Iloilo Rising

By: Rolando T. Dy

MANY things are happening in Iloilo: The Riverbank, the Apec Convention Center, Ayala Park, Gaisano City Center and Megaworld Complex.

After many years of lethargy, there is rebirth.

The city opened up to the world in 1855 and became the biggest port in the country anchored on sugar exports.

In 1889, the Queen Regent of Spain named it the Queen’s City of the South, and in 1890, the city government was established.

In the 1950s, the labor unions controlled by the Espinosas and the Navas caused a major disaster to the Iloilo economy, according to Iloilo chronicles.

To seize the port, an oil depot was bombed. Control of the port by lawless groups discouraged entrepreneurs and investors.

Passengers were scared since not only the arrastres were rumored to extort from shipping companies and businessmen but pickpockets also proliferated.

The merchants and investors fled the city. As the price of sugar fell, international ship calls to Iloilo declined.

Moreover, prosperous businessmen left and settled in Manila and Negros.

Iloilo has size and influence. It experienced a large diaspora. Negros Occidental and towns in North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat were settled by Ilonggos.

Based on the census, there are about 7.5 million Ilonggo speakers today concentrated in their home base of Iloilo, Capiz, Negros Occidental, as well as in North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

There are also significant minorities in Bukidnon, Davao region, Agusan del Sur, Masbate, Palawan, and Occidental Mindoro.

Part of my roots come from Iloilo. My maternal grandfather, a Tesoro, came from the historic town of Miag-ao.

This means that there are at least two million Ilonggo speakers outside the home base.

This excludes overseas communities such as New Jersey and Los Angeles. This in an asset for tourism, investments and property development.

In 2010, Iloilo province’s population, excluding Iloilo City, was 1.81 million. If Iloilo City is included, the population was 2.23 million and it is estimated at 2.4 million in 2015.

Iloilo is one of the country’s leading food baskets. While it comprises only 2.4 percent of the country’s population, it supplies 4.5 percent of rice, 5.1 percent of sugar, 3.6 percent each of hogs and fish products.

Its north, centered in Estancia, Concepcion and Ajuy, hosts fishing and corn industries.

The central part, including the Dumangas, Pototan, Oton and Santa Barbara is an agribusiness center.

It produces crops, such as palay, sugarcane and milkfish, among others, as well as high value crops in upland Leon.

The southern corridor’s economy—Miag-ao, Tigbauan, Guimbal, San Joaquin—is based on tourism due to the centuries-old churches.

Iloilo City is the center for real estate, lodging, medical centers, education, shopping, trade and finance, IT/BPO (information technology/business process outsourcing) and many more in Western Visayas. Panay Island has a population of about 4.2 million.

The leading schools are : UP Visayas, Central Philippine University, West Visayas State University, University of Iloilo, University of San Agustin, St. Paul’s University Iloilo City, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, and Western Institute of Technology.

The major hotels include: Amigo Terrace, Circle Inn, Days Hotel, Diversion 21, Grand Dame, Harbor Town, Injap Tower, Richmonde, Sarabia Manor, and Hotel del Rio.

The Business Processing Association of the Philippines ranked Iloilo among the top 10 “next wave” cities for BPO/IT because of the low cost of doing business and the availability of talent.

The entry of BPO companies began in 2004 with Callbox Solutions.

The 14 locators now include: Avatar Technologies, BrushNetwork, ECHO, Eversun Software, GMCI, Hinduja Global Solutions, Interactive Voice, Medialink, SPI Global, Star Tek, Technocall, Savant Technologies, Teletech, and Transcom Asia PH.

According to the Iloilo Federation for Information Technology, the BPO industry has generated employment for some 11,000.

In 2014, international advisory investment research firm Tholons ranked Iloilo City 98th in the Global Top 100 Outsourcing Cities.

What are the recent developments?

The River Esplanade is a 1.2-kilometer park. It was designed by Paulo Alcazaren, who worked on the Singapore Quay and River Esplanade. The park forms part of the city’s heritage zone.

The zone includes the Gothic-Renaissance Molo church built in in 1831 and the American period Governor Carpenter bridge that connects Molo and Mandurriao.

Public and private investments are ongoing to restore heritage buildings around the city and province.

The Iloilo Business Park is a 72-hectare township envisioned to be “the next central business district” in Iloilo City. Megaworld is investing P35 billion for its development in the next 10 years.

It hosts BPO office towers, a mall, Richmonde Hotel, The Courtyard by Marriott and Iloilo Convention Center.

Some 80 percent of the commercial spaces has been sold out.

Atria Park District is a 21-hectare mixed-use development by Ayala Land. The development is estimated to cost over P15 billion.

A recently completed project in the area is the Ayala Technohub. Under development are Seda Hotel and Avida Towers.

The Gaisano Iloilo City Center is a P12-billion, 16-hectare mixed-used development, that will include a 40-story Gaisano Tower.

The Jalaur River Multipurpose Project is a mega project (P11.2 billion), funded by Korea Export-Import Bank. It will be the biggest dam project outside of Luzon and is targeted for completion by 2018.

The project will provide irrigation to 31,849 hectares of farmland, deliver 86,000 cubic meters of bulk water a day to water-scarce Iloilo City, mitigate flooding as well as foster eco-tourism.

Hopefully, the project will help diversify agriculture for exports.

Iloilo has several major industrial plants: Two sugar mills, one flour mill, and at least four feedmills. Future developments in agriculture could spur agri-manufacturing industries.

What about air connections?

