Iloilo City and Province - Compiled Threads

[chymera]

My previous post got deleted I dont know why. Maybe because someone delete it or it expired, whatever. I'm going to do it again anyways. I feel the need to let other people know, especially fellow Filipinos know more about my place ...

Iloilo City

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116j/pf8dd8d8719b1f7e2d6891622732a8138/f8aac3ab.jpg


FACTS & FIGURES

Land Area : 56 sq. km (2000) That's pretty small!
No. of Barangays: 180 (As of December 2002)
No. of Districts: 6 (As of December 2002)
Total Population: 365,820 (As of May 1,2000 census)
Population Density: 5633 persons/ sq. km
Population Growth Rates: 1.93 (1995-2000)
Income Class: First
Employment Rate: 79.5% (Apr 2003)
Consumer Price Index: 166.6 (Dec 2003)
Inflation Rate: 5.3 (Dec 2003)
Purchasing Power of Peso: 0.60 (Dec 2003)
Average Family Income: 283,604 (2000)
No. of Elementary Schools:
Public: 51 (SY 2002-2003)
Private: 29 (SY 2002-2003)
No. of Secondary Schools:
Public : 14 (SY 2002-2003)
Private: 15 (SY 2002-2003)
No. of Tertiary Schools: 29 (SY 2000-2001)
No. of Health Centers: 7 (2002)
No. of Barangay Health Stations: 37 (2002)
No. of Motor Vehicles Registered: 48,982 (2003)
For more click here!!! (http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru6/iloilo_city.htm)

Education is very important in Iloilo, proof of that is the existence of many Educational Institutions in the City and the Province as well. There are 2 campuses of UP in Iloilo, one in the city and the main campus 'UP in the Visayas' in Miagao Town. Other notable universities include (for a complete listing click here (http://www.geocities.com/dost6/iloilocity/institutions.html)):

Central Philippine University
University of Iloilo
University of San Agustin
West Visayas State University

Here's what you've been waiting for ... PICTURES!!! :banana: :carrot: :pepper: :lock: :banana2: :rock:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pafa410676a4e859e41b2627aa702beea/f8a9fa85.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p9d72ece06639de117b5cdbfbd9363421/f8a9fe7b.jpg
Plazoletagay

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd6b8653d081bb78704c266489cde6e86/f8a9fa96.jpg
Near Provincial Capitol and Atrium Plaza

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8b4c23db55db6c41115e1c745fd34838/f8a9fab5.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p0e01355bf9be32de5e9af108976d6ea6/f8a9fe7c.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p0fd3d259783e7153d2f5ed2fd22f2717/f8a9fe8d.jpg
Premier St. of Iloilo forgot its name maybe J.M. Basa, but I could be wrong ;)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pcc396680a0623148ec588a47c7167fca/f8a9fe97.jpg
Left side is Amigo Hotel, right side is MaryMart Mall

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p6d3d67d5cab3430b4aa11359f1190434/f8a9faaf.jpg
Amigo Terrace Hotel

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pe6e7aa2b34192d78a72fb9d02eb8559d/f8a9c74b.jpg
Sarabia Manor Hotel


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pf6c4068d4a6042fc4ac06158a035be57/f8a9fe89.jpg
Old SM Ledesma, it has been improved recently, but it is still 2 stories tall. The Old is one of the first (or THE first) SM outside of Manila.


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p67a4a976049b19d2c7c6493697ec76ae/f8a9fe92.jpg
Atrium Mall

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pdab746563f3e8894296e30e5184b29ea/f8a9fe84.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pe47536b657584d84b29c563557ed70bc/f8a9fe78.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p512a58005ddb58879e8029b9e134e289/f8a9fe7f.jpg

Street leading to capitol

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p66522bf957032c864fc42a9ab46f5252/f8a9fa9f.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pc9ed78b4a05ca2784e95fe5a08477ad1/f8a9b92d.jpg
Plaza Libertad

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pa58ec860f93e2f3deebfadd3e28637e8/f8a9fe8c.jpg
Jaro Plaza

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p544792890e473fc625221d755bfc6eda/f8a9faa6.jpg
SM City Iloilo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pc2fbf158e14df3a803c32ade8eeaae84/f8a9fe9c.jpg
Robinsons Mall

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p285d8706c497c1a1ed34cf6aea395959/f8a9faad.jpg
Iloilo River + Squaterrs (who doesnt have em anyways?)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p191f9e0b22b956cc540bfec79ef78817/f8a9fe8e.jpg
Iloilo River + Capitol Bldng

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p2d71679347ea073d45c539276576f101/f8a9fe94.jpg
Iloilo River + Sugar Industrial Thinggy


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p9c9a84a0e49f61413e4addba589396ec/f8a9b929.jpg
Just Iloilo River


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd314541fac97b9c24b92a78cba864130/f8a9fe91.jpg
Iloilo Provincial Capitol

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p6ac2b8b06040e15ab878c97bb855bd4b/f8a9fe7d.jpg
Old Pic I found on the Net

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p00c975732a88d4824e6a3192967f8b13/f8a9fe85.jpg
Yes, I'm sad to say PIRATED CDs are all over the city

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pb01c6fc6a38904c1e820bf30de2048c3/f8a9fe99.jpg
Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao District, we have a u/c International Airport in triboundaries of Cabatuan-Sta.Barbara-San Miguel which will be finished in 2007

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pbb103ca1e3613a41ede2870fd2adc6d4/f8a9fe9f.jpg
Iloilo National High School

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p54df0aa7791da2725ffdb634d9092835/f8a9c743.jpg
Sunset in Iloilo-Guimaras Strait

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8b4ac17998ed7b10e7412de7b4dfa42a/f8a9b8e4.jpg
Iloilo Riverside Walk

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pfc82c8b86654382a09cf2c4529c76a0e/f8a9b8ea.jpg
I hate to post this but, just like anyother city. Iloilo does have its waste problems too!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd954a7913557c446d2631d12cbfc23fc/f8a9b8f5.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p19bbb3ef4af0b3750c2cc345d10d63f4/f8a9b904.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p3e901a67a4a0ec21d37dd1d25b52d028/f8a9b91e.jpg
Jaro Church

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p9cd98c70c04ca38f52df6e1ac4a75c9b/f8a9b925.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p9f85d862b4a31cddfab8db51c433b740/f8a9b931.jpg
San Jose Church

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p669893559bbca9afc73fb83d5c694de6/f8a9b92a.jpg
Molo Church, I like this one
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pc3ba84cb9f1bffbccbf3ded10db78106/f8a9b909.jpg
St. Nino de la Candelaria (I think). One day a person found this statue in the Iloilo River and thought of putting it in a small glass box, where it fit perfectly at that time, and it was displayed at the Jaro Church. After the years went by, they had to continually transfer it to bigger containers to accomodate its growing size.


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd715799e6bc55aabeeef5d75a68f2408/f8a9b902.jpg
Iloilo is the Administrative Center of R6 - Western Visayas so expect to see a lot of Department Regional Offices in here and other government institutions like TESDA, where I enrolled once for a summer training program

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pad92eef469e60fd658a3556c1df58e11/f8a9b91d.jpg
One of Many Old Houses in Iloilo. This one is in Luna St., Jaro

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p99f151457d448dc437298e651cb4065a/f8a9b90e.jpg
Old Mansion, now the Angelicum School

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pe7b3eb9d7ef326aeb4433b16d39e19c8/f8a9b8fe.jpg
One of the Grandest Mansions in Iloilo. It is owned by the Lopezes

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p4ba92d8b56b3bd90b11a6d54a5274f93/f8a9b935.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p6c786a431048ccfc7b8273389a9807d1/f8a9b938.jpg
Muelle Loney (Part of Iloilo Domestic Port). We also have an International Port and other Facilities


More to come!

[chymera]

PORT OF ILOILO

http://www.geocities.com/iloilocity2/infrapics/img118.gif
Credits to Iloilocity.cjb.net

GENERAL INFORMATION

The new port of iloilo is strategically located at a new site apart from the old port facilities. Situated in the Southern coast of Panay Island, it has one of the country’s safest and most natural harbors. Guimaras Island guards the port from violent storms and makes it ideal for harboring ships and cargoes.

TRADE AND COMMERCE

The Port of Iloilo, considered the leading trade and commercial hub for Western Visayas is also one of the safest natural seaports of the world. It has been serving international shipping as early as 1855 handling sugar and fertilizer shipments for international market. Major trading activities were handled before in this areas as evidenced by the country’s first recorded export of sugar.

The adapted perspective further shows that more tha 75% of the country’s land area lies within 500 km radius of iLoilo encompassing Manila City and the nation’s main industrial centers. Thus, the port could well serve as consolidation center for both importable and exporbale commodities. Within this area is a potential market of more than 32 million people.

On the port’s potential of becoming the country’s distribution center for imported goods, it offers optimum accessibility for goods coming in from the ASEAN, Africa, the Middle East and even Europe. As such, for the port to become an international transshipment point is a distinct possibility.
(http://www.ppa.com.ph/Port%20Profile/Visayas/iloilo/ILOILOFRAME.htm)

It is ranked third in terms of shipcalls at 11,853, fourth in cargo throughout at 491,719 million metric tons and fourth in passenger traffic at 2.4 million annually.

The Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) was compelled in 1985 to serve as a hub port. Due to lack of berths, an increasing number of ships are being diverted to other ports.

The expansion of ICPC entails the amount of US$50.0 million and works include the extension of the reinforced concrete (RC) wharf, back-up area, dredging of the harbor basis, access road, waste reception/reefer facilities, computerized systems and vertical infrastructure.

PORT PROFILE

Total Port Area Old Foreign Pier : 17,000 sq.m.
River Wharf : 68,000 sq.m.
Iloilo Commercial Port Complex : 208,000 sq.m.
Back-up area/commercial : 97,000 sq.m.
Operational Area : 111,000 sq.m.

The Iloilo Commercial Port Complex is located on a 20.8 hectares of reclaimed land. It has modern facilities that include 11,400 sq. meters of open space for unhampered operations, supplemented by a backup area of 97,000 sq. meters; crane

rails of 348 lineal meters; roll-on-roll-off support; a 7,800 container freight stations; and a 720 sq. meter passenger shed. The port complex is ideal for ships plying international routes having a berth lenght of 400 meters, a width of 26.26 meters and a berthing depth of 10.50 meters.

Supporting the province's thriving marine industry is the Iloilo Fishing Port Complex which houses facilities that allow investors to engage in food processing to start and operate their business. Situated on a 20.20 hectare reclaimed area, it has major refrigeration facilities such as contact and blast freezers, an IQF unit, a sewerage treatment facility and a 10-hectare area for factory space.

[whyte]

chymera
thank you for this thread.expect me to be a regular here :)

[whyte]

CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY
http://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/aerial_8.jpg
http://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/aerial_7.jpg

[whyte]

from http://web02.cpu.edu.ph/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1549&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/taga-lilo/dumaguete-iloilo108.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/taga-lilo/dumaguete-iloilo077.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/taga-lilo/dumaguete-iloilo104.jpg
http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/iloilomu.jpg
http://www.iloilo.net/dot/iloilo111.jpg

[whyte]

from http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/paviasta.babaradingleduenas.html

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/paviach.jpg
Pavia Church
One of Iloilo's most progressive municipalities is Pavia, center of the government7s thrust to develop Panay as a major area for agro-industrial development. While Pavia has become the base from which many large corporations conduct their Visayan operations, it still retains a special charm as evident in their historic church. The earthy red bricks create a formidable, fiendly-looking structure that welcomes parishioners into its dusky interiors.

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/sta.barbarach1.jpg
Sta.Barbara Church
The municipality of Sta.Barbara has its place in history as the center of revolutionary activities against the Spanish. It was here, in 1898, where the Filipino flag was raised to the cries of a freedom -thirsty crowd. Sta.Barbara is known today as home to a beautiful church, chiefly of Romanesque architectural style. Of equal attraction is the L-shaped convent to the right of the church, built in the Antillan style.

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/sta.barbarach2.jpg
Sta.Barbara Church Courtyard
The layout of the two structures is such that a charming courtyard is formed in between.

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/sta.barbaragolf.jpghttp://www.iloilo.net/dot/iloilo22.gif
Iloilo Golf and Country Club(Sta.Barbara)
The first ''fore'' heard in the Philippines was exclaimed on the courses of the Iloilo Golf and country Club, the oldest in 1907 in Sta.Barbara,
Iloilo. Golf enthusiasts hit their dimpled balls across undulating slopes that were left practically as nature had made them. In the fifties, the more modern fairway design was adapted.

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/dinglech.jpg
Dingle Church
The quaint Dingle Church is an adaptation of the Filipino Baroque style, with four rose windows spanning its facade and a podium of steps leading to its large wooden door. Like most other Iloilo churches it was used as a garrison by the Japanese, who beheaded Filipino soldiers behind the church.

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/duenasch.jpg
Duenas Church
Since 1884, Duenas children have been welcomed into the Catholic faith with the pouring of holy water on their forehead as they are carried over this alabaster-colored baptismal fountain at the Duenas Church. The sunlight streaming in from a window above the fountain bathes the corner in a pious glow. Behind the fountain, a narrow staircase seems to lead right into heaven.

[chymera]

Wow! nice to see I'm not alone in this one ... those pictures are awesome.

Iloilo Airport

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pb01c6fc6a38904c1e820bf30de2048c3/f8a9fe99.jpg
taken by me

http://www.geocities.com/iloilocity2/infrapics/img119.jpg
credits to www.iloilocity.cjb.net

Construction of Iloilo
int'l airport starts
Posted: 6:26 AM (Manila Time) | Mar. 23, 2004
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer News Service

ILOILO CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Sunday announced that the construction of the Iloilo international airport would start this month.

She told a news conference that the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Taisei-Shimizu Joint Venture signed the contract for the construction of the 6.2-billion-peso airport last March 15.


On Friday, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) signed its concurrence to the contract. JBIC is putting in 5.2 billion pesos for the project from its Special Yen Loan Package.

Ms Macapagal also announced the awarding of the contract to build a 4.8-billion-peso regional airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental to the Taneka-Itochu consortium.

The Iloilo airport is set to be completed in 42 months.

Ms Macapagal said the Iloilo City airport is the fourth busiest in the country in terms of the number of passengers next to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Mactan (Cebu) and Davao international airports.

The new airport will be constructed in a 188-hectare area straddling the towns of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan, which is around 24 km west of Iloilo City.

It will have state-of-the-art facilities including a modern terminal, control tower buildings, and landing and navigation systems. It will have a runway 2.5 km long and 45 meters wide, a passenger terminal with 12,000 sq m of space and a 1,281 sq m-cargo terminal.

The President said more jobs and opportunities will be forthcoming with the opening of the Iloilo and Silay airports.

The site of the old airport in Mandurriao District here will be converted into a commercial and light industry complex, according to the President.

But a group of landowners under the Airport Concerned Alliance has accused the government of failing to provide an acceptable relocation site and livelihood programs for displaced families from the airport site.

Drilon said the government is addressing the complaint and allotted P20 million for it.



FUTURE PLANS ILOILO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Department of Transportation and Communications has approved the development of the Western Visayas International Airport in the town of Cabatuan.


The proposed airport will have a 4-kilometer runway that is about 2.5 kilometer in width. Construction of the new international standard Iloilo Airport will start early 2003.



Weird, Inquirer says the Int'l airport has 45mx2.5km runway (not a big improvement and small of an international airport), while iloilocity.cjb.net says its 2.5kmx4km (too large) ...

Right now, I can safely say the construction is generally on-track. These have been problems which risen from issues with land-owners of the construction site, residents around it, and corruption allegations filed against gov't officials and contractors. Just the usual Philippine Inffra Project

[chymera]

Iloilo to get its first flyover!!! This is a major infrastructure in Iloilo, and this will help a lot in the worsening traffic situation. Currently the city's road are over capacity, Iloilo hasa land area of 70sq. km. but the city has only a total road lenth of about 100kms, this project (if realized) will help a lot ....

30th October 2003 top

DPWH ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS IN ILOILO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[chymera]

Hey whyte, where are you from by the way?

[Renkinjutsushi]

Nice pictures you have posted here chymera.......BTW what is that white pillar thingy on the first picture?

[tyronne]

wow! nice thread :) Iloilo got beautiful churches :okay:

im curious, is Iloilo City the lone city in Iloilo province? are there any other cities?

[whyte]

Nice pictures you have posted here chymera.......BTW what is that white pillar thingy on the first picture?

lemme answer in behalf of chymera ....

its the controversial OBELISK located in pone of the busiest intersections of the city.

[whyte]

wow! nice thread :) Iloilo got beautiful churches :okay:

im curious, is Iloilo City the lone city in Iloilo province? are there any other cities?

Iloilo city is the ONLY HIGHLY URBANIZED city.
there's also another one, PASSI CITY but really not that urbanized.

[whyte]

Hey whyte, where are you from by the way?

im from sta. barbara :) you?

[JudeD]

My mom's family is from Pavia, we still have a house there. My dad is from Jaro. My family is VERY Ilonggo. When people who've just been to Iloilo ask why for such a relatively small city, it has so many malls and supermarkets, I tell them its because Ilonggos can out-shop all the other Filipinos easily. And yes, the old SM Iloilo was the first SM outside Manila, and SM Jaro was the first standalone SM supermarket in the country. I'm just wondering though, why are 2 of the SM City Iloilo's cinemas always closed?

[whyte]

My mom's family is from Pavia, we still have a house there. My dad is from Jaro. My family is VERY Ilonggo. When people who've just been to Iloilo ask why for such a relatively small city, it has so many malls and supermarkets, I tell them its because Ilonggos can out-shop all the other Filipinos easily. And yes, the old SM Iloilo was the first SM outside Manila, and SM Jaro was the first standalone SM supermarket in the country. I'm just wondering though, why are 2 of the SM City Iloilo's cinemas always closed?

we're having an ilonggo forum here :)

yup. i think most ilonggos grew up with SM being there in the early 80's. i witness all of its transformation from just one bldg then 2 then having a sort of "fiesta carnival" between them. then being made into just one bldg and lately being renovated.

dont fortger SM GUANCO, the 2nd? standalone sm grocery.but grocery-wise gaisano is still the hands down LOWEST PRICE store.

[whyte]

hopefully after the INTL AIRPORT, the next big construction project would be a bridge linking Guimaras to the mainland.

[chymera]

hopefully after the INTL AIRPORT, the next big construction project would be a bridge linking Guimaras to the mainland.

People thought of building that bridge long ago, but they only took it into consideration if the future INT was to be built in Guimaras but the Guimarasnons did not want the INT to be built there , hence its present location Cabatuan.

I concerned about what impact that will do to Guimaras Island. Yes, they will experience tremendous economic growth but with the expense of its beauty. Also, higher risk of the introduction of foreign mango seeds may soil its world class mangoes, I am happy with Guimaras just the way it is.


im from sta. barbara you?

Mandurriao, studying in WVSU - CON right now :) Hi Juded :)

[chymera]

My mom's family is from Pavia, we still have a house there. My dad is from Jaro. My family is VERY Ilonggo. When people who've just been to Iloilo ask why for such a relatively small city, it has so many malls and supermarkets, I tell them its because Ilonggos can out-shop all the other Filipinos easily. And yes, the old SM Iloilo was the first SM outside Manila, and SM Jaro was the first standalone SM supermarket in the country. I'm just wondering though, why are 2 of the SM City Iloilo's cinemas always closed?

Yep, Iloilo is a big consumer-oriented city, people here spend a lot of money we like to have and go to celebrations like fiestas a lot!Also note that there are many Ilonggos working in Manila and especially abroad as Domestic Helpers, Nurses, Engineers and such so there's a lot of money to circulate around. Iloilo is also the financial center of Western Visayas, almost every corner of downtown has a bank and a lot of prominent rich families has origins from Iloilo.

Iloilo could use some more malls. I hope Ayala builds theirs here soon!

[Virtute]

Here's a pic I took of the Church in Miagao.

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

[chymera]

Iloilo Countryside Pictures

Pototan (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/index.php?cat1=1) - With an average of 9,449,459 hectares and a total of 60,127 people

The Plaza of Pototan, a prominent local destination during the Yuletide Season.
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/image/obelisk.jpg
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/image/iwag2.jpg
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/image/lagoon.jpg
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/image/bandstand.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd40065d9dd0c76f0144fde7aa704a802/f8a9af10.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p9b425e7369b26bfc75761fbeaa657ebb/f8a9aebb.jpg
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http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p495107482dc695716e59d66fb4fe0b63/f8a9af2e.jpg
Taken by me

Lambunao (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/lambunao-iloilo)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p896e38f87fa394beed5a205163928083/f8a9aed5.jpg Fields

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pab0e62d7af93b7fd569b6534e393e2d1/f8a9aef7.jpg
Plaza

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p279578cd27e01b2cd8c4eda47a1adf85/f8a9af07.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p881b2c3d55e743718dc27a8307080a35/f8a9aed1.jpg
Chuch

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pb2de1620e99b846691e678466107cb0c/f8a9af1b.jpg
Sugarcane Truck


Passi City, a component city of Iloilo (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/passicity-iloilo)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p536a91e7e133f39f500aa20e8a61c20b/f8a9aedb.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p95f67657364180459f68bf326fc9e386/f8a9aee7.jpg
Pinapples are also a major industry

Passi Church Interiors
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p31919c19bcedb26f08f4d81d989edfe8/f8a9aef0.jpg


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pf9e38cf7c7915e2bd6867c74459afcb7/f8a9b921.jpg
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http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p93c8471bf121f881a2b981671b7433c1/f8a9af2c.jpg
Sugar is a major industry in Passi City

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p22bbbf5afd5a75e87ac6815c045c67ad/f8a9af03.jpg
There are a lot of caves in Passi, I'm planning to cross one some day!

Dumangas (http://www.dumangas.gov.ph/)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p9c3c4c749cb2223068cd22a9d1545c42/f8a9aee3.jpg
Church
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p928b91618c339d50006efab7edb3ccb3/f8a9af09.jpg
I like this one :p

http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pavia-iloilo]Pavia[/URL]
Pavia is the site of the Pavia-Agro Industrial Area

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pcc92fb3decc13add31878749320923cf/f8a9aee9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pc06830c317f9db5fb50ae1d47f6615c5/f8a9aefd.jpg
Pavia church

Sta. Barbara (http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p86b1f90cccc595e862ab128c70f2675a/f8a9aeec.jpg
Statue of Gen. Martin Delgado

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8bc710784efb6c47ac191787cc45a375/f8a9af13.jpg
Church

Duenas (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/duenas-iloilo)
Perhaps the scariest town in Iloilo, one movie of shake rattle and roll was based from stories from Duenas. Just look at their church, gives me the goose bumps already :runaway:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8a52f683201f893190656327c7a685c0/f8a9aeed.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p47bbc396041bb30621f6d21482c0d7a6/f8a9aef6.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pa104d0c35abd74cdbd3af5044bcb742d/f8a9b8ec.jpg

Leganes (http://www.uswag-leganes.gov.ph/) , part of Metro Iloilo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8965d19569854f4cf34d3020ad132297/f8a9af0d.jpg
Municipal Hall

Barotac Nuevo (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/barotacnuevo-iloilo)http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p7bc808480282bcae310136067cf0cd0d/f8a9af25.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd2d55ea235daf405ca6b5604e9151784/f8a9b8e6.jpg

Janiuay (http://www.janiuay.gov.ph/)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p20e7569a517f75b89e2d9356dee4f12b/f8a9af28.jpg
You could see the bullet marks made during WWII in this one

Leon (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/leon-iloilo)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pfc83be65c01dd90c6ced41d7ef912b27/f8a9af2f.jpg

Miagao (http://miagao.tripod.com/)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p54e8d70ac37aa0b2883d1569ff2dc824/f8a9b8f3.jpg
This church, included in the World Heritage List of the UNESCO, is distinct because the Spaniards incorporated the local environment in its design also because the chruch was built at a time where there were no such tools to build such a magnificent church

Calinog (http://www.calinog.gov.ph/)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p84284cd4685f23dc6bc09e42f593f22c/f8a9b907.jpg

Cabatuan (http://www.cabatuan.gov.ph/)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8c48b8e1c18a36af1d53769a1cfd6826/f8a9b911.jpg

[mhe-ann]

Iloilo is simply beautiful. awesome! :okay: :bow: Now I remember, my brother's ex-girlfriend is from Iloilo. Hope I could visit the place someday (no more fear) :)

[whyte]

Iloilo, as shown above, is a haven for church-hoppers.

EXTRA
BOMBO RADYO ILOILOWEBCAST
www.cpu.edu.ph/bombo/

[whyte]

Iloilo is also the financial center of Western Visayas, almost every corner of downtown has a bank and a lot of prominent rich families has origins from Iloilo.

Iloilo could use some more malls. I hope Ayala builds theirs here soon!

really dreaming of this, AYALA CENTER ILOILO
plus more CLASSY HOTELS with better convention facilities.
it would be a boom if twice a year there would be national conventions

[tyronne]

wow im surprised! Iloilo has some of the most beautiful churches in the country :okay: Miagao Church is indeed astonishing.

[chymera]

Thanks ur pictures are great too :) when I have the chance i'll try to get some more pictures of Iloilo ... maybe some of the recent dvelopments in Diversion road or the Jalandoni Bridge....

Did you notice how narrow the Jalandoni bridge, near USA, is??? Last time i peeped it looked like it was just 2 lanes wide (eek!!), hope they have plans to expand that .... its not everyday we get projects like that ...

[chymera]

Lastest News headlines from RU6 - www.nscb.gov.ph

Total investment in the region increased by 28.5 percent in 3rd qtr. of 2004...

A total of Php1.8 billion worth of investments were generated by the region during the 3rd quarter of 2004 showing a 28.5 percent increase over the same quarter of the previous year. An increase of 4.9 percent in new business registration contributed to such growth.
Among the provinces, Iloilo recorded the highest investment growth of 543.2 percent. Majority of the registered firms in the region were from wholesale/retail and services sectors comprising 53.0% and 40.0%, respectively. Guimaras province also posted a 297.6 percent increase in registered firms. Capital intensive firms registered in Guimaras were beach resorts, fruit processing , real estate, recreation services, vegetables and fruits manufacturer.

[ThisFire]

Iloilo really is a gem that would be an ideal stopover for any tourist! :)

[whyte]

http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/church2.jpghttp://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/convent.jpghttp://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/stair.jpg
Santa Barbara Church and Convent.
An imposing edifice of Baroque Renaissance architecture, it was built in 1845 and was finished 33 years later. It was made the headquarters of the Ejercito Libertador during the revolution against Span in the Visayas in 1898. In 1991, the National Historical Institute declared it as a national historical landmark.

http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/marker.jpg
Cry of Santa Barbara Marker
This historical marker lies in the same site where the Philippine flag was first raised outside Luzon, the event popularly know as the "Cry of Santa Barbara" which took place in November 17, 1898. It stands as a living witness of Visayan gallantry and heroism during the dark ages of the revolution against Spanish tyranny and oppression.

http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/golf.jpghttp://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/golf2.jpghttp://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/golf3.jpg
Iloilo Golf and Country Club.
This 18-hole golf course in Barangay San Sebastian is a scenic sight to see. Carved on a 35-hectare area of plain and rolling hills, the view is panoramic, embellished by nature. This playground is the only one of its kind in Panay Island and is the oldest in Asia. Built in 1907 by a group of Scots, English and American expatriates, local as well as national tournaments are often held here.

http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/monument.jpg
Monument of Gen. Martin T. Delgado.
Found in the northwestern entrance of the town plaza and facing the municipal building stands the statue in bronze of the town's most distinguished son, Gen. Martin T. Delgado. He is the foremost hero of the revolution against Spain in the Visayas as the commander-in-chief of the revolutionary forces in the these region which drove out the colonizers from the Visayan Islands on November 24, 1898.

http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/bigflag.jpg
Centennial Giant Flag.
Proudly waving atop a 120-foot flagpole, this 30 feet by 60 feet Philippine flag is one of the only five giant flags in the country that mark the national trunk sites during the celebration of the centennial of Philippine independence in 1998.

http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/museum.jpg
Centennial Museum and Information Center.
A centennial freedom trail site project of the Philippine Centennial Commission, this museum tells the story of Santa Barbara's proud historical heritage and its rich legacies in arts, science and culture, and in the works of nature.

http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/patyo.jpg
Santa Barbara Cemetery.
Considered a hallowed ground, the Roman Catholic Cemetery is one of the oldest landmarks in the town located at Sitio Anggasan, Barangay Duyanduyan. Its facade bears the mark of Spanish influence in the country. It was constructed in1845 and was also one of the strongest structures built during the Spanish time that has survived earthquakes.

http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/plaza.jpg
Victory Plaza and Municipal Bandstand.
The town plaza, with its beautiful landscape, is a sight to behold. It is a favorite rendezvous of both the young and the old especially in the afternoon and evening. The bandstand is a circular structure that was constructed in 1925. It has served as a stage for band and musicians, political rallies, religious programs as well as cultural shows and contests since the American era.

http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/dam.jpg
Santa Barbara Irrigation Dam.
Not more than a kilometer from the poblacion is the Santa Barbara Irrigation Dam. Completed in 1926, this massive structure is the first gravity irrigation system in the Visayas that has revolutionized farming in Iloilo.

[whyte]

SKYSCRAPERS in Iloilo?
Sadly the tallest building is less than 12 floors I assume.

[ThisFire]

SKYSCRAPERS in Iloilo?
Sadly the tallest building is less than 12 floors I assume.

No! That's a good thing! I wouldn't want beautiful Iloilo to turn into something like that! Thank you guys for all the pictures and for the recent additions posted today! Very nice culture, history and architectural qualities of the many sites over there in Iloilo! I'd like to visit one day.

[whyte]

that would be nice :)
but i would suggest that new and taller buildings be built "together" so that they form a part of the modern NEW CITY in contrast to the charm of the old city....

[ThisFire]

Oh yeah that's always a nice thing. But every place should have their own preserved zone, just in case.

