‘NOT WORTH DYING FOR’

Treñas: We have nothing to hide

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday allayed concerns raised by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod questioning his authority in signing the contract for the demolition of the old City Hall building without prior approval from the city council.

Several city councilors have questioned why Treñas did not ask authority from the SP to sign the contract with the winning firm to demolish the old building across Plaza Libertad to pave way for the establishment of the new high-rise structure.

In several radio interviews, come-backing Kagawad Tony Pesina as well as neophyte councilor Eldrid Antiquiera who are both lawyers, have declared to investigate the matter.
In response, Treñas said he welcomes the city councilors for discussions over the issue.

“I am willing to sit down with Kagawad Pesina – anytime. We have to consider if there’s a way to harmonize the stand of the city government and city council. It is not something to die for,” Treñas stressed.

“I would like to state that we are not hiding anything. But because of the new procurement act we no longer need the authorization of the city council in entering into a contract with the contractor for the City Hall project,” he explained.

A lawyer himself, the mayor clarified: “I want to make it clear that it is relative to the opinion of the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) which is to be followed by all LGUs (Local Government Units). We did not ask for it.”

Treñas said the City Government has to follow the rule because “we are under DILG supervision.”

“The Opinion is so explicit to state that ‘we are, therefore, of the view that once a budget for particular contract is already authorized by the Sanggunian via an annual or supplemental appropriation ordinance, the head of the procuring entity no longer needs to secure any further authorization to enter into contract with the winning bidder’,” said Evelyn Trompeta, DILG regional director, in a letter to city administrator Melchor Tan dated Nov. 16, 2006.

“It could not have been the intent of our Congress to paralyze local government projects/contracts through circuitous or redundant procedures. The said Opinion applies to all LGUs including Iloilo City,” Trompeta added.

Meanwhile, Treñas also affirmed that the members of the City Bids and Awards Committee (CBAC) have undergone trainings conducted by the Department of Budget and Management and Commission on Audit.

The CBAC awarded the demolition to BF Solis that bid P1.3-million, thus winning over RB Dolar’s bid of P1.4 million.

It can be noted that the city government increased the demolition bid price to P1.5 million from the P900,000 after there were no prospective takers of the initial bid.

Treñas said the demolition process which has started already would take two months while the board piling activities which include drilling would follow, after which the actual construction works start.

Earlier, Vice-Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the councilors were asking about the status of the project, whether the demolition works have started considering Treñas did not ask for authority from the SP to sign the contract with the winning contractor.

Mabilog raised contentions of Section 455 b item 6 of the Local Government Code (LGC) which provides that the mayor representing the city government in entering into contracts, should request authority from the SP for such purpose.

He quoted the LGC provision that the mayor should “represent the city in all its business transactions and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other documents upon authority of the SP or pursuant to law and ordinances.”

However, noting his talks with city legal officer Atty. Giovanni Miraflores, Mabilog explained that “it’s because of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act that the mayor no longer needs the SP authorization for the same.”

“A DILG opinion is given to us by the Government Procurement and Policy Board (GPPB) which says that the head of the procuring entity (in our case the City Mayor) need not secure authorization from the Sanggunian before he can enter into contracts awarded through a bidding process under RA 9184,” Miraflores told Mabilog in a letter dated Sept. 7.

Miraflores said the GPPB is a body duly created under RA 9184 which is in charge of formulating procurement policies, rules and regulations and ensure the proper implementation of RA 9184 and its implementing rules.

“In the construction of the New Iloilo City Hall, the City Mayor no longer needs prior authority from the Sanggunian before he can enter into contract with the winning contractor or supplier,” Miraflores asserted.

The CLO lawyer pointed out: “Let me also add that in our upcoming loan with Land Bank, in addition to RA 9184, we should also abide with the World Bank bidding rules which also do not require further authority from the Sanggunian before the city mayor can execute the contract with the contractor.”

Treñas signed with Land Bank president Gilda Pico the P350 million loan intended for the construction of the eight-storey new government center last week. :)

IRR for development of Iloilo River 90 percent complete

By Glenrose

ILOILO CITY, The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the proper utilization and development of Iloilo River is about 90 percent completed with the Iloilo River Development Council (IRDC).

IRDC executive director Engr. Noel Hechanova said the members of the council met last week to discuss the final phase of the IRR.

The city government trained its eye on rehabilitating the 25-kilometer stretch river, traversing the city’s 35 barangays with around 48,000 residents living in the surrounding areas.

Hechanova said there is a great need for the city to salvage the river, noting that the river is the lone natural sewage for the entire city.

Iloilo River is where Iloilo City got its name and has been a source of livelihood for thousands of city residents.

Likewise, the city, through an ordinance, is eyeing the possibility of making it an alternative route through the establishment of a ferry system.

“One thing that we should be proud of is that 27 of the 33 mangrove species can be found at the Iloilo River,” he said. (PNA):)

this could be another interesting development in the city to come. Will the ferry system come into fruition?

cool... a canteen on the 8th floor :cheers:

why not turn it into a revolving restaurant. Cool.

I don't think Miraflor is still existing.

Is the Miraflor somewhat related to Floretes or maybe Gorricettas?

^^ That's the caption. I dont see his name anywhere on the front page. They probably credited bernie in a page where the editors and other staff have their names.

http://dailyinformer.info/images/stories/17%20sept.jpg

I know what you mean: "A night shot of downtown Iloilo City" is the photo caption indeed. What I'm referring to is the text line below that caption outside of the photo's border. It reads like "Photo by..."

why not turn it into a revolving restaurant. Cool.

Sounds good @space but it cannnot be. It should have a circular floor in order to revolve.

Diin na si @kirby, @wecky kag @whyte migo? Daw ikaw na lang di nagbutwa sa mga UK guys haw?

THe Food Court looks grand or should I say - CLASSY.

Goldilocks is opening here? Wow. I've always loved their polvoron! Delgado St. is turning into a food fest center in the city. There are two Mang Inasal branches in just a few meters away and neither compete with each other.

La Terraza of Marymart initiated this tambay strip in that area, followed by the renovation of LaSalette Building then by SM Delgado's expansion. I wouldn't wonder if this street will be crammed during Dinagyang.

Sounds good @space but it cannnot be. It should have a circular floor in order to revolve.

Diin na si @kirby, @wecky kag @whyte migo? Daw ikaw na lang di nagbutwa sa mga UK guys haw?
hope they'll consider it. he he

Masako subong sina Kirby and WEcky. Other than hospital work, bira-bira man lagaw nila as we're finishing summer here in UK so I'm sure both of them are grabbing their opportunities nga maglakwatsa. I'll try to ring them later.

THe Food Court looks grand or should I say - CLASSY.

Goldilocks is opening here? Wow. I've always loved their polvoron! Delgado St. is turning into a food fest center in the city. There are two Mang Inasal branches in just a few meters away and neither compete with each other.
I agree. I like the look of SM City Foodcourt now. How I wish they'll expand it more.

ang galing!!!

sure Goldilocks ina!!! great!!!

nami nami sang food court ba...

waaaahh gusto ko na magpuli!!!!!!

this could be another interesting development in the city to come. Will the ferry system come into fruition?

The ferry is an exciting catalyst for the tourism industry in Iloilo:)

Iloilo exec bats for more aggressive dev’t communication

By Janice on Sep 19, 2007 in News

Iloilo City — Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog challenged Government Information Officers (GIOs) in Region VI to penetrate the media with their development news getting the longest mileage possible.

“The irony of government PR or public communications is that while it is never wanting in substance, it is consistently short in media mileage and coverage, especially from commercial media,” he said in his speech as a guest speaker in a GIO “Media Techniques and Community Communications” training here at Iloilo Grand Hotel.

Mabilog expressed disappointment over the “conflict journalism” espoused by some members of the media that has now become the rule rather than the exception because it does not offer solution to the country’s mounting problems.

He said the good image of the government is partly dependent on the mass media making it imperative for GIOs to “send the good news to mainstream media and ultimately to the people.”

It should be the agenda of GIOs to focus their releases to the media along the lines of its development goals and programs, he further said. (PIA-LOL) :)

Botika ng Barangay still a priority - Arroyo

By Glenrose/ T. Villavert

Iloilo City — About 4,000 more Botika ng Barangay and Botika ng Bayan would be established this year throughout the country, said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as she stressed that she will push through with the half-priced medicine on her state visit to India on October 4-5, 2007.

The Malacanang press report disclosed that for 2008, the national government is allotting about P370 million to the Department of Health for the purchase of half-priced medicines for distribution to local government units and government hospitals nationwide.

The President said that by next year, a total of 15,000 Botikas would be available nationwide.

She stressed that her top agenda is to spread the availability of half-priced medicines so that it would reach more Filipinos, particularly the less privileged ones.

Meanwhile, it will be recalled that during the recent State of Nation Address of President Arroyo, she appealed to the Congress to pass the Cheaper Medicines Bill.

Congressman Ferge Biron of the Fourth District of the province of Iloilo in his reaction to the President’s SONA on Cheaper Medicines, expressed confidence that once the said Bill is passed into law, it will be of great help to improve the health care services in the country. (PIA) :)

Bumabaha pa rin sa Jaro. No class!

just dropping by guys. Missed posting around already. Bawi lang ko next time. My friend from Canada is here for a two-week visit so medyo sako. Si Wecky masako man sa iya studies and as far as I know naka-annual leave for two weeks by October as our classmate/friend from US will be staying with him for European tour. Basa-basa lang ko diri for the meantime. Good news indeed for all of us.

Bumabaha pa rin sa Jaro. No class!
baha man guid siguro but not like before. No class, that's the best thing after sem/summer break. :lol: :lol: :lol:

^^ Yep the best! Luckily thought, the flooding in Jaro has decreased thanks to the Flood Control Project.

i think it'll continue to improve as the completion of IFC near its end. I'm looking forward to a flood-free Jaro in 2-4 years' time.

^^ Just say hello first to Nagatabuk ang Suba sa Tabuk Suba, wahehehe!!! Other than the IFCP (Iloilo Flood Control Project), we should to be responsible with the watershed in the mountains.

Anyway, has it been soaking wet there for the past few days?

^^ Yes. Rain has been pouring for the past few days. I've heard in the news kanina that the Maasin watershed had a drop in the water level.
Bern, where are you now? Cebu?

^^ Still in Cebu but will be back there by mid-October for good. :D Also soaking wet here.

@Mozzart. Yes, those ferries are one of the best suggestions in order to attract tourists in the city so that there is another activity other than bar hopping or sightseeing or malling. Although ferries as public transport is not feasible as according to Sir Peñalosa, but having a river cruise from the harbour to Molo is romantic. Yet of course we have to be responsible in taking care of our river.

^^ Iloilo River is cleaner now than the time of Malboro (or is it Malboro - if forgot). River cruises from the Capitol Area down thru the Diversion ROad and thru Molo near the Carpenter's bridge would be nice.

lol, you've got to be kidding me. Obvious man nga cleanest and greenest dapat ang La Paz or Arevalo.

Iloilo City’s cleanest and greenest plaza known

04:39 9/18/2007, Glenrose, news, Philippine New Authority
ILOILO CITY, Sept. 18 (PNA) -– The district of Mandurriao bested four other district plazas of Iloilo City during the recent Inter-District Clean and Green contest.

The contest, which was held first week of this month, was held primarily to clean the city of unsightly structures, garbage and election campaign materials used during the last May polls.

Mandurriao got P40,000 while the president of the district’s Association of Barangay Captains received P5,000.

“This is also a reminder to all barangays to maintain their cleanliness whole year round. In fact, we have a national clean and green contest which is held annually every October, and that is just around the corner,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said.

Meantime, the plazas of La Paz and Jaro districts were declared first and second runners up, with prizes of P20,000 and P10,000, respectively

Their district barangay captain presidents also received P3,000 each. The districts of Molo and Arevalo were also given consolation prizes of P5,000 each with P3,000 each for their Association of Barangay Captains district presidents.

The cleanest and greenest plaza was chosen based on the physical condition of built up areas, presence of support system and involvement of community and various organizations in environment related programs.

Judges for the competition are city environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) Noel Hechanova, city-DILG director Helen Mestidio, city health officer Nick Baronda, city tourism officer Benito Jimena, Jay Prisaldo of the Canadian Urban Institute and Father Rolando Haguisan representing the private sector. (PNA)


Telecom firm vows to donate lights for Western Visayas’ first flyover project

02:03 9/18/2007, Glenrose, news, Philippine New Authority
ILOILO CITY, Sept. 18 (PNA) – The first flyover project in Western Visayas currently being constructed in this city under the “Tulay ng Pangulo” program is now assured of bridge lights after a telecommunications company pledged its assistance to city Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.

Ann Michel Ku, segment business manager of Globe Telecom, told Treñas of her company’s intention to provide lightings to the flyover upon learning that the same is not included in the program of work of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The lighting on both sides of the flyover would entail millions of pesos in materials and the telecom firm assumed responsibility for its purchase after getting the list of requirements from the DPWH.

Treñas said the city counterpart would be labor in the setting up of the bridge lights. The project is expected to be completed by early October if the weather permits.

Iloilo City is currently experiencing an inclement weather condition that hinders the completion of the project, which was originally slated for completion by the end of September.

However, the contractor assured its completion by next month in order to start building another flyover project in Bacolod City.

Treñas said under the Presidential Bridge Program, two flyover projects will be constructed in Iloilo City. The first one which is soon to be completed is located along the junction of Infante and Gen. Luna Streets. It is aimed at easing traffic here from vehicles coming from the southern portion of the city.

The second flyover project will be constructed along the diversion road fronting the SM City shopping mall. It is designed to ease vehicular traffic along the busy intersection of the diversion road and Jalandoni Jaro cause by vehicles coming from northern and central Iloilo. (PNA)

^^ Iloilo River is cleaner now than the time of Malboro (or is it Malboro - if forgot). River cruises from the Capitol Area down thru the Diversion ROad and thru Molo near the Carpenter's bridge would be nice.

That would be Malabor:lol:
I hope someone establishes a high-end cruising restaurant complete with live classical Ilonggo music playing as you savor authentic Ilonggo cuisine. If only I had the capital, I would have that for a business.

^^ Kid and Chy should be proud of it, waheheheh!!! :D I prefer La Paz and Villa plazas to when it comes to cleanliness.

Molo and Jaro Plazas, which are "Plaza Elitista" back then, should be renovated or re-landscaped. Jaro Plaza is turning into a palengke by day and "motel" by night. Hopefuly Plazas would have a wholesome approach just like LaPaz's.

@Rex. Just save your coin collection and have it auctioned, wahahaha!! Joke! :D

^^ The Parish Priest in Mandurriao is a good leader. You cannot see any beggars in the plaza or any permanent establishments. It's a purely recreation place where you can have dates, play games, eat or do other activities.

Will this barangay compete with other barangays in the region?

That would be Malabor:lol:
I hope someone establishes a high-end cruising restaurant complete with live classical Ilonggo music playing as you savor authentic Ilonggo cuisine. If only I had the capital, I would have that for a business.

Patok yan talaga especially at night. Very romantic like those in Venice. There could be a gondoleer that can sing romantic music.
For classical Ilonggo music, are there any popular ones? The most popular one I know is "Inday":nuts:

Dandansoy

Dandansoy, bayaan ta ikaw
Pauli ako sa payaw
Ugaling kung ikaw hidlawon
ang payaw imo lang lantawon.
Dandansoy, kung imo apason
Bisan tubig di magbalon
Ugaling kung ikaw uhawon
Sa dalan magbubon-bubon.
Kumbento, diin ang cura?
Munisipyo, diin justicia?
Yari si dansoy makiha.
Makiha sa pag-higugma
Ang panyo mo kag panyo ko
Dal-a diri kay tambihon ko
Ugaling kung magkasilo
Bana ta ikaw, asawa mo ako.

^^ There seems to be a few extra lines I didn't know of...

^^ I've heard of it. THey teach it at school when I was in elementary. Not too popular with us.

When I go to bars, the bands are so good. Many young musicians have so much talent and I keep wondering why only those in Cebu and Manila are becoming popular. We need to put more attention to out local talents.

^^ I've heard that promotion here is quite lax though as compared to Cebu and Manila. That is why Jed Madela went Manila and the Catacutan Brothers' Point Click Kill went to Cebu along with Urbandub.

I think Chy knows more of the rock scene in Iloilo.

^^ He's part of a band right? Lead vocalist? :cheers2:

^^ :eek: hehehe!! Just try visiting his website at www.ambot-ah.com. :D

(Di na gid ko magtingala nga sige sya kanta) :lol:

Anyway, any news from Ratsada and TVP Iloilo? Looks like its everything the same. I haven't heard any news regarding the Sutherland chorva threatening to withdraw.

^^ Maybe it's just to scare the city government to do better.

^^ Maybe it's just to scare the city government to do better.

I've noticed eversince last year, these press releases have been quite often. Like Teletech's initial withdrawal and the other BPO (rumor has it that its PS-PeopleSupport) and PECO's threat to cease their power production, the reconnection and several blackouts that happened and encouragement of investing in coal power plant. Its like its all part of the game in politics.

Hopefuly in this game indi ang mga pumuluyo ang masakitan sa mga nagatabo.

This is just the "red carpet" for the entry of the coal power plant. That's why our mayor looks stupid everytime he whines about our power situation :ohno: Everyone already knows the sure entry of the Coal Power Plant, so why make a smokescreen on something which obviously has a thriving fire already :lol:

I've noticed eversince last year, these press releases have been quite often. Like Teletech's initial withdrawal and the other BPO (rumor has it that its PS-PeopleSupport) and PECO's threat to cease their power production, the reconnection and several blackouts that happened and encouragement of investing in coal power plant. Its like its all part of the game in politics.

Hopefuly in this game indi ang mga pumuluyo ang masakitan sa mga nagatabo.

^^ but that remains to be seen yet, daks. It is just a proposal for the meantime. Alhtough I hope it will be realised, I think they still need to present the reason on why we need the coal plants in Iloilo. The business side/men have spoken their side already, and we know how vital these electricity and businesses in our local economy at present. On whether the opposing side could present the best alternative, I think let's keep our hopes up for the realisation of the project.

