ILOILO CITY: The Venice of the Philippines

Iloilo City is blessed with a wonderful gift – the Iloilo River. This river is the catalyst for the changes in Iloilo especially its marine industry. This river will truly makes Iloilo the beautiful city.

ILOILO CITY: The City of Love

Being a regional Center of Western Visayas, Iloilo's night life is very much active. With the presence of different bars, restaurants and hotels, this city has been delivering one of a kind experienced every night time.

ILOILO CITY: The Queen City of the South

Iloilo City has been making noise in terms of creating pursuing it dreams to become a modern city. High-raised building is now on its way to invade the city, as its tag-line says “My City My Pride”..

ILOILO CITY: The Center of Western Visayas

Welcoming growth and being highly-urbanized city, Iloilo's business growth is fast and becoming enormous. The presence of different intuitions in the city is an indication of being one of the economic centers in the Philippines.

ILOILO CITY: The City with Finest Festival

Paraw Regatta is one of Iloilo's finest festivals. Aside from this festivity Iloilo is also well-known for its Dinagyang which dubbed as the best Festival in the Country.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

The Seven Campo Santo (Mortuary Chapel) of Iloilo, Philippines

 It’s All-Souls Day and as a heritage advocate, I opted to post seven historical mortuary chapels here in my province. As the Iloilo slogan states, “Where Past is Always Present”, these chapels are great evidence of how Ilonggos keep its history. I believe that no other province in the Philippines has this great number of well-preserved historical structures, particularly its Campo Santo or the Mortuary Chapel (feel free to correct and email me if I am wrong.

Take note these are all my personal bias. Please bear with me.

Top 7: It is Beautiful but is Lost! This is the story of Miagao’s Campo Santo. Though it’s far better than the others, I placed this at number seven since the structure has collapsed and was not rehabilitated anymore. Perhaps, they can rebuild this since as far as I know some of its parts are just kept on one side. We all know that Miagao has UNESCO Heritage Church and this should be preserved as well since the two are connected. Based on some scripts, the chapel is made of bricks which is considered as the best feature of this chapel. The earthquake in 2013 has totally damaged the structure, though prior to this quake, some posts have been rotten due to its adage. If only reconstructed, I do believe this chapel can be placed on my top three.

Top 6: Missing the Proof! If you’ll dig the pictures of the Old Oton Church you will be surprised at how magnificent it is. If only rehabilitated, it would be the most beautiful church in the Philippines. On the contrary, it is not what you expect from it’s Campo Santo, it is just a plain and simple mortuary. But kudos to the people who preserved this edifice, still the latest generation has a chance to see this small piece of heritage. It was believed that Fray Demetrio Cobos (1844-1854) was the head in establishing the Oton Church and maybe the cemetery as well. But when compared to others, it really lacks artistry and sophistication. The famous line “Sa Dios magdayao ang manga tol-an sang mga nagpaobus sining cabuhi” can be seen on its wall. This is number 6 on my list as it is still visible.

Top 5: Never Gone for Good.  Pototan like Oton, also lost its historical church. Good thing its campo santo is still standing tall.  Though there was an issue on the replaced roof, the exterior remains intact. Pototan, like other places, is challenged by rapid urbanity. The cemetery’s entrance archway is made of limestone. The date 1894 – probably the inauguration date–is found above the iron gates. According to UPV professor Joy Rosal Sumagaysay in her 1995 thesis, “Octagonal in shape, the capilla has three segmented-arch openings. The plain and simple exterior walls are redeemed by the squat triangular pediments which crown all eight sides of the capilla. This unique architectural design serves as the accent to the original dome roofing of the capilla”. Right for the top 5!

Top 4: Deep in the Woods! The charming interior Municipality of Dingle is famous for so many things such as Moroboro Dam and the Camp Pasica. But the way they preserve their heritage is another thing that one should look up to. Their church is well-preserved, but I guess their cemetery chapel should be restored and taken care of to restore its glory. Similar to other chapels, the doors and windows are lancet-shaped curved out of exquisite stone foundation with wood carvings. Dingle has a great source of limestone which in fact this town is the source of limestone used to build other chapels such as that of Janiuay. The chapel is made of limestone with a detailed cross at the entrance. The artistic carve represents Ilonggos craftsmanship. The number four spot is all yours.

