ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

The birthplace of the Philippines’ Grill Expert,  Mang  Inasal  Robinsons Place Iloilo, has officially reopened—refreshed, reimagined, and ready for the future.   On Sunday, August 31, 2025, Mang  Inasal  celebrated the blessing and digital relaunch of its very first branch, originally opened in 2003, ahead of its grand reopening on September 1. The milestone event was led by Mang  Inasal  President Mike V. Castro, brand ambassador Coco Martin, and  Iloilo City Vice Mayor Love Baronda , underscoring both the brand’s commitment to innovation and its deep cultural roots.   ​ From a single store in Iloilo founded by Edgar “ Injap ” Sia II, Mang  Inasal  has grown into one of the country’s most successful homegrown brands. Further strengthened by the Jollibee Group, it has become beloved for its signature Chicken  Inasal ,  Unli -Rice offering, and iconic  Ihaw-Sarap (deliciously grilled) dining experience. With over...

Heritage and gastronomy are two of Iloilo’s main attractions and one can experience both in just one setting – at the Camiña Balay nga Bato.  A LIVING MUSEUM “Welcome and make yourselves feel at home” greets Luth Camiña. With husband Gerard, the couple are among the 4th generation descendants of the Avanceñas, and call this heritage house their home. It took them more than a decade to renovate the structure from its worn out state. “The old house had sawali (bamboo weavings) for ceiling which we replaced with pressed tin sheets as it was a fire hazard” reveals Ms Luth. “We just retained some original structures like the windows with ventanillas (air vents), the escalera (ladder-like stairs) and the stilt-like pillars on the ground floor.”  Eugene Jamerlan, who worked with the Camiñas in the restoration explains that the number of these pillars was a status symbol back in the 19th century. “This house has a total of 24 pillars making the household among the...

After two long years, the world’s biggest book sale is finally back in Iloilo!  Today, Big Bad Wolf Books officially opened its doors with an exclusive VIP Day at Robinsons Pavia, Iloilo, giving Ilonggo leaders, partners, media, and KOLs the first chance to explore over 2 million brand-new English books at discounts of up to 95% off retail prices. This highly anticipated return marks Big Bad Wolf’s first Iloilo comeback since 2023, and it’s here for a limited time only—from August 28 to September 8, 2025. First Dibs for Iloilo’s VIPs The special VIP Opening Ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting led by Iloilo provincial government officials, alongside Big Bad Wolf Philippines’ Country Manager, Ley Almeda.  Guests were treated to a sneak peek of aisle after aisle of must-have reads from children’s books and young adult favorites, to fiction bestsellers, biographies, and self-help titles. A Limited-Time Love Letter to Iloilo True to Iloilo’s title as the City of Love, Big Bad Wolf B...

The leading budget hotel network across Asia Pacific is now in the City of Love.   Opened just a little more than a year ago, Hop Inn Iloilo is conveniently located near Atria Park District  along Donato Pison Avenue in the district of Mandurriao, Iloilo City. It offers around 150 Rooms consisting of Standard Double with king size bed and Standard Twin rooms with two single beds with a number of rooms classified as PWD-friendly. Each room include air-conditioning, hot and cold shower, free WiFi, work desk, electronic key card access, in room safe and cable TV.  Meanwhile hotel offers free parking for guests, 24-hour front desk for convenient check in, anytime, 24-hour security and housekeeping services among others.  Hop Inn Iloilo provides a comfortable and secure stay with convenient access to Iloilo City's attractions as it is located near key spots in Iloilo City. It is walking distance to the Iloilo River Esplanade plus the many lo...