There are flights to Singapore (2x a week) and to Hongkong (3x a week) via Cebu Pacific. Meanwhile, there are five flights daily to Manila via Cebu Pacific and PAL.

There are also scheduled flights from Iloilo to Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific. Certainly, Iloilo has one of the busiest airports in the Visayas and Mindanao, after Cebu.

Iloilo renaissance has taken off. Thanks to the indomitable spirit of the Ilonggos. The best is yet to come.

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photo credit to G EP L Iloilo

http://www.urbanscapephilippines.com/…/35-iloilo-ci…/page664

http://business.inquirer.net

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See the World through Iloilo

Iloilo City, the Philippines’ “city of love” and the historical city most favored by Spain through the royal decree of Queen Regent Maria Christina during the Spanish colonial era, is now on its way for a newfound elevation, a magnificent rise as one of the most favored economic centers, a new investment hub, and world-class cultural heritage. A passionate site-seeing within this vibrant metropolis would give visitors and quests some glimpses of different world wonders. These resemblances are often associated with its grandeur history, culture and optimistic people whose values and perspective focuses mainly in their deep cultural pride. Take a journey with us and SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ILOILO…

Singapore’s Esplanade and Iloilo River Esplanade: Nature and Progress Fuses Beautifully  

The Esplanade is a waterfront location just north of the mouth of the Singapore River in downtown Singapore. It is primarily occupied by the Esplanade Park, and was the venue where one of Singapore’s largest congregation of satay outlets until their relocation to Clarke Quay as a result of the construction of a major performance arts venue, the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, which took its name from this location.

Iloilo River Esplanade is an esplanade along Iloilo River in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Philippines that was opened on August 18, 2012. It stretches 1.2 Kilometers from Diversion Road (officially Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue) to Carpenter Bridge. The project cost ₱58.7 million. and was designed by Paolo Alcazaren, who also designed the Singapore quay and river esplanade.

There are proposals to extend the Esplanade from the Carpenter Bridge to Barangay Sooc, Arevalo, Iloilo City and from the Diversion Road to Jalandoni Bridge.

Singapore’s Esplanade and Iloilo River Esplanade both showcases the harmonious fusion of ecology, progress and stunning scenery, a picturesque vision of sustainability and commitment to our environment where people can truly appreciate. It’s the same vision and passion for nature… SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ILOILO!

Paris Buildings and Iloilo’s Calle Real: Stunning Historical Scenery

Featured in the photo is one of the classic-designed buildings in the city of Paris. Paris is the capital and most-populous city of France. It is situated on the Seine River, in the north of the country. Paris was founded in the 3rd century BC by a Celtic people called the Parisii, who gave the city its name. By the 12th century, Paris was the largest city in the western world, a prosperous trading centre, and the home of the University of Paris, one of the first in Europe. In the 18th century, it was the centre stage for the French Revolution, and became an important centre of finance, commerce, fashion, science, and the arts, a position it still retains today.

Calle Real (Royal Street) or the Iloilo City Heritage and Cultural District old buildings that were constructed in the Commonwealth era in Calle Real, Iznart, Aldeguer and Guanco were declared as a heritage site of Iloilo by the National Historical Institute. Also known as the downtown area of Iloilo City, it is one of the oldest and affluent business districts in the Philippines where the first department store Hoskyn’s was established in 1877.

The classic similarity of buildings in Paris and Calle Real would give onlookers the same feeling of nostalgia. Both refuted as cities of love – Paris and Iloilo exudes passion with their architectural designs from the past and transcends a cultural value in their future. A walk in Calle Real would also give the same view of architectural excellence with the world-famous city of Paris… SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ILOILO!

Covadonga Church and Molo Church: Reflections of Faith

Our Lady of Covadonga is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a Marian shrine devoted to her at Covadonga in the province of Asturias in north west Spain. The Spanish shrine rose to prominence following the Battle of Covadon in 722, at which the Moorish invasion of Spain was first resisted. A statue of the Virgin Mary, secretly hidden in one of the caves, was believed to have miraculously aided the Christian victory. Our Lady of Covadonga is the patron of Asturias, and a basilica was built to house the current statue. Pope John Paul II visited the shrine at Covadonga to honour the Virgin Mary.

Molo Church is a famous Spanish-colonial church and heritage site in Molo District. It known for the prominent red spires that crown its tall bell towers and as “the feminist church” because of the all-women ensemble of saints represented in 16 statues perched on the aisle pillars. Built in neogothic style, the church is one of the Iloilo City’s most familiar landmarks and top tourist attractions.

Probably the greatest link between Spain and the Philippines is their deep-rooted devotion to the Catholic Religion. 300 years of colonialism by Spain, etched a strong ties through Christian faith. In their physical manifestation of religious faith, these two old churches – the Our Lady of Covadonga and St. Anne Church have quite similar architectural concept and design, forged by the same religion and destined to become timeless… SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ILOILO!

 

Sydney Opera House and Iloilo Convention Center: World-Class Venues

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Situated onBennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the facility is adjacent to the Sydney central business district and the Royal Botanic Gardens, between Sydney and Farm Coves. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the facility formally opened on 20 October 197

Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) is a state-of-the-art convention center in the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Philippines which is expected to be completed in 2015 in time for the APEC 2015 hosting. It is built on a 1.7-hectare of lot in the district of Mandurriao donated by the Megaworld Corp. The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority allocated P200 million for the construction of the convention center, while another P250 million was sourced from the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Senator Franklin Drilon.

