At the half way point between visit 6 and 7 there was a lot of excitement and multi media press coverage of the all new " Jollibee Tropical " that opened in Tubod, Iligan. This all new design and imaged Jollibee is the first of its kind for all of Mindanao. After viewing all of the information about its opening via internet this was a must see for me. I went early in the morning to get some good pics before it became crowded.
Jollibee, Tubod Branch, Iligan CIty
There is always some kind of festive occasion happening in Iligan. When I am there it is National Correctional Consciousness Week, a celebration of Jails in The Philippines. As in past visits I had made many donations and contributions to Iligan City Jail, when I came to visit the jail this time I had tears of joy in my eyes to be greeted by a banner informing me that once again Iligan was awarded Best Jail in Region 10 plus the Best Jail Warden in Region 10. I was informed that my continuing contributions played a good part in making this a reality.In between last visit and this one I donated a 43 inch tv and satellite receiver to the jail to be installed in the new Visitor area that was constructed in 2012. This will enable inmates and visitors to watch all of the major sporting events not shown on regular tv as well as world news and educational programming. This is the only jail in Region 10 that has Satellite TV. Thanks to Imperial Applaince Plaza. Iligan Branch. one phone call from my home in New York did it all. This may even encourage more visitors to the jail for those that do not usually get visitors.
my eyes when I first viewed it.
It seems the closer it gets to the time of the year for me to visit the faster the time goes. In the few weeks before I get there it seems like a time avalanch with the clock going faster and faster. As much as I tried, I did not practice the " Iligan March " at home in front of my internet screen as I had planned on doing. When it came time for a performance during the many Jail festivities I kind of declined the first request for me to join in. When the Filipina inmates said " Kuya Bob please come and dance with us " how could I refuse them. Of course I joined them, had a great time and did rather well despite the lack of practice.
It is standard policy of Philippine Jails that they do not provide personal care items for the inmates. These are to be supplied by family and friends that come to visit them. It is unfortunate that some inmates do not get any visitors at all and have to go without. As I did last year, I had a " meeting with the Minors " where I presented them with personal care items I had brought for them. During my meeting with them I found that at least half of them did not have any visitors. In comparison to the many other contributions I have made to this " Award Winning " facility, my gifts for the Minors is the most emotionally significant one to me. Anyone can make donations and as you can see, even just a bar of soap for an inmate that has none is very well appreciated.
for the gifts I brought for them.
A most unique celebration at the jail is a Mass Wedding, which is something I had never heard of before. This was the second of these celebrations I have participated in while visiting Iligan City. Newly elected Mayor Regencia officiated the ceremony and officials of Region 10 BJMP also participated. In a meeting with Mayor Regencia, Warden Jalagat and officials from Region 10 BJMP, we discussed additional major construction and improvements for the jail. I can assure you of some major projects that are now in the works and I hope will see completion for my visit Number 8 of 2014.
Much to my surprise, a few days later I was being driven to Region 10 BJMP Headquarters in Cagayan De Oro to receive an award for my continuing interest and contributions to the " Multi Award Winning " Iligan City Jail. Not many would consider spending their vacation time visiting a city jail and participating in some of the activity there but for me part of this is my way of expressing my appreciation to the City of Iligan for the best vacations I have ever experienced.
for my continuing contributions to the
" Award Winning " Iligan City Jail.
Back in the " always something new in Iligan " department, something else I had looked forward to was visiting the Fabulous Iligan City Hotel-Casino ! The first two floors of the Plaza Alemania Hotel in Iligan are occupied by a PAGCOR Casino. Prior to entering the casino I asked if I could have a look at this recent ground up restoration and refurbishment of the hotel. A hotel employee was assigned to be my guide and I was very impressed with this hotel which includes a beautiful rooftop restaurant. The Casino opened at 6 PM and I spent several very enjoyable hours in it. The staff was very welcoming and answered any question I had about it. The Casino offers a limited food and beverage menu so I enjoyed my evening meal there with some of my Iliganon friends who were also visiting the Casino for the first time. As with all Casinos, photos inside are not allowed so I got one at the entrance with a very nice Filipina Security officer. The casino itself was very clean, attractive, great air con, excellent Comfort Rooms ( rest rooms ).
Iligan CIty
Several years ago an area known as " The Strip " began to develop in Barangay Pala-O. This has been transforming into an outdoor food court over the past several years with different restaurants, and ice cream desert shop and now a bakery and fish fry place. I visited it during the day as I wanted to get some updated pics for my reviews on the travel websites. Those websites require the reviewer to use only their original pics and not those " borrowed " from elsewhere. Yes, I brought my appetite with me.
Another all new from the ground up was a new branch of the original Zoey Cafe. This purpose built building has a dining room and coffee shop on the first floor ( handicapped accessible ) . The second floor is a catering hall which can accommodate up to about 120 people. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Culmination Night dinner of Iligan Business Month to once again meet some familiar faces from prior visits and those who I had not had the pleasure of meeting before. I enjoyed several meals during my visit in the main dining room with some of my Iligan friends. The all new Zoey Cafe is owned and operated by the same family of the original Zoey Cafe in Iligan and of course it was wonderful to be greeted by familiar faces when I entered this restaurant for the first time.
Umbaldo Laya Branch.
In visit Number 6 I experienced Tita Fannies restaurant at the Gaisano Mall. This visit I wanted to experience the original Tita Fannise, the one that started them all. I was also looking forward to another one of those famous Tita Fannies Bila Overload Combo Platters that I waited another year for. I had a very enjoyable meal topped off with a Halo Halo Buko.
Ready for Departure at Languidingan
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