Iloilo City and Province - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 3

wecky

May 13th, 2005, 06:28 AM

Pride of Place : World Heritage listing requires local and national effort

Posted 09:50pm (Mla time) May 01, 2005
By Augusto Villalon
Inquirer News Service

EVERYBODY wants to have a World Heritage site. Inscription immediately elevates a national or local site to international status, branding it as one of the select few that comprise the patrimony of the world, unique and outstanding sites that exhibit universal value.

World Heritage inscription brings global attention to a site. Government authorities expect an increase of tourism arrivals and more income-generation opportunities, a shortsighted view that opens the site to exploitation and eventual degradation.

Safeguarding the property, not tourism or opportunism, is the primary purpose of inscription. Behind the attractive veil of benefits and prestige that inscription brings, Unesco demands strict guarantees that each World Heritage property is carefully and professionally protected by the country where it is located to assure that its World Heritage values will not disappear forever.

World Heritage inscription is not a simple matter of filling out and submitting
a nomination form that proposes a site to the World Heritage List. Preparing a site for World Heritage nomination is a long process that often takes years of preparation.

Unity needed

Preparing for World Heritage inscription is a joint effort by national and local authorities, and more important, by local residents. It is essential that all sectors agree on the same reasons for wanting World Heritage listing, such as maintaining the traditional culture, protecting the natural or cultural beauty of the site, and honoring the memory of a historic act that may have happened there. It could also be an archaeological site with records of a vanished but important civilization, or a natural site of extreme beauty or ecological significance.

A property must have "outstanding universal value" to be inscribed on the World Heritage List, meaning that it possesses exceptional cultural or natural significance that transcends national boundaries, thus it is of importance to present and future generations. Therefore the protection of heritage is of the highest importance to the international community.

The World Heritage Convention lists 10 natural and cultural criteria to prove "outstanding universal value." For instance, one criterion states that a property should "be an outstanding example of traditional human settlement, land-use ... representative of a culture or of human interaction with the environment ... vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change." Under this criterion, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras have been inscribed.

The outstanding universal value of the site provides the rationale how it is to be protected and managed. The management of the Rice Terraces, therefore, should protect the villages, terraces, and the environment from the "impact of irreversible change."

Detailed preparation is the key to successful World Heritage inscription. The site must be identified and mapped; its boundaries must be drawn. A buffer zone is designated around the site to protect it from encroachment or other pressures. Laws must be enacted--on national, regional, and local levels--to protect the site. Most important, the people involved with the site must be made aware of their participation in the preservation process.

Plan

A site management plan must be drawn up to assure the protection of the property's outstanding universal value. The plan specifies tasks and timetables for implementation by all involved. It becomes the base document by which management progress is monitored in the future.

On the other hand, for sites where there is no agreement on the outstanding universal value, whose heritage significance is misunderstood or where little cooperation exists among national, local, and community sectors, World Heritage inscription may be disastrous.

In countries where conservation is not important on the national agenda, there is an obvious lack of heritage policy, resulting in confusion when conservation issues must be resolved.

In the Philippines, a set of national heritage values and heritage guidelines do not formally exist. Although heritage awareness is increasing, most citizens are unaware that a web of overlapping legislation to protect heritage has been in existence since as early as 1901. Recent attempts to enact a national heritage law have been unsuccessful. On the other hand, enacting legislation on a local level has been positive.

Protection and maintenance of heritage sites in the Philippines is not carried out to uniform standards due to the absence of national heritage policy, a situation that prevents inscribed sites from achieving maximum benefit from World Heritage inscription.

The World Heritage mechanism works to the advantage of inscribed sites when all national, local, and community stakeholders fully understand that the responsibility for carrying out and funding site preservation is principally in their hands. Unesco is always willing to provide technical and training assistance.

Commitment

The World Heritage Convention is an international instrument ratified by state parties, therefore commitment to the convention is on a national level. Upon signing the convention, each country pledges to provide full socio-economic and technical support to World Heritage sites within its borders.

It is unfortunate that some national authorities insist on inscription without thorough preparation of the site for World Heritage.

The Philippine record for maintaining World Heritage properties is far from perfect. The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras are on the World Heritage in Danger List, a special listing of World Heritage properties that are in need of intensive care.

Despite technical and financial government assistance for conservation, parish priests from each of the four inscribed churches insist on their own way to repair and alter their churches, completely disregarding the fact that they are custodians of structures considered to be international treasures.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a natural property on the World Heritage List, is excellent for its management practices. The PPSRNP Management Team takes meticulous care of the river and its surrounding mountains, forests, marine life, and most of all, assuring that the resident community benefits from World Heritage inscription.

World Heritage listing works both ways. It can be a benefit to a site, or, as we have learned in the Philippines, the opening of a can of worms.

Heritage watch: San Sebastian Church

In 1998, World Monuments Watch of New York granted the National Historical Institute $25,000 to undertake conservation of the all-steel San Sebastian church. The project was never implemented. Last month, the World Monuments Watch demanded the return of the money. A recent letter from the NHI to San Sebastian stated, "It has been almost six years since the grant was awarded in 1998 and it is unfortunate that San Sebastian Church authorities were unwilling to cooperate with NHI on conservation efforts."

The international competition for conservation funds is tough. Returning them is an embarrassment. The attitude of the San Sebastian priests shows a really low level of concern for a significant structure of national and international patrimony.

---------------------------------------------

read this article from Inquirer Online ... regarding the Sto. Tomas de Villanova Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

KulasKusgan

May 13th, 2005, 02:27 PM

whyte

May 13th, 2005, 05:02 PM

sugarboy

May 13th, 2005, 07:06 PM

:wave:
* great pictures and article as usual
* medyo di ko masyadong nababalitaan sa TV ang PALARO :(
* if there is one national event that could make a gerat impact on ILOILO, i think it would be the AD CONGRESS.
* natatawa ako sa PEX. may thread dun asking WHICH IS THE QUEEN city OF THE SOUTH (CEBU, ILOILO, BACOLOD)....unang post ko dun sabi ko nagtataka lang ako kugn bakit napasama dyan ang BACOLOD :D ayun mukhang WAR in the making dun :D

Unless Iloilo leaders (not just talking about city council but also leaders in the hotel and resto industry, transpo industry etc.) are dead serious about getting their act together, I don't think we will see Ad Congress in Iloilo in the next 4 years. Ad Congress has really grown in such a manner that half of the delegates can easily overbook all available hotel rooms in the city. In addition, there is no decent venue in Iloilo for the plenary sessions.

wecky

May 13th, 2005, 11:27 PM

some finds:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/iloilo/iloilo.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/iloilo/iloilo3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/iloilo/iloilo2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/iloilo/miagao.jpg

Thank you, sleepwalker_uno. Have you been to Iloilo before?

Anyway, my trip to Davao was cancelled as my friends from Davao City changed their itinerary. Supposed, we are planning to go back home to the Philippines by end week of July til August. However for some emergency reason, their flights were moved to third week of June. It was really a good plan since last year when we went home, they stayed with me in Iloilo for 4 or 5 days, I guessed. We even stayed in Boracay for 2 days, just simply snorkelling and island boating. This year as was previously planned, it will be me to visit Davao for three days so they can show me around the city as well. Davao is the only major city in Mindanao that I wasn't been. Been to Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Gen. Santos, and even small cities of Malaybalay and Valencia in Bukidnon. Hopefully, I can visit Davao in the next few years to come.

Cheers!

wecky

May 14th, 2005, 12:46 AM

:wave:
* great pictures and article as usual

yes .. very informative for all of us, indeed.

* medyo di ko masyadong nababalitaan sa TV ang PALARO :(

oh, that's sad ... this should be highlighted in telly from time to time. Here in UK, every game were covered nationally if possible. I think Philippine media is more concerned with graft, awfully negative news about the Philippines rather than promoting it.

* if there is one national event that could make a gerat impact on ILOILO, i think it would be the AD CONGRESS.

we don't have the venue in Iloilo, I guess. We have a good number of hotels around downtown area but most of them are too small to accomodate large number of guests for big national conferences and conventions like this AD Congress. We don't have five star hotels that Cebu and Manila has. Maybe, we are even tailing off Davao City in terms of big hotels.

There is no question whether we can do it, but it is simply not feasible right now. Transportation, safety and security, hospitality, other resources, etc. we all have that in hand. But what can we do if we cannot provide good venue for all the participants. Hopefully someday (*wishful thinking*) if some big international hotels will put there businesses in Iloilo. Who knows? That's why Mayor Trenas kept on promoting Iloilo as the FESTIVALS CENTRE to draw more tourists to visit the city and the province as a whole. Once these international hoteliers noted of good local and national tourists influx, they'll soon start building their scrapers around the metropolis. Kudos, too, to the Iloilo provincial government by helping other towns around the Iloilo to promote their own local festivals. Highly noticeable is the crowd-drawing festival of Passi City, the PINTADOS DE PASI.

* natatawa ako sa PEX. may thread dun asking WHICH IS THE QUEEN city OF THE SOUTH (CEBU, ILOILO, BACOLOD)....unang post ko dun sabi ko nagtataka lang ako kugn bakit napasama dyan ang BACOLOD :D ayun mukhang WAR in the making dun :D

hehehe .. that's so funny ... i knew things like these happened in PEX ... hahaha .. but really, I agree with you to say that why Bacolod was included in the choices .... who made that thread?

ILOILO CITY is the original and former "Queen City of the South". That was way back early 1900s when Sugar Industry was booming tremendously. Even Cebu cannot claimed that title. We, in Iloilo started trading around the world during that period of time. It was all written in Iloilo's history and so with the whole Philippines history. The title "Queen's City of the South" was bestowed by Her Spain's Royal Highness to Iloilo rather than any cities in the Philippines. However, late part of 1900s, the title "Queen City" was most likely used to refer to the most progressive southern metropolis of the country.

Right now or at present, CEBU is the most progressive southern city ... that's why they claimed the title Queen City of the South. I personally don't hold any grudges for Cebuanos to do so since they've worked hard to own the title. Whereas, the city government of Iloilo just simply watched and let it be. Highly noted of Iloilo City's flanked was during Marcos era and thereafter especially with the government of the then Mayor Rodolfo Ganzon. At least now, we are starting to regain our strength and learn from the past. It was with great effort of Mayor Malabor, who started to drumbeat's development of Iloilo. And with sound effort, it was and still is followed through well by Mayor Trenas.

I have no any malicious thingy about this title. At times, it is really a good thing since it will promote competition to all cities around Visayas and Mindanao. Indeed, it is really a highly-coveted title.

About Bacolod City ... I don't know exactly what is the desire of the thread starter to do so. And really, I cannot find any reason why Bacolod will be included in that category. There are too many cities in Visayas and Mindanao that surpasses Bacolod in almost all terms. The only thing that Bacolod might be ahead of is in terms of population. Population is never a part or an issue to consider whether the city is progressive or not.

Bacolod City is nice though, no question for that. Wide roads, etc. but not even the regional centre of Western Visayas. Been to Bacolod City several times in the past since I have relatives there as well. But even then in their own right mind never claimed that Bacolod is much better or more progressive than Iloilo. Iloilo City is the regional capital of Western Visayas. Still is and will be in the future. Although Bacolod is highly urbanized as well, it will remain as the second city of Western Visayas region right now. However, this doesn't mean that Bacolod cannot claimed the title as it is becoming progressive as well. What I would like to say is that Iloilo and Bacolod can help each other to uplift the region's economy.

Bacolod City needs to strech more their resources to gain this title .. more proofs, etc .... but who knows what the future may hold?

Here's my own opinion for the QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH title ... etc:

ILOILO CITY - the "former" and "original" Queen City of the South (which until now most of us Ilonggos still clings for and will not let go of ... but we're all aware that we already lost it to Cebu ... but still have a great hope to regain it as well.. :) )

CEBU CITY - the "present" Queen City of the South. The most progressive city in the Visayas and Mindanao from 1970's onwards.

next in line will be ... (just my opinion)

Davao City - the biggest city in the world in terms of area. Considered itself as the most important city in Mindanao region. It is the (consider metro Manila cities as one only .. and the most populous) second most populated city in the Philippines with the population of more than 1.2million within the city area.

Bacolod City - the Sugar Capital of the Philippines til the present. Also a highly urbanized city in Western Visayas. One of the most progressive cities in the Philippines. I believed that with good governance, Bacolod will soar high as well. Great potential, indeed (and can be a great threat, too ...hahaha)

Cagayan de Oro City - believed to be Davao city's competitor in terms of development and progress in Mindanao. It is highly-urbanized city as well and one of the most vibrant economies in Mindanao region. Everytime Cagayan de Oro city is mentioned, I can picture out the wonderful Pryce Hotel overlooking the whole city.

Zamboanga City - another populous city in Mindanao. However, its development is tainted with so much religious controversy between the Muslims and Chrsitians. Great seaport. I just love it there.

..... there you go ! ! ! .............

wecky

May 14th, 2005, 12:48 AM

Unless Iloilo leaders (not just talking about city council but also leaders in the hotel and resto industry, transpo industry etc.) are dead serious about getting their act together, I don't think we will see Ad Congress in Iloilo in the next 4 years. Ad Congress has really grown in such a manner that half of the delegates can easily overbook all available hotel rooms in the city. In addition, there is no decent venue in Iloilo for the plenary sessions.

I cannot say anything more but "strongly agree" with your comments, Sugarboy ... hopefully soon ... :)

KulasKusgan

May 14th, 2005, 12:55 AM

Thank you, sleepwalker_uno. Have you been to Iloilo before?

Anyway, my trip to Davao was cancelled as my friends from Davao City changed their itinerary. Supposed, we are planning to go back home to the Philippines by end week of July til August. However for some emergency reason, their flights were moved to third week of June. It was really a good plan since last year when we went home, they stayed with me in Iloilo for 4 or 5 days, I guessed. We even stayed in Boracay for 2 days, just simply snorkelling and island boating. This year as was previously planned, it will be me to visit Davao for three days so they can show me around the city as well. Davao is the only major city in Mindanao that I wasn't been. Been to Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Gen. Santos, and even small cities of Malaybalay and Valencia in Bukidnon. Hopefully, I can visit Davao in the next few years to come.

Cheers!

ive never been to iloilo. i love to visit iloilo as well as bacolod, silay, guimaras & boracay. di ako gaanong nakakatravel coz of work. i only have 5 days vacation leave.

sayang your trip to davao was cancelled. anyway, kung makavisit ka ng davao, we'll be glad to tour you round town.

wecky

May 14th, 2005, 01:03 AM

Iloilo City's title after losing the Queen City of the South title to Cebu is ... (you can hear it over the radio, promotions, etc since 1980's) ...

ILOILO CITY - CITY OF LOVE

wecky

May 14th, 2005, 01:06 AM

here's an article I came across while surfing the net ...

ILOILO: CITY OF LOVE

MANILA, October 5, 2004 (STAR) RENDEZVOUS By Christine S. Dayrit -

While taking my master’s degree in film production a decade ago, my classmates from Boston University and I would often drive to nearby Newport in Rhode Island to visit the magnificent centuries-old mansions and summer palaces of the prominent Vanderbilt and Astor families. Such grandeur and opulence never failed to fascinate us. Perhaps the cool breeze wafting across the Atlantic and into Narragansett Bay swept the wealthiest Americans of the Gilded Age to the sheltered harbors and picturesque cliffs of Newport. It was awesome to learn that those who arrived built lavish mansions from imported marble, fine woodwork and polished crystal. The eccentricities of the rich who gave dinner parties for their dogs and draped their slumbering horses in satin sheets amused us. These mansions still stand as a reminder of days gone past, drawing visitors to Newport simply so they can set foot in ballrooms larger than modern houses that remain as inviting today as they did before.

Over the weekend, I experienced some sort of deja vu while visiting the palatial mansions in Iloilo City for the very first time. These mansions built between the late 1800s and early 1900s were constructed during the Neo-Renaissance period in Europe and the Gilded Age in America when the Astors and Vanderbilts created their homes in Newport. Proudly, I viewed the well-preserved exteriors of the grand Casa Mariquit built 200 years ago and the Nelly Gardens built in 1928. As we toured the interiors of the magnificent homes of the Jalandoni, Locsin and Ledesma families, we were floored by the exquisite balustrades, grand staircases and furnishings as well as the dramatic arrangement of space as seen in the high ceilings and massive wooden doors. As we were served merienda of native coconut suman and hot chocolate in the finest china, silverware and porcelain cups in the Jalandoni mansion, I realized one big difference – the mansions in Newport are now museums while the ones in Iloilo are still lived in to this very day.

Strolling down memory lane, I learned that Iloilo may have lost its title as "Queen City of the South" but remains an important part of the country’s commerce, culture, history and education. In the 1800s, this city was second only to Manila as a commercial center. This was brought about mainly due to the rise of the sugar industry in Western Visayas which used its seaport as the exit point for the export of sugar products. As early as 1837, Iloilo City already had a bank, the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank. Iloilo City can also be proud of its many firsts in the country as compiled by the late Norberto Baylen. Iloilo had the first commercial airline, luxury liner, car assembly plant, elementary school and the first modern cinema house outside of Manila.

Fast forward to the 20th century. Today Iloilo faces the challenge to be as progressive and pulsating as the current "Queen City of the South." In line with this, Robinsons Place Iloilo was launched that boasts the very first innovative concept in the night life and dining scene. According to Robinson Land’s gracious Roseann Coscuella-Villegas, Paseo Iloilo located on De Leon Street is the answer to the needs of the Ilonggos to unwind, relax, have a break and share moments with family and friends.

Shopping, dining and entertainment housed in the Paseo Iloilo offers varied choices. Together with mall manager Ditas Taleon and Therese Robles of the Iloilo Photographic Society, we checked out these choices. Take for instance the Biscocho Haus which is synonymous to pasalubong. Since 1975, the Guadarrama family members of Jaro have been developing new product lines of bakery and confectionary favorites. Ted’s La Paz Batchoy serves culture in a bowl. This hearty noodle soup with innards, chicharon and tasty bagoong is paired with puto or pandesal. Papa Heinz Pizza and Pasta boasts delicious treats and franchise owner Romil Locsin even offers tuna pizzas and vegetarian delights.

Planetarium Cafe is where the stars meet and shine. Ha!Ha! Ha! Comedy Bar owned by July Galang and Raha Sabordo is a first in Western Visayas to house a comedy show, full bar and restaurant and disco under one roof. Try their house specialty "Kapal Mooks" – deep fried pig head. Proprietor Edgar Sia II of Mang Inasal says daily customers simply can’t get enough of barbeque chicken pecho or paa paired with garlic rice and coconut juice. Kim’s Bob Korean Restaurant, owned and managed by the Kim couple and their Filipino partner, has a mini-grocery section where Korean fares like noodles, sake,cookies and other goodies like ice cream can be purchased. Ultra Pi is the water station with purified drinking water.

At the MIXX restobar of the Las Sisters, the Mediterranean, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Filipino dishes served are given some healthy tweaking by their family and friends. For billiards playing venue at its best, try out Rooks Sports Bar. The future of fishing can be tackled at Go Fish, a hobby shop for fishing enthusiasts of all ages. Reason’s Bar and Resto is a music lounge and sing-along bar that is fast becoming a haven of music aficionados who want a variety of music from OPM, pop, folk, rock and jazz. According to Alfredo and Marife Mercado’s Busay Seafood Restaurant, their restaurant boasts delicious dishes served by a smiling service crew. Netopia Internet Café will connect you to the rest of the world through the net.

Indefatigable Iloilo Mayor Jerry Trenas and Robinsons Malls general manager Nilo Mapa welcomed everyone to the event. Mayor Trenas (a bar topnocher from Ateneo Law School) believes that tourism is the future of his city and has embarked on progressive measures to support his vision. Through the digital revolution, he advocates staunch support for computer and online website systems as an instrument to place Iloilo City back in the focus of global eyes.

That evening, our group watched different movies at the state-of-the-art Robinsons Movieworld theaters. Tita Ethel Timbol, Marj Valiente, Treena Cueva and I watched the film Notebook while Lally Herrera, Viveca Singson, Roseann and Val Villegas opted to see The Terminal. Next morning, over a hearty breakfast with Maridel and Bernard Uygongco of Amigo Hotel, we saluted the well-attended fashion show of local designers like Jaki Peñalosa of the Designers Guild of Iloilo the night before.

Other memorable highlights of our trip included a sumptuous lunch at Breakthrough Restaurant of delicious lechon, succulent oysters and diwal (elongated shellfish), kilawin tanguigue and the sweetest mangoes from nearby Guimaras, a visit to Jaro Cathedral located three kilometers from the city proper and the breathtaking Miag-ao Church, a Unesco World Heritage Site, located 40 kilometers southwest of Iloilo City. It was built in 1756 and its restored interiors by Monsignor Claudio Sales features a P4.9 million gold leaf altar with silver refurbishings.

According to caretaker Marcelino Sentina, Msgr. Sales traveled to Europe to study how the pattern of the retablo of that period should be created. From Miag-ao, we visited Hablon in Brgy. Indajaan where intricately woven shawls and placemats made from piña and sinamay fabrics cost around P200 or less. Antiques, porcelain and excavated beads abound in Iloilo and we were fortunate to have seen the collection of Boy Yang and Lourdes Delotta who proudly narrated where their treasures came from. While many are for sale, they also have collector’s items that they would rather keep for posterity.

Aboard our Cebu Pacific flight enroute to Manila, I looked down and caught a glimpse of the millionaires mansions and the new shophouses of Robinson’s Paseo Iloilo. It was exhilarating to experience the synergy between the vestiges of the past and concepts for the future that exist harmoniously side-by-side. After all, in this city of love, the beauty of its culture is in the caring hands of the people responsible for its progress as well as its preservation.

(from: http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/tl/tl012454.htm)

sorsoganon

May 14th, 2005, 01:25 AM

Sorsoganon, its nice that you get to visit Iloilo ... everyone is welcome to come here. Since you're friend is in Leon, maybe you'ld be interested in going to Bukari (which is like Baguio only smaller and undeveloped). I was lucky enough to go there and enjoy the cool breeze and streams that you would never ever experience in the City.

sure, i will be going to that place. is there puv going to that place?
actually ngayon pa lang i am very much excited to go there . guys thanks a lot and hope to see you there.

sorsoganon

May 14th, 2005, 01:48 AM

Hello Sorsoganon .. you are very welcome indeed to visit Iloilo. Try to savour and enjoy our native delicacies and the hospitality of the Ilonggos. Hope you will really enjoy our place. It's really a good contrast, or maybe a combination (should I say) of an old and new metro.

Leon, as what Chymera says is where Bucari is. Bucari is like a little Baguio in terms of coolness. Bucari, too, as far as I know is the highest peak in Iloilo province. Lots and lots of fresh veggies sold in the city came from this place. The town where I came from is just adjacent to Leon -- Alimodian. While Leon had Bucari, Alimodian had the "Seven Cities" as well. They both formed a mini-turistic area. I really know the exact place where you are going to (Buga). It's an hour ride by jeepney from City Proper or at least 30 minutes drive by car.

Sorsogonan, is it alright to ask you if you are a seaman? There are too many seamen living in Buga, Leon .. that's why.

Cheers and have a happy trip.

Hi wecky, nice to see your reply . anyway, i am a telecom technician and i am from sorsogon (bicol region). I have one friend in leon iloilo
that is why i am interested to see the place. our dialect as you may know, have lots of similarities with your dialect (as well as bacolod). i can understand but i cannot say it since your accent is different from us.

Anyway i will try to visit that bucari and "seven cities" when i go to iloilo. may i know what are these miniature cities?

I am supposed to be there this sept. but because of my work i have to re-sched it.i dont know when...

wecky/chymera ano bang months ang dry season at wet season diyan? although i have search for it mas maigi na kayo ang tanungin ko kasi andiyan kayo or somehow na experienced nyo na(in case of wecky na nasa labas ng pinas). please tell me if you have time.

Thanks a lot

wecky

May 17th, 2005, 05:39 AM

Hi wecky, nice to see your reply . anyway, i am a telecom technician and i am from sorsogon (bicol region). I have one friend in leon iloilo
that is why i am interested to see the place. our dialect as you may know, have lots of similarities with your dialect (as well as bacolod). i can understand but i cannot say it since your accent is different from us.

Anyway i will try to visit that bucari and "seven cities" when i go to iloilo. may i know what are these miniature cities?

I am supposed to be there this sept. but because of my work i have to re-sched it.i dont know when...

wecky/chymera ano bang months ang dry season at wet season diyan? although i have search for it mas maigi na kayo ang tanungin ko kasi andiyan kayo or somehow na experienced nyo na(in case of wecky na nasa labas ng pinas). please tell me if you have time.

Thanks a lot

About the dialect, I think so. I have couple of Bicolano friends here as well. At times, when we are talking in our own native tongue (Ilonggo), they told us that they can understand what we are talking at ... only thing is that, they cannot talk Ilonggo. They were really nice. One of them actually is a good friend of mine and we go to same university here taking our Masters. She graduated cumlaude during her time in Bicol State University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She's Batch 1993 I guess. Two-year senior than I am.

"Seven Cities" in Alimodian is not entirely seven cities in its literal meaning. They were seven barangays in the most peak mountain of the municipality. They just inagurated its tramline system a couple of months ago so as easier transportation of veggies, etc will be in place. Bucari of Leon and "Seven Cities" of Alimodian are just connected with each other forming the mountain ranges of Panay island.

Anyways, just enjoy Iloilo. If you are thinking of moving your visit by early August, I guess I can meet you personally so I can help you tour around the city and the province as well.

Dry and wet season in Iloilo are basically the same with the rest of the country. Peak of rainy season will be on June til August. September to December will really be a nice time.

Have a good day.

wecky

May 17th, 2005, 05:43 AM

Iloilo City launching pad of corruption prevention project

ILOILO City – This is the first city outside Metro Manila to launch the European Commission-Ombudsman (EC-OMB) Corruption Prevention Project.

Jose “Joecon” Concepcion Jr., representing the Project Task Force here in Iloilo, led the launching at the Jaro Archbishop’s Residence recently.

Members of the tri-media in Iloilo, including the Philippine Information Agency, were particularly recognized by Concepcion as indispensable partners in the project. He said media are also responsible for disseminating good and transparent information that can help Philippine society to survive.

In fact, Concepcion said, Iloilo was picked as EC-OMB Corruption Prevention Project’s launching pad in the regions in the country, because here, print and broadcast journalists have shown remarkable courage in battling corruption.

The Corruption Prevention Project reflects the priorities of the government in its Medium Term Philippine Development Plans (2000-2004 and 2004-2009) which aims to prevent corruption in order to improve delivery of services to the poor.

It also aims to enhance the country’s standing as a partner for foreign investment and trade, and remove both the grievances and opportunities that contribute to terrorism and political violence.

Concepcion cited the cooperation and support of various entities in the Corruption Prevention Project, which involves the Civil-Society/Non-Governmental Organizations whose main job is to help in monitoring procurement activities and processes in high-profile procuring government agencies as well as in the lifestyle check probes of its officials and employees.

Also an important partner are the general public and the academic community which should formulate actions in the creation of awareness, understanding and appreciation on anti-corruption reforms and initiatives.

Likewise, the government agencies themselves, should endeavor to reduce corruption risks and vulnerabilities through improved management systems and mechanisms, specifically in the implementation and institutionalization of procurement and integrity development reforms.

There are 16 participating agencies of government grouped into three, namely, the Procurement of Goods and Services, under which are the AFP, Bureau of Corrections, Bureau of fire protection, Department of Education, Department of health, PNP, and Procurement Service. The second is the Group on Public Works and Infrastructures composed of the DENR, DLR, DPWH, Light Rail Transit Authority, NIA, NTC.
The third group is Revenue Collection/Generation, involving the BIR, Bureau of Customs and the Land Transportation Office.

The 16 participating agencies are the centerpiece of the EC-OMB Corruption Project, where the implementation and institutionalization of the procurement and integrity development reforms is the focus of convergence and cooperation of the agency with the civil society and NGOs, with other collaborating government agencies, namely, the Career Executive Service Board, the CSC, DBM, Development Academy of the Philippines, Government Procurement Policy Board, the Philippine Information agency and the Presidential anti Graft Commission.

(from Panay News Online)

chymera00

May 18th, 2005, 10:12 AM

ILOILO - IN FOCUS
Bucari, Leon

*30 to 40 min. from the Poblacion; known as Little Baguio; consists of 14 contiguous barangays in the Municipality of Leon & adjoining barangays in the Municipality of Alimodian.

*During the Japanese Occupation, a civil resistance government was established in the mountains of Bucari, Leon.

