What's Up Dagupan?

Dagupan Chinese New Year Celebration 2012 Schedule

2012-01-22T15:00:00.002+08:00

Dagupan Chinese New Year Celebration Schedule

Theme: “Understanding the Chinese Culture”

January 23, 2012

Whole-day – Chinese food fair showcasing local Chinese restaurants and a lucky charm merchandise bazaar at the Senior Citizens Park in the Dagupan City Plaza.

“Tikoy” will be given away to anyone in the audience via a raffle draw, aside from the 2,400 one-sixth kilogram pieces paired with a packed drink allotted by the organizers for free taste.

3pm – Parade by different Chinese associations with the Dragon and Lion dancers from the Philippine Kian Tiak Institute of Tarlac in front. Dragon dance route is from Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Poblacion Oeste to Burgos Street, turn left to Perez Boulevard, then turn left again to M.H. Del Pilar St., and head straight to the City Plaza via A.B. Fernandez Avenue.

7pm – Program at the Dagupan City Plaza with presentations from PUI and Oakridge International School.

10pm – Grand Fireworks Display

Jeanette Greissel is Miss What's Up Dagupan 2011

2011-12-18T18:38:00.000+08:00

Miss Dagupan 2011 Candidate #3 - Jeanette Greissel wins the Online Poll with 1,129 votes out of 4,134 total votes.

She will be adjudged as MISS WHAT'S UP DAGUPAN later on the Pageant Night, December 18, 2011 and will receive cash, gift items and/or gift certificates from What's Up Dagupan and its affilitates:

AJ's Cafe and Steakhouse

Binalot University of Pangasinan

Leisure Coast Resort

Padis Point Dagupan

PC Cartel Computer Sales

Pretty Tipsy Nail and Waxing Salon

Quick8 Service Center

Stillwater Spa

Dagupan City Fiesta 2011 Activities

2011-12-02T02:43:00.000+08:00

December 1

Opening and Blessing of the Food Strip and Tinday Labi

Galvan St./ Zamora St./ A.B. Fernandez

December 12

Miss Dagupan Press Presentation

Metroplaza 6pm

December 14

Pangasinan Got Talent

Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 15

Grand Civic Motorcade
Starting from Eternal Gardens going Lucao, Perez Boulevard, Marcelo H. Del Pilar Street, Arellano Street, A.B. Fernandez Avenue and finally at the City Plaza 3pm

Opening and Ceremonial Lighting

Dagupan City Plaza 6pm

Magic Idol Grand Finals

Dagupan City Plaza 8pm

December 16

Magic Treat Kita Kid
Dagupan City Plaza 8am

Ikaw, Ako at ang Kalikasan” Educational and Musical Stage Play
Dagupan City People's Astrodome 8am onwards

Mass Media Night
Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 17

Volunteers Day
Dagupan City People's Astrodome 8am - 5pm

Dalton Clan’s Night

Dagupan City People's Astrodome 7pm

December 18

Miss Dagupan Pageant Night

Dagupan City Plaza 8pm

December 19

SK Challenge
Dagupan City Plaza 8am - 5pm

Senior Citizens Night

Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 20

Educators Night

Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 21

Ex-Men Night (Ex-Barangay Officials)

Dagupan City Plaza 8pm

December 22

SK Night

Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 23

Employees Night

Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 24
Midnight Mass
St. John Cathedral 7pm

December 25
Christmas Day

December 26

Miss Dagupan Coronation Night & Pawil Dagupan

Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 27

Thanksgiving Mass in honor of the Feast of St. John the Evangelist

Barangay Night

Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 28

Dagupan City National High School Alumni Homecoming

Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 29

Rotary Night
Dagupan City Plaza 7pm

December 30

Rizal Day Celebration
Dagupan City Plaza 7am

Who will be the next Miss Dagupan?

2011-12-01T10:17:00.001+08:00

#1 - Marian Vivian Clata

#2 - Diwata Petrola

#3 - Jeanette Greissel

#4 - Charlotte Visperas

#5 - Clarrisse Isanan

#6 - Denielle Joie Magno

#7 - Grace Joy Caparros

#8 - Joanabelle Solomon

#9 - Kimberly Camille Pacino

#10 - Rosalyn Suratos

#11 - Aiza Soriano

#12 - Elpha Pilipina

Hulio 16, 1990

2011-07-16T13:48:00.000+08:00

Hulio 16, 1990
Anlong nen Santiago Villafania, ASNA Awardee

kinmiwas so olat
ed gamet nen Atlas
ayakayak so tapew na dalin
ed inkagaglos da’ra’y bato’d dalem

linmerag so nandaragupan
singa agawa ed Lemuria nen saman

dia ed paradaan
naimatonan ko’y sakey a masiken
nakakaimis ya anukdok
na atulin a mansanas ed dalan
kusab a kusab ya amaarap
ed kawalaa’y naplag a taytay

say balikas to ed dagem
“gunggona yo lalasi
natan manunaan kayon untawag
ed ngara’y Aman Amalsa!”

sikato’y naandipat ed pegley
na kibatikbatik a karaklan
anganko amalikmata ak labat

Dagupan City

BSL Initiates Tourism Seminar

2011-07-07T16:59:00.001+08:00

Repost from D' Dagupan Dream:

DAGUPAN CITY – Dagupan City Mayor Benjie S. Lim believes that to sell tourism is to bring excitement. True to his belief, Lim through the City Tourism Office (CTO) with the Department of Tourism-Region 1 (DOT-R1) Office staged a Tourist Reception Guides and Techniques Seminar last July 4-5.

Aside from CTO staff, tourism personnel from neighboring towns as well as students were invited to the two-day seminar at the BSL Hall of the Department of Education (DepEd) City Division Office.

During the seminar's opening program, Lim discussed with the participants the big potential of the city and Pangasinan to become a tourist destination. He explained that participants outside the city were included because the province as a whole should be promoted if one of its town or city wants a tourism boom in its turf..

Lim challenged the participants to provide excitement and to urge their respective local councils to enact edicts for tourism advancement.

Lectures were facilitated by Beinvenido Claravall, senior lecturer from the Asian Institute of Tourism, University of the Philippines-Diliman.

