IloiloToday - News and Media Blog

Cosmetique Asia presents Miss Silka Iloilo 2019 official candidates

2019-04-15T01:30:00.001-07:00

The prestigious, annual beauty pageant is back once again to search for young and flawlessly beautiful Ilongga to be crowned as Miss Silka Iloilo 2019!

Fifteen official candidates of Miss Silka Iloilo 2019 presented at SM City Iloilo.

Cosmetique Asia Corporation, the maker of the country's leading brand in skincare Silka, officially launched its Search for Miss Silka Iloilo 2019 during a presentation of candidates held at SM City Iloilo Northpoint last April 12.

After two initial screenings, 15 smart, beautiful and talented Ilonggas were chosen as this year's official candidates for Miss Silka Iloilo 2019.

This year's official candidates are Sharamie Solocio, Lindy Mae Jagolino, Ma. Edgee Enriquez, Selina Isabell Calambro Schneider, Justine Catalan, Jennifer Wheelband, Zyllah Faye Binas, Christine Joyce Fabellore, Yvanne Kaye Bialen, Mae Claire Galan, Krisha Diane Obsequio, Grace Ann Gumawa, Shanley Kim Noveno, Ugemmae Bataquin and Mikah Faith Barnizo.

Candidates 1. Grace Ann Gumawa of Batad, 2. Jennifer Wheelband of Dumangas, 3. Mikah Faith Barnizo of Maasin, 4. Lindy Mae Jagolino of Pavia, and 5. Selina Isabell Calambro Schneider of Leon;

Candidates 6. Ma. Edgee Enriquez of Banate, 7. Sharamie Solocio of Sta. Barbara, 8. Christine Joyce Fabellore of Mambusao, Capiz, 9. Krisha Diane Obsequio of San Rafael, 10. Yvanne Kaye Bialen of Roxas City, Capiz;

Candidates 11. Mae Claire Galan of Lapaz, 12. Justine Catalan of Pavia, 13. Ugemmae Bataquin of Molo, 14. Shanley Kim Noveno of Batad, and 15. Zyllah Faye Binas of Sara.

These lovely ladies will compete in 2 pre-pageant activities - the talent competition which will be held on April 26 at SM City Iloilo Northpoint, the swimwear competition on May 4 at Robinsons Place Pavia and finally, the gown competition during the grand coronation at SM City Iloilo Southpoint on May 11.

The Silka Regional pageants, of which Iloilo is one of the cities where it is held, is Silka's way of celebrating the value of Filipina beauty. Silka understands that the way to feel confident every day is to look fresh and feel great and to do that is to ensure that our skin looks radiant. And that's how Silka cares for the skin and the Filipina's splendour.

The crowned Miss Silka will receive a cash of P 35,000 and will represent Iloilo in the Search for Miss Silka Philippines this November. The winner during the national pageant will join Silka's list of celebrity endorsers in promoting the Silka skincare products, cash of P 150,000 and a support to its chosen charity worth P 100,000.

So, mark the dates of the Miss Silka events and watch in person who will be this year's queen!

The Search for Miss Silka Iloilo 2019 is organized by TMX — your travel and marketing experts.

SM Strata Tower now open for office leasing

2019-04-14T21:07:00.002-07:00

SM Strata is now open for office leasing.

Strata Tower is conveniently located along Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue with total leasable area of approximately 23,264 square meters.

The tower is right in front of SM City Iloilo mall connected via 2nd floor covered bridge way. It offers 13 floors with ground floor retail shops including SM Savemore, 24/7 transportation and security.

The project aims to provide job opportunities to the surrounding communities and to establish the BPO presence in neighboring towns where population is dense. The building is located at the Benigno Aquino Avenue, which serves as the city’s principal transport backbone. Thus, there will be ease of accessibility to public transportation for employees.

The building has a system that will minimize the threat of traffic build-up. Private vehicles may opt to drop their passengers at the front, main entrance or at the parking entrances on all four above-ground parking levels (2nd to 5th floors).

The design of the building complements the existing mall across, SM City Iloilo, the only Supermall in Iloilo which expanded by adding a building within the property and highlights SM Strata as the tallest structure in the City.

The new SM Strata and commercial spaces will be able to offer employment prospects and will propel economic benefits to the communities.

To know more about SM Strata, you can email to marileejoan.biboso@smsupermalls.com or office.leasing@smprime.com. You may also contact the following numbers: 033-3209609 local 09 or 0917-6336170.

Iloilo Bike Festival 2019 on May 1-5

2019-04-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

A 15-kilometer grand fun ride will be held on May 5 as highlight of the celebration of 6th Iloilo Bike Festival at Casa Emperador, Megaworld Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III is inviting bike enthusiasts to join the big event, and for the public to witness the activities lined-up to showcase a bike-friendly city.

More than 1,000 bikers in the metropolis and nearby towns are expected to participate in the ride starting 5:30 p.m.

The route will start from Megaworld going to Plaza Jaro; Luna, La Paz; Arroyo Fountain Area in City Proper; Iznart Street; J.M. Basa Street; Plaza Libertad; Muelle Loney; New Grandstand; and back to Arroyo Fountain, General Luna where the bikers will use the bike lanes, then turn right to Diversion Road up to Megaworld.

“Let us all enjoy the grand fun ride and please be at the venue before 4 p.m. and bring blinkers for you to use at night,” City Sports Division officer-in-charge Moises Salomon Jr. said.

There will also be BMX 4 cross competition, pump truck competition, fixie bike, BMX bike street competition, and bike expo from May 1-5.

Salomon said the bike festival aims to encourage everyone to use bicycle as an alternative for vehicle, and to create awareness that Iloilo is a bike-friendly city cited during the Phil Bike Awards 2018 at World Trade Center Manila. (Merianne Grace Ereñeta/Iloilo City PIO)

TMC Iloilo launches Women’s Health Center

2019-04-10T21:50:00.003-07:00

Women’s health takes centerstage at The Medical City Iloilo as the hospital’s Women’s Health Center was formally launched recently to cater the needs of women in Iloilo and in neighboring provinces.

TMC ILOILO WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER TEAM OF EXPERT SPECIALISTS: Dr. Ma. Sisa Fernandez, Dr. Rhoda Mae Abdallah, Dr. razel Colacion, Dr. Eileen Granada, Dr. Donna Emelie Alindong, and Dr. Ma. Deb Palmes together with TMC Iloilo CEO Dr. Felix Ray Villa and TMC Iloilo Head of Physician Engagement and Development Unit Dr. Ma. Sancha Pauline Apolto-Garcia.

