Introducing Miramar Beach

by Fel Gorospe

Courtesy of Aubrey Tabuga of The Lucky Traveler travel blog

Still awaiting to get discovered is a beauty up in the north – Miramar Beach. If you are up for a roadtrip or a pilgrimage in Ilocos Sur’s historic churches or just want to take a look at what more this province can offer, go offroad into one of the local pride- Miramar Beach. This untouched and untamed piece of nature is located in the western portion of Magsingal, a small town in northern Ilocos Sur.

The northern Ilocos Region is slowly making its name as a destination for beach lovers, the most famous being Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, and the surfing destination- San Juan in La Union.  Though Miramar Beach doesn’t have the white sand that well-known Philippine beaches have, it is a beauty in its own with its fine sand and spacious beachfront, unlike the rugged and rocky beaches in the southern part of Ilocos Sur.

Lights All Green for Ilocos Football

by Fel Gorospe

The Ilocos Football Association (IFA) is ending the year with a positive note. Last November 30, 2013, IFA’s application for a change of name has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Its officially registered name now is ILOCOS SUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION INC.

Interestingly, on the same day, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has approved the probationary membership of IFA to its roster of members nationwide. With this, IFA holds the distinction to be the only local football association in the entire Ilocos affiliated to PFF,  thereby strengthening its foothold as the umbrella group  of all football clubs  and associations in Ilocos.

With everything seems to be falling into its rightful places, IFA is poised to accelerate its programs and activities for the coming year.  As opening salvo for 2014, the first-ever Beach Football Invitational Tournament in the North will be held on the first quarter of the year. Youth football teams, ages 15 years old and under, from other countries including Guam are seeing action in this maiden tournament, the first to be organized by IFA and to be staged in the pristine shores of Ilocos.

IFA President attends FIFA Grassroots Development Course & Festival in Guam

by Fel Gorospe

IFA president and head coach, Mr. Edgar Robert “Coach Bobby” de Jesus joined over fifty (50) coaches in the FIFA Grassroots Development Course & Festival held on August 21 – 25, 2013 in Guam.  The course conductor was FIFA Instructor Lim Kim Chon of Malaysia, who has been instructing various FIFA coaching course since 1999 particularly for grassroots development.

The five-day course delved into concepts of coaching youth players aged 6 to 12 years old in both theoretical and practical sessions where participants were given ideas for practice drills and incorporating fun with technical training. The main mission for the coach is to teach through encouragement and achievement as well as to promote learning through play.

On the final day of the five-day course, the coaches organized a football festival for Guam’s youth players.  Hundreds of kids and their players enjoyed the festival, which showcased many of the concepts and activities the coaches learned during the course.

Welcome Reception

by Fel Gorospe

The heart of the day’s activities happened late in the afternoon at the Vgent Foundation House grounds.

A Welcome Program was held for the three (3) IFA players who have recently arrived from playing stints in Europe. These are Ezekiel Tañeza of St. Williams Institute, John Paul Gorospe  and Ivan Rey Venenciano, both students at The Magsingal Institute.

The three boys reinforced the Team Philippines Youth Football Association, a football association based in Laguna which is actively doing the rounds of tournaments here and abroad, in the Norway Cup 2013 slated July 27 to August 3, 2013 at Oslo, Norway.  Norway Cup is the largest international football tournament for the youth.

Part of the travel itinerary of the Team Philippines was a visit to Ibercup 2013 in Portugal and  Intersport Youth Football Festival in Hungary.  All the three boys brought home with them wonderful memories of their European travel.

Beach Football To Brew Up In Miramar

by Fel Gorospe

Gideon “Gido” Diestro, the sports and recreation advisor of the event management company KAIZEN based in Guam, USA,  visited the affair of IIocos Football Association (IFA) on Saturday, 10th August 2013. He was invited by Coach Bobby de Jesus to grace the event.

Early this month, Gido paid a visit to Coach Bobby to extend an invitation for IFA to take part in the 2014 Youth Games in Guam, USA in the month of May.  The company he is representing, Kaizen, is the event manager for the said Games.  Coach Bobby warmly welcomed the invitation as it is already a big privilege to be invited in such prestigious event. Mr. Felicisimo P. Gorospe will  head the Philippine delegation during the Games.

IFA Kicks Off 3rd Football Festival

by Fel Gorospe

The third rendition of the annual Football Festival was sportively staged on May 25, 2013 at the newly-lighted IFA Football Field in Brgy. Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.  Organized by the Ilocos Football Association for three straight years now, the football festival this year was participated in by  twelve (12) seasoned teams coming from as far as Naga City in the south and Tuguegarao City in the north.

