2-point margin that Aurora got from Celebrity players:
1st point... Persons with disabilities, indigenous people, youth, and women from Aurora now have funds for their training, support, and development. Also, initial funds for the establishment of Peoples Empowerment Center of Aurora were given.
2nd point...The people of Aurora were entertained by top male celebrities from Manila as they held a friendship game against selected players from our province headed by top scorer Cong. Sonny Angara.
Through the initiative of Gov. Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo and the cooperation of different agencies, the Basketball: Aurorans & Celebrities event was generally successful and peaceful. With over 1,500 in attendance, the Dr. Juan C. Angara Sports complex rumbled as the celebrity players appeared in red uniform. They were Christopher De Leon, Tirso Cruz III, Bembol Roco, Rez Cortez, Nino Muhlach, Onyok Velasco, Carlos Morales, Dino Guevarra, Felix Roco and Anton Dela Paz.
Here are some snapshots of the event: 
Most popular among the celebrities in Baler, no other than the Drama king himself Christopher De leon. 
Nino Muhlach proved to be a true comedian when he delighted the crowd with lots of fun and comic antics.
I don't think Tirso Cruz III was trying to shake the complex but he definitely needed to stress out from long hours of travel just to make our kababayans happy. 
Those who could not afford to buy tickets had a chance to meet the stars right by the windows. This photo shows Bembol Roco. He was with his son Felix Roco, an upcoming matinee idol. 
Among the audience were Gov. Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo, Vice Governor Annabelle C. Tangson, UA&P Vice President Bernardo M. Villegas, and foreign visitors. 
End of the game with the final score 81-79 in favor of Aurorans.
Note: Republish with correction.
The road less travelled...
Newly renovated Juan C. Angara airport that handle the air service of SEAIR commercial plane. With 19-seater capacity airplane, this service will initially offer two flights per week, with departures at 8:00 am every Monday and Friday from the Manila Domestic terminal. The flights from Baler Airport back to Manila will be at 9:30 am on Mondays and Fridays. One way fare has been set at P2,500, inclusive of VAT, passenger insurance and other charges. It will be a short 45-minute trip according to SEAIR. 
Rough-road, but exciting!!!
An 8-hour bus ride from Manila via Canili-Pantabangan road or Bongabon-Aurora road. You can choose from Genesis Transit in Pasay, D-Liner bus with station in Cabanatuan City and Baguio city, ABC Trans, Papin Bus, Maria Aurora Express or private van with 11 seating capacity.
Big thanks to Batangbaler for giving us a little space in their site...
AKKAW RULES !!!
Eric Mana is undoubtly the country’s premiere magician, known as the Stranger and the Mastermind.
A 33 year-old master illusionist that developed his skills from Toronto, Canada He has popularized magic and given it some stature and respectability. His uncanny ability in the genre of magic, known as Mentalism has left skeptics across the country stunned with disbelief. He is also best known as the Philippines’ only premiere magician.
He performed in various invitation from corporate events and various television shows.
Incidentally, Eric Mana was the son-in-law of Municipal Councilor Reynaldo Mapindan of Baler. We wish to see him performed in our own town.
photo courtesy of abante.com.ph
Here's some of the list of Provincial Offices with corresponding contact info:
PROVINCIAL GOVERNORS OFFICE
Gov. Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo
042-209-4211
OFFICE OF THE VICE GOVERNOR
Vice Gov. Annabelle C. Tangson
042-209-4433 vgact@yahoo.com
SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN SECRETARIAT OFFICE
Daisy Q. Jamora
042-209-4291
OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Alex N. Ocampo
042-209-4355 alex_ocampo4319@yahoo.com
PROVINCIAL TOURISM OFFICE
Caesar Christopher Gonzales
042-209-4373 tourism@yahoo.com
PROVINCIAL GENERAL SERVICES OFFICE
Ricardo Q. Bautista
042-209-4283 pgso_aurora@yahoo.com
PROVINCIAL SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Aida H. Rutaquio
042-209-4294 pswdo_aurora@yahoo.com
PROVL. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Genevieve P. Yanga
042-209-4275 ppd_ppdo@yahoo.com
related links
Overlooking the Cemento Beach atop of Ermita Hill...
This digitally scanned photo was published on May 5, 2005 at Manila Bulletin broadsheet. The pristine white beach of Casapsapan, Casiguran, Aurora serves as background. Tatiane Dzars of the Velvet rope was the model.