[chymera]

Actually I think this is the tallest building would be the Sugar Industrial Building:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p2d71679347ea073d45c539276576f101/f8a9fe94.jpg

Well if this doesnt count then it would be the new U/C condos along the Diversion Road or the JD Building in La Paz.

Heres a little bit of history to why Iloilo was and is still rightfully considered the Queen City of the South

-----------------------
"Queen City of the South," A Misnomer

http://www.meanwebmachine.com/articleimages/queenmariasicilies1806.jpg

by: Cornelio P. Panes
(A reaction to Tessa Mauricio's "The Queen Mother of the South")

The title of Iloilo as Queen City of the South before Cebu grabbed it is a misnomer. It was not intended to mean the premiere or leading city outside Metro Manila. This was how it all began.

At the outbreak of the Philippine revolution, the Ayuntamiento (municipal council) of Jaro was the first to condemn, by way of a resolution, the revolution as "an unpatriotic act." The Ilonggo alta sociedad also responded to the news of revolution with protestation and outrage and evoked pro-Spanish loyalty. The Ayuntamiento of Iloilo followed suit and organized the Iloilo Volunteer Battalion.

The voluntarios, as members were called, were recruited from among the private population of Jaro and Iloilo and the adjoining prosperous towns of Molo, Arevalo, Oton and Sta. Barbara, and the more distant northern and eastern pueblos. They fought against the army of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite and Pampanga. Illustrious personalities like Martin Delgado, Quintin Salas, Pedro Monteclaro and Adriano Hernandez were among the officers of the battalion. The biggest financial contributors to the Ilongo contingent were industrialist Don Eugenio Lopez and shipping magnate Don Felix dela Rama.

In the battlefield of Cavite, the voluntarios helped the Spanish forces in the initial defeat of Aguinaldo's forces in 1897. It was the most well-equipped and well-trained contingent on the side of Spain. They helped in the fall of Silang and Imus which led to the collapse of the revolutionaries' defenses in Cavite after a fierce battle for Zapote bridge. The Spanish Crown was elated with that Spanish and the voluntarios' victory. Queen Regent Maria Cristina issued a royal decree awarding the city of Iloilo the perpetual title LA MUY LEAL Y NOBLE CIUDAD DE ILOILO or the Most Loyal and Noble City of Iloilo "for its exemplary conduct and all its laudable action during the present insurrection, in organizing and equipping an Ilongo Volunteer Battalion..."

Since then, Iloilo was known as "THE QUEEN'S CITY," a moniker for the longer title, which, to our present-day term, is the Queen's pet city. This is because Manila was first granted an almost similar title by the Queen. The title was decreed to be incorporated in the official seal of the city.

Legally speaking, Iloilo has the perpetual right to the title Queen City by virtue of the said decree. But no Ilongo now is bothered if Cebu snatched that title away. It is a title that would perpetually shame us.

In the 1990's the City Government of Iloilo unofficially removed the title from the city seal as can be shown in its printed letterheads. To make the removal official, the city council of Iloilo should pass a resolution removing the title from the city's seal.

---------------------------------------
Iloilo City - The Queen Mother of the South

by: Tessa C. Mauricio of "The Manila Times"
Iloilo City The Queen Mother of the South By Tessa C. Mauricio “Welcome to the Queen City of the South!” A visitor to Iloilo City is bound to receive this greeting several times—at the airport tarmac, even in quaint, little pastry shops where the city’s famed barquillos and galletas are made. Eight out of 10 such visitors would then most likely scan the immediate vicinity, and check if the plane had landed in Cebu instead. And when the visitor is finally convinced that the sights and sounds are distinctly Iloilo’s, the inevitable question would follow: “How could there be two Queen Cities of the South?” “The original Queen City is really Iloilo; not Cebu,” says the first-ever woman Tourism secretary of the Philippines; a true-blooded Ilongga by the name of Narzalina Z. Lim. And the manner by which she and her kababayans would make the claim— in the typical melodious Ilonggo voice and an amiable smile—can well, in fact, settle the matter immediately. But of course, facts need to be laid down, lest a conflict ensues between the two Visayan cities. Iloilo’s reign Iloilo, or Irong-Irong as it was called before the Spanish invasion, has always been a prosperous province. Its rich agricultural lands and numerous ports have been the major factors toward its continued progress. By the mid-1800s, Iloilo emerged as the biggest center of commerce and trade in the Visayas and Mindanao; second only to Manila. Fast forward to the 1900s—the establishment of roads, a railway line, an airport, and the surge of the sugar industry in between—Iloilo rightly received her crown as the Queen City of the South. And not only did she prosper in agriculture and commerce, but she also regaled the rest of the nation with grand architectural structures, superior educational establishments, the most glittering of socials, and lively cultural festivities. Soon, Her Majesty’s able sons became the country’s most important business pioneers, among them, Eugenio Lopez, Gregorio Araneta, and a host of other prominent family names, who reaped sweet success from sugar planting. Iloilo, of course, was proud of her children, but there was a price to be paid. While these entrepreneurs and hacien*deros continued to spread their wings—whether to find more land in Bacolod, or to set up industries in Cebu and Manila—the dynamic progress that had long been synonymous to Iloilo eventually plateaued, and dulled the luster of Her Majesty’s crown. Thereafter, Cebu was anointed as the new Queen of the Visayas. Her glorious past, alive and well Despite Iloilo’s “dethronement,” a visit to the former Queen City of the South would explain why her sons and daughters refuse to let go of her previous title. She is still majestic, what with rich remnants of her glorious past that stand proud to this very day. If Luzon boasts of Vigan as its Heritage City, then the Visayas should do the same of Iloilo. Spread around the province are ancient churches and vintage homes dating as far back as the 1800s. Her churches. Truly breathtaking—and perhaps Iloilo’s greatest treasure—is the Miag-ao Fortress Church. Built in 1786, the church is included in the Unesco World Heritage List, and remains to be one of the most photographed landmarks in the Philippines. While Miag-ao’s yellow stone structure is reminiscent of the great temples of Aztec art, the church’s details are unique for they bear touches of the local culture. The facade, for example, displays an intricate carving of St. Christopher with the boy Jesus on his shoulders, enjoying the shade of a bountiful palm tree. This very Filipino setting is guarded by two dissimilar bell towers, which according to history, once served as lookout points for piratical attacks in the province. The church of Sta. Barbara is another well-restored old-world structure outside the city proper, while the cathedrals of Molo and Jaro near the center, are also crowd drawers. They too are architectural feats, made more interesting by unique concepts: Molo Cathedral is home to 16 statues of all-female saints, while Jaro houses an all-male counterpart. Her homes. The old world feel of Iloilo does not end with her numerous churches. The Jaro District, which gave birth to the country’s first-ever millionaire’s lane, delights tourists with vintage houses at every corner. Most enchanting is the 200-year-old Javellana ancestral home, whose ownership is passed on to the eldest child of every succeeding generation. Now under the care of solar power entrepreneur Robert “Pan*chito” Lopez Puckett, the restored Spanish house of wood and stone is referred to as “Casa Mari*quit”—Mariquit being Panchito’s grandmother, a third-generation Javellana and wife to former vice president Fernando Lopez Sr. Panchito employed the services of restoration experts from Intramuros when he inherited the house in the late eighties, and they did excellent job in polishing Mariquit’s dark wood floors and balustrades, her wrought iron ventanillas, and colorful stained glass windows. Lining Jaro’s main road, meanwhile, is Nely’s Garden, whose long, tree-lined drive leads to a decades’ old white mansion, the ancestral home of the wealthy Lopez clan; as well as the Boat House, a multilevel art-deco-inspired abode, which serves as the vacation house of the late Eugenio Lopez Sr.’s brood. Her story. What enhances the pleasure of visiting Iloilo’s ancient treasures are the stories that her children are always eager to share at every destination. How Miag-ao became home to refugees during the war; the miracle of Molo Cathedral’s Virgin Mary when El Niño hit the province; and how Panchito’s grandfather happily leased the beautiful Javellana home to a school for a mere P300 in the mid-eighties. These and more are the stories that have sparked a renewed vigor in the Ilonggos to give back the city her crown. “When we look around us,” they say, “we realize she never did lose her crown for Iloilo continues to be as rich as ever.” What she is, without a doubt, is the Queen Mother of the South. She gave birth to many economies in the Visayas, and she has, all these years, kept her treasures alive and well. The city’s sons and daughters More than ever, the Ilonggos are hopeful that they will soon restore their beloved city to her old glory. They find inspiration in the work of reelected mayor Jerry Trenas, who since his first term, has left no stones unturned in ensuring that Iloilo continues to prosper. Trenas has rightly identified tourism as a potent force in furthering the city’s economy, and restoring the distinction she once had in the Visayas. Thus far, the forward-thinking mayor has fueled an equally dynamic group of Ilong*gos to promote Iloilo as a rich tourist destination, as well as a city that can ably host international and national conventions. Formed only in the beginning of the year, the Iloilo City Convention Bureau (ICCB) already shows much promise in fulfilling the task with Ma. Teresa S. Sarabia, Ph.D as president, former Tourism secretary Narzalina Lim as marketing representative and consultant, and representatives from Iloilo’s major hotels as members. “The group is working together to come up with competitive rates and packages that will entice both tourists and those looking for convention sites to consider Iloilo, for the city truly has a lot of potential,” Lim asserts. “We have the facilities to cater to large convention groups, who after business is out of the way, can savor the original La Paz Batchoy; shop for lace and sinamay; visit the old churches and houses; enjoy young attractions like Casa Fiametta where they can go horseback riding or trekking; or even as a starting point for a trip to the beaches of Guimaras and Boracay.” Gifted with such inviting possibilities, the ICCB and the people of Iloilo City are all set to welcome visitors to the province, and put her back on the proverbial map. And with sons and daughters like the members of the ICCB, there should be no reason why the original Queen City of the South cannot shine as bright as before in the island of Visayas. The ICCB would like to thank Cebu Pacific for sponsoring the recent media familiarization tour to Iloilo City.

[chymera]

I suggest visiting www.meanwebmachine for a complete list of municipalities, their profiles and their picture gallery...

LEON

Leon has a total land area of 14,005 hectares or 140.05 sq.m. The municipality has a terrain ranging from plain to hilly and mountainous. Leon has total population of 41,043 based on the 1995 Census of Population and Housing. It has a population growth of 2.12% per annum for the period 1990-1995.

I had the chance to go to the Mountainous Part of Leon called Bucari, for a weekend get away. I was impressed at how beautiful it is! It was great!, there were pinetrees and flowers all over, a beautiful scenery, cool breeze, seclusion, it has all the potential to be Panay's "Little Baguio"

We went to the waterfalls that day, the water was soooo refreshing I wished I brought extra clothes, then I would have had the time of my life. But I didn't so the next best thing was to appreciate the cold stream and the multiple waterfalls that we passed by on the way ... we even had to cross a hanging bridge

The only downside in the trip was transportation, the roads were mostly gravel esp. when climbing the mountain. Dust was allover the place, better not bring white clothes or they'll turn brown after the trip. I also noticed some mining activity and some bald "spots" on the mountain, something like this could ruin all the potential this place has to offer.

Attractions

Century Old Catholic Church – biggest stone edifice built by the Spaniards in 18th century located at Poblacion

Bucari Mountains – Scenic view, rolling hills, zigzag, very serene atmosphere where tall trees and ever green forests surround you, cool climate, proposed Summer Capital of the Province of Iloilo. It is 28 kilometers from poblacion and 58 kilometers away from the City of Iloilo and can be reached by jeep.

Imoy Waterfalls – located at barangay Camandag, Leon, Iloilo, falls with natural spring as the main source of water surrounded by wild flowers. It is approximately 31 kilometers away from Poblacion.
http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_2/images/leonfalls.jpg
http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_2/images/leonimoyfalls.jpg


Janiuay
Land Area - 22,370 hectares, Population – 50,066 (as of 1995).

Tourist Destinations and Attractions

Janiuay Cemetery in Brgy. Damo-ong, Janiuay
http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_2/images/janiuaycemetery.jpg
http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_2/images/sanjoaquincemetery.gif

Japanese Watch Tower in Jibolo, Janiuay
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p20e7569a517f75b89e2d9356dee4f12b/f8a9af28.jpg

Guimbal
Land Area - 40.61 sq. kilometers . Population - 26,337 in 1995. It is the site of the South East Asian Fisheries Development ... (SEAFDEC)


Historical attractions

Guimbal Roman Catholic Church - famous for it's Spanish architecture and constructed from adobe stones or blocks called Igang.
http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_2/images/guimbalchurch.gif
http://www.meanwebmachine.com/images/guimbalchurch.gif

Moro Watchtower - originally there were four structures that existed around the town but only three have survived. These structures were built in the 16th century.
http://www.meanwebmachine.com/images/guimbalwatchtower.gif

Spanish Arch bridge - a bridge from the Spanish era nicknamed "Taytay Tigre",. so called because of the stone tigers placed on both ends of the bridge.

Zulueta Bridge - constructed during the American Regime under US President Teodore Roosevelt. It is approximately .5 kilometers long and is made of Pittsburgh Steel. One of the longest bridges in the Island of Panay.

Natural attractions

Beaches
Shamrock Beach Resort
San Roque Beach
Sunrise Beach Resort
Bantayan Beach Resort
Ayaw-Ayaw Monuments - a monument of Andres Bonifacio near Nahapay Elementary School, and is the site where the American Soldiers met resistance from the revolutionaries during the Filipino-American War.

Guimbal Plaza and the new Municipal Building
http://www.meanwebmachine.com/images/guimbalmunicipalhall.gif

Miagao
The municipality has a total land area of 15,722.04 hectares. Population
Miag-ao has a reported total population of 52,276. It is the site of University of the Philippines in the Visayas
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaoupv.jpg


Tourist Destinations and Attractions
Natural attractions

Miag-ao Roman Catholic Church - listed in the World Heritage List
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaochurch.gif

Kuta Watch Stone - one of the watchtowers constructed with the same material as the Roman Catholic Church, located in brgy Baybay Norte, Poblacion

Old Taytay Boni Bridge - in brgy Igtuba
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaotaytayboni.jpg

Tinagong Dagat - A serene and mysterious lake located in brgy Ongyod, one of the higher upland barangays in the Municipality
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaotinagongdagat.jpg

Sinohutan Cave - A natural wonder located in brgy Onop, also an upland barangay of the municipality
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaosinuhotancave.jpg

Nabugsukan Falls - Accessible and unspoiled waterfalls with freshwater in Barangay Dalije
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaonabugsukanfalls.jpg

Danao Lake
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaodanaolake.jpg

Mini-Rice Terraces
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaoriceterraces.jpg

Hidden Castle
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaohiddencastle.jpg

Robin Cave
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaorobincave.jpg

Rocky Mountain
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaorockymountain.jpg

The Rainforest
http://meanwebmachine.com//miagao_-_/images/miagaorainforest.jpg


Carles-Estancia-Ajuy
These northernmost towns of Iloilo are known as the Alaska of the Philippines for having the richest fishing grounds in the whole country. Some resorts and beaches in these towns are known throughout the world.

I personally want to visit these places one day, but I dont have the time and money. If you go there, its just like going to boracay only that it costs a little less and you can still enjoy the unspoiled beauty of nature, something you won't experience in Boracay nowadays. Fare from Iloilo-Estancia is P120, the same price if you would want to go to Boaracay

http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_1/images/carlesisland.jpg
http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_2/images/isladegigantes.gif
http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_1/images/carlesbeachresort.gif

Igbaras

Igbaras has a total land area of 15,245 hectares

Nadsadjan Falls - is a 100 ft. high waterfall that splashes onto a prussian blue lake. From brgy Passi, adventurers trek along the Igbolo Creek to reach the falls which is about one and a half kms. Transportation from the poblacion to brgy Passi is available twice daily.
http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_2/images/nadsadjanfalls.gif

Dingle
Land Area - 10,153 hectares. Has the only protected rainforst area in the whole of Iloilo! I visited Bulabog Putian National Park once, it was just beautiful!!!, with the tripple excalamtion mark ... Its nice to be in a place where you can appreciate nature in its fullest. The focal point of the trip would be crossing the caves. BTW, Me and some of my classmates got lost here for about 3 hours we just walked ahead of a couple of minutes later noticing that our tourguide wasn't there anymore and we were lost. We decided to continue walking until we saw any signs of human habitation only to end up at the border of the forest. We panicked because it was getting dark, so we finally decided to walk balk and cross the caves by ourselves (luckily we brought flashlights), it was a lot of fun! Not to mention dangerous.

Tourist Destinations and Attractions
Cultural Attractions

Dingle Catholic Church – Built in 1886, this Baroquial church is made of limestone from Bulabog Mountain, painstakingly carried by early parishioners through narrow, steep and dangerous trails to the present site. The Dingle Catholic Church remains a landmark of Dingle and a symbol of human ingenuity.

Natural Attractions

Some natural formations, which are wonders to themselves, are located in different barangays not far from the Poblacion. They too have names after the legends connected with each of them: Nabaliskad, Ganga, Pulucan, Linuksohan sang Usa, Sig-ang, Baboy-baboy, Tina, Buyongan, Tinobhan sang Man-og, Pakpak sang Banog , Nimatay and Sampaobato.

Caves are another attraction. For those who love to explore nature they are: Guiso Cave, Mistranza Cave, Luñgib Cave, Lapus-lapus Cave, Hapo-hapo Cave, Maarhong Cave, Ticondal Cave, San Roque Cave, Nautod and Linganero Cave. These wonders can be reached only on foot, however, the hike is a fun part of it.

In the heart and fringes of Bulabog Puti-an Mountain, nestled are the springs with their cool, fresh, clear and root-scented water. Two of these springs have become the sources of the Dingle – Pototan Water District: Morobo and Moroboro Springs. The latter has become one of the most sought for beauty spots in Iloilo besides the Jalaur river.

Special Interests

Mountain Climbing – those who live on mountaineering can exhilarate and satisfy their cravings at the conquest at Mt. Mañaquia. One has a good view of the town center at the mountains peak during the day and its romantic aura at night.

Lake Bito – for those who love hiking. A limestone cottage built from limestone slabs from the slopes of Bulabog mountain presents an inviting view.

Man-Made Attractions

The Hanging Bridge

Moroboro Swimming Pool
http://meanwebmachine.com//gallery_-_2/images/moroborosprings.gif

Dingle Parish Church
Jala-ur Irrigation Dam
Camp Hernandez
Camp Pasica
Cry of Lincud Market

[chymera]

More pics of Iloilo City:


http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/biscochohaus.jpg
When in Iloilo, you should totally buy something from Bischocho House for pasalubong.

http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/gaisano1.jpg
Gaisano City Mall, one of the major malls in Iloilo City

http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/jeep01.jpg
There's even modified Starex jeepneys and other car models

http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/jollibee.jpg
http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/obelisk.jpg

http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/robinsons01.jpg
http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/robinsons02.jpg

http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/smct1.jpg
http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/smct2.jpg
http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/smct3.jpg

http://meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/univofiloilo.jpg


Again credits to meanwebmachine.com

[mhe-ann]

wala na akong masabi...ganda ng Iloilo. :bow:

[renell]

how about showing us some football stadiums? I heard Iloilo is the hot spot for our own Ronaldinho's. :yes: oh and is Iloilo the 4th largest city? 5th? 3rd?

[chymera]

Iloilo has a football stadium at the Iloilo Sports Complex, I'll post some pics soon. But I'm not promising anything.

Iloilo is not really that large, I dont think it is in the top 5. Having a land area of 56 sq. km... what would you expect??? If Iloilo was as large (land area) as say bacolod or cebu, then it would be a lot bigger. After the International Airport will be comleteed the pop will boom and Iloilo's metro Area may be considered

[amras]

wow! from what those pictures say Iloilo could rival Manila's historical and architectural landmarks!

[XetraDAX]

wow! iloilo's really nice!!

[chymera]

More Pictures of Iloilo that I took last year:

Muelle Loney, Iloilo Domestic Port
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p59b60e120c5ba36a6edc8717945e2843/f57a8533.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p8bb3c065268c79815f26a43c0516d275/f57a8535.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p4502905c53325a1ec748f7578613099e/f57a853c.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p75e9da33c2c62381108c50acce76d0f8/f57a8547.jpg


J.M. Basa St.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p0bc2bcd9aa96650b352da2ea5778c693/f57a8538.jpg

Mary Mart Mall
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p1240046e612e5126a51a122528f38ad2/f57a853b.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p6c9cec384870fc88cd1a0750f1500648/f57a8544.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p99fe980278217b9ab3b70d0fedb4f73b/f57a855f.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p30b3558bf14c82d8b0b21ac7f5513c4e/f57a8561.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p83182904f4b566ace54bf0d7c987ce92/f57a8563.jpg

Plaza Libertad
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p9e19d2df6277479ff2dcb489cad97eb3/f57a853f.jpg

Downtown Iloilo
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p2664921a533bb643523e9189f44acd43/f57a8542.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p098d5091f67ac93cbab6efd023e1b5cc/f57a8554.jpg


Overpass near SM Ledesma and MaryMart
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/pcc6bb3dfe40379b652e693322896a0be/f57a855a.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p35e866204af53eda58965b92ae107215/f57a855d.jpg

An Old Historic Bridge in Iloilo, you can see Gaisano City (Mall) on the end of it
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p5665e67da2baa7981a1a3f2ac0a38464/f8a9c74f.jpg

[whyte]

great pics CHYMERA keep them coming

[whyte]

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/iloilomu.jpg

[chymera]

http://www.dinagyang.com/reyna.jpg

http://www.iloilo.net/dot/r6/ilopic04.jpg

http://mishopi.image.pbase.com/u12/bogee/upload/2842335.linedup.jpg

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2005/01/16/article_116255_01-15-2005.jpg
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas clutches the image of Señor Sto. Niño which arrived in Iloilo City Friday afternoon from Cebu. Treñas, the Hermano Mayor of this year's Dinagyang Festival, brings the image to San Jose Church. (Sun.Star Iloilo/Grace Bacero)

Dinagyang
22 - 23 de Enero de 2005

The root word is dagyang. In Ilonggo, it means "to make merry". Dinagyang is the present progressive form of that Ilonggo word, meaning "merry" or "merrymaking."

Today, Dinagyang is associated with the annual, socio-cultural-religious festival of Iloilo City in January. Dinagyang was coined by an old-time Ilonggo writer and radio broadcaster, the late Pacifico Sumagpao Sudario, who first used the word to name the festival when it was launched in 1977.

Iloilo City's Dinagyang had its beginnings in 1968 when Fr. Sulpicio Ebderes, OSA brought a replica of the image of the Sr. Santo Niño from Cebu City to the San Jose Parish church with a delegation of Cofradia Del Sto. Niño Cebu members. The image was brought to San Jose Parish church and has been enshrined there since then where a novena in His honor is held every Friday. The first parish feast of Señor Santo Niño was celebrated in 1969, a year after His arrival in Iloilo City. The culmination of the nine-day novena was the fluvial procession. From 1969, the celebration was casually called "Iloilo Ati-Atihan" to differentiate it from that more famous Mardi-Gras -- like revelry of Kalibo, Aklan.

Through the years, the Dinagyang costumes became more ornate and fabulous. Designed, cut, and hand-sewn according to specifications, the costumes came out in a variety of forms and a kaleidoscope of colors. The costumes were made of indigenous materials like leaves and barks of trees, woven anahaw, buri or coconut palm fronds and husks.

Ingenuity in making use of the materials for costumes through assiduous research was undertaken by the competing "tribes," seeing to it that these were kept under wraps. Even the movements and frenetic dance steps as the tribes practiced were executed behind closed doors. Other paraphernalia like shields and spears were added to the costumes. Choreography was made a part of the criteria in both the Ati-Atihan and Kadsadyahan contests.

In 1976, a new feature was added to the festival. Following Kalibo's example, street revelry and audience participation were introduced and encouraged.

The celebration starts when the Santo Niño image is borne on a decorative banca in a fluvial procession, starting from the mouth of the Iloilo river at Fort San Pedro, winding all the way to the Iloilo provincial capitol which stands on the bank of the Iloilo river. Here, the hermano-hermana mayor, devotees, and Ati-Atihan tribes meet the Santo Niño. With the Santo Niño leading, the street procession starts, passing through the main roads of the city and ending at San Jose church, where a high mass is then celebrated.

The fluvial procession of the Santo Niño image on the Iloilo river was made a prerequisite to the Ati-Atihan foot procession, which has now evolved into a parade and competition.

In recent years, more and more tribes have joined the celebration that has, by then, grown more colorful and pompous. Foreign and local tourists now come to Iloilo in droves just for the festival.

From being mere spectators during the merrymaking of the various competing Ati-Atihan and Mardi Gras "tribes" and groups, the people now have a chance to dance and be merry, throwing all inhibitions to the wind. With soot painted all over the face and body, one can just fantasize on anything, dance to the cacophonous beat of drums in the streets, joining the raucous laughter of merrymakers.

Through the years, however, the Dinagyang festival has not only meant fun and laughter for the Ilonggos. It has also become a period of thanksgiving and offering for all the blessings received. Hala Bira!
(from dinagyang.com)


Don't Forget to visit the Iloilo City Section of www.wowphilippines.com.ph, it has pictures of the dinagyang festival

Other links to dinagyang Pictures:
Iloilo Province Official Website (http://www.meanwebmachine.com/gallery.php?cat=dinagyang_2003_-_)
Dinagyang 2004 (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/specials/dinagyang%202004/)
Dinagyang 2003 (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/specials/dinagyang%202003/)
Dinagyang Pics (http://thibaud.saintin.free.fr/2003_01/dinagyang/accueil.html)
Awesome Pics of Dinagyang (http://mikilo.image.pbase.com/u12/bogee/small/2859768.focus.jpg&imgrefurl=http://pbase.com/bogee&h=107&w=160&sz=14&tbnid=qsSlZ2k1kQQJ:&tbnh=60&tbnw=91&start=42&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2522dinagyang%2522%26start%3D40%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN)
A nice article of the Dinagyang Festival (With Pictures) (http://images.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=http://mobilemediaph.com/turista/see/dinagyang/image/dinagyan_iloilo1.JPG&imgrefurl=http://mobilemediaph.com/turista/celebrate/dinagyang.02.03.html&h=352&w=468&sz=38&tbnid=K4CM4g6kZqMJ:&tbnh=94&tbnw=124&start=13&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%2522dinagyang%2522%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN)

[chymera]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p6afef261cefa5027699fe8f186a7d1b0/f574b1f3.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p30014dcdf29a75ec5a1400d2527e1f85/f574b1f6.jpg
"Dinagyang Festival Participant"
Photographer/Artist: Nestor Santiago
From: Imagesphilippines.com
Place Taken: Iloilo

http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/images/Explore/Gallery/Big/ILOILO/Dinagyang-Festival-pic4.jpg
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/images/Explore/Gallery/Big/ILOILO/Dinagyang-Festival.jpg
From: Wowphilippines.com

Links:
Visit the Wowphilippines - Iloilo Gallery (http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=sendecards&province=34)
Lakbay Pilipinas Dinagyang Article (http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/dinagyang_festival.html)

[Francis20]

@ chymera, meron ka bang photo nung part sa me Toyota at mga katabi nun?

[chymera]

Some more photos and info about Iloilo City, please spend time to visit some of the links I put in this post because they contain even more pictures and info about Iloilo City that I'm sure you'll find very interesting and also to pay credit to the sources I got this post from ...

Molo Church
Women wanting to be empowered by the graces of women saints have a place in Molo Church. This Gothic-Renaissance-styled church made of coral rocks and completed in the 1800s earned the moniker "women’s church" because of the presence of 16 images of women saints inside. The centerpiece in the retablo is the image of Sta. Ana, the patron saint of Molo. It was said that Jose Rizal frequented Molo Church because of its biblical paintings, which is no longer extant

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p537a68b27d099e8d101bab726e4445d9/f574b1ed.jpg
Photographer/Artist: Nestor Santiago
From: http://www.imagesphilippines.com

http://www.trekearth.com/images/photos/10199/molo_church2.jpg
Photographer: Gina Silva
From: http://www.trekearth.com/

http://www.sketches.kom.ph/albums/molo%20church%20in%20iloilo.dir/p1180039.jpg
Photographer: Dominique Cimafranca
Click here to view his blog on the Molo Church (has more really great pictures) (http://www.sketches.kom.ph/albums.php?dir=albums&idx=42)

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/moloch.jpg
taken from this site (http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/iloilo.html), credits to the photographer


Jaro Cathedral

The Jaro Cathedral was built in 1864, the year the district was named a diocese by Pope Pius the IX. The cathedral's style is basically Baroque, with the addition of Gothic elements over many renovations. The cathedral is home to the Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria, who is perched on a glassencased shrine carved out of the facade. The limestone is said to be continuously growing, and in fact had become too large to fit into its original niche just above the present one. Her shrine is visited often by many devotees who believe the statue to be miraculous. The Lady of the Candles is the only rose among the all-male collection of statues which line the walls of the cathedral's interiors. The Jaro Cathedral is the first and only cathedral in Panay built in 1864. A high point in the history of the cathedral was the visit of Pope John Paul VI, conducting a mass in 1982.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd954a7913557c446d2631d12cbfc23fc/f8a9b8f5.jpg

http://www.sketches.kom.ph/albums/jaro%20cathedral%20in%20iloilo.dir/p1180045.jpg
Photo by Dominique Cimafraca, click here to view his blog on the Jaro Cathedral (Contains lots of pictures)

Jero Belfry

ruined by 1948 earthquake ,but now restored. One of the few belfries in the country that stands apart from the church.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pe4131adb3a8d90c1e83070cbdea06031/f8a9b94c.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pe4131adb3a8d90c1e83070cbdea06031/f8a9b94c.jpg

http://www.sketches.kom.ph/albums/jaro%20cathedral%20in%20iloilo.dir/p1180045.jpg
Photo by Dominique Cimafraca, click here to view his blog on the Belfry(Contains lots of pictures)

San Jose Church

Not as historic as the old Iloilo churches but just as impressive are the structures built more recently. The church still serves as the center of community activity, the Ilonggos being as fervently Christian, now in heart rather than by force as it was during Spanish times. Below are the Oton and San Agustin Churches. It is located in front of the historic Plaza Libertad

http://www.sketches.kom.ph/albums/san%20jose%20church%20in%20iloilo.dir/p1180058.jpg
Photo by Dominique Cimafraca, click here to view his blog on the San Jose Church(Contains lots of pictures)

http://www.sketches.kom.ph/albums/san%20jose%20church%20in%20iloilo.dir/p1180059.jpg
Interiors

Museo Iloilo

Museo Iloilo was designed by Ilongo architect Sergio Penasales, the same architect who did Antique’s Barbaza Catcholic Church --the church that was said to have the “most modern architectural style in the whole province of Antique.” Museo Iloilo’s permanent exhibit covers the cultural history of Western Visayas from prehistory to contemporary history. Inside is the carbon-q4 dated fossils, the swords and spears of the Mondo tribe of Panay, and the permanent exhibit showing an Ati family. What could surprise any visitor is the santo entiero or the dead Christ with a white hanky around its head. It looks so much like a preserved body of a dead person especially with the shriveled skin at its shoulders.