Top 3: Making the Presence Felt: The municipality of Janiuay is famous for its cemetery’s facade. The stairs leading towards the tombs is well-preserved and impossible not to see every time you passed by this area. Built in 1884, Janiuay cemetery has three grand staircases lead and supported by a retaining wall. The Gothic-styled octagonal mortuary chapel or capilla is the crowning glory of the cemetery. Like other chapels, it has also a lancet-shaped doors and windows as well as exquisite stone and wood carvings. A life-size stone statues used to line the entrance. Though the Church in the town has been abandoned, this mortuary is still usable. This has a resemblance with that of Cabatuan mortuary, so for now, number 3 is the right place.

Top 2: Black is Beautiful… Cabatuan’s mortuary is stunning especially during the afternoon when the sun rays strike the structure. As you enter the  cemetery, the three Byzantine arch entrances along the main highway welcome you. The candle tree-lined path towards the octagonal mortuary chapel is appealing with an artistically-designed steel railing. The façade has detailed carvings. Inside the chapel is a crucifix, a simple altar and the 12 tombs. Built of gray stone, the Cabatuan cemetery was established by Fr. Juan Porras and it is the only extant Spanish cemetery in the Philippines that is a perfect square. The entire cemetery is a combination of Roman, Gothic, Byzantine, and Baroque architectural influences, worthy for number two spot isn’t it?

Top 1: The Best is Down Under! San Joaquin’s great asset is number one for me. This southernmost municipality of Iloilo has preserved its heritage. Both the church and cemetery are standing great and were designated as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines last December 2015. Fr. Mariano Vamba was the Augustinian priest who established this structure in 1892. Built on top of the hill of about 20-stone steps, the mortuary chapel is baroque-style architecture. It is made of white coral rocks and fossil stones with red dome caps. A beautiful replica of the iconic La pieta statue found inside the chapel. Entering the place reminds you of how holy this place is. The statues of Christ and the holy saints are located everywhere while overlooking the blue Sulu sea. Such splendid place which every visitor needs to visit.

Iloilo is a rich province in terms of heritage preservation. Churches and capillas (mortuary chapel or campo santo) can be seen anywhere particularly in those Spanish-established towns. Though some has been lost, the effort conducted by different stakeholders is visible as seen on the different more-than-century-old structures. Social Media’s influence in providing information on heritage conservation is the catalyst for today’s generation. It’s good to know that the game is not yet over. We can still create our micro-efforts to preserve what is left with us, perhaps public information is the first step. Not just to remember during the special occasion but always if possible.

P.S. Happy Halloween! Have you already visited your loved ones or they will visit you?


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REPOST FROM: https://fredjrzabala.wordpress.com/2021/10/31/the-seven-camposanto-mortuary-chapel-of-iloilo-philippines/


Thursday, October 28, 2021

CLI breaks ground on P1.5 billion Terranza Residences in Iloilo City

 



Leading developer in VisMin Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) started construction of a P1.5 billion premier residential tower in Iloilo City prodded by strong economic prospects in the region

Terranza Residences is a partnership with IBC International Builders Corporation (IBC) under joint venture vehicle GGTT Realty. Expected to be completed in 2025, the project is already 75% sold and is projected to earn revenues of P2.4 billion. CLI has been named developer and manager of the premier residential development, while IBC will build and manage the retail complex to complement the residential condominium.

The development is CLI’s second project in Iloilo City. The listed company’s first, Casa Mira Iloilo, is already 97% sold.

Keen market reception of the 33-storey tower with 600 units on a 2,539 sqm. property in downtown Iloilo indicates strong housing demand even for high-end projects in the Visayas and Mindanao, according to CLI chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III. Iloilo is one of the four key VisMin regions with high housing gap coupled with high gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita indicating high spending power. 

Soberano disclosed: “The VisMin residential market continues to hold a lot of promise for us. Moreso in Iloilo because we have partnered with IBC, a successful local business known also for its philanthropy."


