Portions of Legaspi City in Albay Flooded

In a mobile phone interview over GMA 7's News show 24 ORAS, a resident of Market Street, Bgy. 15, Legaspi in Albay Province has asked for help from the Local Disaster Coordinating Center after floodwaters swept through their area, forcing them to seek shelter on top of their roofs. The woman (whose name BCIS failed to note) said that as of 7:00 pm tonight, the rain has stopped and the floodwaters have receded slightly. They are appealing for food and clothing.

Relatives and friends in the Municipality of Bacacay and nearby towns of Albay are advised to stay where they are.

ADIVSORY: BCIS will not be updating this blogsite beginning 7:00 am tomorrow (01 December 06 Manila Time) until Saturday afternoon (02 December 06) to prepare for the arrival of Typhoon "Reming" in Metro Manila. Messages and queries can be coursed through theprman_ph@yahoo.com, rodel.banares@gmail.com and banares_feedback@yahoo.com.

PAGASA WEATHER BULLETIN NO. 10 (As of 5:00 p.m. 30 November 2006)

Satellite Picture at 4:00 p.m., 30 November 2006

(courtesy: PAGASA/DOST WEBSISTE;MTSAT; NPMOC)

Severe Weather Bulletin Number TEN

Tropical Cyclone Warning: Typhoon "REMING" {DURIAN}

Issued at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, 30 November 2006

Typhoon "REMING" has maintained its strength and is now traversing Camarines Sur area.
Location of Center:(as of 4:00 p.m.)
40 kms southeast of Pili, Camarines Sur

Coordinates:
13.4°N, 123.5°E

Strength:
Maximum sustained winds of 190 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 225 kph

Movement:
west at 15 kph

Forecast Positions / Outlook:
Early Friday morning:expected to be in the vicinity of MarinduqueFriday afternoon:120 kms south southwest of Metro ManilaSaturday afternoon:440 kms west southwest of Metro ManilaSunday afternoon:740 kms west southwest of Metro Manila

Signal No. 4( >185 kph winds)
Catanduanes,Albay,Camarines Provinces,Southern Quezon,Marinduque,Burias Island

Signal No.3(100-185 kph winds)
Sorsogon,Oriental Mindoro,Batangas,Rest of Quezon,Polillo Island

Signal No. 2(60-100 kph winds)
Aurora,Masbate,Romblon,Occidental Mindoro,Lubang Island,Cavite,Laguna,Rizal,Bulacan,Bataan,Metro Manila, Northern Samar

Signal No. 1(30-60 kph winds)
Zambales,Pampanga,Tarlac,Pangasinan,Nueva Vizcaya,Nueva Ecija,Quirino,Isabela
Rest of Samar,The Calamian group,Biliran Island,AklanCapiz

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signals are alerted against flashfloods and landslides, while those living in coastal areas under Public Storm Warning Signals 2, 3 and 4 are advised to seek higher grounds due to possible storm surge. The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11:00 PM today.

Flash! Metro Manila to be Hit Directly by "Reming" tomorrow morning

Metro Manila is expected to be hit directly by Super Typhoon "Reming". As of November 28, "Reming" was reportedly strong than "Milenyo" but today Rhe super-typhoon has weakened slightly. It has not changed course however and is still on a east-northeasternly course.

flash as of 9:00 am today: "REMING" Makes Landfall in Catanduanes

The super-typhoon "Reming" made landfall in Catanduanes as of 9:00 am today. The storm is expected to be in Metro Manila by tomorrow morning.

