Not So Pedestrian Lanes

You know why pedestrian lanes are ignored? Because they're boring. IXM together with the Pasig City local government aims to change that with these not-so-pedestrian lanes. 0% accident, 100% service!

Looks amusing, yes. But for it to actually work? Probably not.

I can just imagine people crossing the street LOOKING DOWN and trying to figure out these hideous looking pedestrian lanes, while being oblivious to oncoming vehicles.

Hate to break it to you, guys, but people ignore pedestrian lanes because people tend to cross the road where it is convenient for them to reach their destinations efficiently.

What authorities should be thinking is how to properly disseminate knowledge of the Law to both pedestrians and motorists altogether. Pedestrian accidents happen mostly because of people jaywalking and motorists not knowing that it is enforced by Law that they should do a full stop when people are crossing in the pedestrian lane. Ignorance of the Law is the problem that should be given priority. Aesthetics is one thing, but it does not resolve the main problem.

I watched something in the news and found out that a lot of drivers don't even know what some road signs mean! Ridiculous, right? Authorities should make sure the drivers pass and really undergo REAL, HONEST, ACCREDITED training. DISCIPLINED and RESPECTFUL drivers equals less accidents.

Ark Avilon Zoo

ARK AVILON ZOO is everybody’s interactive zoo, from kids to the kids at heart. Appreciate the wonders and beauty of nature and learn about conservation while having fun!

… Get up close and personal with Colin the Bornean Orangutan, Brutus the Mini Horse, Waki the Bearcat, Arthur the Old English Sheepdog, Cutie the Philippine Eagle Owl, C-2 the Moluccan Cockatoo, Cholo the Ball Python and many other interactive animals.


The Ark Avilon's is located in Tiendesitas, Pasig. Its unique shape resembling an ark was inspired from Noah's ark an ancient vessel known as the first Saviour of World's Biodiversity. So it actually looks like a boat! The story of Noah's Ark can be found in the Book of Genesis in the Bible. It tells the story of Noah, who was instructed by God to build a vessel to save his family and samples of animals all over the world from a great flood. The flood will be sent by God to destroy the evilness of men.

It houses small to medium size animals and has section for petting them. The zoo claims to be the 1st and only interactive indoor zoo in the Philippines as of date. Most of the animals are enclosed with a glass wall for viewing. Remember not to tap the glass as to avoid aggravating the animals!


The original zoo is farther East in Montalban, Rizal, but this 2,000-square-meter urban safari is just as delightful. Barely six months since it opened, Ark Avilon is already drawing hordes of kids and adults alike, eager to see a giant tortoise, a tiger, a lion and a jaguar up close. There are also less aggressive animals that kids can still have tons of fun watching, such as a python, an orangutan and the ever friendly and playful rabbits

Although the zoo houses in a limited space, the unique attraction that it has was outstanding, It maximize available resources that was mutually beneficial for both animals and Visitors. The cages where the animals are housed are designed for the specific corresponding need for each species.

The first floor of the Ark Avilon features a tampered glass window zone for excellent viewing and limited disturbance for the big predatory animals, a free ranging zone for animals that can be petted and a lounge where you can rest in the atmosphere of at the wild. While the second floor of the Ark Avilon houses a wire mesh aviary for birds, a farm styled cages for domesticated animals and a mini meadow for rodent pet animals. The Second floor was designed as the zone where the visitors can fully participate in caring for the animals, this is where you can touch and feel nature through feeding them.

Ark Avilon Zoo
Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue Corner C5, Pasig City
Telephone Nos. (+632) 706-2992/ 706-2993
Email Address: arkavilon@yahoo.com.ph / arkavilonzoo@gmail.com
Website: http://arkavilonzoo.weebly.com/

Pasig Fun Ranch

 

Pasig Fun Ranch is located at Frontera Verde, Ortigas Ave., Pasig City. It’s just beside Tiendesitas. When you go to Fun Ranch, there's no entrance fee but if you use the rides, there’s a small fee that won’t even budge your budget. Rides include bumper car, bumper boat, red baron plane, train, ferris wheel, carousel, tugboat, jungle safari ride, and a mini remote controlled cars. It also has Active Fun which is an indoor playground. There is a place for bigger kids called Space Battle Ball, a ‘Star Wars’ themed playground. It has affordable rates compared to other theme parks and similar establishments in the country.