TMC Iloilo’s Women’s Health Center primarily aims to empower women not only in their crafts, but also in their health, acknowledging the important role they play in the society.

In the Philippines, women’s health considers a number of facets. In the local setting, while Iloilo is developing into a highly urbanized city, the transition poses a risk for more non-communicable diseases such as cancer for people to develop. Neoplasm or cancer is on the top list which causes women morbidity in the country with breast and cervical cancers as the most common types.

Portraits of empowered modern women highlights TMC Iloilo's Women's Health Center.

Dr. Felix Ray Villa, TMC Iloilo Chief Executive Officer together with Dr. Razel Colacion, TMC Iloilo Women’s Health Center Champion and Dr. Ma. Sancha Pauline Apolto-Garcia, TMC Ioilo Physician Engagement and Development Unit Head, led the ceremonial “Shower of Petals” to signify the official commencement of providing the patient partners another quality healthcare service especially dedicated to women.

It was during the event that the services were presented by the center’s head, Dr. Razel Colacion. Among the services being offered at TMC Iloilo Women’s Health Center include Breast and Reproductive, and Sexual Health needs from screening, consultation, treatment and palliative care provided by a team of expert specialists composed of OB-GYNE consultants and Sonologists, Breast Specialist, and oncologists with competent staff.

TMC Iloilo Physician Engagement and Development Unit Head Dr. Ma. Sancha Pauline Apolto-Garcia, TMC Iloilo Women’s Health Center Champion Dr. Razel Colacion, and TMC Iloilo CEO Dr. Felix Ray Villa lead the ceremonial “Shower of Petals”.

For more details about The Medical City Iloilo Women’s Health Center, call them at (033) 500 – 1000 or you may visit us at Esplanade 2, Molo, Iloilo City. (TMCI)

PRC Regional Office in Iloilo now at Gaisano ICC

2019-04-09T04:07:00.000-07:00

Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Regional Office 6 in Iloilo City has transferred to a new location at Gaisano Iloilo City Center (ICC) complex to facilitate better services to its clients.

PRC Iloilo finally bade goodbye to its previous location in Jaro last April 1, and advised professionals, especially those with online appointments from April 1-8, to proceed to their satellite office at Robinsons Place Iloilo.

Regular operations of PRC Iloilo at 2nd Floor of Gaisano ICC starts Wednesday, April 10.

Check out some photos of the new office setup of PRC Iloilo at Gaisano ICC, along Diversion Road, Iloilo City. Photos by R. F. Balisang.

Surely, this is welcome development for all professionals in the region who have been complaining of poor location of the old office in Jaro.

Search is on for Mutya ng Guimaras 2019!

2019-04-09T00:34:00.001-07:00

The Mutya ng Guimaras beauty pageant will once again dazzle this year's celebration of Manggahan Festival slated on May 11-22, 2019.

One of the many highlights of the sweetest festival this side of the country will be the annual staging of the search for the Mutya ng Guimaras. The prestigious beauty pageant kicked off with the launching and fashion show of the official candidates and a press presentation last April 6 held at SEDA Hotel Iloilo and Robinsons Place Iloilo, respectively.

The pre-pageant activities are the resort wear competition which will be hosted by the Municipality of San Lorenzo on April 6, the swimwear competition at the Municipality of Sibunag on April 13, festival costume competition at the Municipality of Nueva Valencia of April 23, casual wear competition on April 28 at the Municipality of Buenavista and talent competition on May 4 to be held at the Municipality of Jordan.

The pageant will culminate with a grand coronation night on May 19 at the Capitol Gym, Municipality of Jordan.

The eight (8) lovely candidates representing their municipalities are Jannah Glycel Geraldine Poncy of Nueva Valencia, Lorenz Jane Amatorio & Elle Abella of Jordan, Joegie Kaye Pabillo and Densie Galvan both of Sibunag, Krista Vinas and Ryda Mae Tutong of Buenavista and Irynne Jo Vilches of San Lorenzo.

This annual beauty search is the province of Guimaras’ way of choosing its tourism ambassadress. The winner will embody not only the physical attributes, beauty, talent and intelligence of the Guimarasnons but should also have that smile that mesmerizes, a smile as sweet as the world-famous mangoes of Guimaras.

Watch a short clip of Press Presentation at Seda Hotel Iloilo:

This summer season, plan your trip to Guimaras and witness who will be crowned the Mutya ng Guimaras 2019 candidate. Be bedazzled not only by the Mutya’s charming contestants but also of the province’s magnificent tourist destinations and enjoy its two-week fun-filled activities during the Manggahan Festival 2019.

The Mutya ng Guimaras is presented by the Office of Provincial Tourism, Provincial Government of Guimaras and organized by Travel and Marketing Experts Corp. (TMX).

Children's playground opens at Plaza Libertad

2019-04-08T17:56:00.001-07:00

The Iloilo City Government officially opened to the public the new Children’s Playground at Plaza Libertad following Monday flag raising ceremony April 8.

Mayor Joe Espinosa III trying out the slides at newly-constructed children's playground in Plaza Libertad before its opening.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III and city officials joined San Jose de Placer priest Fr. Raymond Alcayaga in the blessing of the facility.
Espinosa said the P1.9-million project is part of the urban renewal of the metropolis.

“This is our own way of bringing back the life in our plazas and parks. Our plazas used to be very dark, so we put lights on them. We have also disallowed the selling of 'ukay-ukay', and now, we have built playgrounds for the children where they can play and bond with their parents as well,” Espinosa said.

The new playground consists of swing, slides, seesaws, playground climbers, playground tunnels, and rubberized floor.

To ensure that children would not skip classes, Espinosa said the supervision will be turned over to the city’s Child Minding Center, and will assign a safety officer.

The same will be established in district plazas of Jaro, La Paz, and Molo.

“We are still in the process of identifying areas where to put the children’s playground,” Espinosa said.

“We are also planning to put up senior citizen’s park in our plazas where they can exercise as part of our project to renew the interests of the public to our plazas,” he added.