Australia takes pride of Sydney Opera House as a world-class convention and venue of events. Likewise, Iloilo Convention Center is the most-anticipated convention facility in the Western Visayas region. Both venues can hold thousands of audiences and have cultural connection from the past. They both showcase contemporary architectural design – classy and impressive and a product of vision and dreams. A visit to ICC will also make you feel you’ve visited Sydney’s beautiful convention destination. Would you like to SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ILOILO?

Novotel Nanjing Central and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo: Getty’s Masterpieces

Novotel Nanjing Central is located in the heart of Nanjing, China, convenient to all of its historical centers, commercial complexes and businesses. The hotel boasts with 297 beautifully appointed guest rooms or suites with their magnificent views on Xinjiekou.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is the first international hotel that opened in Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld’s 72-hectare business township in Western Visayas region. The hotel boasts with gracious service and world-class accommodation that provides comfort with its 149 rooms and amenities.

Getty’s, one of the world’s most prestigious hotel designers both showcased their expertise and passion to build hotels that exudes masterpiece vision and style. When Getty’s conceptualize impressive designs, they always infuse a large part of the cultural heritage of the city or country where their hotel projects are being built. Both of these hotels showcase unique architectural and interior flair but maintains the same element of perspective – minimalism, dynamism and grandeur. Staying at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo will make you SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ILOILO.

 

Musselburgh Golf Club and Iloilo Golf Club: Legends in their own Right

The Royal Musselburgh Golf Club is a golf club at Prestongrange House, Preston grange near Prestonpans, East Lothian,Scotland. The first golf clubs were founded in the 18th century. The first was the Royal Blackheath Golf Club, instituted in 1706, followed by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfersin 1744, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in 1754, and the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club in 1774. These clubs gradually accepted some responsibility for the links on which they played.

The Iloilo Golf and Country Club, formerly and informally known as the Santa Barbara Golf Course in Brgy. San Sebastian,Santa Barbara, Iloilo on 35 hectares of plain and rolling hills. It was built in 1907 by a group of British and Scottish expatriates building the Panay line of Panay Railways, also completed in 1907.  The club was the first Philippine club accepted as an affiliate of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in Scotland.^[1] Since it is the oldest golf course in the country, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2012 approved the placement of a national historical marker.

The Guinness Book of World record considered Royal Musselburgh Golf Club as the oldest in the world while Iloilo Golf and Country Club is considered as one of the oldest in Asia. Both destinations are icons and legends in their own right. Thus, a trip to Iloilo Golf and Country Club would be like visiting the oldest golf club in Scotland… SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ILOILO!

River Thames and Iloilo River: A Tale of Two Timeless Rivers

The River Thames is a river that flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom, after the River Severn. While it is best known for flowing through London, the river also flows alongside other towns and cities, including Oxford, Reading, Henley-on-Thames and Windsor.

The Iloilo River located in the Province of Iloilo, Philippines is actually an estuary.

The river starts in Oton at Batiano River, which is also an estuary, then traverses the Iloilo City districts of Lapuz, Lapaz,Mandurriao, Molo, Arevalo and the city proper, before emptying into the Iloilo Strait.

Iloilo River wharf, including Muelle Loney in the Iloilo City Proper, is a natural harbor which made it a preferred port of call for ships seeking protection from strong winds and tropical monsoons. It serves as port for inter island ferries that travel from Iloilo City to Bacolod on Negros and to Guimaras.

London is hailed as a royal city, the capital of England and home to the British Royal Family. Iloilo is historically considered as the “Queen City of the South” in the Philippines. Both cities take pride with their natural wonder – a grand river of ecological and historical value that sustains life, resources and commitment for preservation. These are veins and lifeblood of both royal cities that creates a synergy between the past and the future. So, a stroll around or boat ride at Iloilo River would give you a heartfelt appreciation for nature and history like those in London… SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ILOILO!

Orchard Road and Iloilo Business Park: Vibrant Spots of Progress

Orchard Road is a 2.2 kilometre-long boulevard that is the retail and entertainment hub of Singapore. It is a huge tourist attraction, in addition to being the most popular shopping enclave in the city-state. Often, the surrounding area is known simply as Orchard, partly because the MRT station that serves the vicinity is named Orchard MRT.

The Orchard Planning Area is one of 55 urban planning areas as specified by the Urban Redevelopment Authority and is a commercial district. It is part of the Central Region and Singapore’s central business district, the Central Area.

A 72-hectare master planned mix-used development community project of Megaworld, Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao District is the vibrant future township of business and lifestyle in Western Visayas.

Iloilo Business Park is Megaworld’s biggest single investment outside Luzon of 35 billion. Gorgeously rising in this vibrant township are BPO Buildings, the iconic 7,000-seater Iloilo Convention Center, international hotel brands – Richmonde Hotel and Courtyard by Marriot, lifestyle shopping center Festive Walk Mall, the country’s longest dinning destination – the Street of Festive Walk and luxurious condominium towers – One Madison Place, La Fayette Park Square and The Palladium, the tallest tower in Western Visayas.

Orchard Road is the busiest business capital of Singapore, a proof of its dominance in terms of economy, investments and tourism. Iloilo Business Park is currently the most talked-about business, leisure and tourism, a mixed-used commercial complex in Iloilo and Western Visayas region, giving a great boost for opportunities. People converge in these business centers to chase a good life and work hard to sustain their dreams. The bright lights and vibrant ambiance gives us a glimpse of progress. Therefore, roaming around and starting a life in Iloilo Business Park replicates the same vein of opportunities like any other business centers in the world.

