Looking After The Water Wall And Steel Bridge

Water wall on the uphill road going to Brgy. Balanga.

Not only they provide link and access among/between two or more political subdivisions, both roads and bridges are essential to economic development of the country, much more of the community. However, due to volatile weather and erratic forces of nature, not to mention the increasing economic activities being carried by these structures, portions of them break down due to wear and tear. Thus, it is important that their maintenance not to be taken for granted. 

Responding to this, Ibaan Municipal's Engineering Department, led by Municipal Engr. Lalen Clet Salagubang and Mr. Ruel Alido,  has initiated and conducted an inspection of the Water Wall at the spill way on the side of Brgy. Balanga (Kabilang Ilog). Obviously, the water wall has eroded of significant volume due to volume of water passing through the spill way more specifically during rainy days. Whilst it requires immediate repairs and attention to maintain the integrity of the structure. 

The damaged steel floor plates of steel bridge in Brgy. Lapu-lapu.

According to MPDO Engr. Mario Samson, the water wall has been there for almost twenty (20) years now and was constructed during the time of former Mayor Nano Toreja. During the earlier years, he has already made the recommendations to have it finished so as not to expose the hollow blocks to water and to protect it more from raging water that erodes it. However, due to some reasons, said recommendations didn't pushed through.

The steel bridge located in Brgy. Lapu-lapu, on the other hand, is also showing signs already of its poor conditions. Constructed between 2001 and 2004, the steel floor plates of the bridge are either broken or cracked already. According to inspecting team, these can be attributed to the increased number of vehicles of enormous weight, including trucks and buses, passing through the bridge. This is further aggravated by the presence of STAR Toll Exit between Brgy. Lapulapu and Brgy. Malainin. 

The said steel bridge used to be made of wood planks.

Anticipating the damages to be brought about by the coming of rainy days, the Engineering Department has immediately lodged and submitted the results of their inspection to Provincial Engineering Office for immediate action. Although the mentioned infrastructures are located in Ibaan, it's the PEO who has the greater responsibility in keeping them in good shape for safer public use.

As of press time, the municipality is still awaiting response from PEO.

More photos of the eroded water wall.

More photos of the worn out steel bridge.

Mutya Ng Ibaan Candidates Send Himamawo Spring At Boiling Point

Mayor Danny Toreja (center) with Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012
Candidates on hot swim wear.

In April 29, 1912, Tuguegarao almost melt when it registered a record-high 42.2 °C (108 °F) temperature which was considered as the hottest temperature ever experienced in the Philippines.

This afternoon, the record almost went into oblivion when Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012 candidates stormed Himamawo Spring at Brgy. Malainin to have their photo ops and pictorials in preparation for next year's 180th Ibaan Founding Anniversary Celebration.

Candidates getting ready for the shoot.

The travel leading to Himamawo Spring was already a crucifying experience with dust and bones jockeying for a place in everyone's flesh and blood. Himamawo, with its cold and refreshing water, hidden in the bush at the other end of vast agricultural field, for a long time has been the source of life around. But on this faithful day, with the coming of sexy and gorgeous Mutya Ng Ibaan candidates, its water level almost dropped dead, almost sending it to boiling point.

Mayor Danny Toreja with (from
left) Vice Mayor Sixto Yayabin,
Coun. Rodel De Castro and
Munting Tubig Brgy. Chairman
Domingo Acebo

That might be too much of exaggeration to say. But had you've been at Himamawo Spring, aside from the fact that the local government is conserving and promoting the latter, the prickly body heat that the candidates bring among spectators can only be perfectly tamed by the spring's arctic water. And had everyone took the plunge, smoke will definitely blur our vision of the glamorous candidates.

It's every girl's dream to be the "Princess" in a fairy tale story. The Royal Wedding in England just reached its conclusion and all single ladies will always have the cravings to start a new fairy-tale-tailored-romance with their "Prince".

But this time, it was the other way around. Every man surrounding Himamawa Spring watching the Mutya Ng Ibaan candidates move like a butterfly and float like a feather on their dazzling skinny one-piece and two-piece swim wear felt like a pauper and as a commoner yearning to be noticed by the Royal Highness Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012 Candidates.Not a man in the place will or can deny this. That can be seen on their burning eyes (including me. hehe).