Like any rsidents do, I will not be very happy living in an area with high blackout frequency. Other than it will destroy my electrical appliances, my convenience and rising bills, any other business I'll have which require electricity will come in standstil. Now, if the environmental group can provide us better alternatives and bring investors for renewable energy in Iloilo, I gues it will be a good welcome, too.

At present, NO renewable energy company is interested in investing in Iloilo. And we cannot simply ignore that we are having the problem at present. By the time this coal plants or other energy sources will be realised, I hope it will not be too late. Energy plants are not built in months only. It'll take years. Imagine the loss we're having at present til these new plants will be realised? We're racing our time, unless we want to maintain our identity as langour in all ways of life.

Patok yan talaga especially at night. Very romantic like those in Venice. There could be a gondoleer that can sing romantic music.
For classical Ilonggo music, are there any popular ones? The most popular one I know is "Inday":nuts:
Venice is not romantic as it seems. The Venice River is dreadful, smelly and dark. It's all cinematic and all the promotion about Venice, the gondulas, etc. I'd never find Venice fascinating or romantic at all. It's the opposite of it and I'm really disappointed when I went there.

Speaking of Iloilo River, there's a huge tourism potential there at present. Like everyone's saying here, it remains untapped. We need to continue cleaning this river to pave way for better sights and potential tourism to bloom.

The idea of having a floating resto with live band is a very welcome idea. It is unique and will surely entice lots of tourists to spend their late afternoons cruising Iloilo River. But before anything else, we need to at least make a mini-boulevard along the river to make it more turistic.


La Terraza of Marymart initiated this tambay strip in that area, followed by the renovation of LaSalette Building then by SM Delgado's expansion. I wouldn't wonder if this street will be crammed during Dinagyang.
The area is really promising. I think Delgado is developing really well, being Iloilo's center of culinary and restos. I wonder what else will be up in the area in few years' time?

i think it'll continue to improve as the completion of IFC near its end. I'm looking forward to a flood-free Jaro in 2-4 years' time.
I hope so as it is the main purpose of the project anyway. Let's just wait and see.

Venice is not romantic as it seems. The Venice River is dreadful, smelly and dark. It's all cinematic and all the promotion about Venice, the gondulas, etc. I'd never find Venice fascinating or romantic at all. It's the opposite of it and I'm really disappointed when I went there.
....


Then Venice must be very good in marketing. Iloilo River is surrounded by mangroves and the water is not as dirty as some may think. Good marketing (after proper development) might do wonders for Iloilo River.

BTW, when I said live music I meant violin, accordion, classical guitar, or maybe a rondalla :)

The idea of having a floating resto with live band is a very welcome idea. It is unique and will surely entice lots of tourists to spend their late afternoons cruising Iloilo River. But before anything else, we need to at least make a mini-boulevard along the river to make it more turistic.


^^ Mig Space, we already have one in Hotel Del Rio. It is really floating in Iloilo River, just in front of the Riverside Boardwalk. I forgot the name of the place though but hopefuly when the Riverside Boardwalk would be realized, then it is a plus factor for recreation for us and tourists.

Then Venice must be very good in marketing. Iloilo River is surrounded by mangroves and the water is not as dirty as some may think. Good marketing (after proper development) might do wonders for Iloilo River.

BTW, when I said live music I meant violin, accordion, classical guitar, or maybe a rondalla :)
we're just too critical with Iloilo River at present as we want to see it in its best state. Compare toVenice, Iloilo River is way cleaner and better. But we lack promotion. We lack the passion to promote. We have different perspective. If you happen to meet a foreigner visiting Iloilo and say something good, it's because it is true. BUt most of the times, people take the opposite side and an insult. I think we still have more to go inorder to develop our turistic side. We love the awfulness, the negativism and it shows. That's why, til now, we still lags in promotion.

Just ask Wecky. He travels to almost all European cities by now. I think he can give his proper POV of what Venice and other cities looks at present.

Classicals are really good.

^^ Better invite the Kabayao Family then serenading in the river while cruising or floating by the night on a Christmas season or Dinagyang season, how about that? :D

^^ Mig Space, we already have one in Hotel Del Rio. It is really floating in Iloilo River, just in front of the Riverside Boardwalk. I forgot the name of the place though but hopefuly when the Riverside Boardwalk would be realized, then it is a plus factor for recreation for us and tourists.
this will be a great development for Iloilo if it will push thru. Look at Sienne in Paris and Thames in London. Boulevards and boardwalks dominates the area. And really it's nice to walk along the boardwalk in the late afternoon with the cool, breezy river air. I don't know with you guys, but I love to stroll along beachside in the afternoon especially summer time. It's something refreshing.

^^ Better invite the Kabayao Family then serenading in the river while cruising or floating by the night on a Christmas season or Dinagyang season, how about that? :D

that'll cost a fortune. I think we can hire rondallas from other towns national high schools? he he. Christmas season, Dinagyang seasn and the rest of summer will be peak season for river cruises. You can actually check some mini-river cruises of Switzerland and Amsterdam. They're really good.

^^ I still go to Fort San Pedro for afternoon breeze stroll surrounded by lovers!!! :runaway: Despite me being loveless, wahehehe!!! :lol: (Binigo na kasi!)

Anyway, Baybay Tanza had a beautiful promenade. It also has a streetlamp similar to those of Spanish times lining up the shore. The problem though, it is surrounded by squatters and near the terminal market. If only they can relocate these people to other places...or if the reclamation as manifested in the City Zoning Map pushes through, we can have our own Seaside boardwalk, accompanied by another riverside boardwalk. How about that! :D

These dreams are not so far to be reached if we only have the will and the budget.

that's true. If we invest more in our infras properly, these dreams will surely come true.

IMO, we have the best asset in place (the Iloilo River). All we need is to develop it and have aggressive promotion. It's actually in the promotion where we lags really most. I don't know why? And how come that most Ilonggos are poetic yet they cannot put any better words to lure visitors to Iloilo, or write poems to capture the beauty of nature back home. It's just so flat affect. he he.

^^ True. I agree. Dinagyang is not enough to promote the entire Ilonggo motherland. We need to innovate to attract people to get their bodies to Iloilo and invest.

On our part, we need active participation in promotion. Help instead of crab mentality. Its ok to be a critic as long as it is something constructive.

Sometimes some (or maybe most) of our kasimanwas will say "Labot ko da?!". It does hurt though.

^^ I've heard that promotion here is quite lax though as compared to Cebu and Manila. That is why Jed Madela went Manila and the Catacutan Brothers' Point Click Kill went to Cebu along with Urbandub.

I think Chy knows more of the rock scene in Iloilo.
Most of the local rock scene in Iloilo is underground, that's why you won't listen to many of them on the radio ... makita mo lang sa battle, and internet and stuff. I also haven't heard of any local record company here that is serious and has the capability to launch local artists nationally. If there are, then they are not very supportive of Iloilo's rock bands. Even Point Click Kill (PCK) had to sign up with lighter records, which is based in Cebu.

Cebuanos are really very good singers, as in I bow down to Urbandub and Faspitch. They're really really good. I've only heard of a handful bands here that make original songs that well. When (if) I go out, most of the bands play cover songs, so it's a hindrance in being able to discover local talents that have the potential to make it big.


^^ He's part of a band right? Lead vocalist? :cheers2:
school activities lang man that's all

I agree with the last part. It's the thing that really irritates me as well. Inang daw pawala lang. Everytime I hear it, I loses my drive to help. It's like, "if they don't care, why should i?" How I wish we'll change for the better slowly.

Dinagyang is an institution already. We should not bank on Dinagyang alone. Like I said in the past, Dinagyang can stand on its own now. Anywhere you put Dinagyang, Dinagyang will survive. But we must not rest our laurels with Dinagyang alone. We have so much to offer, so much to develop. Northern beaches of Iloilo is crying for help for promotion and look at our officials. They're deaf and blind. They ignore it. Rather they focus on things which are not of essential at present. The province in bunking too much with agriculture and we suffered everytime there's La Nina and El Nino. We hit badly due to mono-economy we are having back home. We don't have a strong back up after our agri business. The IT, tourism, etc are of very small scale at present. We need to promote. That's the only way we can raise awareness of Iloilo's presence in the world map.

^^ Sing if you want Chy! Wahehehe!!! :lol:

Anyway, are most of you vacant by first week of November. We've got a visitor (and we know him) coming this November and there would be a seminar conducted by HCS (calling PacificLeopard).

I agree with you though. The last time I heard Iloilo's bands played on the radio was a year ago with Radio One 88.7. (Which I think has ceased its banda interviews just this year).

If we do have a river cruise, we must have all the search and rescue equipment ready.

Regarding the Billboard Commercial Complex, are there any establishments there at the present.

Sabad ah! I was typing for 10 minutes when the browser closed without a warning! Wala bang autosave to draft ang SSC?:bash:

^^ Mig Space, we already have one in Hotel Del Rio. It is really floating in Iloilo River, just in front of the Riverside Boardwalk. I forgot the name of the place though but hopefuly when the Riverside Boardwalk would be realized, then it is a plus factor for recreation for us and tourists.
But it's only floating, not cruising :D

that'll cost a fortune. I think we can hire rondallas from other towns national high schools? he he. Christmas season, Dinagyang seasn and the rest of summer will be peak season for river cruises. You can actually check some mini-river cruises of Switzerland and Amsterdam. They're really good.
The Kabayaos used to hold concert in our school for only P50 per head. I think Iloilo has a very good reception towards classical music. Concerts and plays are always packed. If the river park is completed, I think that would be an excellent venue for a riverside concert.

that's true. If we invest more in our infras properly, these dreams will surely come true.

IMO, we have the best asset in place (the Iloilo River). All we need is to develop it and have aggressive promotion. It's actually in the promotion where we lags really most. I don't know why? And how come that most Ilonggos are poetic yet they cannot put any better words to lure visitors to Iloilo, or write poems to capture the beauty of nature back home. It's just so flat affect. he he.
If Iloilo were a queen, its prized necklace would be the Iloilo River which gracefully embraces the rest of her magnificence.

If we do have a river cruise, we must have all the search and rescue equipment ready.

Regarding the Billboard Commercial Complex, are there any establishments there at the present.

Last time I was there, the Billboard complex lot was for sale :(

On the other hand, I have some good news. I found this aerial photo in our computer showing the area of the floodway construction in Jaro. I was really surprised! The segment from McArthur Drive all the way to the sea is almost done! The photo was taken June 7 so the floodway must be at least 50% completed by now! I just don't know if they intend to install dikes throughout its length. Will they?
Oh yeah, they have already made a detour for McArthur drive - preparations for the construction of Buhang Bridge.

@Berns, nagreply na si Ben, "full support" daw. Thanks for the contact info.

^^ Ahay. Sayang ang Billboard Com-Com. The establishment there is a restaurant.

Regarding the Jaro Floodway: Great. The floods are getting worse. Hopefully by next year we wont experience this.

If we do have a river cruise, we must have all the search and rescue equipment ready.

Regarding the Billboard Commercial Complex, are there any establishments there at the present.
what happened to the Billboard Commercial Complex? Did they sell the lot to other owners? Is there any developments going on in the present site of this complex?

^^ IAMME said it's being sold. :ohno:

^^ I still go to Fort San Pedro for afternoon breeze stroll surrounded by lovers!!! :runaway: Despite me being loveless, wahehehe!!! :lol: (Binigo na kasi!)


Fort San pedro is an ideal tourist destination.The park is a favorite spot for taking in the evening air..Vendors also sell balut at night because their best and most reliable buyers come from drinking parties and late-night____:) around the fort, all of whom only want their warm balut at night. :)

But it's only floating, not cruising :D
How I wish we will have a river cruising in the city. The city looks great for all we know. It just needs proper marketing and will from our city government to develop the river into a tourist area.


The Kabayaos used to hold concert in our school for only P50 per head. I think Iloilo has a very good reception towards classical music. Concerts and plays are always packed. If the river park is completed, I think that would be an excellent venue for a riverside concert.

50 pesos is not bad for an ordinary folks. We can even charge to 100 per person, if possible. River cruising here in Europe cost more than 10 to 15 euro at least. This is a good marketing strategy. But like the capitol people, we are bad in taking the risk. We love the surety of the project. Look at what they are talking in the capitol right now. Everyone seems so critical about the IT Village and Convention Center. And any project, I believe, supported by local government will end up into nothing, not for anything else, but too much politicking.

If Iloilo were a queen, its prized necklace would be the Iloilo River which gracefully embraces the rest of her magnificence.
a very good metaphor indeed. I think you are right to say that IAMME. Guess we need to make use of this prized necklace Iloilo City has to augment our tourism potential.

Last time I was there, the Billboard complex lot was for sale :(

On the other hand, I have some good news. I found this aerial photo in our computer showing the area of the floodway construction in Jaro. I was really surprised! The segment from McArthur Drive all the way to the sea is almost done! The photo was taken June 7 so the floodway must be at least 50% completed by now! I just don't know if they intend to install dikes throughout its length. Will they?
Oh yeah, they have already made a detour for McArthur drive - preparations for the construction of Buhang Bridge.

@Berns, nagreply na si Ben, "full support" daw. Thanks for the contact info.
the whole of Billboard Complex or lots for sale for investors? Are they still planning to make this complex into a reality? Or they're simply selling it for one buyer to develop the complex? Hmmm.

^^ IAMME said it's being sold. :ohno:
i thought "it's for sale" yet.
Anyhow, we'll just keep on eye in the developments ongoing at present.

DOLE completes inspection of 428 Iloilo establishments

By Glenrose

Iloilo City — Some 428 establishments in Western Visayas have been visited by the labor inspectors of the Department of Labor and Employment VI (DOLE VI) through their Inspection-Blitz project, as of the end of August.

The Inspection-Blitz project is a part of the Labor Standards Enforcement Framework of the DOLE that aims to ensure greater efficiency and speed in the inspection of establishments and immediate concern of violence and compliance to the minimum wage and other core labor standards. The project will be implemented until 2009 beginning with the first phase last July 2 until November 30, 2007.

DOLE VI Labor Standards Enforcement Chief Salome Siaton said of the 428 establishments visited in the region since the start of the inspection, 201 are from the province of Iloilo, 175 in Negros Occidental, 42 in Aklan and 10 in Antique.

“We started the inspection in the province of Capiz, first week of September and we will have the inspection in Guimaras within this month also”, said Siaton.

Siaton said the thirteen DOLE VI inspectors visited security and manpower agencies, stores in malls, restaurant and fastfood enterprises, cooperatives, construction sites, manufacturing and highly hazardous establishments which are the priorities in the first phase of the project.

Siaton noted that most of the violations committed by the establishments visited in the region are underpayment of minimum wage and the 13th month pay, non-payment of holiday pay, non-payment of service incentive leaves and the non-coverage of employees to SSS, Philhealth and Pag-IBIG.

After the inspection, according to Siazon a notice of inspection result will be sent to the establishments for immediate corrections of violations.

“Establishments are also given the chance to question the findings within 5 days from receipt but if there are no question or no correction made, a summon will be sent for a hearing”, said Siaton.

The government is working hard to attain and maintain a business-friendly environment and pleased with investors’ interest in capitalizing in the country’s economic gains. Continuing on the back of economic reforms, the government is confident that the economic momentum will be sustained to meet its aggressive targets. (PIA):)

speaking of Fort San Pedro, is there any plan of development around the area? I would love to see htels stretching the boulevard from Plaza Libertad going to Fort San Pedro. Definitely an ideal place for new big hotel players. Just one problem though, squatters need to be relocated.

13 eye two power plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. yesterday said 13 groups have expressed interest to bid for the 192.5-megawatt Palinpinon geothermal power facility in Negros Oriental and the 146.5-MW Panay diesel power plant in Iloilo province.

PSALM vice president Froilan Tampinco said the high number of investor groups that took interest in the two power plants, which are being bid out as one package, was very encouraging.

The bidding process for the two plants started on Sept. 7 with the issuance of invitation to bid. PSALM will bid out the two plants on Dec. 5.

Tampinco declined to identify the interested groups. He said eight were from the Philippines, four from Asia and one from Europe.

Companies that earlier expressed interest in the Palinpinon geothermal power plant include PNOC-Energy Development Corp., First Gen Corp. and Korea Electric Power Corp.

The Palinpinon and Panay diesel facilities are being auctioned with an attached but undisclosed power supply contract to make them more attractive.

PSALM officials said auction of the two plants within the year was consistent with the company’s efforts to accelerate the privatization program and help boost government revenues.

The Palinpinon and Panay power plants are located in the Visayas region, with the geothermal plant strategically located between the islands of Panay and Cebu. Palinpinon supplies 60 MW to Panay to supplement the power demand deficiency on the island.

PSALM has set the pre-bid conference on Sept. 28 at its office in Makati.

The Palinpinon geothermal power plant consists of two power stations, using steam supplied by PNOC-Energy Development Corp.

Connected to a submarine cable that links the Negros and Panay islands, the Palinpinon power plant supplies 18 percent to 20 percent of the electricity demand in the Cebu-Negros-Panay-Bohol-Leyte-Samar Grid.

The Panay diesel power plant, meanwhile, consists of the 36.5-MW Panay 1 Diesel Power Plant and the 110-MW Panay 3 Diesel Power Plant.

Panay 1 was commissioned in 1979, while Panay 3, also known as the “Pinamucan Diesel Power Plant,” was transferred from its Batangas site after the expiration of the build-operate-transfer contract with Enron Power Development Corp. in 2003, to prevent a potential shortage of power and provide voltage stabilization in the island of Panay.:)

^^On the way to Fort San Pedro is Gen. Hughes St. the squatter shanties lie mostly around Gen Hughes St. am i ryt? there is also another side that is usually not seen, Poverty is a way of life for thousands of people in this Baranggay.I did not have a chance to get a photo, but my heart was broken, Even those with homes and jobs must ride in crowded Jeepneys.To be sure, the sight of this other side has left me with the biggest impression of this otherwise beautiful city.:)

^^ It is. The whole Waterfront district (or what was reclaimed land) is now known as the "Tondo of Iloilo". Zamora-Duran-Veterans Village area is notorious for drug dealing and "sigas". But If I'm not mistaken, most of the lands here are government owned and I think most of the regional offices are supposed to be located here like WEVRO-NBI, NEDA, etc.