So, are your ready to SEE THE WORLD THROUGH ILOILO? It’s time to open your eyes and widen your vision.

(some parts of this article were taken from Wikipedia.com)

https://ibpofficial.wordpress.com/2015/08/07/see-the-world-through-iloilo/ 

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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Iloilo

Iloilo is a city of magnificent history and opportunities shaped throughout its existence. Still, it remains to be vibrant and culturally-passionate through its culture-loving people who never fail to dream big yet continue to preserve its rich cultural past. If you’re a true-blue Ilonggo or just a visitor of this exquisite city, here are 10 things you should know:

Are you Foodie? Come to Iloilo and tickle your taste buds.

Iloilo City is more than just the heart of Western Visayas and economic center. For visitors and travelers who are looking ahead to visit this vibrant city, it’s world-famous gastronomy, delicacies and food tickle the taste buds and palettes of many people. We have the luscious bowl of La Paz Batchoy originated in the wet market of La Paz district, the delicious soup-based Pancit Molo, the Biscocho Haus selling yummy Biscocho and Pandesal ni Pa-a in Jaro district, the Barquillos from Wewins, tastiest Queen Siopao of Roberto’s, the variety of the best seafood, chessy baked Oyster, Native Chicken barbeque in Tatoy’s Manokan, all of these mouth-watering menu sold in various mini-restos along the shores of Villa Beach and many other must-have keepsakes the brings the flavors of authentic Ilonggo cuisine.

Didn’t you know your grandparents were movie lovers? Yes they are.

Back in the middle 1950s until 1980s, Iloilo City’s progress paved way for the expansion of its bustling metropolitan where countless movie theaters started to mushroomed and scattered within the city. The existence of some prominent movie theaters such as Cinema, Regent, Crown Allegro and Rivera, among others makes Iloilo as the movie capital outside Manila. In fact, prominent film festivals in Metro Manila along with their biggest movie stars were brought in to Iloilo back in the heydays. The passion of Ilonggos for movie theaters simply shows that most Ilonggos are affluent and enjoy living in a economically-stable city because they regularly watch movies after work or during weekends with their family. Old folks even used to say that most movie theaters are full-packed during premieres of important Filipino movies. Back then, Ilonggos are very passionate with local Filipino movies which are a form of cultural pride.

Ilonggos take Banking seriously. Here’s why…

There’s a bank in almost every corner in downtown area of Iloilo City. The progressive business, commerce and trade back in the 18^th century and the economic rise of the city in 1900s, Ilonggos are known for their thrifty and wise-spending attitude. Thus, banks were lining up in downtown area where most businessmen and old rich Ilonggos are ensuring they always kept their hard-earned money at the right place. Since Iloilo has been the most important international city next to Manila during the heydays, foreign exchange banks can be seen everywhere and large amount of deposits goes in the bank every day. In fact, most of the city’s present major investors were convinced to invest because Ilonggos are known to have big deposits in banks and financial institutions, something that transcends potential financial prominence and the right attitude for progress. Ilonggos are one of the BEST weavers in the world.

One of the reasons for Iloilo City’s economic prominence was the establishment of its popular weaving industry – sinamay, hablon, jusi and piňa cloth in later 18^th and early 19^th century. Iloilo became an international trading port for textile industry where local products are sold and send to Europe and other parts of the world.  Textile products made from Iloilo were considered expensive and in-demand in the international market during the heydays. Such reputation ensured Ilonggos’ timeless ingenuity and legacy with their distinct local products. Textile industry and retail stores mushroomed relentlessly in Calle Real, the busiest business district of the city. In Villa de Arevalo, Sinamay production flourished as local weavers became more and more popular for their intricate hand-woven products that impressed investors and suppliers. The Iloilo Sinamay House, an antique heritage house in Villa owned by Guizon and Villanueva clan passed on to her children their family’s business. Before jeepneys, care for a train ride in Iloilo?

The company was originally founded in Hartford, Connecticut, United States as Philippine Railway Company Inc. on March 5, 1906. It was part of a collection of Philippine infrastructure companies. On May 28, 1906, the Philippine Commission granted the Philippine Railway Corporation a concession to construct railways on the islands of Panay, Negros and Cebu. In 1907, construction began on a railroad from Iloilo City to Roxas City in Capiz. It was later controlled and owned by the Philippine government as Panay Railways Inc. with headquarter in La Paz in Iloilo City. The original route the company’s train service was 117 kilometers (73 miles) long, included 19 permanent, 10 flag stations and connected to La Paz in Iloilo City heading as far as Loctugan in Capiz. It had a total of 46 bridges. The operation of the train service ceased in 1983 and its demolition started in March 2005 under the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos.

Photo from habagatcentral.com

Forget about shopping malls, Iloilo’s Calle Real is timeless!

