Miss Magic 2008 contestants featured in Flores de Mayo

Ms. Ellen Ollero of Urdaneta City smiles with pride as the candidates for Miss Magic 2008 were paraded around downtown Urdaneta last May 8, 2008 for the annual Flores de Mayo.




The rest of the beauties representing other towns and cities in Pangasinan, also shine in their elegant gowns.












We were not there to witness the coronation of the winner last May 10.
Can anyone provide the results and perhaps a few photos?

Urdaneta Public Market - An Inside Look

What s life without meat? Urdaneta Public Market has all kinds of it. We have one of the country's biggest cattle market. duh!






Fresh vegetables for sale.


Too tired to go up? No problem. This Public Market has three escalators! Isama mo pa ang lola mo.








Fresh seafood that still smelled of the ocean. Cheaper than in the malls.










We had a chance to go up this ramp and park at third floor. For twenty pesos, it was worth it. The view was great and it felt like a parking building in Makati... except for the two tricycles who couldn't find the exit.

Mayors Square

It used to be the hang out of drug addicts and out of school youth. Now it is immaculate clean with Region I's best police force keeping close watch.






Some greenery offer relief from the hustle and bustle of a growing city.


A concrete gazeebo offer some privacy and shelter just in case it rains




A statue of Dr. Jose Rizal overlooking the mini-park

The Bagsakan Plaza

Just behind the Magic Mall, These vendors never run out of fruits in season. Mandarin or dalanghita these days can go as low as 15 pesos per kilo.


A pinakbet feast waiting to happen.


"Siyak man met to kodakem!"


Gusto mo ng rosy cheeks?


Kuha ka ng kuha diyan. Bibili ka ba naman?


Oiist, baka ipa-penpal mo ako sa Aprikano ha? (her statement verbatim - DRK)


The best mangoes in the world just within reach.


We can also have a Sibuyas & Bawang Festival. Yikes! Imagine how the whole city would smell if we vie for the Guiness record for the longest onion and garlic grill! Ajinomoto would put Urdaneta in a sachet. LOL!

Tupig Kayo Dyan!

At the suggestion of a fellow Urdanetan, we went around to check out places where yummy tupig is sold and here are a couple of them. Click the pictures to view the larger version.


Mmmmmm....

This makeshift stall is located right across the street from the Old City Hall. The smell is irresistable. 3 pesos for a small one roughly the girth of your thumb and about 6 inches.


Manang: Saan mo naman ilalagay yan? Baka sa most-wanted ha?
Me: Ate kung wanted ka, bakit ka naka-istasyon sa harap ng pulis? O diba? Hehehe




This other vendor is right in front of the Dunkin Donuts store across the street from Urduja Hotel/ Chowking.


Also 3 pesos for the small one and 5 pesos for the bigger one. 1 free per ten pices bought, especially if 50 pieces and up.


"Ako naman ang kunan mo. Bili din kayo nga mais hahaha!"


A mountain of tupig all waiting to be devoured.

Fitness in Urdaneta

With so many overweight and obese people you see on the streets, it is hard to think that there are people who still care about fitness and health. Not until you visit any one of the gyms or health clubs in Urdaneta City. They are swarmed with mostly males of all ages especially between the hours of 11am and 7pm. Occasionally a brave woman could be seen doing cardio in one of the machines. Even until closing time at 9pm, there are still a handful that would spare time to sculpt and condition their bodies.

Thanks to Strong Tower Fitness Center for allowing us to take pictures.
Strong Tower is located beside the Magic mall Shopping Center and is open from 7am to 9pm Mondays to Saturdays and 2am to 9pm on Sundays.