ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

A stone’s throw away from Molo plaza is the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse.  The religious complex houses a church, offices and residences for its congregation plus a well curated museum among others.  The latter displays religious artifacts as well as non-religious items from its world-wide networks of missions. But the highlight is everything about its founder Mother Rosario who used to tread the grounds of this sanctuary in which also one can find the crypt that houses her remains. There you’ll find relics, personals and other things associated with Venerable* Mother Rosario as well as other ecclesiastical artifacts as well as relics. ( Taking Photos in a specified area is NOT allowed) The museum is open MWF around 9 to 11am and 2 to 4pm.  Just contact Dominican Sisters of the Philippines Motherhouse - Molo, Iloilo City for inquiries.  * Beatification (and eventual Canonization) is currently being processed and in the hands of the Vatican for her called Blessed and...

The area around the town of Bingawan, the edge of the central portion of the province is where it ends and the town of Tapaz, Capiz province begins and is very much another unsung corner of Iloilo with warm, friendly, welcoming people. Bingawan has some rich farming land and farming is at the heart of its village life. The landscapes are gorgeous here; with gentle pastures, to the high mountains. The area offers some beautiful hikes and bike trails across its lovely rolling meadows, woodland and a few working farms. The town would be less touristic than its neighboring towns but is well worth exploring. If you are concerned about how organic can contribute to benefit our shared environment, promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved, then a trip to Connie Carillo Diversified Farm is for you. With the governments’ efforts to improve the knowledge and technical skills of the farmers, the Connie Carillo Diversified Fa...

Tela Tales Iloilo, a pioneering project in partnership with the Homeless People's Federation of the Philippines – Iloilo, is designed to empower local artisans and provide them with sustainable livelihood opportunities.   This groundbreaking initiative is part of Tela Tales Visayas launched at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo. The project aims to empower local communities and promote sustainable practices through the upcycling of discarded linens and fabrics from Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod as well as other SMHCC hotels and properties. With its initial design in collaboration with renowned social entrepreneur Zarah Juan, the project offers training and mentorship to help the women of HPFPI create unique and sustainable products using upcycled linens.  The finished products will be showcased and available for purchase at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Bacolod, providing a platform for these talented artisans to showcase their work and generate incom...

This serene and picturesque view is one of the many reasons why Roca Encantada is among the top tourist attractions in Guimaras. The summer house of the illustrious Lopez clan of Iloilo is built on a rock that juts out into the sea earning its nickname - the Enchanted Rock.  More than 100 years old now, it  was built in 1910 in honor of Dona Presentacion Hofilena Lopez.  It was declared a “Heritage House” in 2002 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (formerly National Heritage Institute.) The stairs not only serve as entry way to the house but a perfect backdrop for countless selfies and photo-ops. But it's the grand balcony of the heritage house that offers the most photogenic views - so better get your cameras and batteries ready. A perfect place not only to relax after that climb but also to get that picture perfect snapshot. It offers a  picturesque view of the sea (Iloilo Strait) and beach front (Navala...

Cebu Pacific is proud to announce the signing of a landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines.  The agreement with Airbus covers firm orders for up to 102 A321neo, plus 50 A320neo Family purchase rights.  Benoit De Saint-Exupery, Airbus EVP Sales of Commercial Aircraft business; Michael Szucs, Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer; and Rick Deurloo, Pratt & Whitney President of Commercial Engines lead the signing of the purchase agreement for up to 152 aircraft for Cebu Pacific. This acquisition --- which has a minimum commitment of 70 aircraft --- is the largest in Philippine aviation history, valued at approximately USD $24 billion (PHP 1.4 trillion) based on list prices for the entire 152 aircraft order. This purchase agreement reflects CEB’s unwavering optimism for the future of air travel and steadfast commitment to meeting the evolving needs of passeng...