Other artifacts are statues, reliefs (one of a female saint holding her lopped-off breast), crosses, weapons of the Mondos (descendants of pre-Malay Indonesians), burial urns, blue and white ceramics, prehistoric tools, a tableau of the Last Supper and other things of interest that have made this museum stake a claim on being the best outside Metro Manila.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p66d9351a41500018bd645217e1fba244/f8a9c749.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p854b40cc7ccd7722223c57503113d698/f574b1f9.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p5e88cd2c2b3d8e7b6b1ce52c600f856d/f574b1f4.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/pe1c0924cec17b81c88866bb266070645/f574b1f1.jpg
“Museo Iloilo”
Photographer/Artist: Ricky Punzalan
Date Taken: 2001
Place Taken: Iloilo

Iloilo Provincial Capitol

The imposing 6-storey building, located along Bonifacio Drive, is just behind the old Capitol building and adjacent to the Museo Iloilo. P385-million structure, which officials and guests described as either like a "shopping mall" or a "five-star hotel.", finished construction on late 2003.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2004/12/29/article_114122_12-29-2004.jpg

Colorful Christmas lights surround the grounds of the New Iloilo Provincial Capitol, providing a captivating sight for Ilonggos passing by the area at night. (Sun.Star Iloilo/ Jennifer M. Depakakibo)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd314541fac97b9c24b92a78cba864130/f8a9fe91.jpg

J.M. Basa St.

J.M.Basa St. is the shopping and business district of the city. It was just as busy when it was known as Calle Real, where the big establishments like Elizalade and Co. set up office. J.M. Basa St. boasts of buildings that date back during the Spanish and American colonial periods. Available transport - jeepney. In 1896, Dr. Jose Rizal on his way to Manila from his exile in Dapitan bought a hat in J.M. Basa St.

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/j.m.st.jpg
from http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gaki/iloilo.html

http://srv.fotopages.com/2/270188.jpg
http://srv.fotopages.com/2/270187.jpg
Photographer: Jonathan Apuy
Visit his fotopage (http://japuy.fotopages.com/?entry=29245). It contains a lot of great pictures of Iloilo

Valeria St. Pics by Jonathan Apuy
http://srv.fotopages.com/2/270211.jpg
http://srv.fotopages.com/2/270208.jpg

La Paz Plaza
Probably the cleanest and most beautiful plaza in Iloilo City
http://srv.fotopages.com/2/270206.jpg
Lapaz Plaza

Aerial Photos
http://www.trekearth.com/images/photos/867/island.jpg
An island in Iloilo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p7af3406424d4264934f988edd908ea2a/f574b1f7.jpg
Fish Ponds

Random Photos of the City
http://srv.fotopages.com/2/270203.jpg
Rambotan

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/p9a0cfb85586a62c2519c0c879e1fe757/f5746c98.jpg
Bureau of Customs building in Muele Loney (from lakbaypilipinas.com).

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/gallery/albums/userpics/26iloilocity003.JPEG
Iloilo River as seen from the tower of the old Bureau of Customs Building in Iloilo (from lakbaypilipinas.com).

http://srv.fotopages.com/2/270185.jpg
Robinsons Mall

http://srv.fotopages.com/2/270204.jpg

[chymera]

@ chymera, meron ka bang photo nung part sa me Toyota at mga katabi nun?

I don't think i have a picture of that one, I rarely pass by that street, sorry. Bakit, para sa anu ba ung picture?

[chymera]

Cities of the Philippines by Population

Rank Name Population(red) /Land (sq. km)
1 Quezon City 2,173,831 /166.2
2 Manila 1,581,082/38.3
3 Kalookan 1,177,604/53.33
4 Davao 1,147,116/2,212
5 Cebu 718,821/329
6 Zamboanga 601,794/1671
7 Pasig 505,058/13
8 Valenzuela 485,433/47
9 Las Piñas 472,780/41.5
10 Cagayan de Oro 461,877/488.86
11 Parañaque 449,811/38.3
12 Makati 444,867/27.36
13 Bacolod 429,076/161
14 General Santos (Dadiangas) 411,822/536
15 Marikina 391,170/38.9
16 Muntinglupa 379,310/46.7
17 Iloilo 365,820/56
18 Pasay 354,908/13.9



Cities by Density (RED=Non-MM Cities)

1 Manila - 41,282
2 Pasig - 38,851
3Pasay - 25,533
4 Kalookan (Caloocan) - 22,081
5Makati - 16,260
6Quezon City - 13,080
7Parañaque - 11,744
8Las Piñas - 11,392
9Valenzuela - 10,328
10Marikina - 10,056
11Muntinglupa - 8,122
12Iloilo - 6,533
13Bacolod - 2,665
14Cebu - 2,185
15Cagayan de Oro - 945
16General Santos (Dadiangas) - 768
17Davao - 519
18Zamboanga - 360


As you can clearly see Iloilo City is not the biggest city in the Philippines but it certainly is the densest outside of MM.

Right now there is no Metro areas in Iloilo but if it will be approved then Metropolitan Iloilo will be composed of Iloilo city and the municipalities of Oton, San Miguel, Pavia and Leganes. It is planned to be the center for residential, commercial, financial and industrial activities for the region.

Municipality - Population/Land Area/Density

Leganes - 23,475/ 32.20/729.04
Oton - 65,374/ 86.44 /756.29
San Miguel - 20,754/ 31.97/649.17
Pavia - 32,824/ 15.46 /2,123.16
Total - 508,818.00/ 222.07/2,291.25

This proposed Metro Area is still small compared to other cities, why dont they include more Iloilo municipalities so theres more room to work on and greater impact of projects.

[chymera]

Philippine Cities Competitiveness Report by AIM

1999 results:
1. General Santos
2. Angeles
3. Baguio
4. San Fernando, La Union
5. Davao
6. Iloilo
7. Zamboanga
8. Cagayan de Oro
9. Tacloban
10. Iligan

2002 results

Iloilo Was not in the list of top 3 Mid-sized Cities (NonMetro with pop more than 200k)

2003 results (Out of 13 Mid-sized cities)

COST OF DOING BUSINESS
Top 8th

DYNAMISM OF LOCAL ECONOMY
1. Iloilo - 6.93
2. Bacolod - 6.58
3.Cagayan de Oro - 6.53

LINKAGES AND ACCESSIBILITY
Top 5th

HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING
1. Bacolod - 7.36
2. Iloilo - 7.29 (thight match)
3. Cagayan de Oro - 6.84

RESPONSIVENESS OF LGU

Top 4th

INFRASTRUCTURE

Iloilo's road are congested, theres always heavy traffic during rushhour. The city has an INT'L port but no International Airport (construction finshes in 2007-08), local airport in mandurriao is old and cannot cope up with the city's demand. There is a power crisis looming in 2008 if power infra are not to be addressed quickly.

IT Infra in the city is good, but it could need a lot more improvment, esp with prices.

Top 10th

QUALITY OF LIFE

While the city boasts of a high number of health institutions, it lacks in pollution management. There isn't any "sanitary dumpsite" in Iloilo, water quality is poor and Air pollution level have been rated RED , which is the same as MetroManila.

But with a really high density, I think the city is doing OK. Top performers here are Bacolod (You should see how clean it is) and other cities which are there plainly because they have low density

Overall
1. Bacolod - 6.62
2. San F., Pampanga - 6.24
3. Cagayan de Oro - 6.18


Pinoy Cities on the Rise 2003 (Rankings for Mid-sized Cities)
1. Bacolod - 6.62
2. Pampanga - 6.24
3. Cagayan de Oro - 6.18
4. Batangas - 6.14
5. General Santos - 6.05
5. Iloilo - 6.05
7. Baguio - 5.87

[Francis20]

hmm...dapat bayaran ka ng Iloilo para sa promotion @ Chymera. Thanks for taking time to do all there. I just asked for that photo, kc I know someone on that area. Wala lang.

[bagel]

Yeah... parang gusto ko na ngayon pumunta sa Iloilo.

Question. Is there a regional rivalry between Iloilo and Bacolod? (gusto ko rin pumunta dun)

[Francis20]

probably none. bk Cebu pede. Ilo-ilo and Negros both belongs to the so-called Panay Island, right? or wrong?

[tyronne]

probably none. bk Cebu pede. Ilo-ilo and Negros both belongs to the so-called Panay Island, right? or wrong?

Bacolod is in a different island--Negros while Iloilo is in Panay island. i think what you meant was bacolod and iloilo city belong to the same region: western visayas region. ;)

[bagel]

No I am aware that Bacolod is on Negros and Iloilo is on Panay. My question was whether there was a regional rivalry between the two cities... They're both in Visayas but within Visayas, are there city rivalries (much like New York vs. Chicago which are in different US states, but still have a rivalry)? Is there a rivalry particularly in attracting development and tourists? Both cities have a similar strong Spanish hacienda heritage that is evident in the architecture. I guess maybe Iloilo is bigger than Bacolod, but both are also trying to shine as cities that are not like Cebu or Manila. I don't know maybe this is a dumb question.

[tyronne]

hi boybaha :hi: yeah, i got your question. but i was answering Francis' query if Iloilo and Bacolod belong to the same island Panay. sorry if my previous message confused you. :)

[chymera]

I feel a competition between Bacolod and Iloilo Cities, but it's nothing more than a friendly one. The two cities have been considered as "bridge" cities because of the close ties between them but people always like to compare the two and that's starting the rivalry.

Many people say Iloilo is better, then again some say Bacolod is ... I can't really answer that question because both excel in different ways, for example Bacolod is a lot cleaner and has a very excellent local government while Iloilo has more malls, banks, hotels, is more accessible and has more historical sites but suffers from traffic, pollution, and persistent corruption.

Between Iloilo and Cebu there is definitely a rivalry, although not that intense. Iloilo is rightfully the Queen City of the South, but Cebu took away the crown from us, and we want it back, so there. During the 1940s, Cebu was not that economically competitive as Iloilo was once but a sudden drop in world sugar prices, decades of inefficient political leaders, and government neglect has slowed the city's growth that led to Cebu's overtake of Iloilo.

[chymera]

http://www.rms-gs.de/maps/visayas.jpg
Iloilo-Bacolod not on the same island but same province.


hmm...dapat bayaran ka ng Iloilo para sa promotion @ Chymera. Thanks for taking time to do all there. I just asked for that photo, kc I know someone on that area. Wala lang.

Ahihi ... just doing my part as a proud Ilonggo, naks ... Gusto ko lang maappreciate nyo ang Iloilo at mabura ang mga misconcepcions nyo dito. Its nice that im going something good to my place ...

[chymera]

SM City Iloilo

http://www.smprime.com.ph/uploads/images/SecImg1_malls_iloilo.jpg

Opening Date: June 1999
Land Area: 17.5 hectares
Gross Floor Area: 101,735 square meters
Address: Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue, West Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
ContactInfo:
Phone - (6333) 3209601-02
Anchors: SM Department Store, SM Cinemas, SM Supermarket, SM Food Court
Junior Anchors: Ace Hardware, SM Appliance Center, Toy Kingdom, Surplus Shop, Our Home, National Bookstore, Watsons

Gross Floor Area isnt that big, but one question. Why is the area 17.5 hectares??? I dont really know what they plan to do with that large space, they should built an extension because our SM does not have an entertainment center like Cebu has, with the roller coasters, bowling lanes, ice skating rink and everything ...

Porma Balas

Porma Balas is a project of the Rotary Club of Iloilo, Rotaract Club of Iloilo, ABS-CBN, 101.1.MOR My Only Radio for Life and the Department of Tourism. This is just amazing

Pics from porma balas 03

http://www.meanwebmachine.com//porma_balas_2003_-_/images/porma_balas_01.jpg
http://www.meanwebmachine.com//porma_balas_2003_-_/images/porma_balas_02.jpg
http://www.meanwebmachine.com//porma_balas_2003_-_/images/porma_balas_03.jpg
http://www.meanwebmachine.com//porma_balas_2003_-_/images/porma_balas_04.jpg

Iloilo Sports Complex
Capacity - 12, 000

The ISC used to sit on a sprawling real estate, the bulk of which the provincial government had already donated to and are now serve as the campuses of the government-owned West Visayas state University (WVSU), the Iloilo National High School and the Iloilo division of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The Provincial Government charges entrance fees to the ISC and rentals for its equipment and facilities that include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a track oval, a soccer field, two volleyball courts, two basketball courts, two tennis courts and four badminton courts.

Three additional badminton courts will be put up soon, Heler said.

Aside from that, the province also owns the biggest covered gym in Iloilo which is part of the ISC though it is about 200 meters away from the ISC main site at La Paz District.

The Provincial Government though grants free access to the ISC and use of its facilities for sports activities or conventions by other government entities like athletes representing Iloilo in regional and national competitions, arangay and municipal health workers, day care teachers, tanods and Liga ng mga Barangays.


http://www.sierrauniversal.8m.com/images/ilo-oval.jpg
Track

http://members.tripod.com/smcs_ripples/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/milo2.jpeg
Iloilo Covered Gym



More Pics:
http://www.smprime.com.ph/uploads/images/Img2_iloilo-atrium.jpg
http://www.smprime.com.ph/uploads/images/iloilo-silver-S.jpg
http://www.smprime.com.ph/uploads/images/Img5_iloilo-watsons.jpg

More Iloilo Pics
http://www.meanwebmachine.com//111302_pics_-_/images/jdlapaz.jpg
http://www.meanwebmachine.com//Iloilo_Pics_2003_by_Japuy_-_/images/006japuypics.jpg
http://www.meanwebmachine.com//Iloilo_Pics_2003_by_Japuy_-_/images/007japuypics.jpg
http://www.meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/jollibee.jpg
http://www.meanwebmachine.com//iloilo_09172002_-_/images/robinsons02.jpg

[JudeD]

Chymera, I think you mean that Iloilo and Bacolod are on different islands, and DIFFERENT provinces (Iloilo province for Iloilo City, Negros Occidental for Bacolod), but in the SAME region (Region 8, Western Visayas). The two cities also speak the same language, Hiligaynon, which is different from Cebuano or Bisaya. And people from either city call themselves "Ilonggos". And a lot of people from Iloilo are related to people in Bacolod.

Based on what I've seen and heard, the Bacolod-Iloilo rivalry is fierce. If you imply to a native of one city that the other one is better, get ready for an argument! If you brag about Cebu on the other hand, then the Ilonggos are sure to gang up on you.

Just going by quick impressions, Iloilo seems more industrial while Bacolod is more agricultural. Iloilo has the UP Campus and the world heritage churches, but Bacolod has Silay (Paris of the East) and the Casino and Convention Center.

However, Iloilo is unrivalled as the pre-eminent city on Panay island. While Bacolod has to compete with Dumaguete on the other side of Negros island.

[chymera]

Chymera, I think you mean that Iloilo and Bacolod are on different islands, and DIFFERENT provinces (Iloilo province for Iloilo City, Negros Occidental for Bacolod), but in the SAME region (Region 8, Western Visayas). The two cities also speak the same language, Hiligaynon, which is different from Cebuano or Bisaya. And people from either city call themselves "Ilonggos". And a lot of people from Iloilo are related to people in Bacolod.

Based on what I've seen and heard, the Bacolod-Iloilo rivalry is fierce. If you imply to a native of one city that the other one is better, get ready for an argument! If you brag about Cebu on the other hand, then the Ilonggos are sure to gang up on you.

Just going by quick impressions, Iloilo seems more industrial while Bacolod is more agricultural. Iloilo has the UP Campus and the world heritage churches, but Bacolod has Silay (Paris of the East) and the Casino and Convention Center.

However, Iloilo is unrivalled as the pre-eminent city on Panay island. While Bacolod has to compete with Dumaguete on the other side of Negros island.


Oh sorry i didnt know what came up to me, i was a bit sleepy yesterday :p Anyways, its Region 6 not 8.

Well I dont feel any fierce competition between Iloilo-Bacolod, mabe a little with Cebu-Iloilo but maybe its just me. Yep Bacolod's economy is more agricultural (mostly sugar cane) yet Iloilo's is services and industry.

Iloilo had to learn from its mistakes in relying with its Sugar Industry, so it diversified its agri-economy and focused on its other strenths

[Virtute]

Don't forget that when we talk about Iloilo and Bacolod, we need to remember a little history of both cities. I'm no where near a historian but I know from my family history alone that many ilonggos from Iloilo moved to Bacolod because of the sugar cane business around 150 or more years ago. Many of the rich Ilonggos in Iloilo and Jaro moved there and settled in Negros and became the "hacenderos." They bought many lands and became richer. Negros then was pretty much a new frontier and unsettled while Iloilo was already established with a large population. Many Ilonggos have relatives in both cities since many families of Bacolod originally came from older Iloilo.

When I hear people talk about Iloilo and Bacolod and how one city is better than the other, I laugh because personally I just don't really see the point.

1. Many of these "hambugs" originally came from Iloilo anyway, at least their grandparents or great grandparents.
2. I see Iloilo more as the mother city while Bacolod is the daugther city.
3. I consider Iloilo and Bacolod inseparable because:

a. we both speak hiligaynon
b. blood ties - many relatives from Bacolod and Iloilo
c. common history because of the ^ above

I love Iloilo because that is where I was born, I'm an Ilonggo but I consider Bacolod as an extention of home due to many relatives there.

One thing that I like about Bacolod is, it's more spacious and wide open unlike Iloilo that is crowded. I can trace this back as Iloilo with old with streeets built for horse carriages while Bacolod developed a little later mostly with wider streets, etc. etc.

Anyway, just sharing my thoughts about these two cities. :)

[chymera]

This is the last day of Dinagyang. I didn't have the chance to see the ati-atihan festival at the Iloilo Grandstand, so I just watched it at home.

This year's Dinagyang was just awesome, our officials really put money in making it a success. ABS-CBN did a nice job in covering the festival (well at leasthalf of it, they had to stop coz Lovers in Paris was scheduled to show :) ), based from their sky patrol I could see that there were significantly more people this year. Also, the performances of the competing tribes were better since they integrated more elements into their dances and they really prepared for this year because a lot is at stake.

A lot of celebrities and musicians from manila also went here. Too bad I didnt have the chance to go to any of their concert coz i had school work to do :(, I didn't get to see Urban Dub, and I've waited all year for their second concert in Iloilo :(

Now I can consider Dinagyang a world-class festival. A lot of foreign nationals came here to visit and it was broadcasted by internaionally by ABS. I'm just happy that our officials, esp. our Mayor, understood how vital the Dinagyang Festival is in the development of our city ...

[chymera]

Oh and I almost forgot Business World made a feature of Dinagyang ----> Party Time in Iloilo (http://bworld.com.ph/weekender/lifestyle/lifestyle2.html)

Ang here is the online Diagyang 2005 coverage of stunstar.com.ph ----> http://www.sunstar.com.ph/specials/dinagyang%202005/

I found this site and it has satellite images of Iloilo, It is for geologic study so, dont expect anything nice: http://www.gisdevelopment.net/aars/acrs/2000/ts17/aima0009pf.htm

Fishing Village (squatters)
http://library.thinkquest.org/25780/projects/user/IloiloFishVillII.jpg

Oton Aerial
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/oton-iloilo/image/oton-aerial.jpg

[rico]

oton looks like it has a well-organized layout. :)

[whyte]

This is the last day of Dinagyang. I didn't have the chance to see the ati-atihan festival at the Iloilo Grandstand, so I just watched it at home.

This year's Dinagyang was just awesome, our officials really put money in making it a success. ABS-CBN did a nice job in covering the festival (well at leasthalf of it, they had to stop coz Lovers in Paris was scheduled to show :) ), based from their sky patrol I could see that there were significantly more people this year. Also, the performances of the competing tribes were better since they integrated more elements into their dances and they really prepared for this year because a lot is at stake.

A lot of celebrities and musicians from manila also went here. Too bad I didnt have the chance to go to any of their concert coz i had school work to do :(, I didn't get to see Urban Dub, and I've waited all year for their second concert in Iloilo :(

Now I can consider Dinagyang a world-class festival. A lot of foreign nationals came here to visit and it was broadcasted by internaionally by ABS. I'm just happy that our officials, esp. our Mayor, understood how vital the Dinagyang Festival is in the development of our city ...

heard that the organizers were dismayed that instead of promoting DINAGYANG ABS-CBN promoted their STARS causing a negative uproar in the crowd and in the media the following day :lol:

[renell]

What's the tallest building in Iloilo, I've been browsing back through the pages and it was said that Iloilo is one of the densest cities outside of Metro Manila.

[chymera]

What's the tallest building in Iloilo, I've been browsing back through the pages and it was said that Iloilo is one of the densest cities outside of Metro Manila.

I'm not really sure about what building is tallest in Iloilo, but its nothing more than 12 floors. Well for one of the densest city outside Manila, you've got to wonder why Cebu or Davao has much taller buildings than we do. Well its because even though the city is very dense, it has a relatively small population and a very small land area too, also there is a lack of infrastructure to support high-rises (bad traffic situation, no international airport, power crisis in a few years if not remedied).

The reason why the city is dense is due to a lack of metro areas, the population of iloilo is pretty much clustred in the city and nearby municipalities like leganes, oton, and san miguel are not really that dense. Almost everything is centralized in Iloilo City.


heard that the organizers were dismayed that instead of promoting DINAGYANG ABS-CBN promoted their STARS causing a negative uproar in the crowd and in the media the following day

I totally agree with that, when I was watching the Dinagyang Broadcast of ABS-CBN I was at first impressed at how much attention the city is getting due to the celebrities that were hosting it. But as I was watching further I got really upset about how they were doing the program. The celebrities, who were not natives of Iloilo, kept saying errorneous information about the tribes who were competing. They did not pay attention to what was important, which was the Ati-atihan festival", they kept cutting the performances of the tribes even though they were not finished just to air the celebrities, who did not do a good job at hosting, and their features.

I kept changing channels every time the celebrities started talking, to watch other channels who also caputured the event live and had knowledgeable hosts and changed back because ABS-CBN has better equiptment (better sound and vantage points).

Before the program started, ABS-CBN delayed the contest for a full 1 hour just to promote their celebs ... The people got very impatient and angry because of it, they had to endure a full 1 hour of tremendous heat and bad performances. Bayani, shouted out to the crowd "Sino gusto mag Otso-Otso?", the people shouted NOOO!!. It was so funny ...

I guess this is a lesson in limiting the amount of commercialism in our festivals. People would turn on their TV to watch the ati-atihan competition not see celebrities hog the screen.

[chymera]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pf8dd8d8719b1f7e2d6891622732a8138/f8aac3ab.jpg
Map of Iloilo

SEAFDEC

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid154/pb4b644c20137ccc3a64b4772c656c30e/f574b1fa.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid155/p0d48cc184368ef2280793a1d99122043/f5554b48.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid155/pfde8599ead4dbcaa9310efeee7fc99ca/f5554b44.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid155/p94190a0a94ba722e72b0730fa3972355/f5554b42.jpg

The Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD) is one of four departments of SEAFDEC, a Southeast Asian regional treaty organization created in 1967 to promote fisheries development in the region. SEAFDEC's Secretariat is based in Bangkok, Thailand. SEAFDEC/AQD was established in July 1973 to pursue aquaculture research and development in the region. SEAFDEC/AQD's headquarters are situated in the town of Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines and 25 kilometers southwest of Iloilo City in the west central Philippines.

The Tigbauan Main Station in Tigbauan, Iloilo is the SEAFDEC/AQD headquarters situated right on the beach on the south coast of Panay Island. The 40-hectare complex includes various research laboratories, hatcheries and brood-stock tanks for experiments in artificial propagation, feed development and health management.

TMS also houses the training facilities, library, museum, administration offices, and a medical clinic. On-campus housing, cafeteria, and recreational facilities cater to resident staff, trainees, guests and visiting researchers.

TMS maintains six service laboratories to serve the research staff in their requirements for laboratory analyses of research samples and other materials. These include: Larval Food Laboratory, Centralized Analytical Laboratory, Feed Mill Laboratory, Diagnostic Service Laboratory, Microtechnique Service Laboratory, Integrated Fish Broodstock and Hatchery Demonstration Complex .

[chymera]

http://www.bworld.com.ph/images/bwie_in.gif (http://www.bworld.com.ph)
http://www.bworld.com.ph/images/corporate.gif
MANILA, PHILIPPINES | Wednesday, January 26, 2005

$658.4-M Panay railway line rehab to be bid out
By FELIPE F. SALVOSA II, Reporter

State-run Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corp. (Phividec) is set to bid out the $658.41-million rehabilitation of the Panay railway line which is expected to be up and running again by 2008.

Phividec Chairman Ofelia V. Bulaong told reporters construction will begin by the second quarter and will take until 2007.

Prospective bidders include companies from the US, Europe, and China. But the consortium of three firms that conducted the feasibility study -- France's Systra, Austria's Voest Alpine, and Siemens of Germany -- would be given the right to match the winning bid, she said.

The Swiss challenge approach is being used as the project is unsolicited, Ms. Bulaong said.

Official development assistance and export credit agencies were initially eyed to finance the Panay railway rehabilitation but the government had decided against foreign borrowing and wants the private sector to take the lead instead.

The 117-kilometer (km.) railway stretches from Iloilo City in Iloilo province to Roxas City, Capiz. The rehabilitation project calls for 13 stations between the two cities and the purchase of eight train units consisting of three passenger cars and a cargo trailer per train unit for long-distance traffic. A total of 46 steel bridges will be constructed plus an additional 4 km. spur line that will connect the railway to the new Iloilo airport.

To connect Iloilo and Kalibo in Aklan, a bus commuter service will be set up with 30 buses servicing the Dao, Capiz to Kalibo route.

COST BREAKDOWN

Of the estimated project cost of $658.41 million, $164.71 million will be spent for civil works, $168.97 million for rolling stock, $104.67 million for engineering and maintenance, $12.55 million for right of way, $19.34 million for engineering works, $100.94 million for miscellaneous costs, $25.79 million for interest payments, and $12.55 million for financing charges.

But Ms. Bulaong said the housing component of the railway rehabilitation, which is Phase 1 of the project, would be bid out ahead on the President's instruction. About $50 million to $60 million has been earmarked for some 1,500 families to be affected.

The feasibility study showed the Panay railway rehabilitation would result in P60 billion in socioeconomic benefits, a figure 200% higher than the project cost.

Once completed, the railway system is expected to generate 13 million rides or 25 million passenger trips per annum. Travel time from end to end is estimated at 70 minutes.

A "long-term transport solution," the project is also seen to enhance transport networks in the cities of Iloilo, Passi, and Roxas.

Environmental conditions will also be enhanced as the railway system will provide an alternate mode of transporting cargo, the study said. The Panay railway was completed in 1907 and began commercial operations in 1911. President Ferdinand E. Marcos transferred Panay railways under Phividec in 1975.

In 1986, it was placed under the Asset Privatization Trust, resuming operations three years later only to be shut down anew due to poor maintenance and lack of rolling stock.

That's the latest development on the Panay Railways, I hope this is going to push trough this time ... We really need this kind of thing for the development of Iloilo, hopefully it will be extended all the way to caticlan so forweign tourists get a direct line to Boracay Island ...

[absent-minded]

I was just about to post this too... if everything goes as they plan it to happen, then it looks like Iloilo's new airport might have a rail link even before any of Manila's terminals. when is the new airport set to open again...?

anyways, more good stuff on Iloilo...

Iloilo City government earns POPCOM's applause
By REXCEL JOHN SORZA | TODAY Correspondent | ABS-CBNNews.com

ILOILO CITY—The Iloilo City government earned credit from the Commission on Population (POPCOM) for its involving almost all sectors in drawing up programs and projects to address the challenges brought about by urbanization.

POPCOM included Iloilo City among the urban centers in the country that effectively addressed its problems through participation and cooperation.

In the “State of the Philippine Population Report 2004,” which was released last month, POPCOM said, “Iloilo City’s recognition of the importance of participation and cooperation has helped the city stay afloat amid problems regarding urban growth.”

It also highlighted the alliance that Iloilo City built with neighboring towns as it “has proved to be a wise move in facing the complicated pressures of urbanization. After all, five LGUs [local government units] working together are indeed better than one.”

It said that like the famed La Paz Batchoy prepared by a group, “responding to the problems brought about by urban growth is more efficient when done by a group” because “there are more ideas and inputs, and efforts become coordinated, making the resulting response more cost-effective.”

Participation in Iloilo City, it said, “is at the heart of the development efforts in Iloilo City” as “many of the city’s projects and programs involve the participation of various sectors.”

It cites the city’s Community Oriented Policing System as “one good example.”

“The project capitalizes on people’s cooperation to prevent and solve crimes. This system helped improve the Iloilo City Police Office’s (ICPO) efficiency and effectiveness. Thus, despite the ICPO’s shortage in manpower, it bagged the Best City Police award in 2003.”

