ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

Far from the looks and usage of the original edifice, the National Museum of the Philippines Western Visayas Regional Museum stands as a testament of glorious restoration and adaptive re-use of heritage buildings in Iloilo City. The museum is the former Iloilo Rehabilitation Center, a jail facility that was abandoned in 2006 when the inmates were transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-run Iloilo Provincial Jail at Brgy. Nanga, Pototan. Built in 1911, the old Iloilo Provincial Jail is an Important Cultural Property - a recognition of its exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines. In particular, the built-heritage is recognized for having exceptional cultural and architectural significance reflective of the local’s history and culture, thus, an intrinsic part of the heritage and patrimony of the Filipino people. After the PhP 80 million make over by the Iloilo Provincial Government and t...

With more casual lifestyles brought about by work from home arrangements, new protocols, and a return to what is simple and essential, Crocs has become more than ever the footwear of choice for many.  And the good news is that you can now shop for your favorite style from the comfort of your home through the new Crocs Call and Collect Service. It's all about Crocs - The iconic Classic Clog that started a comfort revolution around the world . . . the Crocband collection with a bold mini-stripe for a sporty look . . . Literide’s superbly cushioned new kind of clog athletically inspired for your on-the-go lifestyle . . . the Tulum Collection’s summery sandals and flats for all-day, all-year comfort. Here’s how to Call and Collect with Crocs  Go to Facebook @crocsphilippines” with “Facebook @crocs” Look for the blue checkmark beside the logo to make sure you are dealing with the authentic Crocs page. Select an item and contact your chosen store via Viber to place your ...

The World Patient Safety Day was celebrated at The Medical City Iloilo. The said global celebration was made more meaningful with a Lighting Ceremony on September 23 attended by the representatives of other hospitals here.  Bearing the theme “Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety”, this year’s World Patient Safety Day celebration is centered on the interrelationship between health worker safety and patient safety. This also highlights the need for a safe working environment among health workers as they ensure the safety of their patients.  TMC Iloilo facade was lighted in orange color as gesture of respect and gratitude to all healthcare workers for their exemplary dedication in ensuring patient safety amidst the hurdles caused by the pandemic.  With the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to the healthcare industry, most especially to the healthcare workers, the celebration of the World Patient Day has become more significant this year.  Rep...

  A romance set in the turbulent first months of the spread of the global pandemic, GUGMA is a love story set amidst CoViD-19. Ryan, a nurse by day and a musician by night proposes to Marie, his girlfriend of five years, just before the city of Iloilo goes into lockdown. Their love is tested to its limits as the world around them changes for the worst. Marie is left to herself, isolated and alone, as Ryan is locked to his duties as a medical frontliner. Stress and frustration get the better of Ryan and takes it out on Marie. Worse still, the couple is met with tragedy as Marie is infected with the Corona Virus. With time stacked against them, Marie and Ryan are faced with a difficult decision that will forever change their relationship. Iloilo City Councilor Jay Treñas stars as Ryan with JP Libo-on taking the role of Marie with co-stars Kristine Chan and Ron Espinosa.  The official themesong is entitled "Magkayakap" performed by Emman Abatayo.  A p...

Extending a helping hand to the badly-hit agricultural sector bounce back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, SM City Iloilo, the Department of Agriculture, Resto PH, and the Iloilo City Government brings Farmers Produce at SM. This partnership of diverse  groups come together to make local products available at reasonable prizes. The initiative is also a way for the produce to reach a wider market in the mall, where most people go to buy their essentials. Department of Agriculture and RestoPH spearheaded and managed the invitation of participating farmers and restaurateurs. Restaurateurs are existing and operational SM tenants so there is a sort of linking the sectors in terms of business, allowing some sort of synergy to come up with better results. Department of Agriculture Led by Secretary William D. Dar and ASec. Kristine Y. Evangelista brings “KADIWA ni Ani at Kita” which is the direct marketing program of Department of Agriculture (DA) which aims to rea...