Its existence dates back in the time of Spain’s colonial era in the Philippines, Calle Real is a long-stretching old business district in Iloilo City where most of the pioneer Chinese merchants and local business clans established their businesses. From expensive to the cheapest shopping centers, retails stores, boutiques, goods, textile products, medical supplies, restaurants, and street vendors selling almost everything are lined-up beautifully to cater the locals. Calle Real is known for its heritage buildings build during the Spanish and American era in the Philippines. The recent effort of the city’s local government and Heritage Council to rebuilt and revive the original façade of heritage buildings creates an echo of cultural pride. The sights and sound of Calle Real dramatically changes from time to time. Its long existence captured great memories of Ilonggo culture, business-minded nature of locals, the city’s legacy for trade and commerce integrated in its impressive international business relationship in the past. Back then, elegant Illustrados, well-dressed elites and the iconic Calezas used to roam around the streets of Calle Real, a place that even until now never loses its mark in the lives of Ilonggos as their first and true leisure destination. The city with over 100-year-old universities

Iloilo City is considered as the “center of education in Western Visayas” by having the most numbers of schools both private and public school. During the old times and presently, students flocked in Iloilo to gain the best education especially in tertiary level by having the biggest and prestigious universities. Iloilo’s two oldest universities who passed its centennial year or 100 years of existence but still going stronger are the University of San Agustin and Central Philippine University. Founded by the Order of Saint Augustine missionaries, the University of San Agustin was established in July 15, 1904 and celebrated its centennial year on 2004. Established in 1905 by American philanthropist John D. Rockefeller under the auspices of the American Baptist Foreign Missionaries, the Central Philippine University (CPU) has become known for its strong Christian foundation, competitive courses and a tourism-friendly university campus for its wide nature-friendly scenery and old buildings. CPU celebrated its Centennial Year in 2005. West Visayas State University is 113 years old this 2015. It is a prominent university with countless achievements to boast originally founded by the Thomasites who came to the Philippines in the early 1900s, it was a part of Philippine normal school system under the American occupation until it became separate and formally established in 1924. Iloilo Science and Technology University formerly Iloilo School of Arts and Trade (ISAT) and later became Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) founded in 1905 is another educational institution in Iloilo City that existed for over a hundred years. The university is still fulfilling its vision of providing quality education from its laboratory high school, tertiary college courses and vocational-technical continuing course. What used to be Iloilo’s King of the Road?

Calesa, the traditional two-wheeled elegant cart pulled by a horse used to roam the streets of Iloilo City particularly in Calle Real during the Spanish era. They used to be the King of the road in Iloilo even before its transformation into a royal city through a decree by Queen Regent Maria Christina of Spain in 1889. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Calesas can be still be seen in Calle Real. But the popularity of more modern jeepneys replaced the existence of traditional Calesa in Iloilo City. Did you know that Ilonggos were the first to fly?

Iloilo holds the record as the first city to have a commercial airline company. 8 years before the Philippine Airlines (PAL) was established, Iloilo Negros Air Express Company (INAEC) owned by Eugenio Lopez had its inaugural flight in Fort San Pedro on February 1, 1933. The company catered to chartered and commercial flights during its peak years. The INAEC site airport was destroyed by 36 Japanese bombers on December 18, 1941 during the outbreak of World War II. Today, INAEC still exists in Iloilo providing chartered flights including medical emergency flights for private clients.

Didn’t you know your grandparents are shopaholics?

Since Iloilo City is prominently popular commercial metropolis next to Manila even way back during the Spanish colonization years, the city secured itself as a bustling commercial and leisure destination. Hoskyn’s Department Store located along J. M. Basa Street was considered as the oldest shopping center in the Philippines according to local historians established in 1877. It was founded by Englishman Henry Hoskyn’s under the business name “Hoskyn’s and Co.” It is the first store in the country to introduced “fixed price” policy in merchandising and the first known “store to sell almost everything from needle to anchor.” Right now, the building remained standing and several retail stores existed in the same location.

Iloilo City’s newest ‘claim-to-fame”- Iloilo Business Park

Reigniting the legacy of Iloilo City and opening a new gateway of opportunities, Megaworld Corporation, the Philippines prime mover in real estate developer set their sights in this city to establish Iloilo Business Park. Transforming the old Iloilo Airport (IBP) property into a bustling new commercial, business and leisure township, IBP is envisioned as the center of almost everything in Iloilo City. IBP will open a high-end shopping center – Festive Walk Mall, the country’s longest leisure strip – Street of Festive Walk, modern convention facility – Iloilo Convention Center, BPO Buildings that would serve as office and operation site for call center companies, international hotels – Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and Courtyard by Marriot and high-end residential towers sporting names like One Madison Place, Lafayette Park Square and The Palladium, the tallest and classiest among the three with 22 floors. IBP is seen as the grand destination that would uplift the tourism industry and modern lifestyle culture of the city. Employment openings in the IT-BPO sector in IBP are foreseen to rise up to 30,000 jobs in the next 10 years. Rapid infrastructure developments provide a life-changing hint in this modern township how Iloilo and its people, will embrace their city’s consistent rise to prominence as the region’s epicenter of progress.

 

Source:https://ibpofficial.wordpress.com/2015/08/05/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-iloilo/

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Megaworld to develop modern financial center in Iloilo

By Iris C. Gonzales

MANILA, Philippines - Megaworld, the Andrew Tan-led property giant, is developing a modern financial center inside the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park, with several banks and companies already set to build regional headquarters in the district, a ranking official said over the weekend.

Jennifer Palmares-Fong, head of marketing of Iloilo Business Park, said interest has been strong, with commercial lots almost sold out.

“There has been a strong interest from various sectors, particularly financial and banking, to establish their businesses in Iloilo Business Park. Since we announced the township being envisioned as Iloilo City’s new central business district or CBD, everyone wants their presence here,” she said.

Megaworld has allocated nine hectares of the entire township for the commercial district.

It started selling the lots at P47,000 per square meter in 2013. Today, the lots, which range from 611sqm to 1,735 sqm, are now sold at P70,000 or a 49 percent increase from its original price a couple of years ago, according to Megaworld.

Eighty percent of the lands have already been sold to banks and financial institutions as well as local enterprises but Palmares-Fong said the lots are also viable for hotels.