Like Iloilo, many cities in the region likewise have underserved residential markets. "Thus, we are rolling out more projects like Terranza Residences in the last quarter of the year," said Soberano. CLI’s strong reservation sales in the first nine months of the year attest to sustained and strong VisMin housing demand.

Terranza Residences offers one-bedroom units from 24 sqm. to 40 sqm. that can be combined and special penthouse units from 117 sqm. to 174 sqm. It includes a sky lounge, rooftop garden, play area, fitness gym and helipad. Moreover, Terranza Residences has direct access to the mall.

The development is further distinguished by its iconic address close to a heritage protected area valued highly by the community. The building’s design by Edward Co Tan + Architects is thus influenced by the timeless aesthetics of the Filipino Bahay ng Bato and incorporates a stone finish that mimics adobe and big arched windows.


CLI partners with Vision Properties Development Corporation as the general contractor for Terranza Residences.

The listed company recently disclosed a 13% growth year-on-year on reservation sales in the first nine months to P11.8 billion. CLI has over 100 developments in 15 key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao and will continue expanding VisMin operations to other high potential cities. It is in the process of acquiring more properties to support sustained growth


REPOST from https://www.facebook.com/trndyph/posts/421572702970121

references: 

https://www.cebulandmasters.com/project/terranza-residences/


Friday, April 23, 2021

Getting To Know The Central Business Districts Outside Metro Manila


By Franz Sorilla IV April 23, 2021 

We round up some of the best locations across the country for your potential business ventures or careers—apart from Metro Manila Advertisement  Before we started adapting to remote working setups and relocating to our home provinces over the last year, there was already a number of business districts across the country that have risen and flourished. The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions to our country have accelerated many industries to go digital, innovate, and expand opportunities outside Metro Manila. Let us take a close look at the other metropolitan cities across the country:  

Getting To Know The Central Business Districts Outside Metro Manila   Getting To Know The Central Business Districts Outside Metro Manila Ayala Center Cebu / industrialoptimizers.com By Franz Sorilla IV By Franz Sorilla IV April 23, 2021 We round up some of the best locations across the country for your potential business ventures or careers—apart from Metro Manila Advertisement  Before we started adapting to remote working setups and relocating to our home provinces over the last year, there was already a number of business districts across the country that have risen and flourished. The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions to our country have accelerated many industries to go digital, innovate, and expand opportunities outside Metro Manila.

 Let us take a close look at the other metropolitan cities across the country:  1/5 Clark, Pampanga  Clark International Airport / clarkinternationalairport.com Clark International Airport / clarkinternationalairport.com In the central part of Luzon we'll find the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, which covers portions of the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat, as well as portions of the town of Porac and some parts of Tarlac. Formerly the United States Air Force Facility, the Clark Air Base has been converted to the about-to-be inaugurated Clark International Airport, boasting an impeccable design by Casas + Architects for its interiors, and Budji+Royal for its structural design.   Since the '90s, Clark has been right at the heart of growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region and takes pride in its modern infrastructure facilities, generous fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, professional support services, amenities and other advantages making it an ideal place for investment.  Within the freeport zone is the 177-hectare land where Clark Global City will soon rise. It is planned to be a mixed-use central business district for various industries, including aviation, education, tourism, gaming, fitness, and entertainment.  Also found in Pampanga is Ayala Land's Aviera and Crescendo estates that have high investment potentials, especially for residential property purchases outside Metro Manila.



We go to Laguna for its majestic mountains and lakes, as well as a number of heritage towns. But the laidback character of this province is just one of its many faces. The province is also home to a number of car manufacturing companies, as well as semiconductor and electronic companies. Moreover, it has the best-developed business districts in the south where respected international companies like Honda, Toshiba, Coca-Cola and AIM Corporate Solutions reside. Its business and commercial hub, Laguna Techno Park, is also a thriving location with almost 100 companies from various industries calling it home. Suburban parks such as Nuvali and Eton City are go-to places for leisure and lifestyle as well as BPO professionals.  


