Adaptive re-use of the Yusay Mansion for SM Molo

When word was finally out that the Yusay/Consing Mansion property was bought by the SM Group (specifically its Hypermarket division), many Ilonggos feared for that the stunning mansion would soon just exist in photos.

Yusay Mansion photo by Bob Hammerslag

But this development across Molo Plaza will usher in what is currently being done in most parts of Iloilo's Calle Real (and some heritage places in the Philippines like Vigan and Intramuros in Manila). Based on a post Skyscrapercity Iloilo forum, last year SM Group hired Archt. Augusto Villalon and in partnership with tropiks design studio, they came up of ways of conserving the Yusay Mansion despite the development of the retail giant within the lot.

Officially announcing its plan to preserve the mansion this August

The approach is an Adaptive Re-Use as a Retail/ Museum for Kultura wherein Iloilo local products will be showcased. Retail shops will surround the old house and the big front lawn will be a continuation of the Molo Park in front.

As a footnote, the plan above is still not final as there could still be some changes to this. But the good news is heritage conservation is now part of the development even for retail giants like SM. And as heritage is big and is now part of the consciousness of the Ilonggos, preserving the past while making some big present development is way to go for a brighter future for the Ilonggos.

Connie Carillo Diversified Farm in Bingawan: Helping Sustaining a Healthy Community Through Farm Schools

The area around the town of Bingawan, the edge of the central portion of the province is where it ends and the town of Tapaz, Capiz province begins and is very much another unsung corner of Iloilo with warm, friendly, welcoming people. Bingawan has some rich farming land and farming is at the heart of its village life. The landscapes are gorgeous here; with gentle pastures, to the high mountains. The area offers some beautiful hikes and bike trails across its lovely rolling meadows, woodland and a few working farms. The town would be less touristic than its neighboring towns but is well worth exploring. If you are concerned about how organic can contribute to benefit our shared environment, promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved, then a trip to Connie Carillo Diversified Farm is for you. With the governments’ efforts to improve the knowledge and technical skills of the farmers, the Connie Carillo Diversified Fa

Travelers guide to Iloilo transport terminals (Airport, Jeepneys, Buses, RORO. etc)

Being the biggest city on Panay Island and the center of Western Visayas region, Iloilo City is a transportation hub whether by land, sea or air. These numerous transportation terminals facilitate day to day commerce, light & heavy industries, and tourism, among others. As this is a travel blog, this guide is aimed to tourists who want to experience and explore Iloilo and perhaps even beyond. Iloilo International Airport A little more than five years old, the Iloilo International Airpor t is among the most modern and beautiful in the country today. It is situated around 20 kilometers from Iloilo City , straddling the towns of Cabatuan, San Miguel and Sta. Barbara . It has direct links to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Puerto Princesa plus international destinations Hong Kong and Singapore . Among the first hurdles tourists will have to contend is the distance that translates to expensive fare when traveling to and from this airport.

Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo Levels Up Sustainability Efforts by Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles in guest rooms.

Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, a prominent player in the hospitality industry, is proud to announce a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability. With a dedication to preserving the environment, the hotel is taking substantial measures to reduce its ecological footprint and enhance its sustainable practices. Hotels have long been contributors to plastic pollution due to the widespread use of single-use bottled water. Recognizing this environmental challenge in the tourism industry, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo is taking a bold step forward by reducing its plastic footprint significantly by removing single-use bottled water from guest rooms. Eliminating Single-Use Bottled Water: Embracing Reusable Carafes with UV Filtration Water Stations Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo places itself at the forefront of the eco-conscious movement by eliminating single-use bottled water from its guest rooms and fully implementing reusable carafes as an amenity from July onwards. Water

ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

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