ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

Meet 49-year old Lorenza Garcia.  To make ends meet before, “Moray” had to collect tae-baka  (dried cow manure) in the ricefields and sell it as fertilizer to landscapers and private homes. Despite the taunts, she worked hard and her determination was rewarded.  Aside from the referrals and connections she made, she was able to gain capital and finally able to farm in their one “ kahon ” lot.  Lorenza "Moray" Garcia sharing her inspiring tale as a member of the Namocon Farmers Association She now cultivates and sells vegetables – squash, monggo, string beans, etc, from her own lot. Through her perseverance, her daily earnings surpass the minimum wage rate. And with that, she was able to acquire a motorcycle to augment her small agri-business. A sea of green going to the coop's farm Moray’s tale is one of the many inspirational stories stemming from the Namocon Farmers Association in Brgy. Namocon in Tigbauan, Iloilo.  Magtanim ay di b...

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 airp...

You think Macau is very expensive with all the glitz and glamour? Well, think again! I spent day in Macau (a day trip from Hong Kong) enjoying the casinos (without a single bet), exploring a heritage village and visiting the major tourist attractions – all for less than what a ticket to HK Disneyland would cost! Let me tell you how… Major Attractions in Macau: The Ruins of St. Pauls, Eiffel Tower at The Parisian, Portuguese Egg Tart, Taipa Village, Senado Square, Macau Tower and the Grand Canal at The Venetian   But first let’s learn the basics of a day tour in Macau. 

One of Iloilo City's hidden gems is the Elizalde and Co. building is located at the farthest end Iloilo City’s Central Business District (CBD), which has been declared a national heritage zone last June 2014.  The former Commission on Audit (COA) building, or the “Edificio de Elizalde y Cia,” is a hundred-year-old complex whose architecture depicts the age of progressive commerce and trade in Iloilo during the late 19th century to early 20th century.  The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) started the four-phase restoration project for the structure in 2014. It was authorized to take the lead in the restoration project following a Memorandum of Agreement it with COA when the latter transferred to its new office complex almost 10 years ago.  The heritage building lies along the Calle Real and at the back of the Iloilo City Hall. The original owners used it as the family abode while a supermarket dominates the ground floor as the ...

Tigbauan, Iloilo is inviting visitors to journey through its rich cultural traditions and historical diversity through the Pagdaug – Saludan Festival to be held on March 10-18, 2019. Witness how Tigbauanons really come together in a spirit of participation to hold this annual festivity. The heart of the festival program is the Tribal Dance-Drama Competition on March 17, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. where contesting tribes will showcase a two-part presentation. The opening scene, the Pagdaug, commemorates the historic liberation of Panay from invading Japanese troops during World War II. Scenes show harassment of locals by Japanese Imperial Armies and communities sabotaged and destroyed. It was in March 18, 1945 when some 23, 000 strong guerilla forces under Col. Macario Peralta landed on the shores of Barangay Parara of the town. Schedule of Activities March 10 (Sunday) 3x3 Basketball Games at 9 a.m.;  March 11(Monday) Opening Salvo, Parade Carroza Float Contest at 3 ...

What could be more exciting than a discount store offering lots and lots of merchandise?  A store that sells everything from school supplies, party needs and children's toys to kitchen supplies, toiletries and "kikay" items - for only 50 PESOS EACH ! Welcome to the first-ever branch of Super50 , l ocated at the 2nd Level of Robinsons Place Pavia - Iloilo. A  discount store similar to dollars stores and the likes of Daiso, Mini-so and more, it offers anything and everything for one and all! Here's your first look inside at Super50... And check out all these items - there's really something that will catch your attention... Enjoy!