DOT-R1 Regional Director Martin S. Valera also spoke during the seminar.

Workshops and a graded mock tour in the city plaza’s vicinity and Dawel river cruise were also done to ensure the participants’ application of the techniques.

In the event’s closing ceremony, participants were given certificates of attendance. Also present in the event was Evangeline Dadat, DOT-R1 senior tourism operations officer and City Tourism Officer Rose Teng-Mejia. (CIO-Rex Marion C. Laguerta)

BSL cites river cruise as challenging ride

2011-07-05T10:07:00.003+08:00

Repost from D' Dagupan Dream:

DAGUPAN CITY – The best is yet to come for Dagupan City!

Thus exclaimed Dagupan City Mayor Benjie S. Lim when he addressed guests to the blessing and inauguration of the river cruise port dubbed as Daungan Ed Dawel in Barangay Bonuan Gueset last Friday, July 1.

Acknowledged as the father of the River Cruise, Lim recounted how his belief in tourism as a job-bringing vehicle and the Bohol’s Loboc River Cruise inspired him in pursuing his vision to make the city’s rivers as a tourist attraction – an agenda he had earlier tackled on his State of the City Address (SOCA) last June.

“It is just the beginning,” he said, calling the cruise project as “a ride” whose direction lies in the hands of Dagupeños. “The challenge is how to make the ride exciting, “ he pointed out.

He called on his city mates to support and promote the river cruise "because this is our shared responsibility."

Before delivering his inspirational message, Mayor Benjie S. Lim introduced special guests Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño and businesswoman Mary Generosa Manas and thanked Architects Butch Bernal, James Fernandez and Jojie Torio, the designers of the Daungan.

In her welcome remarks, City Tourism Officer Rose Teng-Mejia described the river cruise as a beacon of hope for Dagupeños.

“The river cruise as a tourist attraction is sailing high with accolades and is a proof that tourism in the [city] is gaining grounds,” said Mejia.

She said that “this is a reminder that Dagupan is a first class city,” She enjoined everyone in the crowd to patronize the cruise.

Lim, Casiño and Manas led the ribbon- cutting ceremony, formally opening the Daungan to the public.

Most Rev. Renato Mayugba, auxiliary bishop of the Lingayen-Dagupan archdiocese, blessed the port and led the prayer for its success in the coming years.

Attention was focused on Casiño, the guest speaker, who quipped that he barely made it to the program had not Lim dragged him to the place.

By referring to himself as “kaladkarin” (drag), Casiño clarified “kaladkarin lang ako sa mga magagandang proyekto” (I’m a drag only for good projects). He then lauded Lim and the city government for mounting a wonderful project.

Edrich Lloyd Antonio led the doxology followed by eight-year-old Fehreen Orosa who belted out “Ako’y Dakila”.

Cocktails were served after accompanied by Den Duo band’s performance which delighted the crowd. The guests were also given 10-minute cruise rides for free.

Also present during the inauguration were Councilors Bryan Lim, Maybelyn Fernandez, Dr. Jess Canto, Chito Samson, Red Erfe-Mejia, Liga ng Mga Barangay President. Emong Vallejos and Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (PSK) President Chester Gonzales together with the city's First Lady Celia Lim, City Administrator Vlad Mata, department heads and barangay officials.

Launched last April 9, the River Cruise is one of the three environmental projects which earned for the city the coveted Likas Yaman Award for Best LGU-Initiated Environmental Project. (CIO – Rex Marion C. Laguerta)

Dagupan City Walking Tour

2011-07-04T06:50:00.001+08:00

Dagupan City is replete with events of historical significance and rich cultural heritage making the city a topnotch destination for that glimpse of the illustrious past and a look back into Dagupan’s history.

Gabaldon Building

Every town in the country that existed as of 1889 has a schoolhouse known as Gabaldon building, named after Isauro Gabaldon, an assemblyman who authored Act No. 1801 or Gabaldon Act which appropriated Php 1 million between the years 1907 to 1915 for the "construction of schoolhouses of strong materials in barrios with guaranteed daily attendance of not less than sixty pupils.”

The Gabaldon building which is the central edifice of the West Central Elementary School is now 102 years old. Constructed in 1909, it is the oldest school house in the city. It also has a historical significance as it served as the Provincial Capitol of Pangasinan from 1942 up to 1945. It was here where the war time governor, Santiago V. Estrada, Sr. and his provincial board members, held office for the duration of the Pacific war.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s Headquarters

The Gabaldon building also became the headquarters of the United States of America’s South Pacific Area Command during the end of the Second World War. North to the main Gabaldon building of the West Central Elementary School is the Home Economics building which served as Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s Headquarters. It is where the general put up the Bachelor Officers Quarters (BOQ) shortly after the first combat troops of the sixth army of the United States of America under his command landed on January 9, 1945 in Bonuan Blue Beach (the biggest MacArthur Landing Site Marker was erected and eventually unveiled in January 23, 1984 to mark the landing site).

The general’s bath tub can still be found in the building which served as the general’s headquarters. A marker in front of the building states: “On this site, the West Central Elementary School I, Home Economics Building, Dagupan City was used by Gen. Douglas MacArthur as his official headquarters after his landing in Lingayen beach on 9 January 1945 to liberate the island of Luzon thus fulfilling his promise to the Filipino people “I Shall Return.”

City Plaza

At the east of the school is the City Plaza. In the 1990s, the plaza also served as the market at the same time. It is where Dagupan’s first election via viva voce was conducted with Juan Villamil becoming the first elective municipal president during the American regime. He served for two terms from 1902 to 1905. He is famous for the Pangasinan translation of Jose Rizal's Mi Ultimo Adios which was inscribed in bronze and now on display at the Rizal monument in Luneta. The plaza became a temporary market site again after the July 16, 1990 earthquake. Remnants of the original City Plaza gate can still be seen at the western side.

Today, the City Plaza houses the City Museum, the Children’s Park, the Senior Citizens’ Park and the amphitheater. The City Plaza is an ideal venue for various events, cultural shows and gatherings. The amphitheater ground is a 200-capacity car park, events venue, skating rink, biking ground rolled into one. Its stage is a large mural by local artist F.M. Baniqued depicting the Dagupan City of yesteryears.