FROM PAGASA WEBSITE as of 10:00 PM TODAY, NOV. 29

Coordinates:
13.4°N, 126.1°E

Strength:
Maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph

Movement:
west northwest at 17 kph

Forecast Positions / Outlook:
Thursday morning:landfall over Catanduanes and then move towards Camarines NorteFriday evening:240 kms west of Metro Manila or160 kms southwest of Iba, ZambalesSaturday evening:600 kms west of Metro Manila

Signal No. 4 ( >185 kph winds)
Catanduanes ,Albay, Camarines Provinces

Signal No.3 (100-185 kph winds)
Sorsogon, Burias Island, Quezon,Polillo Island, Marinduque

Signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds)
Masbate,Romblon,Oriental Mindoro,Batangas,Cavite,Laguna,Rizal,Bulacan,Aurora,Bataan,Metro Manila
Northern Samar

Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds)
Occidental Mindor,oLubang Island,Zambales,Pampanga,Tarlac,Pangasinan,Nueva Vizcaya,Nueva Ecija,Quirino,Isabela, Rest of SamarBiliran Island

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signals are alerted against flashfloods and landslides, respectively while those living in coastal areas under Public Storm Signals 2, 3 and 4 are advised to seek higher grounds due to possible storm surge. The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow.

FLASH! Signal No. 4 up over Albay, 3 other Bicol Provinces

The Banares Clan in Albay and those residing in the provinces of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes and Sorsogon are advised that storm signal number 4 has been raised by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) few minutes ago. Clansters are advised to stay at home and avoid going out unnecessarily. Extreme caution is advised. The Banares Clan Information Service (BCIS) will continue to monitor the progress of Typhoon Reming.

FLASH! PAGASA Raises Signal No. 2 in Metro Manila

Super Typhoon Reming has increased wind speeds and has now reached 195 kimlometers per hour near the center. PAGASA is scheduled to make a press conference a few minutes from now. Malacanang has suspended all classes in Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal and other nearby areas. Billboard owners have been instructed by MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando to bring down the billboard canvasses in order to prevent undue injuries to motorists and pedestrians. Please await further advisories from PAGASA and this blogsite.

PAGASA Raises Signal No.4 in Catanduanes, 3 in Albay

Clansters, especially those living in the Bicol Region are advised that Super typhoon “Reming” will hit Catanduanes tomorrow between 8 am to 12 noon with 120-190 kilometers per hour winds. PASGASA has raised Storm Signal No. 4 in Catanduanes and Signal No. 3 in the Province of Albay. Metro Manila is also expected to be hit by “Reming” on Friday. Weathermen are expecting to raise Signal No. 2 over Metro Manila by tomorrow. Clansters are advised to stay indoors and to stock up on food, portable radios, batteries, flashlights, first-aid kits and cellular phones for emergency calls. The Banares Clan Information Blogsite will give up-to-the-minute advisories as needed. Sattelite Map Image courtesy of Google Earth and NASA Imagery.

Norma Banares-Pimentel Arrives from Bicol; Virginia Dado’s health deteriorating

Norma Banares-Pimentel arrived today from Bacacay, Albay after staying there for more than a week to visit ailing elder sister Virginia. Norma reports that the health of Virginia continues to deteriorate despite efforts from relatives and doctors to make it better. We continue to ask for your prayers.

Alex and Lisa Banares-Eusebio to Renew Vows?

Alex and Lisa Banares-Eusebio will reportedly renew their vows in solemn Christian rites this December. No confirmation has been given by either of the couple.

Melchor Banares Dies

Melchor Banares, a clan relative from Bacacay, Albay based in Metro Manila reportedly passed away this November. No details as of yet have been given regarding the cause of death, or whether he will be buried or cremated. Those with information regarding the death of Melchor Banares can post the info in our tagboard at the right sidebar of this page or e-mail us at banares_feedback@yahoo.com or rodel.banares@gmail.com.

Virgnia Banares vda de Dado continues to weaken

Reports reachng BCIS have indicated that ailing clan elder Virginia Banares vda de Dado continues to weaken, prompting her sister Norma Pimentel and adopted daughter Sheila to postpone their planned return to Manila ndefinitely. Jesus Banares, Virginia's younger brother however had to leave for Manila to prepare for their flight to Dubai at the end of the month.

The clan continues to pray for Virginia's recovery and asks the rest of the Banares Clan all over the world to include her in your prayers.

