The beat of a thousand drums is alive in Iloilo once again. Fifteen participating tribes paraded around the streets of Iloilo for the opening salvo of the Dinagyang Festival 2012. The opening salvo parade is just a preview of the street dance performances during the highlights of the festivities. Better watch out for the main events happening on the fourth weekend of January.

The regional Kasadyahan Cometition is scheduled on Saturday morning, while the Dinagyang Ati Competition will go live on Sunday. Will Tribu Panay still regain its crown? or will the other crowd favorites emerge as this year’s new champion?

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The Dinagyang Festival fever is alive in Iloilo this January 2012. Be prepared to witness the City of Iloilo revel during the Dinagyang Festival and experience an explosion of sound, color, and dance. During this year’s edition, the main highlights of the festival will be held on January 20-22, 2012 (fourth weekend of January) in the main streets of Iloilo City.

Dinagyang warrior holding the image of the Santo Niño during the Fluvial Procession

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Looking for a fun and exciting place to spend the weekend in Panay? The town of Tibiao, Antique is geared up to be an eco-adventure destination in this side of the archipelago. Easily accessible by land from any point in Panay, Tibiao is a blessing for thrill seekers and nature lovers since it is just a few hours away from travel gateways such as Iloilo, Boracay (Caticlan), and Kalibo. Tibiao offers attractions found in other popular eco-adventure destinations in addition to the town’s unique set of charms that is sure to give tourists a fun experience to cherish for a lifetime!

White water river kayaking in Tibiao River, Antique

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Days Hotel Iloilo is located at the very heart of Iloilo City. Its first-rate interiors are superbly maintained, and complemented with unmatched hospitality-the signature Ilonggo smile, courtesy, and care. For an escape from the hustle bustle, whether traveling for business or pleasure. Days Hotel Iloilo is the choice for that luxurious yet relaxing getaway. The Promenade restaurant is the perfect place for business or romantic meals where casual yet elegant dining is at its best. Experience total well-being at Wellness Club Spa and Gym. Days Hotel Iloilo is located in Atrium At Capitol Corner Gen, Luna Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo, Philippines.

Days Hotel Iloilo Photos

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The Westown Hotel is located within Smallville, a popular dining and entertainment complex in Iloilo. Within walking distance from Westown Hotel is an excellent row of clubs, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. MO2 Westown Hotel is the new face of modern paradise and exudes an elegant ambiance. This hotel came about with the idea of providing a comfortable and convenient place for visitors to stay with first class hotel rooms and amenities.

MO2 Westown Hotel Iloilo

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Smallville21 Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Iloilo. It is located right at the heart of Smallville, Iloilo’s prime dining and entertainment destination.

Smallville21 Hotel Photos

Smallville21 Hotel Room Rates

• Standard Matrimonial – P2,000
• Standard Twin – P2,125
• Deluxe Matrimonial – P2,250
• Deluxe Double Room -P2,225
• Deluxe Triple Room – P2,675
• Executive Room – P3,000
• Presidential Suite – P4,000

*with breakfast

Raymen Beach Resort, located in Alubihod Beach, is one of the more popular resorts in Guimaras. Raymen Beach Resort is a preferred choice for locals and tourists who are looking to have a relaxing, convenient, and affordable break from the city.

Alubihod Beach is a short white sand stretch surrounded by the inviting blue waters and pristine off-shore islets of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Alubihod Beach is an excellent jump-off point for Guimaras island hopping tours.

Over the years, Raymen Beach Resort has become the go-to destination for weekend getaways in Guimaras. It’s just an hour away from Iloilo City and offers a tropical paradise beach setting, which is much better than the grey sand beaches in Iloilo mainland and more convenient than the 5-hour travel to Boracay Island.

