Konted's Make My Day 2: Norzagaray: A Truly Blessed Town

Norzagaray: A Truly Blessed Town

**Updated

Norzagaray is one of the twenty four (24) towns of Bulacan and is located within the sixth district of the province.

Having an annual revenue of P 526,661,702.69, it is classified as a first class municipality. It is the 4th richest municipality in the province of Bulacan, the first three being Marilao, Santa Maria and Baliuag.

Norzagaray has a total population of 136,064. Its voting population, as of 2019, is 67,280.

Holding the highest elective position, the Town Mayor discharges executive functions as defined by the Local Government Code.

The Vice Mayor, eight Councilors and two ex officio members comprise the Sangguniang Bayan or Municipal Council.

Such arrangement is part of the checks and balances ideal in a local government unit such as Norzagaray.

Newly Elected Officials (2022)

Mayor Merlyn Germar

Vice Mayor Baldo Gener

Councilors Resty Sumbillo

Abby Reyes

Guillian Samson

Alvin Cruz

Lucy Espiritu

Maricar Pelayo

Jonjon Cruz

Edsel Mendoza

Ex Officio Members

ABC President Paolo Germar

SK Fed Pres. Mark Feliciano

Governor Daniel Fernando

Vice Governor Alex Castro

Board Members(2) Jay De Guzman

(6th District) Art Legaspi

Congressman Salvador Pleyto, Sr.

The town hall of Norzagaray is located at Brgy. Poblacion.

The Hon. Amado Pascual Building which houses the Sangguniang Bayan and the Police Station.

Mayor is Hon. Merlyn Germar while Vice Mayor is Hon. Baldo Gener

Located at the eastern side of Bulacan and at the foot of the famed Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Norzagaray is the province's third largest municipality with a land area of 28,852 hectares.

Dona Remedios Trinidad, a neighboring town, used to be a part of Norzagaray.

Angat Dam, which provides electricity to most parts of Central Luzon, and Ipo Dam, which channels drinking water to Metro Manila residents, are both found in Norzagaray.

Norzagaray is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It is the third largest municipality in the province of Bulacan.

The southern part of the Angat Watershed. A great part of the Angat Watershed is situated at the mountainous areas of Norzagaray.

Angat Dam at Brgy. San Lorenzo in Norzagaray. It is under the management of the National Power Corporation (Napocor).

Ipo Dam

Norzagaray has three giant cement manufacturing firms, namely, Holcim Phil, Inc. (HiCement), LaFarge(Republic) and LaFarge (Continental).

This explains why Norzagaray is a first class municipality and tells also why it is considered as rich in natural resources.

Agriculture is also a major industry with vast tracts of land intended for farming and animal raising.

Pyrotechnics making is a profitable business too.

Holcim, formerly known as Hi-Cement, is one of three cement manufacturing companies in Norzagaray.

La Farge (Continental) Cement Corp is located at Brgy. Bigte.

La Farge (Republic) Cement Corp is situated at Brgy. Minuyan.

Spar Development Corporation is an old limestone company in Brgy. Bigte.

Sunjin Corporation produces animal feeds. It is along the national highway in Brgy. Partida.

It is rice-planting time in Brgy.San Mateo (Pinagkamaligan).

A productive rice field in Brgy. Tigbe

Every parcel of land is made productive by the good farmer by planting the right crops at the right time.

Firecrackers and other fireworks are made under strict supervision in Brgy. Partida. Businessman Alfonso Reyes produces and sells high quality fireworks.

Business is good during the Christmas season and during fiestas and festivals.It provides employment and business opportunities to residents of the town.

Of the 13 barangays in the municipality, five(5) are situated in the mountainous parts of the town.

The 13 barangays are as follows: Poblacion, Matictic, Pinagtulayan, Bangkal, Baraka, Bitungol, Tigbe, Partida, FVR, Minuyan, Bigte, San Mateo and San Lorenzo.

Newly Elected Barangay Officials as of 2023

Vast farmland in Brgy. Matictic

Former Philippine Boxing Champion Pretty Boy Lucas (left) is a member of the security force of Brgy. Matictic. He is shown here with avid fan Abok Gener.

While a great part of Norzagaray is being provided potable water by the Norzagaray Water District, many residents, especially those in the far-flung areas, still consider the age-old deep well as the most reliable source of water. This one is in Brgy. Bigte near Pinagrealan Cave.

Norzagaray is a quiet town where tall trees still abound, where beautiful streams cascade over and around rocks and boulders, where fog partly covers hills and where wide green fields showcase nature's bounty.

