ILOILO hosts 117th Philippine Independence Day and Vin D' Honneur on June 12, 2015

ILOILO will be one the spotlight on June 12, 2015 as it plays hosts to two very big events attended by no less than President Benigno PNOY Aquino III.

In the morning PNOY is set to lead the National Celebration of the 2015 Philippine Independence Day in the historic town of Santa Barbara. It is in this town that the first Philippine flag was raised (outside Luzon) after a revolt led by hometown hero Gen. Martin Delgado.

The historic Santa Barbara Parish Church and Convention where, Gen Delgado convened the junta, was given a PhP50 million restoration and make-over in preparation for the event. The town plaza and the flagpole park was also given an additional PhP11million for improvement works as the town's heritage zone will be the venue of the flag raising ceremony. It will be the FIRST National Independence Day celebration outside of Luzon.

Meanwhile, the Old Capitol Building of Iloilo will host the traditional Vin D' Honneur - the FIRST one to be held outside of Malacañan Palace. Vin d'honneur or Wine of Honor is the name of two official receptions hosted by the President of the Philippines at Malacañan Palace on New Year's Day and Independence Day.

This event will be a great showcase of the heritage building's PhP 50+ million restoration project under Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. But even before Malacañan formally announced it as the venue, the provincial government had undertaken the restoration of the old provincial capitol to its colonial architecture. It started in 2012 and will be finished this month to welcome the President, members of the diplomatic corps, political and business leaders and more, by June 12. The Vin D'Honneur is highlighted by a toast between the President and the Papal Nuncio.

Formally known as Casa Real de Iloilo, it was the official residence and office of the provincial governor starting the Spanish colonial period until the modern times.

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.

It was vacated in 2003 when a modern capitol building was built next to it. And this 2015, the newly restored Casa Gobierno will be inaugurated by no less the President coinciding on a historic occasion!

CREDITS
Old Capitol Photos courtesy of Vincent Valencia
Santa Barbara church photo courtesy of Mon Sodusta
Vin D Honneur invitation photo courtesy of Nereo Lujan
Text snippets from Nestor Burgos Inquirer article

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

Cebu Pacific Improves Travel Fund, Voucher Policies

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, makes significant improvements in its customer policies by offering non-expiring travel fund and extending the validity of travel voucher to provide passengers with better travel experience. Effective August 1, 2023, CEB rolled out the following changes: 1. NO EXPIRATION OF TRAVEL FUNDS . Previously, travel funds were valid for six (6) months from the date of conversion. However, under the new policy, travel funds will no longer have an expiration date. Passengers can now use their travel funds as a virtual wallet to pay for new bookings or add-ons in the future without any time constraints. In addition, those with a MyCebuPacific account can use their non-expiring travel funds not only for themselves but also for booking flights on behalf of their family members or friends, adding an element of convenience and support for their loved ones' travel arrangements. 2. LONGER TRAVEL

Building a Healthier Future Together: LG PH Donates to West Visayas State University Medical Center

LG Philippines affirms its commitment to build a better community with its recent CSR initiative in Iloilo. The activity was spearheaded by LG, together with Mark Vincent Fabresis from ML Laundry Equipment and Supply and BigWash. 2 sets of Giant C Max and 2 sets of Titan C Max washers and dryers were donated to West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSU-MC) in Region VI, modernizing their laundry facilities. The turnover event, held on July 20, 2023, was attended by representatives from WVSU-MC, LG, and BigWash, highlighting the collective effort to enhance healthcare services in the region. L-R: Mr. Paul Rizzel Ledesma - Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Julio H. Lacao Jr.- Head of Linen Section, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Dr. Dave Endel R. Gelito III - Medical Chief II, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Dr. Celina C. Gelada - Vice President for Medical and Allied Services, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Mr. Philip Lee - Big Wash Director

ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

Search This Blog