Review: Ford Everest 4x2 Titanium with Active Park Assist

Choosing a car is like finding a perfect match that would fit ones character and transportation needs.  If you're on the look out for a mid-size SUV, the all new Ford Everest can definitely be one your options. From the previous boxy and edgy SUV Everest, we have seen it transformed into a muscular SUV with a commanding presence on the road because of its huge front-grille.

This review is but quite limited, focusing only on a few feats from my Ford Island Conquest experience held last June 23-25, 2017 at SM City Naga. Thanks Ford Philippines for including Naga in your series. It was definitely a good way of getting to know your vehicles and most importantly your services to Bicolanos. 

Interior wise, cabin is awesome with nice leather seats plus techie infotainment features that you can seamlessly operate. Ford's Sync 3 has a unique feat where you can operate your entertainment hands-free. With the use of Sync, you can play your music, call someone too by just using your voice. Sync can also help you listen to your text messages. How cool is that?! Add up the sunroof for your countryside travels.

The Ford Everest is incredibly light to drive, has great suspension with amazing ground clearance plus water-wading capacity like any other midsize SUVs. With 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine it offers smooth acceleration with impressive power. When I drove the unit during the Ford Island Conquest I was really able to affirm its driving with ease and comfort and it actually feels like driving the smoothness of a sedan but with so much power in it having a 158hp and 385Nm, 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine. I could imagine driving the Everest at the Old Zig Zag Road in Atimonan Quezon, boy I bet the steep and winding roads would be an easy breezy for this SUV.

The 4x2 Titanium variant of the Ford Everest can park itself. We have first seen the Park Assist feat of Ford from their sedan line up, the Focus. Imagine a mid-size SUV parking on it's own, well almost, since you still have to follow instructions after finding a parking spot. It's actually a fun feat of Ford that can definitely assist those who cannot perfectly do PARALLEL PARKING. I have tested the Park Assist feat twice, one at night, with enough space in between two EcoSports and one during daytime where it was more challenging because the parking spot was lessened it terms of space.

All you have to do is follow instructions. Damn this tech is very clever!

Just look at the distance between the two cars. Perfect parallel parking!

Now if you are a newbie driver, it's a must that you be able to do parallel parking without the Active Park Assist feat, but again it's a fun technology that we can actually appreciate. It's really ingenious!

For a more detailed specs on the Ford Everest's performance, capabilities and others head over to the website HERE.

Until our next car review my fellow Bicolanos, let's see what we can drive next.

For inquiries and quotation:
You may contact Arnel Barquilla
(0917) 579 9669
(0939) 917 6260

Related Links:
Ford EcoSport Review CLICK HERE
Getting a Car in Bicol CLICK HERE

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Peñafrancia Festival 2017 Schedule of Events

On this page you will see the updates of the Peñafrancia Festival 2017 Schedule of Activities. Bookmark this page now!

September 8, 2017 - Traslacion Procession
September 16, 2017 - Fluvial Procession
September 17, 2017 - Feast Day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

PARTIAL LIST OF CIVIC AND RELIGIOUS EVENTS FOR THE 2017 PENAFRANCIA FESTIVAL
(Source: Naga City Ceppio)

September 6 -  7pm | Miss Bicolandia 2017 (Venue to be determined)
September 7 - 7pm | Little Princess of Bicolandia (Venue to be determined)
September 8 - 12nn | Traslacion Procession
September 9 - 7am | Regional Band, Majorettes and Fancy Drill Competition, Plaza Rizal
September 9 - 7pm Marian Youth Congress (venue to be determined)
September 10 - 4am, South Star Drug Run for Wellness Plaza Quezon
September 13 - 7am Scouts Parade and Inter-School DBC/DLC Competition, Plaza Quezon
September 14 - 7am, Civic Parade and Float Competition, Plaza Quezon
September 14 - 1pm, Penafrancia Voyadores Festival Street and Pilgrims' Dance Competition, From Naga Metropolitan Cathedral to Plaza Quezon
September 14 -  8pm KM FM Sarong Banggi, Sarong Kanta, Sarong Musika Concert, Plaza Quezon
September 15 - (SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN NAGA CITY, PRES. PROCLAMATION NO. 654 S. 2013)
September 15 - 7am, 9th Bicol Region Military Parade Competition, Plaza Quezon
September 16 - 12nn, Penafrancia Fluvial Procession, Naga River
September 16 - 7pm, Handog ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM Concert, Plaza Quezon.