City Engineer Roberto Divinagracia said it was Espinosa who personally chose the equipment of children’s playground from several proposals submitted. (Merianne Grace Ereñeta/Iloilo City PIO)

Over 500 runners join OneHGS Run 2019 for a cause

2019-04-08T17:12:00.001-07:00

More than 500 runners converged in Iloilo Festive Walk Parade on Sunday, March 31 to take part in the OneHGS Color Run 2019.

As early as 5:30AM, family members, friends and employees of Hinduja Global Solutions gathered for the ceremonial gun-start to kick off the event and brought a colorful spectacle to the city.

More than just a run event to promote health among its employees and the surrounding community, the OneHGSRun is also a cause-oriented effort.

Proceeds of the registration were donated to Friends of Cancer Kids Iloilo Foundation, a home-grown, non-profit organization that champions and helps alleviate the condition of kids with cancer.

The event is spearheaded by HGS Iloilo, one of the top employers in the city in the BPO sector, which number close to 2000 employees to date. The company has been steadily expanding over the years, and continuous to maintain its confidence in the Iloilo talent with openings of expanded offices in Ayala Technohub and new offices at the Festive Walk Parade. The company is known for its excellent training program, CSR programs and positive contributions to the Iloilo community.

OneHGS Run is the first of its kind wellness event in the city - where participants not only get to run and flex their muscles for health, but also enjoy the various powdery pigments sprayed to them by the race organizers along the race route.

The event is a clear showcase of the Iloilo spirit of effective collaboration between HGS leaders, partners from the local government and medical professionals, city officials, and venue officers.

Organizers and officials from the HGS Corporate Office, pleased by the successful staging and active participation of the community, promises a repeat of the program next year.

For more information about HGS you may visit www.teamhgs.com. To apply for jobs - you may visit www.joinhgs.com or its office in Ayala Technohub, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. (Screengrab from Color Grade Studios)

Herbalife Nutrition starts Wellness Tour 2019

2019-04-07T23:42:00.001-07:00

Herbalife Nutrition, a premier global nutrition company, started their biggest health event dubbed as Wellness Tour 2019 in Cagayan de Oro City, with leading nutrition expert Dr. Hamid Jan bin Jan Mohamed as guest speaker.

Dr. Hamid Jan bin Jan Mohamed leads Herbalife Nutrition Wellness Tour 2019.

Dr. Hamid is the Chairman of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at University Sains Malaysia and an Associate Professor with expertise in nutrition and obesity.

He has received several industry awards during the course of his career. These include the Malaspina Scholar Travel Award by the International Life Sciences Institute, USA in 2015, and Fellow Membership of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia.

Dr. Hamid will be holding the Manila leg of the Wellness tour on April 12, while Dr. Zhen-Yu Chen will be the speaker in the Cebu leg of the tour.

During a press conference at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, Dr. Hamid explained the ways on how people can age healthy and gracefully. He said the key nutrients to help a person manage aging is by looking after their digestive, heart, bone and eye health.

Findings of Asia Pacific Healthy Aging Survey in 2018.

One needs to maintain a high in fiber diet for digestive health; take fish and krill oil or L-Arginine and L-Citruline for a healthy cardiovascular function; take calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth; and take lutein-rich foods for healthy cells in the eyes.

At the same time, Herbalife Nutrition released the findings from its Asia Pacific Healthy Aging Survey. Conducted in 2018 with 5,500 respondents aged 40 and above in 11 markets including Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, the survey uncovered insights into the meaning of healthy aging, the importance of lifestyle changes for healthy aging, as well as key motivators and influencers for healthy aging.

Megaworld nets P15.8-B income in 2018

2019-04-07T19:07:00.002-07:00

Office, mall, residential, and hotel businesses see double-digit growth during the year

Megaworld, the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, saw its net income grow by 17% to P15.8-billion in 2018 from P13.6-billion (excluding P113-million non-recurring gain) the previous year. Net income attributable to parent company ended at P15.2-billion by end-December 2018, a 17% jump from P13.0-billion in 2017 (excluding P113-million non-recurring gain).

Consolidated revenues grew about 15% to P57.4-billion in 2018 from the previous year’s P50-billion (excluding P113-million non-recurring gain).

The company’s rental businesses, comprising of office and lifestyle mall leasing, strongly contributed to the topline, soaring 21% to P14.3-billion in 2018 from the previous year’s P11.8-billion. This contributed 25% of the total consolidated revenues during the year.

In 2018 alone, Megaworld has already achieved over 70% of its rental income target of P20-billion by end of next year.

Last year, Megaworld opened its biggest mall development outside of Metro Manila, the Festive Walk Mall in Iloilo Business Park, offering around 90,000 square meters in gross floor area. It also opened two new community malls – the San Lorenzo Place in Makati City, and The Village Alabang in Las Piñas City.

Also last year, the company closed a historic deal in Philippine real estate when it bagged the long-term lease contract to build the 25-storey Philippine Global Service Center of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. It was regarded as the country’s biggest single lease transaction to date, with around 70,000 square meters of ‘build-to-suit’ office spaces for a single company alone.

“We have already secured multiple pre-lease deals for our office buildings as well that are in the pipeline until next year. Same goes to our mall and commercial spaces that are set to open in our various townships. For our residential properties, we continue to see strong take-up especially in our mature townships, and there is already a consistently growing interest in our newly-launched townships,” says Kevin L. Tan, chief strategy officer, Megaworld.

Megaworld’s residential business, on the other hand, saw a double-digit growth of 11.5% in 2018 to P38.0-billion from P34.1-billion during the same period the previous year. This contributed to 66% of the total consolidated revenues during the year.

The Megaworld Group launched 25 residential projects in 2018, with a total sales value of around P106-billion. The company also achieved P135-billion worth of sales reservation during the year.

Megaworld’s hotel business, likewise, grew its revenues by about 14% to P1.5-billion compared to P1.3-billion in 2017. The company launched two new hotels last year: the 684-room Savoy Hotel Manila in Newport City, and the 126-room Twin Lakes Hotel in Twin Lakes, Laurel, Batangas. This brought the number of Megaworld Hotels to seven (7) by end-2018.

“We have gained the fruits of our expansion in the regions as we saw continuing growth in the demand for residential units as well as office and commercial spaces in our various townships across the country. Perhaps, as we build these townships, people saw the advantage of living where they work, and living where everything is just within reach. This model makes every aspect of our business viable and expandable, and we continue to spot for opportunities where we can further grow and innovate our offerings,” explains Tan.

