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

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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/
  
  

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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.

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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

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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 Bato, Casa Mariquit, Lizares 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Forget Boracay: Islas de Gigantes White Sand Beaches are Unspoilt

Contributed by B and C Backpack the Earth

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.

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List of BPO Company in Iloilo

Iloilo City is one of the major hubs in business process outsourcing industry. The presence of contact centers, KPO, transcription & online research centers are widely distributed in the city. 

Why Iloilo is business friendly for BPO companies?

• the high pool of graduates coming from 8 universities in the city (excluding external campuses and other 2 universities in Iloilo Province )
• the low cost of business
• the stable power provided by sole distributor PECO
• the presence of all internet & communication provider in the philippines
• the accessibility of the city having state of the art Airport
• the presence of 4 big companies  namely, Iloilo Business Park, Ayala, Gaisano & SM which build offices suited for ICT & accredited by PEZA

Below is the list of BPO/KPO Companies in the City & Province  of Iloilo

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Dinagyang 2016 List of of Winners

 ATI ATI TRIBES COMPETITION

Major Awards
Champion: Tribu Salugnon sang Jaro National High School
1st runner up: Tribu Ilonganon sang Jalandoni Memorial National High School
2nd runner up: Tribu Pan-ay sang Fort San Pedro National High School
3rd runner up: Tribu Paghidaet sang Lapaz National High School
4th runner up: Tribu Baybayanon sang Calaparan National High School

Minor Awards
Best in Performance: Tribu Salugnon sang Jaro National High School
Best in Choreography: Tribu Salugnon sang Jaro National High School
Best in Music: Tribu Panayanon sang Iloilo City National High School
Best in Costume: Tribu Panayanon sang Iloilo City National High School
Best in Street Dancing: Tribu Panayanon sang Iloilo City National High School
Best in Discipline: Tribu Ilonganon sang Jalandoni National High School

Special Awards
Best in Choreograper: Tribu Salugnon sang Jaro National High School
Best in Musical Director: Tribu Panayanon sang Iloilo City National High School
Best in Headress: Tribu Panayanon sang Iloilo City National High School
Best in Costume Designer: Tribu Panayanon sang Iloilo City National High School

OPENING SALVO AWARD
Best in Overall Performance: Tribu Salugnon sang Jaro National High School
Best in Discipline: Tribu Panayanon sang Iloilo City National High School
Best in Costume: Tribu Salugnon sang Jaro National High School



KASADYAHAN REGIONAL CULTURAL COMPETITION

Major Awards
Champion: Tribu Tatusan sang Caluya, Antique
1st runner up: Tribu Kasag sang Banate, Iloilo
2nd runner up: Tribu Bantayan sang Guimbal, Iloilo
3rd runner up: Mabulakon’g Pundok Sa Erpazalio sang Pinta Flores Festival, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
4th runner up: Tribu Patabang sang Tapaz, Capiz

Minor Awards Best in Street Dancing: Tribu Bantayan sang Guimbal, Iloilo
Best in Performance: Tribu Kasag sang Banate, Iloilo
Best in Choreography: Tribu Tatusan sang Caluya, Antique
Best in Music: Tribu Kasag sang Banate, Iloilo
Best in Costume: Tribu Kasag sang Banate, Iloilo
Best in Choreographer: Tribu Tatusan sang Caluya, Antique
Best Musical Director: Tribu Kasag sang Banate, Iloilo

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