*Development of Bucari area into a progressive agricultural production area w/c is also a tourists spot. High value crops are already grown but more can still be done to develop & maximize the potential of the area.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/BukariLeon.jpg
Credits to Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism Division - Office of the Governor

chymera00

May 18th, 2005, 10:20 AM

chymera00

May 18th, 2005, 10:39 AM

I went by the Jalandoni Bridge to shoot some pictures for our school paper. I wanted to take a sunset shot, but I was too lazy to wait for it ... So I ended up with this one. It was against the light (and I forgot to adjust) so it didn't turn out the way I wanted it ...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/DiversionRoad.jpg

You could see parts of the Iloilo River and Swamp Area/Fish Ponds and Far away are Buildings and Billboards along Diversion Road (Most notable are the Iloilo Business Hotel [Orange, Left] and SM City Iloilo [Right])

chymera00

May 18th, 2005, 12:48 PM

I made this one just for fun ... I want to make another one to send to devs so that can maybe post it in SSCs banner but I don't know how :( This one is 1420x160 but it can be contracted by 50% to match the SSC banner's dimension

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Banner.jpg

wecky

May 18th, 2005, 10:41 PM

wecky

May 18th, 2005, 10:47 PM

I'm going to post a daily "Iloilo - In Focus" tidbit to spur some activity in this thread ... Do you people think we should start "Iloilo City and Province Thread II"? (As long as I start it ^^) because this one is getting cluttered up. Maybe we could ask the Admin of the "Philippines Forums" to sticky it. After all, Iloilo City and Province is still part of the Philippines and this forum has been getting a lot of activity

that's a great idea Chymera ... and I gladly support it.

This thread is a bit long one already .. guess we can open the Thread II now (but it's all up to you as you are the thread starter of Iloilo City) .. but you know what .. best of all is your plan to post a daily tidbit about Iloilo City and the whole province .. it will help us all Ilonggos here abroad to keep in touch of what's happening in our province and city right now ... thanks Chymera. It is really a good plan.

About the sticky thing, it's all up to the moderators now .. hoping they will grant it then.

Cheers and have a good day to all !

wecky

May 18th, 2005, 10:49 PM

wecky

May 18th, 2005, 10:50 PM

wecky

May 18th, 2005, 10:52 PM

Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Iloilo opens facility for investment promotion

* DTI-Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena Jr. says there is a need to formally establish the center as inquiries and interested investors increase

A ONE-stop data center to promote Iloilo as a competitive investment location is now open at the ground floor of the Department of Trade and Industry building along J.M. Basa Street, Iloilo City.

Dubbed the Iloilo Investment Promotion Center (IIPC), its establishment was initiated in June last year by the Iloilo City Government, Department of Trade and Industry and the Iloilo Business Club.

DTI-Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena Jr. said there is a need to formally establish the center as inquiries and interested investors increase.

In July 12, 2004, Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order 27 for the creation of the task force for the investment promotion bureau.

To equip the task force on the concept and operations of an investment promotion center, Cadena said a briefing was conducted by Joel Yu, managing director of the Cebu Investment Promotion Center, and by Director-General Wilhelm Ortaliz of the Philippine Export Zones Authority.

Cadena said the IIPC also facilitates the dissemination of business information and coordinates the extension of advisory services.

The IIPC is now extending investment services to interested locators by providing data, facilitating business visits and also creating networks with local counterparts and partners.

Clients who have availed of IIPC services include ePLDT, Clientlogic, Convergys, ICT Group, CB Richard Ellis, Colliers, Joneslang La Salle, LeeChiu and Associates, JJ Summit, John Clements and Sutherland Global Services.

Last March, the Metropolitan Iloilo Development Council, Canadian Urban Institute and the Iloilo Provincial Government gave commitments to support the operations and activities of the IIPC.

With the IIPC now in place, "we hope that it will help open more economic opportunities and accelerate economic growth and create even more jobs," Cadena added. (PR)

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

May 18th, 2005, 10:57 PM

Iloilo City, Guimaras to forge alliance
for tourism development
By ADORA BANDORIO

ILOILO City — A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be signed between Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Guimaras Governor Rahman Nava on May 22nd primarily to create strategies for the Visit Iloilo-Guimaras tourism program.

According to Treñas, the alliance will be called the Guimaras-Iloilo City Alliance (GICA) and was conceptualized to help improve the economic competitiveness of the two places through joint undertakings in investment promotion, tourism development and planning and coordination of infrastructure support services.

GICA is composed of Treñas and Nava, while its advisory board will include representatives from the different national agencies and the academe who will act as consulting body to provide technical and information assistance.

Treñas said the alliance will conduct joint planning and coordination of economic and infrastructure service and projects and develop, share and implement common economic and infrastructure resources, information, tools and methodologies for the common benefits.

To carry out the purpose of the agreement, an executive director will be appointed to manage and oversee the regular operations and general implementation of GICA programs and projects.

The alliance will also consult, coordinate and work closely with the National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of the Interior and Local Governments and other priority concerned agencies, and the private sector.

“We are not getting a lot of market from people who go to Boracay. Here, facilities are available. We can be a destination. Iloilo and Guimaras will be good places to stay, shop and enjoy,” Treñas concluded.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

May 18th, 2005, 11:01 PM

Investors gateway to Iloilo now open

ILOILO City - A one-stop data center to promote Iloilo as a competitive investment location is now open, occupying the 30 square-meter area at the ground floor of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) along J.M. Basa Street, this city.

Dubbed as the Iloilo Investment Promotion Center (IIPC), the establishment of the center was initiated in June 2004 by the Iloilo City Government, DTI and the Iloilo Business Club.

DTI-Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said there really is a need to formally establish the center as inquiries and interested investors grew.

The creation of the center was solidified by an Executive Order Number 27 issued by Mayor Jerry Treñas in July l2, 2004 creating the task force for the investment promotion bureau.

To equip the task force on the concept and operationalization of an investment promotion center, Cadena said a briefing was conducted by Joel S. Yu, managing director of the Cebu Investment Promotion Center (CIPC) and by Director-General Wilhelm Ortaliz of the Philippine Export Zones Authority or PEZA on July 2004.

Cadena said IIPC also facilitates the dissemination of business information and coordinates the extension of advisory services.

Cadena is happy to note that IIPC is now busy extending investment services to interested locators by providing data, facilitating business visits and also creating networks with local counterparts and partners.

Clients who have availed of IIPC services, he said, include ePLDT, Clientlogic, Convergys, ICT Group, CB Richard Ellis, Colliers, Joneslang La Salle, LeeChiu & Ass., JJ Summit, John Clements, Sutherland Global Services, and other foreign and local clients.

In March 2005, the Metropolitan Iloilo Development Council (MIDC), Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Iloilo Provincial Government gave commitments to support the operations and activities of the IIPC.

Adding to make the IIPC create a conducive environment for investments are its two computers, printer, fax, scanner, telephone and internet connection, multi-media projector, laptop and working desks provided by the MIDC, CUI and DTI SME Center.

With the IIPC now in place, “we hope that it will help open up economic opportunities and accelerate economic growth here in this part of the country and to create even more jobs,” Cadena said.

(from Panay News Online)

sandrin

May 19th, 2005, 01:28 AM

Nice development for IloIlo.
I will post some Guimaras pictures tomorrow.

sugarboy

May 19th, 2005, 06:46 AM

Despite its being the seat of illustrious families such as the Lopezes, the Jalandonis, and all the other good families who saw migration to Negros at the turn of the 20th century, Iloilo is fast earning a name for itself as a city of eager wannabees thanks to a publication called Cream Magazine. Chymera, buhi pa ina ang Cream Magazine?

centralian_EXCEL_2k4

May 19th, 2005, 06:56 AM

centralian_EXCEL_2k4

May 19th, 2005, 07:24 AM

Hey can u also post pics of the road that connects diversion road and the new Jalandoni Bridge. Thanks.....

Virtute

May 19th, 2005, 07:46 AM

Here's a pic of Sarabia Manor on General Luna St. I took it while I was in on the island (crossing the street).

http://www.montinola.org/pics/skyscrapers/sarabiamanor.jpg

chymera00

May 19th, 2005, 11:32 AM

Iloilo City and Province thread I (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=166860&page=1)

We have to say goodbye to the original thread and move on ... We have learned so much about Iloilo and I hope we will continue to do so on this new thread. To get things started, I think we have to recap some important highlights of Iloilo.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/iloilobanner.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/IloiloLocation.jpg

The Province of Iloilo is located at the central part of the Philippine Archipelago and serves as a gateway to the southern part of the country. Its capital, Iloilo City, the second oldest city in the Philippines, is rich in history and culture and has played a major role in the affairs of the country over the years. The opening of the port of Iloilo to world trade in 1855 led rapid economic growth. It soon emerged as the biggest center of commerce and trade in the Visayas and Mindanao, earning the title of "Queen City of the South". The coming of the World War II has greatly devastated the city's economy, yet the city proved to be resilient to the whims of the invaders. Though the postwar years were not so kind to Iloilo, the ilonggos survived and managed to trudge on the road to prosperity.

Iloilo is a major food basket of the country, its fertile land is suitable for almost any kind of agricultural products. It has also one of the richest fishing grounds in the country. Estancia, a town in the northern tip of Iloilo, is known as the "Alaska of the Philippines" for its fishing industry. Iloilo hosts the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), a multi-national aquaculture research facility located in Tigbauan.

Iloilo is also very rich in natural attractions. The world-class island resort of Sicogon Island can be found at the Northern Tip of Iloilo, while the Bulabog-Putian National Park, the only National Park in Panay Island, is found in Dingle. Iloilo also has its "Little Bagiuo" in Bukari, Leon where the climate is cool all year round and wild flowers and pinetress grow everywhere. A trek to the mountains of will reveal the beautiful hidden lakes and waterfalls of Iloilo. Also if rock climbing, cave exploring, scuba diving, or water sports are your fancy a short call to the local tourist guide will help you on your quest to explore the vast beauty of Iloilo.

FACTS & FIGURES (Updated!)
Land Area : 56 sq. km (2004)
No. of Barangays: 180 (As of September 2003)
No. of Districts: 6 (As of September 2003)
Total Population: 365,820 (As of May 1,2000 census)
Total Population: 395,809 (2005 Estimate)
Population Density: Iloilo - 6,533 (As of May 1,2000 census)
Population Growth Rates: 1.93 (1995-2000)
Income Class: First
Consumer Price Index (2000=100): 129.1 (2004)
Inflation Rate: 7.7 (2004)
Purchasing Power of Peso: 0.77 (2004)
Average Family Income: 283,604 (2000)
No. of Elementary Schools:
Public: 52 (SY 2003-2004)
Private: 29 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Secondary Schools:
Public : 14 (SY 2003-2004)
Private: 15 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Tertiary Schools: 30 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Health Centers: 7 (2003)
No. of Barangay Health Stations: 44 (2003)
No. of Motor Vehicles Registered: 49,408 (2004)

ryanr

May 19th, 2005, 11:57 AM

chymera00

May 19th, 2005, 01:05 PM

Great Photos from the original thread:

Downtown + Muelle Loney
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Downtown1.jpg

Diversion Road
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/DiversionRoad.jpg

Castle Hotel, Gaisano City
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/downtown2.jpg

Iloilo Provincial Capitol + Iloilo River
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/downtown4.jpg

Iloilo Ampitheater, The Atrium Mall, PNBank
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/downtown3.jpg

Iznart St.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p3ef4a282850b57f9d8aeb28239b9a80e/f40fba3c.jpg

Iznart St. (Late Afternoon)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/pfbe463f4da9758a40f0a795d112d43b4/f40fba3f.jpg

The Plazoletagay
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p0eabca2a6f17b2668a181cb703b24b69/f40fba3e.jpg

J.M. Basa St.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/pfada0f237ea21d6a386199d6d7730c66/f40fba41.jpg

chymera00

May 19th, 2005, 01:51 PM

Wow...great job chymera:) Iloilo even beat Davao to a second thread:D

Great looking banner. However, Jan requests that there should be minimal text. And i see that you put your name on the bottom right, which is fine. But before submitting it to Jan, i would check with him if its ok to have it there. Cheers! btw, to submit a banner, just post and request for it on this thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=4172136#post4172136

Thanks, I already made one with no text and with post it right now ... hope they include it ^_^

More Pics

Statue, where 0km starts in Panay is., in front of Old Capitol
http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/iloilo.jpg

Iloilo Provincial Capitol
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p48d5cfc163816568637450488a7e2ff6/f40fa803.jpg.thumb.jpg

Days Hotel View
http://www.dayshotel.com/images/SUITEVIEW2.jpg

Downtown
http://www.stephenschroeder.com/Philippines/IloiloCity/small_images/i47.jpg

Downtown (During Dinagyang Festival)
http://www.geocities.com/rivaseric/population-1.jpg

chymera00

May 19th, 2005, 02:05 PM

ryanr

May 19th, 2005, 02:52 PM

Iloilo river looks really clean! It has a nice pristine clear color. Is it just the lighting of the picture of is it clean in reality?

chymera00

May 19th, 2005, 02:54 PM

Hey guys! Im new here... Thanks for this thread. Im updated with the latest developments in ILOILO City now and got to see some of the places that I traverse for the past 22 years.

Hey, could you post some pics of the "so called" Little Libis in Iloilo. Or are you all aware that there are plans to develop Caratagan in Calinog into a world class mountain resort?

see you in the CPU Centennial Celebrations on August! Miss Iloilo a Lot!
Welcome to the forums, its nice to see another Ilonggo here I hope you get to be active here ...

I've heard of a mountain resort in Calinog but haven't been there yet nor heard it was going to be developed into world class standards, maybe you could enlighted us with that one?

I don't know about the title "Little Libis" but construction has been active in the Diversion Area. It's called the "Smallville Business Center" located in Pison St.

Here are some pictures:

The Orange Building is the newly opened Iloilo Business Hotel
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/pf155e27198c639c2fb149a8916a0838d/f40f9dcc.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/pab32e9d3cc07f69a2075217ee4bb783e/f40f9dc3.jpg

Pison St. Layout
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/PisonSt.jpg

Other Shots in Diversion Road:

Blue one is the new Medicus:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p0a36f268c3f448f18ae7597c1af7cf0c/f40f9dc9.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/pcca0e1329648c2f3c3e1850b03199921/f40f9dc7.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/pb45c7588c8ab6982d4a6bfa21fa1ab38/f40f9dc5.jpg

Hey can u also post pics of the road that connects diversion road and the new Jalandoni Bridge. Thanks.....
The bridge is finished, the road is almost done, they still have to do some finishing touches so it isn't open to traffic yet. The other day we went there to take some pictures, I'll post them once the film is developed. In the meantime, I'll post some old ones I took in March.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p17ce78d4f2e6f1360908404146e332b6/f40f9dc1.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p0cb6850ab1ce4e3ddfd5640a39e104e3/f40f9dc8.jpg

You might have noticed that I'm putting my name on my pictures ... Well, its because I found one of my pictures on some guys website left uncredited. It got me upset a bit :( I emailed him to replace it and decided to put credits to all my pictures :)

Here was the site:
www.worldcityphotos.org

ryanr

May 19th, 2005, 03:00 PM

Yeah its a good idea to put your name on your photos:okay:

chymera00

May 19th, 2005, 03:23 PM

Iloilo river looks really clean! It has a nice pristine clear color. Is it just the lighting of the picture of is it clean in reality?
Let me answer that with this:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p5757c279f87f14a45faed45e8170f9df/f40f89b6.jpg

And it stinks too. Its not as bad as the Pasig River, but it does need a lot of work

ryanr

May 19th, 2005, 03:29 PM

Awww...that let me down. For a minute there i thought there was a Philippine city with a clean, non-polluted river. :(

KulasKusgan

May 19th, 2005, 03:48 PM

congrats chymera & all iloilo forumers on your 2nd thread. hehe. ambilis. i learned a lot from you guys.

chymera00

May 19th, 2005, 05:18 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Label.jpg

UPDATE:

Wednesday, May 11 2005 @ 08:26 PM BST

Agency to reduce bid price for Panay railway project
http://news.balita.ph/html/public_html/layout/ofw/images/mainlogo.jpg
The Philippine Investment and Development Corp. (PHIVIDEC) plans to cut down the bidding price for the multimillion-peso Panay Railways rehabilitation project.

Ofelia Bulaong, PHIVIDEC chair said that PHIVIDEC may slash the $658.41-million project cost by at least a third.

Under the original proposal, the 117-kilometer railway transit system from Iloilo City to Roxas City in Capiz would be rehabilitated, and would involve the construction of 46 steel bridges.

The project also entails the procurement of eight trains, consisting of three passenger cars and a cargo trailer for every train for long-distance traffic.

An additional four-kilometer stretch would also be built to connect the new Iloilo airport to the railway line. Once running, the railway system is projected to ferry 25 million passengers a year and may cut down travel time to only an hour and 10 minutes.

The PHIVIDEC plans to start the project this year, and complete it by 2007, so the railway system will run by 2008.

Bulaong has directed the consortium of Siemens from Germany, Systra of France and Voest Alpine of Austria to make a re-computation to have the project cost reduced even before the PHIVIDEC opens the bidding for the first phase in the next two months.

This first phase involves the compensation and resettlement of the estimated 1,500 families affected by the project.

Bulaong said the cost reduction was driven by the agency’s need to attract investors at the soonest time.

"We need to bring down the project cost to make it viable for the financial projection. We need a positive cash flow and we need the money to come in earlier so we can do services we need to do," she said.

Five companies, some of them Filipino-owned firms, are interested in posting bids for the first phase of the project, which is expected to cost $50 million (P2.7 billion), Bulaong said.

She said PHIVIDEC will bid out the housing portion first, based on Malacañang’s instructions that the project should ensure the welfare of the 1, 500 families affected.

The project was priced at $658.41 million, covering, among others, the $164.71 million for civil works, $168.97 million for the rolling stock, $104.67 million for engineering and maintenance and $50 to $60 million for the compensation of households that will be affected by the rehabilitation.

Other costs include the $12.55 million for right-of-way acquisition, $25.79 million in interest payment and some $100.94 for miscellaneous items.

Went googling and found these pictures of the present state of the Panay Railways. I wont be posting all pictures so be sure to visit these links:

1. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/panay_2004.htm
2. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~EPhilrail/Fsiraipanai.htm
3. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/capiz.htm
4. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/New%20Frontier.htm
5. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/Central_Santos_Lopez.htm
6. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/panayrail.htm

Its in Japanese so you might want to translate it using this Online Translator (http://worldlingo.com/en/websites/url_translator.html) (Reccommended if you want to give yourself a good laugh)

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/Iloilo.gif
Jalo anyone?

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/4P5041942.jpg
Site of the original station duty room and at the left, you can see the map of the railroad project :)

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/4P5041940.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/4P5041939.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/4P5042002.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/panai3.jpeghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/panai1.jpeghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/panai2.jpeghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300009.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/4P5041952.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300044.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300144.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300146.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300147.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300018.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300021.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300020.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300024.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/sP3300030.jpghttp://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/4P5041944.jpg
Go Figure ^^

Past Developments
$658.4-M Panay railway line rehab to be bid out (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=3136688&postcount=71)

chymera00

May 19th, 2005, 06:09 PM

wecky

May 19th, 2005, 11:46 PM

Congratulations, Chymera ... job well done ... I'm really glad we had a new thread .. and of course, really glad to see many non-Ilonggo forumers visiting our thread as well. Thank you very much to all of them.

Anyway, thanks for sharing with us all the pictures, etc ... it's great! And I really like the banner you've created.

Cheers !

wecky

May 19th, 2005, 11:56 PM

We have to say goodbye to the original thread and move on ... We have learned so much about Iloilo and I hope we will continue to do so on this new thread. To get things started, I think we have to recap some important highlights of Iloilo.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/iloilobanner.jpg

The Province of Iloilo is located at the central part of the Philippine Archipelago and serves as a gateway to the southern part of the country. Its capital, Iloilo City, the second oldest city in the Philippines, is rich in history and culture and has played a major role in the affairs of the country over the years. The opening of the port of Iloilo to world trade in 1855 led rapid economic growth. It soon emerged as the biggest center of commerce and trade in the Visayas and Mindanao, earning the title of "Queen City of the South". The coming of the World War II has greatly devastated the city's economy, yet the city proved to be resilient to the whims of the invaders. Though the postwar years were not so kind to Iloilo, the ilonggos survived and managed to trudge on the road to prosperity.

Iloilo is a major food basket of the country, its fertile land is suitable for almost any kind of agricultural products. It has also one of the richest fishing grounds in the country. Estancia, a town in the northern tip of Iloilo, is known as the "Alaska of the Philippines" for its fishing industry. Iloilo hosts the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), a multi-national aquaculture research facility located in Tigbauan.

Iloilo is also very rich in natural attractions. The world-class island resort of Sicogon Island can be found at the Northern Tip of Iloilo, while the Bulabog-Putian National Park, the only National Park in Panay Island, is found in Dingle. Iloilo also has its "Little Bagiuo" in Bukari, Leon where the climate is cool all year round and wild flowers and pinetress grow everywhere. A trek to the mountains of will reveal the beautiful hidden lakes and waterfalls of Iloilo. Also if rock climbing, cave exploring, scuba diving, or water sports are your fancy a short call to the local tourist guide will help you on your quest to explore the vast beauty of Iloilo.

FACTS & FIGURES (Updated!)
Land Area : 56 sq. km (2004)
No. of Barangays: 180 (As of September 2003)
No. of Districts: 6 (As of September 2003)
Total Population: 365,820 (As of May 1,2000 census)
Total Population: 395,809 (2005 Estimate)
Population Density: Iloilo - 6,533 (As of May 1,2000 census)
Population Growth Rates: 1.93 (1995-2000)
Income Class: First
Consumer Price Index (2000=100): 129.1 (2004)
Inflation Rate: 7.7 (2004)
Purchasing Power of Peso: 0.77 (2004)
Average Family Income: 283,604 (2000)
No. of Elementary Schools:
Public: 52 (SY 2003-2004)
Private: 29 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Secondary Schools:
Public : 14 (SY 2003-2004)
Private: 15 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Tertiary Schools: 30 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Health Centers: 7 (2003)
No. of Barangay Health Stations: 44 (2003)
No. of Motor Vehicles Registered: 49,408 (2004)

Thanks for all the infos, Chymera ... truly Iloilo once hold the distinction as "Queen City of the South" ... we might not have the crown today but the glorious past will definitely tell us so ... still there are too many evidents that can be found and still is existing around the city to the present ... a title, shall I say "we once hold" ... and was lost ... but it's hard to forego. Hope our vibrancy here in the forum will mimic the enthusiasm of the rest of Iloilo officials, residents, etc. Kudos to all !

wecky

May 19th, 2005, 11:59 PM

congrats chymera & all iloilo forumers on your 2nd thread. hehe. ambilis. i learned a lot from you guys.

you are welcome, indeed sleepwalker_uno ... hope we can be of great help in one way or the other (in terms of information/s about the city and the whole province).

wecky

May 20th, 2005, 12:01 AM

Thursday, May 19, 2005
Iloilo City, Guimaras to forge alliance for tourism dev't

A MEMORANDUM of Agreement (MOA) will be signed between Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Guimaras Governor Rahman Nava on May 22 primarily to create strategies for the Visit Iloilo-Guimaras tourism program.

According to Trenas, the alliance will be called the Guimaras-Iloilo City Alliance (Gica) and was conceptualized to help improve the economic competitiveness of the two places through joint undertakings in investment promotion, tourism development and planning and coordination of infrastructure support services.

Gica is composed of Trenas and Nava, while its advisory board will include representatives from the different national agencies and the academe who will act as consulting body to provide technical and information assistance.

Trenas said the alliance will conduct joint planning and coordination of economic and infrastructure service and projects and develop, share and implement common economic and infrastructure resources, information, tools and methodologies for the common benefits.

To carry out the purpose of the agreement, an executive director will be appointed to manage and oversee the regular operations and general implementation of Gica programs and projects.

The alliance will also consult, coordinate and work closely with the National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of the Interior and Local Governments and other priority concerned agencies, and the private sector.

"We are not getting a lot of market from people who go to Boracay. Here, facilities are available. We can be a destination. Iloilo and Guimaras will be good places to stay, shop and enjoy," Trenas concluded.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

May 20th, 2005, 12:04 AM

Thursday, May 19, 2005
The beauty of WV shown at 'Fiesta in the City'

SM CITY is again holding its two-week "Fiesta in the City" which opened last May 16.

The event, which is already on its fifth year, showcases the products, culture and heritage of the different municipalities of Western Visayas.

The participating municipalities are Passi, Pavia, Ajuy, Leganes, Maasin, Miagao and Guimbal. The participating cities are Iloilo, Passi and the province of Guimaras.

Tradition

"We will continue to support this tradition of supporting Fiesta in the City," according to Department of Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta. "The DOT believes this event can help create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship from the grassroots level and up.

Instead of the open house mentality, I would like our LGUs to re-design their festivals by offering tour packages during weekends. We have to offer options beyond our fiesta," he added.

"We are re-positioning the province of Iloilo as a festival province of the Philippines.

The grand slam winning at the Aliwan Festival held last April validated this. Western Visayas has so much beauty and culture. For the next two weeks, these will be capsulized within SM City Iloilo. The staging of this event is a good way to give the public a glimpse of what they can expect when they go to these places. The festivals depict the Panayanon way of life. This is what we are. Our culture is what unites us and this is what makes us great," according Iloilo Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada.

The exhibit

In the Passi City booth, one can find their famous sweet pineapple and some products made from this fruit. There's the pineapple jam and pineapple candy. They also showcase traditional herbal liniments, papaya soap, herbal bath soaps and candle holders.

The municipality of Maasin, labeled as the "Bamboo Capital of the Philippines," showcases its products made of bamboo. Some of them are the bamboo fan, bamboo CD rack, picture frames, bamboo lampshades, pencil holders and bamboo furniture sets.

Guimbal's prime products are also on exhibit. Some of them are the ostrich eggs, sweet mangoes, coco oil, virgin coconut oil, buffalo milk, cow's milk, papaya juice, barquillos and vinegar.

Leganes showcases a rocking chair set, candleholders, lamp holders and torches.

Pavia, home of the "Carabao Carroza Festival," features their different agricultural pellets and feeds, candleholders and pikpik kuron. During the opening, guests trooped to this booth to partake of the delicious sorbetes.

The province of Antique showcases its banana chips, muscovado sugar, wine holders made of abaca and banig, among others.

Guimaras exhibits its mango and cashew products. Oro Verde, a commercially operated mango orchard established in June 1986, exhibits its dried mangoes, pickled mangoes and mango jam. Fresh mangoes, kalabasa, catsup, calamansi juice, squash, and papaya pickles are also available.

Miag-ao, famous for its indigenous clothing materials and its Unesco heritage church, showcases its hangin pots, flat brooms, candle holders, hablon, accessories and clay shoes. There's a section there where guests are shown how hablon is woven.

The province of Aklan features their native bags, fans, albums, slippers and lamps made of pina fiber.

Ajuy displays their native nito baskets and delicacies like banana marble, squash balls and batwan marble.

Guests

Other attendees were Antique Governor Sally Zaldivar Perez, Iloilo Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada, Leganes Mayor Adolf Jaen, Maasin Mayor Mars Malones, Executive Assistant to Mayor Jerry Trenas, Ben Jimena, Antique Board Member Calixto Zaldivar, Chairman of Guimaras's Economic Development Office Ruben Corpuz and tourism officers of the different municipalities.

Representing SM City Iloilo was Mall Manager Girlie Libo-on and Public Relations Officer Kristine Rojo Yap.(Ramon C. Salvilla)

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

rustyboi

May 20th, 2005, 01:47 AM

Wow...great job chymera:) Iloilo even beat Davao to a second thread:D

Great looking banner. However, Jan requests that there should be minimal text. And i see that you put your name on the bottom right, which is fine. But before submitting it to Jan, i would check with him if its ok to have it there. Cheers! btw, to submit a banner, just post and request for it on this thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=4172136#post4172136

congratz iloilo for the second thread! the banner looks cool! we can actually suggest banners to the moderators? had no idea! i made a banner for cebu as well just for fun. not good with photo-editing though... hehe

never been to iloilo city but hoping to visit the place as soon as i finish college! :)

OT:
thanks greyx for the thread link! so we basically just post the banner and wait for it to show up? i'm not sure if this banner is qualified but i uploaded it somewhere here:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/SSC/cebu-urban01.jpg

centralian_EXCEL_2k4

May 20th, 2005, 04:52 AM

chymera00

May 20th, 2005, 02:06 PM

congratz iloilo for the second thread! the banner looks cool! we can actually suggest banners to the moderators? had no idea! i made a banner for cebu as well just for fun. not good with photo-editing though... hehe

never been to iloilo city but hoping to visit the place as soon as i finish college! :)

OT:
thanks greyx for the thread link! so we basically just post the banner and wait for it to show up? i'm not sure if this banner is qualified but i uploaded it somewhere here:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/cebupics/SSC/cebu-urban01.jpg

Your banner looks cool too :) It deserves to be banner for the day. BTW, there's supposed to be no text in it

Thanks chymera for the pics. Im so happy with the exponential growth of the Iloilo economy which is manifested by the booming construction all around the city and its suburbs.

