ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Iloilo Chapter, Inc. (PCCI-lloilo) is turning the spotlight to local crafts and flavors through Fresh Finds Market, a fair featuring Ilonggo artisans with global potential on December 20-23 at Festive Walk Parade. Now on its second year, Fresh Finds Market by PCCI-Iloilo aims to connect local artisans to and provide them a venue to sell their fresh produce and open opportunities for them to partner with big local businesses. Several exhibitors are joining this year's Fresh Finds Market. These include local brands of food, apparel, produces, and a lot more. "Fresh Finds Market is our way of bridging our local entrepreneurs, especially our farmers to bigger business owners. Through this project, we hope to help elevate the local economy and bring llonggo products to the global market," said PCCI-Iloilo President Engr. Fulbert Woo. He added that being the voice of business of the Ilonggos, PCCI-Iloilo promotes inclusivity amo...

The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo and Miss Iloilo 2024 candidates gave back to the Ilonggo community through an outreach activity held on December 10 at Brgy. Tap-oc, Molo, Iloilo City.  Miss Iloilo 2024 partnered with TMC Iloilo for the conduct of the said outreach activity which served as one of the pre-pageant events of Miss Iloilo 2024 and TMC Iloilo’s way of giving back to its host community in time for the Christmas Season.    The outreach activity was highlighted with medical consultations both for internal medicine and pediatric patients, handwashing activity, storytelling, and gift-giving for kids.   More than 100 residents of Brgy. Tap-oc, Molo, Iloilo City benefited from the said outreach activity participated by the candidates of Miss Iloilo who assisted TMC Iloilo doctors, nurses, and staff in providing medical services and giving joy to the beneficiaries.    Brgy. Tap-oc in Molo District was chosen by TMC Iloilo to be the beneficiary of the outrea...

The provincial government of Iloilo has allotted P9 million in financial assistance for the tribes that will participate in the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahan Festival 2024. Each tribe will receive P1 million which will be downloaded to the municipalities, according to Bombette Marin, chief of the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office. “This financial assistance is from the province of Iloilo given by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. to our tribes,” Marin said.    “The amount will be used for their full festival performance – from the meals, costumes and props to professional fees, among others,” he added. Marin said they target to distribute the assistance during the Media Launch and Press Conference on December 13 at SM City Activity Center.  The Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahan Festival will be hosted for the first time by the provincial government on January 27, 2024 and will serve as a platform to celebrate and elevate Iloilo’s distinct cultural identity. Nine competing tri...

Landers Superstore, the fastest growing membership shopping chain in the Philippines, is further expanding its presence in the Western Visayas region with a new branch that will rise inside Megaworld's 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park township in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.  Targeted to open in 2024, the  Iloilo City branch will be the first Landers Superstore on Panay Island, and the fifth Landers to open within a Megaworld township after Alabang West Parade, Eastwood, Uptown Bonifacio and The Upper East In Bacolod City, where it recently opened its biggest branch In the country.  The new Landers Superstore will bring one of the most extensive and well-curated selections of local and imported goods, fresh produce, and top-quality private labels like Dough & Co breads and pastries, Founders canned goods, and Prima Lux Comfort Tissues. Ilonggos will never run out of options to choose from, whether for their day-to-day needs or for special occasions and celebrations.  ...

The Iloilo City Government, in partnership with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), launched the cashless payment program “Paleng-QR PH Plus” at Terminal Market Nov. 23.  The initiative aims to build the digital system by promoting cashless payments in public markets and local transportation, particularly tricycles.  The program seeks to promote the acceptance of digital payments among market vendors, community shopkeepers, and Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA).  Mayor Jerry P. Treñas expressed appreciation and gratitude to all who supported and helped make the program possible.  “I am very thankful because of this program, our market-goers and vendors will have easier access when it comes to their payment. We will continue to prosper in Iloilo City,” said Treñas.   Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Visayas Regional Office Director Anna Clara Oville; DILG Assistant Regional Director Maria ...

Iloilo City, the Philippines' “Bike Capital” and two-time Gold Awardee for both the Mobility Awards and Bike Lane Awards, will be hosting this year’s National Bike Day Awards and Recognition on Nov. 24 to 26. Some 3,000 bike enthusiasts from around the country are expected to converge for this event. On Friday, Nov. 24, a Food Festival and Bike Exhibit will kick off at 10am at SM City, and Bike and Food Tour starting at 6pm to savor some of delicious Ilonggo delicacies around the metropolis. On Saturday, Nov. 25, the Bike Fun Ride will start 6am at SM City Carpark to Diversion Road, Mandurriao; General Luna, Arroyo Fountain, Plaza Libertad, Freedom Grandstand, Muelle Loney, Capitol, City Proper; La Paz; Jaro Plaza, Buhang Flyover, Circumferential Road, Ungka Flyover; and back to SM City in time for the National Bike Opening Ceremonies at 8am, Circuit Race-Road Bike Category at 8:30am, and Active Mobility Forum at 2pm. On Sunday, Nov. 26, the National Bike Day Awarding Ceremonies an...

Bringing another first in Iloilo City, MG Cars Philippines and Grand Canyon Multiholdings are 'Revolutionizing the Future' with the launching of the first electric vehicles in Iloilo City. The grand launch of the Marvel R and MG 4 electric vehicles was held at Daily Drive in Festive Walk Iloilo at Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park. Grand Canyon MultiHoldings President, Mr. Jan Andrew Po led the unveiling together with Felix Jiang, president of SAIC Motor Philippines (SMP) Nene Dela Llana, representative of Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, DOST Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga, MORE Power Iloilo's Ms. Ma. Cristina D. Cabalhin, among others.  AFTER taking over the distributorship of MG vehicles, SAIC Motor Philippines (SMP) recently joined the country’s EV race with the launch of the Marvel R EV SUV and MG4 EV Hatchback. According to SMP, the arrival of these new EV models aligns with a rising interest among Filipino motorists for modern, sustainable, fully electric mo...

The enchanting spirit of Christmas descended upon Iloilo City as Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo ushered in the holiday season with a splendid tree lighting event, themed "A Whimsical Christmas." The evening was brimming with enchanting moments, captivating performances, and a profound commitment to brighten the holiday season for the community. The festivities commenced with a mesmerizing performance by Iloilo's talented violinist, Nicky Garumba, setting a magical tone for the night. Adding to the joyful atmosphere, the children of SOS Children's Village Iloilo charmed attendees with heartwarming carols.   SOS Children’s Village Choir Mr. Ogie Manuel, General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, shared his enthusiasm in his opening speech stating, " Let Christmas here at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo remind us that amid our adult responsibilities, we have this wonderful excuse to be childlike once more where every moment is a canvas for our imagination, and every h...

Festive Walk Iloilo, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls' crown jewel of shopping and entertainment in the region, held its grand launch of "Colorful Christmas Splendour" on November 9. The opening celebration was graced by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and his wife Rosalie Treñas , Executive assistant to the mayor Jay Treñas , Megaworld Visayas township director Jogie Viceo, Megaworld Visayas first vice president for sales and marketing Jennifer Fong and Philippine Chamber of Commerce Iloilo President Engr. Fulbert Woo. Representing Megaworld Lifestyle Malls were cluster general manager Mikee Vivo and Festive Walk Iloilo general manager Karmela Jesena.  “Colorful Christmas Splendour" is a spectacular showcase of merriment, feasts, performances, and the spirit of giving. With events running until December, the most beautiful mall will transform into a center of festive cheer, being a favorite destination among the community. Here are the holiday events and activities that ...