ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

In partnership with the local government of Iloilo City, The Medical City Iloilo is set to manage the operations of the 33-bed Iloilo City Modular Hospital.   Officially turned over on January 27, the Iloilo City Modular Hospital located at Brgy. So-oc in the district of Arevalo aims to provide additional beds for COVID-19 patients with the current surge of cases in Iloilo City.     “With the challenge of having limited beds for COVID patients, I made sure that I am able to reach out to various agencies to have additional beds. I always take the initiative to address all COVID-19 concerns for the welfare of my beloved people,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas previously said in a statement.     TMC Iloilo CEO Dr. Felix Ray Villa receives the keys of the Iloilo City Modular Hospital from Iloilo City COVID-19 focal person Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna during the Turn Over Ceremony held last January 27. TMC Iloilo will manage the operations of the Iloilo City Modular Hos...

SM Foundation (SMFI) invites incoming college freshmen to apply for the SM College Scholarship program for School Year 2022-2023 via its online application portal from January 15 to March 15, 2022. The SM Scholarship Program started from the vision of the late SM patriarch, Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr. He believed that if you send one child from an economically challenged family to college, that child would have more opportunities to have gainful employment and later on uplift the economic status of his/her family. The SM scholarship program is open to the following: Grade 12 graduates from public and private schools in the areas covered. Applicants from private schools must have a DepEd voucher and must be Grade 10 finishers from public high schools; General Weighted Average grade of at least 92% or its equivalent for Grade 12 – 1st semester; and Total household income of at most P150,000 per year. The program covers the following field of studies:  Computer Science Information Technolo...

GMA Regional TV (RTV) kicks off the new year with a fun yet safe celebration of Dinagyang Festival by airing the “ Dinagyang Digital 2022 ” this January 23, 7 a.m. via its local channel GMA TV 6 Iloilo, with simulcast broadcast on GMA TV 6 Guimaras, GMA TV 5 Roxas, GMA TV 2 Kalibo, and GMA TV 7 Tablas. In 2021, amid the restrictions and health protocols brought about by the COVID pandemic, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) and the Iloilo City Government have decided to mount Dinagyang Digital. For the second year in a row, GMA RTV partners with IFFI and the Iloilo City Government to bring to the public the colorful celebration of Dinagyang Festival in the safety of their homes. The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. and Iloilo City Government in partnership with GMA RTV will showcase a three-hour TV special that highlights the much-anticipated events of Iloilo’s famous religious and cultural festival, led by the colorful Ati Tribe Street Dancing Competition between different ...

Ilonggos are really AweSM! The pandemic did not dampen the spirit of the Ilonggos as Dinagyang 2022 kicked off with activities that celebrate the essence of the festival and the people’s awe-inspiring resolve to celebrate life despite the situation. SM City Iloilo, being the home of the Ilonggos during Dinagyang Festival, prepared aweSM activities so people can safely shop and dine their way to the festive flavors, colors, and beat until January 23. The mall prepared several options for Ilonggos to make their weekend plans an amazing Dinagyang experience by celebrating the festival in a fun and safe environment. Experience an outdoor food hopping and bonding with family and friends at the Al Fresco Dining Area at Southpoint until January 23 with live streaming of the performances January 22-23 at the area. Pets can also enjoy Southpoint’s open area as Ilonggos can bring them and don their favorite costumes to win exciting prizes. The iconic Dinagyang warrior is also one for the celebra...

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo Chapter is taking trade fair to the next level as it stages the biggest business expo here on January 17-23, 2022. To be held back-to-back at the Festive Walk Iloilo and SM City Iloilo, the Dinagyang 2022 Iloilo Business Expo (ILOBEX) gathered close to 100 exhibitors showcasing various products from local delicacies, fresh produce, garments, accessories, native products, and a lot more. “We are celebrating Dinagyang Festival in a more meaningful way this year. As part of our thrust of helping Ilonggo MSMEs bounce back, we are holding the ILOBEX. This is a good venue for our local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and connect with their fellow MSMEs to widen their network,” said PCCI-Iloilo Chapter President Engr. Fulbert Woo. “It is undeniable that the pandemic has affected the business industry, most especially our MSMEs. That is why we are very delighted that ILOBEX has become possible as it also means that our economy is ...

"We are very lucky to be part of these historic events. Pavia has progressed a lot despite the pandemic," opens up Cong. Mike Gorriceta in his speech during the two-part event last Friday, January 14, 2022 that highlighted the week-long celebration of the 101st Kaadlawan sang Pavia. The former Pavia mayor and now Representative of Iloilo's Second district was among the guests of honor t ogether with Mayor Luigi Gorriceta and Vice Mayor Bibo Gerochi, during the ground breaking for the town's upcoming tourism landmark. The PAVIA signage, fronting the Santa Monica Parish Church at the Pavia Public Plaza will become an instant attraction in town especially for the social media savvy generation  and is expected to be finished just in time for the town's patronal fiesta this coming May 4, 2022. Also joining the ceremony was Carabao-Carroza Festival Queen 2021 AJ Panistante and her court. Showcasing the town's local talents, SubUrban 5001 concluded the groundbreaking...

Seven new PUJ routes have been approved by LTFRB and may start within the year if approved by the Iloilo City Government headed by Mayor Jerry Treñas. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 6 Regional Director Richard Osmeña forwarded a Notice of Compliance to Mayor Jerry Treñas for these additional routes through a Local Public Transport Route Plan. The seven new routes are as follows: Tagbak to Lapuz Bito-on, Jaro to Lapaz via Coastal Road, Villa To Jaro via Sooc, Oñate, Festive Walk Transport Hub Tagbak to Festive Walk Transport Hub via SM City, Atria Ungka To Lapaz via CPU, ISAT Mohon to Mandurriao Business District Lapaz to Festive Walk transport hub via Brgy. Nabitasan As soon the Iloilo City Government passes the needed ordinances, modernized jeepneya will start to ply these routes within the year.

The first Brandy Museum in the Philippines is NOW OPEN ! Located at Casa de Emperador at Festive Walk Iloilo, this new attraction is right beside Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art at Megaworld's Iloilo Business Park. This interactive museum will make visitors feel as if they are inside a real Bodega in Spain while immersing themselves in the whole brandy experience. It features a unique storyline that covers the rich history of Spanish brandy - from its discovery to the brandy-making process.  Within the museum is a dedicated space where guests can join the Brandy Appreciation Class and learn more about the different brandy products from leading Spanish brandy-makers such as Bodegas Fundador, Bodegas San Bruno, Bodegas Terry and Bodegas Garvey.  There is also a dedicated bar to provide those who want to get a taste of different drinks, cocktails, and concoctions made from Emperador products.  For everyone's safety, the museum will only accommodate a limited number of gues...