Just several weeks ago, together with its subsidiary Empire East Land Holdings, Inc., Megaworld introduced its 24th township, the 24-hectare Highland City along F. Felix Avenue in Cainta, Rizal. It allocated P20-billion to develop the township within a 10-year period.

Over the last 30 years, the Megaworld Group has expanded its township developments across the Philippines that include: Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, (18.5 hectares); Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares); McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hectares) and Forbes Town (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); Sta. Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares); Twin Lakes in Batangas near Tagaytay (1,300 hectares); ArcoVia City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal (640 hectares); Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares); Maple Grove in General Trias, Cavite (140 hectares); The Hamptons Caliraya in Lumban-Cavinti, Laguna (300 hectares); The Upper East (34 hectares) and Northill Gateway (50 hectares) both in Negros Occidental; Capital Town Pampanga beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando (35.6-hectares); and Westside City in the Entertainment City in Paranaque City (31 hectares.)

SM Foundation scholar paints a brighter future

2019-04-07T16:33:00.002-07:00

The inspiring story of Ben Cantomayor from Oton, Iloilo is an example of trying to find the light amidst the dark realities hounding his present condition in life.

Ben Cantomayor, an SM Foundation scholar, is now a Civil Engineering student at Central Philippine University.

Ben is a college freshmen who qualified in the SM Foundation Inc.(SMFI) college scholarship program last 2018 and is now a Civil Engineering student at Central Philippine University. One could not imagine that the frail physique of this boy walks kilometers on a daily basis just to get to school in the aim of giving his family a better future when he graduates.

Consistently on top of his class, the small nipa hut with the soil as their floor is the testament of Ben’s achievement — the wall is almost covered with his medals both from his academic and extra-curricular feats.

He is a self-taught artist — his paintings hang in a small room where he rests after his daily grind with his books and school assignments.

An exceptional student, so to speak. Despite all the challenges he faces every single day, he managed to surpass these and graduate with flying colors.

What is moving in Ben’s story is he had to do all these tasks with the help of a single light bulb. Yes, it is the only light bulb in the whole house. And the family has to prioritize Ben to use the light bulb so he can study and do his homework.

The sad reality is they could not afford to buy another light bulb to at least illuminate the other parts of the house. They have to make best the use of the only light that guarantees the future of Ben to succeed.

The Cantomayor family cannot let that single light bulb to flicker or else Ben’s future is at stake.

The light bulb that helps light up Ben’s future.

The apprehension of a dark future all changed when the team of SM Foundation headed by Ms. Ling Lansang, Assistant Vice President for Education, went personally to the Cantomayor residence unimaginable kilometers away from the town proper of Oton town in Iloilo, to tell Ben and his family that the former has qualified to be an SM Foundation scholar.

His dreams for his family is now within reach as he will not worry with anything except to just focus on his studies in a university and course of his choice. His tuition and miscellaneous fees are covered and Ben will have a monthly allowance from SMFI.

SM founder Henry Sy, Sr. believes that education is the best defense against poverty. SM Foundation provide college and technical-vocational scholarship grants as well as access to primary education through school buildings to help the youth achieve their dreams.
SM also helps provide underprivileged children with better quality public education by donating school buildings and classrooms in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). DepEd identifies areas in need to help address the backlog of classrooms in accordance with national requirements. With the new and conducive environment for learning, children perform better in school and are more inspired to learn, while teachers also become more effective.

Ben may be using the same light bulb in his journey to college. But the future looks bright as hope shines with Ben’s dreams and aspirations.

Iloilo City Gov't accepts College Scholarship applications for SY 2019-2020

2019-04-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

The Iloilo City Government is now accepting college applicants for the Pag-Ulikid Scholarship for school year 2019-2020.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III said the Educational Financial Assistance Program aims to help less-privileged but deserving students in the metropolis.

The scholarship is open to all incoming first year college students who are enrolled in any course offered by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in any university here except at Iloilo City Community College.

Applicants must be residents of Iloilo City of good moral character. Both parents or legal guardian have a total income of not exceeding P200,000 per annum for the last two years.

The applicant must have obtained a general average of 85% and no final rating lower than 80% in any subjects in the final year in high school; and must obtain 85% score in the competitive exam to be given by City Government Scholarship Commission through the City Local Youth Development Division.

The applicants should submit an accomplished scholarship application form; two passport-sized colored pictures; certificate of residency issued by Punong Barangay both for the applicant and his/her parents or legal guardian; certificate from the City Commission on Elections (Comelec) that the applicant’s parents or legal guardian are registered voters of Iloilo City; Income Tax Return (ITR) if any, or both parents or the legal guardian have business or self-employed; BIR Form 2316 for 2017 and 2018 if parents or the legal guardian is employed; Tax Exemption Certificate issued by BIR if parents or legal guardian belongs to non-formal employment; Form 138; and certificate of good moral character. (Merianne Grace Ereñeta/Iloilo City Government PIO | Photos By Iloilo City Local Youth Development Office - LYDO)

SM City Iloilo sets summer trend with Fashion Nomads

2019-04-05T01:32:00.002-07:00

Local and international brands in SM City Iloilo are going to set the trend in fashion this summer as city’s young personalities walk the runway in Fashion Nomads 2019 show this April 5.

With fashion influencers Katrina Loring and Josh Sales as stylist and choreographer, respectively, this annual event at the regions' biggest mall will be featuring summer’s trendiest collections and styles perfect for the great outdoors.

In Fashion Nomads 2019, watch out for David Marsden in clothes by The SM Store and Original Penguin, Gheryka Gregorios and Ghlydel Gregorios in The SM Store, Lulu Yap in Nike Sportscenter, Stanley Ang Lee in The SM Store and Nike Sportscenter, Kimberly Sio and Krizza Perfecto in Celine and Bayo, Andrew Pe in Surplus and Forever 21.

Michael Gammelgaard will be wearing Surplus and Nike Sportscenter, Cassie Gumapas in Surplus, Beatrice Arabia and Darra Sadsad in Mag’s, Adreana Kobe Villavert and Kriselle Anotado in Apartment 8, Niel Blancaver and Jorina Jayme in Original Penguin, Trisha Jucaban, Angel Debuque and Maria Porras in Kamiseta, Bea Marie Tan, Leanna Pe and Soohyun Ban in Forever 21, and Lyndon Villaruz, Neco Baraquia and Pi Yngcong in Mossimo will rock the stage in their hip attires as this year’ ambassadors of fashion.