NEW PHOTOS POSTED AT THE BANARES CLAN PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Vic and Ruth Banares-David's Recent Trip to India (Nov. 4 to 14, 2006) has been posted at the Clan Gallery. The photos are courtesy of Vic & Ruth David.

Check out our Clan Gallery by clicking on the Clan Gallery at the right sidebar of this page.

Rodel Banares' Tribute to Soliven in Philstar.com

BCIS Founder and Blogsite Administrator Rodel Banares' tribute to Max Soliven entitled "Manong Max, Paalam" can be viewed at the Philippine Star website. Type in www.philstar.com. Click on the Philippine Star button, then click the Tribute to Max button. His article is entitled "LETTER FROM RODEL CACANINDIN BANARES: MANONG MAX, PAALAM". It can be found at the right sidebar of the page.

PAALAM, MANONG MAX

A tribute to a great writer, publisher and Filipino by Rodel Banares

Philippine Star Publisher and columnist Max Soliven suffered a fatal stroke at the Narita International Airport in Japan as he was preparing to fly back to his beloved motherland. I best remember Manong Max for his hard-hitting, no nonsense style of writing. He was neither pro-government nor anti-government. He calls a spade a spade and his witty articles and narratives truly capture the essence of his chosen topics. His trademark sanamagan will sorely be missed by his daily readers. I myself prefer to read Manong Max because of the way he sends and manages to get his messages across. As a fellow Filipino, it makes me very proud to know that someone as patently Filipino as Manong Max is well respected by his international peers.

I will always remember him best as a cellmate of the late great Benigno Aquino Jr. in Fort Bonifacio during the dark days of martial law. Max Soliven was imprisoned because he spoke the truth, and that the truth, media men know as gospel truth, is the most dangerous thing one can possess during the dark days of martial law.

After the fall of the dictatorship, he continued on with his mission of truth through information: first with the Inquirer, and then through The Philippine Star. Like it or not, he is well respected by his fellow publishers and columnists, no matter how much his opinions may differ from theirs.

As they say, and as I like to quote every now and then, if one has done something worthy of remembrance, that deed will be his monument. If not, no monument can ever preserve his memeory. I wish now to paraphrase and dedicate the last line of Manong Max's biographical essay Goodbye, Superboy (a Fond Farewell to the Last Romantic) to his memory: Goodbye, Manong Max. I am proud to have known you. And happy to have known you well.


Manong Max
By Rodel C. Banares

Armas Mong Hawak Ay Pluma
Katotohanan ang iyong tinta
Na isinulat sa pahina ng Kasaysayan
At nakauikit sa aming kamalayan.

Sa iyong pagkawala
Hindi matutuyo ang pluma!
Ipagpapatuloy ng bawat Pilipino
Ang sinimulan mong kabanata.

Katotohanan ang pinuhunan
Katotohanan siyang patuloy na ipaglalaban
Sapagkat ang aral ng iyong paglisan
Ang katotohanan ang siyang nakapagpapalaya!

E-Mail from Ken Banares of Manitoba, Canada

This letter was sent to us through banares_feedback@yahoo.com by Ken Banares last October 27, 2006. Due to technical difficulties, i am only able to post this letter now. I apologize to Ken for the delay. For clansters who have any information to share regarding Ken's query, you may email us at the abovementioned e-mail address or post a message on our tagboard. -- Rodel Banares, BCIS Blogsite Administrator


