10th Sudoku Super Challenge Batangas Eliminations Set At SM Lipa

This will be a chance for Batangas’ Sudoku enthusiasts to be part of the 10th Sudoku Super Challenge Regional Eliminations which will be held at The Events Center of SM City Lipa on October 17, Saturday.

The regional eliminations will be done simultaneously on SM Supermalls in Cagayan de Oro, Dasmarinas (Cavite), Sta. Rosa (Laguna), Baguio, Cebu, Pampanga, Iloilo, Lucena, Baliwag, Bacolod, Lipa (Batangas), Rosales (Pangasinan), Tarlac, Davao, Naga, Gen. Santos, Olongapo and Marikina, while the national finals will be on January 30, 2016 at SM City North EDSA.

Interested participants may contact MTG’s Batangas Coordinator Susan Ignacio of First Asia Institute of Technology at 09258242729.

Boodap: Great Food In The Neighborhood

Whenever I pronounce Boodap, I can always attached it to late 90s song MMMBop by American band Hanson. Boodap is combination of childhood names of its restaurant owners who are Anne Pastor, former Master Chef Pinoy Edition contestant, and her brother Kesniel. They are from Lipa City and has finally decided to put up their own resto along Ayala highway just before SM mall.

Anne and Kes love to cook food since they were young. According to their mother, they are spending a lot for groceries but never in gadgets or clothes just to fill in their passion for cooking.

Boodap caters American and Asian dishes like my ultimate favorite among their menu which is Lemon Chicken with Raspberry-Mint oil. They also have Grilled Thyme Breaded Beef and Seared Peppery Tuna Steak from their Gourmet list. For Starters, they have Wassabi Tuna, Buffalo Wings, Beef Salpicao, among others. You can also choose from their Pasta, Sandwiches, Desserts, Greens for vegetarians, Desserts and Big Plates like Paella and Baby Back Ribs.

Their price is ranging from 140 to 970 pesos per order. For budget conscious foodies, they have 99 pesos rice meals like Sour Grilled Chicken, Grilled Pork Belly, Grilled Rosemary Chicken Fillet, Grilled Porkchop and Fried Chili Chicken Fillet. All is served with vegetables and iced tea.

Boodap also offers drinks who would like to stay overnight and hang out with friends. They have stage where customers are free to use if they would like to sing with other guests. Boodap would like to create great bonding experience among their customers other than serving really great tasting food at affordable price. You can also request to customized food or order anything that is not in their menu.

My Boodap experience was awesome and worth recommending to colleagues, friends and family just like singing MMMBop again and again. It's like eating in a fine dine in restaurant at reasonable price.

To know more about Boodap, you can visit their FB link: https://www.facebook.com/Boodap

Coke Man of Lipa

Did you know that Midel Umali Lacorte of Lipa has the biggest collections of Coca Cola memorabilia in the Philippines? There is no official confirmation but he could have the most number of Coca Cola collectible items in the country from about 500 collectors of the same brand.

Midel started collecting in 1990 and his very first item is a red die-cast car. From then, his collections from different parts of the world has increased and is occupying almost the entire 3rd floor of their home in Katipunan road. One of the rooms of his collections is fully air-conditioned to protect them from damage and fading. Some of the items were bought personally by Midel from different countries for as much as 13,000 pesos per piece while the rest were traded & given by his family and friends.

His love for Coke souvenir items has reached Coca Cola Mexican executive and personally visited his collections in Lipa the last time he was in the Philippines. You will find there different Coke products from around the world, 125 years Coke souvenir, die-cast cars, posters, wall clock, umbrella, toys, tumblers, Christmas decors, ice box with cd player, chairs, blanket, curtains and so on. Name it and he has it. His collections could be worth millions but for him its priceless.

Other than maintaining his collections, Midel is busy with their family business and taking care of 23 cute dogs. For now, his collections is not open to public and is by personal invitations only.

Most Favorite Lomi House In Lipa

Lipa City is a true home to authentic & delicious thick noodles and sauce with variety of toppings known as Lomi. It started in 1968 when To Kim Eng, a Chinese who came to live in Lipa, became so fond of cooking lomi for his friends and he became known for it.

We conducted a survey in Lipa City Philippines group, currently the biggest dedicated group for Lipa with more than 35K filtered members, to pulse the top most favorite lomi house in the city. Here's the result:

1. Lipa City Panciteria/ Lomi King
The mother of all lomi houses in Lipa is still the most favorite by Lipeños. Owned by To Kim Eng himself or better known as "Timing" with his wife Natalia. We included Lomi King along Lipa City Panciteria since both is owned by the same family.
Lipa City Panciteria is located in A. Mabini Street near Lipa public market while Lomi King is infront of De La Salle Lipa.

