ARTICLES

Initiated in 1981 by then-City Mayor Richard J. Gordon in order to promote businesses in the city, the first Mardi Gras in Olongapo was quite a disorganized affair. There were no stages set up along the Ramon Magsaysay Avenue and each of the numerous bars along it just had their most popular bands and performers go out in the streets to perform their acts while Filipinos and Americans walked around.

The technology group Wärtsilä will provide an integrated cargo handling and fuel gas system for two new gas carrier vessels for Exmar, the Belgium-based fleet owner. The ships, which will transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), are being built at HHIC-Philippines (Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines) in Subic Bay. The design of these ships focuses on high efficiency and a more sustainable operational profile. In achieving this, these 80,000m³ Very Large Gas Carriers will be the first vessels capable of running on LPG. This valuable order with Wärtsilä was booked in July, 2018.

The beautiful Philippines is made up of more than 7,200 islands, making the country absolute Sea Plane Territory. Our airports are congested, there is too much traffic on our runways and too much traffic on our roads going to the airport. It makes perfect sense to take to the water for take-off and landing.

A lot of us living and visiting Olongapo wonder the purpose of our colored jeepneys and tricycles around the city. Well, do you know? Olongapo was the first in the Philippines to develop this Color Coding Scheme and was copied across the nation ever since.

Olongapo City's annual fun-filled October event is right around the corner! Be ready to enjoy three days of night activities. See you at the Olongapo Mardi Gras!