Norzagaray's tourist attractions include: Sitio Bakas, Sitio Bitbit, Pinagrealan Cave, Battle for Ipo Dam Memorial, the historic Ipo Dam and the stunningly beautiful Angat Dam.

Norzagaray is a favorite destination of cyclists, motorcycle riders and campers.

A river tributary in the mountains of Norzagaray. It is part of Brgy. San Lorenzo.

Sitio Bitbit at the boundary of Brgy.San Mateo and Brgy.San Lorenzo\

Clear, clean and refreshing waters at Sitio Bitbit. Sitio Bitbit is a good picnic ground and camping site.

The giant boulder at Sitio Bitbit. It is used as jump-off point by adventurous swimmers.

Horses roaming freely in the mountains.

The enchanting beauty of Sitio Bakas in Brgy.Matictic. Old folks say that the giant footprint atop one of the big boulders is that of legendary Bernardo Carpio. From Montalban, it is said that Bernardo Carpio made one big step and that was at Sitio Bakas. The second step was made in San Miguel, Bulacan where there is another footprint. Swimmers are advised to take caution as the water is deep and has strong undercurrent.

Sitio Bakas has been officially declared as a tourist spot. On ordinary days, Sitio Bakas is all yours and you can enjoy the serenity of the place. But on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, many residents of nearby towns motor to this place to relax or unwind.

All river tributaries saunter down the mountains and unite as one big, mighty river called Angat River. Angat River starts in Norzagaray and runs through the towns of Angat, Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bustos, San Rafael, Baliwag, Plaridel, Pulilan, Calumpit, Paombong and Hagonoy. At Calumpit, it merges with the Pampanga River.

The historic Pinagrealan Cave in Brgy. Bigte. It is located within a private land owned by the Castro clan of Brgy.Bigte. Katipuneros held secret meetings at the cave during the fight for independence.

Camping is a preferred activity in Norzagaray.

The old shrine dedicated to all those who perished in the Battle for Ipo Dam in 1945. It is located by the side of the road leading to Ipo Dam. From time to time, relatives of those who perished visit the shrine on board tourist buses.

Magnificent view of Angat Dam

Ipo Dam in Brgy. San Mateo

View of Ipo Dam from the national road

View of Ipo Dam from Gener Mini Farm in Sitio Hulo in Brgy San Mateo. Really a hidden gem.

Closer shot of Ipo Dam

Norzagaray is a favorite destination of cyclists, motorcycle riders and travelers.

Cyclist spends the night at Sitio Ipo in Brgy.San Mateo before making that uphill climb to Angat Dam the next day.

Members of cycling groups regularly pedal their way to Norzagaray on weekends.

Mango trees are in abundance in Norzagaray and mangoes are ready for picking in the months of June and July.

Duhat or Java Plum, Santol, Kaimito and Bayabas start sprouting at the onset of the rainy season.

Agricultural products include corn, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, string beans, bananas, ginger, etc..

Rows of mango trees in Brgy. Tigbe

Green mangoes ready for picking at Brgy. San Mateo

Mangoes almost touching the ground

Sweet santol (wild mangosteen)

Caimitos (star apples)

Caimito contains calcium, phosporus and ascorbic acid.

Kasoy (cashew /balubad)

Mais and Sitaw (corn and string beans)

Ginger has digestion-friendly properties. It is also good in the treatment of inflammation.

Kamoteng kahoy (cassava)

Sweetened cassava is good for dessert.

Avocado

Avocado for dessert

Fresh buko at Gener Mini Farm in Sitio Hulo, Brgy San Mateo

Konted enjoying fresh buko juice at Gener Mini Farm in Sitio Hulo, Brgy San Mateo

In summer, colorful bougainvilleas, euporbias, cattleya and wild sunflowers can be seen almost everywhere.

Yellow bells, gumamelas and orchids continue to bloom throughout the year.

The Gumamela or Rose Mallow grows in front gardens, parks and near house fences.

Yellow bell is also called Kampanilya or Allamanda.

The wild sunflowers can be seen in the mountainous areas of Norzagaray.

Red bougainvilleas

Purple bougainvilleas

Beautiful orchids in Brgy. Tigbe

Fire trees or Flame trees seen at Upper Bigte

The town is also known for good food. Bernabe's and Bruce Lee at the town proper serve mouth-watering Crispy Pata.

Halo Halo, with generous serving of yam, and Pancit Palabok are tops at Elsa's Snack House along Sulucan St.