2. Liam's Lomi House
Located in Sabang infront of Limcoma, Liam's started as a small nipa hut type restaurant and eventually became bigger after it attracted more customers. Their lomi has several toppings to choose from like asado, chicken, and lechon. They also serve other Filipino dishes like sisig, chopsuey, barbecue, goto etc.

3. Benok's Lomi House
They have branches in Marawoy infront of baranggay hall which is open 24 hours and another one at the back of Lipa City Cultural center. Similar to Liam's, they have several toppings to choose from.

4. Renfel
They have branches in Sabang near SSS and the other one near Lipa public market.

5. Bee Gee's Lomi
Located in Levitown along the highway in Marawoy.

6. Traveller's Lomi House (Pangao)
7. LBN Lomi House (Marawoy)
8. 5 Brothers' Lomi
9. Lomi (Lodlod) note: no specific name just lomi
10. LDC Lomi (Antipolo del Norte)

Other lomi houses to visit are Centro, Rose, Sizzling Lomi, Japong's, LGB, MGM, Etring, Lomian ni Ate Gemma, and SheLomi. There were few other lomi houses in every baranggay in Lipa that were not voted during the 3 days survey.

If someone asked you where he or she can bring her visiting friend for a lomi treat, the above list may help.

source: Lipa City Philippines group survey from Sep 18-20 2015, wowbatangas.com
photo credits: marizedelrio.files.wordpress, rovingrani.files.wordpress, willyforfood.net

Hippest and Coolest Hangout Spot in Lipa Soon

Have you seen the most recent tarp along "Ayala" highway after Army Navy if you are coming from the north? It says "be part of the zone" with a girl carrying shopping bags.

Metro South Event Zone is opening along the upscale street of Lipa City, JP Laurel or widely known as "Ayala Highway". According to one of its owners, it will be the hippest and coolest hangout spot in the south of Metro Manila.

Metro South has a total land area of 3,000 sqm where 1,000 sqm will be developed into a food park for food trucks and kiosks. Another 1,000 sqm will be for tented bazaar stalls and 400 sqm at its center for party, events and concerts. The remaining 1,000 sqm will be for parking or outdoor activities.

This soon newest hangout in the south specifically in Lipa will have its ground breaking ceremony on Oct 1 and is targeting to open on Nov 3 this year. In photo is the perspective of their "zone".

Rianne Won Miss Asia In Miss Tourism Universe 2015

Rianne Kalaw of Lipa City representing the Philippines failed to make it to the final cut of Miss Tourism Universe 2015 in Beirut, Lebanon but she won Miss Asia special award.

Rianne who is only 17 years old student of University of Batangas, Lipa Campus was among the crowd favorite and a stunner during the finals night according to one of spectators of the pageant. Miss Romania won while Sweden and Switzerland were runners up.

Lipa City is proud of you.

photo: Miss Tourism Universe FB page

SUNDAY MEAL: Lipa's Mary Mediatrix Apparition Declaration

"The events and apparition of 1948 also known as the Marian phenomenon in Lipa and its aftermath, even in recent times, do exhibit supernatural character and is worthy of belief." has been declared by Archibishop Raymond Arguelles, Archdioces of Lipa last Sep 12 2015 during 12th National Pilgrimage celebration in Lipa City.

"This is the first time in the history that an Archibshop has overturned the Vatican judgement from negative to positive [which is] a pretty bold move.", Brian Patrick comments in his EWTN News Nightly.
Michael O'Neill of MiracleHunter.com explained that it boils down to a great Marian devotion of Archbishop Arguelles and the people of the Philippines. He said that it will fall to the category of "Senses Fidelium" or sense of the Faithfuls have honored that title and the Archbishop is showing that with his approval.
The declaration was 67 years after Mary Mediatrix believed to appear to a former postulant Teresita Castillo last Sep 12 1948. She is now 88 years old. It was followed by showers of rose petals. It will also be remembered that the same phenomenon was pushed and supported by June Keithley, EDSA hero and Marian devotee, through her full documentary "The Woman Clothed With A Sun" which is still available in Youtube. June passed away last 2013 but she could be one of the happiest with this declaration.
The declaration will also trigger for more foreign and local devotees to come to Lipa and visit Mary Mediatrix Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. One columnist in the Philippines comment that the place is easy to locate but they had a bad traffic experience going to the site and he is appealing to resolve the issue. Another devotee expressed her gratitude of the declaration as it has solidify the "Lourdes" apparition to Bernadette Soubirous in France.
Video: Brian Patrick's interview to Michael O'Neill

Famous Celebrities in Lipa

We have few famous celebrities living or chosen Lipa as their 2nd home as follows:

1. Vilma Santos-Recto
A premium actress is wife to true blooded Lipeño, Senator Ralph Recto. She got married with Sen Ralph in the late 80s and served three-term Mayor of Lipa City. She is now in her last term as Batangas Governor. Aside from being the first woman Mayor of Lipa and first woman Governor of Batangas, Gov Vi has evolved into from a muti awarded actress here and abroad into a multi-awarded politician as she earned several recognitions as Most Outstanding Mayor and Governor in the Philippines. Their home is located in LPL compound in Baranggay Inosloban.