One of the leading developers in the country, Megaworld, has revolutionised Mandurriao, Iloilo City with its mixed-use master-planned community called Iloilo Business Park. The township project includes a commercial district, a lifestyle mall, office buildings, boutique and deluxe hotels, and the Iloilo Convention Center. There is also an IT complex for businesses in the information technology industry.  But before all this, the central business district of Iloilo has been a go-to place for business-minded individuals ever since. It is composed of old commercial areas bustling with trade and commerce right at the heart of the architectural heritage city. It is the most important shopping destination in Panay with its lineup of low-cost shopping stalls and well-visited Chinatown downtown. Meanwhile, there is also the Iloilo Ayala Land Technohub with commercial and office spaces for IT companies and the like.



Formerly the site of the old Lahug Airport from the prewar era, the Cebu IT Park is a bustling development of the Ayala Land that is home to a number of companies in the information technology, banking, and finance industries. Recently there have been retail mall and hotel developments as well in the area.   In the greater scope of things, Cebu IT Park is inside the Cebu Business Park, a 50-hectare master-planned development integrated with business, residential, sports, recreation, and leisure facilities. Undoubtedly, Cebu remains as the "Queen of the South" for being highly urbanised and yet remains true to its pre-colonial and Spanish-era roots.
Another rapidly growing local business district is Davao City. Aside from its tourist attractions and resorts, Davao boasts being the centre of economic activities in Mindanao. Located along SP Dakudao Loop is the 11-hectare property called Davao Park District, a township of Megaworld, that is planned to be a major centre for information technology and BPO industries in the island. As of now, property investors are eyeing luxury residential developments in the area as well as corporate offices, malls, commercial and retail strips, and more.





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Repost: https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/getting-to-know-the-central-business-districts-outside-metro-manila



Friday, July 26, 2019

Newest in Iloilo: MEGAWORLD TO SELL OFFICE SPACES IN ILOILO BUSINESS PARK

The 19-storey International Corporate Plaza is envisioned to be Western Visayas’ most state-of- the-art, facility-packed ‘green’ office development


ILOILO CITY, Philippines, July 24, 2019 – Property giant Megaworld is launching a new office tower in Iloilo Business Park, with 301 prime office units for sale to businesses, start-up companies, andestablished enterprises that want to set up operations in Iloilo’s newest ‘central business district.’

The 19-storey International Corporate Plaza offers prime office spaces ranging from 26 square meters to 65 square meters. With an average price of P155,000 per square meter, the tower will house managed facilities’ at the 6th level, that include two Boardrooms, three meeting rooms, co-working and breakout areas, an Executive Lounge, and a Skygarden.
Another skygarden will be found at the tower’s rooftop, providing a refreshing, tranquil views of the bustling cityscape as well as Guimaras Island.

“So far, this will be the most modern and state-of-the-art office tower in Western Visayas where companies including entrepreneurs can own their office spaces and enjoy its generous facilities never been seen before in any office building in the region,” says Jennifer Palmares-Fong, vice president for sales and marketing, Iloilo Business Park.

To rise within the township’s 9-hectare Commercial and Boutique Hotel District, the International Corporate Plaza will also have a four-level parking podium, retail spaces and arcade area at the ground floor. Keycard-enabled turnstiles will provide enhanced security for the building’s mainlobby, and RFID cards will be used to secure the parking areas.

The new office tower will also be fiber optic-ready, and equipped with its own seismic detection and monitoring system, building management system (BMS), 24-hour Security and Fire Command Center, fire security system, and a 100% back-up power facility.

“One of the main highlights of the tower is its enhanced security and safety features, anotherfirst in Western Visayas,” adds Palmares-Fong.

Aside from the skygardens, the International Corporate Plaza will also be highlighted by othergreen and sustainability features that include the use of LED lightings in the tower’s common areas such as hallways, lobby and amenity floor; use of dual flush-type water closets in common toilets, and a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) for proper waste segregation and recycling.

The tower is expected for completion in 2024. The company is expected to generate P2-billion in sales from this new office development. 