It is in the Senior Citizen’s Park which is on its left side of the plaza where the Jose Rizal monument can be found. The Children’s Park located at the right side of the plaza, features slides and swings for the children. It is also the site of the monument of Andres Bonifacio and other national heroes.

Ferrocarrile de Manila – Dagupan Train No. 17

You can see in the City Plaza one of the oldest trains which traversed the 195-kilometer long railroad track from Manila to Dagupan City. The locomotive engine Number 17 was believed to be the safest mode of transportation during the late 1800s. According to some old folks of the community, this was also the same train used by Dr. Jose P. Rizal during his visit to Leonor Rivera here in Dagupan City. The Ferrocarrile de Manila – Dagupan opened its services on November 24, 1892 and was latterly known as the Manila Railway Company or MRC.

Museo na Dagupan

Capturing Dagupan's colorful heritage is the Museo na Dagupan (City Museum), which shelters old photographs, artifacts and antique household items originally owned by famed Dagupeno clans. In the Edades Hall, paintings of native contemporary artists and the masterpieces of National Artist Victorio Edades are showcased. Dagupan City is one of the few places to have two national artists. The other Dagupeño national artist is Salvador Bernal (for theatrical design).

Old Dagupan City Cathedral

In Zamora Street, south of the City Plaza you will see a majestic restoration of the Old Dagupan City Cathedral. The restoration was spearheaded by Most Reverend Oscar V. Cruz, D.D., J.C.D., former Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan with the help of several civic-religious groups and local and foreign philanthropists of Dagupan City. The architectural design of the confessional box, the 14 Stations of the Cross and the main altar in the Old Dagupan City Cathedral will surely fascinate you. The intricate wood carvings of the altar, the four Evangelists which serve as the foundation of the altar, are sights to behold. Its architecture, furniture and landscaping truly encourages parishioners as well as local and foreign guests to an ambiance full of religion and history.

The Old Cathedral takes us back during the Spanish era. During the Andres Malong uprising in 1660, the rebels razed Dagupan after it refused to join the rebellion. The church, one of the finest administered by the Dominicans in the province, was not spared. According to the Dominican chronicler Fr. Valentin Marin y Morales, another stone church was built on the same spot in 1816. However, an earlier account by Fr. Manuel Mora, who visited Dagupan in 1804, cites an old stone structure. Fr. Pablo Fernandez, O.P. (1958) believes that the 19th century structure must have been built on the frame of the 17th century building destroyed during the rebellion. This theory was reinforced by the discovery of ashes and burnt lumber during an excavation in the church site in 1995. During the great earthquake of 1892, the church collapsed, later to be replaced with another edifice by Fr. Vicente Iztegui in 1895.

Towards the close of the Katipunan revolution, the Spanish authorities of Pangasinan abandoned Lingayen and moved to Dagupan. The provincial government was housed at the Dagupan convent. All the Spanish friars in Pangasinan abandoned their posts in the various towns and sought the safety of the Dagupan convent. The old cathedral was the site were Katipuneros won the final battle against the Spaniards within the church grounds on July 21, 1898. With the Spanish surrender, Spanish rule in Pangasinan ended once and for all. Meanwhile, the church’s bell tower was reconstructed intermittently from 1903 to 1914.

It is also before the cathedral’s altar that the legendary Leonor Rivera, Dr. Jose Rizal's lost love, tied the knot with Henry Kipping, a British engineer who set up the first railway system from Manila to Dagupan- the Ferrocarrile de Manila – Dagupan. It’s been said that this broke our national hero’s heart. The marriage artifact can still be found at the Archbishop’s Palace archives.

St. John the Evangelist Metropolitan Cathedral

In the afternoon of May 31, 1964, the corner stone of the future Saint John Metropolitan Cathedral was laid on a spot at the back of the old church of Dagupan. The hewn stone contained in its recesses a small metal box chronicling major events that had transpired that day - a compilation of testimonials written by religious and civil authorities of the city, a piece of parchment on which were etched the names of sponsors of the cornerstone-laying, a copy of a local newspaper, official diocesan and parish documentation of the event, and Philippine coins marked "1964." The cornerstone was laid in simple rites presided over by Archbishop Mariano Madriaga and assisted by Monsignor Evaristo Soriano, curate of the Parish of Saint John, Dagupan City.

The church was meant to replace the old church which had been damaged by past earthquakes. Construction ceased in 1966 because of lack of funds. This resumed three years later as new contributions poured in due to the efforts of the project's chief architect and most ardent implementor, Archbishop Madriaga, as well as that of Msgr. Soriano and his successor, Msgr. Leon Bitanga. Archbishop Federico G. Limon took up the endeavor with the same enthusiasm in 1972 until the church was finally inaugurated on the feast of Saint John in 1974.

Today, the restored church is called the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan while the new church beside it is known as the Saint John the Evangelist Metropolitan Cathedral (formerly known as St. John the Evangelist Parish Church) which recently was renovated by new Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

Dagupan City Hall

The City Hall was once known as the Presidencia building or municipal building. It was built during the term of Guillermo De Venecia who was on his second term as Municipal President (equivalent to Mayor). It was inaugurated in 1926, and today it still serves as the city hall. The full membership of the municipal board, which assisted him in building the presidencia included: Felix Calimlim, Numeriano Tanopo, Jose Penoy, Teofilo P. Guadiz, Lamberto Siquion-Reyna, Gualberto de Venecia, Pascual Lozano, Toribio Guardiana, Roman Villamil, Jose Jovellanos, Procesco Bautista, Martin Mejia, Felipe Bravo, Santiago Pastoral, with Federico Estrada as municipal board secretary. Guillermo De Venecia is the grandfather of former Congressman Jose de Venecia, Jr. Today, the City Hall Complex houses various departments of the city government.

Old Water Tower

Remnants of the past can still be found in the heart of the city. Such is the Water Tower at the back of the City Hall which once provided the city’s water needs. As municipal president from 1931-1934, Jose Fernandez Llamas left as a memorial of his administration, the water tank behind the city hall building. He also constructed the original kiosk in the plaza which has been demolished in later years to give way to improvements.