Important: Organizers planning to conduct events such as pageants, sales, carnivals, processions, concerts, etc. this Penafrancia Fiesta are requested to coordinate with the City Events, Protocol and Public Information Office (CEPPIO) within the soonest possible time. The CEPPIO shall be finalizing the official calendar of events on August 11. The Events Calendar is scheduled for printing the next day.


Note: The Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum's roofing, windows and court shall be repaired this August, hence not available for use.

Religious Events

Source: Penafrancia Basilica Minore FB

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ADNU Holds ASPAP Regional Conference

Naga City, Bicol - On July 24-25, 2017, the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Inc. (ASPAP, Inc.) and the Ateneo de Naga University, an active member of ASPAP, Inc. in Region V and the host institution for this year, will be holding an ASPAP Regional Conference with the theme “Empowering Stakeholders for Sustainable Development” at the Arrupe Convention Hall, Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City.

The Regional Conference will serve as venue to discuss among Public Administration/Governance (PA/G) faculty, researchers and scholars from ASPAP schools all over the country the relevant topics that currently characterize Philippine PA/G with focus on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. Specifically, it will feature the Role of the Different Sectors in Sustainable Development, Frameworks of Awards and Exemplars on Good Governance for Sustainable Development. 

Faculty, researchers and scholars, and practitioners from the members of ASPAP, Inc. and the other Higher Educational institutions (HEIs) and from the other sectors, namely, Local Government Units (LGUs), Business, Civil Society Organizations and Youth are invited to participate in this activity.

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Registration Fee: 
ASPAP Member School - P2,800.00
Non ASPAP - P3,500.00

Contact Person: Dr. Malu C. Barcillano

Director, Center for Local Goverance

Public Relations Officer, ASPAP, Inc. 

Contact Name: Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Inc. (ASPAP, Inc.) and the Ateneo de Naga University 

Telephone Number: (054) 472.56.73, 473.84.47 local 4719 or 0927.831.22.81.

Email Address: ateneoclg@gmail.com

Website URL: http://www.adnu.edu.ph/2017/06/13/aspap-regional-conference/

ABOUT ASPAP

The Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Incorporated (ASPAP) is a non-stock national organization of college and universities in the Philippines offering public administration/management education programs.

The proliferation of schools in public administration/management which is indicative of the increasing recognition of public administration as a distinct discipline, and of its potential contribution toward the professionalization of the Philippine Civil Service, has made it imperative for these schools to pool their institutional resources with the end in view of improving the content and methodology of the discipline. 

For more information, please visit: www.aspap.org.ph
or contact  these numbers:
(+632) 981.8500 loc 4161 and 4153; (+632) 925-7422 /
Fax: (+632) 926-1432
Email: nedy.aspap@yahoo.com

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Bicol Caltex retailers throw full support behind public education through Caltex Fuel Your School

Naga City, Bicol - Caltex retailers in Bicol region recently rolled up their sleeves to help the highest-need public high schools in their community through Caltex Fuel Your School (FYS). From August 1 to September 30, every liter of fuel purchased by motorists will be matched by Caltex with a donation of one peso (P1). The retailers agree to raise P3 million to acquire much needed equipment for learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Math subjects in public high schools, especially with the advent of grades 11 and 12.

Photo above shows Caltex retailers from Bicol region being trained on Caltex FYS by Chevron Philippines Inc., marketer of the Caltex fuels and lubricants, and Southern Cross Distribution Inc., Caltex branded marketer for Bicol and central Philippines.

For more information about CYFS, visit www.caltexfuelyourschoolph.com  or Caltex Philippines Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CaltexPhilippines.

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At Home Furniture by Olivan Home Depot

After visiting Olivan Home Depot in Magsaysay Avenue, we needed a new tv rack and a sofa for our tv area. I have seen many available home furnitures in the depot and knowing that they have a sister company in Concepcion Grande primarily showcasing HOME and INDUSTRIAL furniture called At Home, we decided to include it as one of our options.

We canvassed around home depots in Naga and found similar items on display and guess what, they have the lowest in price. Discounts vary but again they had the lowest offer given a similar furniture for that matter.
The location (Former RoyalAn Hotel) is not far from our home but honestly this is the first time that I have visited the store. Same reaction with that of the store in Magsaysay, @Home is soooo spacious and there are many available designs to choose from.

What I appreciate is that, the store is indoor and air-conditioned too to keep the fixtures in good condition. The tv rack and sofa convertible to a bed both got good discounts. We had them delivered for a minimum charge and they installed the rack even though I insisted that I can manage. (see photos towards the end). It was good customer service experience indeed! Hoping that management will continue to keep that kind of service.