Gen Hughes and Santo Rosario were once one of the most posh residences of the Ilonggo elite, having a seaside villa, the church and once the Casino Español has manifested its old grandeur.

I noticed that in every Philippine city, most of the old posh districts have turned abandoned and sometimes neglected and squatted upon.

Hopefuly the squatters be resettled somewhere in the city or have pabahay programs like Gawad Kalinga.

I think the proponents of the Billboard Commercial Complex has not money to realize it in the first place.

what happened to the Billboard Commercial Complex? Did they sell the lot to other owners? Is there any developments going on in the present site of this complex?

^^ Roads are still unfinished eh.

^^ Roads are still unfinished eh.

The roads in front of the supposed-to-be "billboard complex" are already concrete although the islands are not developed yet.

will that mean that they are open for investors already hence lots of complex are being sold?

^^On the way to Fort San Pedro is Gen. Hughes St. the squatter shanties lie mostly around Gen Hughes St. am i ryt? there is also another side that is usually not seen, Poverty is a way of life for thousands of people in this Baranggay.I did not have a chance to get a photo, but my heart was broken, Even those with homes and jobs must ride in crowded Jeepneys.To be sure, the sight of this other side has left me with the biggest impression of this otherwise beautiful city.:)

^^ It is. The whole Waterfront district (or what was reclaimed land) is now known as the "Tondo of Iloilo". Zamora-Duran-Veterans Village area is notorious for drug dealing and "sigas". But If I'm not mistaken, most of the lands here are government owned and I think most of the regional offices are supposed to be located here like WEVRO-NBI, NEDA, etc.

Gen Hughes and Santo Rosario were once one of the most posh residences of the Ilonggo elite, having a seaside villa, the church and once the Casino Español has manifested its old grandeur.

I noticed that in every Philippine city, most of the old posh districts have turned abandoned and sometimes neglected and squatted upon.

Hopefuly the squatters be resettled somewhere in the city or have pabahay programs like Gawad Kalinga.
i don't like that street IMO. The city government needs to do something to lovatr all the squatters abounding the area. Waterfront area is one of the places for future developent of Iloilo. Here, bigger hotels can be built and relocated. The good view of Guimaras Island in the background will definitely give a good scenic perspective to any hotel investors in the future.

will that mean that they are open for investors already hence lots of complex are being sold?

The lot is barren and there is only one sign in the middle "for sale", etc. Whoever buys the lot will have to decide what to do with it.

I'm reposting this from our Airport thread. I hope some important lurkers read this:

^^ It may be OT but yes its true. We are still leagues away from our ASEAN neighbors who have Bali, Langkawi and Phuket whose continuous promotion is bearing fruit. Kita indi man ta consistent sa atong promotion.

I even remeber in the Amazing Race 5 when one of the couples asked: "Where is the Philippines?" :(

I don't think its fair to say that although there's a touch of truth behind this. Some people sees the Philippines as a hopeless land no matter how hard our government tried to make it better. It's the system that they don't like and that made some Filipinos tick off of what's happening in our country.

In saying this Daks, I know you are telling the truth. I've heard so much about this palabra and bickerings about our country from Filipinos themselves. However painful it is, it is say with truth and hope that people will change. To much of my knowledge, Filipinos here abroad are grouped according to where they came from. And I think the focus of promotion now is by their places. We remain very divided here even when it comes to promotion. As you can see, we can not promote the whole of the country. Sad to say, when foreigners heard the Philippines, one thing that strikes their mind is corruption and disorder. I won't delve much and explain further about this issue as some people make take it very negatively.

...


...
As you said, other countries have Bali, Langkawi and Phuket. I think we should promote our tourist spots as Concepcion, Sicogon, Guimaras, and Bulubadiangan. Let us
not market them as “Philippines” because that word (sadly) is attached to much negative publicity. Let us just establish name-recall for our beaches the same way “Boracay” is not called Aklan or even Philippines. It is simply Boracay. That would be a better marketing strategy.

Ah yes, the best marketing tool the Philippines has is its people. Millions of them all over the world. If each expat were to bring at least two of their foreign friends to the Philippines and give them an experience worthy of telling back home, the multiplier effect should get us up and running.

I’ve read somewhere in SSC that Spain earns more from tourism than Dubai gets from oil. I hope our government officials realize that.

the last bits about Spain's tourism earning more than Dubai's oil is true. Spain (esp Barcelona) will not be no. 1 tourist destination of Europe for the last 2 years for nothing. Until now, Barcelona is the place to beat when it comes to tourism. Paris tops 2005, I guess. Tourism industry here in Europe is massive. It's a lifeblood of almost all European countries. Take London alone, having a million or more tourists a day. London is served by 5 international airports having Heathrow as the busiest airport in the world. Gatwick, London's second international gateway, and Stansted, third international gateway is on the top 10 when it comes to busiest exchange. Their promotion is really good. You can it everywhere and every corner of the city. Even across other countries, you can see brochures and promotional materials graciously given. How I wish we have a very strong DOT in the region and Iloilo Tourism Authority to look at this kind of stuff for better promotion.

Iloilo City has 10,000 ordinances
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

IS the new set Iloilo City Council passing redundant ordinances?

Vice-mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said yesterday the Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretariat revealed that the city has already more than 10,000 existing ordinances and resolutions.

Some of these local legislations were passed since 1939.
“We have to review existing ordinances so as not to propose new ordinances to address the problems of the city if there are already legislations which have been in effect. These have to be reviewed,” explained Mabilog.

“Though, it would take time to validate the existing ordinances because these are not computerized – the Secretariat lacks computers,” he added.

Mabilog said the SP needs a computerization program to fast track the codification of approved legislations.

“If these are already codified and once the members of the city council propose the legislation, we could then check it with the computer whether there is really a need to pass a new ordinance,” Mabilog stressed.

The SP had allotted P200,000 for the computerization plan, he added.

Noting his own experience, Mabilog said he was supposed to craft out an ordinance prohibiting vandalism in the metropolis, particularly on overpasses, only to find out there is an old regulation for such purpose.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

^^ ^^ ah BLESS !

Summit focuses on good agri service delivery

ILOILO CITY — Good practices of local governments in enhancing agricultural service delivery will be one of the highlights of the 2007 Agricultural Summit set here on September 27-28 as a way of drawing more attention to agriculture, agricultural sustainability and food sufficiency,

A session specifically on governance and agricultural development will be organized by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) in partnership with the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) and the Department of Interior and Local Government’s Local Governance Resource Center.

CUI, a non-profit organization with head office in Toronto, is co-organizer of the main 2007 Agriculture Summit together with Iloilo Business Club and the Department of Agriculture, with the Province of Iloilo and the City of Iloilo as supporting partners.

Organizers of the session notes recent statistics presenting a slipping performance of agriculture as shown by decreasing productivity, neglects of irrigated lands, high production and marketing costs and low government support.

The session focusing on the role of local governments on agriculture will have as its speaker Dr. Rolando Uy, dean of the University of Asia and the Pacific’s School of Management. The session theme is “Feeding the Regional Imagination: Governance and Agricultural Development.”

“The poor performance of the agricultural sector brings to the fore the issues of national and local government relationships in agriculture,” the organizers said in a paper outlining the session’s objectives. “It also brings into focus the devolution problems of agricultural services where responsibilities have not been supported in terms of resources and technical assistance.“

Organizers stressed that agriculture performance depends on the strong links between urban and rural areas but added that policymakers and urban planners often ignore this interdependence.

“In the next decade, three main issues related to rural-urban interdependence are likely to emerge: changes in land use around urban centers, from farmland to residential or industrial use; greater diversification of income sources in rural and urban areas, often involving people migrating or commuting between the countryside and urban centers; and changes in the direction and composition of internal migration,” they said.

Aside from good practice cases, there will also be presentations and a workshop to identify issues and proposed programs. The session will be held on the first day of the two-day summit at the Amigo Terrace Hotel.

“This session comes in timely moment. A discussion of issues and proposals for actions surrounding rural-urban links, agriculture devolution and agricultural productivity improvements are in order,” said the organizers.

CUI implements the Urban Partnership Program (UPP) Philippines, which supports the development of model approaches to enhancing urban and regional governance and the public realm of cities as a contribution to urban sustainability and poverty reduction.

Its work is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency.

For information, please contact:

Jay Presaldo
Ma. Leah Victoria E. Lara
Senior Project Officer
Executive Director
Canadian Urban Institute
Iloilo Business Club
Tel. No. +63 33 3367827
Tel. No. 3378341

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

i don't like that street IMO. The city government needs to do something to lovatr all the squatters abounding the area. Waterfront area is one of the places for future developent of Iloilo. Here, bigger hotels can be built and relocated. The good view of Guimaras Island in the background will definitely give a good scenic perspective to any hotel investors in the future.

It was I think the result of the Arrastre wars of Muelle Loney as some of the people here were dependent on stevedoring during those days.

It really gives me the goosebumps when I'm driving in Duran-Zamora area.

Dela Rama Street (the street that runs parallel to Bacolod-bound fastcraft terminal) was even named Calle Progreso because most of the banks were located here, being near to the port and the warehouses.

On the other hand, General Hughes near Plaza Libertad still retains its grandeur. The seaside villa turned Department of Finance office, Afriques and Colegio Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (which is i think turning 90 this year) and the ruins of Laguda house still reminds of Iloilo's glorious past.

I agree if we can relocate these people to either in So-oc, Bito-on or somewhere else and give them a decent housing, it will be appreciated.

And as for Fort San Pedro....there have been initial plans, pero plano guihapon.


@Space. Tuod? Spain has already beaten France as the largest tourist destination in Europa?

^^ For the last 2 years Bernie, Barcelona tops the list of tourist destination in Europe. Paris had a share 2 years ago but its losing its lustre. Everyone loves Barcelona. Night life in Spain's second city is second to none. The place looks eally great. Gaudi's architectures abound the place plus Barcelona's promotion to date is very, very aggressive. Here in London (or maybe the whole of UK), people would rather be in Spain than in France. Even when it comes to properties, British choose to live in Spain than in France. Part of it is low standard of living, too.

How I wish we can learn something from them when it comes to promotion and tourism.

^^ I can see that in CNN and BBC and even in Chinovelas (Chinese telenovelas), they shoot their scenes in Barcelona.

Yeah. How I wish Iloilo can create a sisterhood pact to a Spanish city. The ambassadors already went here last year during the Filipin-Spanish Friendship Days and hopefuly they too can help something out for us...being their last bastion in Asia.

^^ ^^ no doubt Bern. How I loved Barcelona as well.

Btw, I haven't heard Iloilo making a sisterhood city pact of any cities here in Europe. Any idea what came up during the Fil-Spanish Friendship Day that happened in Iloilo?

Iloilo’s auto market ‘better than average’
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

A TOP executive of leading car company Isuzu Philippines Corp. made an encouraging assessment of the steadily rising auto market in Iloilo.

“The Iloilo market is better than average – it is not really growing but steady,” said Myrna Gonzales, assistant division manager for marketing and sales department of Isuzu.

Gonzales was here over the weekend to grace the Isuzu Super Sabado Bonanza – a Family Day Event at newly-opened Isuzu Iloilo’s showroom along Sen. Benigno Aquino Ave. in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
“Basing from the behavior of customers here, they have been trying out new products and that’s a nice market. Thus, we are addressing the demands they expect,” Gonzales told The Daily Guardian.

She noted the first Isuzu branch in Iloilo is the 20th Isuzu Dealership, the latest addition after a 10-year existence in the local automotive industry, marking Isuzu’s diesel authority.

Why Iloilo?

“We have studied the market and determined the fast-growing areas,” Gonzales explained. “Iloilo is very promising as the customer base is growing for the past ten years. Both the economic and response here are improving and getting better all the time.”

“Before, it was a small and not a full-blown dealership. But it was realized because of the high acceptance of people. I think Ilonggos are particular with buying vehicles that are multi-purpose for their families, business and outings,” she said.

Gonzales added that “the OFWs want spacious and fuel-efficient vehicle – they don’t want to waste but save their money for vehicle that suits their needs and the product that perfectly fit – they choose Isuzu.”

Though, she said that last year’s sales were going down, thus a lot of promos were offered to boost product promotions.

“Surprisingly, this year, we are enjoying brisk sales in the automotive market. In general outlook, next year will be better,” Gonzales said.

She said the 2003-2005 period “was unpredictable—it’s a very different market, you don’t know what happens next.”

“For next year, we are feeling a level of stability in growth—we are on the bullish side—we share the sentiments of the business sector,” Gonzales asserted.

“There are opportunities to take advantage like new businesses, investments and areas being developed. The impact of call centers, for one, is a very good opportunity for growth. There is prevailing and good improvement in the market. The constant growth is very positive,” she pointed out.

Likewise, Gonzales said they want to promote the preventive maintenance services.

“Once they buy their Isuzu, it doesn’t end there. We would like to take care and make sure that their Isuzu are well taken care of. We should assure that the vehicle is on top condition. We encourage the customers to go back to their dealership,” she stressed.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

Pagaypay 4-H Club receives P150T grant for Pineapple Wine Processing
By James Earl E. Ogatis

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) awarded the Pagaypay 4-H Club in Passi City a P150 thousand project grant for the development of pineapple wine processing as a prize for garnering the Gawad Saka Outstanding young Farmers Organization category this year.

The Pagaypay 4-H Club bested entries from the different regions because of its well-organized members, good and promising projects such pineapple wine processing, cutflower production and swine and poultry raising as well as their active participation in the community.

Larry P. Nacionales, OIC-regional executive director of DA 6, said the success of Pagaypay 4-H Club should serve as motivation for our young farmers to form and strengthen themselves for the development of agriculture industry in the region.
He said empowerment of young farmers is needed “for us to sustain agricultural momentum towards profitability and productivity in the countryside.”

“We have many livelihood programs intended for these young farmers in areas where they are deemed to excel such as native chicken production, swine raising, cutflower production, vegetable gardening and other high value commodities they can venture into,” he added.

Ricky Sulpico, president of Pagaypay 4-H Club, said the members were already organized and trained for mass production of pineapple wine for local and national markets.

He stressed that the cash award was a great help for the group to strengthen and bank on their capabilities to produce quality pineapple wine aside from other livelihood activities they are undertaken.

Passi City is known as the pineapple capital in the province of Iloilo and farmers usually sell their products on talipapa along Agtabo national highway and neighboring public markets.

“With the establishment of pineapple wine processing we can now utilize pineapple products into value added products that commands good price in the market. In this way pineapple farmers will be assured of added income and sure market of their produce,” Sulpico said. (JEEO/RAFID 6)

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

Huh? If you ask Toyota Iloilo about their assessment, they will give you a different analysis. Well, I guess she can say that, pero para lang gid guro ya sa Isuzu...Toyota still tops all sales in Iloilo.





Iloilo’s auto market ‘better than average’
By Jeehan V. Fernandez




A TOP executive of leading car company Isuzu Philippines Corp. made an encouraging assessment of the steadily rising auto market in Iloilo.

“The Iloilo market is better than average – it is not really growing but steady,” said Myrna Gonzales, assistant division manager for marketing and sales department of Isuzu.

Gonzales was here over the weekend to grace the Isuzu Super Sabado Bonanza – a Family Day Event at newly-opened Isuzu Iloilo’s showroom along Sen. Benigno Aquino Ave. in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
“Basing from the behavior of customers here, they have been trying out new products and that’s a nice market. Thus, we are addressing the demands they expect,” Gonzales told The Daily Guardian.

She noted the first Isuzu branch in Iloilo is the 20th Isuzu Dealership, the latest addition after a 10-year existence in the local automotive industry, marking Isuzu’s diesel authority.

Why Iloilo?

“We have studied the market and determined the fast-growing areas,” Gonzales explained. “Iloilo is very promising as the customer base is growing for the past ten years. Both the economic and response here are improving and getting better all the time.”

“Before, it was a small and not a full-blown dealership. But it was realized because of the high acceptance of people. I think Ilonggos are particular with buying vehicles that are multi-purpose for their families, business and outings,” she said.

Gonzales added that “the OFWs want spacious and fuel-efficient vehicle – they don’t want to waste but save their money for vehicle that suits their needs and the product that perfectly fit – they choose Isuzu.”

Though, she said that last year’s sales were going down, thus a lot of promos were offered to boost product promotions.

“Surprisingly, this year, we are enjoying brisk sales in the automotive market. In general outlook, next year will be better,” Gonzales said.

She said the 2003-2005 period “was unpredictable—it’s a very different market, you don’t know what happens next.”

“For next year, we are feeling a level of stability in growth—we are on the bullish side—we share the sentiments of the business sector,” Gonzales asserted.

“There are opportunities to take advantage like new businesses, investments and areas being developed. The impact of call centers, for one, is a very good opportunity for growth. There is prevailing and good improvement in the market. The constant growth is very positive,” she pointed out.

Likewise, Gonzales said they want to promote the preventive maintenance services.

“Once they buy their Isuzu, it doesn’t end there. We would like to take care and make sure that their Isuzu are well taken care of. We should assure that the vehicle is on top condition. We encourage the customers to go back to their dealership,” she stressed.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

that's right, Daks. I think Toyota will say different things as well and so with Honda being two of the topmost car dealers in Iloilo. Even Chevrolet and Mitsubishi assessment may differ from Isuzu. But it's nice to know how Isuzu people view Iloilo's auto market.

^^ I can see that in CNN and BBC and even in Chinovelas (Chinese telenovelas), they shoot their scenes in Barcelona.

Yeah. How I wish Iloilo can create a sisterhood pact to a Spanish city. The ambassadors already went here last year during the Filipin-Spanish Friendship Days and hopefuly they too can help something out for us...being their last bastion in Asia.