The forces behind the photo shoot.

The Candidates


Unfortunately, candidates from Brgy. Matala, Brgy. Tulay and Brgy. Lucsuhin didn't make it. They failed to join the group due to some work, academic and personal commitments. However, despite it all, the rest optimistically grabbed the opportunity to show their body curves -every lady's source of envy.

Municipal and Barangay officials
with the Candidates.

At around 8:30am, they, together, either with their parents, friends or PAs, assembled at Ibaan Municipal Hall where they we're met by Ms. Myla Soriano, Vice-Mayor Sixto Yabyabin and some Barangay Chairmen who provided their transportation. The candidates came with their make-up on, ready to take on DSLR camera flash bulbs. And since they'll be at Ibaan's source of pride and natural wonder, they're all geared up with swim  wear covered with the most comfortable linen they can suit their body with.

The enticing Himamawo Spring.

By 10:00am, engines went roaring in the middle of humid and dusty road en route to paradise that have been waiting for the candidates for a lifetime. Setting foot on Himamawo Spring's fertile territorial ground, still keeping a bag of decency in their pockets, the candidates were at first hesitant to reveal their skin with spectators' eyes on them.

But when the man on camera started mapping the shoot location, and with words of encouragement from their company, the company went out their way to everyone's delight and astonishment. And after a couple of body jerkings figuring out the most striking pose they can make, the rest was a hassle-free photo shoots as if everyone is enjoying great music in a rave reggae beach party.

The water is trapped with a water wall that results
to a swimming pool like scenario.

The Shoot  

The shoot was done in three locations within the vicinity of the Spring. And for every location, the candidates were allowed to make three poses. During the first set, they were directed on how they should conduct themselves. At least to give them some pointers or hint on how they can take advantage of their assets and what they can show. On the next two sets, they were given the freedom to pose the way they can project how sexy and seductive they are, and to prove their worth as daughters of Queen Hera of Mount Olympus.

The first set was done at the stair steps kissed by the Spring's water sweets. The second was done at the water wall the runs across the center. And that is where we're able to see the reasons why men can afford not to have women by their sides and the motive that pushes men to their stupidity. The candidates were alluring. One can even take five straight shots of jigger full of Ginebra San Miguel jigger without water or finger foods by simply looking at them. They were in control. They were sizzling and oozing with revered beauty.

Mutya Ng Ibaan Candidates all set to set the Himamawo Spring
at boiling point.

The third set was done at the falls located at the other end, almost adjacent to Himamawo Spring itself. The candidates went "dare devil" striding the dicey rocks that lead down the falls. And just like in the second set, although still with little directions, they were granted all the freedom, time and space in the world in creating a scene for themselves. And as DSLRs went rolling, perfect images of Ibaan sexy and fair ladies registered like Monalisa on a pure and untainted canvas.

Watching them simply brought back to Greek Mythology's goddesses of charm and beauty back to life! And even without fire, living creature in the area began smoking, holding their pounding hearts up to the end..up to the last minute of the photo shoot.

Well, I guess, literally, Himamawo Spring did went boiling and smoking.

But much more with any other words we can say, we congratulate the Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012 candidates for their bravery and for a job-well-done. You gals rock! You turned the heaven and earth upside down.

Click to read related story on Himamawo Spring.

Ibaan Jobs Fair On April 11

Aware of the people's need for job opportunities, the Municipality of Ibaan, in collaboration with Department of Labor and Employment, will hold a one day jobs fair on April 11, 2011 at Recto Gym, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Months before, the Municipality of Ibaan has coordinated with DOLE with the possibilities of bringing companies in Ibaan which are in search for new employees. The Labor Department then coordinated with different companies which responded to the inquiries. The former is able and is bringing at least 20 companies on  the said day to accommodate Ibaenos who are more than willing to be employed.

The available job opportunities ranges from simple office clerk, machine operators, to more complicated professional positions. It is believed that Ibaenos can provide the level of quality of workers the companies are looking for. The companies will be bringing list of vacant positions for local and abroad employment.

Everyone is invited to come to the said event. Just prepare your comprehensive resume and be ready for an on-the-spot interview.

Ibaeno, the future awaits you.

Here are some of the jobs that you can apply for.