Dagupan is Regional Likas Yaman Top Awardee

2011-07-02T02:35:00.003+08:00

Repost from D' Dagupan Dream

DAGUPAN CITY – This city is this year’s “Likas Yaman” awardee (city category) for Best LGU-Initiated Environmental Project, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) initiated in celebration of the Environment Month in Region 1.

Mayor Benjamin S. Lim together with City Agriculture Officer Emma Molina personally received the award from DENR Regional Executive Director Samuel R. Peñafiel during the awarding and culminating program held at Oasis Country Resort, City of San Fernando, La Union last June 30.

Dagupan was nominated for successfully implementing its project “Ilog Ko, Bilayen Ko,” Water Quality Management Area (WQMA), and the so-called river cruise along the Dawel-Watak River thereby contributing to the rehabilitation of coastal and marine resources and for the promotion of eco-tourism in the city.

“The Likas Yaman award for environmental excellence is a celebration of greatness and excellence in environmental performance. The award was institutionalized by the DENR as our own especial and meaningful way to give recognition to local government units, the academe and the private sectors that epitomize environmental excellence by adopting the best practices that protect our environment and promote sustainable development,” Peñafiel said.

“These awardees created new positive changes and development for our environment. They have clearly demonstrated their commitment, resources and determination in implementing environmental programs. Ang sabi nga ni Al Gore, ‘ang political will ay isang renewable resource’,” he said.

“Ilog Ko, Bilayen Ko” was implemented by Mayor Lim, which led to the clearing operations in the river system of the city against fish pens and other illegal structures last year amidst resistance and pessimisms.

With the implementation of WQMA, Lim started cleaning the “esteros” as well to ensure a healthy environment for Dagupeños.

And to promote eco-tourism, Lim launched his own version of the river cruise now dubbed as the “Dawel River Cruise.” (CIO – Joseph C. Bacani)

Daungan Sa Dawel To Open on July 1

2011-06-25T08:24:00.000+08:00

Repost from D' Dagupan Dream:

DAGUPAN CITY – The official docking site of the “Dawel River Cruise” dubbed as “Daungan sa Dawel” will formally serve its purpose on July 1 less than three months after Mayor Benjamin S. Lim launched the river tourism attraction last April this year.

The “daungan” is located at the foot of the Dawel Bridge in front of the San Marino place in Bonuan Catacdang with an approximate area of 600 square meters while its docking area is 50 square meters.

Aside from the river cruise, it will also serve as the docking area for "kayaks and canoes with a floating pier'. It has a multi-purpose covered area with a tension membrane structure, which can be rented out for parties and other social functions.

It also has air-conditioned restrooms, a multi-purpose mini-stage with waterfall in a tropical landscape setting, a visitor parking area and a friendly pedestrian lane and a ramp for persons with disabilities.

It is the first river cruise dock in Pangasinan and the first tension membrane tent structure to be erected in the province.

Part of the tour package is a journey to a fishing area where enthusiasts can stop by and experience the joy of feeding bangus in a fishpond. (CIO – Joseph C. Bacani)

Dagupan takes tourism campaign online

2011-06-25T03:34:00.002+08:00

Repost from D' Dagupan Dream:

Promotion of tourism in Dagupan City has been put to a higher level with the use of the internet.

Local netizens were invited by the Dagupan City Tourism Office to take part in the first Dagupan Tweetup and Website launching ceremony on the very day of the Agew na Dagupan celebration, June 20.

Tourism officers and guests were led by Mayor Benjie S. Lim during the launching held on one of the river cruise boats equipped with a wi-fi connection afloat the shore of the Daungan sa Dawel in Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan where the vessels are docked.

Ms. Rose Teng-Mejia, officer-in-charge of the City Tourism Office, in her welcome message, stressed that the campaign was brought online to keep pace with the times and for people to know more about the city and to reach out to Dagupeños around the world.

For his part, Mayor Lim pointed out that support for the campaign will benefit the fisherfolks and will result to cleaner rivers, adding that “tourism is employment, not just enjoyment.”

Simon Francis Vistro, City Tourism writer/researcher and Mike Fernandez, owner of PixelHub Creative who designed, published and developed the city’s official tourism website for free, later unveiled the site and discussed its highlights. Subsequently, they oriented the social media enthusiasts on how to participate in the blogging network and how to call on others to do the same.

Young City Tourism Officer Dana Santiago, in her message, urged Dagupeños to take part in promoting the city’s tourism industry as a “challenge… to do our shared responsibility.”

The event was made possible through the help of Harlijk Productions.

To participate in increasing the awareness of the public about the city’s tourism program, everyone is encouraged to log on to www.dagupantourism.com and spread its URL on social networking sites, repost “What’s Up Dagupan” blog entries or create a similar blog and use on twitter the following hashtags: #AgewNaDagupan, #DaguFUN and #DawelRiverCruise. – (CIO)

Dawel River Cruise: One of the 100 Ways to Have Fun in Dagupan!

2011-06-14T03:06:00.001+08:00

The Dawel River Cruise takes us back to the time of the forefathers of Dagupan City when the early settlers painstakingly built fishponds with their bare hands and simple tools, the present when the rivers have been revived and revitalized until the future when the fruition of the sparkling clean rivers are enjoyed by the next generation of Dagupeños.

The Dawel River Cruise will let you experience the serenity and pristine beauty of Dagupan’s rivers. One would definitely enjoy the refreshing breeze, invigorating sight of the clean river, mangroves, different avian species, various freshwater fishes including Dagupan’s treasure and the world’s tastiest milkfish– the Dagupan Bangus!

One of the eco-tourism and livelihood projects of Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, the Dawel River Cruise starts from the newly built wharf or quay at the foot of the Dawel bridge in Catacdang, Bonuan Gueset. The cruise which would last for about an hour, passes through Dawel and Watac-Mamalingling- two river tributaries of Pantal and Bayaoas rivers. Pantal and Bayaoas rivers are two of the Seven Rivers of Dagupan City which include Patogcawen, Magueragday, Paldakit, Calmay and Tanap.