 
This mini-theme park indulges a kid’s fancies with its hit rides such as the bumper boat and the tic-tac ride. Any little girl becoming a princess is a cinch at the first ever in the world, Pink Salon by Barbie, where she can get a makeover including a Diva Hairstyle, glimmer tattoo and nail art. Kids can also discover their inner chefs at Marta’s Cakes, where they can create their own masterpiece of a cupcake. And when energy is running low from all the fun things to do, kids can always make a brief stop at the Big Red Barn Resto, or recharge at the Little Lambs Spa.

Pasig Rainforest Park

 

The Pasig Rainforest Park is the perfect place to bring your family and friends for recreation.

The park has a water theme park, swimming pool, mini zoo and aviary with various animals like deers, ostrich, monkey, snakes, crocodiles, birds and others,  parks for senior citizens, children’s playground, sports facilities like tennis, badminton and basketball courts and a wall-climbing area, a butterfly sanctuary or garden, a mini-train that tours the park, a pavilion, an amphitheater with giant chess boards, there's also an Adventure Park - good for those who enjoys extreme sports and also ideal for team building activities, a Gym, a Youth Training Center where leadership training seminars are held, tons of landscaping and a Japanese botanical garden for photographers to practice shooting at, and lots more…


The entrance fee to the park and zoo is FREE. Only the water theme park have entrance fee. Discounted rates for all Pasig Residents. ust bring any ID with a Pasig address on it. The Pool is clean and nice. There is a lap pool and a big pool with huge slide area and a safe kiddy wadding pool with huge dinosaur statues and water slides that the children will surely enjoy. The cottages are also clean and spacious with barbecue grill areas. Pretty decent compared to other private resorts in Metro Manila.

Also known as Pasig Central Park, this expanse of nature in Barangay Maybunga is an oasis from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The entirety of the park can be quite a walk, so try riding the train for a quick trip along its main features.

The Pasig River Ferry

The Pasig River Ferry was launched by President Macapagal-Arroyo way back 2007. Ten terminals were the proposed number to be built. The terminals are connected by twin-hulled catamarans 24.5 meters long by 7 meters wide. Each vessel has a capacity of 152 passengers and runs at an average speed of 10 knots.

The service operates from 6 am to 9 am and from 5 pm to 8 pm on weekdays and from 6 am till 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday. Ferry boats will be in service. One starting in Guadalupe, the other in Escolta. The ferryboat operator will charge a minimum rate of 25 pesos per short route and for longer routes the rate will be 35 to 45 pesos.

The government has provided the infrastructure and will be responsible for the security and safety of the navigation. Nautical Transport Service Inc. will operate the ferryboats.

When the project is completed, in addition to the 10 terminals stretching from Plaza Mexico at the Pasig River’s mouth , the proposed is to build four more stations along the Marikina River all the way to Santa Elena.

Ferry Stations:

    Plaza Mexico
    Escolta (operational)
    Quezon Bridge
    PUP
    Sta. Ana (operational)
    Lambingan (operational)
    Valenzuela
    Hulo (operational)
    Guadalupe (operational)
    San Joaquin
    Napindan
    Marcos Bridge
    Riverbanks Mall
    Sta. Elena

Where: Pasig River. (Escolta, Sta. Ana, Lambingan, Hulo, Guadalupe)
When: From 6 am till 9 am and from 5 pm till 8 pm weekdays
From 6 am till 12 noon on weekend. Check possible change of schedule.

Pasig-Marikina River Improvement Project

Malacañang assured the public that heavy flooding could now be avoided after the Department of Public Works and Highways increased the holding capacity of the Pasig River through the river channel improvement project.

