ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

They’re young, they’re hip and they bring a “fishpalaxing” experience to everyone from all walks of life. Meet Flord, Noel and Rex – still twenty-something yet these “Iskolars ng Bayan” already have success in the bag. As schoolmates from University of the Philippines Visayas in Miag-ao, they started a business venture in 2009 that is now a novel form of relaxation at the same time a tourist attraction. Despite the busy schedule in college, they pooled their talents, funds, and spare time to come up with the concept, technologies, and strategies for the successful operation of Tibiao Fish Spa . A form of ichthyotherapy, fish spas make use of small fish to clean and exfoliate the skin. The distinct sensation produced by the skin-nibbling fish adds to the cleansing benefits and relaxing ambiance of fish spas that made them popular in many Asian countries. MEET FLORD The Aggressive Guy “Collecting fishes as pets was my hobby when I was younger,” said Flord Nicson Calawag. When he entered

“It all started with a dream and two glasses of Mojitos” says founder & Editor-in-Chief Joanne Marie Combong-Pijuan. “I dreamt of someday having my own magazine after years of being editor of several publications” In the same league is co-founder Deputy Editor Georginna Marie Jarantilla Desuasido. “Ginna, a professional makeup artist, wanted to have a business related to the bridal industry.” Joanne says. Her visit to Manila last January was a meeting of the minds, a business proposal and over two glasses of Mojitos sealed the deal. And, yesterday V Weddings , the only wedding magazine and suppliers’ guide in the Visayas, had its unveiling and launching at Robinson’s Place Iloilo. With no less than Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog (in white) and Regional Tourism Director Edwin Trompeta (leftmost) present in the event , the duo together with the founders led the ribbon cutting ceremony that started the program. A quick word from the founders gave the audience a taste of what’s

To promote the inspiring stories and work of recognized development workers in the Visayas and Mindanao, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) is calling on individuals between 13 and 35 years old based in the Visayas and Mindanao to join the RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest. The contest highlights the RAFI Triennial Awards and its awardees and finalists. Guided by the theme, “Shaping the big picture of change”, entrants are expected to do background research on the lives and works of RAFI Triennial awardees and finalists nearest their area. The RAFI Triennial Awards is an awards program of RAFI given every three years to recognize the philanthropic, humanitarian, and holistic efforts of individuals and institutions in the Visayas and Mindanao in enhancing the quality of life of the communities they serve. It is now on its 5th run with conferment of awards in 2012. To join the RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest, individuals should register through www.rafi.org.ph. Entr

9In commemoration of the 150th year birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Municipal Tourism Council of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo is having an ongoing exhibit featuring the life, works and loves of our national hero. “We came up with the exhibit as our own little way of participating in the nationwide celebration and to show the Santa Barbaranhons' humble way of honouring Rizal” says Irene Magallon, Municipal Tourism officer. Photo from Hon. Demy Sonza's Facebook account A simple ceremony, attended by town officials and employees led by Vice Mayor Rema Somo, representatives from the academe, historian Eugene Jamerlan and the media, opened the exhibit weeks ago. Guest of Honor and Board Member Demy Sonza led the ribbon cutting ceremony at t he 2nd lev el of the Sta. Barbara Centennial Museum that unveiled the Rizaliana exhibit. CONNECTION “We put Rizal on a pedestal that we possibly cannot connect with him because he is a hero” informs Ms. Maricon Paguntalan, in-house tour guid

Much has been said about people going for “green” and sustainable practices. Weather changes abruptly and the globe goes warm- hence everyone gives “greening” a second thought. Whether it be in daily routines or in building and maintaining homes, “green” is in. There is, however, the perception that green is posh and therefore not affordable. Well, perceptions are often without basis. Green is in fact, inexpensive… More Than Just A House What is a green home? It is a house that uses environment-friendly designs and affordable construction materials thus making a house a home. Such features bring the owner closer to owning a sustainable eco-friendly home that allows saving on electricity and water. It is a home that allows one to experience new, comfortable, and easy lifestyle which is certainly worth having. Such a home is now within your reach. Greenovate Corporation Builds Green Homes Greenovate Corporation is Cebu's leading supplier of eco-friendly and healthful