The Dawel River Cruise which was launched in this year’s Bangus Festival, will feature a floating restaurant with water-resistant audio-visual facilities, day spa cruise and serenading local musicians. Each boat is made of an engine-powered flat deck catamaran with two hulls. Its roof is made out of Nipa palm leaves securely fastened in stainless steel frames. From afar the boat looks like a floating Nipa hut or bahay kubo. As of today, there are three boats that are available for the cruise. The medium sized boats can seat around twenty five (25) persons while forty to forty five (40-45) persons can fill up the big boat. Safety provisions like lifesavers for each passenger are placed in boat railings. Boat drivers, boat assistants and tour guides are trained swimmers and rescuers.

Along the stretch of the riverbank where the boat passes, one could see lush green trees called mangroves or bakawan. There are about fourteen (14) identified species out of the forty eight species of mangroves found in the Philippines.

Situated at the turn-about of the cruise are ruins of the old railroad track built in the early 1900’s that lead to Damortis. Provisions for kayak rentals, souvenir shops, snack bars and restrooms strategically placed in pit stops of the river cruise are also in the works. One of the special features of the cruise is the feeding of large bangus weighing an average of seven kilos in one of the pit stops of the cruise.

So the next time you visit Dagupan City, be entertained and captivated by the Dawel River Cruise. For inquiries, contact the Dagupan City Tourism Office at 075-515-6196, email rtengm@dagupantourism.com and simon@dagupantourism.com, tweet @dagupantourism or post in http://facebook.com/dagupantourism. You may also visit the Dagupan City Tourism website at http://dagupantourism.com.

Enjoy your stay here. Have fun in Dagupan!

Agew Na Dagupan: 1st Dagupan Tweetup and Website Launch of Dagupan Tourism

2011-06-13T15:47:00.022+08:00

Dagupeno netizens are using the the power of the internet and social media to celebrate Agew na Dagupan (Dagupan Day) through the 1^st Dagupan Tweetup and Launching of the Dagupan City Tourism website.

The What’s Up Dagupan blog network and the Dagupan City Tourism Office called on all Filipino bloggers, Facebook, Tumblr and Posterous users, Tweeps, Plurkers and all netizens to join the 64^th Agew na Dagupan celebration with the theme Progreso ng Baley, Responsibilidad na Balang Sinansakey (The Progress of the City is Everyone’s Responsibility) on June 20, 2011 to increase awareness, promote and celebrate the Dagupan Day celebration, the City Tourism Office’s tourism campaign: Have Fun in Dagupan and the Dawel River Cruise.

Everyone is urged to participate through the following actions:

Tweet, Plurk, or post in Facebook to spread the word about this event: Share or repost this announcement
Use the Twitter hashtags #AgewNaDagupan, #DaguFUN and #DawelRiverCruise.
Repost and share tweets from @whatsupdagupan and @dagupantourism.
Spread the http://dagupantourism.com URL which will be launched on the June 20, 2011.
Join the Agew na Dagupan celebration from your favorite social media channels (blog, Tumblr, Posterous, Twitter, Plurk, Facebook, etc.) on June 20, 2011.
Join the 1^st Dagupan Tweetup on June 20, 2011, 4 pm at the Daungan Sa Dawel, Catacdang, Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City.
Use of other creative ways to convey the message to save and clean Dagupan’s rivers is also encouraged. Bloggers can post their answer to “Why do you love Dagupan?”; post photo essays about the Dawel River Cruise, other tourist destinations and everything about Dagupan City; and design and share mini-posters, posters and drawings.

The 1^st Dagupan Tweetup and launching of the Dagupan City Tourism website is in cooperation with Pixelhub Creative and Harlijk Productions.

What’s Up Dagupan chronicles what's Hip and Hot in Dagupan City. It is a compendium of the news, events, culture, food, arts, language and music of Region I's "Pandaragupan", Longest Grill World Record Breaker and Bangus Capital of the World!

Kuma-64 Agew na Dagupan Programa Ya Gawaen

2011-06-09T18:34:00.001+08:00

Pamili na Makagamor na “Rizal Matalunggaring ya Kalangweran

Hunyo 10

Panagsimbatan na Bumabangat

Agew na Kawayangan

Hunyo 12, 7:30 na Kabuasan

Nibansan Atagey Ya Eskuwelaan ed Siyudad na Dagupan

Pantanem na Kiew

Hunyo 12, 8:00 na Kabuasan

Opisina’y dibisyon

Dagupan City National High School

Salisay Elementary School

Pangiparuntal na “Sanengseng” (Malinac Lay Labi Choir Competition)

Hunyo 12, 8:00 na Kabuasan

Panagsimbatan na Guerrero

Palasyo na Obispo

Manlinkor Ya Kalangweran

A. Pangiwanwan

Hunyo 15-17

Panagsambatan na Bumabangat

B. Simba Ya Panlingkor

Hunyo 21-27

Nanduruman Opisina

Sukata’y Talisiw

Hunyo 17, 8:00 na Kabuasan

Sentro na Panangibangat ed Dibisyon

Pamuria na Taoir

Hunyo 17, 3:00 na Ngarem

Museo na Dagupan

Pamuria na Mananam tan Masamit Ya Panangan

Hunyo 17, 4:00 na Ngarem

Tondaligan na Aray Matatakken

Nibansan Panliliketan

Hunyo 19, 5:30 na Kabuasan

Manlapu’d Dawel anggad Plaza na Dagupan Ya Batik

150 Pamagalang na Inkiyanak nen Dr. Jose Rizal

Hunyo 19, 7:30 na Kabuasan

Plaza na Dagupan

Misa Ya Pisasalamat

Hunyo 20, 7:00 na Kabuasan

Plaza na Dagupan

Programa Para ed Kuma-64 Ya Agew na Dagupan

Hunyo 20, 8:00 na Kabuasan

Plaza na Dagupan

Panangaro’d Baley

Hunyo 20

Museo na Dagupan

MaShaiya ang Summer sa Dagupan!

