Leni-Kiko supporters open volunteer center in Ilocos Norte

The first time volunteers in clannish Ilocos Norte came out to make a stand for Leni and Kiko (here), eyebrows were raised, accusations were cast, legitimacy was questioned. Unfazed, the volunteers remain hopeful and driven by the positive energy flowing from the tandem they chose to support. Because of their growing number, a center where they can meet, work together, and assist new campaigners was established.

On the 36th anniversary of the bloodless People Power Revolution, the volunteers representing diverse backgrounds, gathered to celebrate the launch of the pinkified center, located within the neighborhood of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol.

“The tiny crack in the heart of the so-called Solid North is growing, and we will continue to chip away at it until that crack finally falls apart into a chasm for the light of truth to fill,” the volunteers said in a statement.

At around the same time the base opened in Laoag, a separate group from I.N. LoVe attended the EDSA Revolution commemoration activities at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City.

Photos from the Ilocos Norte for Leni and Kiko Volunteers

The game-changing Laoag sandboarding on its 9th year

The LEAD (Laoag Eco-Adventure Development) Movement kids, who helped put the Laoag Sand Dunes on the adventure map, now grown-ups, in a more adultish vid.

So many changes since that trial ride on August 2, 2009 in La Paz. A co-op has brought together LEAD, the originators of sandboarding in the Philippines, and all the other operators who came after LEAD, for a common good, which is to boost tourism in Laoag City and the rest of the North. The expansive dunes which also cover parts of Paoay and Currimao make Ilocos Norte extraordinary. Have you had your own sand adventure yet?

Chevylle V. Fariñas: Tailor-made for public service

Chevylle sounds like Chevy Chevelle, the car of choice of Baby Boomers, somewhat hinting at the age of the first woman mayor of the city of Laoag. The only daughter among the two children of Baby and the late Rudy Villanueva (not originally from Ilocos), Chevylle spent her formative years in Laoag. An honor student at the Holy Spirit Academy of Laoag, she had that kind of beauty that made the boys swoon. Her college years were at the Maryknoll (now Miriam College). As cupid would have it, Michael Fariñas, the first grandchild of the late Fariñas Trans patriarch, Don Federico, and nephew of then Laoag mayor Rudy, never let her go, and they tied the knot and had children. Michael worked in the family business while Chevylle was full-time mom, yet helped manage their own retail store, and later on they dabbled in politics (Chevylle always supported Michael, who was tasked to organize and manage his uncles’ election campaigns). When it was Michael’s turn to win the mayoralty in Laoag, Chevylle assumed the other essential posts like the barangay heads association chair.

Fellow-barangay heads helped her “walk” for the mayoralty post, with last-termer mayor Michael defying family wishes, which caused a split-up in the Fariñas family and supporters (the first time it happened to the close-knit family), and indeed she eventually won by more than 21K votes over reelectionist uncle, Roger. But that’s all water under the bridge. The passing away of cousin JR ( Rudy’s son) made Laoag’s most prominent political family whole again.

More low-key than the average Ilocano politician, her strength lies in her diligence and organizational skills. And I see that feisty streak in her, exactly what a woman leader should be born with.

Under her leadership, Laoag continues to reap awards, awards such as most livable and most business-friendly city, notwithstanding the controversial disappearance of former City Treasurer Elena V. Asuncion and 85 million from the coffers of the city, which political opponents of the Fariñases are trying to link to both the mayor and vice-mayor (husband Michael).

Fun Facts about Laoag City Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas

• She sings very well. Very well means like a professional singer.

• She’s a hands on mom, albeit her other duties. Now that her two older children, Jami and Mikee, are able to help serve her constituents, we can see how she has influenced them in their career paths — Jami is the City Administrator, after Perry Martinez vacated the post, and Mikee has followed her parents’ footsteps into politics.

• Creativity is her middle name. She likes arts and crafts, she’s her own stylist, she loves makeup (like you and me, darling), and dressing up as seen in her fashion choices (well, her mom owns a clothing store). Her personal strong liking for happy colors extends to her office like Barbie pink and apple green are the official colors of her administration.

• She drives like a man. She will drive to Manila alone if she has to. What are the Sampaloc and Divisoria streets to her?

• A city hall employee will attest to her exemplary work ethic. One more employee says she pushes them to think out of the box, and likes to hear innovations.