By the way im inviting all Ilonggo forumers to vote and rate Iloilo City in the rateitall.com website. Currently we're on the no. 1 spot surpassing the more industrialized cities of Sapporo, Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan.

Hehe rated it 5!

I took some new pictures today (including those of Jalandoni Bridge) ... Be in for a treat

chymera00

May 20th, 2005, 03:43 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/JalandoniBridge.jpg

Whole Story:

DPWH ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS IN ILOILO
(October 30 2003)

In line with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s vision of a strong republic through interregional and interprovincial development program, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has come up with another high-impact project that will certainly benefit the commuters especially the Ilonggos.

An essential part of the Iloilo River Rehabilitation Project (IRRP), the DPWH has proposed for the construction of Jalandoni Bridge and its approaches, as well as related road components such as flyover, Iloilo Boulevard, and access roads.

Initially, the DPWH wanted to incorporate the bridge project into the Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP), which will be funded under a loan agreement by the Government of the Philippines (GOP) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

However, due to budget constraints, the construction of Jalandoni Bridge and its related components can not be included in the funding for the IFCP.

Thus, the DPWH has sought the help of Senate President Franklin Drilon, a native of the province, to facilitate realization of this project. Through the initiative of the good senator, Phase 1 or the Jalandoni Bridge project costing P55 million has been funded and released.

The bridge project, which is envisioned to form part of Iloilo’s road network, will be located in the central portion of Iloilo River, connecting the city proper and La Paz District. It will cross towards the north side of the river in Barangay Nabitasan, traversing mangrove and fishpond areas.

The Jalandoni Bridge Project will include the construction of 170 linear meters of pre-stressed concrete girder bridge on bored pile foundation consisting of two (2) spans of 25 meters and four (4) spans of 30 meters.

DPWH Region VI Director Wilfredo Agustino has reported that the bridge project has a 20.63% accomplishment to date.

Since it is not feasible to construct the Jalandoni Bridge without considering the related components, the DPWH has proposed to include construction of the fly-over, the Iloilo Boulevard, and access roads.

Phase II, which will cost P95 million, is the Construction of the Jalandoni Bridge Access Road leading to Hechanova Streets and Boulevard.

Phase III, amounting to P60 million, is the Construction of Jalandoni Bridge Access Road Leading to Diversion Road and Boulevard.

Phase IV, the Construction of Dungon Bridge, has an estimated cost of P32 million.

And lastly, Phase V, the Construction of Fly-over along General Luna, will amount to P30 million.

To facilitate implementation of the entire project, a request for funding has been made to the JBIC by the Honorable Senator Drilon.

Ongoing activities include the construction of the Jalandoni bridge, which is under contract with New San Jose Builders, Inc.

At the rate things are going, the DPWH is confident that by next year, Iloilo will have new roads and bridges that will be at par with the country’s top infrastructures.

wecky

May 20th, 2005, 10:32 PM

Iloilo in Focus
Nasidman Island, Ajuy

*Nasidman Island introduces life in a fishing village as you witness the traditional way of welcoming guests and listening to music, fishing demo and paddling all the way to the next island, the Calabazas Island.

*Nasidman & Calabasa Islands. The two islands are located 150 meters away from each other. 7 kms and 1 nautical mile from Ajuy poblacion. Calabasa is government owned. Both islands offer solitude, land and sea playgrounds, fishing and other water sports.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/NasidmanIslandAjuy.jpg

been once to Ajuy in the past ... I haven't seen this island ... really nice in pics .. ohhh .. got so many good places in Iloilo that I wasn't able to visit pala ...

Thanks for the info, Chymera ... please continue your "Iloilo-In Focus" ... I am learning from it ... a lot, actually. Ta.

wecky

May 20th, 2005, 10:38 PM

ILOILO PROVINCIAL CAPITOL and THE RIVER

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/downtown4.jpg

This is one of the best pictures I loved ... The Promenade ... trees lining the river banks ... very nice to stroll in the late afternoon ... very European ang dating .. hopefully, some good businesses like coffeshops, resto, etc will line along the side of the great promenade ... stunning!

wecky

May 20th, 2005, 10:46 PM

Awww...that let me down. For a minute there i thought there was a Philippine city with a clean, non-polluted river. :(

hehehe ... we're all hoping for that til now ... it's just that, we Filipinos don't care with our rivers at all .. we just simply throw and dump anything in there ... probably thinking that the flow will melt down the rotten gradually or bring it in the mid-ocean, and let the nature take its course ... sad fate, indeed ... when are we going to learn? That remains a question.

wecky

May 20th, 2005, 11:42 PM

wecky

May 20th, 2005, 11:51 PM

Friday, May 20, 2005
Grand Flores de Mayo celebration on May 21 to 29

THE City Government will be celebrating the 2nd Grand Flores de Mayo from May 21st to 29th at the Jaro Plaza in close coordination with the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) of the district.

The festival, which is expected to be the grandest floral exhibit in the metropolis, hopes to attract tourists from all over and Ilonggos from other parts of the city to witness the event highlighted by a Flores de Mayo procession.

The floral exhibit will be done by the Iloilo Garden Club and the Iloilo Horticulture Club.

Some of the activities include the Sagala procession on May 21st with local beauty pageant titlists wearing creations of Ilonggo designers and another procession spearheaded by the Our Lady of Candles Parish Pastoral Council on May 31st.

The featured designers are Randy Jimenez, Efren Palomo, Diana Travina, Bing Gison, Dominic Manderico, Felipe Burgos, Ted Mino, Dingdong Careos and May McGuirre.

This year's Reyna de la Flores is Katherine Avancena Carmen, the daughter of Virgilio and Anita Carment of Arevalo, Iloilo City. The other queens are Pearl Joy Pojas, Diana Angelie Jainga, Aubrey Villareal and Jenelee Jan Torilla.

The sagalas are Andrea Lorraine Encinares, Sheila May Gonzales, Ann Clarise Mijares, Jenna Benefiel, Rashyen Marie Buensuceso, April Anne Quinon, Pamela Anne Sabido, Sunday Bela-ong, Jerky Marie Martir and Connie Ann Macairan.

A food festival by members of the Iloilo Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association will also be held on May 27th and 28th at the plaza.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the festival, an executive order creating the various committees for the event has been issued by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.

The overall committee is made up of Treñas and Councilor Merci Drilon-Garcia as honorary chairpersons, ABC President for Jaro chapter Barangay Captain Julieta Diamante as chair of the executive committee, City Tourism Officer Heloise Javellana as co-chair, Police Senior Inspector Roberto Foerster as chair for traffic and security committee, Nieva Seruelo chairs the procession committee, Barangay Captain Abelarde Salting, Jr. as chair of the food festival, Barangay Captain Nicolas Gonzalez as exhibit and flower garden show chair, Rene Peconcillo for physical arrangement and Honeylyn Zerrudo for the program and reception.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

--------------

another tourist-attraction event in the making .... great and consistent promotion!

from DINAGYANG Festival .. to Candelaria (Jaro Fiesta) .. to Chinese New Year .... then Paraw Regatta ... to other municipalities' festivals ...and Lenten Season ... hosting WVRAA Meet, the revival of Palarong Pambansa, and then the YES Camp ... now, the Grand Flores de Mayo ... and looking forward to the Philipppine-Spanish Frienship Week in Iloilo by end week of June ... to the grand CPU Centennial Celebration .... the fun and fest continues on and on .... that's really great ! Truly ... it's a city of life !

--------------

Iloilo City prepares for ‘grand’ Flores de Mayo

ILOILO City – The city government will be celebrating the 2nd Grand Flores de Mayo from May 21st to 29th at the Jaro Plaza in close coordination with the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) of the district.

The festival, which is expected to be the grandest floral exhibit in the metropolis, hopes to attract tourists from all over and Ilonggos from other parts of the city to witness the event highlighted by a Flores de Mayo procession.

The floral exhibit will be done by the Iloilo Garden Club and the Iloilo Horticulture Club.

Some of the activities include the Sagala procession on May 21st with local beauty pageant titlists wearing creations of Ilonggo designers and another procession spearheaded by the Our Lady of Candles Parish Pastoral Council on May 31st.

A food festival by members of the Iloilo Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association will also be held on May 27th and 28th at the plaza.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the festival, an executive order creating the various committees for the event has been issued by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.

The overall committee is made up of Treñas and Councilor Merci Drilon-Garcia as honorary chairpersons, ABC President for Jaro chapter barangay captain Julieta Diamante as chair of the executive committee, city tourism officer Heloise Javellana as co-chair, P/S Insp. Roberto Foerster as chair for traffic and security committee, Nieva Seruelo chairs the procession committee, barangay captain Abelarde Salting, Jr. as chair of the food festival, barangay captain Nicolas Gonzalez as exhibit and flower garden show chair, Rene Peconcillo for physical arrangement and Honeylyn Zerrudo for the program and reception.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

May 20th, 2005, 11:59 PM

Customs VI’s collection up

ILOILO City – The Bureau of Customs VI’s cash collection reached P49,115,732 from January to May 16, 2005, 14.59% better than the P42,861,524.82 recorded in January to May, 2004.

The revenue collection figures do not include the collection from ethyl alcohol in March 2004 and the non-traditional revenue proceed from auction sale in April 2004.

“The shipment of alcohol in Bacolod has stopped hence, adjustment with our revenue collection targets has to be made,” said District Collector Ernesto Urbano.

According to Urbano the payments from shipment of ethyl alcohol could already meet almost half of their target collection but he was told by importers from Bacolod that they have stopped the importation of ethyl alcohol since this can now be derived from local molasses and added to this their storage tanks in Manila are already functional.

To further step up their collection efforts, Urbano said, early last year, they launched “Mabaskog Nga Exportasyon kag Importasyon sa Iloilo”

campaign. This project aims to make containerized ocean-going vessel to come to Iloilo directly from abroad without passing Manila or Cebu.

Urbano noted that most of the vessels coming from countries like Singapore and Hongkong which are hubs of feeder vessels going to the Philippines can go to main ports like Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Batangas, Cagayan and Davao.

“But I found out in statistics na maraming businessmen dito nagre-release ng kanilang imports sa Cebu at saka sa Manila and when I asked them the problem they told me walang foreign ocean-going vessel docking Iloilo and Bacolod, kaya napipilitan sila ibaba ang kargamento nila sa Manila or Cebu and pay their taxes and duties there when the final destination ng mga kargamentong ito are areas in Western Visayas,” said Urbano.

As part of the campaign, Urbano said he has already met some businessmen in the area and talked to them about this project which yielded also positive result since one company has already started to clear its imports here in Iloilo.

Urbano added he has also schedules to meet other businessmen and foreign shipping lines to improve this transport situation.

“We will also show to the shipping sector that we have the statistics to convince them that they can go to Iloilo and Bacolod, discharge their containers then on their way back mayroon silang madalang export galing dito. Ico-consolidate natin yong mga exporters kung mayroon nang barkong papasok so that may backload ang barko,” explained Urbano.

Urbano pointed out that many traders are not yet aware of the Iloilo port’s capabilities to serve them on customs matters.

“What the Manila port and other district ports in Manila can do, can also be done here by the Iloilo port,” he stressed.

Also, Urbano cited corruption prevention measures being implemented in his office to keep in tune with the administration’s call for good governance such as the posting of work flow charts in their office. The charts will serve as guide to their clients on where to go, what to do, what to pay, for how much and including time frame that will indicate the duration of the transaction. He is also encouraging the public to call him directly, incognito if afraid, in cases of complaints involving customs personnel.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

May 21st, 2005, 12:03 AM

Motocross riders to see action in Sta. Barbara

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Accomplished motorcycle riders from around the country will once again gather here for the 16th Camel Supercross 2005 at the Sta. Barbara International Raceway in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.

Some of the riders were presented to the media in yesterday’s press conference held at the Sarabia Manor Hotel following a motorcade in downtown Iloilo.

The 16th Camel Supercross 2005 here will be a qualifier for the Philippine Motocross Team for the Asian Motocross Championship in Macau comes June 24 this year.

Iloilo City and Bacolod will host the two legs of the event for the national competition.

The National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA) – the country’s recognized governing body for local motorcycle sports – has invited two foreign riders that will add excitement to the Supercross races on Sunday. They are James Robinson of New Zealand and Tadakazu Otsuka of Japan.

Otsaka was the 2004 FIM (Federacion Internationale de Motorcycliste) Asian Motocross Champion. Robinson, as well, has been a frontrunner in his country.

The country’ topnotch motorcycle rider Glen Aguilar, the 2003 FIM Asian Motocross Champion, will also be seeing actionr.

NAMSSA Marketing Director Macky Carapiet took the opportunity to thanked Camel (cigarettes) for sponsoring the event.

“Camel has been supportive of this sport… to raise its standards internationally,” Carapiet said.

The 16th Camel Supercross 2005, on Sunday, will be classified into 14 categories with 70 to 110 expected riders.

Welcoming foreign riders in the competition is a challenge. This, the county’s topnotch rider Glen Aguilar said.

“We have been practicing hard…pinaghandaan namin ito,” Aguilar said during the presscon.

Asked if local riders are intimidated by the foreign riders, “Sila ang dapat matakot sa amin,” he answered jokingly. “We will not allow ourselves to lose,” he added.

Sunday’s races will start at 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon for Round 1. Round 2 will follow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Some big names joining are Kenneth San Andres, Eric Mitra and Giovanni Leyva in the professional category.

(from Panay News Online)

chymera00

May 21st, 2005, 12:28 PM

WELCOME centralian_EXCEL_2k4 ... what a long username ... nice to hear from you ... I am a Centralian as well .. graduated 1995 (BSN) ... and if I am not mistaken, Whyte (in Manila) is a centralian, too. Are you visiting our school's forum as well? Hope to see you in the end week of July til August (and thereafter) for our Centennial Celebration. Have a good day.

We can actually have our own SSC Forum Meet - Iloilo City (that is if you people are interested :) For other people who want to, just tell us your intent to join so we can plan ahead. Hoping to see some of you people in July-August

chymera00

May 21st, 2005, 01:26 PM

This is peraps the only Pano of the Iloilo Skyline :sly: to date. This was taken on the newly opened Iloilo Business Hotel. Credit should be given to the guy who happily let me in the roof deck to take some pictures :)

At the left is Mandurriao District (SM City Iloilo), then Jaro District, then La Paz District, then City Proper (You can see the Jalandoni Bridge)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Panorama2.jpg

Pictures of the newly Rennovated SM Ledesma:

Right Side
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p0b445a096a637f76c419c062522dec87/f40aa017.jpg

Front Side
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p7e0dc5333e93d962ff47f95d809b6c17/f40aa015.jpg

General Luna St.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p3934015f1667bcb9309ec695ae516a75/f40a958e.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p460a04dfa75f24cb6f1019c0fa983a9d/f40a958d.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/pa498e5b64967c7dffa7f997af87e3938/f40a958c.jpg

chymera00

May 21st, 2005, 01:49 PM

ILOILO - IN FOCUS
Mt. Manaphag or Mt. Pan de Azucar, Concepcion

*Mount Manaphag is situated in Pan de Azucar (also the other name for the peak), an island which could be reached by a pumpboat in 45 minutes from Concepcion town in Iloilo province. With white-sand beaches, spectacular crags and verdant hills, Pan de Azucar Is. belongs to a string of small scenic islands dotting the northeastern coast of Iloilo.

* Landmark of Concepcion. It is a mountain situated in Bgy. Tambaliza with craggy slopes and ideal for mountain climbers; at 7,148 ft, the second highest spot in Panay.

* A fabled limestone sugar loaf mountain, where one can swim, snorkel, fish, go boating or simply bask on the white sand beach.

* Pan De Azucar is known for environmental-educational activities. It is drawing visitors every year not only from Iloilo but from other neighboring provinces as well.

* According to legend, a giant named Toya used to inhabit the summit of Manaphag. Toya takes a bath in a lagoon on the summit, using for a scoop the shell of a gigantic manlot or clam. As modern man seeks ways to to distinguish the facts and fictions in a myth, testimonies abound, either negating or upholding, some elements in the Manphag legend. Based on the observations of many climbers who had reached the summit, the peak of Manaphag is very narrow to be able to sustain a lagoon of a size. However, some sources adamantly maintain the belief for the existence of the lagoon, found in a sizable tract of flat ground slightly below the summit in the northwestern side. As to the presence of a giant manlot, one version has it that the manlot is merely a rock with the rough semblance of the real thing. A contrasting view holds it however to be a real oyster; allegedly, it was taken out for its pearl aboard a helicopter a couple of decades ago.

Another thorny issue about Manaphag is the standing claim that it is an extinct volcano. A steep cone resembling the hard core of a long eroded volcano, it naturally perpetuates the notion of the common folks who consider it as a kulob nga bulkan or inverted volcano - whatever that means. At any rate, the dominant rock of Manaphag is dalepe or sedimentary rock - not igneous or volcanic. Whatever is true, only the experts could tell with authority.

* On the way to Pan de Azucar, one could not possibly miss its unusual shape from afar. The mountain, which is 180.44 meters above sea level, is called Mt. Manaphag by local.

* The tourism management council charges a PhP10 entrance fee for visitors, which is used for community and environmental activities on the islands.

* *Mt. Manaphag is a relatively low peak. However, it possesses two remarkable features - its spectacular crags and very steep incline. Perhaps the steepest peak in the country, Mt. Manaphag flaunts of slopes ranging from 60 to 90 degrees.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/PandeAzucarIslandConcepcion.jpg

http://www.yehey.com/local/lifestyle/images/AghiIsland.JPG

ARTCILE:

Date: Thu, 1 May 1997 22:58:46 +0000
From: Philippine News Agency <pna@gaia.psdn.iphil.net>
Subject: pn: The Mystery Behind Pan de Azucar (Features)

By Neonita A. Gobuyan

ILOILO CITY, April 27 (PNA) - Pan de Azucar, the second highest
spot in Panay Island, is now an attraction as one of the tourist
destinations in this part of the country.

Pan de Azucar at 7,148 feet above sea level is situated in the
northern Iloilo town of Concepcion and known as the replica of the sugar
loaf cone of Rio de Janeiro.

Concepcion, some 111 kilometers from Iloilo City has 25 barangays and some of them are located in the 11 islands and islets.

Pan de Azucar, the highest island mountain has three barangays with
Tambaliza as the biggest village barangays populated by around 3,000.

"Most of the people here are fisherfolks while some produce rice,
coconuts and other products," Barangay Captain Geronimo Dosejo
disclosed.

This majestic mountain has a mysterious story which is being
recalled by Ester Mosqueda, a native of the island.
Mosqueda rendered a narrative song in native dialect called

"composo" she personally wrote with facts narrated by her own father.
The song tells a story of a giant living in this place who

became lonely and restless. The giant decided to visit the island of
Negros facing the area.

He prepared a provision of bread and red compact sugar and started
the journey by crossing the body of waters separating both islands.
While swimming half way, a small fish called Kamantahan touched his
private parts and eventually he dropped his provision of bread and
sugar.

The narration continued recalling that the bread and sugar were
carried by waves and grew into a tall mountain.

Then came the Spanish Friars who learned about the story of the
mountain and decided to name it Pan de Azucar.

The island mountain is now one of the tourist attractions of the
town of Concepcion. (PNA) RPP/wpt/NAG/

http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/manaphag.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/misland.JPG

Pictures and some Info taken from: http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/Manaphag.html (Be sure to visit!)

wecky

May 21st, 2005, 05:38 PM

http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/iloilo.jpg

what do you call this statue again ? It's a four-lady statue in front of Old Provincial Capitol ... loved to see it when the fountain is on ... hope they will turn it into a dancing fountain ... really a great symbol of Imperial ILOILO !

Chymera, will you be able to ask anybody the name of this famous fountain? My old folks used to tell me about it but kind of lost it now.

Thanks for the pic ... this statue is a one of Iloilo's symbol.

wecky

May 21st, 2005, 09:08 PM

Pictures of the newly Rennovated SM Ledesma (Guanco):

Right Side
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p0b445a096a637f76c419c062522dec87/f40aa017.jpg

Front Side
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p7e0dc5333e93d962ff47f95d809b6c17/f40aa015.jpg

Thanks for the pics Chymera ... I loved this SM, the first ever SM in Iloilo ... I used to shop here, more than I do in SM City Iloilo in Diversion Road ... liked most of the clothing display, etc than that of the city ... gone are the old SM, too many memories indeed .... but really I am glad that it was renovated and made it looks better. Thanks to SM .. remember the logo before ... "Iloilo shops at SM".

wecky

May 21st, 2005, 09:17 PM

sandrin

May 21st, 2005, 10:13 PM

ThisFire

May 22nd, 2005, 04:32 AM

chymera00

May 22nd, 2005, 11:42 AM

Hey Chymera, nice skyline. I'm so glad to see all the trees in the area. It's obvious that there's more room for development and hopefully landscaping will be taken into consideration too.
I hear ya Wecky, that's one of the best Capitol in Pinas at present. I also like the Miag-Ao church particularly the elaborate designs on its facade.

Ok as promised, here are some Guimaras pictures taken by my brother:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/sandrn/guimaras1.gif
Guimaras Island

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/sandrn/guimaras2.gif
Guimaras hills

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/sandrn/guimarassunset.gif
Guimaras Sunset

Guimaras and Iloilo share a lot in common and its safe to say that Guimaras is a part of Iloilo (culturally and proximity-wise). But I'd like to say this so other people won't get confused, Guimaras isn't a sub-province of Iloilo anymore, Guimaras is an independent province of Western Visayas.

Those are nice pics Sandrin, thanks for sharing them. I will be sharing mine too coz I just visited it two days ago, we went to Puerto del Mar (resort beside Alubihod Beach Resort). But i'll be posting them on the "Tourism" thread or on a new one :) Too bad we didn't get to go boating, else, I'd be flooding another forum ;)

chymera00

May 22nd, 2005, 11:59 AM

ILOILO - IN FOCUS
Tinagong Dagat, Lambunao

* A lake situated at the outskirts of Lambunao, Iloilo near the Iloilo-Antique boundary. 16 kms. from the poblacion or about 25 kms. from the Iloilo National College of Agriculture (INCA) campus by mountain trail. 2,000 ft. above sea level. Surrounded by 40 hectares of rolling hills. Abounds with eels, edible snails, carps and other fisth.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/TinagongDagat-Lambunao.jpg

from Singarong Backpackers (http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/Lambunao.html) (Read more of experiences of Tinagong Dagat.)
http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/LamLake.JPG

Tinagong Dagat which in Hiligaynon means hidden sea is a danao or lake about 4 has wide (others boasts that it is 10 has wide) and is allegedly very deep – more than 240 ft. It is bounded by a crater-like rim with a break in the eastern side. The loftiest, the western side is a limestone cliff called Apog-apog with a perennial waterfall.

Abounding with legends, the lake had been reputed to have salty water. Actually, its water is fresh and teems with freshwater fishes – daroy, haloan, tilapia and pantat. Later, carp and taiwan (an alien catfish) were introduced into it and possibly displacing the native stock. According to one tale, Tinagong Dagat in the 1980’s when a native tribe was inhabiting beside it, used to have goldfish. Sold at a fabulous price by that time, the goldfish enticed some hardy lowlanders to brave the wilds just to catch this gold for a fish.

Today, despite of the presence of a few huts at the very edge of the lake most of the surrounding vegetation is lush old-growth forest called by the local inhabitants as talon.

Access: Tinagong Dagat is situated in the southwest of Lambunao, an interior town in the West-Central border of Iloilo province (Panay Island). Igpulakan, meaning “that which caved in”, the highest peak in Lambunao, is a barrier to access Tinagong Dagat from the nearest barangays accessible to transportation, namely Jayubo and Bagumbong.

However, much of the barrier to Tinagong Dagat is the very trail to Tinagong Dagat itself. While some locals could cover it in 6 hours, outsiders could spend almost two days to reach Tinagong Dagat from either of the jump-off points.

chymera00

May 22nd, 2005, 12:29 PM

Another Pano of the City taken from the rooftop of Iloilo Business Hotel:

Right: Whole Downtown up to Molo District (Molo Church is visible):
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Panorama1.jpg
-------
There are 2 going to be more overpasses in Iloilo (just what we need :|). I hope in the future, they spend the city's million's of pesos into more productive projects. And aproach the city's traffic problems by expanding existing roads, constructing more roads, bridges, traffic lights, even flyovers or tighter enforcement of traffic rules (esp. Jaywalking and 'No loading/unloading' violations). Rather than these overpasses, or Perimeter Boundary Ordinances that clearly don't work for us...

Overpass # 1
Between Iloilo Central Elementary School and SPED School
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Overpass2.jpg

Overpass # 2
In Front of Assumption-Iloilo and Iloilo Central Elementary School
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Overpass.jpg

Overpass Locations
Taken for Iloilo City Interactive Map @ www.iloiloonline.tk
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Overpasses.jpg

sandrin

May 22nd, 2005, 02:20 PM

Virtute

May 22nd, 2005, 02:44 PM

chymera00

May 22nd, 2005, 04:52 PM

Yeah, majority of the people in Guimaras have Ilonggo ancestries, like us from Guimbal.
Although Guimaras has been an independent province, the culture and tradition is a true Ilonggo itself.

http://www.geocities.com/siba_ph/LamLake.JPG
Whooa, Tinagong Dagat is situated at 2000 ft above sea level. I'm imagining a lake at Sagada Mountain. That place has the potential to be the next "Visayan Sagada". I hope the residents living beside the area will continuously protect it, like no dumping of trash or oil spills from boats. As you know, the beauty and tranquility of Sagada has been preserved by the residents themselves with the heplp of American missionaries.

I hope there is a picture of Apog Apog cliff Waterfall too.

I haven't been there ... I just get my pics through the brosures I scavenged at the "Fiesta in the City" exhibit in SM City ^^ and through googling. I would love to go there though, now ... where can we find them hiking groups :|

I remember this SM back in the 70s. There were bumping cars inside. Had great fun and it was the talk of the town.

I'm becoming more encouraged each time I see more development in Iloilo. Iloilo has been through a lot in the last 100yrs. The burning of the city in the Fil-American war, bombs fell on Iloilo in WWII, economy slowed down and surpassed by Cebu, etc. Maybe someday I can see clump of tall buildings and the financial district in Diversion Rd? Hopefully. It's slowly getting there. I would also like to see a revival of Calle Real!

Bumpercars? di ko naabutan yan, hehe, oldie :). I dun think theres much room in Diversion Road. I'd like it better if it was more like an industrial area

wecky

May 22nd, 2005, 10:09 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/downtown3.jpg

http://www.dayshotel.com/images/SUITEVIEW2.jpg

These are two of the most beautiful pictures of Iloilo that I loved dearly ... really great ... nice photoshoots, contrast, etc ... by the looks of it, the place seems really glowing. Cheers to Chymera.

wecky

May 22nd, 2005, 10:14 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Label.jpg

UPDATE:

Went googling and found these pictures of the present state of the Panay Railways. I wont be posting all pictures so be sure to visit these links:

1. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/panay_2004.htm
2. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~EPhilrail/Fsiraipanai.htm
3. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/capiz.htm
4. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/New%20Frontier.htm
5. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/Central_Santos_Lopez.htm
6. http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/panayrail.htm

Its in Japanese so you might want to translate it using this Online Translator (http://worldlingo.com/en/websites/url_translator.html) (Reccommended if you want to give yourself a good laugh)

Hoping the plan to revive the railway will be realised soon ... this is one of the best infras Iloilo can have once it will be put in place ... please do update us about this matter from time to time. Ta.

wecky

May 22nd, 2005, 10:20 PM

Iloilo - In Focus

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/BalbagonIsland.jpg

:eek2: Its so0o0o beautiful, Is this real? I also noticed a Balbagon Island, but its in Camiguin. Maybe the pic is of that one ... oh well

Another group of islands that Iloilo should be proud of ... the Gigantes Islands ... this includes the Pan de Azucar (I think so) ... hope to visit them this coming August (if possible) ... I heard this place few years ago but wasn't lucky enough to visit them ... think right now will be a good time since they are developing this group of islands as well. The first picture I've seen about these islands mesmerize me as one of them looks like or formed like the high peak of Rio de Janiero.

wecky

May 22nd, 2005, 10:31 PM

Thanks chymera for the pics. Im so happy with the exponential growth of the Iloilo economy which is manifested by the booming construction all around the city and its suburbs.