“Compared to two years ago, yes, there will be less flooding. But it will still depend on the volume of rainfall,” said Presidential Communication Secretary Ricky Carandang, citing the 99 percent completion of the Pasig-Marikina river channel improvement project.

He clarified that floods could further be prevented once the P13-billion master plan for flood management in Metro Manila and surrounding areas is finished in about two to three years.

“This should help minimize the impact of floods. To prevent another typhoon ‘Ondoy,’ we have to finish the master plan,” Carandang, who heads the Presidential Communications Strategic Planning and Development Office, said.

President Aquino conducted a surprise visit yesterday morning in Guadalupe (Makati City) and the entire Pasig River waterway, expressing concern about the possibility of another great flood.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson showed the improvements, in anticipation of the wet season, by way of increasing the holding capacity of Pasig River through dredging, river widening, rehabilitation of floodways, dikes, excavation and heightening of flood walls.

“Again, the idea here is to increase the holding capacity of the river so that it doesn’t overflow so easily the next time there’s a storm. This is part of a very comprehensive anti-flooding project,” Carandang said.

The Aquino government is also set to create what it termed as “retarding basins.”

Pasig City Urban Renewal Project

Pasig City Urban Renewal Project located at Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City is one of the projects in Pasig that is spearheaded by the Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP).

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is building homes for more than 500 families in need in Pasig City, Metro Manila. These families include informal settlers living along the banks of Pasig River in the city.

HFH Philippines is constructing a series of multi-story buildings. Partnering with the Pasig government, Habitat will build 416 two-story town homes in Molave Street, Nagpayong in Pinagbuhatan barangay or village. The hosts of a popular local daily morning show, Umagang Kay Ganda, also committed to provide homes for 12 families as part of the project.

Pasig City Resilience to Earthquakes and Floods Project

Name of Funding Organization/Sponsor: Pasig City Government
Country and Location: Pasig City, Philippines
Start Date: June 2011
Completion Date: September 2012 (Ongoing)


Project Summary:

The Pasig City Resilience to Earthquakes and Floods Project seeks to develop a disaster risk reduction and management plan for managing the earthquake and flood risks of the city through the support and involvement of the various local stakeholders.

The project has the following components: (1) Review, update and validation of the city’s existing plans to conform to the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and to international standards;  (2) High resolution assessment of earthquake and flood risks including identification of impact by neighborhood and pinpointing of hotspots; (3) Production of information, education and communication materials specifically for earthquake and floods, (4) Development of a geo-spatial database that provides real-time access to the most accurate information on disaster risks, and (5) Development of a risk atlas which contains  relevant earthquake and flood hazard information, including risk maps to facilitate decision-making prior to, during and after disasters, and (6) Development of a disaster risk management tool kit for sharing within all city agencies for uniformity and efficiency in policy making, planning and action. Further, the project includes a review of the city’s comprehensive land use plan for risk sensitivity, a review of the process of code implementation, as well as various technical trainings for engineers, planners and disaster management professionals.

The House Of Football

The House of Football stands at the corner of Danny Floro and Henry Javier Streets in Oranbo, Pasig City.

Built at a cost of Php 16 million through Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) Goal Project, it took almost a year to complete before it was formally inaugurated during the Philippine Football Federation’s Centenary Anniversary in December of 2008 by Joseph Blatter, President of football’s world governing body.

The stylish three-story headquarters designed by architect Baltazar Avelino is a stark contrast to all the buildings in the surrounding motel row that reveal nothing of the secret if not forbidden intimacy within; hence the closed doors, garage doors, and blackened windows.

The old PFF Headquarters was housed in the nearby Philsports Complex (Room 405 Building B) and had all the feel of a public school administration office. The grey paint on worktables chipped off. Videotapes of football matches piled atop one another without cases. The bathroom also doubled as a janitor’s stockroom. The headquarters resembled the state of football in the country – not enough support and in a state of disrepair.