A store at Lower Bayumbon makes Putong Lansong.

Bernabe's Crispy Pata at Lower Bayumbon.

Bruce Lee's Crispy Pata

Elsa's Halo Halo and Pancit Palabok at Sulucan St. in Brgy. Poblacion

Pancit Bihon is available in almost all eateries.

Tilapias can be bought at Hilltop through special arrangement.

There are, at least, seven gasoline stations in Norzagaray, namely, Petron, Petron Bulilit, Shell, Phoenix, Smart, Petron Bigte and Z-Energy.

Telecommunication tower sites have been set up in various districts by Globe, Smart and Sun.

There is a Mercury Drug Store at the Rotunda. Near it is a Banco de Oro branch.

Along Villarama Highway, after making a descent, there is a Jollibee outlet. It is open 24 hours.

In Brgy. Bigte, there is a 7-11 store. Another 7-11 store is at Brgy. Poblacion.

The town has several resorts, two of which are Falcon Crest Resort and Adventure Resort.

Petron Bulilit along Villarama Highway at the town proper.

Smart gas station in Brgy. Bigte

Petron Gas Station at Brgy Bigte

Shell station near the roundabout at the town proper

Phoenix Gas Station in Brgy Minuyan

Globe cell tower site at Daang Tigbe. There is an existing Kapasiyahang Bayan prohibiting the installation of cell tower sites within 500 meters of schools throughout Norzagaray

Mercury Drugstore and Banco de Oro near the roundabout (rotunda).

Jollibee outlet along Villarama Highway in Norzagaray. It is near Norzagaray Elementary School and Norzagaray High School. It is a few meters away from the Municipal Hall and from the rotunda.

Alfamart in Brgy. San Mateo

JM Celestino Hardware in Brgy. San Mateo

Don Pablo Hardware in Brgy. San Mateo

In Brgy. San Mateo, Bajaj trikes are used to transport commuters.

Barber Shop along the main road at Brgy. San Mateo

Karet for Sale at Brgy. San Mateo

Palos, Baboy Ramo and Usa sold at a store in Brgy San Mateo

San Mateo Brgy Hall

This is Ipo Road in Brgy San Mateo. It leads to Ipo Dam and Angat Dam.

There are safety railings and concrete barriers at sharp curves and dangerous cliffs along Ipo Road. They were installed through the efforts of 3rd District Congresswoman Lorna Silverio. Norzagaray was then a part of the 3rd District. It is now part of the 6th District.

Norzagaray Uptrade Hardware near the roundabout in Brgy. Bigte

7-11 store near the roundabout in Brgy. Bigte

Falcon Crest Resort in Brgy. Partida with a commanding view of the vast agricultural plains and the mountains of Norzagaray. (panoramio pic; caption is mine)

Adventure Resort in Brgy. Tigbe (bulacanresortspic)

The Saint Andrew Catholic Church is situated at the town proper.

Along Villarama Highway is the Iglesia ni Cristo church with capillas located in Brgys. Bigte and San Mateo.

The Eimelif Baptist Church is located in Brgy. Minuyan.

Other churches in Norzagaray include the Methodist Church at Antonia Heights, Sambahang Kristiyaino along Tabtab St., Seventh Day Adventist in Bayumbon, Jesus Reigns and Jehovah's Witnesses at Villarama Highway.

The Victory Church is in Sitio Pugpog and the Sto. Rosario Catholic Church is in Brgy. Bigte.

These churches are more than enough to minister to the spiritual needs of the residents.

St. Andrew the Apostle Church at the town proper

The Iglesia ni Cristo along Villarama Highway

Iglesia Ni Cristo at Barangay San Mateo

The Al Iklas Masjid mosque in Brgy. Minuyan

Norzagaray has, at least, 22 public schools under the supervision of the DepEd and the Local School Board, namely:

Norzagaray Central School, Norzagaray High School, Minuyan High School, Tomas Policarpio Elementary School, Luis Gravador Elementary School, Bitungol Primary School, Partida Primary School, FVR Elementary and National High School;

Upper Bigte Primary School, San Mateo Elementary School, Ipo Primary School, Julian Sumbillo High School in Brgy San Mateo, Hilltop Elementary School and National Power Corp High School in Brgy. San Lorenzo;

Sapang Kawayan Primary School, Matictic Elementary School, Sitio Coral Elementary School, Padling Primary School, Pinagtulayan Primary School, Bangkal Primary School and the Baraka Primary School.