It is National G Day!  September 17 or 917 does not only signify Globe’s iconic and original prefix, it also marks the start of Globe’s annual celebration that recognizes and gives back to its loyal customers through exciting rewards and surprises. This is the time when Globe and its partners come together to delight its millions of customers. Given the challenging times we are in, Globe aims to make this year’s National G Day a way to empower and enable its customers as they face the new normal. By providing unique experiences and rewards, customers will be able to regain control of their lives and recreate better days not just for themselves but for others as well. “More than our annual tradition, it is our way of recognizing our customers for their loyalty and support” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. “This year’s unusual circumstance does not stop us from making our 0917 celebration more meaningful. Let us come together to create better days with N...

ACE Hardware celebrates today’s new frontline heroes with a special sale now ongoing until September 30. This will give shoppers spending more time at home a chance to clean, organize, and redecorate their surroundings, as well as grow their urban gardens. There are Black and Decker Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaners to help you clean up your home thoroughly through the use of the HEPA filter that removes airborne, smart shelves to keep your stuff organized. Also checkout the high quality gardening tools like the ACE Hedge Shear and Floral Trimmer to maintain the beauty of your garden.  What’s in-store and on-line? Up to 50% off savings and an extra 10% off discount on all items (except chemicals and batteries) for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P2000.  You can avail double points on all ACE branded items using Ace Rewards Card when shop.  Shop smart in all ACE stores nationwide. You can also avail these thru ACE Har...

MerryMart Consumer Corp said it would open an online platform while its first drive thru store will open in January 2021 as it "re-calibrates" its plan for the "new normal." It's online platform is set to launch this quarter, MerryMart said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.  The first drive thru store will be located along Diversion Road in Iloilo City and will be opened in January 2021, it said. Other MerryMary stores in Iloilo City now being constructed in Lapaz near the plaza and along De Leon Street across Sta. Teresita Church. The supermarket chain earlier said it aims to rollout a total of 1,200 branches nationwide and to reach P120 billion in system-wide sales revenue. Text and Photo Credit Emerging Capiz FB / ABS CBN News Online

The SM Store’s Call to Deliver service has a new face, and a new easy to remember hotline number.  With that, its new ambassador, television host, actress, and singer Alex Gonzaga highlights Call to Deliver’s hotline number   #143SM  (#14376). Bridging the convenience of on-line shopping and premium in-store customer assistance, Call to Deliver started out with a few stores in the Vismin area on April 13, 2020 to be able to assist locked-down customers who would be needing essential items from the store. Since then, it has become available at all SM Stores nationwide. And it’s easy to see why shoppers love SM’s Call to Deliver service.   It makes everyone a little bit special by bringing a new, complete and happy shopping experience to customers by providing you with your own personal shopper thru Viber ordering/video call ordering/virtual shopping and offering  multiple payment options that include Cash on Delivery, Credit/Debi...

In partnership with the Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), three signature hotels in Resorts World Manila (RWM) will be offering accommodation with testing packages exclusively for CEB passengers. Beginning August 27, Holiday Inn Express Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, and Belmont Hotel Manila will offer 3D2N accommodation packages starting at P11, 900 for single occupancy, for guests flying in and out of Manila via CEB. The package includes a one-way airport transfer, full-board meals, as well as a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to be administered by accredited partner hospital(s). For guests’ convenience and safety, all PCR testing will be conducted within the RWM property.  “We are always looking for ways to make the experience better and more convenient for our passengers. Since some destinations require Negative RT-PCR test results prior to entry, we are working with Resorts World Manila to provide our passengers w...

Iloilo Business Park (IBP) is joining hands with the local government of Iloilo City and other sectors to boost the city’s fight against COVID-19 and jumpstart economic recovery. Various leaders from the government, business, and medical sectors are calling on Ilonggos to shop, dine, and patronize local businesses to help them get back on their feet. “We need the Ilonggos' cooperation to follow and observe safety protocols to help the city recover from this pandemic. Iloilo has been enjoying an economic boom in the past years, and the only way for us to sustain that is to support our entrepreneurs and their businesses. There’s no need to fear going out and do what we want to do, as long as we continue to adhere to all the safety measures and educate others to help curb the spread of the virus in the city,” says Jennifer Palmares-Fong, vice president for sales and marketing, Iloilo Business Park (IBP). Iloilo Business Park is demonstrating its staunch ...