The new swank digs have the look of a glass house that will not look out of place in chic Miami. There are dozens of oil paintings of football scenes including a huge one of Brazilian star Ronaldinho that line its walls. Along with the spaciousness of the offices, it gives the new offices a 21st Century cosmopolitan feel. More importantly, it signifies how serious the National Sports Association is with lifting up the state of the sport in a country where everything else is a distant second to basketball.

The House of Football is the only headquarters by any sport in the country that is housed outside a government building. Yet critics of the new PFF administration point out that the stately settings belie the rotting state of the beautiful game in the Philippines.

Pasig City Times 2012

The City Times is Pasig City's newsletter. It is a 16-page, full-color newsletter, printed on recycled paper available free for all Pasiguenos.

The headline for the 2012 issue is DA BEST KA PASIG! It shows Mayor Robert "Bobby" Eusebio greeting Pasigueños a Happy New Year.

The content of the newsletter covers several aspects of the city and citizen development such as security, peace and order, health, education, social services for children, senior citizens, and the barangays, the special occasions and big events of the city like the yearly Paskotitap, the infrastructures and housing projects, the business, livelihood and employment opportunities, and movements on keeping the environment clean and safe, and several more news and updates.

Eusebio's photo appears on every story, as he supports a campaign, cuts a ribbon, shakes hands, and interacts with the community. It shows how active and hard working the Mayor of Pasig is.

It's tightly-packed with interesting information about the city plus a bonus Kiddie corner showcasing fun stuff like the Word Search on the last page wherein you must find words like "Mayor", "Bobby", and "Eusebio." and a Maze for the children of Pasig to enjoy.

Constant communication and prominent information dissemination is always the key to keep your constituents aware and appreciative of the latest happenings within the city of Pasig.

Thank you Mayor Bobby for your commendable projects dedicated towards the improvement and modernization of Pasig City and for providing us with the newsletter that would keep us updated of your present and future projects.

Mayor Robert Bobby" Eusebio

 

 Honorable Mayor Robert "Bobby" Eusebio

Any resident of Pasig will not deny the changes and contributions that the incumbent Mayor Bobby Eusebio has brought to the city. If you check the Pasig City website, you will see that it is always updated with the Mayor's latest projects and endeavors.

The Mayor's contributions to Pasig City are indeed commendable.

Robert “Bobby” Eusebio studied Architecture and was intent on pursuing a career in this field, building, what might become some of the most remarkable edifices and structures. Yet, as the son of former Pasig City Mayors Vicente P. Eusebio and Soledad C. Eusebio, he found it difficult to ignore public service when it beckoned in 1998.

Modernized Pasig City

 The newly  renovated Pasig City hall which is now known as the White House of Asia.

The City Hall of Pasig has undergone a number of iterations since 1967, when it was a mere four-storey structure with 1, 200 square meters of floor area. The renovation in 1999 brought the floor area to approximately 9,000 square meters. Finally in 2005, four more levels were added, bringing the total floor area to 16,000 square meters.

The City Hall is a stunning vision coming onto Caruncho Avenue, with its ivory-and-emerald façade. The ground floor is almost entirely devoted to a parking area, with the exception of the Cooperative Development Office. The second floor is occupied by the Business Permit and Licensing Office and the Treasury Department. 

The third floor houses the Commission on Audit, National Statistics Office, Department of Interior and Local Government, Civil Registry, and Urban Poor Services Office. The Senior Citizens Office, Environment and Natural Resources office, and City Records constitute the fourth floor, while the fifth floor consists of the City Budget, Legal and Public Information offices. 

The Engineering and Housing offices are situated on the sixth floor, while the Vice Mayor and the City Councilors hold office on the seventh floor. The Session Hall where the members of the City Council convene every Thursday is located on this same level. The eighth floor welcomes a steady stream of visitors daily, as this is where the Mayor’s office is located.

Nicanor Abelardo - Creator of "Mutya Ng Pasig"

One famous artist that is part of the rich history of Pasig is Nicanor Abelardo.