Our new tv rack

Our new sofa for our tv area. (remotes and throw pillows not included haha)

Location: Ground Floor, ANR Building (Former Royal An Hotel), Beside BDO Bank
Concepcion Grande, Naga City
Contact No.: (054) 205 08 62 / (054) 881 84 20
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/athomeolivan/

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Olivan Home Depot, Your Home, Your Style

I was looking for a flat bar and decided to go around hardwares here in Naga. Below are photos of Olivan Home Depot which I was so much amazed of! Why? For or a long time this homegrown brand has been serving many Bicolanos for home construction and improvement needs and dai ko akalaon na dakulaon palan ang depot ninda located sa Magsaysay at the back of Sea Oil with enough parking space pa.

After their store beside Sea Oil was razed by FIRE few years ago, sa totoo lang dai ko hunaon na nasa likod na palan sinda and this time even more organized, presentable, not to mention comfortable din because its air-conditioned.

Changing times indeed and being an adult now brings me to these places and I'm glad that the depot's staff were very patient and accommodating hehe.

I really admire our Bicol Brands improving for the better and it is a must for us Bicolanos to patronize them. My post doesn't end here, will share more about my experience in this depot in the next days to come. For the meantime, below are contact details that you might find helpful.

At the back of Sea Oil Magsaysay
Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City
Contact Numbers: (+63) 917.545.8051 or (+63.54) 472.2828
Store Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Facebook Page: Olivan Home Depot

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CWC Aqua Park

CWC has rise up after the Typhoon Nina last December and recovery is just the sweetest coz Lago del Rey's #AquaPark is also back to play under the clouds! Run walk, jump, crawl, slide, scream, shout and just let it all go and enjoy the course! Bring out the child in you and enjoy the floating playground with a series of inflatable slides, ramps, ladders, wiggle bridges, trampoline and so much more. Don't forgot to come in your bathing suit or wet suit! 

Operating Hours: 

8:30 am to 4:40 pm

Rates:

P150 for 1 Hr

P275 for 2 Hrs

P400 for 4 Hrs

P550 for whole day

P50k for exclusive half day use

For more amenities and bookings visit http://cwcwake.com

Photo by nickastig.me

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Pasta Fiesta this May at Avenue Plaza Hotel

Naga City - May is for fiestas and Avenue Plaza Hotel is making it a festive summer at the Heart of Bicol. The latest offering of Cafe Plazuela for this month of May is the #PastaFiesta for our afternoons. While we have varied choices of restaurants in the city, we are always controlled by the menu in front of us. How do you like your pasta? Technically speaking, restaurants dictate what we can eat, but at the at the Cafe Plazuela of APH, we will have the freedom to choose the ingredients of our own plate of pasta. Perfect, right?

I'm more of a white sauce person and oil-based too. I like mushroom, bacon and seafood too! But hold on! These can't be in one plate of course. The chefs of Cafe Plazuela will be able to help you with that, they can always recommend which of the ingredients will perfectly blend together depending on what you like. And if you are careful with your allergies, have a conversation with the chef once your pasta is being prepared too. 

If frappes gets to be customized in some coffee shops, the #PastaFiesta of Cafe Plazuela is now your source of personalized / customized pasta with the freshest ingredients and live cooking. 

There are 3 easy steps on how you can enjoy the #Pasta Fiesta.

STEP 1: Choose your PASTA

Fetuccini, Penne, Linguini, Spaghetti

STEP 2:Choose your SAUCE

Al Freddo, Marinara, Vongole, Al Pesto, Bogolgnese, Putanesca

STEP 3: Add on your favorite INGREDIENTS

Ham, Bacon, Mushroom, Garlic, Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Olive Oil

And oh, don't forget to choose your BREAD

The breads of Cafe Plazuela is always freshly baked, but just in case you want your bread to be reheated, you may ask them to do so. And a little tip, you can also ask for a vinaigrette. 

It's really a nice experience having your food being prepared right in front of you. 

Available from May 1 to 31, 2017

Available for walk-in or reservations.

Choices of bread.

The #PastaFiesta is 180++ per guest, available from 2pm to 5pm. 

  

My base sauce was the Al Fredo, with bacon bits and mushroom. 

It's time to celebrate the colors of summer with a #PastaFiesta! Don't forget to share your pasta fiesta experience on your social media accounts and use the hashtag #AvenueStories #PastaFiesta #CelebratetheGoodLife

For reservations you may call at (054) 473 9999

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'Heart of Bicol' is now Fibr-powered

NAGA CITY, Bicol, April 20, 2017 – The ‘Heart of Bicol’ is now one of the region’s first Fibr-powered cities.