The show will accentuate that fashion and summer is part of our culture, and it's more than just sunny days and a pretty dress.

So troop to the trendiest Fashion event this summer 6PM of April 5 at SM Southpoint for Fashion Nomads 2019, brought to us by Forever 21, Surplus, The SM Store, Mag’s, Kamiseta, Bayo, Celine, Apartment 8, Original Penguin, Nike Sportscenter SBF Stores Specialist Inc., Mossimo, Tony and Jackey, Salon de Rose, Stretch Center and Picture City.

Visit the official Facebook page of SM City Iloilo or call (033) 3209609 and get connected to the Marketing department, for further inquiries and details of other events.

1st Baye-Baye Festival launched

2019-04-04T20:29:00.001-07:00

Barangay Cabugao Sur in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo launched its first ever Baye-Baye Festival, in celebration of over half a decade legacy of making one of Ilonggos' favorite delicacy.

Known as the top Baye-Baye makers for over 50 years now, Barangay Cabugao introduced the Baye-Baye festival to guests and tourism stakeholders during its opening on March 23, 2019. The festival focuses on showcasing the new flavors of the delicacy and attracting more tourists to try other local products.

Baye-Baye is a native delicacy made from pinipig mixed with coconut and sugar. It is sold in numerous stalls lining the highway of Santa Barbara. Locals in Cabugao Sur claim that their Baye-Baye is one of a kind because of the unique flavors they add to the ordinary Baye-Baye.

The highlight of the festival is the two-day Eat All You Can Baye-Baye, which offers different flavors for the guests and locals to try. Barangay Cabugao Sur Council headed by Mrs. Marisol J. Lacorte initiated the festival by gathering all famous Baye-Baye makers and promoting their native delicacies.

The Department of Tourism Region 6 is throwing its support the the launching of the first ever Baye-Baye Festival.

“Department of Tourism Region VI encourages the community to strengthen its local products since Cabugao Sur and the neighboring barangays have a big potential to become a one stop food destination,” DOT VI Regional Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas said. (DOT-6)

Iloilo City Library to offer puppetry

2019-04-03T19:06:00.002-07:00

The Iloilo City Public Library (ICPL) will offer puppetry-making to children as part of summer workshop this year to be held every Wednesday of May from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Registration will start in the last week of April at ICPL at second floor of City Hall.

The puppetry aims to encourage children to visit the library and to make reading as their habit.

ICPL head Marion Aguirre said all 30 ICPL staff will undergo training prior to the workshop because they will be the ones to teach the children.

“We will teach the children about the history of puppet, how to make a puppet, what are kinds of puppets and how to manipulate the puppet. This will culminate with an activity wherein the kids will have their own storytelling show using the puppets,” Aguirre said.

She explained that puppetry is the manipulation by hand or strings above of puppets in the form of animal or person to make a theatrical show.

“It is very important that at a young age, we have instilled the value of reading to children. Storytelling using puppets will attract their attention and will widen their imagination. Later on, they will be accustomed to reading without the use of any photos,” Aguirre said.

Last year, ICPL taught children to make things using recyclable materials. (Merianne Grace Ereñeta/Iloilo City PIO | File Photos By Iloilo City Public Library)

Badjaos briefed on Iloilo City's Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance

2019-04-03T17:52:00.002-07:00

A composite team of the Iloilo City Government on Tuesday gathered 13 Badjao families roaming the streets and briefed them on the Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance.

“We let them understand of the violation that they commit, the penalties and consequences of what they are doing,” Jeck Conlu, head of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), said in an interview.

Conlu said the dialogue served as their last warning. Thereafter, they will be apprehended once they are seen begging in city streets.

Adults who will be caught using their children to solicit alms will be arrested.

Their children will be endorsed to the crisis intervention unit of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
“Adults will be imprisoned for violation of our Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance,” Conlu said.

Conlu said that some of the Badjaos were the same faces sent home to Mindanao in December. Others are new faces who came via roll on –roll off (RoRo) from Batangas.

The PSTMO head added that they kept coming back to Iloilo because they feel safe here and Ilonggos are kind-hearted and generous.

The composite team is composed of the CSWDO, Iloilo City Police Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the PSTMO.

During the dialogue held at the Jaro gymnasium, Conlu said they also invited the National Commission for Indigenous People and the Commission on Human Rights.

“After this our office will already conduct operations and run after them so they will stop begging,” he added.

He also urged the public not to give alms to the Badjaos. “If they wanted to help, they can give directly to the DSWD or the CSWDO,” he said.

Meantime, through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), drivers of public utility jeepneys are to place signage on their vehicles that giving of alms has a corresponding penalty.

Conlu said that they also urged the DSWD if they can establish a facility that could provide them shelter while they are being rescued in the city and nearby municipalities.

The Badjao families are seen staying under the bridge in Barangay Buhang in Jaro district.

Others can be seen frequenting and begging from passengers of PUJs and private vehicles that stop at intersections in Barangay Taft North, Mandurriao and at General Luna near the University of the Philippines

The Badjaos that were rounded up included 11 male and 22 female adults and seven female and 22 male minors. (via PNA)

Max's Rice Bowls let's you enjoy real food for every mood

2019-04-03T00:46:00.002-07:00

Max's Restaurant wants to put you in a good mood with real food with the launching of their newest offerings: Max's Rice Bowls!

Just like how your choice of music can set your day on the right track, Max's Rice Bowls available in wide selection will surely tune your appetite and satisfy your cravings for delicious and filling Filipino food starting at Php 149.

With Max's Rice Bowls, you have the following options: Seafood Kare-Kare Rice Bowl made with a combination of shrimp, squid, and fish slow cooked in creamy peanut sauce; the Max's Spicy Tofu headlined by deep fried tofu cubes tossed in a special spicy mayo base and served with a side of fried egg; the Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet Rice Bowl made with breaded cream dory doused in a combination of sweet and tangy sauce; and the Chopsuey Rice Bowl which features a symphony of sautéed fresh vegetables, pork, shrimp, and chicken liver and gizzard.

Seafood Kare-Kare Rice Bowl at Max's Restaurant.