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Among the major banks that are set to establish their regional headquarters and offices in Iloilo Business Park’s financial district include the George Ty-owned Metrobank and the Aboitiz Group’s Unionbank.

“Aside from banks and financial institutions, other commercial businesses like car and furniture showrooms as well as regional headquarters of corporations are welcome to the financial district of Iloilo Business Park,” she said.

Megaworld is developing the commercial district, which will rise toward the southern part of the township near the iconic Iloilo River.

It is envisioned to be one of the busiest districts in the Iloilo Business Park once completed. It will be directly connected to the township center via the six-lane Megaworld Boulevard.

Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park, occupying 72-hectares on the former site of the Old Mandurriao Airport, is envisioned to be the biggest business, lifestyle and tourism hub in Western Visayas.

Aside from the financial and commercial district, Iloilo Business Park will be home to two business hotels – Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and Courtyard by Marriott.

The Iloilo Convention Center, which will be the largest convention facility in Region VI, will also be part of the business park as well as state-of-the-art BPO office towers, luxury residential condominiums including The Palladium, the tallest residential tower in Western Visayas, and the Festive Walk Mall.

In addition to this, Megaworld is also developing The Street of Festive Walk, a 1.1-kilometer commercial and retail strip, which will be the longest dining and retail strip in the entire Western Visayas region. 

The property giant has lined up several projects for the year in Luzon and Visayas including the development of residential projects in the Makati Central Business District, office buildings in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig and its township projects.

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source: http://www.philstar.com:8080/business/2015/08/03/1483783/megaworld-develop-modern-financial-center-iloilo

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Iloilo City hosts 13th PACUIT natl confab

By: Lara Jeunesse I. Villaruel

ILOILO City is hosting the three-day 13th national conference of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities of Industrial Technology (PACUIT), Inc. at Punta Villa Resort.

Dr. Luis M. Sorolla Jr., president of West Visayas State University welcomed the more than 300 delegates on the opening program yesterday.

Some of the brightest minds in the country will present their researches and projects on various areas of industrial technology, engineering, and industrial education in line with the theme “Innovation: From Development to Commercialization”.

Hosted by WVSU, Iloilo Science and Technology University, and Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, the conference aims to update the participants to various experts in the field of industrial technology, education and engineering.

Rep. Roman T. Romulo, chairperson of House committee on higher and technical education was the keynote speaker. Also present was his wife, former congresswoman Shalani Soledad.

Dr. Nora M. Ponce, president, ZCSPC and PACUIT and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog also welcomed the delegates.
Category: For Community News

Credits: http://thedailyguardian.net/index.php/community/52913-iloilo-city-hosts-13th-pacuit-natl-confab

Credits: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Caller_Real_Iloilo_City.jpeg

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Palace takes June 12 freedom rites to Iloilo

The storied former Iloilo provincial capitol will add to its history on June 12 when it hosts the first ever Independence Day vin d’honneur (wine of honor) to be held outside Malacañang.

The two-story building completed in 1873 will be the venue for the traditional cocktails to be hosted by President Aquino, after the Independence Day flag-raising ceremony in Sta. Barbara town in Iloilo.

The vin d’honneur, which Malacañang holds every Independence Day and at the beginning of every year, is expected to be attended by about 120 members of the diplomatic corps and their spouses, legislators, and civic and business leaders.

The old Iloilo provincial capitol has undergone several structural and name changes reflective of the rich history and heritage of the province.

Since it was completed during the Spanish period and became the seat of the provincial government, it was called Casa Gobierno de Iloilo, Palacio del Gobernador, Casa Real, Provincial Building of Iloilo, President Garcia Hall and Provincial Capitol of Iloilo.

Standing at one end of historic Calle Real (now J.M. Basa and Iznart Streets), the building was originally built following a “bahay na bato”(stone house) design with the walls of the ground floor made of coral and the second floor of wood.

Construction of the building was initiated under Gov. Jose Maria Carles and completed in 1873 during the term of Gov. Enrique Fajardo under the direction of chief of public works Don Vicente Ruiz, according to a briefer prepared by the Public Information and Community Affairs Office of the provincial government.

The building was described by the Spanish newspaper La Ilustracion Española y Americana as “one of the best of its class”and the “most comfortable and most spacious in the Philippines” at the time, according to the briefer.

Even before Malacañang announced the holding of the 117th Independence Day ceremonies in Iloilo, the provincial government led by Gov. Arthur Defensor had undertaken the restoration of the old provincial capitol to its American-period architecture.

The three-phase restoration costing P53,788,598.49 was started on April 12, 2012, and is expected to be completed this month.

The restored capitol will be unveiled on June 12 for the vin d’honneur which will be held in the 300-seat session hall.

Architect Guillermo Hisancha said restoring the building to its design during the American period was challenging because the building had undergone many revisions.

Credit: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/692182/palace-takes-june-12-freedom-rites-to-iloilo

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History of Zarraga

Zarraga was once a nameless jungle or a no man’s land with an abundance of big trees, talahib, cogon and wild grasses so tall and thick, it was a place good only for hunters. Luckily, the pioneers who first discovered Zarraga, headed by Marcelino Poblador, Fulgencio Pinuela, Eugenio Pedro Zarraga and Marcelino Pinuela formed the town in 1853. The town of Zarraga was named after Pedro Zarraga, then Alcalde Mayor of Irong-Irong (now Iloilo City). He served for eight years until his death in August 26, 1882. When the Americans finally allowed the Filipinos to establish their own civil government, Fruto Gregorios and Petre Gustilo ran for the position of Presidente Municipal but came out in deadlock. Instead, the elected Vice President, Calixto Gustilo, became the Presidente Municipal of Zarraga.  