Isn't bilbao, spain a sister city of iloilo? i'm not sure though.:)

^^ I don't think so. Iloilo's twin sisters are
Stockton,Ca.,USA
Empalme,Mexico
Foshan,China
Parma,Italy
Battambang,Cambodia and
Asaba,Nigeria.

^^ Kid, musta na Ciudad? Daw may nakit-an ako kagina sa "Umagang Kay Ganda" sa sitwasyon ta da ha?

^^ Bad weather. Jaro River just overflooded this morning. Most schools had no class today. (yes!) So far, it's still the same now compared the past few days. :happy:

^^ We really need to finish that Flood Control Project. Hay tani indi nakalabot sa amon sa Pavia ang baha.

^^ So far, I haven't heard of any flooding in Pavia or any nearby towns. Gabaha man Cebu?

I can say that the CBD in Mandurriao is a good location because it rarely or never floods in that area.

^^ It floods in the downtown and creeksides but not a massive flood area unlike ours because Cebu is mountainous. Only 5 kilometers from the shore are the mountains already. Kita ya lapad nga daan ang patag nga lugar dason ang iban nga lugar kis-a below sea level pa.

Mandurriao is rarely flooded, that is why its a good location for commercial expansion unlike in Jaro.

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well developed landscapped along Gen Luna Street will be affected by the proposed flyover. :ohno:
The proposed rehabilitation of Gen Luna Sidewalks will add more beauty and convenience to our fellow ilonggos.:banana: :banana: :banana:

^^ Bro, sa San Agustin man to guro ang ikatatlo nga flyover sa aton.

yup but still affected man gyapon, look at the trees infront of Sarabia Hotel

^^ Why not place plants along the sides of the flyover? Convert also the lower part of the flover into a traffic management station. We can also convert the top of overpasses into a barangay outpost or something.

this is the view of Sarabia Hotel before the construction of Infante flyover. Subong wala na sng mga tanum kg kahoy sa atubang sng hotel tungod sa approach sg flyover.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1110/597216962_3f251aa0a2.jpg?v=0

^^ Why not place plants along the sides of the flyover? Convert also the lower part of the flover into a traffic management station. We can also convert the top of overpasses into a barangay outpost or something.
Yup agree: like the one infront of Shangrila Plaza sa Edsa Central, ginhimo nila nga police outpost ang idalum flyover, then ang iban nga part gn tamnan nila sng mga tanum

Same also the area fronting Hotel Del Rio kay dire naman nag start ang approach sng flyover from Molo to Gen Luna.
Ang problema naman kon sa diin ang loading kg unloading sng salakyan para sa mga taga John B Lacson.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/1417381244_0ccf09f2fb.jpg?v=0

Same also the 2nd flyover nga gina propose infront SM City.:ohno: :ohno:
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Watch Out...The Most Expensive Covered Parking Area in Western Visayas is about to be finished..ask me where??

Watch Out...The Most Expensive Covered Parking Area in Western Visayas is about to be finished..ask me where??

Alam ko na yan: Underneath the Infante Flyover hehehehe

I don't see anything wrong in making it a parking area just as long as it's not a place of drug addicts, highwaymen, rapists, etc

Sa mga kasimanwa naton nga nagaselebrar subong!

Malipayong Piesta
sa
Banwa sang Miag-ao
:banana::banana:

i'm beginning to think of these flyovers as eyesores even more, and the costs too baffles my mind, we could have constructed alot of roads with that instead. pero national gov't project beh mo, hayy!!

^^ I don't see Iloilo's traffic as worse as those of my other hometown Cavite but still, we proceeded with flyovers. Why don't we implement something in traffic management like rerouting and traffic reduction schemes in some areas or making new arterial roads and widening the existing?

^^ It's only a matter of creativity to give those bridges a little life. Somehow adding plants, lights and matching colors will make it look nice.

Same also the 2nd flyover nga gina propose infront SM City.:ohno: :ohno:
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oh...they've already set up the markers for the founation of the flyover. I'm really interested how it will turn out considering that an overpass is just nearby.

^^ Tani naman indi nila himuon nga parking lot and mini-ukayukayan ukon condominium sang mga Ati dira ha. We quite lack of aesthetic values when it comes to public spaces such as islands and plazas.

@Chy, notice that the flyover in Infante has a short bridge-span but have a quite steep gradient? (Engineers, please correct me if im wrong? My dad will kill me with this! :runaway: :lol: )

oh...they've already set up the markers for the founation of the flyover. I'm really interested how it will turn out considering that an overpass is just nearby.

The entrance of the flyover might start just after the bottom of the overpass.

^^ that's what I was thinking, daw ka delicado man na ... the vertical clearance of the overpass might be too short

^^basi may mag jump from the overpass to the flyover....yikes!

^^ that's what I was thinking, daw ka delicado man na ... the vertical clearance of the overpass might be too short

It's good a good clearance, from the way I see it. We'll know it in the future. How come the last parts of the Infante Flyover are still unfinished? Can it really open before October? Hope they start on the road widening soon.

It's good a good clearance, from the way I see it. We'll know it in the future. How come the last parts of the Infante Flyover are still unfinished? Can it really open before October? Hope they start on the road widening soon.

Yup, almost 90% naman natapos sa approach. Update for SM renovation, SM City and Sm delgado: the renovation will be finished before december, just in time for the holiday.

Are there plans to expand SM City? It's virtually fully occupied..

New building in smallville

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Flyover update

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Carpenter's bridge ... approx 33% complete (personal assessment lang ha)

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^^ You're great in taking pics.

I mentioned sometime ago the carpenter's bridge was almost done. I guess I was wrong.

^^ Wow! Quite drenched though. :D But at least thats a good sign though.

^^ You're great in taking pics.

I mentioned sometime ago the carpenter's bridge was almost done. I guess I was wrong.
thanks :D

I said that because the segment at the center (the one crossing the bridge) has not been laid out yet. the two end segments though are almost done...

^^ I just wonder what it looks right now at Barangays Anilao & Pagsanga-an in Pavia and Tacas, Jaro?

Southville is for the rich? I mean, it's a high-end subdivision right? Who are the prominent people living there?

New building in smallville

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Flyover update

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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1326/1417119991_3838652163.jpg

Carpenter's bridge ... approx 33% complete (personal assessment lang ha)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1373/1418003136_05ecf32a2e.jpg

kawawang oble! matatabunan na ang kanyang naked glory when viewed from the opposite side of the road!lolz at least,we can take photos from above using the flyover!:) thanks for the pix @chymera! it's nice to know we are now 1/3 finished on the carpenter's bridge construction!

^^ Well, we we can still see the live Obles running naked during December 16 in the streets surrounding UP Campus. :D

^^ Well, we we can still see the live Obles running naked during December 16 in the streets surrounding UP Campus. :D

Berns san o ka puli Iloilo?

thanks for beautiful pictures, Collin and Chymera. The flyover looks fine to me. The best thing I've seen here is the Carpenter's Bridge. It really looks nice.

Iloilo disaster council holds management forum

THE Iloilo Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) held a disaster management forum to update its members and their constituents on disaster preparedness trends.

OIC governor and provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada said the forum was a timely intervention and a right perspective since, for the last six years, the province has not utilized its five percent calamity fund.

Mejorada said the province has not experienced calamity of widespread adverse effects that necessitated the use of the funds.

However, Mejorada added that the disaster-free years in the province are not a guarantee that the province will always be free of calamities, hence, the need for preparedness must be a continuing attitude and a learning process.

He also said the geohazard map of Iloilo reveals certain vulnerable areas, besides the fact that Iloilo is no stranger to floods, earthquakes, landslides, and other natural and man-made disasters.

Deputized provincial disaster coordinating officer Jerry Bionat said Western Visayas has its own potential sources of hazards, some of which are the Kanlaon volcano in Negros and the fault lines that run along San Joaguin to Nabas, Aklan, called the Western Panay Fault lines, also affecting the mountain areas in Alimodian.

With this knowledge, Bionat said the provincial government has been undertaking efforts that lives, property and livelihood are not badly destroyed.

Participants in the Disaster Management Forum were particularly concerned on how their Local Government Units (LGUs) could rightly avail of the calamity funds, how these can be disbursed and in what circumstances can the LGUs declare their communities as calamity areas.

Bionat said the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council in each town, chaired by the Mayor, should strengthen its structure and function as effectively as it can so that disaster management becomes a way of life by the people.

The forum, held in the wake of flashfloods and heavy rains in Iloilo, was attended by more or less 100 people, including members of volunteer rescue groups.(PIA 6/ESS)

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT CONTRACTORS ASKED TO PUT UP SAFETY SIGNBOARDS

SAFETY is the best policy.

Iloilo City Flood Control Project manager for component II Ito Keigo told project contractors to put up necessary signboards to warn people against the possible dangers of approaching the vicinity of the floodway construction along Bgy. Buhang in Jaro.

Keigo also asked the people during the launching of the Flood Control Wall News in the barangay, not to steal or destroy the signages as it is for their safety, meantime that the constructions have stopped because of the onset of heavy intermittent rains.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had also warned the residents not to go near the excavated portions as these are very dangerous when flooded.

In the forum that followed the launching of the Wall News, Mr. Keigo echoed what Bgy. Captain Fernando Junsan said that the wall news is a sign of open communication and regular exchange of ideas among the residents.

The local officials also told the people to defend themselves against illnesses that are common during the rainy season and which can be brought about by the excavations made for the floodway.

The Flood Control Wall News is the third to be launched by the project affected barangays, through the efforts of the Information Management Group composed of the DPWH, the Philippine Information Agency, DENR, and the LGUs concerned.

The Iloilo Flood Control Project is among the major Infrastructure thrusts of the Arroyo administration with the DPWH as lead implementor, together with the CTI Engineering International Co., LTD., in association with Woodfields Consultants, Inc. and the Pertconsult International.(PIA 6/ESS)

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

Iloilo River wharf up for sale
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

THE operations of Iloilo River Wharf (IRW) will be sold to a private company by end of September, said Fernando Salem, general manager of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Iloilo.

Salem disclosed PPA has created a special takeover unit that prepared and scheduled the national bidding held in Cebu City last Sept. 17.

“There was takeover of services (by PPA) if there’s a small problem but it won’t stay longer. We have proposed to streamline the operations—if okay, we give it back to the private sector,” Salem explained in an interview over RMN 774 Iloilo.

“When the Iloilo River Wharf was left, the PPA took over to continue the services. It seems that the operations were doing well,” he added.

The PPA took over the IRW which stretches from the Lopez-Quirino Bridge near the Iloilo Provincial Capitol up to the Parola area in 2002.

Meanwhile, Salem said four out of seven bidders including Iloilo Integrated Arrastre Services Corp. (Iliasco), Makati-based Prudential Customs Brokerage and Services Inc., Iloilo-based Consolidated Port Management Inc. and Davao-based Pilipinas Port Services Inc. joined the bidding Monday.

He said three other firms were not able to make it to the deadline even as they had informed that their bids were not done in due time.

However, the bidding was not immediately completed as one of the bidders had incomplete requirements.

“One bidder lacked the second envelope which contains the technical proposal,” said Salem.

The first envelope includes the bidder’s eligibility and the third envelope the financial proposal.

“Although the government procurement act’s guidelines provide a three-day motion for reconsideration. We have to evaluate it for the decision of the bids and awards committee,” Salem clarified.

He added they have to deliberate on it within the week or the least by Monday next week.

Salem said the results of the bidding will be known not later than end of September.

It was not immediately clear how much the Iloilo River Wharf worth pending the results of the sale.

But at least seven business groups based in the city earlier urged that the operations of IRW remain under government control through the PPA.

These business associations, after a consultation among their executives, came up with a consolidated stand pushing to allow the PPA-led IRW operates continuously amid the privatization proposal of the port facilities and services.

The groups through their respective presidents are Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. (FCCCI-Iloilo)’s Felipe Uygongco, Iloilo Shipping Operators and Allied Service, Inc.’s Cesar Ting; Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Panay, Inc. (FCCC-Panay)’s Henry Chusuey, Iloilo Multi-Sectoral Business Association’s Fanny Uy, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo, Inc.’s Angel de Leon; Ilonggo Producers’ Association’s Valerie Maravilla and Iloilo Business Club, Inc. (IBC) Antonio S. Jon.

The Ilonggo businessmen and ship-owners and operators sent a letter dated August 28 to Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) secretary Leandro Mendoza to request that its attached agency, PPA, “should continue managing the Iloilo port.”

In the said letter furnished to The Daily Guardian, the Iloilo traders highlighted the favorable business atmosphere being undertaken under the PPA-controlled IRW.

Reports claimed that the proposed privatization of IRW will go under the hands of an “influential family,” thus it is feared that common interests to promote the port industry will be at stake because of the “monopoly.”

“For the last two years that the PPA has been operating the Iloilo port, the climate has become more business-friendly and professionalized. Port policies became transparent and service charges were more consistent and predictable,” the businessmen stressed.

Likewise, the business community attributed the development to the presence of police force in the area to secure the industry from criminalities particularly extortion rackets.

“The law and order prevailed and doing business became smooth and efficient. The cost of doing business in Iloilo drastically went down,” the traders pointed out.

According to the business sector, the PPA-run IRW has also been attracting prospect shippers to come in.

“More vessels came to dock at the Iloilo port and many businessmen from other areas started to seriously consider investing, as they did invest, because the port has become a plus-factor in doing business here,” they affirmed.

The business leaders asserted that a government-supervised port system should be retained while it creates a “smooth-sailing” trade in Iloilo.

“We thought that this was the kind of operation that ought to characterize the government’s commitment to efficiency and hood government—and the kudos for running such an exemplary service really goes to the concerned administration,” the top business executives wrote Mendoza.

However, the prime movers in the industry “were surprised that while PPA is doing so well” there is a move to privatize the management of the wharf.

“Sadly, this is a matter of ‘trying to fix something that isn’t broken’. We believe this does not give (PPA and DOTC) the credit it deserves for the job that has been well-done during the past two years,” the businesses expressed objection to the plan of giving out the IRW to a private group.

“While transportation is a vital aspect of doing business and with PPA running the port, it has satisfied us customers,” they asserted.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

Consultative assembly cites need for clean up and beautification of plazas
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The issue on the cleanliness of public plazas is not only the concern of priests. The same concern was raised in the recently concluded People's Consultative Assembly.

The cleanliness and beautification of public plazas is one of the eight concerns included in the priority list.

The result of the consultation showed a negative reaction towards the use of the plaza for commercial activities during fiesta celebrations.

The assembly was conducted to harmonize the legislative plan, executive agenda and 10-points agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The same assembly will serve as guide to the City Council in the passage of corresponding ordinances.

The assembly also noted the "dirty cluttered downtown area and the disappearance of sidewalks. Vendors have already occupied the sidewalks."

The problem on city's traffic situation was likewise during the assembly. Among the common observations are the following: The parking areas in narrow streets clog the traffic flow; sidewalks used as parking areas for private vehicles; trisikad plying the city's main streets; no comprehensive transport planning; unmanaged traffic in major roads; undisciplined drivers of public utility vehicles and useless unused skywalks.

Other issues identified are the disturbance caused by the diggings of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD); high dependency of the government in its 20 percent Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA); people smoking in public places are not apprehended, idle lands affects taxation and generation.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/09/20/consultative.assembly.cites.need.for.clean.up.and.beautification.of.plazas.html)

Infra devpt seen as a way to improve Filipinos lives

Infrastructure development and upgrading has been an integral part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's legacy agenda which, according t her is the only way to go to improve the lives of Filipinos.

In the city and province of Iloilo, several infrastructure projects have been implemented and the recent landmark project is the new Iloilo Airport, and soon the first Iloilo City Fly Over which is being constructed at the intersection of Infante and Gen.Luna Streets.

Director Rolando M. Asis said in a PIA interview, that the government's infrastructure projects are always complementary to the growth and development of the country's agriculture, industry, trade, commerce and tourism.

In line with this thrust, President Arroyo convened recently the Cabinet-National Economic and Development authority Board Meeting in Malacanang to fast-track the government's various infrastructure projects which are vital in sustaining the country's economic growth.

The President stressed during the said meeting, the importance of maintaining peace and order which is an important pre-requisite that investors look before deciding to invest.

She also called on Congress to expedite its concurrence to her Amnesty Proclamation which would greatly assist in the government's peace efforts by allowing former rebels and enemies of the state to return to the fold of the law.(T.Villavert/PIA)

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/09/20/infra.devpt.seen.as.a.way.to.improve.filipinos.lives.html)

Iloilo Airport


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^^ Lovely :cheers:

^^ sige space ... kinanlan ko pa bi mag lagaw, la pa ko gawa pics sang new subdivisions.

updated info about Nabitasan development

got this from http://www.certezaland.com/Project.aspx?rpProjectID=9. Prices range from 900,000 to 30M.



Prime Estates

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1365/1421029237_41e2515a44.jpg

Prime Estates, Iloilo is the flagship project of HCBC Land Development, Inc., an Iloilo City-based venture of Ilonggo real estate developers. Covering 30 hectares of prime land now made accessible by the newly-constructed Jalandoni Bridge (beside Residence Hotel), Prime Estates Iloilo provides the best location for a mixed-use residential and commercial subdivision. Located in the Baranggays of Magsaysay and Nabitasan in the La Paz district of Iloilo, Prime Estates Iloilo is wedged between Iloilo City Proper to the South, Mandurriao to the Northwest, Jaro to the Northeast and Molo to the West. No other subdivision in Iloilo can give as much convenience and proximity to the most siginifcant establishments like Prime Estates, Iloilo.

Presently, Prime Estates Iloilo is still under development and the launching date is still to be announced. Sales are expected to commence by mid-July.

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my pics:

near Jalandoni bridge
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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1232/1249459750_4441fba18b.jpg

rhotunda
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1335/1249460378_e9d8c6dab2.jpg

panorama

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^^ Why is a private company developing and selling these lands? I thought they were owned by the government.

Southville is for the rich? I mean, it's a high-end subdivision right? Who are the prominent people living there?