Private schools include Norzagaray Academy at the town proper and San Martin de Porres near the Big Church.

Norzagaray Central School at the town proper

Central school's wide playing field. The school has a comprehensive sports program.

Luis Gravador Elementary School in Brgy. Tigbe

Minuyan National High School near La Farge (Republic)

Coral Elementary School in Brgy. Matictic

Ipo Primary School located inside the Ipo Dam compound in Brgy. San Mateo

San Mateo Elementary School

Logo of the Julian B.Sumbillo High School in Brgy. San Mateo

Norzagaray Academy is at the town proper. It is a first class private school.

Norzagaray National High School along Villarama Highway in Brgy Poblacion

Timoteo Policarpio Memorial Elementary School at Brgy Bigte

Norzagaray has four major bridges. The Matictic Bridge connects the town proper to the barangays situated in the mountainous parts of the town, namely, Pinagtulayan, Bangkal, Matictic and Baraka.

Bigte Bridge connects Bigte and Minuyan to two barangays in the Sierra Madre mountains, which are San Mateo and San Lorenzo.

Bitbit Bridge leads to Angat Dam. It is the longest bridge in Norzagaray.

Coming from the south, vehicles cross Bulalo Bridge along Villarama Highway when approaching the entry point to the town proper.

Matictic Bridge

Bitbit Bridge connects Brgy. San Mateo to Brgy. San Lorenzo. It leads to Angat Dam.

Bigte Bridge connects the southeastern lowlands of Norzagaray to Brgy San Mateo and Brgy San Lorenzo in the mountains. This leads to Ipo Dam and Angat Dam.

Taking the Villarama Highway and coming from Brgy.Bigte, you cross Bulalo Bridge as you approach the town proper.

Cockfighting or sabong is popular among the townsfolk. Many consider it as a traditional sport.

There are two cockpit arenas in Norzagaray: one located along Villarama Highway near the town proper and the other at Brgy Bigte which is at the southeast entry of the town.

The Norzagaray Cockpit Arena is along Villarama Highway. Cock derbies are regularly held here.

An afternoon event at the New Bigte Coliseum in Brgy. Bigte

Cockfighting is popular among the residents of the town. They breed fighting cocks as a hobby.

Significant events in Norzagaray include the annual celebration of the town fiesta every November 30th in honor of San Andres Apostol, the fiestas of each barangay and the Araw ng Norzagaray every August 13th which is a non-working holiday throughout the municipality.

Norzagaray became a separate and distinct political unit on August 13, 1860 . The town was named after Governor General Fernando de Norzagaray under whose term the separation was initiated.

The Battle for Ipo Dam is quietly remembered every May 17th of each year.

Norzagaray celebrates its town fiesta every November 30th
.

San Andres Apostol is the town's patron saint.

Drum and lyre bands provide that festive mood.

Members of the Apugan Drum and Lyre Band display showmanship in the 2014 drum and lyre competition.

Binibining Norzagaray grand winner (7ersande)

Every August 13th is ARAW NG NORZAGARAY. It is a non-working holiday throughout the municipality. Norzagaray became a distinct and separate political unit on August 13, 1860. (grapicom; caption is mine)

Statue of Spanish Governor General Fernando de Norzagaray.

Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando is guest of honor at the 2019 commemoration of Araw Ng Norzagaray. (updated)

Mayor Fred Germar gives an inspirational message at the 2019 commemoration of Araw ng Norzagaray. (updated)

Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando hands over the Gawad Ng Pagkilala to 2-time Councilor Teddy Gener who receives it in behalf of Atty. Guillermina "Mimi" Gener. Atty. Mimi was the town's first lady lawyer. Assisting Governor Fernando are Vice Mayor Boyet Santos, Councilor Baldo Gener, Councilor Alvin Cruz, Municipal Administrator Atty. Queency Germar and other town officials. (2019 Araw Ng Norzagaray)

After 2 weeks of intense fighting, American troops, backed up by the Marking guerrillas, regained control of Ipo Dam on May 17, 1945. Two thousand Japanese soldiers were killed.

During Holy Week, penitents carrying wooden crosses or whipping themselves with leather straps or chains can be seen walking along the highway.

Senakulo, where the suffering and death of Christ is re enacted, is held at the town plaza.

And on Good Friday, hours before the crucifixion of the man they call Jesus, able-bodied and fun-loving males form small groups and engage in drinking binges at street corners, vacant lots, under the shade of huge trees. It is called Lansakan. Drinking stops at exactly 3pm when Christ, based on biblical account, dies on the cross.