Nicanor Santa Ana Abelardo was a composer, pianist, and teacher. He was born in San Miguel de Mayumo, Bulacan, on February 7, 1893. He was the son of a photographer, Valentin Abelardo, and a church singer, Placida Santa Ana. His most popular works include the official song of the University of the Philippines,"U.P. Beloved",, "Magbalik Ka Hirang", "Himutok", "Nasaan Ka Irog", "Kundiman Ng Luha", "Bituing Marikit", and "Mutya ng Pasig".

At age five the young Abelardo learned solfeggio and how to play the bandurria from his father. A year later, he was already able to play the William Tell Overture on the guitar. At age eight, he already composed a waltz, “Ang Unang Buko,” which he dedicated to his grandmother. He later learned to play the piano while working for his uncle, painter Juan Abelardo, in Manila, where he studied in primary schools.

The prodigiously talented Abelardo started teaching music in schools in San Ildefonso and San Miguel, Bulacan, when he was barely 15 years old. Before he enrolled at the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music, he worked as a pianist in pubs and theaters in Manila.

Mutya Ng Pasig - The Movie

The Mutya ng Pasig tagalog movie was adapted from Nicanor Abelardo's poetical song inspired by the immortal kundiman and was spearheaded by his brother Richard Abelardo. The movie tells about the supernatural melodrama of a woman's misfortune and suffering interwoven with the legend of the Pasig.

Mercedes (Rebecca Gonzales), aside from being the town's current mutya (fiesta queen), is about to be married to his childhood sweetheart. (Roger Nite). Unknown to them, Dr. Modesto Millar (Jose Padilla Jr), is also secretly in love with Mercedes. One night, Modesto's house is robbed and the blame is placed on Mercedes' groom-to-be. He is arrested and imprisoned after which Modesto courts Mercedes and eventually marries her. When the former fiance is finally released, gossip spreads about hi m and Mercedes.

Consumed by anger and jealousy and believing the superstitious talk that the baby girl is not his because of an ugly birthmark, he banishes Mercedes and the child, chased by his monstrous dog, and she drowns in the river. From that point on, a legend spreads about a woman, a sirena, haunting the river singing a sad but beautiful song.

Mutya Ng Pasig - The Musical Poetry

Pasig is known for its Mutya ng Pasig (Muse of Pasig) folklore.

“On a night when the moon peeks from the heavens, when the gentle breeze tries to awaken her from her slumber. A vision of purity, her hair flows like a wave. She is the muse of Pasig, whose every gesture is song and poetry. (the muse speaks) "I was once a princess in the kingdom of Love. When love died so did my kingdom. My strength has gone and now lives in your hearts. If you want me to live again, give me back my love!"

The Mutya ng Pasig folklore inspired kundiman composer Nicanor Abelardo to create the classical music poetry Mutya ng Pasig which tells about the sad fate of a woman who appears in the Pasig River during the full moon. 

The Official Seal of Pasig

There are several reasons why the seal has the said symbols. The seal had a blend of both fact and fiction.

THE WOMAN AT THE CENTER OF THE LOGO REPRESENTS THE MUTYA NG PASIG, THE IDEALISM OF PERFECTION IN ALL ASPECTS THAT EPITOMIZES LOYALTY, GOODWILL AND SPLENDOR OF THE CITY OF PASIG.

The mutya is a woman from the Tagalog folklore. It is said to be a maiden goddess of the rivers, lakes, springs, seas and oceans. She is the "Mother of Waters" and was similarly identified as a mermaid or “sirena”, but more likely a ghost or apparition of the river.

Since mutya means a muse or goddess and corresponds to the embodiment of the ideal woman ... and Filipinos, in general, associate fair skin with "goddessness" and ideal beauty, then I guess you could say mutya also means "fair one".

History Of The Name Of Pasig

The “Lungsod ng Pasig” or City of Pasig is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila in the Philippines. It used to be the capital of the province of Rizal before Metro Manila was formed. Located along the eastern border of Metro Manila, Pasig City is bordered on the west by Quezon City and Mandaluyong City; to the north by Marikina City; to the south by Makati City, Pateros, and Taguig City; and to the east by the municipality of Cainta in the province of Rizal.