Participation is also alive in the planning workshops conducted by the city government to come up with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for 1998 to 2010. “Here, the city government sought public participation in identifying measures that would address urbanization issues.”

Through the planning sessions, representatives from the academe, nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations, church, banking institutions, business clubs, civic clubs and other professional clubs provided insights.

Not only that, the CLUP was prepared with close coordination with the adjoining municipalities of Pavia, Leganes, Oton and San Miguel, said POPCOM.

“Iloilo City was able to grab the opportunities brought about by the active participation of the various sectors, which play a big role in helping it meet the needs of its populace despite limited resources. This strategy of governance has also helped the city address the challenges associated with urban growth.”

POPCOM also spoke well of the delivery of basic services in the city. “In education, one of its noteworthy projects are the scholarship grants it gives to children of poor families. It also provides free technical and vocational education through the Technical Institute of Iloilo City.”

It added that all seven of Iloilo City’s district health centers are certified Sentrong Sigla, which means they have met the standards and requirements set by the Department of Health.

“Also noteworthy is the city’s prioritization of social-welfare services. In particular, the day-care service of the City Social Welfare and Development Office [CSWDO] eats up almost half [47 percent] of its budget. The CSWDO also pays attention to the street children and out-of-school youth population.”

It also hailed the city’s environment protection program, where the City Environment and Natural Resources Office “has accomplished several projects, particularly in water resources management.”

It said: “With only 70-percent efficiency in garbage collection, the city has also launched initiatives to address all components of an ecological waste-management system.”

POPCOM also cited the city’s bid to solve traffic congestion through perimeter boundaries for public-utility vehicles and the city’s resettlement program, benefiting 41 percent of the poor.

The partnership of Iloilo City with the Leganes, Oton, Pavia, and San Miguel towns did not escape POPCOM’s attention forming the Metro Iloilo Development Council (MIDC).

“MIDC was created so that these five local government units can address the urban growth problems collectively.

They have identified areas of collaboration along which they based their common and integrated development plan.

“In the MIDC framework, Iloilo City will remain as the center for residential, commercial, financial and educational activities. The other four municipalities are its satellites. Pavia will serve as the agroindustrial center; San Miguel as the agricultural basket; Leganes as the center for light industries; and Oton as a residential area.”

[JudeD]

It'll be a perfect compliment to the Iloilo International Airport. I hope it doesn't run into the same squatter clearing problems the Northrail and PNR are facing here in Luzon. Well, at least I don't think the squatters along the line will be harder to evict, there's a lot of land in Panay they can easily transfer to! No need for them to squat really.

It's strange though that no British company is bidding on the project, to think that it was the Brits who built the railway originally.

Chymera, kudos for keeping this thread alive almost singlehandedly!

[renell]

Ah it'd be great to have another old railway line working again. Where exaclty around Panay does the railway go?

[chymera]

I was just about to post this too... if everything goes as they plan it to happen, then it looks like Iloilo's new airport might have a rail link even before any of Manila's terminals. when is the new airport set to open again...?

anyways, more good stuff on Iloilo...

Well, I try ... My previous topic got deleted because of inactivity, so I dont want that to happen again :) I'll wont let this topic die down!!! even if it means being alone in my cause...

The airport is expected to be operational by 2008, so its the same year as the railways...

Another project of concern was the P3.2B Iloilo flood control project, which was to minimize floods in the city. Unfortunately it got cancelled together with the other JBIC funded projects ... During the visit of GMA for the Dinagyang Festival, she promised not to totally terminate the plan, and delayed it instead to 2009. Oh well we cant have everything we want, It's a disappointment it got cancelled due to gov't inability to pay its obligations ...

[chymera]

ABS-CBN explains their side on the issue ... Well, even GMA herself was dismayed at what happened ...

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/images/sunstar_iloilo.gif
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Intermission not intended to disgrace festival: TV network

THE ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (RNG) Tuesday explained the intermission number rendered by ABS-CBN talents from Manila during the Dinagyang Festival highlight on January 23 was "not meant to hurt the sensibilities of the locals nor was it intended to disgrace the festival."

"ABS-CBN assures the Ilonggo public that the network always takes into consideration the sentiments of the local community," the RNG said in a statement furnished Sun.Star Iloilo.

During the controversial intermission number, the performers wore skimpy outfits, which the organizers and the public deemed inappropriate for an ethnic festival like Dinagyang.

Ben Jimena, Dinagyang Festival executive director, said earlier there was a "misinterpretation on the part of the network" but said "the overall production was very impressive, considering it was the first time (Dinagyang) was brought live to the international audience."

RNG, for its part, said "(a)ll the production numbers were pre-approved by the festival's committee including the intermission number performed by the ABS-CBN dancers, which should have been ethnic in nature."

There were also complaints that the dance and song numbers performed, among others, by comedian Bayani Agbayani delayed the Ati-atihan competition which was beamed live to local and international audience from 10 a.m. to 12 noon through Studio 23 and The Filipino Channel.

However, Jerry Bennett, ABS-CBN Visayas cluster head, had justified the delay.

"The coverage was local and international that the 15-minute delay was necessary. (It was intended) to be in time (for) broadcast in The Filipino Channel where Filipinos abroad can watch Dinagyang 2005," Bennette said earlier.

Moreover, RNG quoted Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas as saying, "I am happy with the worldwide coverage of ABS-CBN because it will help us project Iloilo City as a tourist destination and an investment center in this part of the country. It is my hope that through this worldwide coverage, Iloilo will be known not only In the Philippines but throughout the world."

[Miguel]

Everytime I hear about Iloilo there's one thing that I can always associate with it, "La Paz Batchoy." Hmmm..... Yummy. :cheers2:

[whyte]

Everytime I hear about Iloilo there's one thing that I can always associate with it, "La Paz Batchoy." Hmmm..... Yummy. :cheers2:

GOTTA POST this

http://tinypic.com/1eaqs3

[whyte]

What's the tallest building in Iloilo, I've been browsing back through the pages and it was said that Iloilo is one of the densest cities outside of Metro Manila.

cant be sure either
SKYCITY TOWER - home of bombo radyo iloilo
BANK OF COMMERCE - along iznart

* there is NO impresvie building n the city when it cmes to height

[whyte]

It'll be a perfect compliment to the Iloilo International Airport. I hope it doesn't run into the same squatter clearing problems the Northrail and PNR are facing here in Luzon. Well, at least I don't think the squatters along the line will be harder to evict, there's a lot of land in Panay they can easily transfer to! No need for them to squat really.

It's strange though that no British company is bidding on the project, to think that it was the Brits who built the railway originally.

Chymera, kudos for keeping this thread alive almost singlehandedly!

HMM. some of the original railway tracks have been transformed into cemented pathways and bridges into NON-RAIL BRIDGES.

[whyte]

Ah it'd be great to have another old railway line working again. Where exaclty around Panay does the railway go?

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/panay_2004.htm

ILOILO CITY TO ROXAS CITY
hopefully extend up to KALIBO or CATICLAN


Int’l bidders vie for $658-B Panay railway
http://www3.mb.com.ph/MOBILE/BSNS2005012627189.htm

By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT

Interested bidders from the US Europe and China are vying for the $658.41-million Panay Railways rehabilitation project, a 117kilometer railway line from Iloilo City to Roxas City.

Ofelia Bulaong, chairman of the Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corp. (Philvidec), said the bidding for the Panay Railways Inc. (PRI), a subsidiary of Phividec, is expected in the second quarter this year. Bulaong said that the first phase of the project is the construction of housing facilities for the 1,500 families living along the PRI line while the rehabilitation of the railway line is the second phase. "President Arroyo’s instruction was there shall be no rehabilitation of the PRI unless a housing component will be undertaken first," Bulaong said. Based on the feasibility study, which was conducted by the Systra of France, Voest Alpine of Austria and Siemens of Germany for free, has estimated the housing project to cost between $50 million to $60 million. Since the Systra of France, Voest Alpine of Austria and Siemens of Germany did the feasibility study for free, Bulaong said they have the first option to undertake the project. But being an unsolicited project, it will be subject to a Swiss challenge wherein the Systra, Voest Alpine and Siemens consortium has the right to match the highest bidder. Bulaong further said the project will have waste disposal component. The $658.41-million total project already incorporated the $168.97million rolling stocks, $164.71-million civil works, $104.76-million engineering and maintenance, $100.94million miscellaneous cost, among others. Once the bidding is completed, the project construction will be done in two years starting this year up to 2007 and commercial operation by 2008. Based on the feasibility study, the PRI will have 13 stations. It will be a combination of eight train units consisting of three passenger cars a cargo trailer per train unit.

[whyte]

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/4P5041943.jpg

hopefully what is on the map would be "realized"

[whyte]

PANAY RAILWAYs is one of the most expensive 'coz it the "builders" would seem to start all over again. The existing line to be rehab would just serve as "guidelines". :lol:

[whyte]

I would really hope to see that the area between MARINA and GAISANO CITY...those fishpond areas,vacant lots be made into a sort of COMMERCIAL AREA.
malls,hotels,"skyscrapers".
The river would serve as a great "backdrop"

[chymera]

I would really hope to see that the area between MARINA and GAISANO CITY...those fishpond areas,vacant lots be made into a sort of COMMERCIAL AREA.
malls,hotels,"skyscrapers".
The river would serve as a great "backdrop"

Yes I do agree that they should develop that large area too. Once the Jalandoni Bridge and its access ways are finished. Hopefully it will fill up with commercial establishments. Only problem is the Jalandoni Bridge is just 2lanes, and I dont think it can support that much traffic ... I would've liked for that area to be developed as a eco-tourism site. Already, theres a lot of mangroves there I hope they dont clear them out coz I like them a lot ...

Paraflox and the Old Iloilocity.cjb.net website mentioned something about an "Iloilo Corporate Center", which will be developed into a commercial zone and will have infrastructure like other commercial enters i.e. underground power lines and everything. But they didnt reveal a lot of information, I think it will be built on diversion road and both sides of it ...

Already there is some activity there, like Medicus` condoclinic, and another condominium building w/c are U/C right now (near completion), and many other commercial establishments can't recall them right now...

[Virtute]

One reason I've heard over the years why Iloilo doesn't have a lot of tall buildings was that the area where the city is, is too soft. Saying they put a limit on how tall the building would be. When the Spanish came they mentioned the area was just a big swamp. Comparing it to Cebu, the ground on Cebu would be more accomodating for tall buildings.

I'm not an architect but I don't see why they should'nt be able to build skyscrapers (maybe it'll be more costly?), but the "ground is too soft theory" was one of those I've heard over the years.

I think if we are ever going to see skyscrapers in Iloilo, the city needs to get better as a whole before tall buildings come in, clean up the streets, rejuvenate old main streets like Calle Real (J.M. Basa St.), improve the standard of living, more job opportunities.

When I was there 2yrs ago, the majority of the traffic lights didn't work!!!! A lot of the roads in the city itself were very bad.

[chymera]

Some say tall buildings can't be built in the CITY PROPER area where the land is soft, but once you've crossed the iloilo river (diversion bridge), the land can already support such structures. Already, there are 2 low rise condominiums there, I am not sure if high-rises can built built on that area though, but I'm sure they can find a way to get around that "soft land" thing ...

[chymera]

I think if we are ever going to see skyscrapers in Iloilo, the city needs to get better as a whole before tall buildings come in, clean up the streets, rejuvenate old main streets like Calle Real (J.M. Basa St.), improve the standard of living, more job opportunities.

When I was there 2yrs ago, the majority of the traffic lights didn't work!!!! A lot of the roads in the city itself were very bad.

I think that will change in a few years time, already the officials of Iloilo seem to be really serious in bringing about significant improvements in the City. Very popular (and expensive) examples of this would be the Int'l Airport, Panay Railways, and Iloilo Flood Control Project ... Even now, there are noticeable improvement in the city's situation ...

I took lunch in downtown last week and I noticed that the streets were much cleaner. Usually, after the dinagyang garbage would be mounting everywhere but this time it wasn't like that, I'm just happy city's spending on solid waste management is paying off. The city has also been spending in urban renewal and greening projects particularly in General Luna St., its cleaner and more beautiful passing there ... If it stays that way for a long time, people, esp. locals, would have better perceptions of the city ...

[Edmundtanso]

the trains looks nice, hopefully to see this running very soon!

[renell]

The Panay Railways seems to have Boracay in mind too. With Panay Railways+Iloilo's future international airport going there would be heaps easy now :yes: And I'd love to see the Ati-atihan or the Dinagyang

[mysaong03]

i heard that theres actually a central buss district being developed near the new airport called the iloilo corporate center, how did it go so far?

[whyte]

The Iloilo Corporate Center is the masterplan of Palafox and Assoc. to develope the area around SM CITY Iloilo. As of now, as posted by CHYMERA, theres a medical-condo tower, a hotel.
It would take a lot of refilling because that area used to be/still has fishponds,salt "ponds".
It was even said before that the SM project wouldn't push through due to the soil strength problems in that area.

I really wish YMCA Iloilo would be relocated and that area would be made into sa financial-commercial area. offices/shops.YMCA Iloilo is a habited abandoned building. :(

[whyte]

http://www.palafoxassociates.com/projects/index.htm

a link to the proposed ILOILO CORP. CENTER
the bigger image doesnt work :(

[whyte]

http://www.geocities.com/irongirongph/page12/

http://www.geocities.com/irongirongph/page12/img11.gifhttp://www.palafoxassociates.com/images/office02.jpg
ILOILO CORPORATE CENTER

The latest addition in the investment equation is the Iloilo Corporate Center, an 18-hectare business park that aims to be the nerve center of business in Iloilo City.

The self-contained city is envisioned to include state-of-the-art commercial and business facilities as well as amenities at par with metropolitan living standar

[renell]

is this finished, u/c or still in the drawing boards?

[whyte]

still in the drawing boards but the area around is undergoing a construction boom propelled by the SM CITY drawn business atmosphere in the area.

[KulasKusgan]

Wow! great plan... Ive heard that Palafox is from Davao... (or maybe just my hallucination...guni-guni...)

Anyway, it all started in a plan...

Should that Business Park be realized, that would pave the way for greater things to come for Ilo-ilo...

[chymera]

This is the street where the Provincial Capitol, Hall of Justice, Gaisano City, Metro Iloilo Water District and Castle Hotel could be found. This is the usual traffic condition here during rush hours ...
http://panaynews.com.ph/picture%20for%20feb1.JPG

Iloilo City Official Website (http://www.iloilocity.cjb.net/)
Some info Demographic, Geographic ... info on Iloilo City (http://www.cdsea.org/CDSKnowledge/CDS%20products/urban%20karte/iloilo-uk.htm)

[mhe-ann]

moderate traffic na rin.

[renell]

:lol: LOL @ the West Jeepney. Didn't know they sold those cigarettes in the country :D

[chymera]

moderate traffic na rin.

Moderate Traffic, by Manila standards but still ... For a city its size, traffic is pretty heavy ... Theres a WHOLE lot of room for improvement.

[chymera]

Yey! This is the 101th post on this thread!!! I'm so happy :)

http://itmatters.com.ph/images/itmatters_l.gif (http://itmatters.com.ph/news/news_02022005c.html)
9 more areas eyed as ICT hubs
The government and the private sector have jointly identified nine more provinces and cities as potential information and communications technology (ICT) hubs to provide alternative sites to the already congested ICT locations in the country.

Potential ICT hubs are the provinces of Leyte, Camarines Sur, Pangasinan, and the cities of Iloilo, Baguio, Davao, Zamboanga, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro, said Carissa P. Cruz, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assistant secretary for regional operations.

The nine provinces and cities are the latest addition to Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, the three ICT hubs identified by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), primarily chosen by the agency on the basis of their ability to provide high speed networks and connectivity.

The potential locations are chosen based on the criteria set by the DTI and its industry association partner Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P). BPA/P is the industry group of outsourcing players in the country, which use the internet to ferry outsourcing projects to their clients based abroad.

Some of the requirements considered are the area's telecommunication infrastructure; the quality of the location's educational system; some real estate considerations such as availability of office buildings, office spaces, and empty lots; including the area's power infrastructure such as power source and back-up, said BPA/P chairman Raneiro M. Borja in an interview.

DTI Undersecretary for international trade group Thomas G. Aquino said concentration of ICT companies in pioneer locations such as Metro Manila have resulted to "happy problems" such as aggressive competition for available spaces and manpower.

Data from the Board of Investments (BoI) show Metro Manila hosting a total of 60 operating call center firms as of December 2004. The total number of operating call centers from other metro cities does not even constitute a third of the call center volume in Metro Manila.

Recently, some Manila-based call center players have been closely looking into setting up operations in areas outside the city to prevent them from fighting over the same pool of people.

To date, the Clark Economic Zone in Pampanga has two call center operators; Cebu City has 11; and Davao City and the province of Laguna have one call center locator each.

Officials from the nine areas presented individual business propositions to potential company locators during a two-day forum which ended today. The forum was organized by the DTI in line with the thrust of the government to decentralize ICT investments in the country.

LGU INCENTIVES

Aside from the tax incentives from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Board of Investments (BoI), local government units are now offering additional tax incentives to capture more investments.

For instance, Benito T. Jimena, executive assistant to the Iloilo City mayor's office said in an interview that the city is offering one-year tax holiday for investments between P1 million and P5 million; two-year tax holiday for investments worth P20 million; and three-year tax holiday for companies which have invested P40 million and above.

Mr. Jimena added that ICT Group, a call center firm in Metro Manila, will invest in a new facility in the city in three months' time. Other companies that expressed interest in Iloilo City are Convergys, ClientLogic, and PeopleSupport.

Existing call center companies operating in Iloilo are Call Box Customer Contact Center, ePLDT Ventus, and eComideas.

In Baguio City, some potential locators which have shown interests are PeopleSupport, TelePerformance, MicroWave Disc, Convergys, E-Telecare, and Teletech, according to the city representative's presentation during the forum.

Ms. Cruz said three call center companies are looking into Pangasinan as potential regional location while some areas are starting to receive some interests from ICT players in Metro Manila. -- Maricel E. Estavillo

[bustero]

Do you guys have optic piper or sat uplink? The american comanies won't move into the secondary cities without the former due to reliability issues. I hope it does. Siliman also just go Expictar to move there!

[whyte]

the most traffic congested area is GEN LUNA-DIVERSION road intersection.
but doesn't "go up to metro manila level"

[whyte]

Do you guys have optic piper or sat uplink? The american comanies won't move into the secondary cities without the former due to reliability issues. I hope it does. Siliman also just go Expictar to move there!

sat uplink can be installed faster anytime/anywhere unlike fiber optic cables.
globe and pldt cannot be sure though has some fiber BUT not that really WIDESPREAD.

[chymera]

http://sunstar.com.ph/images/sunstar_iloilo.gif (http://sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/index.html)

Dinagyang Festival '05 earnings pegged at 2.6M

* The Foundation gains P10.5 million from the financial support of different agencies and organizations and from ticket sales and kiosk rentals
* The expenses amount to P7.6 million

THE Dinagyang Festival 2005 held last January 22 and 23 earned approximately P2.6 million, based on the statement of cash receipts and disbursements released by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI).

The statement, dated January 31, was signed by IDFI treasurer Ricardo Padios chairman Lee Chuan.

The Foundation gained P10.5 million from the financial support of different agencies and organizations and from ticket sales and kiosk rentals.

Smart Communications' sponsorship was worth P8 million; Iloilo City Government, P700,000; San Miguel Corp., P300,000; e-PLDT, P100,000; Robinsons Land, P100,000; Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD), P50,000; SM City Iloilo, P10,000; and Bankers Association of Iloilo, P10,000.

About P975,000 have yet to be collected from the sponsors. Stage ticket sales reached P609,000 while kiosks rentals, P403,550.

The expenses amounted to P7.6 million.

These were spent for the Ati-atihan tribes, P2.3 million; Kasadyahan, P610,000; marketing efforts, P733,644; Executive Committee, P553,083; secretariat, P98,000; prizes and awards, P512,348; stage, P310,000; stage control and tickets, P27,360; judging, P256,456; communications, P35,000; liturgical, P106,000;

Bulilit competition, P30,000; sanitation, P100,000; health and first aid, P65,000; peace and order, P200,000; traffic, P75,000; fire, P36,000; publicity and media relations, P360,000; exhibits, P130,000; Miss Dinagyang, P280,000; and others, P793,000.

The latter includes expenses for Museo Iloilo, badminton tournament, CPUAAI, fluvial parade, reception committee, K-9, compliance, crisis management, fireworks, San Jose Parish, and the Dinagyang song. (KVC)

[chymera]

Being the second oldest city in the Philippines, Iloilo City prides itself for being considered a "City of Firsts". So here they are a list of "firsts" in the city and other municipalities of the province, i'm sure theres a lot more but I can only name a few:

1. Oldest existing educational institution - Colegio de San Jose (1872) in Jaro District
2. Oldest public elementary school in the country— Molo’s Baluarte Elementary School founded in 1905 by Rosendo Mejica
3. Oldest golf course in the Philippines, as well as in asia - Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Sta. Barbara
4. Oldest SM outside of Manila - SM Delgado
5. Site of the first millionaires' row in the country - Jaro District
6. First Government constructed museum building in the country - Museo Iloilo
7. First Spanish settlement and oldest municipality in Iloilo - Municipality of Oton
8. Site where the the first Filipino flag was raised in triumph after Spain surrendered the province on Dec. 25, 1898 - Plaza Libtertad
9. The oldest watersports festival in the country - Paraw Regatta
10. First Baptist Church in the Philippines - Jaro Evangelical Church (founded 1901)
11. First Private Hospital and First Nursing School in the Philippines - Iloilo Mission Hospital (founded in 1901)
12. First commercial airline
13. First luxury liner
14. First car assembly plant
15. First cinema house outside Manila
16. The first Catechetical Institute in the country - Pius XII Institute

[chymera]

Paseo Iloilo in De Leon St ... this is a concept made by Robinson's Place Iloilo
Article Link (http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/tl/tl012454.htm)
http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/pictures/00001304.jpg

[chymera]

OMG! I found this page (http://takashimadaira.hp.infoseek.co.jp/travel/iloilo/iloilo.html) when I was googling, old pictures of the Panay Railways ... You could see the trains, the terminal, and yes .. the freaky hairstyles :runaway: , ahihi ...

http://takashimadaira.hp.infoseek.co.jp/travel/iloilo/iloilo1.JPG http://takashimadaira.hp.infoseek.co.jp/travel/iloilo/iloilo2.JPG http://takashimadaira.hp.infoseek.co.jp/travel/iloilo/iloilo4.JPG

I found this ILOILO ALBUM (http://njoel.tripod.com/index.htm), it has lots of pictures (/w capitions) of the City and nearby Municipalities ..., I'll just post a few and let you explore his site for more

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p406f5842aa165dbd57af33ce0ea0931b/f5392646.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p60758f559f1391924f20cecba5a52ebf/f5392623.jpg

This is Gen. Luna a few months ago, now it has had an asphalt overlay and other urban renewal face-lifts.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pd59eb5010a15d40e3b1e5f92ecfe542f/f539258e.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pc10ea929f3cb91eeab6d5285f98dced4/f539257d.jpg


Here's a site with Dinagyang Pics (http://www.geocities.co.jp/SilkRoad-Forest/7327/iloilo.htm)
http://www.geocities.co.jp/SilkRoad-Forest/7327/iloilophoto1/iloilo3.jpg

Great pics of Brgy Caguyuman, Dingle ... must see (http://202.163.220.134/newgallery/iloilo/)
http://202.163.220.134/newgallery/iloilo/images/butch_08.jpg

View of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol from the Days view Hotel. In this pic you can still see the ampitheater, which is now demolished to give space to the new capitol
http://www.dayshotel.com/images/SUITEVIEW2.jpg http://www.dayshotel.com/images/SUITEVIEW2.jpg

[Culiat]

Cool pictures

OMG! I found this page (http://takashimadaira.hp.infoseek.co.jp/travel/iloilo/iloilo.html) when I was googling, old pictures of the Panay Railways ... You could see the trains, the terminal, and yes .. the freaky hairstyles :runaway: , ahihi ...

http://takashimadaira.hp.infoseek.co.jp/travel/iloilo/iloilo1.JPG http://takashimadaira.hp.infoseek.co.jp/travel/iloilo/iloilo2.JPG http://takashimadaira.hp.infoseek.co.jp/travel/iloilo/iloilo4.JPG

I found this ILOILO ALBUM (http://njoel.tripod.com/index.htm), it has lots of pictures (/w capitions) of the City and nearby Municipalities ..., I'll just post a few and let you explore his site for more

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p406f5842aa165dbd57af33ce0ea0931b/f5392646.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p60758f559f1391924f20cecba5a52ebf/f5392623.jpg

This is Gen. Luna a few months ago, now it has had an asphalt overlay and other urban renewal face-lifts.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pd59eb5010a15d40e3b1e5f92ecfe542f/f539258e.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pc10ea929f3cb91eeab6d5285f98dced4/f539257d.jpg


Here's a site with Dinagyang Pics (http://www.geocities.co.jp/SilkRoad-Forest/7327/iloilo.htm)
http://www.geocities.co.jp/SilkRoad-Forest/7327/iloilophoto1/iloilo3.jpg

Great pics of Brgy Caguyuman, Dingle ... must see (http://202.163.220.134/newgallery/iloilo/)
http://202.163.220.134/newgallery/iloilo/images/butch_08.jpg

View of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol from the Days view Hotel. In this pic you can still see the ampitheater, which is now demolished to give space to the new capitol
http://www.dayshotel.com/images/SUITEVIEW2.jpg http://www.dayshotel.com/images/SUITEVIEW2.jpg

[chymera]

If you look closely at the pictures I've just posted and the ones before, you could see how many banks the city has ... a lot of them closely packed, as in side by side, at least one in every block ...

[Skyblade]

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/4P5041943.jpg



:runaway: :eek2: :sly: :uh: :omg: :? :llama:

PLEASE TELL ME THIS ISN'T A DREAM!?!

[mhe-ann]

sarap ata mag-rock-climbing jan sa Brgy. Caguyuman. :cheers:

[chymera]

http://panaynews.com.ph/picture%20for%20feb.%207.jpg

Iloilo’s Chinoys to celebrate Year of the Rooster in grand style

BY HAZEL P. VILLA

ILOILO City -- With Iloilo City as the only place in the Philippines next to Manila’s Binondo District publicly celebrating Chinese New Year in grand style, the city’s

Filipino-Chinese community promises to give “the most elaborate and festive celebration in the country” this Tuesday at the heart of downtown Iloilo City.

Traffic in JM Basa, Mapa, Aldeguer and Iznart streets in downtown Iloilo City will be rerouted to accommodate the grand parade at 4 p.m., a cultural program at 5 p.m. and all-night dining and partying at the “Chinese Night Market” set-up in Plazoleta Gay, the heart of the celebrations.

“This year’s Chinese New Year celebrations will be bigger and better. Outside Metro Manila, Iloilo City is the only place that celebrates in grand scale,” said Felipe A. Uygongco, president of the Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Iloilo, Inc., one of the organizers of the event.

Uygongco’s Fil-Chinese Chamber teamed up with the Federation of Chinese-Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Panay, Inc., headed by its president, Henry O. Chusuey and various schools and family associations to coordinate the third year of the event under the banner of the Iloilo Chinese-Filipino Cultural Foundation, Inc. and the Iloilo City Government.

Uygongco said one of the highlights of this year’s celebrations is the 20-minute fireworks display at 7 p.m., “the first of its kind in Iloilo City” costing P200,000, courtesy of SM City Iloilo.

Ilonggos and other visitors will also be treated to 11 Chinese cultural presentations from the city’s five participating Filipino-Chinese schools, the Chinese Filipino Dance Troupe and the Iloilo Youth Chapter of Buddha’s Light International Association.

Other events after the program include a concert, a Wushu-Sansho Tournament organized by the Iloilo Tinagan Martial Arts Club and a midnight mass at the Fu Kung Yuan Temple in Fuentes-Delgado Streets to welcome the Year of the Rooster.

Organizers gave a conservative estimate of P800,000 to P1 million in expenses just for the program, fireworks and stage decorations alone.

The Iloilo City government under Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who started and institutionalized the public celebration of Chinese New Year in this city, also contributed P50,000 to the event.

[chymera]

:runaway: :eek2: :sly: :uh: :omg: :? :llama:

PLEASE TELL ME THIS ISN'T A DREAM!?!

Well, I hope so ... there's no reason for it to be impossible, it has been built like a long time ago after all, It is an indispensable infrastructure for not only the city but the region's growth as well. It is also very economically viable, studies show economic benefits amount to P60B, that's double the building cost of P32B ...

OH, and P.S. the picture of the Chinese Dragon Dance posted a bit earlier is not of Iloilo City ... (but it came out on a local newspaper though)

[whyte]

:runaway: :eek2: :sly: :uh: :omg: :? :llama:

PLEASE TELL ME THIS ISN'T A DREAM!?!

:lol:

lets just wait and see.....

[whyte]

chymera

Thank you for keeping thsi thread aLIVE and KICKIn'

[chymera]

Hehe, no problem ...

[chymera]

OMG! I witnessed the hacking of the gov.ph website, but the page said it was Moroccan hackers who did it ... oh, well didn't expect Ilonggo lang pala ang gumawa nito :runaway:

http://sunstar.com.ph/images/sunstar_iloilo.gif
Ilonggo first to be charged for e-Commerce law violation
By Jay Dooma Balnig

AN ILONGGO computer expert is the first to be charged for violation of the Electronic Commerce Law since it was passed by Congress in 2000.

Facing charges is JJ Maria Giner, a Fishery graduate of University of the Philippines-Visayas in Miag-ao, who works as the university's webmaster and programmer.

He allegedly violated section 33a of the e-Commerce Law, based on the complaint of Undersecretary Abraham Puruganan, head of the Task Force for Security of Critical Infrastructure.