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Congratulations to Board Member Shierwin Taay of the 1st District of Aurora as one of the 10 recipient of Outstanding Legislators for Youth Development of the Philippines.Given by the National Youth Commission in cooperation with the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL). The Search for the 10 Outstanding Legislators for Youth Development was started last December 2005 by the NYC. It sought to recognize legislators who devoted time and effort in drafting and pursuing legislations for youth development as well as to propagate youth rights and welfare in their respective localities. It is also aimed at providing a vehicle for the documentation and replication of good practices in governance that affect the plight of the youth sector.
PIA Information service
take a look of a paradise found...
Photo courtesy of Ferdie Delos Reyes
A group of journalist from Manila Bulletin make a tour to Northern part of Aurora and what they found was a paradise that is breathtaking. A picturesque landscape of the countryside and they experience the magnificent virgin forests of the Sierra Madre mountain flavored with white sand beach of Casapsapan, Casiguran and more..
View details of article published at Manila Bulletin on May 5, 2006
A Basketball exhibition game initiated by the Provincial Government of Aurora through the leadership of Governor Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo.
May 27, 2006 5:00 pm Dr. Juan C. Angara Sports Complex
Ticket price: P 300.00 initially available at Governor's Ofice limited slots only
Celebrity players:
Christopher De Leon, Philip Salvador, Tyron Perez, Jestoni Alarcon, Zoren Legaspi, Tirso Cruz III, Ian Veneracion, Rez Cortez, Carlos Morales, Onyok Velasco, Nino Mulach and James Blanco
Proceeds: People & Empowerment Center for persons with Disabilities in Aurora Province
for details please contact Governors office
DA-BFAR is aggressively exerting more efforts to turn Aurora province in Region 3 into a centerpiece of aquaculture.
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Newly constructed view deck(cottage) found at Ermita Hill, Brgy Zabali Baler, Aurora.Overlooking the bluish pacific ocean on front and green forest at right. Ideal for sight-seeing, picnic, special occasions and relaxation.
‘Poor’ Luzon province enacts RP’s first repro health code
[excerpts from Sunstar Cebu /Sunday, March 19, 2006 ]
National legislators are struggling to implement reproductive health (RH) laws, partly because of the Catholic Church’s opposition, but one province has succeeded in passing the first RH Code in the country.
The province of Aurora in Central Luzon, one of the 20 poorest provinces in the country, passed an RH Code last year, and is working on the implementing rules and regulations.
Aurora Vice Gov. Annabelle Tangson presented her province’s RH Code during the Second Philippine Health and Environment (PHE) National Conference held in Cebu this week.
Tangson is the author of Aurora’s provincial ordinance that provides for the creation of the Aurora Reproductive Health Care Code.
view complete details
Mindanao legislators urged to act on population bill
[excerpts from MindaNews / April 22 2006 / by Walter I. Balane]
DAVAO CITY -- Mindanao officials have to take local actions for the passage of a law on reproductive health and population management, according to Senator Rodolfo Biazon and Bukidnon 1st district Rep. Nereus Acosta.
Biazon and Acosta encouraged local legislators to follow the example of the Province of Aurora, which passed a Reproductive Health Care Ordinance in 2005, the first in the country, amid strong opposition from local organizations...
Both legislators cited the strong opposition from the Roman Catholic Church as a major hindrance to the passage of the law.
“We cannot just stop and wait for Congress and Senate, we have to do something,” Aurora vice governor Annabelle Tangson said.
Tangson heads the Local Legislators’ League of Population, Health, Environment and Development (3LPHED).
The group launched a signature campaign in support of the bills together with the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD)...
Power of technology
byEdgardo J. Angara published in Manila Bulletin
Gawad Kalinga builds colorful, durable and secure homes for the poorest of the poor.Through donation from individuals, private and government sectors and partners abroad they can build a coommunity for the poor. Initiated by Couple for Christ hte house are built by volunteers from different sector and occupants as well. The program also provides other physical structures such as pathwalks and drainage systems, water and toilet facilities, a school, a livelihood center, a multi-purpose hall and a clinic. In some areas, other structures such as basketball courts and libraries are also constructed once basic infrastructure needs are set up.
Aurora province are among their most priorities of building shelter for the poor. Initially 2 communities are already build in Caragsacan, Dingalan, Aurora and Diteki, San Luis Aurora. And another village will having its groundbreaking in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Gawad Kalinga Luzon