Chopsuey Rice Bowl.

Those looking to reward themselves can order a Rice Bowl that will make them feel like a winner in every bite like the Sizzling Chicken made with coarsely chopped fried chicken and chicken liver, spiced up with white onion,celery,and chili; the Beef Caldereta with fork-tender beef chunks in thick sauce topped with fried potatoes and carrots; and the Adobo Ribs which offers a unique twist on the classic taste of the well-loved adobo.

Spicy Tofu Rice Bowl.

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet Rice Bowl.

Speaking of classic, in the mood for one? Max's Restaurant also pays tribute to Pinoy food loved by many for generations with the Crispy Pata, deep fried pig knuckles served with banana slices and atchara, and the Kare-Kare Rice Bowl made the traditional way by slow braising ox tripe and beef shanks in thick peanut sauce and vegetables.

There is also the Bangus Belly Paksiw Rice Bowl cooked using premium milkfish belly fillet and the Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce with lightly breaded cream dory fillets lathered with red bell pepper strips, spring onions, ginger strips, and black bean sauce.

"We understand our customers when they say that their mood affects the food they want to eat," said Max's Restaurant Chief Operating Officer, Paolo Serrano. "That's why we want to make sure that whatever mood they are in, they can always come to Max's Restaurant and enjoy a bowl of rice topped with their all-time Pinoy favorites."

Ms. Arianne Ross Pombo, Trade Marketing Manager of Max's Restaurant introduces Max's Rice Bowls in an intimate and fun gathering with Iloilo media at their Robinsons Place Pavia branch.

With Max's Rice Bowls, customers can now enjoy real food fit for their every mood. And with over ten flavors to choose from, Max's has once again given its diners a reason to celebrate Every Day To The Max!

For more information, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant.

Guimaras, DENR 6 ink MOA on Cabano river water, air quality

2019-04-02T17:25:00.002-07:00

The Province of Guimaras and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6 have forged a partnership for the water classification of Cabano River and ambient air quality monitoring.

The Provincial Government of Guimaras represented by Governor Samuel T. Gumarin has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Dr. Sophie T. Manuel, CESO V of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region VI on April 2, 2019 at StarGazer Inn, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.

DENR, through EMB was mandated by Republic Act 9275 titled "An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Water Quality Management and for other Purposes", also known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and Republic Act 8749 known as the "Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999" to identify all other measures necessary for the effective control and abatement of air and water pollution and include control strategies and control measures to be undertaken within a specified time period, including cost-effective use of economic incentives, management strategies, collection action, and environmental education and information.

Governor Samuel T. Gumarin cited that this deal of the province is in line with its life-long vision along with the recently approved Provincial Ordinance 2018-06 known as ICM ordinance of the Province of Guimaras.

"This program is in line with our vision “Guimaras is the Agri-Tourism Capital of the region with empowered, self-reliant and healthy families enjoying a progressive economy which is anchored on the principles of sustainable development. We have the Provincial Ordinance No. 2018-06 known as the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) of the province with a policy framework that is aligned with international standards which aims to strengthen governance and in addressing aspects of sustainable development specifically pollution reduction and waste management," Governor Gumarin said.

“We have three major water sheds namely, Sibunag River, Cabano and Mantangingi River water shed but only Sibunag River water shed has been classified with the assistance from DENR and now we have the Cabano river to be classified to know the water quality of the river and how we going to utilized and protect for the future generation, for air, we have designated air sheds in the province,” he added.

The said program aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize air and water pollution through a multi-sectoral participatory approach involving all the stakeholders.

The DENR is the primary government agency responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Act, with the support of other government organizations, local government units, non -government organizations and the private sector.

Moreover, Dr. Sophie T. Manuel, CESO V of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) expressed her gratitude to the Province of Guimaras for coming up with the MOA.

"Thank you for coming up of this memorandum of agreement, this is a rare MOA kasi dun sa classification kasama na ang ambient air at saka ang water classification, makikita mo talaga na ang commitment ng province for the protection of the environment ay malaki," she said.

SMHCC opens 3rd Park Inn by Radisson in Iloilo City

2019-04-02T07:59:00.001-07:00

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp (SMHCC) finally opened Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. This is the third Park Inn hotel in SMHCC's portfolio and is the first hotel under its licensing agreement with Radisson Hotel Group (RHG).

Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo enjoys a prime location next to SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao. The hotel is 25 minutes away from Iloilo International Airport and is strategically located near the city's main commercial district, tourist attractions, museums and historical landmarks.

The hotel offers a vibrant ambiance and complimentary high-speed Internet for unlimited connectivity. Its all-day dining restaurant Ani provides a hip setting in which groups can meet over exciting food and beverage options.

Ani, all-day dining resto at Park Inn Iloilo.

Also available is Dash, a convenient self-serve section which offers busy travelers a variety of ready-to-eat choices that can be consumed on-the-go.

The "Living Room" concept allows guests at the lobby to socialize and provides an intimate space for individuals who wish to unwind through reading or surfing the net. For recreation, the hotel has a gym as well as a swimming pool for both adults and children.

The Living Room at Park Inn Iloilo.

Swimming pool for adults and kids at Park Inn Iloilo.

"We are elated with this new milestone in SMHCC's growth. We are confident that this new landmark in Iloilo will add to the city's vibrant tourism landscape and set a new benchmark in hospitality in Panay Island," says SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles.

Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo also provides choice venues for meetings and social events. The main function room can accommodate a maximum of 100 guests which makes it an ideal venue for small to mid-sized events while an al fresco facility by the poolside caters to relaxing early evening functions.

SMHCC Executive VP Peggy Angeles and Park Inn Iloilo Manager Walid El Zeer during the press briefing.

Park Inn by Radisson is a friendly, fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated brand that focuses on delivering the modern essentials of a great hotel experience. It is an upper midscale hotel brand that delivers stress-free experiences, good food and upbeat environments.

Park Inn by Radisson hotels are in capital cities, around economic and transit hubs, and conveniently situated near airports and railway stations. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Park Inn by Radisson by participating in Radisson Rewards, a global loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards.

