in the Philippines but other Asian countries as well especially Japan which imports tuna from there. They say that tuna from GenSan is tastier as compared to the tunas harvested from others countries.

The General Santos International Airport does not only cater to commercial flights. International cargo airlines bring tuna from the city to different nearby countries. Of course, with the increased air traffic, the airport is now being renovated to accommodate more passengers and airplanes that make the city a port of call.

I was in General Santos City for the Southern Weaves fashion show during the Budayaw Festival participated in by member countries of BIMP-EAGA growth area. It was a big event hosted by the city and expectations were exceeded. Thanks to the effective preparations and hosting by the local government.

A visit to General Santos City is worth the trip. It may be a fast-rising city in Mindanao but nature is bountiful...preserved and unspoiled.