References:
  • http://www.pds.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Disclosure-No.-2018-2019-Press-Release-Megaworld-to-Sell-Office-Spaces-in-Iloilo-Business-Park.pdf
  • http://iloiloonlinebuzz.com/2019/07/24/megaworld-to-sell-office-spaces-in-iloilo-business-park/
  • https://iloilo-travel-guide.blogspot.com/2019/07/megaworld-launches-wvs-most-state-of.html
  • https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/watchmen-daily-journal/20190725/281586652193305
  • https://business.inquirer.net/275377/megaworld-building-office-condo-tower-in-iloilo
  • https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/07/25/megaworld-to-build-office-tower-in-iloilo/
  • https://business.mb.com.ph/2019/07/24/megaworld-launches-p2-b-office-building-in-iloilo/

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

BPO EXPANSION HUB: Iloilo City Preferred Investment Site for Outsourcing Firms

ILOILO CITY, particularly Mandurriao district, remains the preferred expansion site of business processes outsourcing (BPO) firms such as call centres and legal transcription service providers.
This is based on the assessment of Colliers International, a leading global real estate services and investment management company.
In a news release, Colliers said the key to maintaining the city’s preferred status among BPO companies is the availability of Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-proclaimed office spaces.
A PEZA accredited building provides the occupant firms tax and non-tax perks such as Income Tax Holiday; tax and duty free importation of raw materials, capital; exemption from wharfage dues and export tax, impost or fees; Simplified Import-Export Procedures; Special Non-Immigrant Visa with Multiple Entry Privileges for non-residents employees; Extended Visa Facilitation Assistance to foreign nationals their spouses and dependents, among others.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Iloilo: Where the Past is always Present

Iloilo City is synonymous to Dinagyang Festival, its delectable heirloom cuisine, well-preserved heritage structures and warm hospitality.
The capital of Iloilo province, which recently marked its 80th Charter Day in August, has a colorful past dating back to the arrival of the legendary 10 Bornean datus in the 12th century and purchased Panay Island with a golden salakot.
In the 1800s, it had titles, like La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad (The Most Loyal and Noble City) and later, Queen Regent’s City in the South, given by the Spanish Queen Regent Maria Cristina. These official accolades have made this urban center the first “queen city” in the south because of its vital role in the political, economic and religious landscape during the colonial period.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN AN OLD CITY. The Iloilo River Esplanade, a river rehabilitation program of the the Iloiolo City government, is one of the many modernization projects in the emerging metropolis in the South.
But far more than a museum town frozen in time, Iloilo is an emerging metropolis and a preferred site for business and leisure.
Its modern face is represented by Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park, a master-planned development where major firms have made their presence felt. The enclave teems with lifestyle shops, dining outlets, star-rated hotels, and mixed-use buildings to cater to a growing urban hub.
The core of this township is the Iloilo Convention Center, which aims to make the city a new hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions), a growing sector of the tourism industry.
Referred to as Icon, this state-of-the-art facility is at par with the country’s best, and has played host to prestigious events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ministerial conferences, the ASEAN 50 Summit, and the Charter Day concert of the Manila Symphony Orchestra.
Restored old Jaro municipal building
Prominent hotel chains, among them Marriott, Richmonde, and Seda have sprouted around the area to cash in on the boom in visitor arrivals that reached 994,923 in 2016 and plowed more than P18.7 billion to the local coffers.
This phenomenal tourism growth is due to the city’s accessibility with flights from Manila, and key cities such as Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Malaysia-based budget Air Asia started serving the Iloilo route with three flights daily in October.
A new source of pride among the Ilonggos is the Iloilo River Esplanade, the centerpiece of a comprehensive river rehabilitation program of the city government.
Covering nine phases, the project includes river dredging, mangrove reforestation, landscaping of pathwalk for promenades and public recreation, which will have an aggregate length of about 10 kms when completed.
Waterworld Iloilo
Designed by urban planner Paulo Alcazaren, the Esplanade was given the GantimPALA Excellence Award for Leisure by the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA) in the recent 2017 Landscape Architecture Festival.
An interesting addition to the city’s must-sees is the newly-opened Waterworld Iloilo in Jaro district, a two-hectare waterpark, the first of its kind in the world to be powered by solar energy. It boasts 17 slides, a 222-meter long lazy river, play area for toddlers, and family-oriented amenities.
Iloilo’s urban allure has earned itself a long list of national awards despite being alleged as the “most shabulized” city. It was named champion in the Asian Development Bank’s Livable Cities, and first place in government efficiency among highly-urbanized cities in 2015 by the National Competitiveness Council, to name a few.
Just recently, in October, it was named one among the five finalists in the search for Most Business-Friendly Local Government Units of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Despite its march to urbanization, Iloilo’s major tourist magnet is its wide array of ancestral homes that have survived the ravages of time. With the battle cry “The Past is Always Present,” the City Council has legislated the grant of fiscal incentives to encourage preservation of these antiquarian gems.
A number of notable mansions have retained their old world grandeur, among them Casa Mariquit, which houses the memorabilia of former Philippine Vice President Fernando Lopez, and the Magdalena Jalandoni house, now known as the Kasanag Well-Being Center.
The stately 1920s Nelly Garden, Iloilo’s “Queen of Heritage Houses” built in the tradition of Beaux Art of French chateaux, is a noteworthy mansion, which served as the colonial era’s social hall.
Pedal Boat at River Esplanade
J.M. Basa St., known as the Spanish-era Calle Real, underwent a facelift to bring the downtown’s glory days. Aside from being an eye candy in their spruced-up facades, visitors can enter and admire at the well-preserved condition of the old buildings.
In the fringes of the city are the Yusay-Consing Mansion Mansion in Molo, the 1865 Camiña Balay nga Bato in Arevalo, and the newly restored old Jaro Municipal Hall declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum because of its exceptional Art Deco style.
An intrinsic part of the city’s living past are its historic churches such as the Cathedral of the Our Lady of Purification, the San Jose de Placer Parish, the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church in La Paz, and the Gothic-style Church of St. Anne in Molo which also hosted the MSO concert.
And with the past always present in its facets of daily living, Iloilo is a unique blend of an alluring bygone era and a comfortable urban escape.
Repost From: http://thestandard.com.ph/lifestyle/destinations/251580/where-the-past-is-always-present.html


Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Iloilo’s Hippest Hangouts and Upcoming Spots

If you've been to Iloilo's classic sights, it's time to drop by the newest hangouts and upcoming spots in the City of Love! By Shai Lagarde

As one of the major provinces during the Spanish colonial era and officially declared as a Royal City in 1889 by the Queen of Spain, Iloilo is rich in historical and cultural treasures. Along with the mandatory food tripping and hopping around nearby beaches, waterfalls, and nature parks, any decent Iloilo itinerary would include beautiful remnants of the Spanish era, such as Calle Real (the royal road), Museo Iloilo, and Miag-ao church, a UNESCO World Heritage Baroque Church that dates back over 300 years.
Other heritage sites include the Camiña Balay nga BatoCasa MariquitLizares Mansion, and the magnificent Lopez Mansion popularly known as Nelly’s Garden. Many more tourist attractions fill this list, each one a testament to the old-world European charm for which the city is renowned.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

AGHO ISLAND, Concepcion Iloilo, Philippines (2 Days & 1 Night Itinerary)


Due to popular demand! Haha! If you have more questions, don't hesitate to text Nong Floro he's very responsive sa mga texts. 😊 Enjoy Agho! ❤

▪️DEPARTURE FROM ILOILO

Ride Ceres Liner bus to Concepcion from the Ceres Northbound Terminal located at Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City. Regular fare is 125 and travel time is approximately 2.5 hours. I highly suggest that you ride the earliest departure at 4:15 am (aircon bus) or 5am (non aircon bus) to get to the island early and to avoid the morning traffic. Last trip is at around 3-4 in the afternoon.

▪️ARRIVAL IN CONCEPCION

Descend the bus upon arrival in the town of Concepcion. By this time, you should also contact Manong Floro of Agho Island at +639305710337 to let him know that you're already in the main land.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Metro Iloilo as UN model of governance.

Iloilo City  Aerial View
Metro Iloilo is one of the two metropolitan areas in the Philippines chosen by the United nations as models for Metropolitan governance.