Giner, a native of Jaro, Iloilo City, was tagged as the hacker of the Philippine government portal "gov.ph," according to government prosecutor Geronimo Sy.

The Task Force found out that the computer issued to Giner by the UPV administration was the unit he allegedly used in hacking government websites.

Puruganan filed the case before the Manila Prosecutor's Office in behalf of several government websites hacked between April and May 2004.

Judge Antonio Eugenio of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Manila issued a warrant for Giner's arrest.

Giner through his counsel, Rodolfo Viajar Jr., posted a P25,000 bail before Judge Jose Azarraga of RTC Branch 37 in Iloilo City for his provisional liberty.

Viajar said in an interview the government prosecutor took interest in the case, considering that Giner is the first Filipino charged for violating it.

Viajar denied his client went into hiding after his arrest warrant came out last January 24, as claimed by Supt. Gilbert Sosa of the Anti-Transnational Crime Division of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

[chymera]

http://sunstar.com.ph/images/sunstar_iloilo.gif

LGU, business sector upbeat on call center operations

LOCAL government and business leaders are upbeat on the operations of information and communications technology (ICT) companies or call centers in Iloilo City.

"As the seat of education in the region, Iloilo City provides good reason for ICT companies to locate here. We welcome them because of the employment opportunities they bring to the Ilonggos and their businesses will spur economic activities," said Antonio Jon, chairman of the Iloilo Business Club (IBC), in a statement.

Jon shared his optimism after a selling mission with local officials during the Department of Trade and Industry e-Service forum last January 31 and February 1 at the Intercon Hotel in Makati City. The DTI-sponsored forum brought together ICT companies and nine local government units (LGUs).

Aside from Jon, the Iloilo contingent included Mayor Jerry Treñas, DTI 6 Regional Director Dominic Abad, Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada Jr., Provincial Planning Officer Mario Nillos, City Executive Assistant Ben Jimena, IBC Executive Director Leah Lara, DTI-Iloilo staff Velma Lao and representatives of the Central Philippine University and West Visayas State University.

"Iloilo City's abounding resources have always made its economy dynamic," Jon said.

The first call center in Iloilo City, ePLDT Ventus, started its operations last December 21. The 300-seat center initially provided 120 jobs to Ilonggos.

Ken Lamzon, ePLDT's assistant vice president, said they chose Iloilo because of "the availability of educated and qualified labor pool."

The ICT Group, an international outsourcing company, has also chosen Iloilo for its third site in the Philippines.

They concluded a three-day job fair for technical support representatives late last month.

"We are very excited with our third site. The assistance given to our group was wonderful. No doubt that business in Iloilo for ICT is going to be a very positive choice," said

Anthony Clarke, ICT Group's assistant director for international training and development.

Eric Armeza, manager of CB Richard Ellis, a consultant of ICT Group, said, "Our studies and experiences truly tell us that Iloilo City has all the potentials of becoming the call center hub of Western Visayas. DTI-Iloilo extended us tremendous hospitality and support."

Collaborative efforts

Treñas, for his part, said he is encouraging more collaborative efforts between the City Government and non-government organizations in drawing in more investors.

"I am very happy that call centers consider Iloilo City as one of their investment choices. Rest assured, they have the support of the local government, the private sector, the academe and government agencies," he said.

DTI Provincial Director Disodado Cadena pointed out, "The interventions and initiatives of the local partnership are putting Iloilo back on the economic map. There is still so much to do but we are on the right track."

[whyte]

Thats good news indeed in prepartion for the upcoming major projects.
Even though many big comm center has shifted away from the orig business area (city proper) that area still seems to draw the same number of people.

[absent-minded]

Mayor: Iloilo City gearing up for Paraw Regatta’s tourism potential
By REXCEL JOHN SORZA | TODAY Correspondent | ABS-CBNNews.com

ILOILO CITY - After relishing the big turnout of foreign and domestic tourists who joined last month’s Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo City is now gearing up for Paraw Regatta as it exploits its tourism potential.

The city, said Mayor Jerry Treñas, is expecting another wave of foreign and local tourists, as well as sailing enthusiasts, for the annual paraw sailing competition on February 19 and 20.

He said this year’s Paraw Regatta will be more colorful with the entry of the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation Inc., which is a partnership of private and public groups, and individuals.

The organization is going to handle the activities during the festival like beauty pageants, body-painting contest, Jet Ski competition, photography contest and more on top of the paraw sailing competition, where paraw riders are going to cross the strait between Iloilo and Guimaras.

He said the organization is tasked not only to preserve Paraw Regatta but also work to entice more tourists to attend and enjoy the native outriggers’ competition.

“We are bearing the fruits in terms of tourism,” he said on Thursday’s opening program. He added that by working together “I can’t see why we cannot achieve our goals” and asked everyone to “work together to bring about development in the province and city of Iloilo.”

Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta is similarly upbeat. He said that Paraw Regatta, which is on its 33rd year now, is different from other festivals in the region.

“Paraw Regatta is not a superstitious belief. It is not a myth or idolatry. Paraw Regatta is a cultural event,” he said during the launching ceremony Thursday.

Trompeta added that Paraw Regatta is not also only a competition among the fishers of Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental and sailing enthusiasts from Boracay Island, and foreign countries, but a display of history and culture.

“Paraw is a means of livelihood. It is a vehicle that transports children to school. It is a vehicle that transports goods and services. It transports the sick,” he recalled paraw of yesteryears, stressing that it is “a showmanship of the skills of the Ilonggos.”

Trompeta also acknowledged paraw’s role during World War II, where it was used “to harass

the enemy to make them a little busy.”

Manuel Mejorada, Iloilo provincial administrator, said Paraw Regatta would help in the “repositioning of Iloilo as a province of festivals” as it is “typically Ilonggo and a byword for Iloilo.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
sounds fun...! is this a really popular event?

[chymera]

I'm pretty sure 2005 tourist arrival growth will over grow last years', since tourism promotion has been greatly intensified ...


http://www.sunstar.com.ph/images/sunstar_iloilo.gif
Friday, February 11, 2005
Iloilo City tourist arrivals increase 123 percent in '04

TOURIST arrivals in Iloilo City increased by 123 percent last year compared to 2003, records of the City Tourism Office (CTO) show.

City Tourism Officer Heloise Javellana said a comparative report of the CTO's Tourism Information Assistance Center (TIAC) at the Mandurriao airport show 858 tourists visited the city in 2004 while in 2003, only 385 or a growth of 122.86 percent.

The TIAC report further showed that last year, most of tourists came from Asia, with 722; North America, 62; Europe, 52; Oceania, 19; and Middle East, three.

Moreover, data collected by Javellana's office from registered hotels, pension houses and other accommodation establishments in the city show that 327,651 tourists came to Iloilo City in 2004 compared to only 173,649 in 2003.

The figures submitted by these establishments represent tourists who came to the city either by boat or by land from other destinations in the country.

The 2004 tourist registrations submitted by the city's accommodation establishments list 441 Asians of various origins; 4,335 East Asians; 366 Southeast Asians; 4,269 North Americans; 642 Oceanians; 2,777 Europeans and 113 Middle Easterners.

Javellana said the data from various establishments will help the city design better tourism plans as they would have accurate and updated aid in determining the factors why tourist arrivals decrease or increase.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said the increase in tourist arrivals shows that Iloilo City continues to attract foreigners because of the hospitality of the Ilonggos and the beauty of the place.

[chymera]

[size=4]sounds fun...! is this a really popular event?

I haven't seen the festival yet so I can't be sure. It's not as popular as the Dinagyang, but its very popular for sailing enthusiasts ...

[chymera]

http://sunstar.com.ph/images/sunstar_logo_new.gif
Task force to promote local economy

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City - Mayor Jerry Treñas created a task for the promotion of the local economy of Iloilo City.

The Task Force on Economic Promotions will be responsible for developing and attracting more investments to the city. More investments mean additional employments to the residents, the mayor explained.

The task force will oversee the implementation of activities related to economic promotion, enhance and increase economic activity beneficial to whole populace.

It is also tasked to recommend policies and activities to the City Mayor for implementation and promotion of Iloilo City as an investment area.

Councilor Jed Mabilog chairs Task Force on Economic Promotion. This 33-man task forced is composed mostly of businessmen in the City. Members include Councilors Jeffrey Ganzon and Merci Garcia, businessmen Henry Chusuey, Antonio Jon, Dr. Kristin Treñas and Alejandro “Boy” Que, to name few.

Mabilog said the task force would evaluate and plan what is essential for the City of Iloilo especially now that the Mayor (Treñas) is selling the city to become an investment area for local and international entrepreneurs.

“There should be someone to administer, aside from the Mayor, to merge ideas for development,” the councilor added.

On Tuesday, the task force will convene to discuss plans and programs for the year.

[chymera]

Meet the Mayor of Iloilo City. He may not be the best, but at least he does a good job at running a "highly-urbanized" city

http://www.geocities.com/iloilocity2/images/iloilocitybanner3.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/iloilocity2/ourmayor/PICMAYOR.JPG

NAME : JERRY P. TREÑAS
DATE OF BIRTH : DECEMBER 4, 1956

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
A.B POLITICAL SCIENCE, 1978, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
LLB WITH HONORS 1982, ATENEO LAW SCHOOL, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
11TH PLACER, 1982 BAR EXAMINATIONS WITH AN AVERAGE OF 88.325 %

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
PRESIDENT, ST. CLEMENTS STUDENT COUNCIL, 1973
VICE CHAIRMAN, CONSULTIVE COUNCIL TO THE CITY GOVERNMENT, 1973
JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL, 1977
PRESIDENT ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL, 1978.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC COUNCIL, 1978
PRESIDENT, BALIKATANG ATENISTA, ATENEO LAW SCHOOL, 1978, 1979
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, RATERNAL ORDER OF UTOPIA, ATENEO LAW SCHOOL, 1980-1981
PRESIDENT, COUNCIL CLASS PRESIDENTS, ATENEO LAW SCHOOL, 1982
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF, ATENEO LAW JOURNAL, 1982

OCCUPATION
PRACTICING LWYER SINCE 1983 UP TO JUNE 30, 2001
PROFFESOR OF LAW, COLLEGE OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF ILOILO, 1983-1986

CIVIC INVOLVEMENTS
DIRECTOR AUXILIARY MISSIONARIES OF THE ASSUMPTION, BARRIO OBRERO, 1984-1986
VOLUNTEER FIREMAN, ILOILO CITIZENS ACTION GROUP (ICAG), 1984 UP TO PRESENT
DIRECTOR, INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES, ILOILO CHAPTER, 1985-1987
DIRECTOR, ILOILO JAYCESS, 1986
PRESIDENT, UNITED WAY OF ILOILO, 1994-1998
CORPORATE SECRETARY, ILOILO INVESTORS FOUNDATION, INC., 1992-1995
VICE PRESIDENT, ILOILO BUSINESS CLUB, 1994-JUNE 6, 1997
PRESIDENT, ILOILO HOTELS, RESTAURANT AND RESORT ASSN., 1994-1996
PRESIDENT ST. CLEMENTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, 1996 UP TO PRESENT
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, MUSEO ILOILO, 1988 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2001
1ST LT., PA (RES)

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
OIC KAGAWAD , ILOILO CITY, MAY 1986 TO NOVEMBER 1987
CHAIRMAN, BANDILA REGION VI, 1986-1987
ELECTED NO. 2 COUNCILOR, ILOILO CITY FEBRUARY 2, 1998
MAYOR, ILOILO CITY, MARCH 24, 1992 TO JUNE 30 1992
ELECTED NO. 1 COUNCILOR, ILOILO CITY MAY 8, 1995
MAYOR, ILOILO CITY, MAY 14, 2001 - JUNE 30, 2004
CHAIRMAN, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, SEPTEMBER 19 2001 TO JUNE 30, 2004
CO-CHAIRMAN, INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, SEPTEMBER 2001 TO JUNE 30, 2004
DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL FOR VISAYAS, LEAGUE OF CITIES, JULY TO JUNE 30, 2004

SEMINARS AND STUDY TOUR ATTENDED
MEMBER STUDY TOUR FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SPONSORED BY SWEDEN SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, MARCH 18-26, 1997
OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LEAGUE OF CITIES, COUNTRY LAUNCH FOR GOOD URBAN GOVERNANCE AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION, NEW DELHI, INDIA, SEPTEMBER 4-6 2001
PARTICIPANT ON WASTE CONFERENCE (SOLID WASTE EXPOSITION), BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, MARYLAND U.S.A , OCTOBER 15-18 2001
ATTENDEE, INAUGURAL SEMINAR, URBAN INSTITUTE , HONOLULU, HAWAII, USA, APRIL 2-6, 2002
DELEGATE, LOCAL GOVERNMENT SESSIONS UNITED NATIONS WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, AUGUST 27-30, 2002
MEMBER, STUDY TOUR OF CITY MAYOR'S SPONSORED BY THE LEAGUE OF CITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES TO SHANGHAI, CHINA, MARCH 18-21, 2003
GUEST SPEAKER, ILOILO ASSOCIATION OF GUAM, USA, MAY 24, 2003
GUEST SPEAKER, ILOILO ASSOCIATION OF GUAM, USA, MAY 24, 2003
ATTENDEE-HONOREE MAPES MAYOR'S ASIA PACIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT, HONOLULU, HAWAII, SEPTEMBER 22-25, 2003
RESOURCE SPEAKER, 3RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DECENTRALIZATION, EDSA SHANGRILA, OCTOBER 7-9, 2003

[chymera]

http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/liikenne.jpg
This is the intersection of the Gen. Luna St. and Benigno Aquino Ave. (or Diversion Road). This is the busient intersection in the city. In this picture, traffic doesnt seem to be busy maybe it was taken during non-rush hour time. A few months ago it is the only intersection with working traffic lights, right now the city has once again revitalized other traffic lights. The reason why the other traffic lights were shut down because a lot of people were complaining about it, they say traffic has actually worsened due to it. One time when I was riding a jeepney passing through the intersection near Robinson's place, the jeepney where I was at just ran right through even though the traffic light was 'red', haha funny. Ilonggos are so not cut out for traffic lights ... When me and my classmates had a Nat'l tour in Baguio, we just marched down the street and ignored the traffic lights haha, na sanay na kase kami ng rampant jaywalking sa Iloilo


http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/iloilo.jpg
This is the statue/rotunda in front of the old Provincial Capitol. This is where the 0km starts on the island of Panay

[chymera]

Hello, hello ... may tao ba sa kabilang linya ... feeling ko ako lng isa ang naguusap dito ... hehe :jk:


http://www.sam21phj.com/visayan%20group/panay%
Angelicum School

http://www.sam21phj.com/visayan%20group/panay%20Is/Iroiro/4iloilo.jpg
Bahay Kubo

http://www.sam21phj.com/visayan%20group/panay%20Is/Iroiro/5iloilo.jpg
Mangrove Forest

http://www.sam21phj.com/visayan%20group/panay%20Is/Iroiro/1iloilo.jpg
Random Beach


UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN

http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/usa1.jpg
http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/usa8.jpg
http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/usa7.jpg
http://www.kalliomaki.net/philippines/kesa16/usa13.jpg

[chymera]

Picture of Downtown

http://www.stephenschroeder.com/Philippines/IloiloCity/small_images/i49.jpg
http://www.stephenschroeder.com/Philippines/IloiloCity/small_images/i47.jpg

Alis na po ako ...

[kiretoce]

Yeah....I'm here! Nice photos by the way! :okay:

[mhe-ann]

Hello, hello ... may tao ba sa kabilang linya ... feeling ko ako lng isa ang naguusap dito ... hehe :jk:
mejo malayo kc kaya the subscriber cannot be reached... hehehe. kidding. nice photos.

[chymera]

I will be starting my website of Iloilo its located @ www.geocities.com/atmaph/mylokality it is actually a sub-website of my personal website that I've started last year but still is u/c because of busy sched. I'll be up all night doing it, so I hope some of it will be finished by tommorow

http://www.geocities.com/atmaph/images/head.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/atmaph/mylokality/images/bleftbg.jpg
http://www.chymeraonline.tk

Please take a good look, I've spent a lot of time doing it ... If you want to link it in your site just pick an image :)

[ewh1]

Thats a Awesome Site.. i relate a lot to you and what you believe in.. that sounds like me at heart.. but yea.. you got some nice pics there, Some don't work though which blows. hope you get them fixed

[chymera]

I found this pic, but I'm not sure if it is really of Iloilo City. I can't recognize any of the buildings. Most probably it was taken a long time ago during the dinagyang Festival. I can see a PBCOM Building, but the PBCOM Building located in Downtown doesn't looks anything like that

http://www.geocities.com/rivaseric/population-1.jpg

[whyte]

hello...
chymera i believe thats in ILOILO.
plazoleta gay area taken within the dingayang season.
no other event cant fill up that area except dinagyang

[whyte]

CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY - ILOILO
http://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/index.htm

http://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/page1.jpg
http://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/page2.jpg
http://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/page2d.jpghttp://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/page4d.jpg
http://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/page8b.jpghttp://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/page9b.jpg
http://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/aerial_1.jpg
http://www.cpu.edu.ph/tour/images/aerial_4.jpg

[whyte]

Great feature of ILOILO in the current issue of

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/holiday.jpg (http://www.pilmap.com.ph/)

CLICKABLE IMAGE


Chymera hope you owuld include them in you site

[whyte]

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/hotels16.jpg
http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/hotels17.jpg
Strategically located at the heart of Iloilo City and only 10 minutes away from the Iloilo Domestic Airport, Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center is the premiere address of business travelers, dignitaries, socialites and tourists in the city.
The moment you step into Sarabia Manor (as it is popularly called), spontaneous greetings of “Maayo nga pag-abot!” – a pleasing-to-the-ear, singsong quality of the local dialect, seemingly streams in from all sides of the hotel’s lobby to the nearby café – sensing that you’re about to experience the finest in Ilonggo hospitality. It is for this reputation that the hotel has been awarded the “Hotel of Year for Western Visayas in 2000.”

The hotel has 184 well-appointed rooms and suites located in two buildings – the Corporate and the Manor Wings. All rooms are equipped with IDD and DDD telephone facilities, Internet connections, cable TV, a mini bar and bathtubs in every bathroom.

Its banquet and meeting facilities can handle meetings from small private gatherings to the most extravagant receptions and conferences for associations or company organizations. Sarabia Manor has been known for several successful meetings and conferences in the Western Visayas region.

The hotel boasts of five dining outlets including five other restaurant concessionaires. There is Café Salvatore – a 24-hour coffee shop located at the hotel lobby. It has one of the most extensive breakfast buffets in the city including nightly live entertainment. Freddy’s Bar and Restaurant is an all-American theme bar and restaurant and features a wide selection of cocktail drinks and international cuisine from cocktail hour to the wee hours of the morning. By the poolside, there’s Tinagong Dagat Poolside Lounge serving Filipino dishes and light snacks. Suehiro is the hotel’s Japanese restaurant outlet and the first Japanese restaurant in Iloilo serving delectable and authentic Japanese specialty dishes all weeklong. There is also Japanese dinner buffet every Wednesdays and Fridays. For non-stop music and dancing, there’s Club Bwana, which is open from Wednesdays till Saturdays from 9pm onwards.

What all of these add up to is a hotel that is much more than the common concept of a luxury hotel. Beyond its imposing façade, impressive lobby, popular restaurants, and well appointed rooms, Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center offers a caring attitude toward its guests – a scrupulous attentiveness that responds to needs, rather than requiring guests to conform to products and services currently available.

Such special touches make Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center more than a hotel, and more like a private home.

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The Hotel del Rio, considered one of Iloilo’s premiere hotels, is favored by discriminating business and leisure travelers for its prime location in the heart of Iloilo City, the province’s financial, business, government and cultural center. The hotel is a short ride away from shopping malls, business area and the city’s famed entertainment and dining spots.

Comfort and convenience are built to every one of Hotel Del Rio’s 57 rooms and suites: spacious rooms, relaxing color schemes, remote control television, large business desks, and vanities.

Some of the city’s best dining haunts can be found at Hotel del Rio. There is Café del Prado, which offers daily breakfast buffet, brewed delights and pastries; The Plazoleta Gay on the other hand offers continental favorites for lunch and dinner. Grilled and barbeque specialties are available at Igma-an.
During Saturday nights, check out the Golden Salakot with their international buffet specialties. Over at Ohana Japanese Restaurant, one can enjoy casual Japanese dining with its superb offerings of sushi, sashimi and other delectable Japanese dishes. During Fridays, check out the buffet spread at the Poolside area with matching entertainment to complete a whole dining experience.

The hotel’s entertainment fare is something not to be missed as well. Dance your night away with live music at the Sunset Terrace or unwind and listen to contemporary top tunes with the city’s leading singers and entertainers at Plazoleta Gay.

Hotel del Rio’s banqueting service is busy year-round in a flurry of activity for it is a popular venue for small and medium size business conferences and meetings as well as elegant banquets, theme parties and conventions.

A boon to the business executives is the hotel’s business center, which offers several services including travel arrangements in and out of Iloilo. A small sundry shop at the ground floor sells local and international publications plus quality Ilongo souvenir items.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/hotels1.jpg
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The Grand Dame Hotel stands magnificently at the corner of Rizal and Huervana Streets, La Paz, Iloilo City illuminating the old charm and elegance of classic French architecture at the same time imbibing the old world charm of Iloilo.
The phrase, Grand Dame, refers to a legal title to a “great lady” whose accomplishments have been recognized by the highest authorities. As a serious emancipator of hospitality services, it aims to be recognized as a world-class business hotel by combining the comforts of the traditional surroundings, five-star hotel service with the convenience of today’s modern and classic amenities.

One cannot imagine an elegant hotel like the Grand Dame Hotel operating this side of Panay. The word Dame, is a noun meaning, a lady. It is a title of the order of the British Empire conferred on a woman, equivalent to that of a knight, who had rendered years of admirable service and loyalty to the kingdom. Admirable service, it is for this new hotel in Iloilo. Despite its newness in the local hotel industry, other hotels are talking about the hotel’s excellent service and facilities.

The whole building is strictly non-smoking – making it the only hotel in Iloilo that can lay such a claim. It is also a handicapped-friendly hotel offering a dedicated room to guests with disability. Aside from this special room for handicaps, the hotel has 4 suites and 29 standard rooms. Each room features an orthopedic bed with special duvet and pillows. Every room has its own IDD telephones, safety deposit boxes, wall jacks for computer and internet hook-ups, cable TV and mini-refs stocked with snacks and bar drinks.

Each room also features an en suite bathroom with Villeroy & Boch bathroom fixtures including rain showers and glass enclosures. On the side, one can notice the Wallenberg and Allepo wall lamps in black and silver that accentuates for the total bathroom experience.

For one’s dining needs, there are three food outlets at the Grand Dame Hotel. The Emillion, located on the third floor, offers modern European and Mediterranean cuisine. One can choose from its meat, chicken and seafood specialties. The restaurant seats up to 134 persons and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Lobby Café is a great place to meet up for business or simply for high tea. Light snacks or pastries are served with one’s favorite beverage and probably the best cappuccino in Iloilo City. The Lobby Café is open for 24 hours. For a taste of Iloilo’s local pastries and freshly baked breads, check out JD Bakeshop at the ground floor of the hotel. It also serves fast-food meals and freshly baked cakes.

The Grand Dame Hotel is committed to uphold the highest quality of efficiency and provides only the highest standard of hospitality services as seen from its frontline and back room staff and supervisors. These features plus the many amenities of the hotel ensures guests and visitors a pleasant and unforgettable experience.

[whyte]

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/iloilo-1.jpg
A visit to Iloilo gives a visitor a feeling of a place with a rich and glorious past. Standing side by side on a busy street is an Internet café and an Antillean mansion. For such is the charm of Iloilo, the cradle of old world genteel aristocracy that has morphed with new age technology like an eclectic tapestry.

When the Spaniards came to Iloilo in the 16th century, they discovered a people with two outstanding characteristics: industry and flair. The women had a penchant for beautiful clothes and jewelry and the men were driven to trade and industry. As early as the 19th century when most of the Philippines was still in siesta, Iloilo’s international harbor was thriving with direct shipping lines to Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, England, Europe and America. Aside from the staples of agriculture and fishing, her textile weaving industry has been on a large commercial scale and because of an abundance in timber, her shipyards were flourishing. So remarkable was the growth of commerce and trade that Spain’s Queen Regent, Maria Cristina elevated the status of Iloilo to that of a city in 1899. Inscribed in her coat of arms are the words, “La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo.”

Thus Iloilo’s golden age had begun… her port was opened to international trade which gave way to the sugar rush during the Commonwealth period. This served as a backbone of Iloilo’s unprecedented growth. The fertile plains of Panay and the rich volcanic soil of Negros were ideal for sugarcane. Exports boomed and sugar farming became a world-class industry. A new breed of wealth emerged – the sugar barons. A number of sugar centrals mushroomed and more work opportunities were available; warehouses lined Muelle Loney, filled to the hilt with sugar to be transloaded to international vessels. Iloilo then became the undisputed leader among the provinces. Sugar money built majestic tree-lined ancestral mansions around the city, afforded family travels to Europe and to the world, opened new business establishments, bought carriages, automobiles and a fleet of servants for the privileged. Because of the expansion of trade and the rapid growth of business and economic activities, a number of foreign and local firms built offices and outlets – banks, stock exchange offices, machine shops, warehouses, retail shops, printing presses, educational institutions, medical facilities, commercial firms and social clubs.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/iloilo-3.jpghttp://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/iloilo-8.jpg

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation opened its only branch in the country in Iloilo; its main office was in Manila. The Standard & Chartered Bank, another British bank, opened its only provincial branch also in Iloilo. The first government owned bank; the Philippine National Bank opened its first branch in Iloilo through the efforts of Senator Jose Maria Arroyo. When President Manuel Quezon asked him “Why Iloilo?,” he merely replied, “because it’s where the money is.” Other British, Scottish, Spanish and American firms followed, Ker and Company, Stracchan and MacMurray, Elizalde and Co., Alhambra Cigar Factory, Wolf and Sons, Standard Oil Co., to name a few. Entrepreneurs included Danish, Catalan, Basque, Portuguese, Swiss and Americans. The first Anglo-Chinese commercial enclave emerged in Calle Real (now JM Basa Street) with the building of the first department store in the country, Hoskyn and Co. In 1947 the Panay Railways was constructed by JG White and Co. to link Panay, Capiz and Antique, the first railways built outside of Manila. Brothers Eugenio and Fernando Lopez installed the Iloilo Negros Air Express Co (INAEC), the boldest bid ever made in the Philippines for regular commercial aviation. “Deiers” rolled out its first car assembly plant in Iloilo while the country’s first double-decked buses plied its already concrete roads. By this time there was no limit to Iloilo’s progress, the first city outside of Manila to have modern conveniences like electricity, telephones, telegraph facilities, a railways system, concrete roads, an ice plant, a cinema, an air transport service, a car assembly plant, etc… It was during this golden age that she was dubbed the “Queen City of the South…”

Being a hub of activities, Iloilo became a playground of the rich, the famous and the powerful. Its illustrious sons include Don Ruperto Montinola, Ramon Avanceña, Victorino Mapa, Oscar Ledesma, Julio Ledesma, Vicente Lopez, Gregorio Araneta, Jose Maria Arroyo; and so many more. While Ilonggos knew how to work and run businesses, they also knew how to have fun with flair…

Tales of the affluent lifestyle of this period are legendary. It is said that trays of diamonds were given as gifts to friends and performing artists and one family kept an orchestra in-residence to play during their meals and lull them to sleep.

Casino Español was an exclusive club built by the Spaniards for the activities of Iloilo’s elite. Club Selecta’s annual summer ball held at this imposingly elegant architecture of roman columns was a big event in the good old days, when champagne and wine flowed to the tune of two live bands.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/iloilo-7.jpghttp://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/iloilo-2.jpg

A Pas de Quatre and Rigodon de Honor were the order of the night. Participants included the crème de la crème of Ilonggo cosmopolitan society, ballgowns made by Manila couturiers and Iloilo’s own Ben Natividad were graced by the indays with their sedate beauties and social graces. Secret service men had to be deployed to watch over the society matrons, their debutantes and their jewelry said to cost from P100, 000.00 to P500, 000.00 at that time. The gentlemen’s predilection to vanity required them to wear tuxedos. Visitors included expatriates, senators, mayors, foreign dignitaries and businessmen from Manila, Negros and Iloilo.

One of the playgrounds for the Ilonggos then was the Polo Golf Club. Designed by a Scot and built in the 1900s by the Americans and British who worked for Panay Railways, it is now more popularly known as the Santa Barbara Golf and Country Club. It is the first golf course in the country and the oldest in Southeast Asia. Many a “fore” was heard here long before it became a popular sport.

The Jaro fiesta on February 2nd in honor of La Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria was (and still is) a showcase of opulence and grandeur. Children of well-to-do and respected Iloilo families were made to join the Rigodon de Honor and most prestigious queen reigns for a year after a grandiose coronation ball held at midnight in the Jaro Plaza amidst fireworks and band music. Foreign diplomats, politicians and dignitaries were invited to crown the queen and participate in the country’s most lavish ball.

Ilonggos travelled in style and Don Esteban dela Rama launched the country’s first luxury liner, the S/S Don Esteban. In contrast to the usual Manila bound ships, it had deluxe cabins with private baths, a spacious lounge, open decks and a dining room that was a replica of those found in first class European ocean liners.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/iloilo-4.jpghttp://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/iloilo-5.jpg

Yes, in the good old days Ilonggos knew how to live in style. It was during this time when their culture was a study in extremes – a handful elite landowners and hacienderos lived an extravagant lifestyle throwing lavish parties in their ostentatious palaces with frescoed ceilings and humongous dining rooms with a servant in every nook and cranny while the ordinary man tilled the soil for him. Young girls studied in convent schools run by nuns where they were taught French and English. Dinner cruises were a weekend fare and whatever was fashionable in Europe was fashionable in Iloilo. Patriarchs did not only purchase huge tracts of land but entire islands as well, where they built more mansions and entertained more people. Tales of the affluent lifestyle of this period are legendary. It is said that trays of diamonds were given as gifts to friends and performing artists and one family kept an orchestra in-residence to play during their meals and lull them to sleep. “Mayabang” or snobbishness is a character trait inherited from their Hispanic ancestors and yet they were also very generous, as tales run about a señor who on his birthday would call his obreros and tear up their whole year’s vale (cash advances) in front of them. Ilonggos are also clannish; reputations were considered sacred; and the family name, a precious inheritance.