By the way im inviting all Ilonggo forumers to vote and rate Iloilo City in the rateitall.com website. Currently we're on the no. 1 spot surpassing the more industrialized cities of Sapporo, Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan.

been to rateitall website ... yeah, right now we are leading there ... hehehe .. at least for once we can say, we're the no.1 ... yahooooooo !!!!!!

Centralian_EXCEL, welcome again to this forum ... if you have time, please IM me ... hope you can go home by July_August for our Centennial ... it will be a great celebration though .. remember last January when CPU opened the Dinagyang 2005 .. gosh, there was a standstill traffic for more than an hour in city proper ... the centennial activities since January was great but the highlight for all alumni locally and abroad will be in July-August-September. Been listening to Bombo Radyo Iloilo here in UK ... would you believe that? Bombo Radyo Iloilo can be heard all over the world via the CPU's website ... of course, who will forget the Toyang Ermitanya, Bombohanay sa Udto, and the best of all ... the Zona Libre .... CPU is broadcasting their activities worldwide via net as well ... we all alumni around the world can see what's happening there in CPU like the Opening of Lights last December, Graduations, other contests, etc .. that's why Centralian abroad are updated with what's happening in the campus, more or less. Hope to see you there!

wecky

May 22nd, 2005, 10:34 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/JalandoniBridge.jpg

lovely .. if it will be realised, this will be the first flyover of Iloilo .. really, I don't like the flyover .. it destroys the beauty of the place ... here in London, you can't see any flyovers within the business and shopping areas. Though we must admit that together with developments and progress, we have to deal with all of these craps. Anyway, hope the bridge project will be fully operational soon. ta.

wecky

May 22nd, 2005, 10:37 PM

We can actually have our own SSC Forum Meet - Iloilo City (that is if you people are interested :) For other people who want to, just tell us your intent to join so we can plan ahead. Hoping to see some of you people in July-August

I'll be very glad to meet you all, Chymera. I'm sure that I will be going home by that time ... just spare the last week of July to first week of August as it is the peak time for our school's centennial celeb ... can meet you all anytime after that, I guess .. just let me know in advance for your plan/s. Cheers!

wecky

May 22nd, 2005, 10:43 PM

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p460a04dfa75f24cb6f1019c0fa983a9d/f40a958d.jpg

the best avenue in Iloilo ... i liked to pass by on this road when I was there .. it's very cool ... full of trees ... sidestreets are all lined-up with at least good buildings ... such nice to travel or drive or walk and even biking along this area. I just wish that Diversion will be somewhat like this as well ... but it wasn't ... trees planted in the mid-island died before they've even grow .. it is now replaced with big streetlights and ironrailings.

wecky

May 22nd, 2005, 10:56 PM

Iloilo bags 3rd place in nat'l clean and green

For the second year in a row, the Province of Iloilo won the distinction as the 3rd “Cleanest and Greenest” province among 79 provinces in the country, Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr. announced yesterday.

“This is a huge victory for our people and a big boost to our efforts to promote tourism in Iloilo,” declared Tupas after receiving the 2nd runner-up plaque from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang.

Iloilo narrowly lost to Bukidnon and Ilocos Norte, which won first prize and second prize, respectively, in the final evaluation for the highly-prestigious 2004 Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran award, or simply the “National Clean and Green.”

But Iloilo edged out Bohol, the winner in the 2003 Clean and Green competition, to emerge as the region's best in the whole of the Visayas.

Tupas attributed this back-to-back honors for the province to the full cooperation of local officials and the year-round “Clean and Green” program that he embarked upon shortly after he was first elected governor of Iloilo.

“This will tell the whole nation that we are a disciplined people, fully conscious of our obligation to protect and preserve the environment, and promote health and sanitation as a way of life,” Tupas said.

The award includes a cash prize of P150,000.

Just last month, Iloilo province also won its second “Parangal” or award from the Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Jueteng and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as a “jueteng-free” province.

Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel cited the successful campaign of Tupas in stopping the illegal numbers game known locally as “daily double” for the second year in a row.

Tupas proves that “all we need is for a local chief executive to say ‘no' to illegal gambling,” Archbishop Cruz said in a statement.

(from the News Today Info Online)

wecky

May 22nd, 2005, 10:59 PM

WV has lowest crime rate in RP

By GEROME DALIPE IV

ILOILO City – Western Visayas has the lowest crime incidents in all of the 17 regions in the Philippines, announced Chief Supt. Doroteo Reyes II, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director.

“When I assumed office, I immediately ordered my men to intensify the campaign against wanted persons, criminal gangs, solve yet unsolved cases and neutralize street gangs,” said Reyes over popular radio-television public affairs program Reklamo Publiko yesterday.

Out of 1,665 crime suspects, Reyes said, policemen in the region apprehended more than 1,410 of which 86 were classified as “most wanted.”

Though he admitted that the PNP had logistical problems, Reyes appealed to policemen to maximize whatever they have.

“Kung reklamo tayo nang reklamo na kulang sa resources ang ating institution, walang mangyayaring mabuti sa ating bansa,” he said.

Reyes also announced over Reklamo Publiko that Western Visayas is a jueteng-free region.

Jueteng is a hugely popular but illegal numbers game in other regions, especially in Luzon with an estimate worth of P30 billion.

Reyes, however, confirmed there were other forms of illegal numbers game in Region 6 such as “daily double”.

But even daily double operations in the region are minimal, stressed Reyes.

Immediately after he assumed his post here, Reyes said he met with all city and municipal police chiefs and mayors and discussed how to eradicate all illegal gambling activities in the region.

He credited Region 6’s being jueteng-free to local government units and police chiefs whom he said were cooperative with the PRO-6.

“They never fail to support us in our drive against illegal numbers games, “ Reyes said.
Reyes officially sat as police regional director of Western Visayas on February 22, 2005. He replaced Chief Supt. George Aliño who retired.

A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA, Batch 1973), Reyes was previously assigned at the Directorial Investigation and Detection Management (DIDM) of the PNP in Camp Crame. He also became the chief of the Legal Services of the entire PNP being a lawyer.

In previous interviews, Reyes said there were no organized illegal gambling operations in Region 6, only small-time, independently operated illegal numbers games.

These small-time illegal gambling activities have been monitored in several towns of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Aklan and parts of Capiz, he added.

The most popular of the illegal numbers game in Western Visayas is the “first two ball,” revealed Reyes.

Reyes said he already sent directives to all police units to continue conducting arrests and raids against identified illegal gamblers and operators, and their dens.

“If we could not eradicate it, at least we should minimize it,” he stressed.

(from Panay News Online)

sandrin

May 23rd, 2005, 01:13 AM

centralian_EXCEL_2k4

May 23rd, 2005, 05:30 AM

Hello wecky hehe... btw, thanx! you know what, Im so happy that I've met a lot of people who are so proud of where they came from. Btw, we're only allowed to use MSN messenger here in the office. Pls send me ur hotmail ID in my yahoo address alexisl_99@yahoo.com, and i'll add you, but Im currently experiencing problems with my messenger... i need to install the latest version but i dont have an admin rights. Ill add you as soon as im going to fix the problem ok? ;-)

Bout the bombo Radyo web broadcast, well its really fun! I mean its so cool to hear toyang ermitanya anywhere in the world right? hehe... Its one of the the breakthrough actually of the CPU website... It alleviates our homesickness and help us reminiscing our younger years......hayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy........

Hey, Chymera, Its really great if we meet sometime on the CPU Centennial celebrations week, just keep us updated of your plans ok....

see yah!

chymera00

May 23rd, 2005, 06:22 AM

Yey stayed up all night on my Iloilo Website design .... here it is:

UNOFFICIAL ILOILO CITY AND PROVINCE WEBSITE (http://chymera.freespaces.com/mylokality)

The 'sights' page isn't available yet ... still have to pick which pictures to put ^^ and edit them

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/etching/iloiloweb.jpg

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 12:28 PM

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 12:39 PM

Hey Chymera, nice skyline. I'm so glad to see all the trees in the area. It's obvious that there's more room for development and hopefully landscaping will be taken into consideration too.
I hear ya Wecky, that's one of the best Capitol in Pinas at present. I also like the Miag-Ao church particularly the elaborate designs on its facade.

Ok as promised, here are some Guimaras pictures taken by my brother:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/sandrn/guimaras1.gif
Guimaras Island

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/sandrn/guimaras2.gif
Guimaras hills

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/sandrn/guimarassunset.gif
Guimaras Sunset

thanks Sandrin ... actually I loved Guimaras more than Boracay ... its serenity, underdeveloped, not too crowded made it more better than Boracay ... same white sand beaches as well ... much bigger space to roam around .. plus of course, it is near to Iloilo City ... 30minute boat ride and you'll be docking in at the mini-port of Jordan or Buenavista.

During our college days, we often went here for a day ot two every other week with my friends to chill out ... most notably in Alubihod Beach Resort .. during those days, we rode on motorcycle going to beachside ... last year, when we went there, roads going to Alubihod were all concreted already ... what a change, indeed.

centralian_EXCEL_2k4

May 23rd, 2005, 12:46 PM

Hey wecky, do we have a forum here for CPU? Im sorry im not aware... hehe...

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 12:48 PM

I love this kind of place. Booming, developed town with lots to do and resources, but at the same time nature and scenery is right there. Cebu is like this as well. They must develop places into this kind of mould.

same here, This Fire ... Iloilo is really booming right now ... hope our city and provincial government officials will stretch our resources (more and better) so as to attract more tourists and investors to our province ... we have good competitive advantage as well and had infrastructures that other provinces have as well ... we've already proved our capacity before/ in the past when we became the centre of trade and commerce in Visayas and Mindanao during the height of sugar industry boom ... we can still replicate it ... we just need a little more time ... we've been complacent during 70's ... but now I believe that we are starting to wake up again after a long slumber sleep ... keep watching for more developments in the next few years to come. I'm sure of it.

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 12:50 PM

Hey wecky, do we have a forum here for CPU? Im sorry im not aware... hehe...

Hi 'ya, Centralian_EXCEL ... I don't think we have here in Skyscrapercity ... we have our own at CPU's website. How are you?

centralian_EXCEL_2k4

May 23rd, 2005, 12:57 PM

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 01:00 PM

Guimaras and Iloilo share a lot in common and its safe to say that Guimaras is a part of Iloilo (culturally and proximity-wise). But I'd like to say this so other people won't get confused, Guimaras isn't a sub-province of Iloilo anymore, Guimaras is an independent province of Western Visayas.

Those are nice pics Sandrin, thanks for sharing them. I will be sharing mine too coz I just visited it two days ago, we went to Puerto del Mar (resort beside Alubihod Beach Resort). But i'll be posting them on the "Tourism" thread or on a new one :) Too bad we didn't get to go boating, else, I'd be flooding another forum ;)

They don't actually share a lot in common only but remember that Guimaras was once part of Iloilo province .. they are basically Ilonggos in nature .. same with people in Bacolod City and the rest of Negros Occidental. Guimaras is independent with Iloilo right now ... too good for them. They have their own government to run. But Iloilo and Guimaras do always help each other .. Iloilo being their mother province ... since Guimaras is still groping with theirs at present. Right now, they complimented again each other when they signed the pact to co-promote tourism in Western Visayas. Hope it will become successful.

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 01:04 PM

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 01:07 PM

Hello, i wanted to share sana 2D drawing of a DC-9 cebu pacific plane taxiing the Iloilo airport with a big "welcome to SM City Iloilo" sign..... Its really nice...... I wish you could see it but unfortunately I dont have a post attachment priviledges huhu.... neways, try googling it for yourselves if you wanted to see... I use this as my wallpaper. :)

no probs ... but hopefully we can post it here, too. Chymera's photos of Iloilo are all great ... it kept me updated with the looks and progress of Iloilo right now.

centralian_EXCEL_2k4

May 23rd, 2005, 01:11 PM

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 01:12 PM

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 01:15 PM

Hey wecky... ok...... well I visit the CPU website evryday but I dont get to visit the forum hehe... neways... another is done here in manila. Need to go home now... See you in guys cyberspace tommorrow!

Try centralian_EXCEL_2k4 ... you can get more updates about CPU's activities in the forum .. probably even meet your friends and classmates online. Have a good night dira ... hope to see you in August at CPU.

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 01:25 PM

Front Side
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p7e0dc5333e93d962ff47f95d809b6c17/f40aa015.jpg

I remember this SM back in the 70s. There were bumping cars inside. Had great fun and it was the talk of the town.

I'm becoming more encouraged each time I see more development in Iloilo. Iloilo has been through a lot in the last 100yrs. The burning of the city in the Fil-American war, bombs fell on Iloilo in WWII, economy slowed down and surpassed by Cebu, etc. Maybe someday I can see clump of tall buildings and the financial district in Diversion Rd? Hopefully. It's slowly getting there. I would also like to see a revival of Calle Real!

yeah right, Virtute ... the memories of bump cars, etc are still vivid in my mind ... from the time that SM Delgado was two building with driveway in between them to the time they connected them, etc ... they are still alive in my memories ... last year, when I went home, the SM Delgado were still under reconstrcution ... hopefully to shop their again. Remember the Shakey's, Jollibee and the big foodcourt before .. such was a great "tsibugan" area.

Virtute, are you from Iloilo as well? I think Skyblade is from Iloilo, too.

Progress and development of the city and the province are all underway ... they say 2004 is Iloilo's banner year ... indeed it is ... once infras will be in place, we will again prove our clout as a major province of the Philippines.

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 01:28 PM

Villa beach lives again
By Wein P. Gadian

Iloilo City's Villa Rica de Arevalo, wherein the different Villa beach resorts can be found, is a district rich in history and culture. It was once the seat of Spanish power. It is also the local 'powehouse' of flowers. It has beaches, gardens, seafoods, and a cutflower industry.

With these, the Santo Niño Sur Hotels and Resto Association is breathing life again into the famed Villa Beach area.

The newly formed group divided the whole strip of Villa beach into Pier Uno, Pier Dos and Pier Tres, just like Boracay. They also organized a week long festival called 'Wow Villa Beach' La Villa Rica de Arevalo, Seafood Country!'

It will showcase the best of Villa Rica de Arevalo. There will be games, water sports (jetski, mini paraw race, etc.), beach volleyball and football, trade fairs, fireworks display, garden shows, porma balas and many more.

A new sport will also be introduced, it's called 'Kapay-kapay sa baybay,' which is actually swimming with a different twist-that is with the use of a bamboo pole.

Local Bands will also be performing to spice things up a bit.

A variety of activities have been lined up for everybody: day 1 (May 22) will be the clean –up drive of the whole beach. On May 23, Motorcade (9am), Beach Volleyball at Villa Regatta area (2pm) and the Junior Basketball League (May 23- 27, Sto. Niño Sur Gym). Beach Football at Breakthrough (9am), Mini Paraw Race at Tatoy's (3pm). May 25 will be the Porma Balas (8am). The Kapay-Kapay sa Baybay (8am), May 26. A Rock Climbing at the façade of Villa Bora on May 27 (9am). On May 28, there will be Power Banka Race (10am). The Iloilo Watersports Association will conduct a Jetski clinic at Villa Bora (8am). It will be followed by the Jetski competition (10am) on May 29. The Seafood Festival on May 28 – 29 at 7pm featuring the best of Villa Beach.

Join the fun and party at Villa beach!

(from the News Today Info Online)

Skyblade

May 23rd, 2005, 05:49 PM

I think Skyblade is from Iloilo, too.

I wish I was born there. ;) Both my parents are from Iloilo (Duenas and Miagao) and I consider it my 2nd (or 3rd, keeps on fluctuating w/ my birthplace, Kalamazoo, Michigan :nuts: ) home. :D I practically spend almost all of the time I've been in the Philippines in the last 17 years within Iloilo province. m))

chymera00

May 23rd, 2005, 05:51 PM

thanks Sandrin ... actually I loved Guimaras more than Boracay ... its serenity, underdeveloped, not too crowded made it more better than Boracay ... same white sand beaches as well ... much bigger space to roam around .. plus of course, it is near to Iloilo City ... 30minute boat ride and you'll be docking in at the mini-port of Jordan or Buenavista.

During our college days, we often went here for a day ot two every other week with my friends to chill out ... most notably in Alubihod Beach Resort .. during those days, we rode on motorcycle going to beachside ... last year, when we went there, roads going to Alubihod were all concreted already ... what a change, indeed.

We go there always during high school but not as often as you did ... only twice a year, during summer break and semestral break (as-if HS had semesters). Yeah, they have air-conditioned rooms now and a new building.

We went there last week, there was a "Manggahan Festival". The place was very very crowded.

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 10:49 PM

There are so many potential Class-A resorts in IloIlo that hasn't been explored yet. It appears that they're getting notice as of late. I'm pretty sure development will come soon. My only concern is the preservation of the natural beauty of the place.

I'm not surprise with the less-crime record for Western Visayas Wecky. The Hiligaynon-speaking people are gentle in nature, as reflected by the manner in which they communicate. Very malambing, soft-spoken, pleasant to the ears, and they seldom sound angry. I'm a Tagalog-speaker but I feel closer to the Ilonggos than the Tagalogs here. Probably because they remind me of my elders.
The Hiligaynons are also generous and caring to their neighbors, they give like they're running for government positions, but the fact is, it's their true nature. Just ask si ating Palangga Maurice Arcache, hehehehhehhe....

The clean and green award is an honor for IloIlo, more landscaping please. I believe that IloIlo has started their waste segregation last April with the all-out Baranggay campaign No Segregation, No Collection. For a short period of time, the campaign seems to be a success, so hurray to Mayor Trenas.
I've been to Ilocos and I can attest that aside from clean and green, Ilocos got the best roads in the Philippines, thick, smooth and no pot holes asphalt. My Ilokano friend told me that it's because Marcos made sure that the money corrupted for Manila roads would get transferred to Ilocos roads, hehe. Also, Ilocos is not congested and not populated. My Ilokano friend said because most Ilokano's migrated to Hawaii and California.

Keep Western Visyas Jueteng-Free !!!!!!!!!

I agree with you, sandrin ... lately, Iloilo is trying to stretch out what they can offer in terms of tourism ... so many lovely beaches around Iloilo itself ... I bet with Concepcion town alone, it can run down some of other places of interest of other provinces. Slowly, we are gaining ground. As we always say, we are starting to wake up from our deep sleep. More than three decades of slumber (starting 1970) brought about by poor governance strip Iloilo City from its title as the "Queen City of the South" ... being the economic powerhouse of Visayas and Mindanao regions. Now is the time to start to beat our drums for prosperity again. It will soon come again. With the advent of brilliant infras in place, a good relationship of NGOs and government services, more and more Ilonggos involved in helping to promote Iloilo, etc ... we will surely make it.

Maurice Arcachi is great .. a real palangga indeed .. hehehe.

Hope we will continue to make Iloilo as the clean and green city as we are moving to progress and development.

Sandrin, for all you know, you are really Ilonggo by heart. Nice to hear it though.

Jueteng? Big NO, NO .... and thanks that until now, the Iloilo government is not too keen to approve any Casino to be put up anywhere in the city and the province. We are one of the few provinces and major cities who wouldn't approve or cease to exist any form of casino in place ... tempting but NO ... hehehe.

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 10:54 PM

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 10:56 PM

GMA approves 64 ambulances for Iloilo

MANILA – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to expedite the rehabilitation and reconditioning of 64 ambulances to be delivered to the municipalities of Iloilo through the Mayors’ League.

Mayor Raul “Boboy” Tupas, president of the League of Mayors in the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter, said four units of newly reconditioned ambulances have already been delivered by KIA-Philippines.

He said the dealer, who takes charge of rehabilitation, is fast tracking the works so that immediate delivery would be made.

“(They’re) not really as good as brand new but their condition is A-l. They will be a big help to the recipient municipalities that have no ambulances and in case of emergency, immediate assistance to those in need,” Tupas said.

Tupas, mayor of Barotac Viejo and also the vice president for Western Visayas of the LMP, said Iloilo is second to Pangasinan in terms of number of ambulances approved by the President.

“I am personally following up with KIA Motors the reconditioning repairs of the rest of the units so that before the year ends, all of them shall have been functional and serviceable. I assure all the mayors of Iloilo that they will get their own units in due time,” the LMP top official said.

Impressed by the performance of Tupas, son of Gov. Niel Tupas Sr., the President promised to give more ambulances to Iloilo mayors -- at least two units to each municipality.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 11:34 PM

I wish I was born there. ;) Both my parents are from Iloilo (Duenas and Miagao) and I consider it my 2nd (or 3rd, keeps on fluctuating w/ my birthplace, Kalamazoo, Michigan :nuts: ) home. :D I practically spend almost all of the time I've been in the Philippines in the last 17 years within Iloilo province. m))

with both Ilonggo parent, Skyblade ... definitely you are a genuine Ilonggo (GI) .. hehehe ... though I know that you weren't born in Iloilo, you have the heart of an Ilonggo. Some of my classmates back in high school and elementary are like you in some case. They study in Iloilo then after graduation, they flew back to America. They were never born there (in Iloilo) as well but they happily consider themselves as a true blue Ilonggo. Anyway, hope you can visit Iloilo again. Hoping that all these infras, developments, etc will soon be in place.

wecky

May 23rd, 2005, 11:51 PM

We go there always during high school but not as often as you did ... only twice a year, during summer break and semestral break (as-if HS had semesters). Yeah, they have air-conditioned rooms now and a new building.

We went there last week, there was a "Manggahan Festival". The place was very very crowded.

Manggahan Festival? I haven't been to this revelry (if it's like Dinagayang) yet ... how do they present this festival? I'm just too curious. I read that this Manggahan Festival is the main "hala bira" of Guimaras but I really don't know what and how they present their festival. Is there street dancing as well? soot-painting? drumbeating?

Chymera, last year, we only been to Alubihod for couple of hours then transferred to Puerto del Mar. Do you know the beach owned by John B Lacson Colleges Foundation? Before I left Iloilo last 2000, we frequented this resort more than any others. But if given a chance, there's a list of beaches or resorts in Guimaras I would like to visit (still). They are:

Nagarao Island - owned by a German national -- Mr Stummer

Pulang Pasayan

Colmenares

Isla Naburot

Costa Aguada

wow .. I missed beaches back home ... we are almost in our summer here in UK, too .. beaches here is okay as well but different though.

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 12:06 AM

Tuesday, May 24, 2005
'Wow Villa Beach' tourism fest set
By Ramon C. Salvilla

THE Association of Santo Niño Sur Villa Beach Resorts, Hotels and Resto Bars Association of Iloilo City launched "Wow Villa Beach," a weeklong festivity, showcasing the best of Villa Rica de Arevalo, the city's seafood country.

The event, set May 22 to 29, will kick-off with a clean-up drive, participated by hotel and resorts owners and their staff and barangay officials and resident, along the stretch of Villa beach.

A motorcade featuring thematic floats will follow.

This is the first time we're conducting such event. We want to develop Villa beach as a wholesome place. We want the people of Iloilo and nearby provinces to know they can savor delicious food and swim safely at Villa beach, said association president Jun Tajanlangit during the press conference held at Villa Bora Seafood Resto Bar and Grill.

The plan is to divide the whole strip of Villa beach into three areas namely: pier uno, pier dos and pier tres.

Activities

During the "Wow Villa Beach" event, activities include beach volleyball and junior basketball league; water sports such as national jetski competition, mini paraw, power banka race, "kapay-kapay sa baybay;" rock climbing; and porma baras (sand castle making contest).

Events such as "Tiangge sa Villa beach," garden show, fluvial parade, Flores de Mayo parade, summer wear fashion and fireworks display and seafood festival in beachside with live bands performing.

The event is in line with the government's program to promote tourism as a leading industry and to further promote Iloilo City as the next tourist destination in the country.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 12:09 AM

Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Tribu Kapawa declared champ in Tangyan festival contest

THE town of Igbaras in southern Iloilo showcased its unique culture and history during the "Tangyan" Festival held last May 18.

The festival was highlighted by the street dancing and tribe competition, participated by 10 groups, depicting how Tangyan River played a significant role in the town's development, based on history and functions.

The tribes are: Tribu Lobo-lobo, Bato, Calawatan-Bira, Manugdum-ok, Halaran Quadrado, Kapawa, Ang Mamumugon, Kiput, Curado Naulid and Bagumbayan.

Judged according to performance and choreography, costume and music, Tribu Kapawa was declared champion.

The tribe received P20,000 cash and a trophy and bagged the two special awards for Best in Costume and Best in Discipline.

Tribu Mamumugon was first runner-up while Grupo Bato, second runner-up. The latter also bagged two special awards--Best in Music and Best in Choreography. Both winners received P15,000 and P10,000 cash, respectively.

Mayor James Esmeralda said, "It was very nice and very successful. It's beyond our expectations. This is a triumph for all Igbarasnons." (RCS)

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

Virtute

May 24th, 2005, 01:40 AM

yeah right, Virtute ... the memories of bump cars, etc are still vivid in my mind ... from the time that SM Delgado was two building with driveway in between them to the time they connected them, etc ... they are still alive in my memories ... last year, when I went home, the SM Delgado were still under reconstrcution ... hopefully to shop their again. Remember the Shakey's, Jollibee and the big foodcourt before .. such was a great "tsibugan" area.

Virtute, are you from Iloilo as well? I think Skyblade is from Iloilo, too.

Progress and development of the city and the province are all underway ... they say 2004 is Iloilo's banner year ... indeed it is ... once infras will be in place, we will again prove our clout as a major province of the Philippines.

Hi Wecky! Yes, I'm from Iloilo, born in St. Mary's Hospital, remember that old hospital? It's gone now :(

Actually were the SM Mall stands now, was where my Dad's family's live. They had a house on that corner. It was on Delgado and Valeria. If you guys remember back in the 50's it was the Wild West... "goodbye life" days in that area until the homes were mysteriously burned and had to be demolished and then SM came to be. Of course, I'm not that old to remember the 50's. :P

chymera00

May 24th, 2005, 04:55 AM

chymera00

May 24th, 2005, 05:25 AM

Manggahan Festival? I haven't been to this revelry (if it's like Dinagayang) yet ... how do they present this festival? I'm just too curious. I read that this Manggahan Festival is the main "hala bira" of Guimaras but I really don't know what and how they present their festival. Is there street dancing as well? soot-painting? drumbeating?
I managed to get a broshure of the manggahan festival ... I will post the details once I find it
Chymera, last year, we only been to Alubihod for couple of hours then transferred to Puerto del Mar. Do you know the beach owned by John B Lacson Colleges Foundation? Before I left Iloilo last 2000, we frequented this resort more than any others.
Yes its near Puerto del Mar but I haven't gone there yet, there' a cave there where they do training and stuff. We asked a local if it was open to the public, he didn't answer. I'll try to do some research on it
But if given a chance, there's a list of beaches or resorts in Guimaras I would like to visit (still). They are:

Nagarao Island - owned by a German national -- Mr Stummer

Pulang Pasayan

Colmenares

Isla Naburot

Costa Aguada

wow .. I missed beaches back home ... we are almost in our summer here in UK, too .. beaches here is okay as well but different though.
I'd like to go to some more beaches in Guimaras too. I'm tired of having to go to Raymen and Puerto del Mar every single visit.

We passed by Nagarao Island when we did boating. It looked like an exclusive private resort, the guide told us the food had to be delivered from Iloilo every single day, I don't know why ... they can have it prepared there, but no they just had to get it delivered.

Pulang Pasayan or "RED SHRIMP", is named after a variety of shrimp that live there. They are red in color thus they look like cooked shrimp

Haven't gone to the other islands you mentioned yet ...

chymera00

May 24th, 2005, 05:59 AM

chymera00

May 24th, 2005, 06:24 AM

And bilis ng thread na ito 5 days pa lang 83 posts na (16 posts per day). With the rate that were going at, we'll have the Iloilo City and Province Thread III in a month. Iba talaga mga Ilonggos :)

Pictures of the City
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p90dbf16c52fbedbcd47951a391b1202f/f40086b0.jpg
Palagi na lang ito ... but ngayon its taken from a different angle (lol), from the overpass near Atrium in front of PNB and 012. I'll be posting one of it again, but it was taken from a pumpboat docking at Muelle Loney :)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p8f5a6b4c58903a150d6f6683413f76c1/f40086b4.jpg
Smallville Business Center in Pison St., Diversion Road

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/p5749cc56a928965621a6f16b117436ea/f40067c6.jpg
Along Benigno Aquino Ave. or more commonly known as Diversion Road

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p83aa08f66a5338aa057b7ea152c3d90c/f40086bd.jpg
Downtown, Iloilo City (Visible from here is Amigo Terrace Hotel, the long building sa right, and Robinson's Place , long yellow building sa likod right side the one with the round sructure)

chymera00

May 24th, 2005, 09:58 AM

Some finds: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v644/sleepwalker_uno/iloilo/iloilo.jpg

Hey sleepwalker is these your picture? can I use it for my website?