I would say for the rich because house and lots cost around 9M up. However, if I had 9M, I would build and design my own house and prop it up on a sprawling lot. The houses in Southville look similar to one another and the lots are very small. Quite overpriced I think.

Berns san o ka puli Iloilo?

Megs, October 10 na ko ya mapuli sa Iloilo pero balik ko Cebu for deliberations sa October 16 then 3 days later, puli na for good.

Sa diin ka haw? Waay ka man gareply sa text ko. :D

^^ Why is a private company developing and selling these lands? I thought they were owned by the government.


^^ That's what I thought. If they'll be constructing a village in the middle of the city, it will be pressured to go commercial instead of residential.


@IRW Privatization. Hopefully we do not scare away investors in the wharf area. Anyway, unlike before, Iloilo's entrepreneurs has 2 options...one is to retain their operations in Muelle Loney and number 2, move their operations near Loboc (Iloilo International Port).

^^ That's what I thought. If they'll be constructing a village in the middle of the city, it will be pressured to go commercial instead of residential.

I thought the government spent for the reclamation. I haven't read of any public bidding on these lands.


@IRW Privatization. Hopefully we do not scare away investors in the wharf area. Anyway, unlike before, Iloilo's entrepreneurs has 2 options...one is to retain their operations in Muelle Loney and number 2, move their operations near Loboc (Iloilo International Port).

What's wrong with the PPA managing the wharf? The private sector already praised the administration of the wharf and endorsed the PPA..

I thought the government spent for the reclamation. I haven't read of any public bidding on these lands.
I found it quite interesting too that the private venture is so closely knit to the Jalandoni bridge and related components project.

The reclamation to be done by the gov't is only the riverside park, I think.

@Rex.
Thats the question. Why are they feeling the urge of giving away Muelle while they have been praised by the businessmen of the city? Basi may kamot nga indi makit-an sa likud sang desisyon? Its just a speculation though but I hope that PPA would reconsider their decision.

This port has been the lifeblood of Iloilo since time immemorial, her cause of rise and fall.

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/4003/imgp0805copysf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
La Paz

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2852/imgp1619copykx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Arroyo fountain, still working

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Philippine Tuberculosis Society Bldg.

How many lanes will the carpenter's bridge have? Is that how it's gonna be called?

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[URL="http://imageshack.us"]http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/3379/imgp1629copyqv7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Philippine Tuberculosis Society Bldg.

^^ Maaraw yata! :D Anyway, this was almost derelict and I would like to extend thanks to those who didn't demolished it and instead renovated it. I think this is one of Iloilo City's forgotten heritage buildings. Let me confirm it.


How many lanes will the carpenter's bridge have? Is that how it's gonna be called?

Taytay sang Panday, wahehehehehe!!! It will still be Carpenter's Bridge although from what I've heard, it will remain 2 lanes.

^^ 2 lanes na naman! What's with these project proponents that they always stick to 2-lane bridges. 10 years from now, that bridge will be a traffic bottleneck.

Kanami sang PTS! Kudos to those who decided to restore it. I remember when I was still in college, that building is an eyesore... dilapidated and looked abandoned. But look at it now! I just hope that its interior was also refurbished...

^^ But at least the good news is that the Leganes-Zarraga Bridge is a 4 laner already. (Tani ang Balantang Bridge sa border sang Leganes-Iloilo City mapalapad man kay very narrow kag mari-it!) Hopefully in Pavia and some parts of the city as well.

How many lanes will the carpenter's bridge have? Is that how it's gonna be called?

Official name is "Carpenter Bridge" (note: no 's), named after somebody named Carpenter and not after some carpenter. :D

^^ But at least the good news is that the Leganes-Zarraga Bridge is a 4 laner already. (Tani ang Balantang Bridge sa border sang Leganes-Iloilo City mapalapad man kay very narrow kag mari-it!) Hopefully in Pavia and some parts of the city as well.

I think that bridge is in Buntatala and not in Balantang. ;)

^^ 2 lanes na naman! What's with these project proponents that they always stick to 2-lane bridges. 10 years from now, that bridge will be a traffic bottleneck.

Kanami sang PTS! Kudos to those who decided to restore it. I remember when I was still in college, that building is an eyesore... dilapidated and looked abandoned. But look at it now! I just hope that its interior was also refurbished...

The plans are if the old bridge is done, which is a 2 laner, the old one will be demolished and a new one will be built in its place. So it's actually a four-lane bridge. I hope what they say is true.

Prices for the land in Prime Estates is Php10,000 per square METER. :lol:

ANyway, if you want to earn a lot, invest a lot. I think this area will be quite useful to businessmen someday

Megs, October 10 na ko ya mapuli sa Iloilo pero balik ko Cebu for deliberations sa October 16 then 3 days later, puli na for good.

Sa diin ka haw? Waay ka man gareply sa text ko. :D



^^ That's what I thought. If they'll be constructing a village in the middle of the city, it will be pressured to go commercial instead of residential.


@IRW Privatization. Hopefully we do not scare away investors in the wharf area. Anyway, unlike before, Iloilo's entrepreneurs has 2 options...one is to retain their operations in Muelle Loney and number 2, move their operations near Loboc (Iloilo International Port).
:lol:

Regarding the Iloilo Wharf...maybe they can put up a yacht club.

Is the Iloilo International Port a Container Port like that in Cebu and CDO?

Official name is "Carpenter Bridge" (note: no 's), named after somebody named Carpenter and not after some carpenter. :D



I think that bridge is in Buntatala and not in Balantang. ;)

Yes, Buntatala. Nevertheless, a new bridge will soon rise near Balantang. An IFCP component.

Prices for the land in Prime Estates is Php10,000 per square METER. :lol:

ANyway, if you want to earn a lot, invest a lot. I think this area will be quite useful to businessmen someday

The total value of their lots so far is P 1,111,750,100.00. I computed it from the forms available in their site. The most expensive single piece of lot is 30M+.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1365/1421029237_41e2515a44.jpg


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/1421025659_124933319e.jpg

I smell something fishy here.

Who will develop the main roads? Is it the government?

If yes, why are the alignments of the main roads laid out so as to suit the boundary lines of a private property?

Isn't it that the alignment of the road along the river is also the route of the proposed feeder road?

^^ Boom! Is there really an IT park going to built in that area? THe agent said it's supposed to be for residential/commercial use only.

I loved to know about this IT Park the provincial government is gearing at present. Thanks.

Prices for the land in Prime Estates is Php10,000 per square METER. :lol:

ANyway, if you want to earn a lot, invest a lot. I think this area will be quite useful to businessmen someday
not bad for commercial area. The lot price sa Diversion daw nagmahal na from 20-20K per sq meter. Diversion area is becoming a high price land in the city. But mind you, area within the capitol and TTK is the most expensive lot in the city. Just ask the price .... a whooping __________K. Oh bless !


Btw, are they renovating the Philippine Tuberculosis Society Hospital now? Good for the whole region 6, just in case. Anotehr highly-specialised center in Visayas region, just in case.

^^ Yep, I think they started the renovation a long time ago already. It's finished by now. Just clarify...I haven't passed that road in a long time.

30-day traffic experiment up
By Maricar M. Calubiran

A 30-day traffic experimentation will soon be effected in routes traversed by public utility jeepneys under the then Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC). Antique bound vehicles which pass the territorial jurisdiction of the city are also included in the experimentation.

The implementation of the 30-day traffic experimentation came after the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved an ordinance suspending provision that governs the MIDC and Antique bound routes. With the suspension of the provision of the PBO, comes the authority for the chief executive to effect traffic experimentation.

The ordinance which calls for suspension of the traffic provision and the granting of the authority to the chief executive was sponsored by Councilor Erwin Plagata, chair of the committee on transportation, communication and public utilities of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Plagata said the proposal to suspend the provision of the traffic ordinance that concerns MIDC and Antique bound vehicles was an urgent request from the mayor before the city council. The execution of the traffic experimentation is in preparation for the opening of the Infante vehicular fly-over. "It is a transitory period."

The authority will give the chief executive to effect changes in routes that pass by Gen. Luna Street. Among the MIDC jeepney routes that traverse Gen. Luna are Oton, Sta. Barbara and Leganes. These routes were allowed to enter the city's main thoroughfares. "Their routes will be shortened," said Plagata.

San Miguel bound vehicles being part of the MIDC routes and Antique bound vehicles presently are occupying a terminal in Barangay San Pedro, Molo are also included in the up coming traffic experimentation.

The traffic experimentation will also address the traffic build up everyday along General Luna Street. People from Molo, Arevalo and Mandurriao have to experience traffic jams for more or less two hours, said Plagata.

Earlier, the Department of Public Works and Highways projected that the vehicular fly-over will be operational by either end of September or early part of October. However, as of this date, the construction of the approaches of the vehicular fly-over has yet to start. It is the city government that has the responsibility to allocate funds for the construction of the two approaches.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/09/21/30.day.traffic.experiment.up.html)

^^ I like Plagata. He's a fearless leader. He's different from other Trapos. He does his job and does not care of the popularity

I agree, Kid.

Here's a photo of the floodway construction - taken last June 4. Credits to my brother:)
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2361/img1216ak7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Gran Plains Subd w/ the sprawling Toyota complex on the right.
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/959/img1215zb5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Official name is "Carpenter Bridge" (note: no 's), named after somebody named Carpenter and not after some carpenter. :D



I think that bridge is in Buntatala and not in Balantang. ;)

Wokies, thanks for the correction. Pirmi ko gasala sa Balantang kag Buntatala.

Looks like daw gasala-sala ko sa tanan nga ginahambal ko di....my sincerest apologies if I'm giving the wrong information to everyone. I might not be credible because of my numerous mistakes that I have here on SSC. I'm very embarassed kay daw pirmi ni nagatabo sa akon diri.

Again, I sincerely apologize for corrupting the language and names of our places, tainting the name of Iloilo with wrong information...

I'm going to lie-low for now. Nahuya na gid ako sa inyo tanan.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/1421025659_124933319e.jpg
^^there is no space for parking,traffic guid na diri nga area especially the road from the jalandoni bridge going to diversion road. dapat 4 lane na dira nga road (river area).

So there's gonna be a bridge from Nabitasan to SM? There are threefour lane roads, one beside the river, another going to Gaisano and the other going thru the rotunda. Ugly, Just Ugly! It just adds to the traffic. :ohno:

Benjo Ang Pagsalakay (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ng5iMon-wjY)

:banana: :banana: :banana: :lol: :lol: :lol:

So there's gonna be a bridge from Nabitasan to SM? There are threefour lane roads, one beside the river, another going to Gaisano and the other going thru the rotunda. Ugly, Just Ugly! It just adds to the traffic. :ohno:
why ugly? Is it because it's not concreted yet? Ot the layout is just ugly?
Seems like we'll be having more access roads in the city right now.

Coal may be our only hope for reliable and cheap power
By: Wenceslao Mateo

Demand is a more assuring factor than supply for the growth of a place. This may be stimulated by improved income of the residents (like increase in pay, finding higher paying jobs abroad, or additional employment for members of the family), more government spending in the place, and investments to address growth needs like power supply for Iloilo City.

But new business or expansion of business, like putting up facilities to generate additional electricity, has also needs that have to be met, otherwise it could not be realized.

And these requirements should better be reliable and cost effective to make business profitable enough.

Reliable, in the sense that the power supply can be provided steadily and increasingly as increased demands also require throughout the year and in the many more years to come. And cost effective in that the power bills are low enough to keep costs also low to enhance profit building without unwarrantedly burdening the public.

To add, which is the concern of the public, the generation of this additional power supply must also be environment friendly.

There are several options along these concerns, basically divided into renewable sources like hydropower, wind, and solar, among others, and those that are exhaustible like fossil oil, geothermal power, and coal.

The choice, as we suggested above, is for that power source that meets the requirements of lower electricity rate, reliable and cost effective supply, and one that is environment friendly.

It seems that for Iloilo City, wind power, with a velocity of at least 8 meters per second, is not available; putting it up is also very expensive. Hydropower cannot also be reliable throughout the year, with the season divided equally into wet and hot, when rivers could even dry up. Solar power, itself, is not applicable in large areas like the city. To produce the large base load, it has to use hundreds of hectares where the solar panels may be put up.

What remains are fossil fuel, geothermal and coal. Panay Power Corporation, generator of electricity for distributor Panay Electric Company, is already using bunker fuel as fuel, to which the residents around PPC facilities in Ingore, Lapaz are so used. The residents of Iloilo City are also familiar with other fossil fuel byproducts like gasoline and diesel fuel, which emit carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from cars and factories usisng them. Its cost, however, continues to be high.

We may only get geothermal power now from Leyte, which may only give us its excess production as its priority is Luzon and nearby provinces in Central and Eastern Visayas, thus not reliable for us.

It seems coal alone is our last option. It is cheap, which can reduce, it is said, electricity costs by at least 30% of present billings. Its supply, even just in the country, has also been determined to still last for hundreds of years.
If there is any problem with it, it is only in its possible emissions of dangerous greenhouses gases, like mercury and arsenic and carbon dioxide.

Let then the scientists show that it is as safe here as in Pagbilao, Toledo, Pangasinan and elsewhere in the country, and I would be one of those who will recommend it.

I think, our scientists can do that, just like in these other places with coal-fired power plants.

source: The ILOILO Daily Informer (http://dailyinformer.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=60&Itemid=93)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/1421025659_124933319e.jpg
^^there is no space for parking,traffic guid na diri nga area especially the road from the jalandoni bridge going to diversion road. dapat 4 lane na dira nga road (river area).

The building code dictates the required parking space. I think the lot owners will have the responsibility to allocate parking space from their lots.

Take note the bridge is only 2 lanes. I hope the drawing is not to scale:ohno:

why ugly? Is it because it's not concreted yet? Ot the layout is just ugly?
Seems like we'll be having more access roads in the city right now.

Because the roads are too small and the place is too congested. :)

The Prime Estates Development in LaPaz is a big welcome development for all of the Ilongos. How I wish commercial buildings will line the streets beautifully. As suggested by Daks in other thread, it'll be like a Calle Real in the making.

I wish they'd convert Calle Real into a no-car / mini-car area where cobble stone streets would be crowded by tourists. It would look like that in Rome or in Spain. Also, conserve the old buildings instead of putting up more useless overpasses and waiting sheds.

The building code dictates the required parking space. I think the lot owners will have the responsibility to allocate parking space from their lots.

Take note the bridge is only 2 lanes. I hope the drawing is not to scale:ohno:

^^ it'll be a traffic mess there in the making, its not going to be a quiet neighborhood with all the cars,trucks,jeeps,etc, passing along these new roads inside these "estates" ,puro money making wala man lang consideration sa space/parking sang lugar. :ohno:

30-day traffic experiment up

By Maricar M. Calubiran

A 30-day traffic experimentation will soon be effected in routes traversed by public utility jeepneys under the then Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC). Antique bound vehicles which pass the territorial jurisdiction of the city are also included in the experimentation.

The implementation of the 30-day traffic experimentation came after the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved an ordinance suspending provision that governs the MIDC and Antique bound routes. With the suspension of the provision of the PBO, comes the authority for the chief executive to effect traffic experimentation.

The ordinance which calls for suspension of the traffic provision and the granting of the authority to the chief executive was sponsored by Councilor Erwin Plagata, chair of the committee on transportation, communication and public utilities of the Sangguniang Panlungsod....

cont'd: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/09/21/30.day.traffic.experiment.up.html

its quantity over quality again...

^^ it'll be a traffic mess there in the making, its not going to be a quiet neighborhood with all the cars,trucks,jeeps,etc, passing along these new roads inside these "estates" puro money making wala man lang consideration sa space/parking sang lugar. :ohno:

I wish they'd convert Calle Real into a no-car / mini-car area where cobble stone streets would be crowded by tourists. It would look like that in Rome or in Spain. Also, conserve the old buildings instead of putting up more useless overpasses and waiting sheds.

haha! everybody thought of that but Iloilo city doesn't have a lot ofroads as substitute for J.M. Basa st. If we'll close the vehicular traffic in calle real, then traffic will jam up in the other corners of the city. Preserving calle real is easier said than done... One big problem is that one building is owned by.. many people and its hard to find all of them and it will also coast alot of money.

Amigo Mall first IT building in Iloilo
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

THE Amigo Mall on corner Iznart-Delgado streets has become the first IT (Information Technology) building in Iloilo City.

It is one of the pioneers in being an IT building duly registered with Peza (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) after it had signed a registration agreement.

As of middle of 2006, there was no IT center in Iloilo and Amigo Mall became one of the only three buildings to date to be awarded the registration as an IT building/operator in the city.

As an IT operator, IT locators such as call centers and other business process outsourcing (BPO) companies can carry on their operations in Amigo Mall with special tax incentives – a tax holiday being one of them.

Being registered with Peza, the mall is required to operate and maintain common facilities even after all the available spaces have been leased out.

In addition to the facilities and utilities required of a commercial building, the mall will provide special structures such as clean and uninterrupted power supply, building maintenance systems and high speed telecommunication backbone.

Call centers and other IT locators are invited to operate at Amigo Mall.

Amigo Mall’s transformation into an IT building is in conjunction with the renovation plan to create a fresh, newer look and provide better amenities to its tenants.

Preferred among investors, a Peza-accredited IT park or building is a major come-on for call center firms to invest in the metropolis.

Peza promotes the establishment of world class, environment-friendly economic zones (eco-zones) all over the country to respond to demands for ready-to-occupy locations for foreign investments.

Likewise, Peza offers business-ready locations and grants fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to foreign investors including developers of economic zones, export producers and IT service providers in IT parks or buildings.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

PRIVATIZATION?
Business groups questioning sale of Iloilo wharf to meet and discuss issue
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

AT LEAST seven major business groups in Iloilo City have been questioning the privatization of the Iloilo River Wharf (IRW) which stretches from the Lopez-Quirino Bridge near the Provincial Capitol up to Parola area.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Iloilo general manager Francisco Salem revealed last week that the operations of IRW will be sold to a private company by end of September.

Salem disclosed the PPA has created a special takeover unit that prepared and scheduled the national bidding held in Cebu City last Sept. 17.

