RIP: Joseph M Borreta 1943-2011

Joseph M Borreta, age 68 and former Mayor of Talakag, suffered a heart attack and died at Madonna Hospital last Saturday, May 21, 2011. His body lies on a public wake at the Borreta’s residence in Talakag. He is survived by wife Alice, son JB, daughters Wewing and Pippa, sons-in-law and grandchildren.

Interment will be on Saturday morning, May 28, 2011 after a short eulogy service at the Municipal Hall at 8:00 a.m. and a funeral service at St Joseph Parish Church.

Pacquiao vs Mosley

Thanks to Congressman Jess Paras, the people of Talakag have once again enjoyed watching a Manny Pacquiao fight. Two back to back giant screens were provided right here in the Plaza Covered Court showing (via satellite) the Pacquiao vs Mosley match live from Las Vegas which ended in a unanimous decision in favour of Pacquiao rather than a knockout.

Cups of hot and nutritious “Chicken and Vegetable Arroz Caldo” were also served to the viewing public.

The election is well over and won so this event was no gimmick but a simple provision of recreation and nutrition for the Congressman’s constituency. A much appreciated gesture indeed so well done Congressman!

Talbuks Cafe Is 3 Years Old

How time flies! Three years on and the struggle continues to provide news and information about “Life in Talakag Today”. Talbuks Cafe is definitely a labour of love.

I am pleased to report that this humble blog has been visited 7,000 times since it started. It has also been instrumental in reuniting (online) some old friends as well as making new friends too. Thank you to all visitors and followers. Your comments have inspired me to keep this blog going. Please drop by again soon!

Another Fire in Talakag

Another fire broke out between 11:00 and 11:30 last night in Talakag, just across the Town Plaza and beside the Asian Hills Bank. It is at the corner plot occupied now by the Delaotas but during the 60s/70s by the Macarambons. The fire gutted timber-built commercial establishments including Atty Wilfredo Linaac Law Office; Atty Rochelle Dagaraga Law Office; Gloria Cariton’s Carenderia; an internet cafe; a fruit shop belonging to the Labita family and some buildings that were occupied as residences and boarding houses. Gevic’s Store which is owned by Gemma Pajo narrowly missed the fire. Had it not rained heavily early last night, the fire could have been worst. Fire trucks from the Municipal Fire Department, Dole and Del Monte were at the scene to help tackle the fire.

As of 8:00 this morning, the origin and cause of the fire were still being investigated. One person who rushed back into a burning building to locate a child suffered burns and is being treated at Talakag Medicare Hospital.

It is ironic that the fire happened in the month of March which is the “Fire Prevention Month”. Here are some pictures I took this morning:

Miss Talakag Crown and Title - Keeping It in the Family

Beauty, body and brains definitely run in the family as Naomi Grace Artango Alder (Miss Talakag 2010) handed her crown and title over to her first degree cousin Joyce Artango (Miss Talakag 2011). The Miss Talakag Beauty Pageant was held tonight at the Plaza Covered Court with a formal black and white theme. The stage had a black background with white accent and the candidates paraded in black and white long gowns during the finale.

Here are the results of the

Miss Talakag 2011 Beauty Pageant:

Miss Talakag 2011 - Joyce Artango (centre)

1st Runner-up - Maybelle Ann Naca (left)

2nd Runner-up - Jezebel Abao (right)

Winners of the Special Awards:

Miss Friendship - Violyn Labadan

Best in Production Attire - Maybelle Ann Naca

Best in Swimsuit -Thara Jean Amomonpon

Best in Long Gown – Joyce Artango

Best in Talent – Jezebel Abao

Best in Talaandig Costume – Jezebel Abao

Most Eloquent – Jezebel Abao

Linggo Ng Talakag 2011: Parade

PICTURE POST: Linggo ng Talakag celebrations kicked off today at 8:00 am with a parade around the town with representations from the schools, civil service and private sectors, the lumads, the retired teachers and, of course, the Miss Talakag candidates.

Preparations for Linggo Ng Talakag 2011

PICTURE POST: In the build up towards the Linggo Ng Talakag 2011 celebrations later this week, here's what you'll see around Talakag at the moment.

Band Rehearsal

Dance Rehearsal

Ukay-ukay Display

Funfair Ride

Preparing the Motorcross Track

Enthusiats Try Out the Motorcross Track