KulasKusgan

May 24th, 2005, 01:13 PM

Hey sleepwalker is these your picture? can I use it for my website?

actually, nakuha ko yan somewhere else. i forgot photo credits. nagkahaluhalo kasi mga files ko. i think sa pbase ko nakuha yan. :) when i recheck pbase site, search function disabled ata. d ko maaccess.

Skyblade

May 24th, 2005, 05:15 PM

with both Ilonggo parent, Skyblade ... definitely you are a genuine Ilonggo (GI) .. hehehe ... though I know that you weren't born in Iloilo, you have the heart of an Ilonggo. Some of my classmates back in high school and elementary are like you in some case. They study in Iloilo then after graduation, they flew back to America. They were never born there (in Iloilo) as well but they happily consider themselves as a true blue Ilonggo. Anyway, hope you can visit Iloilo again. Hoping that all these infras, developments, etc will soon be in place.

Aww thank you! :) Can't wait to return to Iloilo, and I hope it would be this summer too! Besides, I need to be a bit closer to my relatives and cousins back "home" as well as becoming even more familiar w/ the place. :D

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 10:25 PM

Hi Wecky! Yes, I'm from Iloilo, born in St. Mary's Hospital, remember that old hospital? It's gone now :(

Actually were the SM Mall stands now, was where my Dad's family's live. They had a house on that corner. It was on Delgado and Valeria. If you guys remember back in the 50's it was the Wild West... "goodbye life" days in that area until the homes were mysteriously burned and had to be demolished and then SM came to be. Of course, I'm not that old to remember the 50's. :P

hahaha ... Virtute, don't spill the beans ... hehehe .. actually, you don't sound you live in 50's and I don't think so as well. My mom told me that SM Delgado was used to be the Marymart Shopping Centre. Then late 70's, it was changed to SM Shoemart Iloilo.

About the hospital, haven't seen the St Mary's Hospital before ... the remains though were still there till now ... but my mother used to tell me that St Mary's Hospital was a beautiful hospital. They specialised more on maternity. This hospital readily stuck in my mind since elementary days pa coz one of my friends was born from that place ... on why it caught my attention more is that the friend of mine was so special .. that's it ... hehehe.

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 10:29 PM

For a minute there, I thought you were :)

Virtute is starting to shed his cloak, Chymera ... but really, he doesn't sound like from the past ... unless otherwise he is, then only he can tell. But whether he is or not, the competitiveness of his mind is always that of a youth ... great, Virtute!

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 10:47 PM

I managed to get a broshure of the manggahan festival ... I will post the details once I find it

Please post Chymera if you can ... love to see what's in the Manggahan Festival ... love to watch any festivals before .. of course, nobody beats DINAGYANG ... the revelry, the drumbeating, choreography, etc ... simply the best .. since then. They say that Dinagyang and Ati-Atihan is almost the same? I think it's a big "NO" ... though in Ati-Atihan, the audience participates in street dancing ... but if you see both, you can definitely spot the difference/s.

Yes its near Puerto del Mar but I haven't gone there yet, there' a cave there where they do training and stuff. We asked a local if it was open to the public, he didn't answer. I'll try to do some research on it

yep, there's a small cave in Puerto Del Mar ... more secluded than that of Alubihod but their beaches are actually connected to each other. Very few people are visiting Puerto Del Mar in comparison to Alubihod. Alubihod Beach Resort is more popular with its white sand beach and openness. And Alubihod amongst the beaches of Guimaras is my favourite simply because of too many good memories I had with this place.

I'd like to go to some more beaches in Guimaras too. I'm tired of having to go to Raymen and Puerto del Mar every single visit.

My sentiments as well .. like to experience and visit some more other places/beaches around Guimaras island.

We passed by Nagarao Island when we did boating. It looked like an exclusive private resort, the guide told us the food had to be delivered from Iloilo every single day, I don't know why ... they can have it prepared there, but no they just had to get it delivered.

It is a private resort owned by Martin Stummer, a German businessman in Iloilo City. Do you know the Bavaria restaurant in Iloilo City ... in Jaro for particular, just a few steps fronting St Vincent's Seminary ... it is owned by Mr Stummer as well. Mostly, Germans and other Europeans flocked to this island for holiday. Nagarao, I believe has its own website ... especially promoted in Germany by the owner. But I've heard not so good news before about the websit. I don't know if it is true or not. But whatever it is, the island from the pictures in the net is really stunning and great. Truly, first-class in nature.

Pulang Pasayan or "RED SHRIMP", is named after a variety of shrimp that live there. They are red in color thus they look like cooked shrimp

They say it's enchanted in nature ... according to the legend. Wow!

Haven't gone to the other islands you mentioned yet ...

haven't been myslef ... it's just part of my wishlist for Guimaras Island beaches, just in case .. :)

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 10:52 PM

Iloilo - In Focus
Cataan Cave, San Joaquin

* Located in San Joaquin town, 60 km. southwest of Iloilo City; has beautiful marine garden; ideal for scuba diving.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/CataanCaveSanJoaquin.jpg

This place is beautiful ... It just an hour away from the city, yet people aren't really familiar with it. I wanna go there :(

Thanks for all these infos Chymera .. they are all lovely ... wish I have enough time to visit them all ... hopefully, with more inputs about places of interest in Iloilo, Ilonggos abroad, local people, and tourists will find their way to visit them one by one ... they are really beautiful places.

Really, I am learning other great places in the ptovince of Iloilo.

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 10:57 PM

‘HOPEVALE: MEMORIES OF MISSIONS AND MARTYRS’

CPU’s musical drama world premier tonight

ILOILO City – Central Philippine University (CPU) has taken another step in celebrating the Central Spirit in its 100th year.

CPU will stage a multi-million production of its history, mission, and legacy in ‘Hopevale: Memories of Missions and Martyrs’ tonight, 7 p.m. at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Tonight is the world premier of the production which also has scheduled runs on August 3 and 4, 2005, 2 p.m. (matinee) and 7 p.m. (gala), at the same venue.

‘Hopevale’ is a two-act musical drama written and directed by Atty. Rodolfo Cabado (My Fair Lady) and choreographed by Edwin Duero (ECD Dance Company, Dagyaw Theatre and Dance Company, Bolabola Tribe).

It tells the story of CPU even before its foundation by the American Baptist Missionaries on October 1, 1905. It is not a commemoration of the ‘Hopevale’ incident that happened in Tapaz, Capiz 62 years ago but of the university as a whole, according to Cabado.

‘Hopevale’ is just a part of the CPU history but is made the summit of it all for it is about missionary work and CPU was founded by missionaries, he explained.

The play begins with the Spanish-American War in 1898. The triumph of the Americans aroused rebellions from the Filipinos. American troops continued to arrive to end what was then termed as “Philippine Insurrection”.

However, American missionaries founded institutions such as Jaro Industrial School (Central Philippine University), Iloilo Mission Hospital, Capiz Home School (Filamer Christian College), and the Emmanuel Hospital to campaign for peace.

Eleven out of the 18 American Baptist Missionaries who were in Panay at the Pearl Harbor Attack in 1941 carried on their duty. They were Jeanie Clare Adams, Prof. James Howard Clovell and his wife Charma Moore Clovell, Dorothy Antoinette Dowell, Signe Amelia Erickson, Dr. Frederick Willer-Meyer and his wife Ruth Schacht Meyer, Dr. Francis Howard Rose and his wife Gertrude Coombs Rose, Rev. Erle Fredrich Rounds and his wife Louise Cummings Rounds and their son Erle Douglas.

For 20 long months, they stayed in ‘Hopevale’, a sanctuary they found in the forest of Tapaz, Capiz. On December 19, 1943, Japanese soldiers arrived with an order to execute the missionaries. The next day, the missionaries were killed, after the final order.

The musical drama goes on up to the present and ends with the verses from the Book of Matthew: “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: teaching them all that I have taught you, and know that I am always with you, even unto the end of the world.”

‘Hopevale: Memories of Missions and Martyrs’ showcases the calibers of Benny Castillon and Gerardo Muyuela in music, Jose Denzil Daquiado in musical direction, and Rodney Gicana and Dexter Gatpatan in graphic art. Media practitioner Menchie Robles, together with Eduardo Sonza, is in-charge of the multimedia.

The production is made possible through the help of News Today, Davies, Avon, Lifeline, Ubix, News Express, SM City, Carles Shari-La Family Resort, Joel and Cora Diaz, Centennial Advisory Council of CPU, and TPAIR Systems. Tickets are available at P500.00, P250.00, P100.00, and P50.00 at SM City, CPU Cultural Affairs Office (3291971 local 1005), Centennial Office (3291971 local 2119), and Office for Student Affairs (3291971 local 1007).

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 10:59 PM

P16-million abattoir construction starts

ILOILO City — A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that signaled the start of the construction of a Double-A abattoir has been signed by Mayor Jerry Treñas and Department of Agriculture (DA) regional director Ricardo Oblena in a simple rite at the executive office yesterday.

The construction of the abattoir in a 2.3-hectare lot purchased earlier by the city government at Brgy. Tacas, Jaro district, will be financed by the DA through a Build-Transfer scheme.

The construction will bring about improvements in slaughterhouse facilities and equipment to ensure that meat production will be easier and the meat produced is safer.

The abattoir project, which will include the establishment of a wastewater treatment facility, holding pen and water system, will cost P16 million and is expected to be completed before October this year.

According to Oblena, the new slaughterhouse would be built according to the standards and specifications set by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

Oblena explained that the present slaughterhouse used by the city is not accredited by NMIS.

NMIC standard specifies that abattoirs should be five meters away from the riverbanks and should be situated a safe distance away from commercial or residential areas.

With the forthcoming new abattoir, Treñas said he has already proposed the sale of the old slaughterhouse in Molo at public auction.

“The new slaughterhouse shows the coordinated efforts of national agencies and the city government to provide better and safe services to city residents. The construction of the abattoir will likewise mean maximizing revenue emanating from the operation of such a facility,” the mayor concluded.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 11:02 PM

Iloilo, Guimaras gird for aggressive tourism promo

ILOILO City — Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has pledged to allocate some P2-million in initial funding for the Visit Iloilo-Guimaras 2006 program.

Treñas issued the pledge immediately after signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Iloilo City-Guimaras development alliance last May 22nd in Guimaras with Gov. JC Rahman Nava. The agreement signing also signaled the creation of plans and strategies to implement the program.

In a briefing conducted for the local press, the mayor said P1-million will be allocated in preparation for the upcoming Visit Iloilo-Guimaras 2006 and another P1-million for the widening of the wharf in Barangay Ortiz here which is being utilized as a gateway from Iloilo to Guimaras.

On the other hand, Nava pledged P500,000 for the program.

“I am very excited about this. This will help improve the economic competitiveness of both Iloilo City and Guimaras as the program was planned mainly to boost tourism and economic development here,” Treñas said, adding that Davao City has enormously benefited from the Island Garden of Samal.

A provision in the MOA states that “the alliance will conduct joint planning and coordination of economic and infrastructure service and projects and develop, share and implement common economic and infrastructure resources, information, tools and methodologies for the common benefits.”

To carry out the purpose of the agreement, an executive director will be appointed to manage and oversee the regular operations and general implementation of GICA programs and projects.

The alliance will also consult, coordinate and work closely with the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government and other priority concerned agencies and private sectors.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

May 24th, 2005, 11:10 PM

A feature article fron Inquirer.Net ...

Iloilo watersheds worth crying a river

Posted 06:37am (Mla time) May 21, 2005
By Ma. Diosa Labiste
Inquirer News Service

ILOILO mayors rued the destruction of forests when they delivered their first-ever "State of the Watershed Address" on April 19. The 13 watersheds in the province, they said, were heavily eroded, logged-over, tilled and neglected.

A watershed is a landscape that brings water from its tiny source, such as a stream, to the river and then the sea. It is also called a catchment or river basin, where cities and villages thrive, and where people and animals live.

Unfortunately, not many Ilonggo people know that they have a watershed as an address and consequently behave as if they are never part of it.

Alimodian town, which straddles the Tigum-Aganan watershed, has 70 percent of its 14,000 hectares of land devoted to farming. But of the farming areas, 60 percent is hilly and unproductive, thus putting pressure on the remaining land planted to vegetables-a major source of farmers' income-said Mayor Juanito Alipao.

The topsoil of hills that have been stripped of trees and shrubs is washed off during the rainy season.

Rivers traversing Alimodian are no longer healthy. Their banks overflow when it rains heavily and dry up during summer.

Farms and people are not the only ones affected. Up in the mountains, where trees are being felled, several endangered species of endemic animals are found. They are commonly named the writhed hornbill, Visayan spotted deer, cloud rat and warty pig.

Rafflesia, one of the largest flowers in the world, is found in Alimodian's mountains that are linked to the central Panay mountain range.

Flooding history

Downstream and 24 km from Alimodian is Iloilo City, which enjoys piped water coming from the watershed of the Tigum-Aganan. The city has a "flooding history" in recent decades, especially in the 1990s.

The flooding, which has been blamed on soil erosion and the sand quarrying upstream, affects city residents, especially those living in squatter communities along rivers, creeks and low-lying areas.

City environment officer Noel Hechanova, who represented Mayor Jerry Treñas, reported that at least 60 percent of the city's land area was flood-prone, and that floods could easily affect 126,000 residents, or one third of the city population, and 1,200 business establishments.

The city is also beset with other problems: a limited supply of potable water, garbage that find its way into waterways and the sea, saltwater intrusion in wells, and contaminated ground water.

Dumangas town, 43 km from the city, belongs to the Lower Jalaur Watershed. Along with other rice-growing towns in central Iloilo, the watershed is nourished by the Jalaur River.

Mayor Rolando Distura said tons of topsoil pass through his town before settling on the fishponds. Dredging has been a regular, costly task.

Shared solutions

While the conditions of watersheds in Iloilo are worth crying a river, the mayors shared ways of rehabilitating them with the help of communities.

In Alimodian, young people celebrated Valentine's Day by staging a disco, in which tickets were bought with seeds of fruit or forest trees. The event, named "Sirinugot" (meaning consensus), requires young people to bring seeds of avocado, jackfruit, mango, mahogany, narra and coconut for the local seed bank and nursery.

The town has also turned to organic farming. It conducts field classes for farmers, holds tree planting activities, and encourages villages to adopt a mountain for re-greening.

In Dumangas, Distura officiates at a mass wedding every year, but couples are required to plant trees. The town has a number of ordinances on coastal marine conservation, including one on planting mangroves.

Iloilo City tries to improve its garbage collection and explores ways of dealing with silt and trash that choke its rivers and waterways.

'Food tables'

The efforts, however, have not been enough to rehabilitate the watersheds of San Joaquin, Miagao, Guimbal, Tigum Aganan, Sibalom-Baguingin, Magapa-Suage, Upper Jalaur, Lower Jalaur, Sara-San Dionisio-Ajuy, Serruco-Lanjagan, Almitana-Marapal, Alacaygan-Anilao and Sibajo.

Iloilo has only less than 10 percent of forest cover, of which 40 percent is needed to support agriculture.

Jessica Salas, co-chair of the Iloilo Watershed Management Council, said towns and communities must work together to protect the land, flora, fauna and water in the watersheds.

The watersheds are "our food tables," she said, "where everyone sit around and partake of a meal for human, social and economic development."

sugarboy

May 25th, 2005, 02:59 AM

Virtute is starting to shed his cloak, Chymera ... but really, he doesn't sound like from the past ... unless otherwise he is, then only he can tell. But whether he is or not, the competitiveness of his mind is always that of a youth ... great, Virtute!

Wala man gid ina sa katigulangon. May-ara lang gid galing mga tawo nga daw madalom-dalom ang inangtan sa "roots". After all, there is so much to glean from the past. Besides, it's nice to reminisce in the carefree days of yore. :)

I have never lived in Iloilo but as a child, my memories of Iloilo had to do with short vacations as a stopover en route to Manila or Bacolod (via Negros Navigation ships). As such, Iloilo will forever be imbedded in my mind as a vacation place. I like to keep it that way.

Te wala gid ta di picture sang Sicogon?

Virtute

May 25th, 2005, 06:59 AM

Virtute

May 25th, 2005, 07:27 AM

hahaha ... Virtute, don't spill the beans ... hehehe .. actually, you don't sound you live in 50's and I don't think so as well. My mom told me that SM Delgado was used to be the Marymart Shopping Centre. Then late 70's, it was changed to SM Shoemart Iloilo.

About the hospital, haven't seen the St Mary's Hospital before ... the remains though were still there till now ... but my mother used to tell me that St Mary's Hospital was a beautiful hospital. They specialised more on maternity. This hospital readily stuck in my mind since elementary days pa coz one of my friends was born from that place ... on why it caught my attention more is that the friend of mine was so special .. that's it ... hehehe.

Now you made me remember some more, regarding the SM Delgado, with the bumper cars... I called it bumping cars, naga bunggo bunggo mong. It was then Marymart when they had the bumper cars, not SM. When it became SM the bumper cars weren't there anymore.

About St. Mary's Hospital, all of us (brothers and sisters) were all born there. The hospital was owned by the Dr. Cocjin. He and his wife Magdalena were very close friends with my grandparents. Due to many family tragedies of the Cocjin family, the hospital had to close.

A memory which I will not forget as a kid visiting my grandmother in that hospital, the building in front of St. Mary's burned and we were trapped in the hospital. The security guard was ordered to lock all the doors and the back gate, so the patients will not run away. I remember a woman in labor not knowing if she and her baby will live or not. My sister's boyfriend was able to kick down the back gate (he was a big beefy guy) and we and all the hospital patients were able to get to the street and get away. Fortunately, the fire didn't reach the hospital and we were able to get out of it as well. I remember how hot it was. Even standing behind the fence and not seeing all of the other side, you feel trapped and you just see flames and smoke towering several stories high, you really don't know what's going to happen.

chymera00

May 25th, 2005, 09:40 AM

Please post Chymera if you can ... love to see what's in the Manggahan Festival ... love to watch any festivals before .. of course, nobody beats DINAGYANG ... the revelry, the drumbeating, choreography, etc ... simply the best .. since then. They say that Dinagyang and Ati-Atihan is almost the same? I think it's a big "NO" ... though in Ati-Atihan, the audience participates in street dancing ... but if you see both, you can definitely spot the difference/s.
Hindi pla Manggahan ang nakuha ko Pintados de Passi pla ngek ... :|. But I got to find this though,

from: http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/guimaras/manggahan2000/manggahhan_2000_act.htm
Charter Day celebrations every 22nd of May revolve around the mango festival or Manggahan sa Guimaras. The affair focuses on the cultural heritage of the Province and its being the mango country. It includes the Karosahan, a parade of floats bearing the island's pretty maidens followed by street dancers in colorful tribal costumes; a food festival featuring the very sweet mangoes and other products; and a trade fair and exposition.

Highlights

Miss Manggahan Tourism 2000
Miss Manggahan Bulilit 2000
Motorized Banca Derby
Mango Picking Activity
Survival Challenge
Mountain Bike Competition(Palumba Sa Guimaras)
Sportsfest
Athletics Competition
Boxing Tournament
Shootfest

Activities

Opening Parade
Mass
Blood Letting
Drum and Bugle Corp. Competition
Opening Agri-Trade Fair
Motorcade
Manggahan sa Amigo
Opening of Mountaineering Congress
Jobs Fair
Mayor's Night
PNRC/PNP Night
RDC Meeting/Tour
Mass Graduation of IPM-FFS Rice, Vegetables, Mango
4-Cock Derby Competition
Rotary Club of Guimaras Night
Hackfight
CPCV Activity
Singles For Christ Night Concert
Marathon
Fun Run
Western Visayas Regional Tourism Council Quarterly Meeting
GPEA Night(Song for a Cause)
Manggahan Day Parade
Opening of Science Exhibits
Awarding of Prizes and Certificates

yep, there's a small cave in Puerto Del Mar ... more secluded than that of Alubihod but their beaches are actually connected to each other. Very few people are visiting Puerto Del Mar in comparison to Alubihod. Alubihod Beach Resort is more popular with its white sand beach and openness. And Alubihod amongst the beaches of Guimaras is my favourite simply because of too many good memories I had with this place.
yeah ... I've got good memories for myself too ... imagine a bunch of teenagers, a sea away from home, no parental supervision, overnight at a beautiful beach :)

My sentiments as well .. like to experience and visit some more other places/beaches around Guimaras island.

It is a private resort owned by Martin Stummer, a German businessman in Iloilo City. Do you know the Bavaria restaurant in Iloilo City ... in Jaro for particular, just a few steps fronting St Vincent's Seminary ... it is owned by Mr Stummer as well. Mostly, Germans and other Europeans flocked to this island for holiday. Nagarao, I believe has its own website ... especially promoted in Germany by the owner. But I've heard not so good news before about the websit. I don't know if it is true or not. But whatever it is, the island from the pictures in the net is really stunning and great. Truly, first-class in nature.
That german guy must really love guimaras/iloilo ... From the looks of it Nagarao is indeed first-class (expensive)

chymera00

May 25th, 2005, 09:43 AM

Iloilo - In Focus

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/PintadosdePassi.jpg

chymera00

May 25th, 2005, 10:57 AM

Here are some of my Guimaras pics, i'm going to be posting a few of them because they are off-topic:

Guimaras

Puerto del Mar Beach Resort
This place has a smaller shore line than Raymen but it has more scenic views and it is good for strolling around... also, they have a more diversified, protected marine life and has deep areas for snorkelling. I tried snorkelling on an open sea area (it was off-limits to swimming :| ), and found some schools of fishlings a few big fishes some live corals and a big starfish it was fun. Even in the shallow areas and shoreline I found some interesting things, like live corals, shells, sea urchins, a sea cucumber, some aquarium fish like clown fishes (NEMO!) ...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/p129312b6b7286adb183e7d94aa488d31/f3fc93f5.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/p91dac56ce34ee4669bd5a72175b5d3af/f3fc93e6.jpg

Puerto del Mar was interesting ... They had caged animals but they werent as interesting as the orange-colored flies and the huge blue-colored ants not to mention the Guinea fowl as seen in the picture below.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/p37edd853bf2883f289136f4d30a4626e/f3fc93d7.jpg

Raymen Beach Resort:
Raymen has a wider shore line which is better for swimming, they also have more huts which is better for family outings and hanging out!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/p5a60a28b912ff5d6dd342415465a352c/f3fc917e.jpg

More Pictures here:
Tourism Philippines (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=4237892&postcount=88)
The Nature Thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=4237887&postcount=144)
Full Album @ ImageStation (http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2126243500)

chymera00

May 25th, 2005, 11:31 AM

chymera00

May 25th, 2005, 11:35 AM

Te wala gid ta di picture sang Sicogon?

I guess not, I too, am very interested at how it looks like ...

But you know, you could go to Sicogon if you return to Iloilo ... take some great pictures and post them here ^^

sugarboy

May 25th, 2005, 12:06 PM

I guess not, I too, am very interested at how it looks like ...

But you know, you could go to Sicogon if you return to Iloilo ... take some great pictures and post them here ^^

i did some googling and saw some sicogon photos on the web. problema galing naga-uba si tetchie agbayani in the foreground so i guess we can't post that here :(

wecky

May 25th, 2005, 07:58 PM

Wala man gid ina sa katigulangon. May-ara lang gid galing mga tawo nga daw madalom-dalom ang inangtan sa "roots". After all, there is so much to glean from the past. Besides, it's nice to reminisce in the carefree days of yore. :)

I have never lived in Iloilo but as a child, my memories of Iloilo had to do with short vacations as a stopover en route to Manila or Bacolod (via Negros Navigation ships). As such, Iloilo will forever be imbedded in my mind as a vacation place. I like to keep it that way.

Te wala gid ta di picture sang Sicogon?

that's right, Sugarboy. For me, I will always be an Ilonggo and really proud of it ... my heritage.

I posted Sicogon pics before .. just from googling ... haven't been there myself, though I love to. Hopefully someday.

wecky

May 25th, 2005, 10:07 PM

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p90dbf16c52fbedbcd47951a391b1202f/f40086b0.jpg

Nice to see the old Tibiao Bakery on this pic. Been there many times. The Lim brothers who run it now are my 2nd cousins on my dad's side. One time they gave me a tour of their main factory and it was just full of bread everywhere. I may have gained 5lbs. just smelling all the baked bread during the tour.

Oh btw, I'm still trying to get use to the new bulding behind Casa Gobierno. But it's progress which I welcome.

wow ... tibiao bakery .. really nice ... like almost all their pastries .. there's quite a number of Tibiao Bakery around the city. Where are their factory again, Virtute? I thought Tibiao bakery owner is from Tibiao (Antique) themselves. I don't know .. bit ignorant about this matter. I just graced their eatery whenever I felt hungry, or doesn't really wanted a heavy meal for a day.

wecky

May 25th, 2005, 10:12 PM

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid169/p8f5a6b4c58903a150d6f6683413f76c1/f40086b4.jpg

like to see this place in real ... haven't been there yet ... is this in Diversion Road? Sunburst ... hmmm .. chicken in my mind ... (i'm becoming hungrier now!) ... :)

Smallville? Like that of Smallville in tele? ... hehehe

wecky

May 25th, 2005, 10:16 PM

And bilis ng thread na ito 5 days pa lang 83 posts na (16 posts per day). With the rate that were going at, we'll have the Iloilo City and Province Thread III in a month. Iba talaga mga Ilonggos :)

that's a bit fast then ... don't think so ... I think we are just a bunch of happy people wanted to share whatever great things happening in Iloilo ... sort of carried away ... hehehe. Whether we'll reach 500 posts in a month, two months or more, it just doesn't matter ... we are just proud of our heritage. That's why.

wecky

May 25th, 2005, 10:26 PM

Now you made me remember some more, regarding the SM Delgado, with the bumper cars... I called it bumping cars, naga bunggo bunggo mong. It was then Marymart when they had the bumper cars, not SM. When it became SM the bumper cars weren't there anymore.

yeah right ... include me of those who used to have a fun there riding bumper cars ... i do enjoyed it a lot though. Probably you are right then Virtute about Marymart because the adboard in front of SM that time was still Marymart Shopping Centre. SM Delgado was first air-conditioned shopping centre during that time (correct me in I'm wrong). My friends and classmates used to hang out there because of coolness of the place, and a variety of choices when it comes to food.

About St. Mary's Hospital, all of us (brothers and sisters) were all born there. The hospital was owned by the Dr. Cocjin. He and his wife Magdalena were very close friends with my grandparents. Due to many family tragedies of the Cocjin family, the hospital had to close.

I've heard that name as well. But I couldn't be sure whether it was associated with this hospital or any other institution.

A memory which I will not forget as a kid visiting my grandmother in that hospital, the building in front of St. Mary's burned and we were trapped in the hospital. The security guard was ordered to lock all the doors and the back gate, so the patients will not run away. I remember a woman in labor not knowing if she and her baby will live or not. My sister's boyfriend was able to kick down the back gate (he was a big beefy guy) and we and all the hospital patients were able to get to the street and get away. Fortunately, the fire didn't reach the hospital and we were able to get out of it as well. I remember how hot it was. Even standing behind the fence and not seeing all of the other side, you feel trapped and you just see flames and smoke towering several stories high, you really don't know what's going to happen.

Lucky you all are, Virtute.

Anyway, hoping Cocjin's family (or any other businessmen) will revive the hospital. Ta.

wecky

May 25th, 2005, 10:32 PM

Hindi pla Manggahan ang nakuha ko Pintados de Passi pla ngek ... :|. But I got to find this though,

from: http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/guimaras/manggahan2000/manggahhan_2000_act.htm
Charter Day celebrations every 22nd of May revolve around the mango festival or Manggahan sa Guimaras. The affair focuses on the cultural heritage of the Province and its being the mango country. It includes the Karosahan, a parade of floats bearing the island's pretty maidens followed by street dancers in colorful tribal costumes; a food festival featuring the very sweet mangoes and other products; and a trade fair and exposition.