According to the report of Iloilotoday.com, Evelyn Nacario Castro, one the official of the Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB) confirmed that Metro Iloilo was selected together with Metro Cebu by the United Nations.

Metro Cebu and Metro Iloilo were chosen by the UN as models for metropolitan governance like Tokyo in Japan, New York in the United States, Paris in France, and Seoul in Korea.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

4 PH airports in Asia's best airports list

Iloilo International Airport
MANILA, Philippines – Iloilo International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport, and Davao International Airport made it to the online travel website The Guide to Sleeping in Airports' top 30 best airports in Asia for 2016.

Iloilo International Airport ranked 12th, while Mactan-Cebu International Airport was at 14th, Clark International Airport at 15th, and Davao International Airport at 26th, among the airports surveyed by the travel website.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Megaworld eyes Davao, Cebu locators for Iloilo Business Park



A view from the Richmonde Hotel inside the Iloilo Business Park shows buildings in various stages of completion. The structure at the foreground is the Iloilo Convention Center while looming behind is the still being constructed Marriot Courtyard Hotel. (Stella Estremera)

By Stella A. Estremera
MEGAWORLD Corporation noted the interest of Mindanao businesses in their 72-hectare new township development in Iloilo that is fast shaping up.

“We have been receiving a lot of inquiries from Davao and Cebu but majority are still locals,” said Harold Brian Geronimo, Megaworld's head for public relations and communications.
As it is, the commercial lots at the Iloilo Business Park are almost 80 percent sold out, he said.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Davao City and Iloilo City: A new Centers of Excellence for BPO operations

MANILA - Ten cities in the Philippines were named as the next hubs for the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector.

In the latest Next Wave Cities (NWC) report, the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), and Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) proclaimed 10 "next wave" cities as top locations for local and international IT-BPM players.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Iloilo Ancestral Home: Marquez Lim Mansion

The newly restored Marquez Lim mansion at 11 Mapa Street, Iloilo City (beside Sta. Maria Church)

The Marquez Lim mansion was inherited by former Senator Nikki Coseteng from her mother Alicia Guanco Marquez Lim. She is the fifth generation of Marquez Lim to have inherited the house.

Coseteng earlier told media that the house restoration was made by Marcelo Alonzo, a Manila-based interior designer. The old glass blocks, tiles and all portions of the house which reflects its antiquity are being restored. Even the old faucets were rechromed. The house was also repainted with olive green to look livelier. Before it looks like a white house.Coseteng said she wants to share the house with everyone as part of Iloilo's rich heritage. She said the Marquez Lim ancestral house has a lot of stories to tell.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Ayala Land to start Sicogon Island tourism project

by MBOnline

Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO) will launch Sicogon Island Tourism Estate development within the first half of 2016.

The ALI-SIDECO joint venture is expected to drive economic progress in Western Visayas and the entire region as it serves as a tourism hub for surrounding or nearby destinations like Gigantes, Bantayan and Concepcion islands.

The 1,100-hectare Sicogon Island will feature a balanced mix of developments, such as a resort town center, hotels and resorts, as well as commercial and residential establishments, supported by an on-site airstrip.  The ground breaking of the airport runway is scheduled for the second half of the year.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Forget Boracay: Islas de Gigantes White Sand Beaches are Unspoilt


To most tourists, Boracay is still the “epitome” of the best white sand beach in the Philippines. But if you’re unlike them who prefers low-key, uncrowded white sand beach, head on to Isla de Gigantes instead, located in Carles, Iloilo.

My research convinced me that we will only go to Cabugao Gamay, Tangke Water Lagoon, Bantique Sandbar and Antonia Beach. It’s impossible to explore the remaining islets/islands in one day. Gigantes is named as such because it’s giant, where “malalaking tao” or giant people according to locals, used to live.

It’s easy to fall in love with Bantique Sandbar. The waters are crystal-clear green and the sand on the beach is flat. If you don’t know how to swim, or for some reason afraid to go farther away from the shore, Bantique Sandbar invites you to go farther without worrying of the sudden slide of the sand. It’s that flat! Even up to chest deep. Bantique Sandbar feels like a huge swimming pool. But always be careful.