PLDT Home’s nationwide rollout of its industry-leading fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) lines is bringing the country’s most powerful broadband to Bicol, and Naga City is at the heart of this groundbreaking development.

In addition to providing families access to internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps, PLDT Home is also opening its first sales and service center (SSC) in the city. The strategically located and spacious 165-square meter store at Centro Square, Penafrancia Avenue, will allow customers to transact with greater ease and speed and experience first-hand PLDT Home’s products and services. PLDT SSC Naga is the second after Nuvali. 

Customers will also enjoy the unique features and innovative services inside the store such as Infotouch, a self-care kiosk where they can view and print their PLDT bills; a digital menuboard where they can shop for PLDT products; giant interactive screens where they can surf and play using a 32” Telpad; and a cozy lounge with 50” video wall where they can watch Cignal TV channels.

Infotouch self-care kiosk

 As the region’s commercial and cultural center, Naga is one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing cities. The partnership with PLDT Home will further the city’s capabilities and its robust local economy, and empower the digital lifestyles of its residents.

“We look forward to this partnership with the local government of Naga City to help bring the power of Fibr to more homes,” PLDT FVP and Head of Home Business Oscar A. Reyes, Jr. said. “With world-class internet from PLDT Home Fibr, we can help families take advantage of opportunities enabled by digital technology.”

PLDT Home Fibr now empowers Nagueños to experience high-speed equal upload and download speeds, and enjoy diverse and compelling entertainment and gaming content from PLDT Home partners and renowned providers like iflix, Netflix, Fox+, and iWant TV, among others, for as low as P1,899 per month.

Families will also enjoy added peace of mind with home security devices such as the home monitoring system Fam Cam, the cyber security platform Fam Zone and the multi-functional kiddie gadget Smart Watch which parents can use to track and contact their kids. 

Fam Cam

Naga City Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion added, “Strong partnerships are key to the growth of any major city, and we are honored to have PLDT, the Philippines’ telco leader on our side. Naga City is proud to be Fibr-powered.”

Naga City is only the first stop in PLDT Home’s continuous and aggressive expansion in the Bicol region. The country’s digital services leader targets to reach up to 4.4 million homes passed by end of the year, as part of its nationwide FTTH network rollout. PLDT has also deployed hybrid fiber technologies over its existing copper lines which can boost data speed of current subscribers up to 700 Mbps. By end-2018, PLDT envisions that all of its subscribers will be in “smart homes.”

PLDT has invested P300 billion or $6 billion over the last 10 years to roll out the country’s most extensive transmission and distribution network infrastructure which now has 150,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables that transport the growing data traffic of its fixed line and mobile networks.

PLDT Home has also recently declared Toledo City in Cebu and General Santos in Mindanao as ‘Fibr Cities’, signaling strengthened partnerships with local governments and communities to expand its footprint and bring world-class internet to more Filipinos.

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Max's Restaurant Chicken All-You-Can

Guys, Check this out! Chicken All-You-Can at Max's Restaurant is back!!! This crazy treat happens at 2PM until 10PM. For only P249, you'll get to enjoy a quarter-sized fried chicken for every serving. You'll get your next chicken after you consume your first piece. Since there's only three Max's Restaurant in Bicol one in SM City Naga and the other two Pacific Mall Legazpi and Ayala Mall's Legazpi, the schedule is on April 21 & 28, May 5 & 12, extended to May 19 & 26. So calendar these dates now! I'll  SEE YOU GUYS at the SM City Naga branch!

Full Mechanics:
1. Max’s Quarter Chicken will be served with (1) glass of Pepsi products for only P249.
2. Valid for dine-in transactions ONLY at selected Max's restaurants from 2:00pm to 10:00pm.
3. Chicken will be served after each piece has been consumed.
4. One time serving of drinks only.
5. Strictly no sharing and no leftovers.
6. Not valid in conjunction with any other ongoing promos and discounts.
7. Not available for takeout, delivery, bulk order, and functions.
8. Promo Duration:
North & South Luzon – April 21 & 28, May 5 & 12
9. Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 4865 Series of 2017

For list of other stores in the Philippines, CLICK HERE

We definitely enjoyed our #MAXSCYAC! Just a piece of advice, if you want to make sure you enjoy the promo, make it a point to lessen your rice intake or else  you'll end up full by the time you have your second quarter piece of chicken. 

The all original Max's recipe in every bite, truly #SarapToTheBones! 

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