2011-04-28T12:03:00.001+08:00

Shaiya joins the Bangus Festival in Dagupan with one of its most exciting Free Play events this summer! Here's why:

The Shaiya Team will hold a WHOLE DAY Free Play at Netopia Dagupan on April 30, 2011 at 10am to 7pm! WuhooO!

GM Sylk will be present at the event to meet the Shaiya players. He will also raffle off a Shaiya Shirt every hour!

Free Ice Cream will be served to the participants in the Free Play!

Other exclusive Shaiya merchandise will be raffled off as well!

Mark your calendars now and help spread the good news to your Dagupan-based gamer friends!

Happy Kalutan ed Dalan from Shaiya Philippines! Kitakits!

Shaiya Philippines - Best PVP Online Game You Will Ever Experience

The Dagupan City River Cruise is NOW OPEN

2011-04-16T13:37:00.000+08:00

Experience the serenity and pristine beauty of Dagupan City's Rivers...

MagBanca Sa iLog ng Dagupan!

The Dagupan City River Cruise is NOW OPEN and is FREE during the Bangus Festival!

Cruise Schedules:

8-11 am and 2-5 Daily (except Maundy Thursday and Good Friday). Boats leave every hour. First come First serve for Walk-in Cruisers.

Boats are docked at San Marino Place, Bonuan Catacdang, Dagupan City

For reservations visit the City Tourism Office

Galila! Lugan la!

Have Fun in Dagupan!

Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011 Schedule of Activities and Venue (UPDATED)

2011-04-13T04:50:00.001+08:00

Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011 Schedule of Activities (UPDATED as of April 11, 2011)

March 30
SM City Rosales Kick Off

March 30

SM City Rosales Kick Off

April 2

DZRD 981 Sonshine Radio and SPM Adopt-A-Park Clean Up Drive

April 8
OPENING

Opening / Mass - City Plaza, 7:30 am
Motorcade - City Plaza, 10 am
Start of Photo Contest
Auto Electronic Show 1 - City Plaza
Start of Dagupan's Best - City Museum
Tiangge - Galvan Street

April 9

Auto Electronic Show 2 - City Plaza

3rd Mayor BSL Cup Shoot Fest 1 - Balingit Firing Range, 8 am-5 pm

Badminton 1 - Astrodome, 8 am-6 pm

Langoy Bangus (Ilog) - NBI Babaliwan - Calmay, 2-4 pm

Pisasalamat - San Marino Place , 4 pm

RIVER CRUISE Launching - Dawel-Watak River, 4 pm

April 10

Auto Electronic Show 3 - City Plaza

3rd Mayor BSL Cup Shoot Fest 2 - Balingit Firing Range, 8 am-5 pm

Badminton 2 - Astrodome, 8 am-6 pm

Bangus Festival Swimming Competition - Pool Side, 8 am-5 pm

April 11

Fishing Contest (Mabilay Lay Ilog Ko) - LTO Babaliwan River, 8 am-1 pm

April 12
Mangrove Planting - Dawel - Lucao River, 7-10 am

Bangus Sa Lansangan: The 1st Dagupan Art Wall - City Plaza Perimeter, 4 pm

International Street Children's Day -Children's Park, 3-6 pm

April 13
Kickboxing - City Plaza, 5 - 10 pm
Bangus Sculpture Painting Contest, City Plaza, whole day

April 14

Kayak & Dragon Boat Race - whole day

Mangrove Planting - Dawel - Lucao River, 7-10 am

Bangus Sculpture Painting Contest Awarding- City Plaza, 4 pm

Mayor BSL Amateur Boxing Cup - City Plaza, 3 pm

PYESTA PIGAR PIGAR - Galvan Street, 4 pm

April 15
Kayak & Dragon Boat Race - whole day

PYESTA PIGAR PIGAR - Galvan Street, 4 pm
Sirko: Bangus Art Exhibit - 2nd floor Nepo Mall, 4 pm

Dunkin Donuts Concert - City Plaza, 7 - 11 pm

April 16

Bangus Run Takbo para sa Kabuhayan - 5 am

BEEsikleta (Bike Fun for a Cause)- Lucao, 6 am

PYESTA PIGAR PIGAR - Galvan Street, 4 pm

Kapamilya Caravan - City Plaza, 3 pm

Galaw! Hataw! Sayaw! Kabataan! - City Plaza, 6 pm

Ginoong Pilipinas Regional Search - 2/F City Museum. 7 pm

April 17

Mangrove Planting - Dawel - Lucao River, 7-10 am

Golf Tournament - Binloc Golf Course

April 18
HOLY MONDAY
Pabasa ed City Plaza
Start- 8:00 am

April 19
HOLY TUESDAY
Pabasa ed City Plaza
End- 5:00 pm

April 20
HOLY WEDNESDAY
Golgotha Play - City Plaza, 6 pm

April 21
HOLY THURSDAY

April 22
GOOD FRIDAY

April 23
Black Saturday

April 24
EASTER SUNDAY
Vuelta 5 Bangus Fest Edition - 8 am - 1 pm
Easter Egg Hunt - Children's Park - 3-5 pm
DZRD 981 Sonshine Radio's Wall CLimbing and Rapelling with Sports and Health Fair - City Plaza, 9 am
PasiklaBAND 2011 - City Plaza

Motocross sa Tambac - Tambac

April 25
BANGUS ED CAROSA
Unveiling of the new City Seal - City Museum
Drum and Lyre Competition - City Plaza, 1 - 5 pm
Bikini Open - City Plaza, 8 pmBangus Festival Rave party at TAG'S Place - 9 pm

April 26

Bulilit Chef Challenge - Senior Citizen Park, 3 pm

Miss Gay Bangus Festival Queen 2011 - City Plaza, 8 pm

April 27
Handog ng Bombo Concert - City Plaza, 8 pm

April 28
GILON GILON ED DALAN - 1 pm
Miss Magic Pagaent - Astrodome, 8 pm

April 29
Bangus Rodeo - Malimgas Market, 7 - 12 noon

Culinary Academy - 2/F City Museum, 8 am

101 WAYS TO COOK BANGUS - Astrodome, 1-6 pm
Flip Rap Challenge - City Plaza, 4 -6 pm

Bangus Festival Got Talent - City Plaza, 7 pm
Globe Night - City Plaza

April 30
DZRD 981 Sonshine Radio Fun Run- Takbo para sa Kalikasan Kalinisan at Kalusugan/ Mangrove Tree Planting at Dawel Area - City Plaza and Dawel, 4 am - 9 am

