ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Gian Carlo E. Luna as its new Hotel Manager. With a distinguished career spanning three decades across diverse industries including retail, corporate sales, and hospitality, Mr. Luna brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. His proven track record in sales, marketing, hotel operations, and even the design and manufacturing sector positions him as a versatile and strategic leader. Prior to joining Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Mr. Luna successfully led Golden Sands Destination Resorts, Inc. as General Manager for four years. His accomplishments include driving revenue growth, enhancing market share, and ensuring operational excellence across all departments. Gian Carlo Luna, new Hotel Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo In his new capacity, Mr. Luna will serve as a key leader of the hotel supporting Mr. Sherwin Lucas, Area General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. Hi...

One the most elegant reminders of Iloilo's rich and noble past is the imposing Lizares Mansion in Tabuc Suba, Jaro. Situated in an almost 2-hectare lot, this mansion was built in 1937 by Don Emiliano Lizares for his wife Conchita Gamboa. The mansion has three floors, a basement and an attic. It has a winding wooden staircase and big bedrooms with floor and doors made of hardwood. It has 59 doors which indicate the intricacy of its layout.  When World War II broke out, the family left for a safe hiding place in Pototan, Iloilo. The mansion was then used as headquarters of the Japanese army. It was believed that the basement became a dumping ground for tortured Filipinos. After the war, the family went back to live in the mansion, but life was never the same. In 1950, Don Emiliano Lizares died and his widow left for Manila, leasing the mansion to a businessman who turned it into a casino.  The city mayor later ordered that the casino be closed, c...