When sought for comment about the business sector’s stand on the Iloilo Port’s takeover by a private firm, Iloilo Business Club Inc. (IBC) executive director Ma. Lea Victoria Lara declined to respond on the “sensitive issue”.

“We still have to meet and discuss about it as to the merits and implications of the Iloilo River Wharf privatization,” Lara told reporters.

The privatization of IRW has pushed through a year after such plan came out.

Big business groups based in the metropolis have urged in a position letter dated August 28, 2006 that the operations of IRW should remain under government control through PPA.

Lara said they have maintained the same stand pending their next meeting to tackle the IRW issue.

The business associations, after a consultation among their executives, came up with a consolidated stand pushing for the continued PPA-led operation of the wharf.

The groups, led by their respective presidents, are Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo, Inc. (FCCCI-Iloilo)’s Felipe Uygongco, Iloilo Shipping Operators and Allied Service, Inc.’s Cesar Ting; Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Panay, Inc. (FCCC-Panay)’s Henry Chusuey, Iloilo Multi-Sectoral Business Association’s Fanny Uy, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Iloilo, Inc.’s Angel de Leon; Ilonggo Producers’ Association’s Valerie Maravilla and Iloilo Business Club, Inc. (IBC) Antonio S. Jon.

The Ilonggo businessmen and ship-owners and operators sent their position letter to Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) secretary Leandro Mendoza to request that its attached agency, PPA, “should continue managing the Iloilo Port.”

In an earlier interview, Mayor Jerry Treñas said local business leaders were informed of the IRW privatization after their meeting with Mendoza here.

The businessmen were asked to submit their position papers after they were made to understand the situation, the mayor explained.

In the said letter furnished to The Daily Guardian, the Iloilo traders highlighted the favorable business atmosphere being undertaken under the PPA-controlled IRW.

Reportedly, the wharf operations would be handled by an “influential family”.

The businessmen stressed that the business climate had become more business-friendly and professionalized while port policies became transparent under the PPA management.

They attributed the development to the presence of police force in the area to secure the industry from criminalities particularly extortion rackets.

“The law and order prevailed and doing business became smooth and efficient. The cost of doing business in Iloilo drastically went down,” the traders pointed out, adding that more vessels came to dock at the Iloilo port and more businessmen invested here.

‘Port City’

Iloilo has been known as “Port City”, according to website philippine business.com.ph.

“The first advantage which Iloilo can offer investors is its strategic location as a port city. Iloilo lies in the central part of the Philippines, making it easy for the shipment of goods and products to destinations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” the website stressed in its link “Geographics.”

“Iloilo is also near the major sealane which connects Singapore, Hongkong and Australia, or the so-called East-West corridor in the South China Sea – this gives producers better access to their markets abroad,” it added.

The report said the existence of adequate infrastructures which are vital to industrial growth is another advantage – port facilities in Iloilo are excellent.

“The winding Iloilo River itself can accommodate both big and small cargo vessels.

The harbor is protected by the island of Guimaras, making it a safe haven for seacraft even in the worst of storms.”

PPA-run port better off

The Ilonggo business leaders asserted that a government-supervised port system should be retained while it creates a “smooth-sailing” trade in Iloilo.

“We thought that this was the kind of operation that ought to characterize the government’s commitment to efficiency and hood government—and the kudos for running such an exemplary service really goes to the concerned administration,” the top business executives wrote Mendoza.

However, the prime movers in the industry “were surprised that while PPA is doing so well” yet the move to privatize the management of the wharf.

Why fix if it’s not broken?

“Sadly, this is a matter of ‘trying to fix something that isn’t broken’. We believe this does not give (PPA and DOTC) the credit it deserves for the job that has been well-done during the past years,” the businesses expressed objection on giving out the IRW to a private group.

“While transportation is a vital aspect of doing business and with PPA running the port, it has satisfied us customers,” they asserted.

Why the IRW takeover?

“There was takeover of services (by PPA) if there’s a small problem but it won’t stay longer. We have proposed to streamline the operations—if okay, we give it back to the private sector,” Salem explained over RMN 774 Iloilo.

“When the Iloilo River Wharf was left, the PPA took over to continue the services. It seems that the operations were doing well,” he added.

The PPA took over the IRW in 2002.

The bidding

Salem said four out of seven bidders including Iloilo Integrated Arrastre Services Corp. (Iliasco), Makati-based Prudential Customs Brokerage and Services Inc., Iloilo-based Consolidated Port Management Inc. and Davao-based Pilipinas Port Services Inc. joined the bidding Monday last week.

He said three other firms were not able to make it to the deadline even as they had informed that their bids were not done in due time.

Though, the bidding was not immediately completed as one of the bidders had incomplete requirements.

“One bidder lacked the second envelope which contains the technical proposal,” said Salem.

The first envelope includes the bidder’s eligibility and the third envelope the financial proposal.

“Although the government procurement act’s guidelines provide a three-day motion for reconsideration. We have to evaluate it for the decision of the bids and awards committee,” Salem clarified.

He added they have to deliberate on it by today at the least.

Salem said the results of the bidding will be known not later than end of September.

It was not immediately clear how much the IRW is worth pending the results of the sale.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

SM Jaro

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1009/1429115243_b9158b0c97.jpg

SM Delgado Annex and Main Building

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1233/1429114317_98fd6ff232.jpg

Uncle Tom's Restaurant

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1341/1429989256_b5a296c7c7.jpg

Teletech @ SM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1104/1429988876_d8c5a6034d.jpg

Maayong aga Iloilo!
Nakabalita ko kagina sa ABSCBN nga under State of Calamity kuno ang Ciudad?

Maayong aga Iloilo!
Nakabalita ko kagina sa ABSCBN nga under State of Calamity kuno ang Ciudad?


Heard sa internet radio

^^ What happened? Baha again?

Anyway, Van are there news in expanding SM City Iloilo or the Fiesta Strip?

^^ What happened? Baha again?

Anyway, Van are there news in expanding SM City Iloilo or the Fiesta Strip?


There might be...but they we have to rent the remaining areas muna before we continue. But are you for the construction of a flyover in front of SM City?... I think they should place it at El 98-Diversion Road Intersection instead. Mas traffic didto...

Berns, pasensya na ha? busy gid ko subong, especially lapit na opening sng Northwing.... di mo makita?

^^ Its ok Nong Van. Manug-tapos na man gid ang Northwing. :) Thanks!

Maayong aga Iloilo!
Nakabalita ko kagina sa ABSCBN nga under State of Calamity kuno ang Ciudad?

Heard sa internet radio

^^ What happened? Baha again?

Anyway, Van are there news in expanding SM City Iloilo or the Fiesta Strip?

Jaro River is brimming with water but it's not flooding. It's business as usual in the city. Perhaps in other towns.

Jaro River is brimming with water but it's not flooding. It's business as usual in the city. Perhaps in other towns.

Yup... If you've been in the uplands of Iloilo... mahibi kamo...kalbo na gid... the very reason also why Iloilo River is so "brown"... We made a River Study when we are still in the preparation stage of Iloilo Flood Control Project. Some sediments (with minerals and nutrients of soil) from the upland are being thrown towards the mouth of Iloilo river in Nabitasan due to erosion, thus limits the ability of the upland the sustain plants and trees... Iloilo River is part of the watershed comprised by 9 municipalities and Iloilo City. Tabuc Suba, Jaro, which used to be the natural flood plain are now covered by development... and what made the condition worst? These subdivisions are closing the natural flow of water, hence the floodway...Tsk tsk

Yup... If you've been in the uplands of Iloilo... mahibi kamo...kalbo na gid... the very reason also why Iloilo River is so "brown"... We made a River Study when we are still in the preparation stage of Iloilo Flood Control Project. Some sediments (with minerals and nutrients of soil) from the upland are being thrown towards the mouth of Iloilo river in Nabitasan due to erosion, thus limits the ability of the upland the sustain plants and trees... Iloilo River is part of the watershed comprised by 9 municipalities and Iloilo City. Tabuc Suba, Jaro, which used to be the natural flood plain are now covered by development... and what made the condition worst? These subdivisions are closing the natural flow of water, hence the floodway...Tsk tsk

Would you know the effect of the floodway on the water table around it? Many residential areas (including mine) beside the floodway are dependent on ground water. The deep excavation seems to extend beyond the water table and I'm worried the floodway will drain and lower it.

Kaon ta...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/van1975/DSC00412.jpg

^^ Next time, pang-hagad nong Van, wahehehehe!!! :lol:

Anyway, we also have to look on the brighter side. If it wasn't for these floods coming from the rivers of Panay, we wouldn't be one of the leading agricultural economies in the country. We owe much of our culture (the Hinilawod, the genteelity, the lifestyle) & economy because of these great rivers that although may initialy destroy properties and lives, gave fertile soil to Iloilo's vast flatland. :)

ti puno na tenants ang Northwing van?

Berns, pasensya na ha? busy gid ko subong, especially lapit na opening sng Northwing.... di mo makita?

Would you know the effect of the floodway on the water table around it? Many residential areas (including mine) beside the floodway are dependent on ground water. The deep excavation seems to extend beyond the water table and I'm worried the floodway will drain and lower it.

Water table in Iloilo City is very high...don't worry all designs were done and tested in Japan...

ti puno na tenants ang Northwing van?

Puno as in ginkulang pa kami space...

MULTIBILLION INDUSTRY
Metro Iloilo-Guimaras tourism sector fetches P7B
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

Tourists flocking Metro Iloilo and Guimaras contributed some P7 billion to the local economy last year, said Jose Roni Peñalosa, executive director of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).

He said the tourism figures were discussed during a stakeholders’ consultation on the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan for Metro Iloilo-Guimaras (MIG) held in Iloilo City recently.

Peñalosa said Prof. Cherry Lyn Rodolfo, economist of the Asia Pacific Projects, Inc. (APPI), revealed that visitors to Iloilo contribute to the economy of the region in terms of money spent on hotels, food and beverage, shopping and transportation.

The APPI, headed by former tourism secretary Narzalina Lim, has initiated the crafting of MIG’s Tourism Strategy Action Plan which is funded by AusAid (Australia Agency for International Development) under the Local Governance Development Program.

Based on APPI analysis, every visitor spends P2,290 a day for hotel, P1,690 for food; P1,572 – transportation; and P1,532 – shopping.

Other expenses for sight-seeing, hire of tour guides, among others amount to P1,071 a day.

The consulting team further reported that visitors to the region stay an average of three nights, thus spending an average of P15,010 for the entire stay.

Quoting the APPI report, Peñalosa said 546,000 visitors visited Metro Iloilo and Guimaras in 2006, boosting the local economy by P7 billion.

Peñalosa said one of the strategies proposed by APPI is to increase the number of visitors in the next three-six years by upgrading the rich natural and cultural attractions in the region.

“There should be the creation of tourism circuits which will link the attractions together and improvement of connectivity by upgrading access roads to tourist sites,” he pointed out.

Peñalosa said more information on what to see and do in the region will be available to visitors through the tourism website and brochure being developed as part of the project.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) and Iloilo Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association (IHRRA) said they would provide brochure racks to be placed in the front desk of all member hotels so that the guests would have easy access to tourism information.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

Formosa plants have lowest emissions
By Francis Allan L. Angelo

SPOTLESS:Power plants of Formosa Heavy Industries Corp. in Mailiao, Taiwan spew harmless steam, not radioactive emissions as claimed by “environmentalists.” The proposed coal-fired power plant in Iloilo City will use CFB technology which does not emit smoke or steam. (FAA)


COAL-fired power plants operated by a Taiwanese company have one of the lowest emissions in the world.

Feng-In Hong, senior administrator for overseas project of Formosa Heavy Industries Corp. (FHIC), told a group of Iloilo-based journalists that they observe strict emission standards in coal-fired power plants operated by the Taiwanese firm.

FHIC is part of the Formosa Plastics Group which owns the 2,400 megawatts (MW) coal-fired Mailiao plants that began operating in 1999. It currently sells about three-quarters of its output to Taiwan Power Company (Taipower), the state-owned electric power utility.
The plants power FPG’s petrochemical complex in Mailiao.

FHIC will partner with Global Business Power Corp. to put up a 100MW power plant at Brgy. Ingore, LaPaz, Iloilo City. The plant will use the circulating fluidized bed (CFB) to prevent emissions and pollutants from being released in the atmosphere.

Hong said that compared to other nations and Taiwan’s benchmark for gas and particulate emissions, FHIC plants are way below the standards.

Taiwan’s emission standards for nitrous oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx) are 250 parts per million (ppm) and 300 ppm, respectively.

The United States standard emission is pegged at 600ppm for SOx and 285 NOx while Switzerland and Germany require 100ppm for NOx and 140ppm SOx.

Formosa coal-fired plants spew only 60ppm of NOx and 50ppm of SOx.

NOx is a generic term for mono-nitrogen oxides produced during combustion, especially combustion at high temperatures.

NOx and SOx are also emitted by oil-fired power plants.

Hong recalled that one of their coal-fired power plants in Nanya, which powers their plastic factory, was run by diesel.

“The residents complained of the black smoke emitted by the diesel plant. When we shifted to coal, there were no more complaints,” Hong said.

Interestingly, the Nanya plant is located beside a mall.

Hong said they have perfected the circulating fluidized bed (CFB) and the flue gas desulphurization (FGD) technologies to prevent hazardous emissions from escaping into the atmosphere.

FGD only emits steam while CFB technology, which will be used in the proposed Iloilo City coal-fired power plant, does not discharge steam or smoke.

Aside from the CFB and the FGD, FHIC also uses accurate furnace combustion design, selective catalyst reduction, electrostatistic precipitator and closed ash and coal handling system.

Coal used to fuel the plants is stored in domes equipped with conveyor belts that transport coal from cargo ships and to the burner.

FHIC is also developing pressurized Fluidized Bed Combined Cycle and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle for advanced coal-fired technology.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

^^ ^^ more to go for pro-coal ! And more evidence-based cleaner technology for Iloilo !

TUMANDOK: Unity and Oneness for Tourism Promotion
By Bombette G. Marin

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/feat2 http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/feat2

THE Iloilo Provincial Government through the Provincial Tourism Office leads the 3rd TUMANDOK celebration which kicked off September 17 at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo.

Exhibitors from the different towns in the province have converged with the best and brightest minds from our local tourism institutions: Central Philippine University, St. Therese-MTC Colleges, University of San Agustin, West Visayas College of Science and Technology and St. Paul’s University.
Aside from exemplifying the importance of close cooperation and collaboration between local government units and the academe, the event provided an opportunity to devise strategies and take advantage of its potential benefits to chart out a roadmap in knowing our tourism potentials for global competitiveness.

TUMANDOK stresses the need for key-players in the local tourism industry to stand as one and rally behind the provincial leadership to achieve growth and prosperity in the local tourism village.

Indeed, the need to move toward the achievement of a competitive tourism environment requires all of us to get our acts together and synchronize our efforts towards genuine economic development.

Combined with the province’s more aggressive promotions and advertising tie-ups with different media, TUMANDOK, as a promotional tool, aims to increase the awareness and interest level of Ilonggos for tourism by a magnitude higher, the event’s market to grow wider, and attendance bigger.

For three years now, the celebration of TUMANDOK has been an avenue of towns involved in one of the most anticipated local tourism event in Iloilo. Eighteen towns this year merited significant promotions that just might change their local tourism programs and projects.

Established in 2005, the celebration has remained the center of local tourism promotions among the different towns in the province. Every municipal booth has its own story, its character, its charms and lures. Bargain hunters swear cheap buys with the sheer diversity of our local products. Gourmands enjoy its culinary pleasures. Photographers and would-be vacationers know of no other place than Iloilo.

But what else is there to discover in Iloilo? Where would you go to feel good? Where would you take a friend for a first but lasting impression of this province?

TUMANDOK runs from September 17-21, 2007 at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo with cultural performances by the Passi City Performing Arts during the opening; The West Visayas State University-Janiuay Campus Dance Troupe on September 19, 2007 at 4 in the afternoon; and, HABOL ILONGGO Fashion Show featuring the designs of JAKI PEÑALOSA with guest model RIA BOLIVAR on September 21, 2007 at 5 p.m., Robinsons Place fountain area.

TUMANDOK 2007 is in cooperation with Robinsons Place Iloilo, Negros Navigation, Picture City and Mang Inasal.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

Puno as in ginkulang pa kami space...

diin ang Northwing? :)

diin ang Northwing? :)

Sa SM City Cebu na sya migs. :)

Sa SM City Cebu na sya migs. :)

Yup...preparing to fly to Manila...kapoy

Yup...preparing to fly to Manila...kapoy

Yay, apply vacation leave, wahehehehe!!! :D Halong sa byahe migs! :)

Anyway, I don't know but as if like everyday SM City Iloilo is getting smaller and smaller due to the crowd especially during weekends.

I thought those cabanas outside the south entrance of SM were to be somewhat prototypes of Fiesta Strip. But Teletech is still under construction on the top floor I believe.

SM Delgado on the other hand is getting its own crowd. With itself reinvented and establishment of La Terraza, the rest of Valeria-Delgado area also reinvented, by putting up restos in La Salette, etc.

Flyover opening moved to October
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY


ILOILO City – This city’s first ever flyover will be opened next month, not by the end of this month as earlier announced.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Rolando Asis said rains delayed the project’s completion.

“Continuous rains affected DPWH projects … program of works of priority projects in the metropolis slowed down,” said Asis.

Earlier, Mayor Jerry Treñas said the flyover will open to traffic before the end of September. But the original target date was actually end of August.
Asis said the construction of the flyover also got delayed because the DPWH central office is still securing the necessary materials for the structure’s approach.

“The flyover is 90 percent finished. We expect it to open by October 15,” he said.

Aside from the flyover, Asis said the construction of the Carpenter’s Bridge adjoining Molo and Mandurriao districts will be completed next year yet, instead of the original target date (end of 2007).

Asis said the construction of the bridge was stopped because of the heavy rains.

Source: Panay News

^^ 2 things of delay:
1.) Monsoon rains
2.) The bureaucracy

^^delays,nothing new.