2. Eugenio "Boy" Abunda
A popular television host, publicist, talent manager and celebrity endorser. One of the best hosts in the country and dubbed as the "King of Talk" in local business. He is currently hosting "Aquino and Abunda Tonight" in ABS CBN.
He owns a sanctuary-like home in Baranggay Calamias.

3. Cito Beltran
A highly-regarded writer, Philippine Star columnist, motivational speaker, and business and life consultant. He earned his BA Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines. He was the host of the Straight Talk on ABS CBN News Channel.
He owns a farm and his family's weekend home in Lipa City.

Top 10 World Class Lipeños

Do you know any native of Lipa who excel here and abroad? I compiled a list of top ten most notable Lipeños and short description of their contributions in raising the flag of Lipa as follows:

1. Candido Africa
Born in 1895, he was a doctor of medicine, scholar and researcher. His contribution to medical science made him internationally known and won for the first time recognition of the Filipino Scientist abroad.

2. Gregorio Zara
One of the best known scientist from the Philippines. He earned his doctorate degree in Physics from Sorbonne University. In 1954, Gregorio's alcohol-fueled airplane engine was succesfully tested and flown in NAIA.

3. Alfredo Maria Obviar
Born in 1889, was a Filipino servant of God who was venerated in the Roman Catholic Church. He became Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Lipa and founded Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. His cause for beatification is currently underway.

4. Bienvenido Lumbera
Born in 1932, he spent most of his youth in Lipa. He completed his PhD in Comparative Literature in Indiana University. He is a National Artist and reipient of 1993 Ramon Magsaysay Award (Peace Nobel Prize ounterpart in Asia) for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts.

5. Eva Reyes
A graduate of The Mabini Academy, she won Ms Republic of the Philippines and semi finalist in Miss World 1972 in London. After her stint in Miss World, she appeared into several movies. She quit showbiz in 1977 and migrated in USA.

6. Darwin Laylo
A Chess Grand Master. In 2006 he gained two GM norms, the first from the 2006 Malaysian Open, and the second at the 2006 Bad Wiessee tournament in Germany. His third and final norm came in the 2007 Asian Chess Championship in Cebu.

7. Marianne Katigbak Lozano
A US based award winning wedding & events photographer and visual storyteller. Her sibling is showbiz reported or ABS CBN, Marie Lozano.

8. Myrna Dizon Segismundo
A culinary expert and is managing director of multi-awarded Restaurant 9501, the exclusive dining restaurant of ABS CBN which is the biggest broadcasting network in the country. She had work stints in corporate dining and hotels in Manila and New York. She became host of cooking shows in ABS CBN nad Lifestyle Network. She held different festivals in Hong Kong, Japan, India Singapore and USA.

9. Maximo Kalaw
A renowned writer from Lipa. He obtained his PhD in Philosophy from University of Michigan in 1924 and became the first Filipino to teach in an American university.

10. Kristine Reyes Alzar
An alumni of De La Salle Lipa, she won Binibining Pilipinas International and crowned Miss Tourism International 2002 in Ukraine. She is currently based abroad.

For more world-class Lipeños, visit the Famous & Achiever album of Lipa City Philippines which is also the main source of this article.

ONGOING: 12th National Day of Prayer

Lipa City is currently on holiday for its 12th National Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage. This is a major annual event of Archdiocese of Lipa recognized by Vatican City and attended by Catholic officials, Lipa residents, local and foreign tourists. The event will end on Sep 14 during the declaration of St. Padre Pio shrine in Sto. Tomas, Batangas as national shrine. Remaining activities for today are as follows:
1:30 pm – Benediction and Reposition, Carmel grounds
1:45 pm – Marian Conference
3:30 pm – Mass
5:30 pm – Public Veneration, Closing program of AOMC4

We pray for the peace, blessings and guidance to the City of Lipa and the Philippines through Mary Mediatrix and her Son, Jesus Christ.

Meet Lipa's Starstruck Hopeful

Lipa City is never emptied with beautiful, handsome and talented individuals competing in talent search on national television. The most recent is 17 years old Rachel Dimaculangan who is competing in GMA Network's Starstruck Season 6 which premiered last Monday, Sep 7.