White sand stretch of Alubihod Beach, Guimaras

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AirPhil Express, in partnership with Explore Iloilo, is giving away eight (8) tickets to ASAP Sessionistas Live in Iloilo! Watch your favorite stars: Richard Poon, Duncan Ramos, Juris Fernandez, Sitti Navarro, Princess and Aiza Seguerra with special guest Yeng Constantino live at the Central Philippine University Gymnasium on September 24, 2011 (8:00 pm. – 11:00 pm).

How To Join

• Like Airphil Express Facebook Fan Page.
• Answer the question: “Why do you want to see ASAP Sessionistas Live in Iloilo?”
• Post your answer on the wall of Explore Iloilo FB Fan Page (must like Explore Iloilo first in order to get posting privileges).
• Tag “Airphil Express” in your post by typing “@AirPhil Express” together with your answer (how to tag in FB).

Contest Mechanics

• Entries will only be counted if they meet these four criteria: (1) Like AirPhil Express FB Fan Page. (2) Like Explore Iloilo FB Fan Page. (3) Post an answer to the contest question at the wall of Explore Iloilo FB Fan Page. (4) Tag @AirPhil Express together with the answer.
• Only one entry per person is allowed.
• Submission of entries will be from September 17 to  September 21, 2011 only.
• Announcement of winners will be on September 22, 2011.
• Each winner gets one (1) free ticket to “ASAP Sessionistas Live in Iloilo City.”
• This contest is only open to all. Please be reminded that the event will be on September 24, 2011 (8:00 pm. – 11:00 pm) at the CPU Gym in Jaro, Iloilo City.
• Winners will be chosen randomly using an online randomizer (http://www.random.org/).
• Winners must personally pick-up their tickets before the concert date at the Airphil Express Ticket Office located along General Luna St., Iloilo City (see map). Bring at least one valid ID.

Event Details

• Event title: ASAP Sessionistas Live in Iloilo City!
• Date: September 24, 2011, Saturday.
• Time: 8:00 pm. – 11:00 pm.
• Venue: Central Philippine University Gymnasium, Jaro District, Iloilo City (see map).

• Artists: Richard Poon, Duncan Ramos, Juris Fernandez, Sitti Navarro, Princess and Aiza Seguerra.
• With Special Guest: Yeng Constantino.

• Beneficiary: Iloilo River Rehabilitation Project.

About AirPhil Express

Airphil Express (APX) is the fastest growing budget airline in the Philippines with 7 Airbus A320 jets, 3 Bombardier Q300 and 5 Bombardier Q400 aircraft. APX flies to local destinations and Singapore at year-round low fares and also provides travel insurance, web check-in and prepaid baggage. Unlike other budget airlines, APX provides FREE 15 kg baggage allowance for check-in and 7 kg for handcarry items. Book your next adventure at www.airphilexpress.com.

AirPhil Express, a popular budget airline in the Philippines, will be opening a new flight route between Iloilo and Davao starting August 18, 2011. It will be a once daily service utilizing an Airbus A320 plane. There’s actually a seat sale ongoing today (August 3, 2011) on Iloilo – Davao flight fares for as low as P488 (one-way). Cheapest regular (year-round) Iloilo – Davao Airphil Express fares cost P998 (one-way).

View of the Iloilo Airport during arrival

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After years of construction, the 4.75km Jaro Floodway has finally served its purpose of minimizing the flooding problem of Iloilo City. As seen from the photos during our “inspection” of the actual site, we can see how effective the Jaro Floodway has been to divert flood waters from the Jaro River during the rainy season in Iloilo City. The flooding problem in Jaro and La Paz districts of Iloilo City and Pavia town used to be a major perennial problem among residents and business owners but now, residents have noticed a significant decrease of flooding incidents in the area. The uplifting development is seen to open vast, once flood prone areas in Jaro District and Pavia to additional developments especially with the construction of the Metro Iloilo Circumferential Road, a section of which will pass beside the Jaro Floodway.

View of the Jaro Floodway in action at Brgy. Buhang, Jaro District

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