Pabasa is singing hymns of praise. It is done in all barangays.

A penitent carries a heavy cross as part of the annual reenactment of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

Like Roman soldiers drinking before, during and after the crucifixion of Christ, men join drinking binges on Good Friday. This tradition is called Lansakan.

The Smiles Club and the Varsitarian are old socio-civic organizations that have remained active through the years.

The Smiles Club gives due recognition to recent college graduates, outstanding parents and citizens of the town.

The Varsitarian holds its annual get-together every December with a grand ball at the town plaza.

The Norzagaray Social Circle, which was instrumental in the rehabilitation of St. Andrew Church in the mid 60s, is still very much active with Municipal Councilor Maricar San Pedro Pelayo at the helm.

Other organizations, which have worked and contributed to the progress and development of the town are the Rotary Club of Norzagaray, the Lions Club, Soroptimists International, Lucky 13 Club and many more.

A non-governmental organization tasked to promote, enhance and support the welfare of senior citizens from the 13 barangays of the town, the Federation of Senior Citizens of Norzagaray, through its past and present officers, has flourished and has become a dynamic one.

Well organized, the federation's yearly goals have almost always been achieved. Coordination with town, district and provincial officials has been smooth.

Noteworthy among its programs is Damayan where funds are raised to help defray expenses during contingencies.

Present Federation president is Ms. Edna Diaz with Ms. Maura Esguerra Sarmiento as Osca Chairperson.

Young professionals dance the Cotillion de Honor during the Smiles Club Recognition Night held every summer at the Mayor Armando Enriquez Park in front of the municipal hall. (fb)

The Cotillion de Honor is a social dance where participants exchange partners. It is one of the night's highlights.(fb)

The traditional Rigodon de Honor is a much-awaited presentation during the Smiles Club affair. (fb)

3rd District Congressman Jonjon Mendoza graces the occasion. (fb)

Congressman Jonjon Mendoza receives a plaque of appreciation from the club president who is assisted by Mrs. Josefina "Nene"Tinsay and Atty. Mimi Gener. (fb)

The grand ball of the Varsitarian is held every December at the Mayor Armando Enriquez Park.

Mayor Fred Germar and lovely wife Merlyn are special guests.

Club muse dances with former Councilor Danny Leonardo.

Soroptimist International is a women's organization that has been supportive of worthwhile projects in Norzagaray. The Welcome Arch at the Santa Maria- Norzagaray Road was constructed with the help of Soroptimist International. (vectorlogo; caption is mine)

Rotary International is very much active in Norzagaray. (g'gle)

The "Adopt a Library Project"of the Rotary Club of Norzagaray at the FVR National High School in Brgy. FVR (fb)

Don Ricardo Silverio, then Congressman of the 3rd District, with founding Federation President Atty. Mimi Gener

OSCA Chairperson is Ms. Maura Esguerra Sarmiento

Federation President is Ms. Diaz

Incumbent President of the Norzagaray Social Circle is Municipal Councilor Maricar San Pedro Pelayo.

Bonafide residents of Norzagaray speak fluent Tagalog. Those who grew up and have stayed in the town for many years, and their parents as well, are called "taal na taga Norzagaray."

Some unique Tagalog words and phrases often used are:

Nagbababag (quarrelling); ade (little boy); hane (please; a word added when making a request); adio ( an expression of being taken by surprise); wari ba ( are you saying or are you implying);

Nagkukuya kuyakoy (sitting with one leg swinging back and forth; taking it easy); naubos ang kabuhayan (bankrupt);

Nagpapaspasan (fighting it out for a slot or position; a close fight between two contenders); permis ka (you are a sure winner); dekano (topnotcher or number one); laglag ka (even your partymates will not vote for you).

Unique words and phrases

Norzagaray is about fifty(50) kilometers away from Metro Manila and can be reached via the North Luzon Expressway, exiting at the Bocaue Interchange and passing through the towns of Bocaue and Sta Maria.

Another route is through Lagro in Novaliches and this passes through San Jose Del Monte.

Travel time in both routes is estimated at one hour and a half (1 1/2) with enough buses and jeepneys plying regularly.

Norzagaray's Welcome Landmark at the Sta. Maria-Norzagaray Road

Part of the Sta.Maria-Norzagaray Road approaching the town proper

From Ayala and Cubao, Nuestra Senora Del Carmen buses take the NLEX and exit at the Bocaue Interchange on their way to Sta. Maria and Norzagaray towns. (G file)

SanTrans Bus terminal in Brgy. Tigbe near FVR.(G file)

The E-Jeep terminal near the roundabout in Brgy. Bigte. It is across the 7-11 store.