Rachel is the only aspirant from Batangas and lives in Lipa City. She is studying BS Entrepreneurship and a member of Taekwando varsity team of De La Salle Lipa. She is currently competing with 34 other hopefuls for top 14.

photo: Rachel Dimaculagan's FB account

Bigg's Diner Is Now 5 Years In Lipa

Bigg's Diner is celebrating its 5th year anniversary in Lipa City. This morning, they had their officers, guests and employees get together headed by Carlo Buenaflor (Bigg's Inc CEO) and Mariano-Ronnie Dolot (Bigg's VP for Operations). They also had their motorcade to launch Bigg's Delivery Service or BDS for Lipa residents.

First 100 of their customers for the day with a minimum 300 pesos purchase were treated with a Tower burger for only 5 pesos as their way of appreciation. MOB dancers & Bigg's mascot were also present to entertain their patrons.

On their 5th year, Batangas and nearby towns patrons can expect for a more personalized customer service from their friendly crews. They are also planning to expand their store in SM City Lipa next year for a better dine in experience.

Bigg's Diner is an American retro diner style restaurant originated from Bicol region. They are serving Filipino and American favorite dishes like pasta, chicken, hamburger, rice meals, salads and other. They are also known for their vintage decorations that is everywhere inside their store.

Visit their store at ground level of SM Lipa beside annex building to experience a retro ambiance and tasteful dishes. Their delivery service is also available through their landline number 757 5210.

Sabang: Top Baranggay of Batangas

Did you know that Sabang is not only the most populated baranggay in Batangas but also has the highest Internal Revenue Allotment for 2015? Here's the list of top 15 Baranggays in Batangas for IRA 2015:

1. Sabang, Lipa City - 9,296,075
2. Sta. Rita, Batangas City - 9,103,953
3. Darasa, Tanauan City - 8,277,862
4. Marawoy, Lipa City - 7,555,926
5. Alangilan, Batangas City - 7,183,683
6. Balintawak, Lipa City - 6,984,842
7. Bolbok, Batangas City - 6,450,741
8. Cuta, Batangas City - 6,284,558
9. Libjo, Batangas City - 6,046,324
10. Sta. Clara, B,atangas City - 5,863,827
11. Calicanto, Batangas City - 5,734,605
12. BanayBanay, Lipa City - 5,636,622
13. Tambo, Lipa City - 5,634,221
14. Balagtas, Batangas City - 5,160,639
15. Balete, Batangas City - 5,150,072

In photo are some of the establishments that can be found in Baranggay Sabang of Lipa City.

source: dbm.gov.ph (from Balagtas01 of Skyscrapercity)

Mr Lipa City Among The Standouts of Misters 2015

Nicholo Zacharias, representing Lipa City, is at #4 pick of Missosology (website for pageants) in this year's MISTERS. This Jolo, Sulu born has easily captured the hearts of the press people when he won Press Favorite award during the media presentation of 30 candidates last Aug 30 in One Esplanade, Pasay City. Nicholo is a registered nurse & graduated from De La Salle Lipa. In his FB page, he also mentioned that he was once a fish vendor.

Top 4 winners of MISTERS 2015 will represent the Philippines in Mister International, Mister Tourism International, Mister Model International and Mister Global. The 2014 Mister International is from the Philippines.

photo: from Nicholo Zacharia's FB page and Missosology

The New Lipa City Government Center Is Rising Soon

A 3D presentation of how the new Lipa City Hall will look like is finally revealed. The architectural design is modern and world-class with glasses, trees, fountains and coffee bean as one of many attractions inside and outside the building. It is a mix use of city hall, commercial and BPO office. The building will be solar powered based on the perspective posted in HB Mayuga & Associates website.

Should this be completed, it will elevate the status of local government unit of Lipa & Lipa City as a whole. It will reflect how the city is serious and focus in lifting the standard of living in Lipa & inviting more investors to come over.

It will be under a Public-Private Partnership Program (PPPP) to be funded by MTD Alloy Corp and target date of construction is before the end of 2015. The new building will rise in the same location where the current city hall is. The current building will be maintained and improved to suit the design of the new building.

Watch the video below from Bong Echague's Youtube Channel

10 Signs You Are From Lipa

1. You love to eat authentic Lipa lomi or goto, sinaing na tulingan, bonete etc.
2. You complain traffic in Tambo, Mataas na Lupa, Sabang and Marawoy areas.
3. You call your grandparents Nanay and Mamay.
4. You complain frequently of electric power or water supply interruption.
5. You go to church every Sunday with your family and dine out after.
6. You call taklob for takip, kitse for tansan, liyo for hilo, guyam for langgam, among others.
7. You took photo or had photo in Community Park, Cathedral, Carmel, SM overpass, and lomi restaurants.
8. You are having a hard time taking a bath in the cold months of November to February at any time of the day.
9. You know Big Ben, Tagumpay, Fiesta Mall, Bluroze, El Grande, Fernando Air Base, Carmel etc.
10. You are posting or reading in Lipa City Philippines FB group.

photo: random from LCP Holiday 2014 video project