ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

The Camiña Balay nga Kawayan in Guimaras is set on top of a hill that offers a great view of the sea and sky. The Lawi Bay reflects the blue skies and at night the lights of Iloilo City. It is the centerpiece of the Springbloom Farms in Sibunag that specializes in fruits like papayas and pineapples. It is opening soon to the public to give their guests a different kind of experience on the island that fits your taste.

Upon the establishment of the pueblo in 1760, a Catholic Cemetery was also constructed in Sitio Angasan in consonance with hygiene and sanitation laws.  The establishment of the cemetery also facilitated the observance of All Soul’s Day, which at that time was already a popular practice in Catholic countries. After the construction of the Church and Convent was finished in 1845, improvement works on the cemetery was also undertaken.  A wall made of stone slabs was constructed around the premises. The Augustinian Fathers called these stone slabs as “piedra for Este Ultimo” or stone blocks from the Far East. The gate and the structure atop the front stonewall is made of wrought iron with ornate designs. Inscribed on the stone slabs of the front gate are words written in the local dialect which says:  “Ig-ampo mo kami, Karon sa amon, buas sa inyo” translated in English as “Pray for us, it’s our turn today, tomorrow it’s yours.” In those years the d...

The Sheridan Boutique Resort in Oton recently unveiled it's Azure Infinity Pool with a pool party that also featured beauties who are competing for Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012. The pool which is among the attractions of the resort overlooks the whole complex with a view of the villas as well as the Ayanna Garden Restaurant .  Peaceful and serene, azure blue waters of the infinity pool beckons as it entices everyone for a cool and relaxing dip with a view of the lush environment. It also served as a perfect foreground for some of the Mutya ng Pilipinas candidates who are in Iloilo for the swimsuit leg of the pageant. The best view of the pool is probably from the Ayanna Garden Restaurant which is adjacent to to it. The restaurant which serves seafood and other delectable dishes also gives a perfect view of the pool as well as the pond and the villas. And that afternoon, it gave us a sneak peek of the Mutya Candidates who were having their pictorial by the pool. ...

JARO, Iloilo—Residents from Barangay Tabuc Suba were given the surprise of a lifetime during the official unveiling of their community’s first real basketball court.  Attending what initially seemed like a normal inauguration, the locals were delighted when they discovered that their very own court would be turned over to them by none other than PBA legends Alvin Patrimonio and Jojo Lastimosa, three weeks after volunteer residents started constructing the community facility. The event was supposed to be highlighted by a friendly game between Patrimonio’s and Lastimosa’s squad and that of the locals’(but the sudden heavy and lingering downpour caused the cancellation), as part of Galing Mo, Iloilo, Alaxan FR's campaign to honor the people who have worked hard for their own communities. "Akala ko nung una ordinaryong opening ceremony lang. Hindi ko inaasahan na andito pala sina Alvin Patrimonio at Jojo Lastimosa! (I thought we were just attending an ordinary opening cer...

“No pain, no gain” goes the popular line that often inspires people that hardship is most often rewarded in the end. The biggest name in relieving pain – ALAXAN, delves even deeper, as it makes it more Filipino with it’s Aray Ko, Galing Ko campaign a few years ago, with no less than the Pambansang Kamao – Manny Pacquiao as the spokesperson. Now it will go to the grassroots level as it sees the potential to drive social value to the Filipino community with another of the country’s passion – Basketball! Alaxan FR is harnessing the power of the community through the Aray Natin, Galing Natin campaign—a collaborative effort between small-town locals to construct these symbols of community, and turn them into something that moves people to aim for greatness. In an effort called Project Shooting Star , the brand aims to go around the country and build around 10 Courts of Inspiration to help communities discover potential hoop stars. “ To Filipinos, the basketball court is a symbol...