Naunahan na sila ni BENJO sa flyover!! basi abtan naman sila another episode ni talibong bag-o na nila tapuson hehehehe

MULTIBILLION INDUSTRY

Metro Iloilo-Guimaras tourism sector fetches P7B

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

Tourists flocking Metro Iloilo and Guimaras contributed some P7 billion to the local economy last year, said Jose Roni Peñalosa, executive director of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).

He said the tourism figures were discussed during a stakeholders’ consultation on the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan for Metro Iloilo-Guimaras (MIG) held in Iloilo City recently.

Peñalosa said Prof. Cherry Lyn Rodolfo, economist of the Asia Pacific Projects, Inc. (APPI), revealed that visitors to Iloilo contribute to the economy of the region in terms of money spent on hotels, food and beverage, shopping and transportation.
The APPI, headed by former tourism secretary Narzalina Lim, has initiated the crafting of MIG’s Tourism Strategy Action Plan which is funded by AusAid (Australia Agency for International Development) under the Local Governance Development Program.

Based on APPI analysis, every visitor spends P2,290 a day for hotel, P1,690 for food; P1,572 – transportation; and P1,532 – shopping.

Other expenses for sight-seeing, hire of tour guides, among others amount to P1,071 a day.

The consulting team further reported that visitors to the region stay an average of three nights, thus spending an average of P15,010 for the entire stay.

Quoting the APPI report, Peñalosa said 546,000 visitors visited Metro Iloilo and Guimaras in 2006, boosting the local economy by P7 billion.

Peñalosa said one of the strategies proposed by APPI is to increase the number of visitors in the next three-six years by upgrading the rich natural and cultural attractions in the region.

“There should be the creation of tourism circuits which will link the attractions together and improvement of connectivity by upgrading access roads to tourist sites,” he pointed out.

Peñalosa said more information on what to see and do in the region will be available to visitors through the tourism website and brochure being developed as part of the project.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) and Iloilo Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association (IHRRA) said they would provide brochure racks to be placed in the front desk of all member hotels so that the guests would have easy access to tourism information.

http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/

i'm just wondering which of the two factors is the greater one in causing the delay of the flyover operation: the moonsoon rains or the bureaucracy?

MULTIBILLION INDUSTRY

Metro Iloilo-Guimaras tourism sector fetches P7B


Bilyon na gali? Hopefuly this continues. Kulang pa ta gawa sa promotion. We promote aggressively and at the same time fix our infrastructures.

i'm just wondering which of the two factors is the greater one in causing the delay of the flyover operation: the moonsoon rains or the bureaucracy?

IMO, both. wahehehehe!!! :D

Reposted from Ivan Henares.


Join us at "Philippine Towns and Cities: Reflections of the Past, Lessons for the Future" on November 9, 2007 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, 101 General Luna Street, Iloilo City.

The main objective of this seminar series is to enhance civic engagement with local governments units so the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) can inform and guide them on the proper care and utilization of a valuable asset — built heritage resources. The first seminar was held last 8 November 2006, at the Development Academy of the Philippines, Pasig City.

In our towns and cities, wanton real estate speculation and over-construction are often mistaken for modernization when in fact these exert devastating pressure on the historic and cultural core of many of our human settlements. As a result, a valuable economic resource – built heritage — is left to deteriorate or is thoughtlessly demolished in the name of progress. Concerted effort is imperative to protect heritage resources because these are revenue and job-generating assets that can spark economic revitalization, as the case of Vigan clearly shows.

However, there is a general lack of awareness at the local government level, which is precisely where policies should be formulated and ordinances passed to declare heritage districts and protect these as the town's or city's prime assets. Built heritage resources should be the core of any master plan for urban development and inner town/city revitalization. Livelihood opportunities are generated by adaptive re-use, the revival of traditional crafts for restoration work and an increase in tourism receipts.

Significantly, communities begin to feel a "pride of place".

The "Philippine Towns and Cities" seminar series is a communications campaign to influence policy makers at the local government level. Through the "Mayors' Forum", best practices are shared. Other stakeholders in the Executive branch, the private sector and the academe are invited to participate because heritage conservation is a multi-disciplinary concern.

In a second seminar, the Heritage Conservation Society will take this awareness and education campaign to the local governments of the Vizayas, where built heritage resources abound in the cities of Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, and many others.

For more information, contact Ms. Dorie Soriano (HCS): 521-2239, 522-2497, info@heritage.org.ph; or Ms. Len Diño (UPF): 895-1812, 896-1902, 890-2480, annalynn.upf@gmail.com.


And Calle Real has been featured in HCS' 2008 Calendar

http://bp2.blogger.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/Rvjk2NpooHI/AAAAAAAABcc/F7r6JTVxwvE/s400/hcscalendar2.jpg
Interested? Just click the link below for details:
http://www.ivanhenares.com/2007/09/hcs-2008-calendar-heritage-recycled.html

^^ May registration fee? :D

Uncle Tom's Restaurant

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1341/1429989256_b5a296c7c7.jpg




Wew Im glad Uncle Toms is back in business... so aside form their Resto in Ledesma St., this one is in Smallvile right?

Wow! I missed those chicken lollipops and great sandwiches! Great hehehe!

Sayang kay nag close sa una ang ila Mary Mart branch...

^^ May registration fee? :D

Sa aton, wala! Wahehehehehe!!!! :D

How's the weather in Iloilo?

@Uncle Toms. Nice strategy putting up business in the Diversion Road area. :okay:

hmm I dont think so... hopefully ma revive tani..

Sa aton, wala! Wahehehehehe!!!! :D

How's the weather in Iloilo?

@Uncle Toms. Nice strategy putting up business in the Diversion Road area. :okay:

Oops, Nov. 9 is a Friday! Well, I guess that's what vacation leaves are for.

Weather this morning was sunny. It rained a bit here in Tigbauan a while ago. Sunny again :)

Nes and Tats is constructing a new building behind Shell Diversion Road. I guess their contract for their present site beside SM City is expiring soon. Then we shall wait what will rise on that large tract of land. A new hotel right?

Naunahan na sila ni BENJO sa flyover!! basi abtan naman sila another episode ni talibong bag-o na nila tapuson hehehehe

ahehehe! daw sa amo gid!

by the way when will the construction of the SM flyover starts? :lol:

Oops, Nov. 9 is a Friday! Well, I guess that's what vacation leaves are for.

Nes and Tats is constructing a new building behind Shell Diversion Road. I guess their contract for their present site beside SM City is expiring soon. Then we shall wait what will rise on that large tract of land. A new hotel right?

hmm amo na ni ang gunahambal na 200 room 5 star hotel nga guna huring-huring sang una?

anybody have updates sa privatization sang pier? tsk tsk daw indi gid ni maayo kung matupa sa _____. tani indi lang.... I just hope what i fear wouldn't happen or else back to square 1.

What i dont understand is this: IF the PPA is doing well why replace?

WTF is wrong here? :bash:

FROM FINLAND TO THE CITY OF LOVE
Zedrick Señeres
PageMaker

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/soc1S26.jpg
Arrival @ New Iloilo Airport

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/soc2S26.jpg
http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/soc10S26.jpg
Topnotch Finland-based Ilonggo medic Gideon Regalado is welcomed by Pretty Ilongga model Charlene

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/soc4S26.jpg
(From left) OPTEAM-Finland’s Eija Wellman, Sini Syvanlemi and Minna-Vanhala-Harmamen

Photos by Albert F. Fajardo

A group of international investors from Finland jetted to Cosmo Iloilo recently for possible local business partnership.

And this soon-to-open international venture of OPTEAM-Finland and FILSCANDIA-Iloilo will open employment opportunities for the Filipino nurses in Finland.

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/soc5S26.jpg
Zenaida Buaron and Joy Querubin proudly wear their “pasalubong”

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/soc7S26.jpg
Sini

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/soc9S26.jpg
Eija Wellman

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/soc8S26.jpg
Mina


Dr. Gideon Regalado

http://thedailyguardian.com/images/stories/soc6S26.jpg
Welcome dinner party @ Hazel Buaron’s Mansion

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/)

^^ ^^ Dr. Gideon Regaldo is CPU's Alumni Association Vice President in Europe and Europe's main man for CPU Global Alumni. Nice to see all Centralians working well. He's a good friend of Wecky. :) Think they've both represented Europe during Global Reunion in Toronto few years ago.

The Belfry, an Iloilo landmark
By Joy Sumagaysay

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/09/25/belfry_tn.jpg The belfry, campanario, or belltower is a given fixture of every Catholic church. It houses the bells, which basically toll the hours, call the people to mass, and announce important events.

During the Spanish times, the belfry also served as watchtower against invaders. Such was the case of the Jaro belfry built around 1744. Made of bricks and limestone blocks, it was a three story tower 29 meters high. On July 17, 1787, the campanario was heavily damaged by a strong earthquake. Reconstruction only began in 1833 under the supervision of an Augustinian friar, Fr. Jesse Alvarez.

Records show that between 1933-1881, another earthquake damaged this belfry. Msgr. Mariano Cuartero, the first bishop of Jaro, had this completely restored in 1881. However, the Jaro belfry suffered its third major destruction on January 25, 1948, when the earthquake named Lady Caycay swept through the entire Panay region.

About a decade ago, the reconstruction of the Jaro Belfry was began under the supervision of the National Historical Institute. It is intended as a viewing deck and tourist center. ( iloveiloilo.wordpress.com)

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/09/25/the.belfry.an.iloilo.landmark.html)

^^ The reconstruction was close but not that thing of a beauty as the old belfry. Tani, gin-tan-aw nila ang itsura kag ginbalik lang nila ang 4 ka estatwa nga yara sa pedestal. Yet, it is still one of Jaro's magnificent icons.

^^
Prof. Sumagaysay said the plans for the reconstruction were actually "ok". The problem was with the contractor who, I infer, did not follow instructions.

^^ Tig-a ulo sang contractor ah! I wish they were strict with their reconstruction with the heritage sites. Right now, you may notice the difference of materials between the upper segments and the original lower segment.

By the way, if only politics in our hometown would change, then it wouldn't affect the businesses in the city and province. I wonder why is it that the Governor and Mayor have a quite sour relationship between them.

Read the news in this link:
http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/09/26/tre%F1as.denies.issuing.negative.statement.vs.%20trompeta.html

The old and newly renovated mansion beside SM Jaro is now occupied by E-Station International. I think it's a Korean company. Good to know Koreans trust Iloilo City to do business.

^^ Do you refer to this house kid?

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Iloilo%20City/ILOILOCITY-AncestralHouse-Unknown5.jpg

A few days after I took this picture in May, there was a billboard on the property's fence stating that an English language "learning center" will be opened there.

^^ Yup. Maybe an English School for Koreans I guess. I heard it costs over Php10,000,000. I guess Koreans really are rich.

hmm amo na ni ang gunahambal na 200 room 5 star hotel nga guna huring-huring sang una?



Hmmmmmm.... mas nami kon ang five star hotel ara sa kilid sang international airport mas damu turista.. may gina proposed sa Silay na five-star hotel with 3,000 seat convention hall malapit sa airport.:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: mayo kay may ara sa Negros kag Iloilo

^^ Yup. Maybe an English School for Koreans I guess. I heard it costs over Php10,000,000. I guess Koreans really are rich.

At least they strengthen the movement of money in the city, thus helping the city move forward.

And these Koreans are certified party-people! :banana:

We're just waiting for these projects to finish up.


@Birdfluu. You don't need to put that on big fonts as we can read it clearly. ;)

^^
I guess we can never see an end to projects being built in the city. It's like wherever you go, it's booming with projects, except Arevalo which is rght now a peaceful residential area but soon an urban catalyst for Iloilo.

Anyway, is there really gonna be a 5-star hotel that's gonna be built? If so, where? If so, who'g gonna build it?

^^He might belittle our city again. :ohno:

I guess we can never see an end to projects being built in the city. It's like wherever you go, it's booming with projects, except Arevalo which is rght now a peaceful residential area but soon an urban catalyst for Iloilo.

Anyway, is there really gonna be a 5-star hotel that's gonna be built? If so, where? If so, who'g gonna build it?

We might not start with a 5-star hotel, amat-amat lang na nga magsulod. It will not just enter all of a sudden. We have to focus more on businesses and putting up oil in the economic gear, and time it will come.

^^ I thought Amigo Hotel is already a 5-star hotel. Correct me if I'm wrong but in one article, they've branded it a 5-star already.

Sayang talaga! We don't even push for tourism but the tourists still come...7 BILLION :wow:
If we could push even more, the numbers would just go higher. Paging Tupas and the rest of the province: Please do more on promoting the rural side of Iloilo. MIG is going strong with it! Yeah!

^^ May away kuno between kay Tupaz kag kay Director Trompeta (DOT-6) regarding sa Convention Center controversy. I don't know if that affects the tourism sector.

Earlier, Mayor Treñas doesn't want to remove the iconic Museo Iloilo somewhere else as the area will be part of the said convention center.

Ngaa indi sa iban nga lugar like sa Magsaysay Village na lang nila ibutang ang convention center sang provincia? Kay daw gaginutok na gani sa Capitol Site.

^^ OO man. With the convention center in Magsaysay, the area will become highly-urban in a matter of a few years.

^^ I believe so. CICC (Cebu) and PICC (Manila) are manifestations of being catalysts for urban growth in the areas. :okay: While the downtown is saturated enough.

^^ Are the plans of Robinson's 16-storey building still alive? Maybe if they did win the bidding, they could've built it there.

^^ I think it hasn't died down yet as Robinson's has been keeping this plan confidential.

^^ Great. What about the Bombo Radyo's 12-storey building?

So far, Medicus plans to build the medical center soon and I'm so excited about the projects going here.

:wave:

im back :lol:

- damo ako backlogs diri.i still have to post some of my remaining airport pics though im sure flooded na gid ang thread naton.
- also have to post some EB pics last september ILOILO-BACOLOD ssc peeps:D
- plus some other pics of iLOILO

- few days ago I chanced upon cablestars show with mr mejorada talking about the proposed convention center of the province. (cant be sure if it was a replay)
- a three storey edifice with around 40 rooms for accomodation.
- yes!the radyo ng bayan building will have to go :banana: :lol:
- but its still in the "debate" stage sa provincial govt with the vice governor heading the NEGATIVE side

^^ Nong Whyte, ipost na ang pix. Mapuli na ko da, ma-EB na ta ni! :okay:

Anyway, I think I saw Rolex on the ZTE Broadband Senate investigation.

From Filipiniana.nethttp://www.filipiniana.net:8080/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_F000000001006.JPG
The Fiasco Ends, the War Begins. Iloilo's Seige in 1900 after the Americans were given a go signal to invade Iloilo. Gen.Martin Delgado refused to surrender so they fought. In order for the Americans to be delayed in their forward front to Iloilo, the Revolucionarios burned downtown Iloilo so the Americans will not use this as their HQ for Panay Invasion. The city had an extensive damage back then.

BERNIE
bitbit ko subong gani ang CD sang mga pics but i have to find another cafe wher i can upload them.wala sila cd drive diri :lol:
airport-golf course-breakthrough-silay-iloilo/bacolod EB pics :D

info mo lang ako regarding EB pagpuli mo

----

yup nakita ko man si vice gov sa hearing daw tupad gid gani sya ni jdv iii
amo ina isa sa ginaputok sang butse ni mr mejorada.naga absent kuno si vice para mag attend sa hearing sang zte without informing what actually is his role. :D

^^ Great. What about the Bombo Radyo's 12-storey building?

So far, Medicus plans to build the medical center soon and I'm so excited about the projects going here.

so they will another HQ aside from its skycity tower?

i cant waiT to see those pics of yours whyte! The proposed Mega Showroom, any news, they started already?

:wave: collin

hopefully i can upload it today :)

It seems to look better now that it's stripped :lol:

:lol:

"i second" that observation :lol:

^^ The reconstruction was close but not that thing of a beauty as the old belfry. Tani, gin-tan-aw nila ang itsura kag ginbalik lang nila ang 4 ka estatwa nga yara sa pedestal. Yet, it is still one of Jaro's magnificent icons.
The 4 muses were "adopted" by the old families in Jaro and is kept in their houses. So if someone were to undertake bringing them back to the corners of the belfry, they'd have to convince those families first.

I also learned that the Parish of Nuestra Senyora de la Candelaria does not "hold" the belfry now. It is already under the City Gov't because they were the ones who undertook the reconstruction.

^^ Is WVSU already starting there construction for their new building near the Sports Complex?

Skal International Iloilo chapter underway

Skal, the only international organization that brings together all sectors of the travel and tourism industry, is on its way to having an Iloilo Chapter.


Skal is represented by the industry's managers and executives and they meet to discuss subjects of common interest.

Last Sept. 25, 2007, friends were invited to the initial orientation for the creation of Skal International Iloilo Chapter and there, the officers and members were elected. The group is headed by Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Security and Political Affairs, Salvador Sarabia, Jr.

BEGINNINGS

The first club was founded in Paris in 1932 by travel trade managers who had been on an educational tour of Scandinavia and so the ideal of professionals in travel and tourism working closely together in a spirit of friendship was born. The idea of professionalism and international friendship became immediately so popular that in 1934, Skal achieved international status with the formation of the Association Internationale des Skal Clubs, on the initiative of Florimond Volckaert, the man considered to be the "Father of Skal." The association is now known worldwide as Skal International.

From that modest beginning, Skal now numbers almost 25,000 members in over 500 clubs spread throughout more than 80 countries. As in other associations of professionals, most Skal activities take place locally, but the movement also features national and area committees under the umbrella of Skal International, which has its permanent general secretariat in Torremolinos, Spain.