Hi,
I would like to thank you for setting up the family website. I have been trying for years to gain some info on my family tree but it is hard since I am located in Canada. Maybe you can help me. My grandfather is Eufemio Bañares from Albay and was married to Simplicia Mitra. My dad is Wilhelmino (Willie) Bañares. My brief personal history includes; born in 1974 @ QC, grew up in Mandaluyong, Elementary school at Aquinas School, High school at San Beda College and moved to Winnipeg Manitoba Canada in 1990 with my mom's family. My only recollection of my grandpa's Bicolano relatives was visiting my dad's family in Tabaco Albay when I was 10 years old, took a bath at Ameter Hot Springs(or something >>)and my mom also lived there when she eloped with my dad. Her name is Esperanza Robles. My dad mentioned that they stayed at Tabaco for about a year after I was born.. I also remember having uncles and cousins with surnames like Berces… My grandfather was a guerilla in WWII and was on his way to the US ( via his enlistment with the US Army during the war) when he suddenly passed away. One of my biggest regrets is not inquiring more from my dad and granpa regarding our heritage... I would like to pass on this information to my kids so they will know their family history.
I would appreciate very much if you can direct me or even provide me some information about my dad's family history.

Kind regards,

Kenneth R. Bañares Program Coordinator - Field Director Development Investors Group Financial Services Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada

Katrine Banares Sales to begin work in Malacanang

Katrne Sales, eldest child of Mario and Ruby Banares-Sales will start reporting to her new job at the Malacanang Palace Media Office today. Her first assignment will be the ASEAN Summit which will be held in Cebu next month. Katrine recently resigned from her work at Sykes in Makati.

Jessie Banares Arrives in Bicol to Visit Ailing Sister

Reports reaching BCIS indicate that Jesus Banares has arrived in Bacacay from Antipolo to visit his ailing sister Virginia. Jessie is reported to be leaving for Dubai at the end of the month to visit his children. He will be accompanied by wife Linda Mallari Banares.

RENE BANARES TO RUN FOR BGY. CAPTAIN IN BACACAY?

Reports received by BCIS have confirmed the intentions of Rene Banares, son of Roger and Ning Banares, to run for barangay captain of Mapulang Daga, an island in Bacacay, Albay. Rene has been in Bacacay for a year now.

JESSIE AND LINDA BANARES TO TRAVEL TO DUBAI

Reports reaching BCIS indicate that Jesus and Linda Banares will be traveling to Dubai on December 3 to visit their children Maricar, Lorna and Paolo. There are also reports that the couple will be visiting Canada where their daughters Jeselene and Marites live. These are still being verified as of the present.

NORMA PIMENTEL IN BACACAY TO VISIT AILING SISTER

Norma Pimentel left Manila yesterday evening, Nov 19 2006 for Bacacay Albay to visit ailing sister Virginia Banares vda de Dado. She was accompanied by Virginia's adopted daughter Shiela. They arrived early this morning in Bacacay.

KAREN PIMENTEL-CONSUNJI GIVES BIRTH TO BABY GIRL

Karen Banares pimentel-Consunji underwent C-section to give birth to a lovely baby girl at the Delgado Hospital in Quezon City last Tuesday, according to doting mom Norma Pimentel. This is Karen and husband Gil's first child. Congratulations, Karen and Gil!

BACACAY CLANSTERS: VIRGINIA BANARES-DADO SERIOUSLY ILL

Sources from the Banares Clan in Bacacay, Albay said in a text message that Clan elder Virgina Banares vda. De Dado has grown weak these past days. Virginia had an accident a few years back which has caused her legs to weaken, preventing her from being able to walk unaided. Last year, the late Edita Banares and sister-in-law Norma Banares-Pimentel went to Bicol and reported the slight improvement of Virginia’s health. Reports also said that she has stopped eating and was reported to have said to her brother Henry that she wants rest. When told that a doctor will be called for her, she replied that what she needs is the funeral parlor. (With reports from BCIS-Bacacay)

November Birthday Celebrants

This November, the following clansters will be celebrating their
birthdays: Lita Salazar Gabato (Nov. 4), Karen Pimentel (Nov. 5), Sor. Milagros Gregorio (Nov. 6), Chiqui Ortiz-Dingcong (Nov. 8), Norma Pimentel (Nov. 18), Ann Ortiz (Nov. 19), Virginia Banares Dado (Nov. 20), Rose Banares (Nov. 22), Marties Banares (Nov. 25).

From the Banares Clan Information Blogsite and Familia Journal On-Line,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!