A queen dies slowly…

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/iloilo-9.jpg


The Nelly Gardens – symbol of Iloilo’s grandiose past
A visit to Iloilo gives a visitor a feeling of a place with a rich and glorious past. Standing side by side on a busy street is an Internet café and an Antillean mansion. For such is the charm of Iloilo, the cradle of old world genteel aristocracy that has morphed with new age technology like an eclectic tapestry.

When the Spaniards came to Iloilo in the 16th century, they discovered a people with two outstanding characteristics: industry and flair. The women had a penchant for beautiful clothes and jewelry and the men were driven to trade and industry. As early as the 19th century when most of the Philippines was still in siesta, Iloilo’s international harbor was thriving with direct shipping lines to Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, England, Europe and America. Aside from the staples of agriculture and fishing, her textile weaving industry has been on a large commercial scale and because of an abundance in timber, her shipyards were flourishing. So remarkable was the growth of commerce and trade that Spain’s Queen Regent, Maria Cristina elevated the status of Iloilo to that of a city in 1899. Inscribed in her coat of arms are the words, “La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo.”

Thus Iloilo’s golden age had begun… her port was opened to international trade which gave way to the sugar rush during the Commonwealth period. This served as a backbone of Iloilo’s unprecedented growth. The fertile plains of Panay and the rich volcanic soil of Negros were ideal for sugarcane. Exports boomed and sugar farming became a world-class industry. A new breed of wealth emerged – the sugar barons. A number of sugar centrals mushroomed and more work opportunities were available; warehouses lined Muelle Loney, filled to the hilt with sugar to be transloaded to international vessels. Iloilo then became the undisputed leader among the provinces. Sugar money built majestic tree-lined ancestral mansions around the city, afforded family travels to Europe and to the world, opened new business establishments, bought carriages, automobiles and a fleet of servants for the privileged. Because of the expansion of trade and the rapid growth of business and economic activities, a number of foreign and local firms built offices and outlets – banks, stock exchange offices, machine shops, warehouses, retail shops, printing presses, educational institutions, medical facilities, commercial firms and social clubs.


Muelle Loney – once a major international port

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation opened its only branch in the country in Iloilo; its main office was in Manila. The Standard & Chartered Bank, another British bank, opened its only provincial branch also in Iloilo. The first government owned bank; the Philippine National Bank opened its first branch in Iloilo through the efforts of Senator Jose Maria Arroyo. When President Manuel Quezon asked him “Why Iloilo?,” he merely replied, “because it’s where the money is.” Other British, Scottish, Spanish and American firms followed, Ker and Company, Stracchan and MacMurray, Elizalde and Co., Alhambra Cigar Factory, Wolf and Sons, Standard Oil Co., to name a few. Entrepreneurs included Danish, Catalan, Basque, Portuguese, Swiss and Americans. The first Anglo-Chinese commercial enclave emerged in Calle Real (now JM Basa Street) with the building of the first department store in the country, Hoskyn and Co. In 1947 the Panay Railways was constructed by JG White and Co. to link Panay, Capiz and Antique, the first railways built outside of Manila. Brothers Eugenio and Fernando Lopez installed the Iloilo Negros Air Express Co (INAEC), the boldest bid ever made in the Philippines for regular commercial aviation. “Deiers” rolled out its first car assembly plant in Iloilo while the country’s first double-decked buses plied its already concrete roads. By this time there was no limit to Iloilo’s progress, the first city outside of Manila to have modern conveniences like electricity, telephones, telegraph facilities, a railways system, concrete roads, an ice plant, a cinema, an air transport service, a car assembly plant, etc… It was during this golden age that she was dubbed the “Queen City of the South…”

Being a hub of activities, Iloilo became a playground of the rich, the famous and the powerful. Its illustrious sons include Don Ruperto Montinola, Ramon Avanceña, Victorino Mapa, Oscar Ledesma, Julio Ledesma, Vicente Lopez, Gregorio Araneta, Jose Maria Arroyo; and so many more. While Ilonggos knew how to work and run businesses, they also knew how to have fun with flair…

Tales of the affluent lifestyle of this period are legendary. It is said that trays of diamonds were given as gifts to friends and performing artists and one family kept an orchestra in-residence to play during their meals and lull them to sleep.

Casino Español was an exclusive club built by the Spaniards for the activities of Iloilo’s elite. Club Selecta’s annual summer ball held at this imposingly elegant architecture of roman columns was a big event in the good old days, when champagne and wine flowed to the tune of two live bands.



A Pas de Quatre and Rigodon de Honor were the order of the night. Participants included the crème de la crème of Ilonggo cosmopolitan society, ballgowns made by Manila couturiers and Iloilo’s own Ben Natividad were graced by the indays with their sedate beauties and social graces. Secret service men had to be deployed to watch over the society matrons, their debutantes and their jewelry said to cost from P100, 000.00 to P500, 000.00 at that time. The gentlemen’s predilection to vanity required them to wear tuxedos. Visitors included expatriates, senators, mayors, foreign dignitaries and businessmen from Manila, Negros and Iloilo.

One of the playgrounds for the Ilonggos then was the Polo Golf Club. Designed by a Scot and built in the 1900s by the Americans and British who worked for Panay Railways, it is now more popularly known as the Santa Barbara Golf and Country Club. It is the first golf course in the country and the oldest in Southeast Asia. Many a “fore” was heard here long before it became a popular sport.

The Jaro fiesta on February 2nd in honor of La Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria was (and still is) a showcase of opulence and grandeur. Children of well-to-do and respected Iloilo families were made to join the Rigodon de Honor and most prestigious queen reigns for a year after a grandiose coronation ball held at midnight in the Jaro Plaza amidst fireworks and band music. Foreign diplomats, politicians and dignitaries were invited to crown the queen and participate in the country’s most lavish ball.

Ilonggos travelled in style and Don Esteban dela Rama launched the country’s first luxury liner, the S/S Don Esteban. In contrast to the usual Manila bound ships, it had deluxe cabins with private baths, a spacious lounge, open decks and a dining room that was a replica of those found in first class European ocean liners.



Yes, in the good old days Ilonggos knew how to live in style. It was during this time when their culture was a study in extremes – a handful elite landowners and hacienderos lived an extravagant lifestyle throwing lavish parties in their ostentatious palaces with frescoed ceilings and humongous dining rooms with a servant in every nook and cranny while the ordinary man tilled the soil for him. Young girls studied in convent schools run by nuns where they were taught French and English. Dinner cruises were a weekend fare and whatever was fashionable in Europe was fashionable in Iloilo. Patriarchs did not only purchase huge tracts of land but entire islands as well, where they built more mansions and entertained more people. Tales of the affluent lifestyle of this period are legendary. It is said that trays of diamonds were given as gifts to friends and performing artists and one family kept an orchestra in-residence to play during their meals and lull them to sleep. “Mayabang” or snobbishness is a character trait inherited from their Hispanic ancestors and yet they were also very generous, as tales run about a señor who on his birthday would call his obreros and tear up their whole year’s vale (cash advances) in front of them. Ilonggos are also clannish; reputations were considered sacred; and the family name, a precious inheritance.

A queen dies slowly…



After World War II, Iloilo’s crown was tarnished with the impending decline in business and the rebuilding of a war-ravaged city. The city has not quite regained its stature as the Queen City of the South, a title she lost to Cebu some years later. The old moneyed families left for Manila, to more lucrative opportunities. They sent their children abroad to study and they never came back. The tree-lined antique laden structures and the Antillean mansions are now empty save for an encargado and his family who take charge of maintaining them, if and when funds trickle in. Casino Español stands as a ravaged skeleton, a silent reminder of its past glory. The Plaza Alfonso XII (now Plaza Libertad) is bare and empty, only its chipped marbled park benches remain a mute witness to the good old days, where a band used to play in its magnificent band-stand on the Alameda.

The glorious days are over but in its place, a new breed of Ilonggos with the same passion for flair and industry as their forebears have risen. These are the intellectual elite; the tai pan capitalists, the new entrepreneurs and contract workers. Migrant money. Nouveau riche. A new middle class of hardworking entrepreneurs closed the gap between the rich and the poor. For when Iloilo’s power as an economic force waned, its people were compelled to adjust their lifestyle accordingly.

Today, the city continues its march towards progress and its children have learned to live in simple peace and harmony. The province’s heritage is the Ilonggo’s solitary pride, in every sense, she is still “muy leal y noble,” the knowledge that somewhere in time, there truly was a golden age in this land. There is just too much evidence all around the province today and to the modern Ilonggo, it still is, the best of times.

[whyte]

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough.jpg
http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough1.jpg

To taste the true Ilongo seafood restaurant, one must sample the seafood preparations at Breakthrough Restaurant along Santo Nino Norte, Arevalo Iloilo City. Breakthrough is an open-air beach restaurant catching the sea breeze in the northwest suburb of Arevalo.

The day’s catch including lobster, crab, scallops and oysters, is displayed for diners to choose from. It’s turo-turo style, while someone writes down one’s orders either to be grilled, barbecued or roasted. Not too long after, the orders come, since cooking is continuous. Food here is cooked simple and well – honest, hearty country food. A waitress or waiter stays nearby throughout the meal, threatening the flies with a homemade fly swat. Eating here is always festive, exuding an air of getting together in the special way friends and neighbors do it in the provinces.

Singling out one or two particular dishes to recommend at Breakthrough remains a near-impossibility, but try the oldest trick in town: different seafood with different sauces. Here’s a winning combination: voluptuous crabs in spicy, garlic and vinegar sauce, grilled squid rings in garlicky butter sauce, grilled king prawns as plump as your grandmother’s cushion with tartar sauce.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough2.jpghttp://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough3.jpg

The buzz of people ordering, eating, hovering adds to the festive atmosphere of the open sided restaurant. The place has an aura of the makeshift, appearing like the temporary but roofed dining places (payag to the Ilongos), which extends out of the house into the yard or street during big home parties.

With success and popularity, Breakthrough has expanded and has renovated more than once. The whole city and their guests not only go to Breakthrough, they talk about it. Friends as well as locals highly recommend it. This is indeed the “phenomenon” as an Ilongo friend puts it. The restaurant has several bamboo tables – long and short. They are always occupied especially during lunch. Customers come walking, on tricycles, in cars, jeeps, and sometimes even by the busload.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough4.jpghttp://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/breakthrough5.jpg

[whyte]

More resto FEATURES

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/haunts.asp#Messe

[kiretoce]

I will be starting my website of Iloilo its located @ www.geocities.com/atmaph/mylokality it is actually a sub-website of my personal website that I've started last year but still is u/c because of busy sched. I'll be up all night doing it, so I hope some of it will be finished by tommorow

http://www.geocities.com/atmaph/images/head.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/atmaph/mylokality/images/bleftbg.jpg
http://www.chymeraonline.tk

Please take a good look, I've spent a lot of time doing it ... If you want to link it in your site just pick an image :)

Chymera, what's the name of that font you're using? It's so cool!

[rico]

Chymera, what's the name of that font you're using? It's so cool!
They are actually Japanese "Katakana" letters, some of which are inverted. Cool. :)

[kiretoce]

/\ Thanks Rico! It is indeed very cool! :okay:

[chymera]

They are actually Japanese "Katakana" letters, some of which are inverted. Cool. :)

Really??? I knew it was derived from japanese letter but I didn't know they were "actual" katakana charachters ... By the way, the font name is called ELECTRONICA and I downloaded it from flashkit.com don't know if it is still there though :)

[whyte]

*repost*

Great feature on ILOILO in the current issue of

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/holiday.jpg (http://www.pilmap.com.ph/)

CLICKABLE IMAGE

[chymera]

*repost*

Great feature on ILOILO in the current issue of

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/holiday.jpg (http://www.pilmap.com.ph/)

CLICKABLE IMAGE


Nice article of Iloilo City ... also great job for the pictures!!

[Virtute]

More resto FEATURES

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/haunts.asp#Messe


I remember going to this restaurant.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/messe6.jpg

I ate on that table just next to the wall with the 3 picture frames. LOL

[sandrin]

Hey I'm Ilongga too. My family is originally from Guimbal but migrated to Guimaras.
IloIlo is a beautiful historic Spanish town. I just hope that more trees will be planted in the busy city. All concrete view is an eye sour and landscaping is badly needed. The province countryside is green though, thankgoodness.

The DOT pic of Guimaras:
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/images/Explore/province/36_3.jpg

http://www.mglphilippinetravel.com/images/trappist%20monastery%20jordan%20guimaras.jpg

[wecky]

I'm from Iloilo as well and been living here in London, United Kingdom for five years now. Been reading all the stuffs around and I'm really and truly proud to be an Ilonggo. Chymera and Whyte, thanks for posting all those pictures. I went home June of last year and I can see a lot of improvement in our city.

Please continue to promote Iloilo City and Iloilo province as a whole. It's one way we can attract international tourists and investors at the same time. Undoubtedly, Iloilo's still a "Queen City of the South" !

And to everyone visiting this thread, have a good day to all of you.

cheers !

[wecky]

*repost*

Great feature on ILOILO in the current issue of

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/pilmap%20(holiday%20issue)/images/holiday.jpg (http://www.pilmap.com.ph/)

CLICKABLE IMAGE


Great article, Whyte ! Hope there's more to come ...
:)

[sandrin]

What a very informative article. In the early 19th century, the port of IloIlo was the center of trade after Manila. Most of the Spanish businesses in the province were centered in IloIlo.

According to Jon Bilbao's Article Basque in the Philippines Island:
In the 1850s the port and province of Iloilo also attracted a Spanish Basque contingent, and ultimately emerged as the second most important focus of Basque settlement in the Islands after Manila. It was here that important Basque companies of Manila, like Ynchausti y Compañia, which controlled half a dozen large sugar plantations and a fleet of more than twenty vessels in the inter-island trade, opened branches, Iloilo had Basque-owned businesses of all kinds, and a number of hotels and boarding houses.

Basques from the four Spanish Basque provinces were present in the Islands. The most numerous were the Vizcayans due to the fact that the opening of Philippine ports to international trade attracted seamen (captains, pilots, and shipbuilders). The second most important group were the Navarrese, who were involved in trade and in the planting of abaca, coconuts and, later, sugar. The third group were the Guipuzcoans, involved in exploration as Oyanguren and his friend Joaquin Urquiola (from Gaviria) on the Island of Mindanao, or in trading as Jose Joaquin de Ynchausti from Zumarraga, who founded Ynchausti and Company. (His partners were Navarrese: Elizalde, Teus, Yrisarry and others). The Alavese were less numerous, being mostly involved in government administration and later in their own businesses as, for example, the Ayala family. The very few French Basques were established in Manila.

Basque trading companies in Manila, like Otadui, Marcaida, Matia y Menchacatorre, and Orbeta, specialized in importing European goods and agricultural machinery. However, it was in shipping that Basques were to excel. Several boats with names like the Bella Vascongada, Bilbaino, Aurrera, Alavesa, Neurea, and Unzueta, were involved before the opening of the Suez Canal in the Liverpool-Bilbao-Manila route as well as the Cadiz-Manila one. The Larrinaga Company, a Basque trading company established in Liverpool, plying the Liverpool-New York and Liverpool-Havana runs, opened offices in Manila.

It was such young men who first brought Basque nationalism to the Basque community in the Philippines. As early as 1907, in the baptismal book of Iloilo’s Church of St. Joseph, there is the Basque language entry “Marco ta Barandiaran ‘tar Erinea.” This nationalist mode of registering a birth was effected by a Navarrese couple from Estella, and is possibly the earliest recorded usage of its kind anywhere in the world. It is clear that Basque nationalist sentiment ran high in Iloilo. On July 31, 1909, the feast day of the Basque patron saint, Ignatius of Loyola, some Basques of the town founded the Euzkeldun Batzokija, the first Basque Nationalist club in the Philippines. The board of directors was formed by two Vizcayans, one Encartado (Western Vizcaya) and one Navarrese.

Click this link for the complete article:
http://basque.unr.edu/09/9.3/9.3.20t/9.3.20.04.philip.htm

[sandrin]

IloIlo's native ancestry before the arrival of the Spaniards was called Pintados. The term which means "Paint" refer to the natives who covered their bodies with what else - body paint.

Body painting is very popular in IloIlo...hence PINTADOS

[sandrin]

Developing IloIlo City is good BUT I WANT TO SEE TREES & GRASSES IN THE CITY. Please don't make it a concrete jungle. Please allot a few meters of land to grow trees, flowers and grasses on each and every building...

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS - IloIlo needs you!

[ewh1]

I totally agree!! but not just Iloilo ALL PHILIPPINE CITIES need landscape artists! i wanna see tree lined boulevards just like FGC and really wish powerlines were Underground to add to the beauty of the street

[ThisFire]

I believe it will happen :)

[wecky]

I love seeing all the pictures posted here ... I really missed Iloilo a lot.

Is there by any chance to post updates about the Iloilo International Airport, Panay Railways, Flood Control Project and business-related news about Iloilo? It's worth knowing the developments of these so called projects.

Thanks.

[wecky]

Developing IloIlo City is good BUT I WANT TO SEE TREES & GRASSES IN THE CITY. Please don't make it a concrete jungle. Please allot a few meters of land to grow trees, flowers and grasses on each and every building...

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS - IloIlo needs you!

I agree with you, Sandrin .. It's always nice to see trees lining the main thoroughfares of the city. You know the street that lined from St Paul's Hospital to John B Lacson Colleges Foundation in Molo? .. such is a good sight, indeed ... and a refershing drive everytime I passed that road.

[wecky]

Iloilo to get its first flyover!!! This is a major infrastructure in Iloilo, and this will help a lot in the worsening traffic situation. Currently the city's road are over capacity, Iloilo hasa land area of 70sq. km. but the city has only a total road lenth of about 100kms, this project (if realized) will help a lot ....

30th October 2003 top

DPWH ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS IN ILOILO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is this project still ongoing, Chymera? I was there last June 2004 roaming all over the city but I wasn't able to catch a glimpse of this flyover project. How I wish it will be realised as the traffic is worsening especially during the rush hours. Anyway, keep us all updated here about this matter. Thanks.

[chymera]

Is this project still ongoing, Chymera? I was there last June 2004 roaming all over the city but I wasn't able to catch a glimpse of this flyover project. How I wish it will be realised as the traffic is worsening especially during the rush hours. Anyway, keep us all updated here about this matter. Thanks.

Actually the Phase I, which is to build a bridge and access way that will connect Gen. Luna and Jalandoni St. in LaPaz, of the project hasn't finished construction yet as of today (yep it's going on for almost 2 years now) builders are having a hard time at constructing the bridge since the land is too soft, months ago some part of the bridge actually collapsed during a storm :)

With rgards to other major projects in Iloilo. The International Airport, is in full swing there is however a bit of a controversy regarding the bidding process but its mothing major. With the Panay Railways, it hasn't gained any momentum yet and with the Iloilo Flood Control Project, it got delayed because of the JBIC loan cancellation. Pres. Gloria Arroyo and Iloilo City Major Jerry Trenas, both said the project will go on 2009 ...

[chymera]

Great ... my camera got stolen a few months ago and out of desperation to get a few decent photos of the city I borrowed my friend's binocular/camera. Its funny people might think I'm a pervert or something roaming around the city with a binocular :jk: Anyways school finished late today, and when I got to the city I found out the camera woudn't take pictures if it was too dark, which it was ... Haha, I guess I'll try again tommorow

[sandrin]

IloIlo is not only home to the prettiest mestizas in the Philippines but it also belongs to the region with the sweetest dialect. As sweet as the famed Guimaras Mangoes.

[wecky]

Too many things happening around Iloilo nowadays (especially Iloilo City). Proof of lively business climate around the city. I called my aunt from time to time to update me of all the developments around the city. In the same manner that I read Sunstar Online News (www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo) and PanayNews (www.panaynews.com.ph) everyday of my life here in London. Just basically checking of the updates, etc.

Iloilo is now moving very fast. Infrastructures were slowly put in place properly and soon we will be experiencing a great boom in the city. The only problem besetting this booming is the traffic hence the PBO (Perimeter Boundary Ordinace) was implemented headed by no other than City Mayor Jerry Trenas. Hope it will become successful,too.

The greatest contribution an Ilonngo in Iloilo can do, is to help maintain peace and order of the city, in the same way that Ilonggos here abroad are trying their best to promote Iloilo in the international arena as a tourist destination, a festival province and a great investment site.

[wecky]

Iloilo Countryside Pictures

Pototan (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/index.php?cat1=1) - With an average of 9,449,459 hectares and a total of 60,127 people

The Plaza of Pototan, a prominent local destination during the Yuletide Season.
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/image/obelisk.jpg
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/image/iwag2.jpg
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/image/lagoon.jpg
http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pototan-iloilo/image/bandstand.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd40065d9dd0c76f0144fde7aa704a802/f8a9af10.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p9b425e7369b26bfc75761fbeaa657ebb/f8a9aebb.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p34d51718f2aae50d0f2c37ecfe38a0c8/f8a9aec5.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd744159572ae35de5c788310639e5906/f8a9aedd.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p69dc1d033af1409f844aca0dc87c17cd/f8a9af20.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p495107482dc695716e59d66fb4fe0b63/f8a9af2e.jpg
Taken by me

Lambunao (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/lambunao-iloilo)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p896e38f87fa394beed5a205163928083/f8a9aed5.jpg Fields

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pab0e62d7af93b7fd569b6534e393e2d1/f8a9aef7.jpg
Plaza

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p279578cd27e01b2cd8c4eda47a1adf85/f8a9af07.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p881b2c3d55e743718dc27a8307080a35/f8a9aed1.jpg
Chuch

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pb2de1620e99b846691e678466107cb0c/f8a9af1b.jpg
Sugarcane Truck


Passi City, a component city of Iloilo (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/passicity-iloilo)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p536a91e7e133f39f500aa20e8a61c20b/f8a9aedb.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p95f67657364180459f68bf326fc9e386/f8a9aee7.jpg
Pinapples are also a major industry

Passi Church Interiors
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p31919c19bcedb26f08f4d81d989edfe8/f8a9aef0.jpg


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pf9e38cf7c7915e2bd6867c74459afcb7/f8a9b921.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pb57d5f714fc19856b3ca01b13a33aa59/f8a9aef3.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p31919c19bcedb26f08f4d81d989edfe8/f8a9aef0.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pf36708a33bd6a8dd7b74dcff62a29221/f8a9af01.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p93c8471bf121f881a2b981671b7433c1/f8a9af2c.jpg
Sugar is a major industry in Passi City

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p22bbbf5afd5a75e87ac6815c045c67ad/f8a9af03.jpg
There are a lot of caves in Passi, I'm planning to cross one some day!

Dumangas (http://www.dumangas.gov.ph/)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p9c3c4c749cb2223068cd22a9d1545c42/f8a9aee3.jpg
Church
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p928b91618c339d50006efab7edb3ccb3/f8a9af09.jpg
I like this one :p

http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/pavia-iloilo]Pavia[/URL]
Pavia is the site of the Pavia-Agro Industrial Area

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pcc92fb3decc13add31878749320923cf/f8a9aee9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pc06830c317f9db5fb50ae1d47f6615c5/f8a9aefd.jpg
Pavia church

Sta. Barbara (http://www.geocities.com/santa_barbara_iloilo/)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p86b1f90cccc595e862ab128c70f2675a/f8a9aeec.jpg
Statue of Gen. Martin Delgado

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8bc710784efb6c47ac191787cc45a375/f8a9af13.jpg
Church

Duenas (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/duenas-iloilo)
Perhaps the scariest town in Iloilo, one movie of shake rattle and roll was based from stories from Duenas. Just look at their church, gives me the goose bumps already :runaway:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8a52f683201f893190656327c7a685c0/f8a9aeed.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p47bbc396041bb30621f6d21482c0d7a6/f8a9aef6.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pa104d0c35abd74cdbd3af5044bcb742d/f8a9b8ec.jpg

Leganes (http://www.uswag-leganes.gov.ph/) , part of Metro Iloilo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8965d19569854f4cf34d3020ad132297/f8a9af0d.jpg
Municipal Hall

Barotac Nuevo (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/barotacnuevo-iloilo)http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p7bc808480282bcae310136067cf0cd0d/f8a9af25.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pd2d55ea235daf405ca6b5604e9151784/f8a9b8e6.jpg

Janiuay (http://www.janiuay.gov.ph/)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p20e7569a517f75b89e2d9356dee4f12b/f8a9af28.jpg
You could see the bullet marks made during WWII in this one

Leon (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/leon-iloilo)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pfc83be65c01dd90c6ced41d7ef912b27/f8a9af2f.jpg

Miagao (http://miagao.tripod.com/)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p54e8d70ac37aa0b2883d1569ff2dc824/f8a9b8f3.jpg
This church, included in the World Heritage List of the UNESCO, is distinct because the Spaniards incorporated the local environment in its design also because the chruch was built at a time where there were no such tools to build such a magnificent church

Calinog (http://www.calinog.gov.ph/)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p84284cd4685f23dc6bc09e42f593f22c/f8a9b907.jpg

Cabatuan (http://www.cabatuan.gov.ph/)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/p8c48b8e1c18a36af1d53769a1cfd6826/f8a9b911.jpg

lovely pictures indeed of municipalities outside the city of Iloilo ! Keep it up ![I]

[sandrin]

Guimbal, IloIlo


Guimbal - A kind of drum usually 30 centimeters high and 20 cm in diameter made from the hollowed-out trunk of a palm tree and covered with either goat or deer skin
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/backgrnd.jpg

Old Municipal Hall
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/oldmunhall.jpg

New Municipal Hall
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/munhall3.jpg


Guimbal Plaza, known for its cleanliness and beauty
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/plaza2.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/plaza3.jpg

Shamrock Beach Resort
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/shamrock.jpg

Church Bell Tower
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/belltower.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/church2.jpg

Guimbal Steel Bridge
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/bridge.jpg

Guimbal, IloIlo Lighthouse
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/watchtower.jpg

Genilla Beach Resort
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/genilla.jpg

Racso's Inland & Woodland Resort
http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/racsos3.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/guimbal_iloilo/racsos2.jpg

The second Guimbal Watchtower
http://www.geocities.com/dodongflores/images/GuimbalMoroWatchTower.JPEG

There are a total of four Lighthouses in Guimabl, Only three are restored...I'm still looking for the third pic

More Pics here:
http://www.guimbal.mypage.org/

[wecky]

Thank you, Sandrin ... lovely Guimbal .. I went to Racsos last June ... Garin is really brilliant natural entrepreneur ... this coming August, I'll try to visit Garin's Farm ... they say it's really awesome !

[sandrin]

^ Lucky you’ve been there, you know what I’m thinking this early stage in life. I’m planning to retire in IloIlo. I would like to open businesses in Guimbal and Guimaras and visit my hometown in Quezon City, Manila once in a while.

[whyte]

Its a good thing we're all here to promote Iloilo.
Hopefully i can take some pictures when I go home dont know when though.

[sandrin]

@ Wecky......takes lots of pictures and post here
@whyte....yup, we're on a mission to bring back IloIlo's lost glory...hurray

Who knows someday me, chymera, wecky and you will have a forum meet-up by the beach....i miss molo soup and paella valenciana

[chymera]

@ Wecky......takes lots of pictures and post here
@whyte....yup, we're on a mission to bring back IloIlo's lost glory...hurray

Who knows someday me, chymera, wecky and you will have a forum meet-up by the beach....i miss molo soup and paella valenciana

Hehe that's a possibility :) It will be ackward though, I'll like only 17 and ... how old are you guys anyways???

[sandrin]

Chymera, no problema....we are forever young anyways

[chymera]

300 = biggest in the phil???


http://panaynews.com.ph/gma%20hands%20up.jpg WARN WELCOME. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo returns to Iloilo City today to see the facilities of what is considered as one of the biggest call centers in the country. he Iloilo Project of the ePLDT Ventus, Inc. (or simply “Ventus”, meaning “powered by the wind”), which the President is visiting today, is located in a 1,600 sq. meter Customer Interaction Center CIC) in Molo district here. The facility could accommodate 300 CSR seats.


http://panaynews.com.ph/images/pn_logo_b.jpg (http://panaynews.com.ph/)

GMA visits one of ‘biggest’ call centers in RP

By DAVID SINAY

ILOILO City – Within a span of only five days since her last visit here, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo returns to Iloilo City today to see the facilities of what is considered as one of the biggest call centers in the country.

The Iloilo Project of the ePLDT Ventus, Inc. (or simply “Ventus”, meaning “powered by the wind”), which the President is visiting today, is located in a 1,600 sq. meter Customer Interaction Center CIC) in Molo district here. The facility could accommodate 300 CSR seats.

Ventus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ePLDT, Inc. It is organized to engage in the business of providing customer contact services and all forms of business process services to respond to the requirements of clients and customers, whether in or outside the Philippines, through various multi-media or personal access services.

Ventus envisions itself to be the dominant global sourcing provider in the Philippines and aims to achieve scale and market leadership with a 5000-seat roll-out over the next five years. The project will require about 2.9 million dollars in capital expenditure and is expected to generate some 1.075 million dollars in annual net income at full capacity.

Ken Brian P. Lamzon, Business Development Director of Ventus, said their Customer Center Interaction services are carried through telephone, data and computer system designed to receive large volumes of data communications, voice call, e-mails, web chat sessions, web co-browse sessions and other information delivered through electronic means. It is manned in accordance to pre-defined customer service guidelines as agreed with the outsourcing client.