Like many other municipalities established during Spanish era, Zarraga had undergone the days of trial and humiliation. In the early part of 1904, it became the arrabal of the municipality of Sta. Barbara, much to the chagrin of its people. It remained as such up to the year 1940. When by virtue of Executive Order No. 295, by them President Manuel L. Quezon, it again became a municipality. Emelio Gregorius became its first municipal mayor. Mayor Porferio Pinuela was the first elected mayor, followed by Jovito Arimas. Following the death of Arimas, his vice-mayor, Emiliano Lacson succeeded him as municipal mayor.  
During the next election, Mayor Silveo Jr. was elected mayor and remained as such until the EDSA revolution in 1986 when he had to relinquish his post following the orders of the Aquino administration. Mayor Orlando replaced him. In the 1995 elections, Mayor Silveo was elected mayor and remains as such to the present.

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The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Collection District VI collected over half a billion from the ports of Iloilo and the Sub-Port of Pulupandan in Negros Occidental in the first half of 2014.

Total revenues collected in the first six months of the year reached P546,350,678.00, 

higher by 32.1 percent from its income target of P416 million for the said period.

 

The Port of Iloilo on normal days.

The sub-port of Pulupandan contributed 71 percent of the total collection or equivalent to P389,106,161.00.

Ernelito Aquino, District Collector of Port of Iloilo, explained that the District Port of Iloilo is dependent on the collection performance of its sub-port in Pulupandan.

Aquino cited the independent petroleum company Seaoil as the sub-port’s biggest player.

He said that every vessel, Seaoil pays dues and tax amounting to P45 million to P50 million.

The BOC Collection District VI is upbeat to hit it  P843,983,000 2014 full-year target.IMT

Authors opinion: Iloilo's Port is indeed one of the best port I've ever seen in the world. It's capacity to handle large ship; and the Iloilo River estuary is the foundation why it became queen city of the south. Given enough funding, for sure the trade and commerce will surely boast up.

 

CREDIT: ====================================================================

 

^ http://www.iloilometropolitantimes.com/iloilo-pulupandan-ports-earn-p546-3-m-in-jan-june/

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McDonald's opens biggest branch in Iloilo

MANILA – McDonald's opened on Monday its biggest branch in Iloilo City at Megaworld's Iloilo Business Park.

The McDonald’s stand-alone store at the 72-hectare township project has a total seating capacity of 250, and houses a play place, party area, and parking area.

"We are very excited to be the first fast-food chain to open in Iloilo Business Park, and we are very happy to serve the Ilonggos who are working and visiting, including those who will be living in this world-class township," said Eugene Reducindo, the managing director of Choice Gourmet Banquet, Inc., the franchisee of McDonald's in Iloilo.

The opening of McDonald’s came after the opening of business process outsourcing (BPO) office StarTek Inc., a US-based BPO company, at the Richmonde office tower this month of June.

StarTek is expected to launch its stand-alone BPO office building at Two Global Center before the year ends.

Megaworld said it is fast tracking development of office, commercial, and residential towers at the Iloilo Business Park due to the strong demand, brisk sales and rental inquiries for residential, commercial, and office spaces.

"With the heavy influx of inquiries from BPO companies who want to be part of Iloilo Business Park, we see the urgent need to hasten the construction of more office towers to meet the strong demand," said Megaworld senior vice president Jericho Go.

Megaworld’s three office towers, namely One Global Center, Two Global Center and Richmonde Tower are scheduled to be completed this year.

The three towers will be able to accommodate around 10,000 BPO employees.

Megaworld will also start the construction of two office towers by August, which is expected to generate an additional 8,000 employees in the township.

Both towers are scheduled to be completed in early 2016.

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^ ABS-CBNnews.com Posted at 06/30/2014 3:31 PM | Updated as of 06/30/2014 3:31 PM

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P300-M city road widening takes off

By Lydia C. Pendon

Iloilo's Diversion Soon

Diversion at the present

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) – Senator Franklin M. Drilon, assisted by city mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Congressman Jerry P. Treñas and vice mayor Jose Espinosa III, on Thursdy led the launching and groundbreaking here of the P300 million Phase I widening and improvement of Benigno S. Aquino Avenue, popularly known as the Iloilo-Jaro diversion road.

The four-lane road artery is the main gateway from the city proper going to the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo that needs expansion and enhancement into a six-lane main road with two service roads of two lanes each and another two lanes for walkways, bicycle lanes and planting strips.

Phase I of the project is assured of funding from the General Appropriations Act of the Department of Public Works and Highways and from the senator’s priority development assistance fund (PDAF).

Drilon warned the contractors to finish all the projects in Iloilo before 2016 as there are enough funds for these projects. He said he will be hard on contractors who fail to deliver the projects on time as the people and the local media are authorized to observe and report the project status.

Designed by international architect Paolo Alcazaren, the one who also designed the Esplanade I riverbank project here, the road project will be composed of road widening, bike lane, planting strip, service road, planting strip and sidewalk with a reserved area for future drainage system.

Drilon said the Phase I project stretches for almost three kilometers starting from Gen. Luna in the city proper up to the junction of El 98 in Jaro district with road expansion of 20 meters on the left side and 40 meters right side of the existing road.
The road project will be constructed by Cebu-based contractor Geo Transport and Construction Inc. to include three pedestrian overpasses that will pass over the highway near the Esplanade I area, the second near the Tabucan-San Rafael road and the third at junction El 98 in addition to the existing road fronting the SM City area.