DOT-6 director Atty. Helen Catalbas, SMHCC Exec. VP Peggy Angeles, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III, SMHCC President Elizabeth Sy, and Park Inn Iloilo Manager Walid El Zeer at Park Inn Iloilo opening ceremony.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) earlier announced the expansion of its portfolio, doubling its current hotel room inventory and growing leasable convention space by the year 2020. The growth in guestrooms cover hotel as well as in the planned serviced apartments while the development of new SMX Convention Centers in key cities further cements its position as the country's premier conventions and events destination.

SMHCC portfolio is comprised of six (6) hotel properties with a combined inventory of over 1,700 rooms and over 38,000 sq. m. of leasable convention space. The list of properties under SMHCC includes Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and the SMX Convention Centers.

DOST-SEI releases 2019 Scholarship Results, announces 633 WV qualifiers

2019-04-01T18:25:00.001-07:00

ILOILO CITY – Out of 9,852 qualifiers nationwide, a total of 633 senior high school students from Western Visayas qualified for the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) 2019 RA 7687 also known as the “Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994” and Merit Scholarship Program formerly known as the NSDB or NSTA Scholarship under RA No. 2067, administered last October 21, 2018 nationwide, there having 464 passers for the former and 169 for the latter.

DOST is devoted to accelerating the development of science and technology for socio-economic development. The Science and Technology (S&T) Scholarship Program is available for both undergraduate and graduate level scholarships, to those who meet the minimum grade requirement and those qualified by the S&T Scholarship Examination. DOST offers three undergraduate scholarship programs– RA 7687 Scholarship, DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program and the RA 10612, known as Junior Level Science Scholarship.

RA 7687 Scholarship (RA 7687) provides scholarship slots to poor but deserving students whose families’ annual gross incomes do not exceed the poverty threshold limit. The other scholarship referred to as DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program is awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics and are willing to pursue careers in the fields of science and technology.

On the other hand, RA 10612 or Junior Level Science Scholarship is offered to third year college students who are enrolled in S&T Priority courses at any State Universities and Colleges (SUC), other private universities or colleges that are with CHED compliant programs, CHED identified Centers of Excellence (COE) or Centers of Development (COD) for the priority S&T courses and Institutions with FAAP Level III Accreditation.

FULL LIST OF QUALIFIERS: https://wp.me/paMLct-Ia

The said qualifiers shall enjoy financial benefits which include tuition subsidy, monthly stipend, book allowance, and others.
The implementation of these scholarships supports its primary goal of increasing the number of scientists and engineers that will help boost knowledge creation and economic productivity in the country. The execution of the K to 12 law is supported by creating a pool of scholar-graduates that can competently teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the basic education level.

S&T scholars will be required to render service to the country upon graduation for a period equivalent to the number of years they availed of the said scholarship. Likewise, the RA 7687 and Merit scholars are expected to work along their fields of specialization while those under RA 10612 shall serve as STEM teachers in any public or private high school in the country.

The list of 2019 DOST Scholarship Examination Region VI passers can be viewed at DOST Region VI Facebook page. Meanwhile, the full list of passers can be accessed through DOST-SEI website.(DOST6/JRAGabiota)

25 Seniors join Iloilo City Tour

2019-04-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

The Iloilo City Tourism and Development Office (CTDO) offered free guided tour to 25 female senior citizens March 29 as part of National Women’s Month celebration.

Senior Citizens tours Museum of Philippine Economic History.

“Our senior citizens have a lot of stories to tell to their children and grandchildren, and we thought that senior citizens need to be updated of the latest developments in our city, that is why we organized a free guided tour for them,” CTDO head, Junel Ann Divinagracia.

The seniors visited the Museum of Philippine Economic History at old Commission on Audit (COA) building along J.M. Basa Street and Camiña Balay nga Bato in Arevalo district, among others. Divinagracia said some senior citizens volunteered to become site guides.

“They also want the idea that they will become site guides wherein they will be situated for example in one area and every time that we have free guided tour to our guests, they will be the ones to explain about the place,” Divinagracia explained.

“This is another way also of promoting our tourism among guests since the senior citizens have rich stories to tell,” she added.
CTDO will organize a free tour among front-liners including receptionists, vendors, drivers, and government or non-government employees after the Holy Week this April.

The initiative started December last year.

The “Joyride Ta” tour program aims to raise the level of awareness of recipients about the city’s history and familiarize them of the tourist spots. (Merianne Grace Ereñeta/Iloilo City PIO)

Ilonggos celebrate Earth Hour at SM City Iloilo

2019-03-30T15:06:00.001-07:00

Various groups from the public and private sectors join the celebration of Earth Hour in Iloilo City last March 30, 2019.

The event, held at the SM Southpoint of SM City Iloilo, was an overwhelming success, as it showed strength in numbers in combating and reducing the effects of climate change that the world is facing.

Together with Alima Community, Artvism, Federation Sun Yat Sen Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe, City Sports, PCD School of Performing Arts, University of the Philippines - Choristers, Red Cross Youth Iloilo Chapter, West Visayas University, Park-Inn by Radisson Iloilo ,the Iloilo City Government represented by Mayor Jose Espinosa III together with councilors Dylee Zulueta and Mandrie Malabor, the Iloilo Provincial Government represented by PENRO, Boys Scout of the Philippines, Girls Scout of the Philippines and with the support of Davies Paints, this year's Earth Hour Celebration was a meaningful event, as it signified the support of the partners in this global movement for the environment.

The mall including its tenants, together with SM Strata and Park-Inn by Radisson Iloilo turned off major lightings in their respective establishments, in observance of Earth Hour. Spreading awareness through art, Alima Community painted a mural in a wall near the entrance of SM Southpoint.

IN PHOTOS: Girls Scouts of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter joins Earth Hour 2019; Participants raise their phone lights after the major lights in the mall premises were turned off; The PCD School of Performing Arts offers a dance for the environment; Federation Sun Yat Sen Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe bang the drums signaling the lights off for Earth Hour; Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III leads the lights off countdown; SM City Iloilo Asst. Mall Manager Jasmine Linn Maquiling welcomes the guests from the public and private sectors to the Earth Hour 2019 celebration.

This year's events focuses on sustainable efforts and partnerships that contribute to the well-being of the community in particular and the environment in general.

SM City Iloilo continues to support advocacies for the environment as its corporate social responsibility in making a clean and safe environment for all.