KALUTAN ED DALAN - A.B. Fernandez/Perez, 3 pm

Grand Fireworks

May 1
PISTAY DAYAT - Tondaligan Beach,

DZRD 981 Sonshine Radio Bicycle Wars - 9 am - 12 noon

Bisikletahan para sa mga Bata - 9 am - 3 pm

PHOTO CONTEST EXHIBIT - 2/F City Museum, 9 am - 5 pm

Mr. Bangus Festival Body Building - Tondaligan Beach, 1 - 6 pm

SMART IDD Day - Ampitheter, 10am-10pm

SMB Battle of the Bands - Bonuan Tondaligan, 6 pm

Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011: Opening Program

2011-04-08T01:56:00.002+08:00

Part I

7:30 am MASS

Metropolitan Cathedral of the St. John the Evangelist

Msgr. Renato P. Mayugba, D.D. Celebrant

Part II

9:30. Am OPENING PROGRAM
CITY MUSEUM VICINITY

DOXOLOGY

PAMBANSANG AWIT

DAGUPAN HYMN DCNHS Voices of the Youth Choral Group

OPENING REMARKS MAXIMO ALEXIS M. TAN, Co-Chairman Bangus Festival 2011

MUSICAL NUMBER

Medley of Pangasinan Songs on Marine Life
Bangus Festival Theme Song DCNHS Voices of the Youth Choral Group and Aniweng na Caoayan

MESSAGE                   HON BENJAMIN S LIM
                           City Mayor

CLOSING REMARKS   ALEXANDER ROMULO G. SIAPNO, Co-Chairman Bangus Festival 2011

FESTIVE MUSICAL INTRO DCNHS Drum and Lyre

UNVEILING OF THE BANGUS FESTIVAL MARKER

Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, City Officials & Executive Committee

Part III 10:00 AM

MOTORCADE

Have Fun in Dagupan!

2011-04-05T13:25:00.000+08:00

Halina, Galila, Let’s Have Fun in Dagupan!
Magandang City by the northwest in Pangasinan
Where Dagupan Bangus which we all call “Betel” ay very good
For this one reason or more you come to the city na progreso

Matatamis na ngiti from all people laging bumabati:
“Masantos ya agew ed sikayo”
It means have a good day
Here enjoy the tanawin this I’m sure

You keep coming back for more
Have fun in Dagupan!

Marami na akong lugar na napuntahan
Ngunit wala ng hihigit pa sa Dagupan
Parang mestizang Bangus, sarap na di maubos ubos
Mga bisita, turista, they come for a fiesta Pandaragupan!

They sip tea by the sea, it’s fantastic to see! Ang paglaki.
Mga komersiyo, turismo, pati tao mismo’y asensado
We will achieve and unite. Let’s all fly the same flight and be all right
Tuloy tuloy maganda’t masaya ang Dagupan!

Marami na akong lugar na napuntahan
Ngunit wala ng hihigit pa sa Dagupan
Parang mestizang Bangus, sarap na di maubos ubos
Mga bisita, turista, they come for a fiesta Pandaragupan!

They sip tea by the sea, it’s fantastic to see! Ang paglaki.
Mga komersiyo, turismo, pati tao mismo’y asensado
We will achieve and unite. Let’s all fly the same flight and be all right
Tuloy tuloy maganda’t masaya ang Dagupan!

Pansiyansiyaen, marakep, maliket ya Dagupan
Pansiyansiyaen, marakep, maliket ya Dagupan

Music and Lyrics by: Gerry Domingo

Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011 Schedule of Activities (UPDATED)

2011-03-28T13:12:00.003+08:00

Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011 Schedule of Activities (UPDATED as of March 23, 2011)

March 30
SM City Rosales Kick Off

March 30

SM City Rosales Kick Off

April 2

DZRD 981 Sonshine Radio and SPM Adopt-A-Park Clean Up Drive

April 8
OPENING
Motorcade
Opening/Mass
Start of PHOTO CONTEST
Auto Electronic Show
Home and Appliance Trade Fair
GIMIKADA Concert

April 9
RIVER CRUISE Launching
Auto Electronic Show
3rd Mayor BSL Cup Shoot Fest
Badminton
Langoy Ilog
Pisasalamat
Dagupan’s Best

April 10
Auto Electronic Show
Dagupan’s Best
2nd Mayor BSL Cup Shoot Fest
Badminton
Langoy Bangus (Swimming Pool)
Motocross at Tambac

April 11
Fishing Contest (Mabilay Lay Ilog Ko)

April 12
Mangrove Planting
Dagupan Graffiti Art Walk

April 13
Kickboxing
Sculpture and Painting Contest

April 14
PYESTA PIGAR PIGAR
Mangrove Planting
Sculpture and Painting Contest
Boxing
Kayak race

April 15
PYESTA PIGAR PIGAR
Kayak race
Bangus Festival Rave party at Venu Bar
Dunkin Donut Concert
Bangus Art Exhibit

April 16
PYESTA PIGAR PIGAR
Dagupan’s Best
Bangus Run Takbo para sa Kabuhayan
Kapamilya Caravan
Sayaw! Sayaw! Galaw! Kabataan!