Lamzon said the Iloilo Project will initially serve a big worldwide, US-based floral wire service company, which will initially route Consumer Direct calls to Ventus for a two shift pilot run, where ePLDT can receive calls from Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Central (US) Time Inbound calls may involve sales/orders, inquiries, requests for information and other concerns related to flower ordering, with up-sell and cross-sell opportunities.

President Arroyo’s visit is her way of endorsing job generation efforts of the government through sectoral partnership.

[sandrin]

I read on the newspaper that amongst the provinces, IloIlo has the highest passing rate for the test in Oral english. The passing rate was 78% in IloIlo, 70% in Cebu followed by Bagiuo and Batanggas (60+%). However, the passing rate for entire the country was only 48% which reflects the deterioration of the English language. The test was conducted by an American business association. I will post the whole story if I find it again. Ilonggos have a good diction in terms of speakability not only in English but also in Tagalog. The Ilonggos have the sweetest accent in Pinas.

[wecky]

^ Lucky you’ve been there, you know what I’m thinking this early stage in life. I’m planning to retire in IloIlo. I would like to open businesses in Guimbal and Guimaras and visit my hometown in Quezon City, Manila once in a while.


Sandrin, if you are the one in the picture, it will still be a long time for you to retirement ... but yeah, if you can, please do open business in Iloilo. I even asked my friends here from Iloilo to put up businesses if they can or even open a sari-sari store for a start. Anyway, hope your plan/s will be realised soon.

cheers !

[wecky]

Its a good thing we're all here to promote Iloilo.
Hopefully i can take some pictures when I go home dont know when though.

please do whyte ... and probably me as well. I'll be home this last week of July ... I'll try to take a lot of pictures as much as I can.

[wecky]

@ Wecky......takes lots of pictures and post here
@whyte....yup, we're on a mission to bring back IloIlo's lost glory...hurray

Who knows someday me, chymera, wecky and you will have a forum meet-up by the beach....i miss molo soup and paella valenciana

wow ... sarap !

anyway, about "Volting-in" for Iloilo's promotion, why not ? I will always loved to ... I'll try to drop at the tourism office pag nandoon na ako .. see if I can get brochures, etc for Iloilo's promotion so I can give it to my friends here in London as well.

cheers !

[wecky]

Hehe that's a possibility :) It will be ackward though, I'll like only 17 and ... how old are you guys anyways???

hehehe ... we're "not" too old, I guessed ... I'm 29, Chymera turning 30 this year ... but I'm proud to tell you that amidst your age, you are already exhibiting the real Ilonggo spirit. Keep it up ! cheers !

[wecky]

Bombo Radyo-Iloilo now heard worldwide

BOMBO Radyo-Iloilo, the flagship station of Bombo Radyo Philippines, can now be heard all over the world through the website www.cpu.edu.ph of the Central Philippine University (CPU). Bombo Radyo-Bacolod is also on test broadcast.
The tie-up between the No.1 radio network in the country, with 43 strong AM and FM stations, and the biggest university in the region, with the CPU Alumni Association (CPUAAI), was formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed February 23, 2005 at 9th floor of Skycity Tower, Mapa Street, Iloilo City.
The MOA was signed for Bombo Radyo Philippines by media magnate, Dr. Rogelio M. Florete, DBM (hc), President/CEO; for CPU by Dr. Juanito Acanto, Ph.D., University President; and for the CPUAAI by Dr. Glenn A.M. Catedral, M.D., Alumni President.
Top officers of Bombo Radyo Phils. and also from CPU and CPUAAI were present to witness the event.
The facilities for the dedicated bandwidth for the audio stream of Bombo Radyo-Iloilo and Bombo Radyo-Bacolod will be provided by CPU through its website facilities. Bombo Radyo Phils., on the other hand, will make sure that CPU will be proud in carrying to its thousands of alumni and the Ilonggos scattered in various parts of the globe the live broadcast of the No.1 radio network in the country that adheres to the highest standards of excellence and responsibility.
CPU is celebrating its Centennial Jubilee this year. And Bombo Radyo Phils. will help in informing the public worldwide and covering the activities that runs for a total of 13 months from December 2004 up to December of 2005.
In his remarks, Dr. Florete said, “our fellow Ilonggos in USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and other parts of the world may now keep abreast of the news and happenings in their native land and also be entertained by the radio soaps and other special activities by Bombo Radyo Phils. and CPU.”
“This event is another milestone in the colorful history of Bombo Radyo Phils., which my father founded in this city 39 years ago,” Dr. Florete added.
Acanto and Catedral opined that the tie-up between Bombo Radyo, CPU and CPUAAI is a big boost to the Centennial Celebration of CPU this year.

[sandrin]

Sandrin, if you are the one in the picture, it will still be a long time for you to retirement ... but yeah, if you can, please do open business in Iloilo. I even asked my friends here from Iloilo to put up businesses if they can or even open a sari-sari store for a start. Anyway, hope your plan/s will be realised soon.

cheers !
Yup, it's me! I have a long way to go. I don't think I want to live in the cold forever. Plus I get bored here.

I hope the people sending money to Pinas will also encourage their families/relatives to start a business. Aside from the remittances, it will also be helpful if they send second hand equipment like computer, printer, fax machine, telephone, sewing machine, kitchen aide equipment, etc. to help them get started. They can also tell their relatives to enroll in a local Arts and Crafts school that teaches pottery/ceramic, basket weaving, sewing, cooking, and food processing, and what else. Creativity is an essential part of the business.

Also, if their relatives own lands, ask them to make good use of it by raising goat, hog, poultry or cacao (we have a best tasting one), coffee, fruits, etc.

While sending money helps, motivating them to be Self-Sufficient by means of starting a small business is much better. And with determination and dedication, I'm sure that business will grow big.

[kiretoce]

I read on the newspaper that amongst the provinces, IloIlo has the highest passing rate for the test in Oral english. The passing rate was 78% in IloIlo, 70% in Cebu followed by Bagiuo and Batanggas (60+%). However, the passing rate for entire the country was only 48% which reflects the deterioration of the English language. The test was conducted by an American business association. I will post the whole story if I find it again. Ilonggos have a good diction in terms of speakability not only in English but also in Tagalog. The Ilonggos have the sweetest accent in Pinas.

I agree with that! Ilonggos are more adaptive to the nuances of the spoken English language. :)

[tyronne]

senator mirriam defensor santiago is ilongga, right? im a big fan of her :)

[normandb]

May I ask the name of the provinces that speaks ilonggo because I went to Roxas City last December and people there speaks Ilonggo and then we go to Boracay I found out that the dialect in the island is not ilonggo anymore but it sounds ilonggo to me hmm..

[kiretoce]

Majority of Western Visayas is Ilonggo, but you have variants of the dialect from one island to another. Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental are Ilonggo speaking provinces. I'm not sure if Romblon speaks it too since it's situated in between Luzon island and the Visayas region. :)

[normandb]

Majority of Western Visayas is Ilonggo, but you have variants of the dialect from one island to another. Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental are Ilonggo speaking provinces. I'm not sure if Romblon speaks it too since it's situated in between Luzon island and the Visayas region. :)

My friend is ilonggo from roxas city and we went to talipapa in boracay to buy some stuff and the ilongga sales lady did not understand his ilonggo so they speak tagalog then they understood each other it so ironic ha ha ha.

[whyte]

Hiligaynon is actually the language of western visayas but as you go further away from the cities, it tends to have variations in words and in the manner of speaking.

[whyte]

kakatawa naman yung biggest call center article na yun.
baka in terms of the "traffic" it will handle

[sandrin]

I agree with that! Ilonggos are more adaptive to the nuances of the spoken English language. :)

And have you heard an Ilonngo get mad? It doesn't seem that they're mad at all.

@Tyrone - We don't like Mirriam. She has brain damage. Scary.

[kiretoce]

And have you heard an Ilonngo get mad? It doesn't seem that they're mad at all.

Yeah, many times! My mom is Ilonggo (from Bacolod) and I always get her more mad when I mock her when she's already steaming and yet she doesn't get hysterical about it! Ha..ha..ha! :lol: Ilonggos are a very loving and gentle people....ma palangga gid! (I believe that's the word they oftenly use) :colgate:

[tyronne]

@Tyrone - We don't like Mirriam. She has brain damage. Scary.

is that really confirmed? i mean, is she medically tested and proven to have brain damage or people just say that because they don't like her? i concede though sometimes she utters statements strange enough to some people plus the way she talks is different from what is perceived "usual" by pinoys but if you listen to what she's saying, i think that she makes more sense than most of the politicians we have there. just my opinion :)

[amras]

i think Mirriam is currently consulting a psychiatrist or a psychologist... i mean after his son died. that must have a been a big blow to her mind. I like Miriam, too. The fact that she sounds crazy, and makes sense (not all the time :) ) makes me love her more.... (Remember that incident before when she promised to jump-off a plane if ever Erap is arrested, and when the latter was actually arrested and she didn't do it, saying "I lied" followede by a manical laugh "bwahahahaha")

[tyronne]

i think Mirriam is currently consulting a psychiatrist or a psychologist... i mean after his son died. that must have a been a big blow to her mind. I like Miriam, too. The fact that she sounds crazy, and makes sense (not all the time :) ) makes me love her more.... (Remember that incident before when she promised to jump-off a plane if ever Erap is arrested, and when the latter was actually arrested and she didn't do it, saying "I lied" followede by a manical laugh "bwahahahaha")

well, everybody can tell jokes including her. lately, she said she's willing to commit harakiri if the national interest asks for it but do you think it would really happen? erap used to answer intelligent questions from the media with stupid jokes but did people think he was crazy? also, if a person consults a psychiatrist or a psychologist that doesn't mean he/she has brain damage.

[sandrin]

is that really confirmed? i mean, is she medically tested and proven to have brain damage or people just say that because they don't like her? i concede though sometimes she utters statements strange enough to some people plus the way she talks is different from what is perceived "usual" by pinoys but if you listen to what she's saying, i think that she makes more sense than most of the politicians we have there. just my opinion :)
As for intelligence, maybe. Don't forget she only scored 82% at the Bar Exam, which is only mediocre. Her being vocal should not be mistaken as "intelligence". Though she makes sense at times, most of the time she's very brutal. Her personality indicates a tendency to become a tyrant, nobody can get in the way and she won't stop until she gets what she wants. Scary. She's a yapper too. Please hand me the ear plugs. Methinks she's more of a liability to Ilonggos. A big turn-off.

[sandrin]

Iloilo City , Guimaras link to promote tourism

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

The city of Iloilo will be linking with the island province of Guimaras to promote the tourism industry in this part of the country.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said he will meet with Governor Rahman Nava and local tourism officials today, March 4 to lay down the plan on promotion of major destinations here.

The talking points will focus on such that “the regional plan of grouping of sites with a view of complimenting the resources of adjacent areas and promoting balance in developing its activities will be the guiding policy”.

Treñas bared the suggested activities include identification of jurisdictional limits or boundary and responsibilities of covered local government unit (LGU); inventory of potential tourist spots, attractions and other points of interest in every LGU as component of the cluster; preparation of brief history of every historical structure, artifacts, places and other points of historical significance; strategizing accessibility to these sites; identification of support infrastructures, harbors, ports and road system; and providing of sources of funds for development of tourism areas.

In technical preparations, there will be conduct of Seminar-Workshop on Tourism (SWOT) analysis of the tourism concerns affecting the cluster. There will also be defining of development programs to improve the tourism potential of the target area or event.

The marketing strategies, funding, signage and prioritization of budget for development will likewise be evaluated .

[ThisFire]

As for intelligence, maybe. Don't forget she only scored 82% at the Bar Exam, which is only mediocre. Her being vocal should not be mistaken as "intelligence". Though she makes sense at times, most of the time she's very brutal. Her personality indicates a tendency to become a tyrant, nobody can get in the way and she won't stop until she gets what she wants. Scary. She's a yapper too. Please hand me the ear plugs. Methinks she's more of a liability to Ilonggos. A big turn-off.


Actually, it was confirmed that she was crazy because early in 2004, she kept on calling Erap the current president.

[chymera]

Actually, it was confirmed that she was crazy because early in 2004, she kept on calling Erap the current president.

Well maybe its just because she didn't believe in the constitutionality of EDSA II, which led to the "presidency" of GMA.

[chymera]

Iloilo City, Bacolod City, and Roxas City are Hiligaynon speaking cities ... as whyte say, as you move away from these cities people speak more distinct variations of Ilonggo like Antique, which speaks a deep form of Kiniray-a. But wherever you are in Region 6 majority of the population would be able to understand Ilonggo. Iloilo, Capiz, Negros Occidental and Guimaras are predominantly Hiligaynon-speaking provinces. Aklan would be the most distinct province iin Region 6 in terms of language

I would like to clarify that it is incorrect to refer the language as "Ilonggo" rather it should be "Hiligaynon". When you say "Ilonggo" it should mean Hiligaynon speaking people and not the language itself.

In short:
People = Ilonggo
Language = Hiligaynon

[chymera]

My friend is ilonggo from roxas city and we went to talipapa in boracay to buy some stuff and the ilongga sales lady did not understand his ilonggo so they speak tagalog then they understood each other it so ironic ha ha ha.

Since Boracay is located in Aklan Province and they have their own language which is Akeanon, I wouldn't be surprised if they couldn't understand Hiligaynon. I have classmates who come from Aklan and I too couldn't understand 90% of what they are saying, like ... "Ang anwang gaog-gaog sa euga-eoga" which means "The water buffalo is wallowing in the water hole" . I dont know how that would translate to Hiligaynon but I'm sure 60% (anwang, gaog-gaog, and euga-eoga) of that sentence is not Hiligaynon :p

[chymera]

I hope this pushes through, Iloilo needs to have a defined metro area and something similar to MMDA to oversee "METROILOILO" that way local government would have more integration just like in Manila, Cebu, and Davao.


Metro Iloilo council to become an ‘authority’?

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY
(from www.panaynews.com.ph)

ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas asked President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to make the Metropolitan Iloilo Development Council (MIDC) an “Authority”.

As Metro Iloilo Development Authority, Treñas said, the body would have the “legal personality” to receive and request funds from the national government.

According to Treñas, President Arroyo expressed willingness. He proposed that the MIDC be made into an Authority by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation.

The MIDC is currently composed of Iloilo City and the adjacent municipalities of Oton, Leganes, San Miguel and Pavia.

Presently, the MIDC operates from funds voluntarily appropriated by member local government units. The titular head is the Iloilo City government whose City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) handles the Council’s programs and projects.

Treñas said the MIDC formulates programs to advance the economy, health services, environment, social services and peace and order of member local governments.

At present, the MIDC has several road projects lined up and needing funds. Treñas said President Arroyo assured him of the realization of these projects once funds are available.

Three road project proposals already forwarded to the national government for funding (these were also included in the medium-term development plan of the government) are a circumferential road, a four-lane road expansion, and a by-pass road.

The circumferential road project aims to link Arevalo District to Mandurriao District to Jaro District exit to La Paz District in the coastal road.

The four-lane road expansion starting from Brgy. El 98 in Jaro to Sta Barbara town is seen to aid the opening of the New Iloilo Airport Development Project at the Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan area.

The by-pass road will give easy travel to motorists from Jaro to Leganes to Zarraga.

[chymera]

I have a question, does anybody know where exactly in Molo District the ePLDT Ventus is located??? I recalled someone telling me that there's a call center operating at the 2nd floor of Iloilo Supermart-Molo Branch (the one near the plaza) but I'm not exactly sure of it .

http://sunstar.com.ph/images/sunstar_iloilo.gif
ePLDT seen to expand center services in '06

THE city's first call center, ePLDT Ventus, is setting its sights for expansion in Iloilo to 1,000 seats by 2006.

After its fourth month of operations, ePLDT Ventus has provided jobs to 110 permanent employees for its Customer Interaction Center in Molo District.

ePLDT Ventus Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ePLDT Inc., marks the start of the ePLDT group's all center expansion outside Metro Manila.

Its 1,600-square meter call center in Iloilo can accommodate 300 seats.

The Iloilo Project, headed by business development director Ken Brian Lamzon, requires $2.9 million in capital expenditure and is expected to generate $1.075 million in annual net income at full capacity.

Ventus offers a CIC by establishing telephone, data and computer system designed to receive large volumes of data communications, voice calls, e-mails, web chat sessions, web co-browse sessions and other information delivered through electronic means, manned in accordance to pre-defined customer service guidelines as agreed upon with the outsourcing client.

With its infrastructure and management team, Ventus supports services such as inbound customer care, web co-browsing, inbound product inquiries, outbound sales, inbound sales, outbound collections, inbound technical support, data entry, email handling, business process outsourcing services and web chat.

ePLDT Ventus is now providing customer care services to the biggest US-based Floral Wire Service company which has its headquarters in Los Angeles, California.

Floral Wire Service has the most extensive network of quality florists, with approximately 30,000 member-florists in over 80 countries, ensuring prompt delivery anywhere in the U.S. and many areas throughout the world.

In November last year, the Floral Wire Service company started routing consumer direct calls to ePLDT Ventus for a two-shift pilot run ePLDT receives calls Mondays through Fridays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central (US) Time.

Inbound calls involve sales/orders, inquiries, requests for information and other concerns related to flower ordering, with up-sell and cross-sell opportunities.

The campaign employs a monthly average of 60 customer service representatives. Starting January, the company started routing calls to their technical support campaign with an initial 20 agents.

[chymera00]

I just made a new accnt my old one got broken when I changed my email ... Oh well :uh:

[sandrin]

More positive development:

Iloilo Dairy Fresh Milk processing plant inaugurated

Tigbauan , Iloilo – The Iloilo Dairy Fresh Milk processing plant was inaugurated lately at the Cordova Norte Elementary School , in Brgy . Cordova Norte, about 10 kilometers away from the poblacion .

This newly inaugurated plant is only temporary as Gov. Niel D. Tupas , Sr. has allocated the amount of P2.5 million for the processing plant that will soon be constructed in front of Tigbauan National High School .

The inauguration and blessings of the plant were graced by the presence of Gov. Tupas , Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena , Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada , Tigbauan Acting Mayor Agaton Tomabotabo , Provincial Agriculturist Inocencio Parian , officers of Iloilo Federation Dairy Cooperative and local officials of the barangay .

Cadena lauded this project of the provincial government as a catalyst in countering the malnutrition problem among school children in the province and would serve as a source of livelihood to augment the income of dairy farmers.

He committed the DTI would help the province in marketing the dairy products and in developing the label and packaging.

Joey Loyola said the National Dairy Authority is committed to support this project to enhance the dairy industry of the province.

He said this year, another batch of pregnant Heifers will be delivered in Iloilo for the province to meet the required 300 dairy cattle in order to be considered a dairy zone.

It can be recalled that on January of this year, 118 cattle, which were given to farmer-beneficiaries, have already given birth.

Once the dairy project is well-established , it is projected that some 10,000 children aged 2-6 years old will benefit from future milk-feeding projects in Iloilo and other areas within Panay Island .

The Cordova Norte Elementary School is now on its second week of its milk-feeding program for its pupils.

The demand for fresh milk is expected to increase with the flourishing of coffee shop entrepreneurs as well as restaurateurs and other individuals whose tastes in milk quality are getting discriminative.

It was on February 12 of last year that the 1 st Iloilo Dairy Cattle Program was launched in Brgy . Anonang , Leon and at the same time the dispersal of cattle to farmer-beneficiaries while the launching of Iloilo Dairy Fresh was on December 6 last year at the capitol lobby. (PIO)

GMA sees 3-M jobs on weaving industry
By Jeehan V. Fernandez

President Gloria Macapagal -Arroyo sees the establishment of three million jobs through the handloom weaving industry of Miag-ao , Iloilo .

Arroyo visited Brgy . Indag -an of said town and met with the members of Indag - an Multi-Purpose Cooperative Saturday. The cooperative manufactures hand-woven textiles for garments, shawls, place mats and materials for bags, throw pillow cases and furnishings which are becoming popular for its unique fabric and craftsmanship.

The president's plan is to showcase Miag-ao's hablon industry as one of the measures on the creation of six to ten million jobs in six years under her 10-point agenda. This is being included in the “ One Town , One Product” project.

The strategy is to come up with a good promotion of Miag-ao's traditional woven products like mosquito nets, blankets, pillow cases, patadyong , among others.

In case of hablon , there would be sustained promotion, quality control, effective marketing, product development and continuous weavers' training. The project has targeted to develop the skills of some 50 weavers on the first year.

Arroyo cited , the British government supports the project as she also lauded the people of Miag-ao for the strong participation to the project.

“This is a very important project for people to know about opportunities through small and medium scale enterprises ( SMEs ),” Arroyo stressed.

She noted that there is a P1.1 million fund and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) various training programs as part of the operating expenses of the project.

The assistance from other sectors like the British Council provided P1.5 million for the construction of the weaving and training centers now employing some 92 workers as of December 2004 with an average P3 ,500 monthly income each and generating sales of about P690,000.

It can be noted that the Miag-ao's handloom weaving industry had its peak in 1950-1970. Though it suffered in the 80's due to extreme competition brought about by modern textile mills, the industry was revived in 1991with its environment-friendly and labor-intensive nature, through the help of DTI.

The cooperative then had only five women weavers who focused on the production of the traditional patadyong , a plain or checkered designed textile. With the skills training, the women produced banda and kerchiefs out of it, which began the realization of the potential of handloom industry.

Mayor Gerardo Flores has made the handloom weaving a priority concern in 2001. The initial step was tapping the services of international fashion designer Miag-aonon Nono Palmos , who staged a Hablon Fashion Show at Miag-ao Plaza in February 2003 Salakayan Festival.

Later on, the sales of hand-woven products like patadyong , hinabol and hablon increased by 50 percent, benefiting the families who depended on weaving.

Miag-ao's hablon was also an attraction during the Wow Philippines in Intramuros as one of the bestsellers product with a gross of P178 ,898.50 in the period of two weeks.

With its success, Flores created the Salakayan Development Foundation Inc. which is tasked to develop the local industries of handloom weaving.

[whyte]

I just made a new accnt my old one got broken when I changed my email ... Oh well :uh:

try to contact the ADMIN re: that.
well, CHYMERA is still CHYMERA

[whyte]

:cheers1: yung 3M jobs sa weaving industry. pero malamang whole country na yata yang 3M na yan.

[chymera00]

Seems Metro Manila isnt the only one with water problems

http://sunstar.com.ph/images/sunstar_iloilo.gif
Water District regulates supply of water

THE Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) is regulating its water supply in the wake of what they call their "worst experience in dwindling water supply" ever.

Lee Jaime Jalbuena, general manager of MIWD, said water sourced from Tigum River decreased by four centimeters starting February, leading to the shortage of water supply in several areas in Iloilo, especially in Maasin.

[chymera00]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid160/p4156e98474a8f30c3a9984fff0ef76a2/f4e694c9.jpg

This was taken yesterday from a local newspaper. We still had classes despite a 2day strike, too bad :(

[mhe-ann]

jeepney drivers strike? :?:

[whyte]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid160/p4156e98474a8f30c3a9984fff0ef76a2/f4e694c9.jpg

This was taken yesterday from a local newspaper. We still had classes despite a 2day strike, too bad :(

HMM Iznart-JM Basa Sts are the main streets of the city
AND BOTH ARE ONLY GOOD FOR TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC

[wecky]

jeepney drivers strike? :?:


yep, mhe ann. It was due to the PBO (perimeter boundaries ordinance) of the city of Iloilo... that is, all provincial jeepneys, buses, etc cannot enter the metropolis but will be located to load and unload their passengers in certain terminals designated by the city of Iloilo for them. It is somehow disheartening as passengers will be paying more inorder to go to the city as they will take another ride or two from the terminals where their municipal or provincial jeepneys were assigned. On the other hand, this scheme will decongest the worsening traffic in the main thoroughfares of Iloilo City, that most of our kababayans are experiencing right now.

Hopefully, with little amendments of this ordinance, drivers, passengers, and the government of Iloilo will be happy with the results.

cheers !

[wecky]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid160/p4156e98474a8f30c3a9984fff0ef76a2/f4e694c9.jpg

This was taken yesterday from a local newspaper. We still had classes despite a 2day strike, too bad :(


hehehe ... chymera, the strike wasn't successful at all .. the ICADA and other Drivers' associations did not participate with the strike hence, classes and government offices were in "business as usual" ...

[chymera00]

HMM Iznart-JM Basa Sts are the main streets of the city
AND BOTH ARE ONLY GOOD FOR TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC

Well, we know it could handle even 3 lanes in heavy traffic :) (which happens quite regularly here). I'm happy the strike wasn't successful, I like the idea of the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance. Ofcourse, you can't expect it to be perfect that's it needs to be amended ... like add a color coding scheme or something.

It was all good :) even though we still had to go to class our teacher didn't come coz he lived in Guimbal and didn't have any jeepney to ride, mwahahahaha :)

[sandrin]

How come I only see a single tree along that boulevard. Who shall we talk to in IloIlo to make provisions on landscaping for all cities and suburbs.

[sandrin]

Hey....where have all my fellow Ilonggos gone...let's pump this thread up

Yuuuhuuu Chymera, Wecky, & Whitey!

more news......
PECO cuts power rate by P2 per kilowatt hour

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Starting March 7, 2005, the Panay Electric Company (PECO) effected a reduction of P2 per kilowatt-hour in its power rate, following the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERB).

The reduction will appear in next month’s billing. The per kilowatt-hour rate would now be P5 only and no longer P7.

PECO withdrew its appeal with the Court of Appeals on the ERB’s decision regarding the reduction of PECO’s rate per kilowatt-hour.

“Supposedly, it took effect July 1, 2004 but PECO’s filing of a motion for reconsideration delayed the implementation,” topnotch lawyer Romeo Gerochi said.

Gerochi was one of the petitioners against PECO that earlier sought to unbundled its rates pursuant to the Electric Power Industry Regulation Act (Epira).

“Tuman ka taas kag perwisyo sa pumuluyo ang unbundled rates nga gin-file sang PECO,” said Gerochi.

To unbundle the rates means to detail the computation of a consumer’s electric consumption.

In May 19, 2004, PECO lost to petitioners Gerochi et al.

ERC ordered PECO to fix its rates to P5 per kilowatt-hour, or a reduction of at least P2 per kilowatt-hour as what PECO collects. The decision could have taken effect on July 1, 2004.

But PECO filed a motion for reconsideration with ERC and later with the Court of Appeals.

“If they did not withdraw, I’d file a motion to dismiss their appeal,” said Gerochi.

For now, Gerochi said he’s watching out if PECO this time would indeed follow ERC’s order.

Gerochi wanted PECO to reimburse the consumers what they paid during the period that the company did not effect the ERC decision.

[sandrin]

Capitol to host testimonial dinner for foreign ambassadors

The Iloilo Provincial Government will be hosting a testimonial dinner for foreign ambassadors on March 17, 2005 at 7:00 pm at Capitol's ground floor in connection with the celebration of 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Panay on March 18 th.

It was learned from Provincial Tourism Officer Bombette Marin that these foreign dignitaries from Allied Nations such as United States , United Kingdom , Australia and New Zealand while foreign ambassadors from Canada , China , Japan and European Union. Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo is also expected to grace the affair.

Other invited guests are Senate President Franklin Drilon , Department of Justice Acting Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Department of Land Reform Secretary Rene Villa and Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Rafael Coscolluela .

The dinner in “Barrio Fiesta” setting will feature Filipino cuisines and native delicacies. The guests will also be welcomed by drumbeats from Dinagyang Ati-Ati Tribe upon their arrival at the capitol and they will be entertained by cultural presentations from Iloilo National High School 's Dagyaw Dance Troupe and Rondalla of Alimodian . The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be having its display of local products at the capitol's canopy.

Prior to the dinner, the guests/dignitaries will be having an island tour to Guimaras to visit the Guimaras National Mango Research Station, Trappist Monastery, Oro Verde (orchard where mangoes exported to US are grown), Guimaras Trade and Economic Center and Roca Encantada (where they are going to take lunch).

While in Iloilo City , the group will be visiting the School for Deaf, Mute and Blind Children in Leganes , Museo Iloilo, Boat House, Jaro Cathedral and DSWD Special Day Care and early Childhood Development Project in Molo .

On March 18, they will be joining the veterans in a simultaneous hoisting of Philippine flag and flags of Allied Nations ( Australia , New Zealand , United Kingdom and USA ) and wreath laying ceremony at Veterans' Cemetery in Balantang , Jaro , Iloilo City .

They will proceed to Freedom Grandstand through a motorcade for the exhibition of Philippine Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Team and a Commemorative Program.

They will have their Commemorative Luncheon in Hotel del Rio and visit the Iloilo Producer's Association, Sinamay Dealer and Panaderia de Molo before their departure to Manila . (Ian C. Espada /PIO)

[chymera00]

wow ... more attention is always good. Just hope these "testimonial dinners" are more than they're worth

[sandrin]

I think the main problem of IloIlo is the presence NPAs in the province. The presence of NPAs stunt growth. The government should crush this movement first. Look at Bohol, it only gained recognition after NPAs vanished.

[bagel]

It isn't really about crushing the NPAs, whose membership is made up of the people who actually live in the province. To fix the NPA problem, they have to make it attractive for people not to join the NPA-- like doing land reform and having more government socialized programs.

[wecky]

Hey....where have all my fellow Ilonggos gone...let's pump this thread up

Yuuuhuuu Chymera, Wecky, & Whitey!



hi, sandrin .. still here ... bit busy lately though .... anyway, we need to get in touch with the Iloilo's Department of Tourism so we can help here abroad in terms of promotion, etc ... do you have any idea about this matter ?

[wecky]

wow ... more attention is always good. Just hope these "testimonial dinners" are more than they're worth


I agree Chymera .. hope we can attract foreign investors from this testimonial dinners ...

Few questions:

Is Iloilo still considering to host PALARONG PAMBANSA 2005 ?