Highlights

Miss Manggahan Tourism 2000
Miss Manggahan Bulilit 2000
Motorized Banca Derby
Mango Picking Activity
Survival Challenge
Mountain Bike Competition(Palumba Sa Guimaras)
Sportsfest
Athletics Competition
Boxing Tournament
Shootfest

Activities

Opening Parade
Mass
Blood Letting
Drum and Bugle Corp. Competition
Opening Agri-Trade Fair
Motorcade
Manggahan sa Amigo
Opening of Mountaineering Congress
Jobs Fair
Mayor's Night
PNRC/PNP Night
RDC Meeting/Tour
Mass Graduation of IPM-FFS Rice, Vegetables, Mango
4-Cock Derby Competition
Rotary Club of Guimaras Night
Hackfight
CPCV Activity
Singles For Christ Night Concert
Marathon
Fun Run
Western Visayas Regional Tourism Council Quarterly Meeting
GPEA Night(Song for a Cause)
Manggahan Day Parade
Opening of Science Exhibits
Awarding of Prizes and Certificates

yeah ... I've got good memories for myself too ... imagine a bunch of teenagers, a sea away from home, no parental supervision, overnight at a beautiful beach :)

That german guy must really love guimaras/iloilo ... From the looks of it Nagarao is indeed first-class (expensive)

I guessed so ... Martin Stummer loves Iloilo and Guimaras so much .. he's non-stop promoting his island-resort business here in Europe (esp Germany) as what've heard. And the resort is so expensive though .. facilities-wise, first class gid man.

wow, Chymera ... memories always linger on ... (as I am a hopeless romantic) .. oopppsss .. out of topic already ... hehehe

wecky

May 25th, 2005, 10:56 PM

Iloilo - In Focus

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/PintadosdePassi.jpg

great pics, Chymera ... Passi City's Pintados de Pasi looks amazingly great ... another festival Iloilo should be proud of. On the other hand, Passi being the component city and second city of Iloilo plays vital role in the province economic growth and development. I haven't heard much any infras or businesses taking place within this city. Is there any development/s you know of about Passi City. Seems the city is sleeping sugar central as well. Aside from Passi City, Pototan's application for cityhood is still pending. Wonder if there is any development for this one as well?

ThisFire

May 25th, 2005, 11:19 PM

beauty and culture :)

wecky

May 26th, 2005, 12:00 AM

wecky

May 26th, 2005, 12:09 AM

We rode in Muelle Loney for our Guimaras Trip (it was a change because we always used the port at Ortiz). It wasn't a great experience with the smell and 'ol but at least I got to take some great shots:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/IloiloRiver3.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/p6f93fda6ea548cfc58968f434cd11b94/f3fc76fb.jpg
Supercat (Iloilo-Bacolod)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/pa962636108cbe46e7fac5858fa04347d/f3fc76fe.jpg
Tourism Exhibit (Fiesta in the City) at SM City - where I got a lot of broshures of Western Visayas ^^

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/pa8dceb6d5297eae2dcb6c4dbb1a62958/f3fc76f7.jpg
Iloilo River - Jalandoni Bridge - Buildings along Gen. Luna St.

Chymera, spare me a brochure as well please ... i want to read all about it, too. Thanks.

Great pics again ... Supercat, my fave travel companion from Iloilo going to Bacolod City before ... do you still remember NN ships as well going to Bacolod? NN used to have their own ships plying Bacolod-Iloilo .. only that it took 2 hours of travelling .... but they are cheaper in fare, more space just in case you are carrying bigger items, you can roam around and do your sight seeing (esp Siete Picados), etc. Are they still operating or totally abolished already?

wecky

May 26th, 2005, 12:22 AM

i did some googling and saw some sicogon photos on the web. problema galing naga-uba si tetchie agbayani in the foreground so i guess we can't post that here :(

hehehe .. you'll be banned soon or the thread will be closed, just in case ... pretty PM it to us na lang, Sugarboy ... just a joke. Cheers!

wecky

May 26th, 2005, 12:28 AM

Chymera, here is an article about Guimaras' Manggahan Festival ..

Guimaras at 13 . . . moving, soaring, progressing

Guimaras is 13 years old as a province on May 22, 2005 and already it shows vital signs of progressive movement. Actually, Guimaras province soars high on the wings of progress under the dynamic leadership of Governor JC Rahman Nava. Therefore, the theme “Guimaras at 13 . . . . moving, soaring, progressing” of this year's Manggahan Festival which coincides with the province's 13 th foundation anniversary undoubtedly describes the state of affairs in the island province.

I was in Guimaras last Saturday and Sunday ( May 14-15) to join, as invited guest and speaker, the festivities at the 125 th anniversary of Navalas Parish Church, Buenavista. It is the oldest of all churches in the province of Guimaras and actually part of many a tour itineraries in the province of Guimaras. No doubt, it is one of Guimaras' points of interest. Rev. Father Mario Enarsao, the parish priest and lay leaders of the church were so accommodating. They volunteered the information that the exhibit they have on the history of Navalas Church is based on the write-up I did with Atty. Ernesto Gaduyon many years ago. I cannot even remember when but I'm sure though that article was done before 1991 because of the absence of that peculiar prefix to my name. Anyway, Navalas Parish is special to me. I was baptized there.

I found time to join the May 15 activities in the capital town of Jordan, Guimaras.It was Panindahan sa Manggahan and Mango-Eat all You Can at the Jordan Food Terminal Market. There was also the Gov. JC Rahman Nava Run. I registered in and joined the Mango-Eat All You Can. There's another one on May 21 and 22 at the Foodfest Area. I had the impression that it was not a contest. One just had to get registered and he's given a tray containing four pieces of sugar-sweet juicy mango fruit. Oh there were so many other participants who started before, with and after me. What is cute about this entire enterprise is that the participants determine their starting time, speed or pacing and finish time. There is no deadline. I was finishing my first tray (kilo) when I heard my name called—to award the prizes for the winners in the Gov. JC Rahman Nava Run (5-Mile) with Governor Nava himself! After the 10 to15-minute awarding ceremonies, I went back to my seat and resume my “ eat all you can” mango endeavor. After everything had been said and done, it was time to go “panindahan”. How many mangoes did I eat? Eight pieces or two kilos only! I wanted to eat more but the juicy sugar-sweet mangoes can only allow me that far. Not bad for a Php 35 registration fee.

The “panindahan” part was an equally wonderful experience. The Jordan Food Terminal Market at Jordan was very organized and clean. I learned there was a contest but I hope the vendors and local officials will keep this market in that state of organization and tidiness even after the Manggahan Festival because, definitely, it is a travel destination. My only regret then was that I could manage to buy only six heaps of a local shell delicacy that is best eaten raw --- the imbaw —because I was late. I was informed residents of Iloilo City and Oton, Iloilo crossed to buy imbaw at 6-7 in the morning. I was consoled when I was able to buy big fresh fat samaral fish from Cabalagnan barangay fishing village at Php 60/kilo (3 pieces).

The Manggahan Festival this year is an array of exciting activities that includes, to name a few, the Opening of Agro-Industrial Fair/Exhibition May 16, Food Festival up to May 22, Tagisan ng Talino sa Manggahan May 17, National Taekwondo Championship May 18, Jobs Fair – May 19, Adlaw sang Mangunguma May 20, Mango Picking and Guimaras Children's Day May 21, Mango Food Festival (Eat All You Can) May 21-22, Manggahan Cultural Showcase May 21-22 ( The Filipino Heritage May 21, Grand Parade, Street Dancing & Float Competition, Manggahan Festival Competition and Cultural Showcase, Sinadya and street Dancing, Search for Lin-ay sag Manggahan all in May 22).

There's a lot more other activities but space is limited. I'm confident that the others inadvertently omitted were amply covered by the many other forms of publicity for the Manggahan Festival.

For Gov. JC Rahman Nava and all provincial and municipal officials, employees and residents of Guimaras, congratulations!

For Provincial Economic and Developent Officer Engr. Ruben Corpuz, Chairman of Manggahan Festival 2005 Task Force, Angie Gabinete, head and staff of the Provincial Tourism Office, you did it again!

(from News Today Info Online)

Virtute

May 26th, 2005, 04:53 AM

wow ... tibiao bakery .. really nice ... like almost all their pastries .. there's quite a number of Tibiao Bakery around the city. Where are their factory again, Virtute? I thought Tibiao bakery owner is from Tibiao (Antique) themselves. I don't know .. bit ignorant about this matter. I just graced their eatery whenever I felt hungry, or doesn't really wanted a heavy meal for a day.

Yes, the Lims are originally from Tibiao, Antique, hence Tibiao Bakery. Their main bread factory is in Villa if I can remember.

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 01:17 AM

We rode in Muelle Loney for our Guimaras Trip (it was a change because we always used the port at Ortiz). It wasn't a great experience with the smell and 'ol but at least I got to take some great shots:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/IloiloRiver3.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/p6f93fda6ea548cfc58968f434cd11b94/f3fc76fb.jpg
Supercat (Iloilo-Bacolod)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/pa962636108cbe46e7fac5858fa04347d/f3fc76fe.jpg
Tourism Exhibit (Fiesta in the City) at SM City - where I got a lot of broshures of Western Visayas ^^

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid170/pa8dceb6d5297eae2dcb6c4dbb1a62958/f3fc76f7.jpg
Iloilo River - Jalandoni Bridge - Buildings along Gen. Luna St.

Chymera, do you have any more pictures of Fiesta in the City? We wanted to see the exhibits of Passi City .. my friend is from Passi ... very proud of their Pintados.

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 01:24 AM

City hosts hearing on new Labor Code

ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has announced that Iloilo City will be hosting a joint public hearing on the proposed New Labor Code of the Philippines to be conducted by the Committee on Labor and Employment of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Treñas said the joint hearing today will be at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center where the committee will gather and gauge the sentiments of various sectors in Region VI and other areas outside Metro Manila.

The public consultation will be headed by Senate Labor Committee chair Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, House of Representatives Committee on Labor chair Roseller Barinaga, and members Senators Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Aquilino Pimentel, Ralph Racto, Ramon Revilla, Jr., and Congressmen Crispin Beltran, Edcel Lagman, Ernie Clarete and Juan Edgardo Angara.

The session will bring together members and leaders of various
organizations and also respected officers from the government, academe, and non-government organizations as well.

The whole day public hearing will tackle the proposed bill by books. These include book one or pre-employment; book two or human resource development program; book three or conditions of employment; book four or health, safety and social welfare benefits; book five or labor relations; book six or post-employment and book seven or transitory and final provisions.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 01:26 AM

Yes, the Lims are originally from Tibiao, Antique, hence Tibiao Bakery. Their main bread factory is in Villa if I can remember.

thanks for the info, Virtute. Tibiao Bakery is expanding right now. Their were few branches I've seen when I went home last year.

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 02:05 AM

beauty and culture :)

yes, ThisFire ... hope Iloilo will maintain them both.

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 02:07 AM

Thursday, May 26, 2005
ICSEC-Kaplan now serving Iloilo

THE International Cultural Studies and Education Corp. and Kaplan Education Provider (ICSEC-Kaplan) officially opened its educational center in Molo, Iloilo City on May 24.

ICSEC was formed in 1993 with the mission to train and educate graduates to become responsible and well rounded individuals that shall lead and contribute to the country's positive growth. ICSEC holds the exclusive license of Kaplan educational centers in the Philippines and recently expanded in key cities nationwide, including Baguio, Davao, Legazpi and Iloilo.

Kaplan is the largest and oldest education provider system and with more than three million students for university entrance and professional licensing exams than any other company in the world.

With over 60 years of experience, technology, vast machinery in product development and research capacity, Kaplan has been in the forefront of providing professionals, businessmen and upscale individuals with the systemized approach to career learning and advance education.

As distinguished leader in the field of career development, ICSEC offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date training for most professionals who intend to advance their current position in their career professions. The institutions aim likewise to foster mutual relationship among groups and culture.

George Lim, CEO of Kaplan Philippines, said they have 40 agency partners and send around 1,500 nurses per year for 300 hospitals in the United States.

Officials who graced the opening rites were Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Vice Mayor Guillermo de Llana, Councilor Ramon Cua Locsin, Kaplan International Vice President for International Business Development David Stremba, Senior Manager for International Business Development Tony Mc Cormac, ICSEC Kaplan Quezon City Center head Erwin Gatchalian and Kaplan Philippines CEO George Lim.

ICSEC-Kaplan Iloilo center is located at 2/F Golden Star Bldg., 132 San Marcos St., San Pedro, Molo, Iloilo City with telephone numbers (033)336-3155/336-3156.

(from Sunstar News Online)

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 03:12 AM

Chymera, here's what I've got in googling for Sicogon ...

http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~icp_natl/images/sicogon1.jpg

http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~icp_natl/images/sicogon2.jpg

Five kilometers away from the Estancia town proper is this 1,104-hectare palm fringed island with while sand beaches. (from:http://www.asiatravel.com/iloinfo.html)

A 1,104 hectare white sand palm-fringed island gradually sloping down to some 350 feet beyond the shoreline; 5 km. from the town proper of Estancia, 137 km. northeast of Iloilo City. (from: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=thingstodo&province=34)

fundraiser

May 27th, 2005, 04:27 AM

fundraiser

May 27th, 2005, 04:28 AM

^^^^
first post ko po! hehehe

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 03:00 PM

i just wanna ask peeps from iloilo city kung totoo ba yung sinasabi ng mga officemates ko na taga iloilo na ang height limit lang daw ng mga building sa iloilo city ay 8 to 10 floors lang? kasi daw malambot ang lupa, tapos last week lang tinanong ko ulit isa kong friend sabi nya totoo daw yun, now is it really true? nakita ko sa mga pic dito sa thread and true enuf, wala nga atang building na more than 10 floors

i think you are right with this one, fundraiser ... iloilo city is a floating city .. like San Francisco, Manila, etc ... in Iloilo, especially the city proper is surrounded by bodies of water ... Batiano river, I guess and Guimaras Strait ... I heard about this issue in the past ... and I think it is true, indeed. But outside city proper, I think they can start building a little bit taller buildings .. i don't know how tall the city engineers office will allow them to be ... with the advent of technology, I believe this problem will be solve .. that's why, you can barely see any tall buildings around the city (if there's any .. hehehe) .. so there you are. Hope I'm a bit of help with your query.

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 03:04 PM

^^^^
first post ko po! hehehe

welcome, fundraiser .. hope you will enjoy the forum ... keep coming back here ...

I'm a bit nosy though ... hehehe .. are you from Iloilo? where's your location at the moment?

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 03:09 PM

Friday, May 27, 2005
Amigo Hotel offers 'Merienda Sa Isla'

FIESTA time is high this May. Ilonggos go to places and enjoy the food and drinks while others go to Amigo Terrace Hotel to savor the superb Merienda Buffet offered by the Islands Restaurant.

Good food is the main reason why Islands' diners keep coming back. And for those who haven't tasted yet the "Merienda Sa Isla" from Mondays to Saturdays, 3 to 6 p.m., be surprised at a very affordable rate of P99 only.

Enjoy the dinuguan with puto, fried bihon, special bibingka, breads, sandwiches, native kakanin, and halo-halo bar with our homemade ice cream.

Islands Restaurant is located at thee ground floor lobby of Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iznart-Delgado Streets, Iloilo City. It opens daily from 6 a.m. until 12 midnight.

For inquiries and reservations, please call (033) 3350908 local 3.

(from SunStar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 03:12 PM

Friday, May 27, 2005
Conserving our heritage
By Rodelyn Pasyal

A PERCEIVED dilemma for the city administrators, planners, and mayors is that preserving our heritage buildings is costly and is not economically sound. They say it is better to demolish these old buildings and build new ones. They say the new ones would be more efficient and safer to work or live in. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

As a matter of fact, old buildings provide the required prestige and dignity, requirements for a city to become truly great. Prestige and dignity as provided by the visages of old buildings can and will boost the economy via tourism and increased investments.

Tourism, obviously, will increase because the added aura of respectability from the facades of old buildings casts shadows of awe among people.

Potential tourists are intrigued and would want to get to know more about the history of these structures, the history of the people who built them, and this will then build genuine appreciation of the people who built such structures.

The Pyramids at Giza, and the numerous heritage buildings and cultural heritage like the mummies, has substantially contributed to Egypt's economy, in the underneath these buildings. Increased investments will come in, especially when the investors realize that the prestige and dignity of a place, will add luster to their companies' corporate image. Real estate around some well maintained heritage structures also increase in value.

There is no surprise why real estate around Central Park is one of the steepest in New York, or even in the whole of the United States.

Take Venice, for example. There are reasons why Venice is still a thriving city despite seizing to be a water trade powerhouse decades or centuries ago, despite the inconvenience of gondola and water taxi rides, despite the flooding of the overreaching Adriatic threatening to engulf it.

There are reasons why preserving it from the impending doom of going under the sea is a priority of the Italian government and other concerned organizations and the funding amounts to billions of dollars.

I am not an expert but there are three reasons even laymen would know: first, the city is simply one of the most beautiful cities in the world; second, the city is historically important, as its royal families who lived in this waterworld, played an important role in Italian, and ultimately, world history; and third, the city generates millions upon millions of dollars in tourism alone.

As a matter of fact without the tourists, Venice would be a ghost town about to be buried by the sea, as the economy solely revolves around the tourists. In this example, maintenance of Venetian buildings (maybe some of them have real Venetian blinds...) did not come cheap, but its returns are in the long run, worth it, and worth millions of dollars, too. The question is, can our city's heritage match Venice's tourist drawing power?

The answer is, why not? We do not lack in History. Iloilo is as "historical" as any place in the world. We have had war heroes in Jalandoni, Quintin Salas, Martin Delgado, and the barely known Second World War guerillas; the foot their feet trampled whether in victory or in retreat is hallowed ground. We have had women warriors; Teresa Magbanua in all of her steed-riding-bolo-up-high glory is an example.

We had successfully routed the Spanish Army on Liberation Day 1899. Graciano Lopez-Jaena, to whom every Ilonggo looks up to, was joined by Rizal and del Pilar in Spain to fight for the betterment of our country. We were once supplying textile to most of Europe, Mexico, and the World.

From our bloodiness came to the Lopezes and other ancient tycoon families whose ancestral homes dot our plazas majestically. Our sugar mills have brought sweetness to every Filipino home; our rice lands and fruits have nourished Filipino muscles for centuries. Our churches stand majestic. We were once a capital of the Spanish operations in the Country. We were once the Queen City of the South.

Can our heritage generate tourism and boost investments? If Vigan is to be taken as an example, yes it can. Vigan has been transformed from a sleepy town content to sleep its way to obscurity into a city that has its looks to the future.

All of these because of a line of well preserved whitewashed buildings fronting each other along one street, an early experiment by the Spanish authorities into mass housing.

Iloilo has Calle Real! It is a street whose murky exteriors betray the rich heritage that it keeps hidden through decades old neglect and a mudpack of three generations of jeepney smoke and flood sediments.

The potential for Calle Real and Muelle Loney once restored to its former glory of being Escolta's great rivals is immense.

Just imagine a line of restaurants serving authentic Filipino and Spanish cuisine, to flea market shops specializing an antiquities, to cafes where a young brood of Ilonggo intellectuals will Sartre their way into enlightenment, to a museum which will enlighten the present and coming generation of citizens and tourists alike as to who are the people who rendered their names to streets and barangays; for example Iznart, Loney, Delgado, Jalandoni, Guzman, Quintin Salas, and Torre, to a shopping mall in a well-restored century old-building approximating Harrod's in England, where one can get quality Ilonggo textile which we use to export everywhere around the world. The possibilities are immense.

But the sad fact is that the buildings near Calle Real and Muelle Loney are going under one by one. If it is not due to neglect, then it is due to the perceived economic benefits of new buildings.

This merciless, wanton destruction of our heritage buildings only shows that we do not respect the work of our predecessors, we kick at the graves of our forefathers by rejecting their legacies to us, we spit at their achievements by bringing down the structures that represent it. We are like the heirs of a rich family, who upon looking at an heirloom of family pictures was dejected and want only the money.

We are like the heirs who destroy an old ancestral home to build a generic shopping center, not caring for the memories that dwell in every nook and cranny, not caring for the memories of the elders but rather only look forward to profit.

Indeed, most do not see as a thing of immense value these monuments of the past; rather most people see a cumbersome, outdated, white elephant of a structure that is fit for the wrecking ball. How sad, indeed the theories of Maslow and Schumpeter are right, a starving people cannot look into the value of these buildings, they can only look into how to feed themselves and survive for the moment.

However, this sad realization that a starving people cannot really be expected to develop aesthetic sensibilities as to preserve their heritage should not overpower our efforts to preserve what is left of our cultural heritage. The enlightened will show the way, the leaders should lead the pack.

Conservationists should educate the people as to the value of these treasures.

Besides the economic benefits of bringing in tourism and providing a stimulus for renewed interest in the city, preserving these heritage buildings will also lead to the development of feelings of "pride of place". What is this pride of place?

Like all feelings, it is almost indescribable, really. It is a feeling of intense belongingness to a group of people in a certain place, a feeling that leads one to identify himself as belonging to such place and then is happy to let others know about it. How many among us are happy to be Filipinos?

This is the perennial, quintessential question. Are we happy to be Filipino? The trend of immigration, tells us that most people are not. Of course, some have gone in search of pastures of a different color than ours, but most of these same people will have no qualms admitting that they're rather live in another place than in our country.

In our country, what is there to love? The traffic is going from bad to worse everyday. It is sticky and hot all the time. The minimum wage is not decent enough according to Ibon Foundation. The minimum wage law is not followed, and so people sweat their brows for lesser dough than they deserve according to law. The streets are dirty; floodwaters only recede once a year. The prices are so steep; it is no longer practical to buy brand new apparel.

Rather, we dive into ukay-ukay stalls and brave the threat of SARS and parasitic infestations just to buy clothes. The politics is always volatile and anytime a farcical coup may erupt.

The politics is always volatile, and it is also hopeless. Gone were the days when we voted for the brightest in the land for our leaders, especially the senators. Now we vote according to star quality, whether the senator can still win a FAMAS after his term office. The senatorial seat has become a sought after acting job. What is there to love about this country? In microcosm, what is there to love about Iloilo?

There are a thousand things to complain about the country, and the sad thing about it is, these complaints are not new. Similar complaints have been aired by Lopez-Jaena and company in the streets of Madrid and Barcelona, complaining of why government officials for the Philippines are chosen among the rejects of Spanish society. It is also interesting to see a series of pictures of leftist placards brought during their rallies. The only things that really change are the names of the presidents. The same complaints are always there. Why? Because we never learn.

Experience is the best teacher, and so it seems to follow our centuries-old History's lessons should at least help us make wiser decisions. Wrong. Ours is a nation of short-term memories. We forget the lessons of History. We forget our History.

As I have mentioned we do not lack in history. What we lack is a sense of history, a sense of a continuing plight for our people. We lack a connection with what happened with our people in the past.

If this connection is severed, we are bound to make the sacrifices of our heroes into nothing. We are bound to repeat the mistakes of the past. We miss the lessons taught by the past. If his connection is severed, we feel as if we are like the abandoned orphans, we feel an enormous lack of self-identity, a sense of belongingness.

An orphan finds it very difficult to see a whole family with kids in the arms of their fathers, and the mothers looking on. Without a sense of history, there will be always a big lump in our throats as other nations honor their pasts and look to their heroes as children do their parents. They will be made proud by their ancestor's struggles.

We must preserve this link with the past. An oft-repeated Filipino adage says "ang 'di marunong tumingin sa pinanggalingan ay 'di makakarating sa patutunguhan." It is true.

To preserve this link with the past, we seek out an preserve documents, we continue our traditions, like the fiestas, novenas, eating batchoy, we compose our experiences into song and keep singing old songs, even recite tribal epics which belong to the tribes that have remained intact despite the influence of Western Culture.

But for me preserving heritage buildings is as important as preserving documents, or any of these activities. By looking at the façade of a building we can see how the inhabitants, or the owners, wanted the building to be seen.

Looking at the interiors, one can see how they wanted to live. Were they people of comfort or Spartan-like? The interior decoration of a building alone is a goldmine of historical interest. Old houses of Iloilo and Negros have paintings on their walls by artist's famous and unknown, some will remain anonymous forever, but it speaks of Ilonggo artists. The artistry of the Ilonggo is on display by the manner of intricate carvings at par with Paete and the rest of the world.

The engineering of the houses itself is of marvel, how has it withstood the test of time? Our Churches speak of a people that are unique in the history of colonization; we accepted an introduced in religion and so became the only predominant Christian nation in Asia for quite a time, although East Timor can now be counted as another nation steeped in Christianity.

Let us preserve our heritage buildinggs. It will help us define our national identity, and more specifically in our City, which is the center of the Hiligaynon speaking peoples of the country (I dare say, even define a Hiligaynon Nation if the shift to federalism is approved). Thus by preserving our structures of national historical interest, we uphold the Constitutional provisions on the preservation of heritage.

But all of the above reasons are shallow compared to the ultimate reasons for preserving our national heritage. We owe it to our children. Let us not make a nation of misguided people, people who have no sense of direction and float aimlessly among other nations, simply because they have lost the landmarks of History.

(The writer is a student of the Iloilo Doctors' College and the first prize winner in the essay writing contest organized by the Rotary Club of Iloilo City and the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council last February)

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 03:16 PM

Bridging the gap
By Henry Funtecha

The role of the Iloilo River in early times

Long before the coming fo the Spaniards to the Philippines, Iloilo River was already noted to be a busy artery of commerce to the towns of Molo and Jaro. This will explain why when the colonizers came to Iloilo, they already found a considerable number of Chinese residing in Molo and a thriving settlement in Jaro which, in early times, was known as Salog. The river was also a rich fishing ground for fishermen who had started putting up huts along its banks.

Upon the establishment of the Spanish rule in Panay, the Chinese who were staying out of Molo were required by the Spaniards to move into it. This was a step to confine the Chinese were allowed to go on with their trading activities and, therefore, the Iloilo River continued to be instrumental in the economic life of Molo and Haro. In fact, Jagor (1875) noted that for centuries between the coming of the Spaniards and the opening of its port to foreign trade in 1855, Iloilo had been active in coastwise shipping and commerce because of its safe harbor provided by the Iloilo River.

With the transfer of the capital of the Spanish administration in Western Visayas from Arevalo to the small village of Iloilo in the early 17 th century, more and more communities began to sprout along the riverbanks.This was especially true between Molo and Iloilo or Irong-irong in the north and between Arevalo and Baluarte in the south. What could be observed in the 18 th century were clumps of houses here and there because the expanse of land in the area was essentially swampy. Population date for 1760 indicate that the village of Iloilo at that time had only 835 residents (Mallat, 1846).

The opening of the Port of Iloilo in 1855 to international trade spurred more communities to emerge in the vicinity of Irong-irong, eventually assuming a continuous line of connection with the towns of Molo and Jaro. The growing concentration of population, however, was in that piece of land jutting into the Iloilo Strait known as Punta, attracted by the prospect of working at the port.

By the late 1850s, the town of Iloilo's population was estimated at 71,060, making it an urban center of the same proportions as Buenos Ares, 91,000, Chicago, 84,000 in 1856, or Sydney, 54,000 in 1851 (McCoy & De Jesus, 1992). From a map of the town of Iloilo drawn in 1859 found in the book, 'A Visit to the Philippine Islands' by John Bowring, it can be seen that the concentration of houses at this time was from the present-day San Jose Church in Plaza Libertad going to Arsenal Street, then to the Provincial Capitol, and from there to Molo.

Significantly, the population census of the Philippine Islands published in 1864 showed the province of Iloilo, leading other provinces, including Manila, in population. While Manila only had 323,683 inhabitants at that time, Iloilo had 565,500, or a difference of 141,817 (Barrantes, 1869).

Iloilo River was also instrumental in the development of the sugar industry. It provided for a safe entry point for the Negros and Panay sugar which subsequently were loaded on ocean-going vessels bound for other countries. As the volumes of Negros sugar landing in the Iloilo port grew with each successive cutting season, from 12,000 piculs in 1855 to 2,470,400 in 1898 (McCoy, 1982), British and spanish firms began to crowd the marshy area along the Iloilo River's banks. During the 1850s and 1860s, they constructed stone warehouses fronting the Iloilo River. From the 1870s onward, more foreign firms built permanent offices, retail shops and residential houses along the streets parallel to the river.

(From The News Today Online)

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 03:20 PM

Shhhh getaway at Holy Family Islet
By Wein P. Gadian

Vacation is the answer to our busy lifestyle. And we would go such lengths like planning way, way, and way further ahead to maximize this experience.