This much-awaited festival was graced by special guests namely Ms. Erica Marchant  (American Peace Corp representative), Estrelita Soria (DepEd Region I assistant director), Atty. Antonio Luis Carpio (Philippine Football Federation board member), and Mary Ann Quintana (Tupperware Brands representative.

The following were the teams which saw action in this annual festival:  ABC Stars of Naga, Futbol Club de Mandaluyong, Don Bosco Youth of Mandaluyong, Football Academy of Tarlac, Tuguegarao, Sto. Domingo, Laoag, Bataan Football Club, Athletico Seminaryo FC, Kugtaleros, UTIRS, and  IFA.

2013 IFA Coaches' Clinic

by Fel Gorospe
(as published in the IFA website)

An IFA-organized football coaching course was successfully held last April 29-30, 2013 at the IFA Football Field in Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

A total of 16 coaches from five different clubs all over Ilocos Sur province took part in the two-day course. The course was divided in two parts, first was theoretical lectures and the other was practical demonstrations. The participants were also given a chance to ask questions during the open discussion.

At the end, the participants gained the necessary tools and tactics for effective coaching.
The resource speaker was Mr. Edgar Robert “Coach Bobby” de Jesus, an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) License B coach. Coach Bobby is a veteran football coach, having handled a number of  both professional and school-based clubs. Since 2011, he’s concurrently the head coach and president of the Ilocos Football Association.

Miramar Expat Wins Texas Fun Run

by Fel Gorospe

A tiny but gritty Filipina from Miramar made history when she bested close to 6,000 runners from over 200 teams as she pocketed the top plum in an annual 5-K Fun Run held recently in Dallas, Texas.

Ms Angel Consolacion Pohl, 32, a native of Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, posted the best time in the fun run known as Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on June 2, 2013. With the feat, Angel became the first ever Filipina to hold the title.

A BSE graduate of St. Paul College in Vigan City, Angel immigrated to the USA three years ago. She now lives with her husband Scott Pohl at Dallas, Texas. While still living in Miramar, Angel was an active member and supporter of the Ilocos Football Association.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the world’s largest fundraising event for breast cancer. Since its first rendition in 1983 which drew 800 participants, the Race for the Cure has steadily been gaining support from the public through the years. The race consists of a series of 5K runs and fitness walks to raise money for breast cancer, to raise awareness of the disease, to celebrate those who have survived breast cancer, and memorialize those who have not.

Let there be light...

by Fel Gorospe

You are all welcome to the official lighting up of the IFA Football Field at our beautiful barangay in Miramar, Magsingal.  It will be held on March 15, 2013 at 5.30 in the afternoon.

Miramar Elementary School: In focus

by Geoffrey Tolentino Unida

The entrance to our school

The Miramar Elementary School serves the early education needs of our kailians in Barangay Miramar and surrounding areas.

The school is currently run by the following teaching staff from Magsingal District:

Preschool --- Mrs. Princess Ann David Baltazar
Grade I --- Mrs. Vellie Banadero Urban
Grade II --- Ms. Marissa Tomaneng Pascua
Grade III --- Mr. Lavern Anthony Ulibas Arcano
Grade IV --- Mrs. Cecilia Lazo Pines
Grade V --- Mr. Alexander Vila Salvador
Grade VI --- Mr. Geoffrey Tolentino Unida
Relieving Teacher --- Mrs. Marites Sarinas Ubilas
School Principal --- Ms. Rosalinda Pescador Laurente

The 2nd IFA Cup Invitational

by Fel Gorospe
(as published in the IFA website)

The second rendition of the annual football festival kicked off last May 21, 2012 at the IFA’s football grounds in Brgy. Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. No less than ten teams from as far as Metro Manila participated in last month’s 2nd IFA Cup Invitational through the invitation extended to them by IFA’s president and head coach, Mr. Boddy de Jesus.

The event has been extra meaningful with the attendance of the Civitan Philippines’ prime mover, Dr. Tess Yambot, who has also recently engineered the creation of Civitan Ilocos Club. CivitanPhilippinesis the latest institution which threw its full support to IFA, believing in its noble cause.

Ilocos Football Association (IFA) Website

by Fel Gorospe

IFA has been busy since the day of its creation.  We have gone a long way. Continue to support us and the game of football.  Get all the IFA news at our official website.

A Certified Asian Hero

by Fel Gorospe

CANADA – The Southeast Asia-Canada Business Council (SEABC) thru its Charity Arm, Canada – Asia Socio Economic Foundation named this year’s awardees of 2nd Asian Heroes Gala.  Seven (7) recipients were recognized including Chairman Emeritus Mr. Felicisimo P. Gorospe of VGent Group of Companies. Awarding ceremonies was held at River Rock Resort Hotels, River Road, Richmond, British Colombia, Canada on September 17, 2011.