What are preparations made by Iloilo government in hosting FILIPINO-SPANISH FRIENDSHIP DAY ?

[wecky]

I think the main problem of IloIlo is the presence NPAs in the province. The presence of NPAs stunt growth. The government should crush this movement first. Look at Bohol, it only gained recognition after NPAs vanished.

I don't believe that NPA is Iloilo's main problem at all ... they are actually very less in number nowadays ... I think Ilonggos are learning fast ... you cannot change the government and so improve their quality of life by joining NPA. Gone are the days where they think revolution is the answer to the problem besetting not only in Iloilo but the entire Philippines. I think Ilonggos are far more brilliant than that.

Iloilo's main problem right now is low employment rate. For more than 2 million people in Iloilo province alone, jobs are so scarce that we need to go to Manila and look for work. With other provinces surrounding Iloilo like Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras and Negros Occidental, Iloilo City's business prowess cannot cope with the yearly graduates (of Iloilo province and the rest of the region) to provide employment for them. So what we really need are investors and businessmen to build their companies and businesses in the city, not only for the residents of the province of Iloilo but for the entire Western Visayas (Region 6).

[wecky]

Monday, March 07, 2005
Passi City leads way to Pintados fest



ALL roads lead to Passi from March 13 to 20 as the "Sweet City of Panay" celebrates another year of Pintados de Pasi festival, coinciding with the city's seventh foundation anniversary.

A feast of sweetness awaits the traveler at historic Passi City, with its vibrant lifestyle, breathtaking steep mountain ranges and rolling hills. It is home to the province's best caves and fun-loving inhabitants.

A 50-kilometer drive from Iloilo City, the place's come-on is its vast sugar plantation, luscious pineapples and unlimited variety of mouth-watering fruits.

Composed of 51 barangays, city has a checkered history with its socio-politico-economic status before it achieved its present set-up.

Former Mayor Jesry Palmares, together with the Municipal Council, who thought of converting the town into a component city in Jan. 30, 1998, with the signing of Republic Act 8469 by former President Fidel Ramos. At present, Passi is classified a fifth class city.

It's development effort at present, championed by Mayor Elyzer Chavez is to reinvent Passi City as a top tourist destination in the province, giving special emphasis to the preservation of natural resources.

Complementing the various attractions are the colorful and unique culture, and the hospitality of its people. Almost each of the barangay has its own attraction to offer. The significant tourism industry gives a considerable contribution to the city's socio-economic development.

With its vast land area and strategic location, Passi City has been regarded as a potential industrial zone and is classified as the District Agri-Industrial Center in the Province of Iloilo.

It has a lively cultural festival scene. Its Pintados de Pasi constitute a cornucopia of festival activities. With this year's celebration, the festival will commence on March 13 with an opening salvo and food festival and fun-filled activities until the 20th.

On its seventh foundation anniversary, the festivity is spearheaded by the Passinhon 2000 Inc. president, Dr. Elgita Fernandez, and vice president Rey Deatras

from: Sunstar Iloilo News Online

[sandrin]

@ Wecky...I do hope the NPA is a dwindlling force there. I read this article in Panay news that I find quite alarming:
NPA, Army clash in Calinog

BY ALESSANDRA QUIMSING

CALINOG, Iloilo – Members of the New People’s Army (NPA) clashed forces with troops from the 47th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) around 1:40 a.m. yesterday in Brgy. Agcalaga here.

Capt. Guillever Señeres of the 47th IB said there were around nine members on the NPA side. They were reportedly led by a certain “Jojie Belo” and “Ka Glen.”

The incident transpired at the camp of the 47th IB which is headed by 2Lt. Rowel Tabas.
No one from the Army was hit, Señeres said.

Recovered from the scene of the incident were three magazines of M14 rifle, 37 rounds of live ammunitions of 7.62mm, personal belongings of the NPAs and subversive documents, Señeres said.
A hot pursuit operation was launched led by Col. Nestor Ochoa, former Deputy Commanding Officer of the 303rd IB, and LtC. Mariano Antonio Perez, Jr.
Señeres said that since last week, they have been monitoring the presence of the rebels in several towns in the province.

Aside from Calinog, rebels were also sighted in Lambunao and Janiuay towns.
Thursday last week, around 20 armed men believed to be members of the NPA were sighted in three barangays of Lambunao, Iloilo.
Authorities suspected that the insurgents were planning to attack the Lambunao police station.

According to Supt. Cornelio Defensor, deputy director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) here, the rebels were sighted in Brgy. Bonbon, Brgy. Daan Banwa and Brgy. Bayoco. They had long firearms, particularly M16 and M14 rifles.

“Some of them were wearing fatigue uniforms,” he revealed, citing intelligence reports.

Defensor believed that the Lambunao police station was the NPAs’ target.

The armed men were later seen withdraw towards Janiuay town, he said.

The police official also believed that it was this same group of armed men that were spotted in Bingawan town and Brgy. Epil in Calinog, Iloilo the other night.

“I think those rebels are regrouping,” he said.

Last year, the NPAs successfully attacked the Tubungan police station. Two policemen were injured and several government firearms were taken.

Tubungan is part of Iloilo Province’s First District. This hinterland town is a known haven of rebels for years.








_______________________________________________________________________

[whyte]

sana matuloy yung Palaro 2005.

the current EXTRA CHALLENGE episode shot in guimaras provides free ads (sidelights nga lang) for Iloilo.

[whyte]

sana maibalik uli yung "golden age" ng ilonggo pop music that took place in the 90's.halos lahat yata ng pop songs in the radio were of ilonggo origin. though as of now meron din naman pero pakonti konti lang.

[wecky]

@ Wecky...I do hope the NPA is a dwindlling force there. I read this article in Panay news that I find quiet alarming:

as far as I'm concerned, it is sandrin ... hehehe ... unlike early '80s ... actually talagang medyo nawala siya ... probably bumabalik paminsan-minsan ... but really LOW EMPLOYMENT are our foremost concern rather than this NPAs. In as much as I would like to point out that every provinces in the Philippines had their own rebel to address with.

[wecky]

sana maibalik uli yung "golden age" ng ilonggo pop music that took place in the 90's.halos lahat yata ng pop songs in the radio were of ilonggo origin. though as of now meron din naman pero pakonti konti lang.

sana nga whyte ... do you still remember pala those days ... hehehe ... i used to listen to them as well especially sa Star FM station and in Bombo Radyo Iloilo.

[wecky]

sana matuloy yung Palaro 2005.


i hope talaga, whyte ... the proposed budget is 40million php ... Pres. Arroyo pledged 20 million already ... so it's up to the city government to raise up the other 20 million ... sana we can host again. The last time Iloilo host Palaro was in 1986 yata ... di lang ako sure na year basta mid-80's.

[chymera00]

NPAs are quite a problem in rural development but I think the biggest hurdle to economic development is the lack of investment. which can be attributed to previous lack of attention on infrastructure. Just like all parts of the Country corruption and red tape remains to be a major concern ...

[wecky]

I agree with you, Chymera .... low investment in the city is our biggest problem ... very few jobs available ... that's why the city government really needs to fasttrack their campaign in luring investors to put up businesses in Iloilo. Although recently, it will be noted that in Iloilo City Diversion (where Iloilo Business Centre is located) buildings start to proliferates. But it is not enough though, we need bigger business investments in our city to address our worsening unemployment rate. Tourism will play a vital role in shaping our city and province's economic future. Underway is the Iloilo International Airport to open by 2007-2008.

[wecky]

Thursday, March 10, 2005
Iloilo needs P40M to host Palaro '05



THE Palarong Pambansa was recently given the green light and will be staged on May 8 to 15 in Iloilo City, although the multi-event meet might suffer from budget cuts.

The announcement was made by high-ranking sports official, who said that Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Butch Abad is set to make a formal announcement soon.

However, with almost 8,000 student athletes from 16 regions expected to participate in the meet, officials are scrambling to find an additional funding of P20 million.

President Arroyo, through her social fund, already allocated P20 million for the event, but the weeklong, multi-event competition's proposed budget is P40 million.

Second in five years

The Palaro was last held in 2003 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte for only the second time in five years after being transferred through Republic Act 9155 from the DepEd to the Philippine Sports Commission (POC).

The holding of the Palaro this summer came about after Abad issued a memorandum prohibiting the staging of sports events during the regular school term, following the poor ratings Filipino elementary and high-school students showed in recent surveys.

[sandrin]

I hope the old rich who left IloIlo will come back soon and start businesses there, particularly the ones that migrated abroad. I bet they have the capital to begin with. The privately owned idle lands in IloIlo are wasted. There are so many ways to make it productive.

[sandrin]

60TH LIBERATION OF PANAY

Military attachés of Allied nations here

By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Today starts the two-day celebration of the 60th anniversary of Panay Island’s liberation from Imperial Japanese forces.

Military attachés from Allied nations during World War II are coming over today – New Zealand, United States of America, Australia and United Kingdom.

A dinner will be tendered to New Zealand’s Capt. Jim MacMillan, USA’s Col. Terry Cook, Australia’s Maj. Paul Rosenzweig and UK’s Lt. Stevie Walker.

The military attaché of Japan, Col. Yukio Yasunada is arriving tomorrow for ceremonies to be held at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine in Brgy. Tacas, Jaro District.

The Sixth Military District Panay guerillas, then under Col. Macario Peralta, Jr., cordoned the Japanese Imperial Forces inside Iloilo City who were on final assault to capture and occupy the city, when the 40th Infantry Division of the US 8th Army landed unopposed in Parrara, Tigbauan, Iloilo on March 18, 1945.

Together with the Panay guerillas, they laid siege on the Japanese inside the city. Rather than be totally annihilated, the Japanese fought fiercely, resulting to heavy casualties. Later, they escaped to their mountain redoubt in Leon-Alimodian-Maasin mountain ranges.

The US Army and Panay guerillas entered and occupied Iloilo City two days later.

Then, the first Victory Parade marched along J.M. Basa Street and gathered at Sunburst (shoulder patch logo of the 40th Division) Park to hear speeches of the US Army and 6MD top brasses.

From that time on, the 6th MD Word War II Veterans commemorate this historic event every year.

The ambassadors from Allied nations were originally invited to grace the celebration but all had prior commitments, said Councilor Merci Garcia, chair of the Committee on Tourism and Historical Affairs of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The city government under Mayor Jerry Treñas wanted to make the celebration a grand one.

After the early morning rites at the Balantang shrine, dignitaries will join a motorcade to the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand for another program. The Iloilo City Government would later tender a lunch for them at a hotel.

Other guests expected to arrive are National Historical Institute Executive Director Ludovico Badoy, Presidential Adviser for Veterans Affairs Cherry Adevoso, Mrs. Teresita Cuevas from the Military Memorial National Shrine and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Commodore Rogelio Dayan, among others.

------
This is a good promo for our beloved IloIlo. My father and some relatives are going to Guimaras in April. I ask them to take lots of pictures.

[wecky]

Finance Sec. Purisima to address Iloilo business community today


ILOILO City -- The new Secretary of the Department of Finance, Cesar V. Purisima, will be the guest speaker of the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) on its 1st Quarter General Membership Meeting today at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. His presentation will tackle the country’s financial condition, the impact of the latest tax measures, especially the increased value added tax (VAT), on the government’s finances and how he hopes to address the challenges of revenue generation and resource mobilization.

Fresh from his former position as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Purisima will also give updates on the direction of the trade and commerce in the country under his leadership.

Purisima is the third chairman and chief executive officer of the auditing firm Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Co. to be appointed to the top post of the DTI. He was a member of the Global Executive Board and Global Practice Council of Ernst & Young.

A former President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the SVG Foundation, Inc., he was also Chairman of the Board Directors of The Knowledge Institute, Inc.

Representatives from the academe, national government agencies, banking industry and business associations are expected to attend today’s event.

Organized in 1990, IBC is the first regional affiliate of the influential Makati Business Club. IBC is a business association organized as a local forum and is composed of executives representing the leading corporations and organizations of Iloilo City and the Philippines.

Companies represented in IBC come from all-major business sectors of the city and province of Iloilo – banking, services and manufacturing, financial institutions, agribusiness, commerce and the academe.

IBC’s vision/mission is carried out primarily through policy advisory, information services and trade and investment promotion.


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

Hoping it will be a good start to further mobilize the business sector of our province.

[wecky]

I hope the old rich who left IloIlo will come back soon and start businesses there, particularly the ones that migrated abroad. I bet they have the capital to begin with. The privately owned idle lands in IloIlo are wasted. There are so many ways to make it productive.

you're right, sandrin .... i hope and i pray as well.

[sandrin]

Pintados sa Passi Festival

http://www.thenewstoday.info/20050318/passi4.jpg
http://www.thenewstoday.info/20050318/passi2.jpg
Pintados sa Passi Festival

http://www.thenewstoday.info/20050318/passi3.jpg
Carabao Painting Contest :laugh::

[wecky]

speaking of Iloilo's rich, sandrin ...

Friday, March 18, 2005
Jose Pidal second richest lawmaker in RP
By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan

THE man who claimed he was the controversial "Jose Pidal," now the representative of the 5th district of Negros Occidental, was declared the second richest congressman of the country.

Representative Ignacio Arroyo Jr., brother-in-law of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was among the 227 millionaires at the House of Representatives.

Iggy placed second to Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar, wife of Senator Manuel Villar.

Also making it to the top five richest lawmakers are Judy Syjuco and Ferj Biron, both of Iloilo province.

Based on his declared Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SAL), the youngest brother of First Gentleman Juan Miguel Arroyo obtained an asset worth more than P300 million, with liabilities of P15.5 million or a net worth of P291.6 million.

Villar, on the other hand, has a liability-free asset worth of P531.2 million.

Syjuco, wife of known Makati businessman and former Iloilo 2nd District Representative Buboy Syjuco, ranked No. 3 with an asset of P270.1 million with liabilities of P18.9 million for a total net worth of P251.2 million.

Biron, a neophyte lawmaker from the 4th district of Iloilo, was in the fourth spot with a total valued asset of P276 million, total asset of P276.8 million, liabilities of P45.5 million, or a net worth of P231.4 million.

The son of Senator Edgardo Angara, Representative Juan Edgardo Angara of Aurora Province ranked No. 5 with valued asset of P112.8 million, with liabilities of P530,000, or a net worth of P112. 3 million.

The two sons of former Ambassador Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco - Representatives Mark and Charlie Cojuangco of Pangasinan and 4th district of Negros Occidental - are in the 19th and 20th spots, respectively.

Mark declared a total asset of P50.1 million while his younger brother, Charlie, has P5.9 million.

The other congressmen in the top 20 are: Representatives Rafael Nantes - Quezon, Mary Ann Susano - Quezon City, Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. -Cagayan, Antonio Floirendo Jr. - Davao, Ronaldo Puno -Antipolo City, Glenda Ecleo - Surigao del Norte, Francis Nepomuceno - Pampanga, Amelita Villarosa - Mindoro Occidental, Rodolfo Plaza - Pagusan del Sur, Gilberto Teodoro - Tarlac, Rodolfo Valencia - Mindoro Oriental, Pendro Pancho - Bulacan, Ronaldo Zamora - San Juan, Teodoro Locsin Jr. - Makati City, and Florencio Vargas - Cagayan.


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

Legend:
- Royal Blue - other Ilonggo (Western Visayas) congressma/en outside Iloilo province.

- Dark Olive Green - Iloilo's congressma/en

[wecky]

I hope the old rich who left IloIlo will come back soon and start businesses there, particularly the ones that migrated abroad. I bet they have the capital to begin with. The privately owned idle lands in IloIlo are wasted. There are so many ways to make it productive.

above are list of few rich people inside Iloilo ... hehehe ... the question is, "Are they going to invest their assets/businesses in our province?" .. hope so ..

[wecky]

Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Foreign envoys in for Ilonggo products showcase

ENVOYS of Allied Nations who will come to Iloilo to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of Panay on March 18 will be treated to a showcase of Ilonggo products.

Starting March 15, the Department of Trade and Industry-Iloilo set up an exhibit of native handicrafts and special delicacies along the Capitol walkway and lobby.

The exhibit runs up to March 17 during which the foreign dignitaries will also be treated to a special banquet at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Top local producers set up booths to display export quality products such as home furniture and furnishings, office décor, gift items and assorted bric-a-brac.

Iloilo's weaving industry will also showcase it's renowned hablon products like shawls, handkerchiefs and even gowns.

Food producers will display their own array of delicacies such as banana chips, pickles, instant taho, barquillos, and biscocho.

Expected to arrive are ambassadors from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand as well as dignitaries from Canada, China, Japan, and the European Union.

On March 18, they will join Filipino World War II veterans in a simultaneous hoisting of Philippine flag and flags of Allied Nations (Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA).



Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Iloilo designers all set for Fashion Week

THE Fashion Designers Council of Iloilo (FDCI) aims to make Iloilo proud as it once again join this year's Philippine Fashion Week on March 28 to April 6 in Manila.

They will join top retailers and Manila designers from the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Fashion Designers Inc. (FDI), Young Designers Guild (YDG), and top designers from Cebu and Davao.

For two straight years now, FDCI is the only Ilonggo designers group to be invited to this most prestigious Runway Productions event.

Runway Productions, a company dedicated to marketing and managing of fashion in the Philippines, is headed by noted fashion producer and director Joey Espino.

Espino knew that Filipino designers needed a platform to launch their collections to be able to become key players in the global fashion business.

Thus, Philippine Fashion Week, a new global concept in fashion marketing, was born.

Now on its eighth year, Philippine Fashion Week will again hold on site shows at Ayala Center and off site shows at NBC Tent and other locations in Makati.

It has grown to be the biggest fashion happening in the country and has become a successful launching pad of over 200 designer collection shows and over 80 fashion labels collection shows.

This ten-day series of fashion shows, exhibits, demonstrations and press activities will keep Filipinos up to date with the latest local and global trend in fashion, beauty and lifestyle choices.

The success of this series of Philippine Fashion Week activities and shows particularly the Regional Designers Collection Show in Glorietta last year is proof of the Filipinos' growing appreciation for local fashion. It was in this show in April 26 last year that members of FDCI led by Roy Sesbreño, Aldrich Aparicio, Jasmine Castelo, Bo Constantino, Claire Jarantilla and Eric de los Santos were able to showcase the very best Ilonggo creativity and talent through their fabulous collections.

The rave reviews they garnered was proven by various write-ups in different broad sheets and magazines in the country like Mega Style Annual, Mega Magazine, Preview, Manila Standard, and Philippine Daily Inquirer.

This year, fashion veteran Roy Sesbreño will be presenting his design forte: flawlessly cut and sophisticated yet romantic tailored suits in brilliant and colorful tweed. Aldrich Aparicio takes inspiration from the stylish Holly Golightly of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and how her classic style has influenced generations of women particularly the women of "Sex and the City."

The 40's glamour will spell out Bo Constantino's collection as he intelligently draws inspiration from Armani and Oscar de la Renta.

Anticipate the marriage of elegance and simplicity in Constantino's creations with effortless yet ingeniously cut and embellished fabrics. The brazenly experimental Jasmine Castelo will not disappoint as she plans to make use of recycled materials hand-painted and deconstructed fabrics. Her designs, which she has aptly coined "Art to Wear", will also take their cue from the works of fashion designers Hussen Chalayan and An Martine Margiela. The two ubiquitous essentials of fashion, which are "glamour" and "romance", will be present in Claire Jarantilla's collection. Expect blue and red to dominate as well as the perfect fusion of denim and buttons.

And not to be missed is Eric de los Santos, as he will boldly reincarnate Hollywood glamour in the 1920's with his sexy and sophisticated creations drenched in rich details of beads and ostrich feathers matched with bold accessories.

The members of the Fashion Designers Council of Iloilo will undoubtedly stand out in this year's Philippines Fashion Week. (Joanne Marie Combong-Pijuan/Contributor)

[whyte]

sana nga whyte ... do you still remember pala those days ... hehehe ... i used to listen to them as well especially sa Star FM station and in Bombo Radyo Iloilo.

yeah! it makes me proud.
HILIGAYNON RECORDS yata yung nagpasikat nun pero biglang nawala.

[whyte]

i hope talaga, whyte ... the proposed budget is 40million php ... Pres. Arroyo pledged 20 million already ... so it's up to the city government to raise up the other 20 million ... sana we can host again. The last time Iloilo host Palaro was in 1986 yata ... di lang ako sure na year basta mid-80's.

* It was in 1991. I was one of the "performers" as part of our PE classes but sad to say our group was removed kasi sobra na :bash:
but got to watch Palaro

* Then (late) Mayor Ganzon was BOOED by the crowd in front of Pres. Cory

* With the current trends in the media, Iloilo city will be again highlighted.

[wecky]

yeah! it makes me proud.
HILIGAYNON RECORDS yata yung nagpasikat nun pero biglang nawala.

Did you listen to the concert sponsored by Bombo Radyo Philippines last Dinagyang Festival, Whyte ? I think the Ilonggo band group were made to play their songs such as Iloilo Banwa Ko, Istambay, etc ... really nice to hear talaga !

[wecky]

* It was in 1991. I was one of the "performers" as part of our PE classes but sad to say our group was removed kasi sobra na :bash:
but got to watch Palaro

* Then (late) Mayor Ganzon was BOOED by the crowd in front of Pres. Cory

* With the current trends in the media, Iloilo city will be again highlighted.

wow ... that's right 1991 nga ... hehehe ... but i never heard about Ganzon being booed during the opening of the Palaro .... hehehe .. why do you think so ?... it was his time that Iloilo was stagnated in terms of development ... I'm sad for this man ... he was very nationalistic in a very wrong way as such the growth of Iloilo were no nowhere to be found .. he drove Chinese businessmen away ... oh dear ... anyway, may he rest in peace .. bless his soul !

Looking forward that with the dynamic leadership of Trenas, Iloilo will once again lures investors to build their empire here. A lot of things changed since the 9-year term of Malabor ... it was like a rennaisance period ... now, Mayor Trenas is continuing his legacy (in his second term already) in a more faster pace and assertiveness by putting back Iloilo City in the business map. And with the influx of investors in the next few years, we can then see changes in the architectural design aspect of the city.

[wecky]

Panay, Guimaras welcome allied nations dignitaries to 60th liberation anniversary


Iloilo City (10 March) -- The islands of Panay and Guimaras are set to observe the 60th anniversary of liberation, this March 17 and 18, playing host to dignitaries from allied nations and from some countries with embassies in the Philippines, according to Tourism Regional Director, Edwin Trompeta, a member of the ad hoc committee created for the celebration.

Department of Foreign Affairs Regional Director Liza Jane Estalilla said that the ambassadors of allied nations, like Australia, New Zealand, United kingdom and the United States are expected to join the celebration, while the ambassadors of China, Japan, Canada and the European Union have expressed intentions to also come.

The observance on March 17, other than the activities undertaken by the Panay veterans, will include a tour by the dignitaries of the island of Guimaras where they will visit the Guimaras Mango Research station, the Trappist Monastery, Oro Verde orchard, the Guimaras Trade and Economic Center and stay for a break at the Roca Engcantada.

In Iloilo, they will be visiting Museo Iloilo, Fort San Pedro, some heritage houses in Iloilo, the Jaro Cathedral and several social development projects, like the School for the Deaf, the Mute and the Blind Children and the Special Day Care and Early Childhood Development Projects run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Director Trompeta said that the dignitaries’ visit to social development projects in the city is a manifestation that they would possibly give assistance where needed.

Ad Hoc Committee Chair City Councilor Merci Drilon-Garcia said that both the local government units of Iloilo, and that of Guimaras, have pooled resources to make the 60th liberation of Panay significant.

Likewise, the association of war veterans in Panay is coming up with the usual activities on March 18, like the Flag Raising and the Wreath laying at the Balantang Shrine, the motorcade to Freedom Grandstand, Drum and bugle Competition and the Commemorative Program at the Freedom Grandstand that is expected to be attended by the public, government employees, students and the spouses, family members, friends and relatives of the veterans and the veterans themselves, who are still alive. (PIA 6)

(from PIA website)

[wecky]

Sunday, March 20, 2005
Greatest Pinoy war heroes were Ilonggos

A NUMBER of Ilonggos were among greatest heroes during the World War II, according to Senator Richard Gordon.

In fact, the first Filipino who received the "Medal of Valor" for fighting the Japanese was a native of Leon, Iloilo.

Jose Calugas, who was born in 1907, was a mess sergeant of the Philippine Scout Ranger in Bataan when he "grabbed a machine gun and saved his entire unit from annihilation," Gordon said during the 60th Commemoration of Victory Day in Panay, Guimaras and Romblon at the Freedom Grandstand in Iloilo City Friday.

A descendant of Calugas was present during the program.

Gordon also mentioned Agustin Martin, a native of Jaro, Iloilo City, who was a "most wanted guerilla."

Martin drove an armored truck and ran over the Japanese troops.

During the rites at the Freedom Grandstand, the Filipino war veterans and government officials were joined by military envoys Major Paul Rosenzweig of Australia, Group Captain Jim Mc Millan of New Zealand, Lieutenant Steve Walker of United Kingdom, Colonel Terry Cook, Lieutenant Colonel Bruce West and Captain Tim Keating of the United States and Japanese military attache Yukio Yasunaga.

Local officials were led by Governor Niel Tupas and Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin was also among the guests.

(from Sunstar Iloilo News online)

[wecky]

Here's a pic I took of the Church in Miagao.

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


such a lovely religious edifice ... i visited the Maig-ao church last year ... truly an amazing more than a century old structure.

[chymera00]

Yes, sandali nlng vacation na!!! Monday na last classes namin, YEY! Nakita ko lng, sa mga sites

Moro Watchtower replica beside Batanyan Beach Resort, Guimbal
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2005/03/18/article_124233_03-18-2005.jpg

Villa Beach, Iloilo City
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2005/03/15/article_123795_03-15-2005.jpg


Next 2 pictures
(1) THE DESTRUCTION of the residential and commercial area in Iloilo City on April 10, 1942 as Japanese forces invaded the metropolis. The Sta. Teresita Church was the only edifice that remained unscathed.

92) WELCOME TO ILOILO Department of foreign affaires Undersecretary franklin Ebdalin is her in iloilo city as one of the guest in the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of panay at balantang mem. cemetery national shrine in brgy. Tcas Jaro Distric.

http://panaynews.com.ph/pn%20pic%20for%20march%2018.jpg

[chymera00]

Hey, wecky I've seen you've been active a lot ... last week I had my finals, it nearly over ... I've had the chance to take pictures of Iloilo while I was @ Days Hotel on Saturday, so hree they are:

[wecky]

Yeah... parang gusto ko na ngayon pumunta sa Iloilo.

Question. Is there a regional rivalry between Iloilo and Bacolod? (gusto ko rin pumunta dun)


There is no way a rivalry between Iloilo and Bacolod to happen ... actually they compliment each other ... Iloilo is and will "always" be the regional centre of Western Visayas, and Bacolod serves as a satellite city in the island of Negros ... making them both the two highly urbanized city of the region helping each other to move the region's development in terms of infrastructures, employment, etc. It is by any chance that when it comes to sports (mostly- like regional meet, etc), only these two provincial capital compete with each other as they were the ones with greatest number of athletes, hence many assumed that there is a rivalry in all aspect. Considering the participants coming from other provinces of Aklan, Guimaras, Antique and Capiz, competition will most likely to focus on Iloilo and Negros Occidental.

So there you go !

[chymera00]

I was in the car while I was taking some of these pictures so expect them to be blurry

Diversion Road
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/p0f889d2765977d0acdf9db4e8fe6371a/f4c63aee.jpg

The new Sunburst (front) and new Hotel (back), forgot its name (Diversion Road)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/pb4e1e5977ec5dfbab89aba32efc7e8a1/f4c63af4.jpg

Sunburst (left) and new Emcor bldg. (right) (Diversion Road)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/pbdf308b78afc4285d5e739db1bccd000/f4c63ae7.jpg

The new Medicus Condo-Clinic (back, the blue one), still U/C (Diversion Road)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/p472b94b4bb41497cf5d47e7aff9e7260/f4c63adf.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/pc9ccfe6b8ff10e53a04ccf2f4d161a93/f4c63af6.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/p1baf43eec6001065a20d0666034f890b/f4c63ae5.jpg

SM City Iloilo and its Public Transport Terminal
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/p9d0f214305a77268a5592115a22469ae/f4c63ae9.jpg

Jolibee Bldg. in Diversion Road - Gen. Luna St. Intersection
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/p9570f7c9b76d65ff4c682b6ef92c3260/f4c63adb.jpg

Gen. Luna St.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/p0aabbe77b89476b566833cf6c3edf605/f4c63adc.jpg

Side Walk in front of Uni. of San Agustin (Gen. Luna St.)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/peae3c3a158035a099d6c6f199ff749dd/f4c63ae0.jpg

New UP Bldg. (Gen. Luna St.)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/pc9b1609a4fc7005148576ebc1e9aaa94/f4c63ae6.jpg

[wecky]

Hey, wecky I've seen you've been active a lot ... last week I had my finals, it nearly over ... I've had the chance to take pictures of Iloilo while I was @ Days Hotel on Saturday, so hree they are:

actually, I am very more incline with this kind of forum. I love to promote Iloilo in all sense. Even with my Filipino and foreigner friends here in London, I always mention Iloilo to them. Telling them to drop by Iloilo whenever they have plans to visit Philippines. Like last year, my friends from Davao City stayed with us in Iloilo for three days (sa bahay). I toured them til Boracay. Such a lovely feeling to share of how great and lovely my birthplace is. I'm really proud of Iloilo.

Anyway, keep your Iloilo pictures coming. And hope I can meet you chymera when I go home this coming July-August to attend the Centennial Celebration of my dear alma mater, Central Philippine University (CPU).

Cheers !

[wecky]

Chymera, I think the new hotel's name is the "Iloilo Business Hotel" in Diversion road ... my aunt says, it looks really nice ... and Diversion (Ninoy Aquino Ave) is bustling with new developments recently. Such is a good indication of a progressive metropolis.