And when it comes, we'll either do some reading, swimming, hiking, sleeping, taking a spa treatment or boating, among others. But there is something more than the things we do on vacation – it's Freedom, and one can only have this at the Holy Family Islet, in Brgy. Tando, Nueva Valencia in Guimaras.

Its white sands and peaceful canopy is an hour's land trip from the Jordan port, and a ten-minute motor boat ride from Guimaras island.

If Leonardo di Caprio's 'The Beach' is known for its being isolated from the rest world, the Holy Family reveals a serene existence right in the middle of the world.

Surrounded by several other islets and natural landscape in lime hilltops is just right to quench weariness. It is a quiet getaway, just what a vacation ought to be.

What it offers

The privately-owned islet could just give you the 'freedom' to do what you want.

It has manmade stairways and paths excellent for hiking and climbing. Add to it the brilliant nature scenes and treetops for picnics and teatime party.

Sports like Jetski, rowing and swimming are also a welcome.

There are snorkelling spots in the islet's deep waters. Island hopping and boating for more adventure can also be arranged.

It has cottages and cooking areas for visitors' convenience. Barbeque, bonfire and chit-chat will indeed be exciting.

For nature lovers, the place is a sanctuary especially during dusk and dawn time.

So if you long for that 'freedom,' try a quiet getaway to the Holy Family Islet.

(from The News Today Online)

wecky

May 27th, 2005, 04:07 PM

wecky

May 28th, 2005, 05:59 AM

DPWH completes P21.2M access road

ILOILO City - The Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 had completed part of Phase 2 of the Jalandoni Bridge in Iloilo City costing P21.2 million.

Rolando Asis, Region VI OIC-Director, said the accelerated works done was based on the directive of DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to take advantage of the dry season.

Asis said the bridge project aims to minimize traffic congestion along main streets of Iloilo City proper.

It will also pave the way to socio-economic development as it provides and transport accessibility within the locality, he said.

The completed projects are the construction of 890 meters of access road leading to Hechanova Street and improvement of Hechanova Street including right-of-way acquisition.

Asis explained that the project was an integral part of the Iloilo River Rehabilitation Project implemented by the DPWH Region VI Office through the efforts of Sen. Franklin Drilon.

The project also involves the construction of a boulevard with promenade to connect westward towards Benigno Aquino diversion road and eastward to Bonifacio Drive and the construction of a flyover along Gen. Luna Street.
Phases II involves the construction of the approaches of the Jalandoni bridge which was completed last March 3, 2005 and 890 meters of access road leading to Hechanova Street.

The project is located central portion of the Iloilo River, which is bounded by the city proper and La Paz district. It will be part of the city's road network by connecting Jalandoni and Gen. Luna intersection.

Contractor is IBC International Builders Corp.

The complete project of the Jalandoni Bridge and its related components will cost P272 million and scope of work is as follows:

Phase I - Construction of Jalandoni Bridge which included the construction of 170 lineal meters of pre-stressed concrete girder bridge on bored pile foundation consisting two spans of 25 meters and four spans of 30 meters. It costs P55 million.

Phase I was completed last March 3, 2005 and constructed by New San Jose Builders.

Phase II - Construction of Jalandoni Bridge approaches including right-of-way and construction of 1,000-meter boulevard leading to Gaisano City Hall including right-of-way. It will cost P95 million.

Phase III - Construction of 200 meters access road leading to diversion road including right-of-way and construction of 800-meter boulevard leading to diversion and with right-of-way. It will cost P60 million.

Phase IV - Construction of Dungon Bridge that will connect the proposed road to diversion road with a total cost of P32 million.

Phase V - Construction of 55 lineal meter fly over along Gen. Luna St. costing P30 million.

(from Panay News Online)

wecky

May 28th, 2005, 06:01 AM

City girds for 106th Philippine
Independence Day rites

By ADORA BANDORIO

ILOILO City – This southern metropolis will be commemorating the nation’s 106th Independence Day on June 12th with a simple ceremony at downtown Plaza Libertad.

To make the celebration more meaningful, Mayor Jerry Treñas has urged owners of private and public agencies and business establishments city-wide in an executive fiat to display the Philippine flag in their respective edifices.

Treñas said the display of the national colors will serve as a symbol of freedom, love of country and nationhood of the Filipinos.

The mayor’s directive was addressed to all government buildings, agencies, offices, business establishments and homes, with the order taking effect starting May 28th until June 12, 2005. May 28th is also the Pambansang Araw ng Watawat or Philippine National Flag Day.

“This symbolic display would also show our loyalty to the flag and our unity as Filipinos,” Treñas said.

In accordance with the executive order, no edifice shall be exempted, either private or public, in displaying the flag. All-motor vehicles operating within the City of Iloilo are likewise encouraged to display flaglets.

The Plaza Libertad ceremony will be highlighted by a wreath-laying rite at the monument of national hero Jose P. Rizal. The wreath-laying will be led by Treñas and some invited guests.

(from Panay News Online)

sugarboy

May 28th, 2005, 10:12 AM

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 10:56 AM

Chymera, spare me a brochure as well please ... i want to read all about it, too. Thanks.

Great pics again ... Supercat, my fave travel companion from Iloilo going to Bacolod City before ... do you still remember NN ships as well going to Bacolod? NN used to have their own ships plying Bacolod-Iloilo .. only that it took 2 hours of travelling .... but they are cheaper in fare, more space just in case you are carrying bigger items, you can roam around and do your sight seeing (esp Siete Picados), etc. Are they still operating or totally abolished already?

I'll gove some to you when we meet ... Yes I do remember them ^^ I spent my childhood in Bacolod City, my dad used to sneak me in the boat and I hide in the CR so the ticket guy wont see me ^^ it was fun! ... lol

Yes I liked roaming around and seeing the view and stuff, but those big NN Ships aren't operating in the city anymore. Last time I heard, they were sent to another province but I'm not sure. I guess they lost competition to faster and smaller vessels like Supercat, Weesam, ...

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 11:00 AM

Chymera, do you have any more pictures of Fiesta in the City? We wanted to see the exhibits of Passi City .. my friend is from Passi ... very proud of their Pintados.

That was my only picture sorry ... Passi's exhibit was nice though

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 11:01 AM

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 11:11 AM

i just wanna ask peeps from iloilo city kung totoo ba yung sinasabi ng mga officemates ko na taga iloilo na ang height limit lang daw ng mga building sa iloilo city ay 8 to 10 floors lang? kasi daw malambot ang lupa, tapos last week lang tinanong ko ulit isa kong friend sabi nya totoo daw yun, now is it really true? nakita ko sa mga pic dito sa thread and true enuf, wala nga atang building na more than 10 floors

Yep medyo totoo na rin, but as wecky mentioned ... with the advent of technology, I guess its possible to erect taller buildings (but it would be better to construct them away from the city, where the land is compact).

Just look at how much of the city is swamp land ...

Pano1 (new)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Panorama3.jpg

Pano2
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Panorama2.jpg

Pano3
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Panorama1.jpg

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 11:18 AM

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 11:26 AM

Population date for 1760 indicate that the village of Iloilo at that time had only 835 residents (Mallat, 1846).

By the late 1850s, the town of Iloilo's population was estimated at 71,060, making it an urban center of the same proportions as Buenos Ares, 91,000, Chicago, 84,000 in 1856, or Sydney, 54,000 in 1851 (McCoy & De Jesus, 1992). From a map of the town of Iloilo drawn in 1859 found in the book, 'A Visit to the Philippine Islands' by John Bowring, it can be seen that the concentration of houses at this time was from the present-day San Jose Church in Plaza Libertad going to Arsenal Street, then to the Provincial Capitol, and from there to Molo.

Significantly, the population census of the Philippine Islands published in 1864 showed the province of Iloilo, leading other provinces, including Manila, in population. While Manila only had 323,683 inhabitants at that time, Iloilo had 565,500, or a difference of 141,817 (Barrantes, 1869).

:eek2: The city grew 8410% in just less than a hundred years, impressive ...
And imagine.... Iloilo province was twice the size of Manila :)

As the volumes of Negros sugar landing in the Iloilo port grew with each successive cutting season, from 12,000 piculs in 1855 to 2,470,400 in 1898 (McCoy, 1982), British and spanish firms began to crowd the marshy area along the Iloilo River's banks.

I really dont know what in the world a picul is but ... wow

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 11:27 AM

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/images/visayas_iloilo_port.jpg

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/cusyomeh.jpg

haven't been to visit Iloilo Port in San Pedro for a while ... more so the Iloilo International Port (Iloilo Commercial Port) in Lapuz .. Chymera, do they still look like these? .. I'm just googling it ... hehehe.

Yes it looks almost the same ... As for the international port, haven'nt gone there too, the closest I've been was a few meter from the gate. I wanted to take some pictures but the guard says I can only take them outside the compound, oh well.

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 11:28 AM

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 11:41 AM

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 12:14 PM

Iloilo - In Focus
Bulabog Putian National Park

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Dingle.jpg

*Congressional Bill No. 1651 declaring Bulabog – Puti-an National Park and part of its surrounding barangays as eco-tourism area is now at the Senate for subsequent study pending for its final approval into law.

The Bulabog - Puti-an Mountains covers parts of the following barangays: Moroboro, Lincud, Camambugan, Caguyuman and Tulatula-an. It is the only limestone rock formation in the island of Panay, not counting Guimaras Island. As an old growth forest it is an excellent laboratory for the study of flora and fauna.

All along its fringes are live springs like the Moroboro Spring, now developed into a summer resort. The Lubong -Tubig Spring, is an underground spring now developed into an auxiliary source of the Pototan – Dingle Waterworks; the Talinab Spring (San Enrique side) now developed into a major source of Passi Water works and Bito Lake. In the mountains are two lime factories operated to se rve the agricultural needs of the neighboring municipalities. Worth mentioning also are the phosphate rock deposits in the various caves of the mountains. One of the forest caves is Lungib which served as the armory of Panay Revolucionarios. Near the cave is the historical landmark of the “Cry of Lincud” otherwise known as the Battle Cry of Panay. Bulabog – Puti-an occupies an area of 834.033 hectares. It has an average of 8,000 visitors per year
(from Dingle LGU webite @ http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/

Our school went here a few years ago. It had an amazing diversity of plants and animals, the most intersting thing we found was the millipedes (coz they were everywhere and were in all different colors and sizes). We walked a few kilometers of slippery rocks and rocky pathways to visit the many caves within the area. Got to go in the cave , warning! be forewarned arachnophobic people (like me), those caves are packed with lethal black widows (eek).

I'll tell you the story of a stupid group of students who got lost in the forest because they thought they could navigate through the trails upto the guest lodge :|

After hastily crossing a long damp unfamiliar multi-caverned snake, spider, and bat infested cave, a group of students waited on the exit of the cave, wet from the slight drizzle and bat urine and anxious to return to the guest lodge to rest and clean-up. Since the guides took so long to go out because they were still guiding the remaining people through the cave, the students thought of taking matter into their own hands by marching straight following the trail (when they should have made a left turn).

They walked on and on (for a few kilometers) trusting one of their companion who said she knew where the way was until a sense of doubt clouded their minds. Convinced that they are indeed lost, made and followed "logical" plans to return to the lodge. They walked again until a blatant scene proved their plan to have mislead them into the edge of the forest (as in, there were no tall trees anymore because it was farmland ).

Disappointed, they decided to follow a more reliable plan, which was to go back to the cave ,hoping that there are still some people waiting for us a the exit. It was getting dark, scenes of spending the night with bugs and creepy animals under the moonlight panicked the group. Out of desperation, they decided to cross the dangerous pitch-black cave themselves ... Luckily, they managed to cross it successfully ... too bad one of them got to experience a bat urine bath, after blindingly rushing out of the cave.

They walked the long, rocky, slippery rocky pathway until they reached the guest lodge ... THE END

It was a nice experience from Dingle ... ruined my shoe coz of all the running

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 12:34 PM

Iloilo - In Focus
Bulabog Putian National Park

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Dingle.jpg

*Congressional Bill No. 1651 declaring Bulabog – Puti-an National Park and part of its surrounding barangays as eco-tourism area is now at the Senate for subsequent study pending for its final approval into law.

The Bulabog - Puti-an Mountains covers parts of the following barangays: Moroboro, Lincud, Camambugan, Caguyuman and Tulatula-an. It is the only limestone rock formation in the island of Panay, not counting Guimaras Island. As an old growth forest it is an excellent laboratory for the study of flora and fauna.

All along its fringes are live springs like the Moroboro Spring, now developed into a summer resort. The Lubong -Tubig Spring, is an underground spring now developed into an auxiliary source of the Pototan – Dingle Waterworks; the Talinab Spring (San Enrique side) now developed into a major source of Passi Water works and Bito Lake. In the mountains are two lime factories operated to se rve the agricultural needs of the neighboring municipalities. Worth mentioning also are the phosphate rock deposits in the various caves of the mountains. One of the forest caves is Lungib which served as the armory of Panay Revolucionarios. Near the cave is the historical landmark of the “Cry of Lincud” otherwise known as the Battle Cry of Panay. Bulabog – Puti-an occupies an area of 834.033 hectares. It has an average of 8,000 visitors per year
(from Dingle LGU webite @ http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/

Our school went there a few years ago. It had an amazing diversity of plants and animals, the most intersting thing we found was the millipedes (coz they were everywhere and were in all different colors and sizes). We walked a few kilometers of slippery rocks and rocky pathways to visit the many caves within the area. Got to go in the cave , warning! be forewarned arachnophobic people (like me), those caves are packed with lethal black widows (eek).

I'll tell you the story of a stupid group of students who got lost in the forest because they thought they could navigate through the trails upto the guest lodge :|

After hastily crossing a long damp unfamiliar multi-caverned snake, spider, and bat infested cave, a group of students waited on the exit of the cave, wet from the slight drizzle and bat urine and anxious to return to the guest lodge to rest and clean-up. Since the guides took so long to go out because they were still guiding the remaining people through the cave, the students thought of taking matter into their own hands by marching straight following the trail (when they should have made a left turn).

They walked on and on (for a few kilometers) trusting one of their companion who said she knew where the way was until a sense of doubt clouded their minds. Convinced that they are indeed lost, made and followed "logical" plans to return to the lodge. They walked again until a blatant scene proved their plan to have mislead them into the edge of the forest (as in, there were no tall trees anymore because it was farmland ).

Disappointed, they decided to follow a more reliable plan, which was to go back to the cave ,hoping that there are still some people waiting for us a the exit. It was getting dark, scenes of spending the night with bugs and creepy animals under the moonlight panicked the group. Out of desperation, they decided to cross the dangerous pitch-black cave themselves ... Luckily, they managed to cross it successfully ... too bad one of them got to experience a bat urine bath, after blindingly rushing out of the cave.

They walked the long, rocky, slippery rocky pathway until they reached the guest lodge ... THE END

It was a nice experience from Dingle ... ruined my shoe coz of all the running

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 01:20 PM

from iloiloonline.tk
whyte: GOOD JOB.chymera for governor LOL why not?

Sandrin: Nice Work Chymera! Do you have any renderings on the new IloIlo airport.

Ngeks di ako running for governor perhaps .... most outstanding Ilonggo Citizen nlng ^^

I dun have renderings but I'm constantly asking my friends who live near the airport project if the construction billboard is up already. When school open, I'm gonna ask them about the progress of the project, maybe I could go there and take some pictures

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 01:29 PM

Iloilo High slammed for P12,300 field trip

THE Senate minority leader, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., said on Wednesday the Department of Education should regulate educational tours to stop school officials of using them as an excuse to visit tourist destinations for free.

Pimentel said some officials and teachers may even be in cahoots with tour operators to make money for themselves at the expense of parents who will be asked to shoulder the cost of the activity.

“While visits to tourist, cultural and historical sites are part of the learning process and good for domestic tourism, the cost of such activities should be subject to certain restrictions to ensure that students and their parents are not unduly burdened financially and there do not degenerate into profit-making schemes for their organizers,” Pimentel said.

The senator said expensive educational tours defeat the constitutional mandate guaranteeing free elementary and secondary schooling.

Pimentel issued his call after he received a complaint from William Dungog, an employee of the Department of Labor and Employment in Iloilo City, that his daughter, Jennifer Mae, a third-year student at special sciences class of the Iloilo National High School, was being asked by school authorities to shell out P12,300 for an educational tour.

The tour, supposedly on October 18 to 23, would take the students to Manila, Baguio and Vigan.

With 65 students paying P12,300 each to produce a travelogue, tour organizers expect to collect about P700,000 from the participants.

Besides the tour fee, the parents also have to provide daily allowances for the students but teachers accompanying the students can go free of charge, which means their expenses will be subsidized by the students’ parents.

“My daughter is pressing me to produce the amount for the reason that such travelogue is part of the academic requirements, hence shall be graded. I have raised my objection to the activity on the ground that at this very critical period of a low-salaried government employee, the cost of the trip is worth a two-month family budget,” Dungog told Pimentel in an e-mail message.

Pimentel said it is not practical on the part of the authorities at the Iloilo National High School to organize a tour that would cost P12,300 a participant considering that students in public schools generally come from low-income families.

He said this amount could even exceed the total school fees that each student is required to pay for a year.

Pimentel said school expenses for educational tours and other extracurricular activities should be subjected to reasonable limitations consistent with the government’s austerity program.

“It is ironic that while Mala*cañang has imposed restrictions on the foreign and local travels of government officials, students in some public schools are being required to pay atrociously high fees for educational tours that are beyond their financial means,” he said.

He added that the department should closely monitor all educational tours and must see to it that fees being paid should be affordable.
--Sammy Martin, Correspondent

Wla lng .... this is my school and our National Trip was the highlight of my high school learning. To think na ideally, mahihirap ang dpat pumupunta sa mga Special Science Programs ng Public School dahil may scholarship na dala, our school expects us to shell out P12500/perstudent for a mere project. I probably spent more than P15k ...

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 02:06 PM

Gen. Luna St. - Benigno Aquino diversion Ave. Intersection
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/GenLunaSt-DiversionRoad.jpg

Unidentified church in De Leon St, City Proper, beside Paseo Iloilo in Robinson's Place
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Downtown2.jpg

Street along Atrium, Marymart, and SM Delgado
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Downtown.jpg

Iloilo River
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Downtown6.jpg

chymera00

May 29th, 2005, 05:53 PM

Today's interesting finds:

Images of ldé Yloilo, from 1900 to 1935 (http://www.geocities.com/kabatuhan/Images/images.htm) The page says I can't repost pics but I'll just ost one so I wont get in trouble ... I'll just copy/paste the text

http://www.geocities.com/kabatuhan/Images/capitol.jpg
Casa Real (Iloilo Provincial Capitol)

Warehouses along Muelle Loney - J. M. Basa Street - Iloilo Central Market - Uy Bico Building - Sinamay weavers - Hangar of the Iloilo-Negros Air Express Co. (Inaec), the first commercial airline in the Philippines. - Iloilo Post Office - PLDT Building - Iloilo Customs House - Iloilo Provincial Jail - Philippine National Bank - Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus - University of San Agustin - Iloilo Japanese School - Anti-Tuberculosis Society - Iloilo St. Paul Hospital - Iloilo Mission Hispital - Asilo de San Vicente de Paul - Aerial view of Iloilo Mission Hospital - J. M. Basa Street - Plazoleta Gay - Iznart Street - Iznart Street - Arroyo Fountain - San Jose Parish Church - Casino Español - Cine Eagle - Cine Lyric - Masonic Temple - Iloilo Golf and Country Club - Cine Palace - Iloilo Carniva - Iloilo Girls' Dormitory - Provincial Athletic Field - Iloilo YMCA - Iloilo Jockey Club (Balantang, Jaro) - Lido Grill and Restaurant - Dr. R. Santos Mansion - V. Lopez Mansion - E. Lopez Mansion - Ledesma Mansion - Campos Mansiion - Benedicto Mansion - Cacho Mansion (now WVSU Hospital) - Lopez Colonial Mansion - Bishop's Palace

Meron palang Iloilo Japanese School at Iloilo Carnival, I wonder what happened at ang plazoletagay wla pang obelisk. Sa wakas, meron nang lista ng mga panglan ng mga mansions ... I want to ask permission to post one picture in my site pro di ko alam kung panu ma contact ung webmaster, amp. I also want to ask him if he knows about any rendering of the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan.

http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/iloilo.jpg
Arroyo fountain pala pangalan nito :)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Downtown1.jpg
TTK Tower pala pangalan nito, kc a while back I said it was the Imperial Building, di pla ...

Thomas Confessor (Guerilla Leader) Digital Library (http://www.geocities.com/kabatuhan/Digital/digital.htm)

Peksman

May 29th, 2005, 06:41 PM

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 08:37 PM

Ker & Co., the outfit which brought in and sold boilers for centrifugal sugar is still present to date on the said streets parallel to the river.

Thanks for the input, sugarboy. I really don't have the idea about this matter. I'm sure your family is really into Sugar Industry as I can see in your post how broad your info background about Sugar, Sugar Industry and History of Sugar Development way back its boom time in Iloilo. Again, thanks for great infos.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 08:48 PM

I'll gove some to you when we meet ... Yes I do remember them ^^ I spent my childhood in Bacolod City, my dad used to sneak me in the boat and I hide in the CR so the ticket guy wont see me ^^ it was fun! ... lol

Yes I liked roaming around and seeing the view and stuff, but those big NN Ships aren't operating in the city anymore. Last time I heard, they were sent to another province but I'm not sure. I guess they lost competition to faster and smaller vessels like Supercat, Weesam, ...

Thanks ... hopefully to see you by August .. we'll have a get-together in Iloilo ... hehehe.

You made me smile about your hiding story ... very classic, indeed. For a child like you during that time is a bit of a fun, I guess. Hope I did it as well .. just for the fun of it .. hehehe .. You must be grateful then, nobody's seen you at all. When my family used to travel to Bacolod in 80's and early '90s, we usually took the big NN Iloilo-Bacolod rather than the fastcraft (unless we are in a hurry for something) ... we just love to unwind and feel the cool breeze of Guimaras Strait. And my mom used to tell me the story of Siete Picados everytime we passed on them. I, too, was amzed with the Lopez' mansion in one of the islands ... it looks really great ... not majestic but great. Wish I can travel somewhere around Guimaras or Bacolod when I go home.

Hope they'll revive it. It is much cheaper though and good for travelers (esp if you are not in a hurry), too.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 08:55 PM

That was my only picture sorry ... Passi's exhibit was nice though

that's okay, Chymera ... more often than not, we want to hear any developments of the only component city of Iloilo as well. Passi is relatively new city but I hope that in the same way as Iloilo City does, Passi City, too, can lure investors and businessmen to their place.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 08:58 PM

At last, some Sicogon pictures. Looks like a nice place to visit!

yes, indeed .. still very "virginal" in nature ... unexplored, unscathed, and very natural ...

Virtute

May 29th, 2005, 09:03 PM

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 09:07 PM

Yep medyo totoo na rin, but as wecky mentioned ... with the advent of technology, I guess its possible to erect taller buildings (but it would be better to construct them away from the city, where the land is compact).

Just look at how much of the city is swamp land ...

Pano1 (new)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Panorama3.jpg

Pano2
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Panorama2.jpg

Pano3
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Panorama1.jpg

that's right ... and that's what I've heard as well ... whether it is a fact, I'm not 100% sure. But if you look at Iloilo, however progressive it is, you can't see any tall buildings (more than 10-storey) within the downtown area. The Iloilo's skyline is absolutely flat from the distance. Hope, it will change someday as new technolgy starts to pour in. Chymera's pictures showed Iloilo swamp areas making not feasible for taller buildings. And as what Chymera says, probably it will be possible for any scrapers to be erected outside the city area where land is more compact and had a better soil foundation.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 09:18 PM

That was an amazing essay ... I totally agree with 'student of the Iloilo Doctors' College', people who can't see how great of an opportunity our heritage can offer is obviously blind. Heritage is what defines us, dememolishing them is cultural-suicide ... they are not mere buildings which serve an economic purpose ... they are a symbol of our identity.

I agree with you Chymera and whoever wrote this essay ... we must help revive our heritage ... Europe's tourism is mostly due to its old buildings, historical places, etc ... we have it, too in Iloilo ... ours may not be as grandeur as european countries have ... but at least we can say that culturally and historically, we have so many things to offer as well.

Calle Real (now JM Basa Street) in Iloilo is one of the colonial streets in the city. Tapered and lined with all neo-classical buildings along each side. Keep it that way .. the city can build new buildings somewhere but it's so sad to note that some businessmen tried to ruin it and replace it with glassy structures. We have enough place in the city where they can build their so called modern structures. They just have to look.

In respect to this, I've read an article few years ago that the city government passed a resolution banning demolition of any building along Calle Real. Is it true?

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 09:23 PM

:eek2: The city grew 8410% in just less than a hundred years, impressive ...
And imagine.... Iloilo province was twice the size of Manila :)

I really dont know what in the world a picul is but ... wow

that will be too much then .. population explosion ... one of the problems besetting our metropolis ... but in comparison to other major cities of the Philippines, Iloilo fare better when it comes to this issue.

Our perennial problems in the city are floods, traffic ... and overpopulation (wahhhhh)

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 09:27 PM

I really dont know what in the world a picul is but ... wow

Picul is the measurement they used before in weighing sugar ... I think 1 picul is equivalent to 133 pounds.

Well, let's check with Sugarboy .. probably he had better idea with this. He's more into sugar business than me.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 09:34 PM

Yes it looks almost the same ... As for the international port, haven'nt gone there too, the closest I've been was a few meter from the gate. I wanted to take some pictures but the guard says I can only take them outside the compound, oh well.

Superferry vessels dock in Iloilo International Port or Iloilo Commercial Port Complex. I don't know if until now they used that port or the one renovated in Port San Pedro? Some of international vessels unload their as well. It is not too big though. I think it can handle only two or three ships at the same time. The last thing I've heard (like ages ago) was they are going to expand it til Dumangas area.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 09:35 PM

Yey they finished it ... but last time I went there it still wasn't open to traffic

which of the five phases they've finished already?

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 09:37 PM

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 09:41 PM

Our school went here a few years ago. It had an amazing diversity of plants and animals, the most intersting thing we found was the millipedes (coz they were everywhere and were in all different colors and sizes). We walked a few kilometers of slippery rocks and rocky pathways to visit the many caves within the area. Got to go in the cave , warning! be forewarned arachnophobic people (like me), those caves are packed with lethal black widows (eek).

I'll tell you the story of a stupid group of students who got lost in the forest because they thought they could navigate through the trails upto the guest lodge :|

After hastily crossing a long damp unfamiliar multi-caverned snake, spider, and bat infested cave, a group of students waited on the exit of the cave, wet from the slight drizzle and bat urine and anxious to return to the guest lodge to rest and clean-up. Since the guides took so long to go out because they were still guiding the remaining people through the cave, the students thought of taking matter into their own hands by marching straight following the trail (when they should have made a left turn).

They walked on and on (for a few kilometers) trusting one of their companion who said she knew where the way was until a sense of doubt clouded their minds. Convinced that they are indeed lost, made and followed "logical" plans to return to the lodge. They walked again until a blatant scene proved their plan to have mislead them into the edge of the forest (as in, there were no tall trees anymore because it was farmland ).

Disappointed, they decided to follow a more reliable plan, which was to go back to the cave ,hoping that there are still some people waiting for us a the exit. It was getting dark, scenes of spending the night with bugs and creepy animals under the moonlight panicked the group. Out of desperation, they decided to cross the dangerous pitch-black cave themselves ... Luckily, they managed to cross it successfully ... too bad one of them got to experience a bat urine bath, after blindingly rushing out of the cave.

They walked the long, rocky, slippery rocky pathway until they reached the guest lodge ... THE END

It was a nice experience from Dingle ... ruined my shoe coz of all the running

Chymera, which science shool did you come from? Iloilo Science of Iloilo National High School or The Philippine Science-Western Visayas in Jaro? It's a good program that they are exposing the students with nature like this.

PS ... sorry for prying some personal info .. :)

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 09:52 PM

Ngeks di ako running for governor perhaps .... most outstanding Ilonggo Citizen nlng ^^

I dun have renderings but I'm constantly asking my friends who live near the airport project if the construction billboard is up already. When school open, I'm gonna ask them about the progress of the project, maybe I could go there and take some pictures

hehehe ... I've posted a message there as well. Been reading all your writings, articles, etc since then pa. Really nice and cool site. I hope that the city and provincial government will take a look on your promotional work and give you proper reward. Keep updating it all the time. Cheers!