April 17
Dagupan’s Best
Dagupan’s Best

April 18
HOLY MONDAY
Pabasa ed City Plaza
Start- 8:00 am

April 19
HOLY TUESDAY
Pabasa ed City Plaza
End- 5:00 pm

April 20
HOLY WEDNESDAY
Golgotha Play

April 21
HOLY THURSDAY

April 22
Good Friday

April 23
Black Saturday

April 24
EASTER SUNDAY
On Road Vuelta Bike Race
Dagupan’s Best
Easter Egg Hunt
DZRD 981 Sonshine Radio's Wall CLimbing and Rapelling with Sports and Health Fair
PasiklaBAND 2011

April 25
BANGUS ED CAROSA
Unveiling of the new City Seal
Drum and Lyre
Bikini Open
Bangus Festival Rave party at TAG'S Place

April 26
Miss Gay Bangus Festival Queen 2011

April 27
Handog ng Bombo Concert

April 28
GILON GILON ED DALAN
Miss Magic Pagaent

April 29
Bangus Rodeo
101 WAYS TO COOK BANGUS
Bangus Got Talent
Globe Night

April 30
KALUTAN ED DALAN
Dagupan’s Best
Grand Fireworks
DZRD 981 Sonshine Radio Fun Run- Takbo para sa Kalikasan Kalinisan at Kalusugan/ Mangrove Tree Planting at Dawel Area

May 1
PISTAY DAYAT
Mr. Bangus Festival BODY BUILDING
PHOTO CONTEST EXHIBIT
DZRD 981 Sonshine Radio BICYCLE WARS Bisikletahan para sa mga Bata
Dagupan’s Best

Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011 Video Invitation

2011-03-26T13:12:00.000+08:00

Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim invites everyone to visit Dagupan City and to witness, experience and have fun in this year's Bangus Festival in a simple video presentation. The Bangus Festival 2011 celebration will be held from April 8-May 1. Major activities include the Bangus Rodeo, 101 Ways to Cook Bangus, Bangus Ed Karosa, Gilon Gilon Ed Dalan, Launching of the River Cruise, and the Kalutan Ed Dalan.

To show our love for our beloved Dagupan City, Pixelhub and What's Up Dagupan will be collaborating for an independent and citizen-initiated video project for the Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011. Other civic-minded Dagupeños will also be sharing their artistic talents in this endeavor.

Watch out for it!

Earth Hour 2011

2011-03-26T06:13:00.000+08:00

What's Up Dagupan enjoins everyone to support and participate in the Earth Hour 2011. At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, let us switch off our lights and other electrical appliances for one hour and commit to actions in saving our Earth that go beyond the hour. Let us make this world a better place to live in!

Switch off your light, turn on the Earth. Go Beyond the hour.

MacArthur Landing Site in Dagupan CIty

2011-03-19T03:12:00.002+08:00

One of the places with historical significance worth visiting in Dagupan City is the MacArthur Landing Site in Bonuan Gueset. It is one of the landing sites of the Liberation Forces on January 9, 1945. It is located near the shoreline of what is known as Bonuan Blue Beach or Tondaligan Beach. General Douglas MacArthur landed here to fulfill his promise of "I Shall Return" at the end of the World War II.

Although Lingayen, San Fabian and Dagupan City continue to debate where MacArthur first landed, it is in Dagupan City where the biggest MacArthur Landing Marker was erected and eventually unveiled in January 23, 1984.

The memorial reads: "Luzon Landing - On this shore, known as Blue Beach, Bonuan, Dagupan City, the first combat troops of the sixth army of the United States of America under the command of General Douglas MacArthur landed on 9 January 1945 to liberate the island of Luzon thus fulfilling his promise to the Filipino people: 'I shall return'"

The MacArthur Landing Site is an ideal site for photographers and those who would like to enjoy quiet moments and observe the serenity of the nearby shore and the activities of local fishermen and residents.

To go to the MacArthur Landing Marker coming from the city proper: Go to Bonuan Gueset. Turn left after the Caltex Station. This is Ceralde St. Go straight ahead to Ivory Coast Subdivision. To its right is the Villa Milagrosa gate enter it and you will see the MacArthur Landing Marker after a few meters. (see the red directional arrow). If you use Google Maps, the location of the Caltex Station there is wrongly labeled.

The Map was screenshot, cropped and edited from Google Maps.

Photos courtesy of Kusinero (James Fernandez) of Dagupan Bangus Litratistas.

Dagupan City "Budget" for 2011

2011-03-17T22:42:00.001+08:00

So that Dagupenos may know WHERE OUR MONEY will go to OR WILL NOT GO TO. Here is a copy of the Annual Budget of the City Government of Dagupan for Fiscal Year 2011.

The departments/offices/items with omitted, disapproved or with ZERO budget were: Culture and Arts, Tourism, City Information Office, I.T. and Youth and Development.

Aid to the 31 Barangays = P31,000 or P1,000 per barangay!

Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011: PASIKLABAND 2011 Youth Music Showdown Mechanics

2011-03-17T15:43:00.002+08:00

Dagupan Bangus Festival 2011

PASIKLABAND 2011

Youth Music Showdown

April 24, 2011 – 8 PM

Dagupan City Plaza

1. This competition is open to all bands with 4 – 10 members.
2. Screening will be held on April 13, 2011, 1 pm, at the Music Warehouse, Dagupan City.
3. Amplifiers, speakers, drum set, and other cables will be provided. The band members must bring their own guitars and other instruments.
4. Bands will be allowed to play one (1) song only. However, if the jurors request another performance to adequately judge the band, the band should be ready.
5. Those who will move on to the grand finals will be notified via phone call o text.

Finals:
1. Each band is required to perform three (3) songs:
2. Two (2) cover songs (total running time maximum 10 minutes )
3. One (1) original composition

i. Maximum 5 minutes long
ii. Should be an original composition with original lyrics
iii. Must be inspired by “DAGUPAN CITY“ or “BANGUS FESTIVAL”
iv. Must be submitted on a CD on or before April 22 for pre-judging

4. Song selection may be of any genre as long as decency and good taste are duly exercised.
5. Titles of songs to be performed must be submitted on or before April 22, 2011.
6. The use of vulgar or profane language is strictly prohibited.
7. Any damage to instruments, speakers, and other equipments during performances will be charged to the band.

PRIZES FOR WINNERS:

20,000 FOR GRAND CHAMPION

10,000 FOR BEST ORIGINAL SONG

PLUS others...

Interested participants may email their band name, name of members, and contact number to pasiklaband@harlijk.com.

For questions, text or call 09289329158 or any Dagupan city SK Chairmen

Reposted from: Harlijk Mirasol