Lucio Tan, Jr. On Why Sustainability is Important in Business

2019-03-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

As it celebrates the success of its 165 years, Tanduay Distillers, Inc. (TDI) looks to the future by doing its share in protecting the earth's resources. TDI President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio "Bong" Tan, Jr. sees the company continuing the green initiatives it started years back and looking for ways to make its operations even more environmentally friendly.

"We always strive to find a healthy balance between environmental development and operational efficiency. We have realized this long ago in Tanduay, we never stopped in looking for better ways to ensure we do our part for the sake of the environment to ensure the future of our business," he said.

According to Tan Jr., stakeholders do not only demand strong business performance, but for business organizations to champion socially and environmentally sustainable as well as responsible business practices.

Sustainability should be part of the company’s corporate DNA, he said, emphasizing how the transformation to a zero-waste facility of TDI’s distillery in Batangas has provided greater value for business over the years.

“Businesses need to level up our game in making environmentally sound decisions in our operations. As a result of transferring into sustainable business practices, we were able to derive, direct and indirect values, that improved our processes and our relationships to our stakeholders,” he added.

Under Tan, Jr., TDI has taken on various green initiatives through its award-winning distillery, Absolut Distillers, Inc. (ADI), in Lian, Batangas. These include the following: the establishment of a bioethanol facility with an expected production volume of 3 million liters per month; the operation of a 2.04-megawatt solar power plant; initiating an orga-ponics operation where it makes use of its distillery effluent (slop) as the main fertilizer of its plants; registering in the Anaerobic Digester Project of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Project of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol (a UN-sponsored program that aims to reduce harmful gas emissions into the environment).

These initiatives were recognized by various environmental organizations. In 2011, it received the International Green Apple Environment Award from the Green Organisation at the British House of Commons in London, England. ADI was cited for "viewing their waste products as commodities." The distillery operation of TDI has, likewise, been lauded and has received multiple awards from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). I

"As a company that operates a manufacturing plant, we are very much aware of the role we play in making sure that the products we make should not be to the detriment of the resources we use. We want our operations to be environmentally sustainable not just for our own benefit, but for the good of the community and people we serve," Tan Jr. concluded.

Earth Hour at SM City Iloilo highlights sustainable community efforts

2019-03-27T16:54:00.003-07:00

Major lights will be put off at SM City Iloilo as the mall continues it advocacy to join the global movement for the environment.

This March 30, 2019, SM City Iloilo will once again celebrate Earth Hour at SM Southpoint with a program which will start as early as 5:30 in the afternoon.

This year’s event focuses on sustainable efforts and partnerships, that contribute to the well-being of the community in particular and the environment in general.

ALIMA COMMUNITY . This award-winning, artist-led enterprise based in Iloilo invests on “immersive collaborations through slow, enduring, and sustainable approaches and strategies.” Partnering with Ilonggo women artists, Alima Community currently has three brands under their belt, namely: Rofil, referring to jewelry made of wild vine and endemic seeds from Barotac Viejo; Kataw, accessories from beach trash and sea debris from San Joaquin; and Himbon, up-cycled nostalgic totes from San Joaquin. Alima also offers creative workshops and programs under The Nest Program, which is aimed at instilling the idea of “art for the self [as equal to] art for society” for attendees and trainees.

ARTIVISM. Deeply inspired by the textural stories of the streets and the impact of public art, Artivism came to be. Initiated by Alima Community founders in 2017, British Council of the Philippines offered a collaboration which paved the way to one of the most-attended art event in Iloilo. After a massive reception for the first event which involved 50 artists from various fields, Artivism has been brought much closer to the local communities with the aim of spreading social awareness. Artivism aspires to sustain the energy of oneness - that art does not exclude anyone - in education, in vision. A wall mural will be initiated by the group at the premises of SM Southpoint.

The Earth hour celebration will start with live acoustic performances to be followed by the showing of the Earth Hour and Global videos.

The West Visayas State University and Sun Yat Sen Highschool will prepare for the Connect to Earth formation and drum up the celebration, respectively, before the lights-off at 8:30pm, wherein the countdown will be led by no less than Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III together with mall representatives and Alima Community.

The PCD School of Performing Arts and the UPV Choristers will keep the night alive with their musical performances. A Taekwondo demonstration will also be an attraction courtesy of City Sports.

SM City Iloilo continues to support the celebration since the launch of the first-ever Earth Hour in Iloilo, as a venue of this very important undertaking for mother earth, together with public and private groups, civil society organizations and other partners who pledge for a better environment for all.

The mall emphasizes its support with the concerned agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6, who have been a partner of the mall in various advocacies, in keeping with the initiatives that promote sustainable care for the environment.

For inquiries on how you and your group can join the Earth Hour celebration in SM City Iloilo, you can visit the official Facebook page of the mall or call (033) 3209609 and request to be connected to the Marketing Department.

Army tells tourists to avoid Iloilo mountain spots

2019-03-27T04:02:00.004-07:00

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday asked tourists to stay away from the mountains in the towns Miagao, Igbaras, and San Joaquin while the military’s operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels are ongoing.

One of the most prominent summits in Iloilo, Mount Napulak in Igbaras. Photo by Bert Esposado.

“We had four encounters recently and as commander of the 61st, I advise tourists to stay away from the hinterlands of these towns because they might be caught in the encounters,” Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot Jr., commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), said in an interview.

The advice to avoid going to these tourist attractions in the mountains is also part of the preventive measures of the Army for the coming 50th founding anniversary of the NPA on March 29.

Magbalot anticipates that the rebels will mark their celebrations with atrocities and harassments of AFP detachments.

Magbalot was referring to the series of clashes that occurred in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17; Barangay Osorio-2 in San Remegio, Antique on March 19; Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 20; and the latest encounter on Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo on Sunday.

He clarified that the advice came from him as commander of the 61IB and not a policy from the local government unit and tourism agency.

Meanwhile, Miagao Mayor Macario Napulan welcomed the advice of the Army.

In a phone interview, Napulan said the local government unit will “control” the situation in the hinterlands until the Army gives a go-signal for these areas to be safe for the tourists to visit.

“During Holy Week, tourists mostly visit Tinagong Dagat in Barangay Ongyod and Kabugsokan Falls in Barangay Dalije,” he said, adding that the local government will heed the Army’s caution for the public’s safety.

Napulan said the whole of Miagao remains peaceful as Army’s combat operations are located far from populated areas. (By Gail Momblan, PNA | Photo by Bert Esposado)