There are only two major projects that I'm really looking at right now ... one is the development of Iloilo International Airport and the other is the Panay Railways. The rest of other projects is third on the list.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 10:01 PM

Wla lng .... this is my school and our National Trip was the highlight of my high school learning. To think na ideally, mahihirap ang dpat pumupunta sa mga Special Science Programs ng Public School dahil may scholarship na dala, our school expects us to shell out P12500/perstudent for a mere project. I probably spent more than P15k ...

hope they'll continue to support all science schools in Iloilo. The Philippine Science and Iloilo Science are the two main science high schools in the province of Iloilo. I think the government really needs to support them all throughout.

CPU (Central Philippine University) has its own science class , too... but it is a private one. Recently, one of their groups won first place in one of the contests in California, USA. Do you know about this SAGE competition?

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 10:18 PM

Gen. Luna St. - Benigno Aquino diversion Ave. Intersection
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/GenLunaSt-DiversionRoad.jpg

one of the busiest intersections of the city fronting the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV)- Iloilo City Campus. I liked to hang out in this area at night time coz its cool and as we usually ate at TED's LaPaz batchoy's 24-hour mini-resto along the area as well.

Unidentified church in De Leon St, City Proper, beside Paseo Iloilo in Robinson's Place
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Downtown2.jpg

It's Sta. Teresita Church near Iloilo Central Market and Robinson's Place Iloilo.

Street along Atrium, Marymart, and SM Delgado
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/Downtown.jpg

another busiest street of the city ... it's where the first SM in Iloilo is located. Marymart Mall ? wow .. and of course, St Paul's University of Iloilo is along the area as well.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 10:23 PM

Today's interesting finds:

Images of ldé Yloilo, from 1900 to 1935 (http://www.geocities.com/kabatuhan/Images/images.htm) The page says I can't repost pics but I'll just ost one so I wont get in trouble ... I'll just copy/paste the text

http://www.geocities.com/kabatuhan/Images/capitol.jpg
Casa Real (Iloilo Provincial Capitol)

Warehouses along Muelle Loney - J. M. Basa Street - Iloilo Central Market - Uy Bico Building - Sinamay weavers - Hangar of the Iloilo-Negros Air Express Co. (Inaec), the first commercial airline in the Philippines. - Iloilo Post Office - PLDT Building - Iloilo Customs House - Iloilo Provincial Jail - Philippine National Bank - Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus - University of San Agustin - Iloilo Japanese School - Anti-Tuberculosis Society - Iloilo St. Paul Hospital - Iloilo Mission Hispital - Asilo de San Vicente de Paul - Aerial view of Iloilo Mission Hospital - J. M. Basa Street - Plazoleta Gay - Iznart Street - Iznart Street - Arroyo Fountain - San Jose Parish Church - Casino Español - Cine Eagle - Cine Lyric - Masonic Temple - Iloilo Golf and Country Club - Cine Palace - Iloilo Carniva - Iloilo Girls' Dormitory - Provincial Athletic Field - Iloilo YMCA - Iloilo Jockey Club (Balantang, Jaro) - Lido Grill and Restaurant - Dr. R. Santos Mansion - V. Lopez Mansion - E. Lopez Mansion - Ledesma Mansion - Campos Mansiion - Benedicto Mansion - Cacho Mansion (now WVSU Hospital) - Lopez Colonial Mansion - Bishop's Palace

Meron palang Iloilo Japanese School at Iloilo Carnival, I wonder what happened at ang plazoletagay wla pang obelisk. Sa wakas, meron nang lista ng mga panglan ng mga mansions ... I want to ask permission to post one picture in my site pro di ko alam kung panu ma contact ung webmaster, amp. I also want to ask him if he knows about any rendering of the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan.

great collection of old Iloilo photos ... really lovely .. some of them are still thriving at present notably the Cacho Mansion, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Iloilo Mission Hospital, Masonic Temple, warehouses in Muelle Loney, etc ... though some are nowhere to be found na ...

Anyway, thanks for the pics .. I'll review it from time to time.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 10:27 PM

http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/iloilo.jpg

yeah right .. it's Arroyo Fountain fronting the Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol ... hope they'll renovate it again ... it's been renovated several times but wonder why the fountain still not working well.

wecky

May 29th, 2005, 10:34 PM

What a great website!! "Images of ldé Yloilo, from 1900 to 1935" Thanks for posting it. I am glad that the old Provincial Capitol and Customs Houses are still standing. And I understand that Basa Street still has lots of great Art Deco buildings.

Which of the other buildings in your list are still in existence> I always imagined Iloilo as having lots of late Spanish-American era colonial buildings. Is this true> Can someone post current pictures of any of these 1930s era buildings> I am dying to visit Iloilo soon. My friend just came back from the Palarong Pambansa and was raving about the city.

welcome to Iloilo Forum, Peksman. About your query regarding old buildings, actually most of them are still intact and still in used for offices, etc. Very few might not be around for sure and some were already not too old to look at especially in Plazoleta Gay area. Just walk along Calle Real or JM Basa Street and you'll feel the old world shopping area of the province.

Take a look at this link ... there's a picture of Calle Real on it. Ta.

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/iloilo.html

wecky

May 30th, 2005, 12:27 AM

Iloilo's Charm

Provincial living with the amenities of the big city

By Myra L. Arenas

It’s easy to forget that Metro Manila is not the Philippines. That is because Manila is the center of most everything that has to do with power and money, it being the seat of government, the headquarters for most businesses, and an educational center. But there really is more to the Philippines than this congested metropolis. For one, the pull of Manila has to do predominantly with economic opportunity and the “city’s lights” that gives one a feeling of being where things happen. Not much of an attraction if quality of life is a serious consideration. Unless one were relatively well-off, the grind of living in Metro Manila does not leave much to be desired as far as clean air, peace and order, and other indices that families look for and the UN Human Development Index (a set of criteria to rate quality of living) measures. In contrast to all these, why not check out Iloilo – the epitome of provincial living equipped with the amenities of a metropolis.Panaderia de MoloEvery provincial city and town in the Philippines has a local delicacy it proudly calls its own. Iloilo is no exception. It is known for its seafood, La Paz batchoy, pancit molo, chicken inasal, and panaderia de Molo. Panaderia products are still baked the traditional way - in wood fired ovens Local legend has it that the origins of the Panaderia de Molo date back to the construction of the Cathedral in the Molo district (the city is divided into the districts of Molo, Jaro, Arevalo, La Paz, and Mandurriao). While egg whites were mixed into the plaster used for the construction of the Cathedral, the egg yolks went to the local panaderia to bake biscuits. Today, the Panaderia de Molo — now in its fourth generation of owners – still uses wood-fired ovens to bake galletas, ronquillos, hojaldres, and much more. Delicate wafer-thin biscuits are still sorted by hand to prevent chipping and packed into the bakery’s signature handmade tin cans bearing its traditional green or red striped labels.

For a city of over 300,000 inhabitants, during the workday Iloilo’s population doubles as people from all over Panay Island flock to the city to transact business. Iloilo City is the regional center of Western Visayas. As the regional and provincial center of Iloilo Province, it houses all the regional offices of government. It is not only an administrative center but also a business and educational center, with almost all the banks having a presence in the city and with five universities and numerous other schools and colleges. Although its image is now a little frayed, especially when juxtaposed with IT corridors and economic zones sprouting around the country, Iloilo’s attraction comes from its people (Ilonggo speaking and conservative) and its old world charm. Not many know that the sugar industry – once the flagship of Philippine exports – was developed in Iloilo in the mid-1900s. British traders introduced manufactured clothing materials into Iloilo and needed a commodity for their empty ships to take back to England. Sugar was the answer and soon even the nearby sparsely populated island of Negros was opened up for the cultivation of sugar as a cash crop. Iloilo soon became the heart of the burgeoning sugar trade especially after its port was opened to foreign ships in 1854. Iloilo’s international port was second only to Manila in size and importance. With this, it quickly became an international sugar trading center, an administrative hub where banks and financial institutions sprouted, where a railway system was opened, where educational institutions and hospitals were established, and even, where a golf course – Sta. Barbara Golf Club (the first in Southeast Asia) – was built. Today, the city remains a vibrant and diversified agricultural and services economy. It is still an educational center not only with a stable of reputable schools such as the University of the Philippines but also more specialized research institutions like the South East Asia Fisheries and Development Center. Only recently, Josette Biyo, a teacher from the Philippine Science High School in Iloilo, was the first Asian teacher to win the Intel Award for Teaching Excellence. As part of her prize, a planet in our solar system was named after her - “Planet Biyo.” With a relatively large middle-class and a sizeable number of Overseas Filipino Worker –families as consumers, Iloilo now has its fair share of signs of progress: SM and Robinson’s malls, Jollibees and McDonalds, cable TV, internet cafes and beach resorts. And yet, in true conservative fashion, the Ilonggos continue to patronize their local favorites, be it delicacies such as the Chicken Inasal, Lapaz bachoy, Panaderia de Molo; or meeting friends at local restaurants like Breakthrough. The cost of living in Iloilo is definitely more reasonable than Manila, especially for food such as fish, fruits, and vegetables. Guimaras Island, famous for its mangoes, is only a few minutes ferry ride from Iloilo. Whether one is looking for a haircut or a massage, a double feature movie at the mall, or oysters by the bucket at the beach, all are reasonably priced.Think of any successful or interesting Filipino, and inadvertently, there’s an Ilonggo connection somewhere, be it a wife, husband, partner, or some root or route that somehow leads to the islands. Such is the quiet charm of Iloilo.

from: Philippine Business. com.ph

wecky

May 30th, 2005, 08:06 AM

Monday, May 30, 2005
Execs pledge P2.5M to boost Iloilo-Guimaras tourism dev't

OFFICIALS of Iloilo City and Guimaras Province pledged P2.5 million to fund projects that would support the Visit Iloilo-Guimaras 2006 program.

Mayor Jerry Treñas, who earmarked P2 million, said P1 million will be allocated for preparations while the other P1 million, for the widening of the wharf in Barangay Ortiz being utilized as a gateway from Iloilo to Guimaras.

Guimaras Governor JC Rahman Nava, for his part, pledged P500,000.

Both officials signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last week for the Iloilo City-Guimaras development. The signing also signaled the creation of plans and strategies to implement the program.

"I am very excited about this. This will help improve the economic competitiveness of both Iloilo City and Guimaras as the program was planned mainly to boost tourism and economic development here," Treñas said.

A provision in the MOA states, "the alliance will conduct joint planning and coordination of economic and infrastructure service and projects and develop, share and implement common economic and infrastructure resources, information, tools and methodologies for the common benefits."

To carry out the purpose of the agreement, an executive director will be appointed to manage and oversee the regular operations and general implementation of programs and projects.

The alliance will also consult, coordinate and work closely with the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government and other priority concerned agencies and private sectors.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News Online)

chymera00

May 30th, 2005, 04:11 PM

In respect to this, I've read an article few years ago that the city government passed a resolution banning demolition of any building along Calle Real. Is it true?
I dont know but a lot of the buildings are somewhat abandoned especially the second or third floors, maybe because they've become too old to be safe ... I've seen some of the buildings get demolished from time to time.

which of the five phases they've finished already?
They finished Phase II ... road leading to La Paz district.

Chymera, which science shool did you come from? Iloilo Science of Iloilo National High School or The Philippine Science-Western Visayas in Jaro? It's a good program that they are exposing the students with nature like this.
Special Science Class of INHS, yes it is a great program. I'm happy to have graduated from that school, but as far as studying there, a lot of times it can be very unbearable due to the curriculum ... It was a Science Camp for 1st and 2nd year students, it is done so students can experience what it is like to have it and for a select few to prepare when they get sent off to a National Science Camp.

hehehe ... I've posted a message there as well. Been reading all your writings, articles, etc since then pa. Really nice and cool site. I hope that the city and provincial government will take a look on your promotional work and give you proper reward. Keep updating it all the time. Cheers!

There are only two major projects that I'm really looking at right now ... one is the development of Iloilo International Airport and the other is the Panay Railways. The rest of other projects is third on the list.
I will try to update it atleast once a week, I'm working on the pictures page it's taking me a lot of time. I worked out a way to make things easier for me, by integrating my website to this forum ^^ Actually my sister told me to email Trenas (since I know his email ad :| ) so he can acknowledge my work, but I thought it was lame...

Aside from that I'm also excited of the Jalandoni Bridge Project and the transfer of the National headquarters of the Depertment of Agrarian Reform to Iloilo City.
hope they'll continue to support all science schools in Iloilo. The Philippine Science and Iloilo Science are the two main science high schools in the province of Iloilo. I think the government really needs to support them all throughout.
I don't know about SAGE ... Every year there are handful of students from Iloilo who get to compete in International Contests they come mainly from Philipine Science High School and other Special Science Programs like SSC-Iloilo NHS, UP High, and CPU. I know there are more potential for Ilonggo students for most of the time the school dont support them as much because of budget constraints

whyte

May 31st, 2005, 03:30 AM

:wave: as usual really enjoyed reading here.Ive been promoting this thread in all the forums i join. keep up the good work

whyte

May 31st, 2005, 03:32 AM

* I really am very EXCITED for a GUIMARAS-ILOILO/PANAY bridge. that could really help in the development of both but more of that of GUIMARAS

whyte

May 31st, 2005, 03:34 AM

repost ko lang

BREAKTHROUGH RESTAURANT

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough1.jpg

To taste the true Ilongo seafood restaurant, one must sample the seafood preparations at Breakthrough Restaurant along Santo Nino Norte, Arevalo Iloilo City. Breakthrough is an open-air beach restaurant catching the sea breeze in the northwest suburb of Arevalo.

The day’s catch including lobster, crab, scallops and oysters, is displayed for diners to choose from. It’s turo-turo style, while someone writes down one’s orders either to be grilled, barbecued or roasted. Not too long after, the orders come, since cooking is continuous. Food here is cooked simple and well – honest, hearty country food. A waitress or waiter stays nearby throughout the meal, threatening the flies with a homemade fly swat. Eating here is always festive, exuding an air of getting together in the special way friends and neighbors do it in the provinces.

Singling out one or two particular dishes to recommend at Breakthrough remains a near-impossibility, but try the oldest trick in town: different seafood with different sauces. Here’s a winning combination: voluptuous crabs in spicy, garlic and vinegar sauce, grilled squid rings in garlicky butter sauce, grilled king prawns as plump as your grandmother’s cushion with tartar sauce.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough2.jpghttp://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough3.jpg

The buzz of people ordering, eating, hovering adds to the festive atmosphere of the open sided restaurant. The place has an aura of the makeshift, appearing like the temporary but roofed dining places (payag to the Ilongos), which extends out of the house into the yard or street during big home parties.

With success and popularity, Breakthrough has expanded and has renovated more than once. The whole city and their guests not only go to Breakthrough, they talk about it. Friends as well as locals highly recommend it. This is indeed the “phenomenon” as an Ilongo friend puts it. The restaurant has several bamboo tables – long and short. They are always occupied especially during lunch. Customers come walking, on tricycles, in cars, jeeps, and sometimes even by the busload.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough4.jpghttp://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough5.jpg

wecky

May 31st, 2005, 08:31 AM

I dont know but a lot of the buildings are somewhat abandoned especially the second or third floors, maybe because they've become too old to be safe ... I've seen some of the buildings get demolished from time to time.

yep, some of them are not in used already ... probably awaiting to be demolished for sure ... hope this city resolution will protect them.

They finished Phase II ... road leading to La Paz district.

three more phases to go ... not too bad.

Special Science Class of INHS, yes it is a great program. I'm happy to have graduated from that school, but as far as studying there, a lot of times it can be very unbearable due to the curriculum ... It was a Science Camp for 1st and 2nd year students, it is done so students can experience what it is like to have it and for a select few to prepare when they get sent off to a National Science Camp.

Iloilo Special Science is the first science school for high school in Iloilo. I remembered that my sis once took an examination for entrance in this institution but opted to study in CPU instead as most of us in the family are Centralians .. it runs in the blood .. :)

I will try to update it atleast once a week, I'm working on the pictures page it's taking me a lot of time. I worked out a way to make things easier for me, by integrating my website to this forum ^^ Actually my sister told me to email Trenas (since I know his email ad :| ) so he can acknowledge my work, but I thought it was lame...

why not, Chymera? You must be proud of your work. The Iloilo City Official Website (www.iloilocity.tk) is not updated ... very slow, indeed. If you think your site can be of great help, then you should at least let them know. They can include it in most of their links, just in case.

Aside from that I'm also excited of the Jalandoni Bridge Project and the transfer of the National headquarters of the Depertment of Agrarian Reform to Iloilo City.

great developments indeed ... why not revive the Iloilo-Guimaras Bridge plan as well ... it will help boast tourism for sure and easy access to both provinces.

I don't know about SAGE ... Every year there are handful of students from Iloilo who get to compete in International Contests they come mainly from Philipine Science High School and other Special Science Programs like SSC-Iloilo NHS, UP High, and CPU. I know there are more potential for Ilonggo students for most of the time the school dont support them as much because of budget constraints.

SAGE stands for Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship. It is founded by Curt de Berg, a business professor at California State University, Chico. That was last year, 2004. Hopefully, more Ilonggo students will be sent in international competitions.

The best competition ever won by an Ilonggo that rocks the world was when Josette Biyo bested other teachers in the world during the Intel competition, earning her a planet named after her. I'm having goose-bumps every time I read an article about her. Really, really proud of her. She's a real gem.

Here's one of the articles/speech by Dr Biyo:

THE POWER OF HUMAN SPIRIT

"This speech was delivered by Dr. Josette Biyo during San Miguel’s Best Practices Forum held at the Edsa Shangrila last October 24, 2003. Dr. Biyo is a public school teacher from Iloilo, she teaches at the Philippine Science High School Western Visayas."

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. For a high school teacher to speak before a large group of business executives for the first time is overwhelming. But it is indeed a great honor and a privilege to speak to the group of people who is responsible for making San Miguel Corporation the top food and beverage company in the country, and on its way to becoming one of the top companies in the Asia-Pacific. I am here to talk about �The Power of the Human Spirit.� Indeed, the human spirit has no limits. If you dream big, and you have the determination and the will to pursue your dream, it will become a reality. I dreamt of making stars; I was given a planet.

A few months ago, I was featured in the local, national and international newspapers. I caused a stir to be the first Asian teacher to win the �Intel Excellence in Teaching Award� in an international competition held in the U.S. Since its inception in 1997, no Asian teacher has received this award. But I think what created waves was, I am a Filipino, and I defeated 4,000 other teachers from around the world, including the American finalists in their hometown. Because of this, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory in Boston named a Minor Planet in my honor. There is now a Planet Biyo rotating around the sun which is located between Mars and Jupiter.

What made me win in this international competition? What made me stand out from among the best teachers in the world? My road to attaining this international recognition is a very long 23 years of improving and harnessing my craft as a teacher. I consistently study and learn new skills to improve my method of teaching. I want my methods to be interesting, relevant, and fun for students. For just like any product, the measure of teaching success is clientele satisfaction.

I finished a B.S. Biology degree from U.P. in the Visayas hoping to be a medical doctor. For lack of financial resources however, I took the first job opportunity available- teaching. Never did I regret this twist of fate. The day I entered the classroom, I knew I would be an excellent teacher.

My first eight years of teaching were spent in a rural school. For lack of teachers in proportion to the number of students, I taught not only biology, but also other subjects outside my field such as English, Music, and Physical .Education. The materials, equipment, and facilities for the type of effective teaching I had in mind were absent. These challenges however did not dampen my enthusiasm for the job. In fact, I became more creative and innovative.

I believe that teaching and learning should not be confined within the classroom. Even during those first few years of teaching, I see to it that the science concepts I discuss inside the class would have social dimensions. Thus, I took an active role in school as moderator of the Rural Health and Science Education Committee. I designed outreach programs for students and teachers. Through these programs, students were trained to teach primary health care to the people in the barangays. They also taught barrio folks how to make cough syrup from plant extracts and soap from coconut oil. Students also gave lectures on environmental protection and conservation.

Those eight years of teaching in a rural school has prepared me for greater challenges ahead. Working with the children of the poor has instilled in me the importance of service, compassion, and respect for human dignity. I have learned to love teaching, and I see it as an instrument for transforming the person and the community.

After eight years of teaching however, I felt I had nothing more to give to my students. I resigned from my teaching job and enrolled as a full time M.S. in Biology student at De La Salle University in Manila. I was lucky to get a scholarship which included free tuition and a monthly stipend.

To augment my stipend, I taught as part-time lecturer in the Biology department and worked as research assistant by one of the senior researchers in the university. This I did on top of my full-time MS load. I was so engrossed with my studies however, that I finished my M.S. degree in one year and five months only, after which, DLSU took me in as a full time assistant professor.

Teaching college students at De La Salle University was an entirely new experience. With modern and sophisticated equipment at my disposal, my world opened to the wonders of scientific research. However, I still value the importance of nature as a big laboratory such that in my ecology classes, I would bring my students to the seas of Batangas, the rivers of Rizal, and the lahar-affected areas of Pampanga to conduct field studies. Pursuing my Ph. D. while teaching also enabled me to conduct researches which were presented in the country and abroad.

Research is very exciting. It means sleepless nights, disappointments, physical and mental exhaustion. But the joy of discovering something new in nature makes it all worthwhile.

While Manila has provided me with opportunities for professional growth, I still feel that my heart is in Iloilo. Thus, with an additional degree and one additional son, I brought back my family to Iloilo in summer of 1995.

In June 1995, Philippine Science High School Western Visayas hired me as a Special Science Teacher. Only on its third year of existence, the school welcomed my suggestions and expertise. I helped develop its Science Research curriculum and introduced some innovations for teaching the course.

Barely a year of teaching at Pisay, I realized that my role was not only to teach students but to train teachers as well. This I do by organizing workshops for teachers in the region.

One day, I received a letter from the students. The letter said, �Dear Ma�am Josette, we know you are being groomed for directorship of the school, and you would want to be the director someday, given the chance. The thing is, we don�t want you to be the director. We just want you to be a teacher. Pisay needs teachers like you. The Philippines needs teachers like you.� Their letter touched me deeply.

When I won the Metrobank Foundation Award in 1997 as one of the outstanding teachers in the country, the Pisay community gave me a poster. The poster was a white cartolina filled with signatures of students, teachers, and the non-teaching staff. In the center was a painting of a rose, and the message which says, �You are the song that plays so softly in our hearts; that gives us inspiration to aim for greater heights and bigger dreams. Congratulations. We are so proud of you.�

In 1998, I won another national award as one of �The Outstanding Young Filipino� formerly known as the TOYM in the field of Secondary Education. Last year, I won the �2002 Intel Excellence in Teaching Award� in an international competition held at Louisville, Kentucky from May 10-17.

In Kentucky, I presented to the panel of judges and to about 150 teachers from all over the world my method of teaching Science Research to my students in Iloilo. I told them that the Philippines is a third world country blessed with abundant natural resources. However, we face problems such as the rapidly declining environment and the lack of equipment and facilities for scientific endeavors. Faced with this situation, I introduced innovations and strategies for teaching the course. These innovations included: a) building a scientific library, b) conducting field studies, c) establishing linkages with research institutions in the country, d) holding science forums in school, and e) teaching students laboratory and field techniques which would help them in the conduct of their research work.

The judges and teachers from different parts of the world were amazed that even in the absence of sophisticated equipment, my students were able to produce quality research outputs beyond their expectations.

At this point in time, let me show to you what we do in our Science Research class� ( a five minute power point presentation of my class activities).

I went to Kentucky with three high school students from the Manila Science High School, and one student from the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology. These students competed in the International Science and Engineering Fair which was held back to back with the teaching competition. The students from Manila Science competed for a team project in Physics, while the student from Iligan competed for the individual category in the field of Microbiology. These students were competing with 1,200 other students from around the world.

May 17, 2002 was a glorious moment for the Philippine delegation in the U.S. When it was announced that the student from Iligan won second place grand award for Microbiology, our delegation was ecstatic. When it was announced that the students from Manila Science won first place grand award for Physics, our group was delirious. When the grand award for �Excellence Teaching� was announced, and for the first time in the history of the event an Asian teacher won, and a Filipino, there was a standing ovation from the crowd as the Philippine flag was waved in the air.

(At this point, my mom who went with me, leaped from her chair in unimaginable distance and she lost one of her sandals.)

The Philippine delegation�s road to success in Kentucky was far from smooth. We almost never made it to the U.S. Our visa interview was scheduled on May 29 when we were supposed to be competing in the U.S. by May 10. Almost desperate, we went to the Department of Foreign Affairs for help, only to be told that the Office cannot give us an endorsement letter to the U.S. Embassy because they cannot guarantee that we are coming back.

It was a painful experience for me and the students. Anyway, we were able to get our visa on the last minute the most unconventional way, and brought glory to this country.

Let me show to you the scenario during the first day of the teaching competition�.

When I entered the judging area, one table in front was occupied by the board of judges. At the right side of the room, the table was occupied by the finalist from China and her supporters. The table at the left side was occupied by the finalists from U.S.. and their supporters. The center table for the Filipino finalist was empty. I sat there alone.

I went to the U.S. bringing a CD for my presentation. I also brought some transparencies and a white board pen in case my CD won�t work. Coming from a third world country, I was prepared for the worst. It turned out, I was the only finalist without a notebook computer. Luckily, one American finalist lend me his computer; but before doing so, he gave me a brief lecture on the parts of the computer and its use.

I was the fourth presenter. When it was my turn to present, a panel member asked if I needed an interpreter. I said, �No thanks.� A personnel from Intel volunteered to run my presentation. I said, �I can do it.� After my presentation, they said, �Wow, you�re so cool. You know more than us!�

What am I telling you? That despite our country�s limited resources, Filipinos can compete globally given the proper training, support and exposure. Our winning at the international scene may not reflect the general condition of science education in the country. But with our concerted efforts, my dear fellowmen, we can move this country forward and show the world that we are a globally competitive race.

Last May, I was in Cleveland, Ohio to present my methods of teaching to 150 teachers from 17 countries. I also served as the team facilitator for the Spanish-speaking teachers from Brazil, Costa Rica and Argentina.. Last August, I gave a demonstration lesson to educators from the third world countries of Laos and Cambodia.

Filipinos are indeed talented and will excel at the international level in their individual capacity. But as a country, we lag behind. This is because we lack the spirit of community which is very strong among progressive nations.

When I went home to Iloilo after the competition in the U.S., my school gave me a very warm welcome. During the convocation, students and teachers expressed how proud they are of me. I told them, �I am very proud of you too. It is you who has brought me to where I am now. Our experiences together has brought world attention to the fact that hey, there�s a world-class school out there in Iloilo; a school with world-class teachers and students. I told the teachers and I quote Mr. De Quiros that �being world-class doesn�t mean going internationally and showing our best out there. Being world-class is passion and commitment to our profession. Being world-class is giving our best to teaching. Being world-class starts right inside the classroom.�

In winning this international award, I do not claim to be the best teacher of the land. There are thousands of best teachers out there, working silently, giving their hearts to teaching, without thinking of benefits or rewards. I salute these teachers. In winning this award, I believe I was just commissioned by somebody up there to deliver the message that indeed, Filipino teachers can be world-class teachers. In winning this award, I have shown to the world that Filipinos can be world-class if they choose to be. And more importantly, I have shown to my fellow Filipinos that they can be world-class if they choose to be. That if we do our best, we can conquer the world.

During the panel interview in the U.S., one judge asked me, �You have a Ph.D. in Biology, why do you teach in high school?� I answered, �And who will teach these kids?� Another judge asked if how much am I paid for all my pains. They were shocked when I told them that I am getting a net pay of not more than $300. a month.

When your job becomes your mission, your primary concern is giving your best in everything you do. Knowing that you have contributed significantly towards the creation of a product which can make a difference in your company and the larger community is reward in itself.

Believe in what you are doing. Believe that you can make a difference. Believing however doesn�t mean you have to stop from where you are now. Believing is improving your skills and maximizing your potential. With determination and the will to win, your company can conquer the world.

As members of the San Miguel Family, you are lucky to take part in the production of high quality and accessible consumer products that can be found in every Filipino home. Your skills do not only contribute to the development of the country�s economy, but you also bring out the spirit of fun, joy, and laughter into the lives of the people; thus helping make everyday life a celebration. Your capable hands can paint a true image of the Filipino as a people- intelligent, hard-working, passionate, fun-loving, creative, innovative, �magaling!.�

You could paint one bright picture of this country and its people - by your achievements in the workplace, your teamwork, integrity, passion for success, and your discharge of civic responsibilities. You can show the world that you are the new technocrats, capable and willing to meet the challenges of the new order of market globalization. You can show the world that you are the new citizenry, capable of making this country a worthy member of the league of peace-loving nations.

Be proud!

Thank you very much.