PHILIPPINES

In the Philippines, it has clubs in Manila, Makati, Davao, Cebu and Bacolod.Charles Lim, councilor of Skal International Philippines , said that having Skal in Iloilo could boost the city and province's travel and tourism industry through the help of Skal's global network. By attending local meetings, national and international congresses and other events, members are able to meet industry colleagues from clubs throughout the world and above all, to network with their colleagues in the industry. These meetings, held in an atmosphere of "amicale," give members the chance to make contacts, on both a business and personal level, and to forge new and lasting friendships.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Interested applicants should hold an executive senior position in any company for at least five years. Membership fee is 33 euros yearly (approximately P3,800). The benefits of joining Skal are: contacts for business through more than 20,000 tourism-related companies to choose from; annual tourism forum and many opportunities to attend seminars, nationally and locally; networking with 25,000 tourism professionals worldwide; an idea way to meet new professional contacts when you start your own business; meet other tourism professionals when moving to a new city; annual congress in more than 80 countries to choose from; develop new friends within the travel and tourism industry; avail of the Skal News, a quarterly magazine edited by Skal International; access to Skal Database, a membership directory worldwide; membership in the organization will be recognized in many ways as you travel and the Florimond Volckaert Fund, which provides help for members and their families who have fallen on hard times through loss of employment, illnesses and others.

Skal is totally non-political and does not discriminate on the grounds of sex, age, race, religion, politics or social standing. It does, though, support charitable causes.

SP judgment on P350M Veterans Bank loan nears
By Florence F. Hibionada

Give it another week and it would be judgment day for the P350 million planned loan of the Iloilo Provincial Government. Or so at least at the Legislative Department as members of the 9th Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) reaches the final days of evaluation and validation.


Such was the confirmation gathered from Board Member Arthur Defensor Jr. (Third District), chairman of the SP body that convened as Committee of the Whole.

With the summary of the subject at hand already done, Defensor Jr. told The News Today (TNT) that corresponding recommendations are being firmed up. In a pre-session Tuesday, TNT learned of a planned Motion to initially call for amendments on the earlier loan authority given to Governor Niel Tupas. Yet succeeding discussions had majority of the SP body to agree that any and all loan agreement actions will be included in the Committee report.

Defensor Jr. also clarified that as far as the SP is concerned, the planned construction of the P350 million convention center is not a go as of yet. And the province or the SP at least, is not bound by the bank condition that stipulates a go of the loan terms and conditions seemingly at all costs.

Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) has since wrote Defensor Jr. and the SP with the information of the approved loan conditions as recommended by Capitol's financial advisor David Buenavacz.

To recall, top executives of three government depository banks were called in a committee hearing that directly addressed Resolutions passed relative to the planned P350 million loan of the Iloilo Provincial Government.

Resolution No. 2007-053 was passed that introduced amendments to yet another Resolution authorizing Governor Niel Tupas Sr. to negotiate and enter into a contract with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). The amendment carried a further authority to include the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB).

Then came Resolution No. 2007-057 that authorized the governor this time to enter into contract of loan with PVB and further still, to "take out" the Capitol's outstanding loans of P215.8 million and transfer such there.

Finally, Resolution No. 2007-058 that confirmed, approved and ratified all terms and conditions of the loan agreement with PVB in the amount of P350 million. The amount was to finance the proposed Convention Center and Office Building Project of the Iloilo Provincial Government.

Questions were raised on specific conditions stipulated in the PVB loan where categorically mentioned was that regardless of the SP composition with future queries on the loans, the earlier Tupas-PVB deal as inked is to be binding. As such, no changes shall be entertained or considered.

"The obligation of the BORROWER (referring to the Iloilo Provincial Government) with the LENDER (referring to the PVB) shall be binding and the BORROWER'S obligation shall not be subject to recall by the Sanggunian concerned for the entire term of the obligation regardless of any change in the compositioni of the Sanggunian thereafter if any," the specific loan condition in question stated.

Defensor Jr. in a "Memo of Facts" distributed to the SP body established a timeline of "loan events." Interestingly enough, the planned P350 million loan began with a Resolution that named only the DBP and the LBP. The amount also included restoration and rehabilitation of the old Capitol building to its original (pre-war) architectural design.

A month later, another request this time for the inclusion of PVB.

Latest developments failed to have the same planned construction works which likewise caused the SP body to press for more explanation.

Sentiments against the Capitol's planned construction of the P350 million convention center has since got backing from known allies of the governor, the project's main proponent.

Meanwhile, Gov. Tupas reserved his comments relative to the investigation being done by the provincial board until it comes out with its recommendations.

"We will wait for the result of their investigation," Tupas said.

Animation Cultural Ilonggo done by WVCST students
The Legend of Tibud

hXEzdUc5dxM

- few days ago I chanced upon cablestars show with mr mejorada talking about the proposed convention center of the province. (cant be sure if it was a replay)
- a three storey edifice with around 40 rooms for accomodation.
- yes!the radyo ng bayan building will have to go :banana: :lol:
-heading the NEGATIVE side

^^Alleluia!!! that building needs to go! :banana:
WB! Whyte!

@Birdfluu. You don't need to put that on big fonts as we can read it clearly. ;)

:ohno: sorry..mataas lang ang grado sang mata ko.kinahanglan kis a big letters gid para mabasa sang husto:) :nocrook:
:blahblah:

-deleted-

Savannah shapes new urban central in Iloilo

SAVANNAH is the first, biggest and still growing community master-planned development envisioned to be the most important urban center in Iloilo and perhaps the whole of Panay Island.

Spreading in 300 hectares, Savannah takes inspiration from the Old South in the USA – known for its laidback country living, close family ties and time-honored traditions.

Over the years, since hundreds of Ilonggos called Savannah a home, the community has become self-sustaining.

Grand amenities

Savannah offers a wide collection of homes beautifully-designed to meet the needs and aspirations of every Ilonggo who wants to build a better residence.

Four Savannah communities within a larger community are carefully planned: Glen – the perfect home for couples getting started to build a family; Trails – the ideal home for nurturing a growing family; Glades – the upscale community for the well-lived family; and Crest – the “trophy home” reflecting one’s success in life.

Savannah gives you the advantage by putting together all the elements of a dream living that lets you recover from life’s daily battles in a graceful residential retreat.

It’s just 20 minutes away from the new Iloilo Airport in Sta. Barbara while a Circumferential Road connects the residents to the glamour of the metropolis yet enjoy the untainted life in a countryside setting.

In its pursuit on building a major urban center in Iloilo, Savannah entails development after development.

Telephone and cable TV services were set up.

Underground drainage systems were installed to prevent flooding.

Open spaces are well-designed as landscape gardens and parks planted with thousand of trees each year.

Savannah wants its homeowners to enjoy the fellowship.

Recently, Savannah inaugurated the Trails’ basketball court and used the sports in establishing friendship among neighbors.

Clubhouses provide venue for residents to enjoy more time to relax and friendship with fellow homeowners.

This year, two clubhouses with swimming pools are being developed – the Central and Pinnacle Parks at Savannah Glen and Trails, respectively.

As a child-friendly community, not only children’s playgrounds but a school will be established soon for kids to take on the pleasure of learning.

A community convenience store called The Shoppes will soon be available at Savannah Glen and Trails.

The Shoppes conveniently situated and generally spacious will accommodate prime stores such as salons, computer shops, bakeshops, spa, and restos, among others to lighten up the way of living.

Families living inside Savannah relish the lifestyle that is exclusive, secure and simply breathtaking.

With almost all the conveniences available, Savannah is a world in its own.

We have also to commend the people behind introducing Savannah to the Ilonggos.

The sales force has life-changing experiences, too. The property consultants are aware that what they sell would make a difference in the lives of the clients. They have recognized Savannah as a community where a family can live a better life.

Clients looking for homes can be assured that when people talked about living in Savannah, it is based on their experiences and contentment in living in one of them.

For all these years, Savannah progressively developed and will continually extend into a home which we can be more proud of – it is now a prestigious residential hub for the illustrious Ilonggo families.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph)

^^ Is WVSU already starting there construction for their new building near the Sports Complex?
really? Wow! That's a good improvement for WVSU. Hoping to see more from the region's top public educational institution.

ez Shop offers height enhancer & power saver

ez Shop brings you only the best health and beauty products in the world.

Everyone is invited to come and visit newly-opened store at 3rd Level, The Atrium Mall,

Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City where big discounts and lots of freebies await you!

Try the Standhigh Height Enhancer and Cream and hold your head up high!

Standhigh is a Japanese-made battery-operated pair of slippers especially made to help increase a person’s height.

This revolutionary pair of slippers stimulates the nerve points of the feet which are connected to the pituitary gland that is responsible for the production of growth hormones.

The product uses the principles of “acupuncture” which primarily functions to stimulate the central part of the body for proper distributions of energy to different parts connecting the pituitary gland to produce growth hormones.

Standhigh is safe and easy to use not only to increase your height but also helps increases blood circulation, improves digestion, speeds up metabolism, reduces tiredness and slows down aging.

It does not involve dangerous drugs, steroids, pills, injections, stretches and painful or complex medical operation.

People from 17-40 years old may use the Standhigh while at this age range, the production of growth hormones has already slowed down, thus it was so designed to increase such hormones.

It promotes growth and resilience of your skeletal bones.

Standhigh works on eight patterns of vibration and 10 kinds of intensities while the footpad has undergone computer generated molding.

The product kit costing P2,980 includes a pair of slippers, monitor and power control and AAA batteries.

It comes in a shoe size of 24.5x9 cm. and made of rubber.

How to use the Standhigh?

Firstly, you have to apply an appropriate amount of Standhigh Cream unto your legs, lower legs, knees and soles of the feet and massage it for three minutes.

Then, wear the Standhigh Height Enhancer slippers.

You have to prepare the monitor and please read the manual on how to operate the Standhigh.

The Power Saver

Try the Power Star, the power saving device.

It is an electric device that helps reduce electrical consumption of inductive or motorized home equipment/appliances such as air conditioner, electric fan, washing machine, among others.

Power Star is a handy version of Power Factor Corrector designed conveniently for home and office use wherein the device can be easily plugged to any electrical outlet.

A Power Factor Corrector is a device that recycles partial of the electrical waste generated by the equipment in use.

The recycled electrical power is then feed back to the same circuit at the same time reducing the need for fresh electrical power.

Thus, it can saved energy from minimum 20 percent to maximum 35 percent.

Power Star which only costs P3,280, has an easy installation and function; absorbs and reuse the ineffective electricity; and increases protection.

How Power Star works?

It aims to stabilize and balance the voltage and electric current.

Power Star works to correct voltage and remove inefficient voltage, thus increases electric and mechanic efficiency, balances the operation, and lengthens the life span of electric appliances.

How to use the Power Star?

Just plug the Power Star plug the device in a stable outlet and not an extension outlet and turn it on.

But do not pull out the device from socket when it is on.

Avoid turning it off when there are still appliances on and avoid touching the device’s plug after disconnecting it from the outlet.

It’s just flickering and noise-free as well as small in size.

For inquiries, you may call telephone numbers 338-3523, 338-3638 and 09228165868.


from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph

^^ Is WVSU already starting there construction for their new building near the Sports Complex?
I'm not sure what building you're referring to :D. The most recent building that was finished was the IT Building and there are some buildings in the pipeline inc. a new 3-storey nursing building (originally it's supposed to be a allied medical arts building, where the med and nursing colleges will be houses in only one building but indi magpasugot ang CON)

I'm writing some general information about Iloilo city for tourists. Did I miss anything below?

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

Iloilo Province is located at the center of the Philippine archipelago, strategically located 380 kilometers south of the national capital, Manila. The City of Iloilo is the capital city of the province and the cultural, commercial, educational, medical, and administrative capital of the Western Visayas Region.

There is a strong Roman Catholic presence in Iloilo. Nearby towns feature beautiful Spanish-era churches, most notable of which is the Miagao Church, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. White-sand beaches, ideal for snorkeling and diving may be found in the northern towns of Iloilo and the nearby island of Guimaras. A world-class golf course, dubbed as Asia’s oldest, is located in the town of Sta. Barbara.

In the city, one can visit numerous landmarks such as the Molo Church, Jaro Cathedral, Museo Iloilo, and numerous mansions that are witnesses to the city’s opulent past. Also in the city are sprawling malls that offer a wide selection of goods for very affordable prices.

Iloilo is also known for its tasty local dishes served in numerous restaurants and food stalls all over the city. A visitor’s Iloilo experience is never complete without tasting its biscocho, butterscotch, pancit molo, inasal, and LaPaz batchoy.

Public transportation in the city is serviced mostly be jeepneys which were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II. Iloilo jeepneys are distinct for their sleek aerodynamic designs. Numerous taxis also ply the city streets.

People from Iloilo are called Ilonggos. The local language is Hiligaynon but most Ilonggos can understand and speak English which is the language of business and education.

The climate in Iloilo is tropical, with two pronounced seasons: rainy from June to September and dry, from October to May. Temperature in the city typically ranges from 25 to 34 degrees Celsius.

^^ iloilo schools. perhaps you can add these!:) also festivals such as dinagyang, kasadyahan, and paraw regata.

^^ I second the motion. Add up more activities such as feasts, schools, etc. This is like making a brochure (or are you making one?) in which you are selling the salient features of Iloilo. :okay:

Anyway, the city and the province are much inter-related to each other and hopefuly the LGUs would set aside politics for the betterment of the pumuluyo.

Rice fields sprout subdivisions
By Jeehan V. Fernandez of the Daily Guardian Iloilo

RICE fields in Iloilo City and neighboring areas have been sprouting subdivisions where mass housing facilities to mansions are rising.

“Iloilo City is not much of agricultural lands—the developments move very fast—we are a highly-urbanized area. Most farm lands have been converted to subdivisions,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Though, Treñas told the first two-day Agri Summit which kicked off yesterday at Amigo Hotel here that the City Government has been supportive of technological improvement which will boost farm productivity.
Iloilo’s countryside remains to be an agriculture-driven economy.

“The city’s economy is so much interrelated to what is happening in the province. If the agriculture sector’s a success, there’s improvement among the people and the city will have a good year. If flooding hits the province, the city’s economy is also affected,” Treñas explained.

“That is why we have to implement the technological support. There is seriousness of interrelation between the province and city in terms of agricultural development—we have to work towards greater production,” he explained.

The City Hall is establishing an AA-standard modern slaughterhouse at Brgy. Tacas in Jaro District to meet the huge demand of meat market even as Iloilo is one of the top livestock producers in the country.

The state-of-the-art butchering facility is expected to raise the meat quality and standards and increase volume production which could open up prospective export markets.

Department of Agriculture secretary Arthur Yap who keynote the summit also raised concerns on improving farming sector as he discussed the theme “Back to Basics: increasing productivity, adding value and sustaining development.”

While there’s the country’s agricultural bounty, Yap asked why do farmers and fisher folks remain the “poorest in society.”

“It is within the concerns of local government units (LGUs) as to why rice fields are turned into subdivisions. Why the shift? Is there no profit in agricultural production?” said Yap.

He added that agricultural services have been a devolved function of the LGUs.

“The local constituents must look at the budget by LGU for agriculture. I personally asked the budget of LGUs before the DA allotted its counterpart funding for development projects,” Yap stressed.

“Since I assumed office in 2004, I have not signed a single conversion of rice fields into subdivisions. I think we should feed the people first. Ours is a big country with high growth rate. A stable economy could be achieved from rural stability,” Yap told reporters.

To increase productivity, add value and sustain development in agriculture, Yap stresssed there’s focus on improvement of irrigation systems; rural credit and financing; research and extension; post-harvest and storage facilities and market access among farmers.

Grabeh traffic kaguina. Before I was a skeptic about the need for an overpass in Diversion Road but I experienced a while ago how it was necessary.

May involvement man kay 3 day sale sa SM but still ...

picture to follow later :D

I'm not sure what building you're referring to :D. The most recent building that was finished was the IT Building and there are some buildings in the pipeline inc. a new 3-storey nursing building (originally it's supposed to be a allied medical arts building, where the med and nursing colleges will be houses in only one building but indi magpasugot ang CON)

The tallest one, near the Iloilo Sports Complex. It's in the plan in WVSU admin building. :)

I'm writing some general information about Iloilo city for tourists. Did I miss anything below?

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

Iloilo Province is located at the center of the Philippine archipelago, strategically located 380 kilometers south of the national capital, Manila. The City of Iloilo is the capital city of the province and the cultural, commercial, educational, medical, and administrative capital of the Western Visayas Region.

There is a strong Roman Catholic presence in Iloilo. Nearby towns feature beautiful Spanish-era churches, most notable of which is the Miagao Church, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. White-sand beaches, ideal for snorkeling and diving may be found in the northern towns of Iloilo and the nearby island of Guimaras. A world-class golf course, dubbed as Asia’s oldest, is located in the town of Sta. Barbara.

In the city, one can visit numerous landmarks such as the Molo Church, Jaro Cathedral, Museo Iloilo, and numerous mansions that are witnesses to the city’s opulent past. Also in the city are sprawling malls that offer a wide selection of goods for very affordable prices.

Iloilo is also known for its tasty local dishes served in numerous restaurants and food stalls all over the city. A visitor’s Iloilo experience is never complete without tasting its biscocho, butterscotch, pancit molo, inasal, and LaPaz batchoy.

Public transportation in the city is serviced mostly be jeepneys which were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II. Iloilo jeepneys are distinct for their sleek aerodynamic designs. Numerous taxis also ply the city streets.

People from Iloilo are called Ilonggos. The local language is Hiligaynon but most Ilonggos can understand and speak English which is the language of business and education.

The climate in Iloilo is tropical, with two pronounced seasons: rainy from June to September and dry, from October to May. Temperature in the city typically ranges from 25 to 34 degrees Celsius.

cool... very true!
make it more interesting.. catchy and something which will make a tourist say "this is way different from Cebu and Manila"

In the Jeepneys, you could just say: Ilonggo Jeepneys are amongst the most interesting public vehicles in the country. Extravagant and amusing. It seems that you're riding a carousel with wheels. (but the pasejero sosyal jeepneys are now taking over the vintage jeepneys so this might not be applicable.hehe)

Or perhaps you could say: Ilonggos, the real treasures of Iloilo have tongues pierced with words of romance manifested by their amorous language, Hiligaynon. English is also widely used so it is quite impossible for a traveler to get lost in translation.

:) suggestions lang.hehe... this is the way i write articles...