Being the only Asian Hero from the Philippines, Mr. Felicisimo Gorospe or simply known as “FPG,” chosen by the Board of Judges by the award-giving body because of his numerous humanitarian and socio-civic efforts to alleviate the standards of living of the Filipinos. 

Our Magsingal Hero

by Vic A

Another deserving win for a notable Magsingaleno, Mr Felicisimo Gorospe, voted one of 6 Asian Heroes who were recognized by the Canadian version of Asian Heroes Award.

See video courtesy of Balitang America here:  http://www.balitangamerica.tv/balita-sa-canada-092011/

Congratulations Manong Fel for another feather on your cap.  You make us all real proud to be Magsingalenos.

Awarding of VFI Scholarship Grants 2011

by Fel Gorospe

SCHOLAR JESSA

VGent Foundation, Inc. (VFI) Scholarship recipient, Ms. Jessamin Asegurado, awarded by (from left) Mrs. Zosima G. Friala, Magsingal Mayor Mrs. Arlene A. Favis, and Mr. Felicisimo P. Gorospe during VFI Scholarship Grants.

A good news for underprivileged but deserving students in Ilocos Sur.

Fifty-eight (58) high school and college students were recently awarded as VGent Foundation Scholars for the school year 2011-2012 in line with the 75th birthday celebration of VGent Group of Companies Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Felicisimo P. Gorospe, held at the VGent Foundation House, Barangay Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, on August 6, 2011.

75 YEARS HENCE

by Fel Gorospe

Last August 6, 2011, I celebrated my 75th birthday.   Consistent with my vow of three years ago to celebrate my birthday in my hometown of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, I opted to share my diamond anniversary of life in Barangay Miramar together with the homecoming party of our 2011 Fragaria Cup players & delegates, awarding of VGent Foundation, Inc. scholarship grants and the 3rd medical and dental mission empowering a healthy Ilocano community.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FPG
Mr. Felicisimo P. Gorospe chairman emeritus of VGent Group of Companies, celebrating his 75th birthday with wife Mrs. Erlinda A. Gorospe, overall chairman of VGent Group, Inc.

Looking back, 75 years hence, I am happy and fulfilled of what Magsingal has become and is becoming.  In less than a year, we were able to facilitate and inspire the establishment of cemented roads and bridge infrastructure, expand our scholarship programs, create a football field and even send two (2) football teams in Europe to compete. It is indeed rewarding.

CAP ON FRAGARIA CUP

by Fel Gorospe

While the Azkals won over Srilanka, 4-0, last Sunday, July 3, 2011, football Filipino children players also participated in an international football arena, the Fragaria Cup 2011 in Slovak Republic, Europe.

Our country participated in both boys and girls division leading on the Southeast Asian participation in such global competition of over 200 football teams.

Becoming a leading football nation with considerable world ranking, they say, is a 20-year program, conservatively. With our active training and participation in the early years, such as these U10 category games, the cap on Fragaria Cup may very well be a feather on our nation's football cap slowly landing in the years ahead of expertise building.

KRASNA HORKA
The Philippine Team enjoys spots in Slovakia such as the Krasna Horka located in Kosice. Training commences after the tour.

TOUGHER THAN THE ILOCOS SUMMER HEAT

by Fel Gorospe

The heat is on.  With the summer heat at more than 36?C or 97?F in Ilocos Sur, it’s definitely going to be tough. Toughing out the Ilocos heat and as a testament to the commitment to reinforcing football awareness and competitiveness to the northern region of the Philippines, 27 football teams felt the heat at the 1st Ilocos Youth Football Association (IYFA) Football Festival held on May 6-8, 2011 at IYFA Football Field, Brgy. Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

BEACH EXHIBITION GAMES
Teams and their coaches including players lining up for the commencement of beach football and exhibition games held in Miramar Beach, Barangay Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

Comprised of 16 field football teams and 11 beach football teams with more than 120 players, the 27 teams who vied for gold came from different cities and municipalities of Manila, Makati, Mandluyong, Vigan, Magsingal and Laoag. The three-day festival has been a showcase for football clubs and teams to convene and prove their athletic competitiveness at the newly inaugurated IYFA Football Field and the make-shift beach football area in Brgy. Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

Football Festival Program in Miramar

by Fel Gorospe


The IYFA is conducting the Football Festival Program in Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur from May 6-8, 2011.

Football comes to Magsingal

by Fel Gorospe

The Futbol Academy of the North (FAN) and the Ilocos Youth Football Association (IYFA) will be launched in Miramar on March 12, 2011.