THE GRAND OPENING of SM City in Naga has been an event that many people were anticipating with mixed feelings. I was one of those who were waiting for the opening of the mall. I was invited during the mall's blessing on April 30. I was looking forward to having quality goods available at my convenience. In spite of the rain, the first store hours on May 1 saw all kinds of people from all walks of life flocking to the mall to celebrate the advent of a mega shopping and activity center in Naga City.

LEGAZPI CITY, May 7 (PNA) - The Department of Tourism (DOT) said the last tranche of the P2.5-million fund assistance to the province of Sorsogon for the establishment of various infrastructure and other tourism projects, has been released earlier this week. DOT Bicol regional director Maria Ong-Ravanilla said the grant was given under the Expanded Grassroots Entrepreneurs for Eco-Tourism (GREET) program of the DOT which had been conceived to enhance livelihood opportunities in the tourism sector.

LEGAZPI CITY, May 8 (PNA) --- Human rights violation incidence in Bikol slid down last year compared to the previous years, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Bikol reported. CHR records indicate that only 46 cases of human rights violations were reported last year, an 11 percent decrease compared to 51 cases recorded in 2007.

MANILA, May 8, 2009-The Arroyo administration's strategy to end political killings will not work, a Catholic bishop said. Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the P25 million fund to reward informants who could help solve political killings will never have much impact.

"Better safe than sorry.""A pound of prevention is greater than an ounce of cure." This are in essence what the Department and Health (DOH) and World Health Organization (WHO) are telling the country when they advice Manny Pacquiao to postpone his triumphal return to Manila after his victory over Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There is something eerie each time Manny Pacquiao comes to Las Vegas, Nevada to fight in the boxing arena. Last Saturday, just like his fight against Oscar de la Hoya, the match between him and Englishman Ricky Hatton was attended by 50 Philippine congressmen even if it lasted only for 3 minutes.

Filipinos displayed almost total unanimity in support for Manny Pacquiao during his boxing bout with Ricky Hatton. The entire nation was ecstatic to watch the astounding victory that carved Manny’s name among the greatest boxers of the world. As his countrymen prepared for a hero’s welcome in Manila, a brewing firestorm of controversy had started.

It’s a waiting game for three individuals who were quarantined in Cebu on suspicion that they harbor the H1N1 flu virus. A Filipino who was detected to be running fever by thermal scan at Cebu Airpot was isolated together with his wife after they arrived from their trip which brought them to Ireland, Hongkong then to Cebu via Cathay Pacific Fight.

Put to rest the doubts that Manny Pacquiao won against Oscar de la Hoya because the latter was too old. This time Pacquiao sent a young and strong Ricky Hatton into the canvass two times before knocking him out less 10 seconds before the end of second round.

Last night, I had to buy a phone gadget in a hurry. It was eight in the evening and I had to look for a store to buy it. And look what I found---SM City Naga! The gadget I needed was right there at SM Appliances---all options and various models available at Manila prices.