The E-Jeeps ply the Bigte-SM Fairvew-Novaliches Bayan route.

E-Jeeps are clean, safe and comfortable to ride in.

Another Welcome Arch at the Fairview - Quirino Highway- Villarama Highway route in Brgy. Bigte.

Map of Bulacan (bulacanprovpic)

Stories From Long Ago...

👀👂👃👄

From old folks, we hear stories from long ago. Some are legends or myths, some are rumors but most stories are true.

1. The Legend Of Bernardo Carpio - From his place at Wawa Dam in nearby Montalban, giant Bernardo Carpio made one big step and that was in Sitio Bakas at Brgy. Matictic in Norzagaray. The second step was in San Miguel, also in Bulacan. That footprint atop a big boulder in Sitio Bakas can still be seen up to this day.

2. The Yamashita Gold - When American forces under General McArthur were bombing the City of Manila, General Kawashima and his men took to the hills and found themselves entrenched at Ipo Dam and the nearby areas. They reportedly had with them the much talked about Yamashita gold. When the bloody Battle for Ipo Dam ended on May 17, 1945, the search for the Yamashita gold began. Today, reports of treasure hunters being sighted at Brgy San Mateo and in other parts of the Sierra Madre mountains persist.

3. The Japanese Occupation ---During the Japanese Occupation in WWII, to elude patrolling Japanese soldiers, most women would leave their homes at the town proper early in the morning and would take shelter between huge boulders in Brgy Matictic. They would return at dusk. But the Japs had their own plans and would stage lightning raids at night and would order all men to line up. From nowhere, a man with face covered by buntal bag, would emerge and point at those engaged in anti-Japanese activities. They would be taken to a station in San Jose Del Monte and subjected to severe beatings and, at times, would be killed. Former town mayor Pedro De La Merced was tortured and shot to death. A street is now named after him.

4. Revolutionary Hero - Brave and strong-willed revolutionary hero General Sinforoso Dela Cruz was one of those handpicked by General Emilio Aguinaldo to join him in exile in Hongkong during the Phil Am War. When hostilities resumed, he was always in the thick of the fight. One day, while off duty, Sinforoso set off to meet his lady love, a charming lass from Bayombon. With plenty to spare before the appointed time, he took a dip at the cool and refreshing waters of Angat River. Meanwhile, his lady love was waiting and was excited to see again the young general as the minutes ticked away. Unfortunately, Sinforoso didn't make it to their rendezvous. He died of drowning .

5. Angat Dam Floodgates---- it was raining heavily for several days as typhoon Kading was battering parts of Central Luzon. For fear of causing severe damage to the dam's structure, authorities of Angat Dam opened three (3) floodgates of the spillway to release water. That was midnight of October 26, 1978. In a short while, the Angat River was inundated. Rampaging waters could be felt, heard and seen in Kanyakan, Gulod, Bakas, Padling and down to the nearby towns. In the aftermath, lives were lost as houses of light materials, furnitures and farm animals were swept away. It certainly brought untold miseries and caused unimaginable destruction. Atty. Ponciano G. Hernandez filed a lawsuit in behalf of those affected.

6. Pretty Boy --- He could float like a fly and sting like a bee. Just like the great Muhammad Ali. One night in the 1980s, a young boxer from Brgy Matictic, Pretty Boy Lucas, consistently moving and throwing strong punches in quick succession, beat his opponent in convincing fashion to capture the Philippine Mini Flyweight title. From there he moved to Light Flyweight and Flyweight divisions. Throughout his career, Pretty Boy was known as a crowd pleaser. Whenever he fought, boxing fans would come, watch and cheer. He had a record of 34 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws with 10 KOs. Twice he was close to winning a world title. In one instance, he appeared to be leading when the referee stopped the bout on account of Pretty Boy's bleeding eyebrow. The crowd didn't like it. In another instance, the bout ended in a draw, and, as such, the reigning champ retained his crown. Another heartache for Pretty Boy. He now works as a security personnel of Brgy Matictic. Now, if you chance upon Pretty Boy on your way to the Sierra Madre mountains, stop and engage him in a brief conversation and ask for a souvenir shot . We are very sure he will oblige. Pretty Boy is forever our boxing hero

- Konted

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Monday 11 August 2014

Norzagaray: A Truly Blessed Town