Phase I project will also add to the attraction of the Iloilo Convention Center at the old Iloilo airport area as an appropriate site to host the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) ministerial meeting in 2015. Asia’s heads of states and leaders meeting will be held in Manila but the ministers of finance, tourism and others will have to come to Iloilo, the senator said.

Detailed engineering plan is now being prepared for Phase II to start from El 98 street junction up to the Iloilo City-Pavia boundary with a completion timeline before the term of President Benigno Aquino III ends in 2016.

DPWH regional director Edilberto Tayao said his department is committed to finish the whole stretch of the road project to change the face of Iloilo City by 2015.

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Iloilo River included in Asian rivers clean up campaign

By Lilibeth A. French

Saturday 17th of March 2012

ILOILO CITY, March 17 (PIA6) -- An international environmental organization has chosen the Iloilo River to be part of its Asian rivers clean-up campaign.

On March 17 to 25, the Rivers of the World (ROW) Foundation will conduct a clean-up of the Iloilo River and 11 other rivers in China, India, and Nepal.

The Iloilo River clean up activity will be held on March 22 to 24, said the Iloilo City Public Information Office in a press report.

The clean-up campaign spearheaded by the ROW Foundation is part of the World Water Day 2012 Program. Other river systems included in the clean-up are the Yangtze Kiang River in Wuhan City, China; Yamuna River in Agra, India; Yamuna River in Gokul, India; Yamuna River upstream near Dehradun, India; Ganges River in Rishikesh, India; Hooghly River in Kolkata, India; Daya River near Bhuvaneswar, India; Barak River, Silchar (Assam), India; and River/Lake Restoration Awareness in Vizianagaram, South India; and Bagmati River in Kathmandu area, Nepal.

Iloilo River maintains a high level of productive biological activities as it serves as nursery for many important fish species such as bangus and tilapia while the rise and fall of the tide makes it possible for nutrients such as planktons and detritus to circulate in and out of the estuary which is home to 22 of the country’s 35 mangrove species, according to studies.

ILOILO RIVER - LivCom Awardee

“(The Iloilo River) has given our ancestors life, it is giving us life, it will give life to our children, and our children’s children. We are blessed to have the abundance of the river. All we have to do is to rehabilitate, preserve and protect it,” said Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said in the PIO report. 

He added that the inclusion of Iloilo River in the ROW Foundation campaign is a recognition of the river’s importance to the lives of the people.

The cleanup/awareness activities will also set the stage for the 1st International River Summit initiated by the Iloilo City government in partnership also with ROW Foundation on May 30 – June 1.

The three-day global forum on challenges, issues and best practices in river management is also supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Japan International Cooperation Agency and Petron.

Iloilo City is a recipient of an International Livable Communities (LivCom) Award for its river rehabilitation efforts. (JSC/LAF-PIA6)

REFERENCE:

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 http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=931331959747

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U.S. Government Launches Development Partnership with Iloilo City

Iloilo Buildings on the Rise

ILOILO CITY- The Philippines’ “Queen City of the South” has been selected as one of the partner cities to take part in the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Cities Development Initiative (CDI).

     Today U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie A. Bassett and USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steele signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City Government of Iloilo led by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.  This landmark event was also witnessed by Senator Franklin Drilon, Iloilo City Representative Jerry Treñas, and representatives from the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations.

     This new partnership between USAID and Iloilo city government aims to address key constraints to economic growth and investment in Iloilo. The Cities Development Initiative with Iloilo will unlock and maximize the city’s growth potential through significant collaboration in areas such as higher education, energy, environment, health systems, and economic growth and investment.

     An integral part of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth initiative, USAID’s Cities Development Initiative takes a unique and cross-cutting approach to promoting inclusive growth in strategically selected cities that include Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Batangas. 

     Based on the premise that economic growth and job creation are closely linked to urban development, CDI seeks to promote growth in urban centers that have a demonstrated potential to “take off,” thereby enabling the Philippines to promote economic growth outside of Metro Manila and disperse economic opportunity more broadly in the Philippines as the country moves from a low growth path to a higher, sustained, and more inclusive growth trajectory in line with other high-performing emerging economies.

     “Iloilo City was selected as one of a small number of cities to become a ‘center of growth’ under the CDI because of its demonstrated economic potential.  We applaud the commitment of Iloilo’s government to promoting good governance and attracting investment.  It takes a strong partnership between the public and private sectors to work towards long-term and inclusive development,” Director Steele said.

     The U.S. - Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG) was launched in November 2011, with the signing of a Statement of Principles by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario. The Philippines is one of only four countries selected to take part in this White House initiative.

     “The PFG brings together 15 federal agencies of the U.S. government to provide a whole range of assistance and non-assistance programs to promote economic growth in the Philippines,” Ms. Bassett said.  “It will be carried out in the spirit of mutual responsibility, embracing commitment by the Philippine government to take the necessary actions to promote inclusive growth.

     The CDI launch takes place during “America in 3D” (A3D), the U.S. Embassy’s signature public outreach program that is taking place from March 2-4 at SM City Iloilo.  The A3D event, which features musical and dance performances, samplings of American food, information about applying for visas and studying in the United States, and sports clinics, is aimed at expanding and deepening the relationship between Americans and Filipinos.

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Reference: http://manila.usembassy.gov/citideviloilo.html

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