Feature:

A Visit to Molo Church

By Pepin

Iloilo’s history won’t be complete without mentioning the Parish of St. Anne, or more popularly known as the Molo Church. This historical landmark is exceptional in so many ways and it has been a famous stopover among tourists visiting the city of love.

The church is a gothic-inspired architecture, and everything you will see on its façade will make you feel you are standing in front of one of the cathedrals of Medieval England. The two striking belfries that sit on robust foundations give perfect outlines, especially when you are standing from afar.

But what is more interesting about the church is its interior. When you enter the front door, sixteen female saints (eight are standing on each side of the aisle) will welcome you, aside from the two life-sized figures of archangels San Miguel and San Rafael. They were all flawlessly chiselled and painted that they can enthral you by simply looking in their eyes.

There are five altars, the biggest one is at the center and houses St. Anne’s figure. On both sides are two smaller versions of the large altar, and they bear images of Jesus Christ and other significant saints. All the altars were carved out of wood and were properly fashioned to harmonize with the façade of the church. Moreover, some noteworthy events in the bible and of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary were engraved at the bottom part of each, making them look more divine.

Up to this date, Molo Church continues to serve as an inspiration to the faithful followers of Jesus Christ, as well as a reminder of a well-heeled cultural heritage of the Ilonggos.

Feature:

Spotlight: Bugas sa Lusong Festival

By Pepin

I had a chance to check out what the municipality of Bugasong, Antique had in store for me during their annual fiesta. And to my surprise, there were a lot more than what I expected.

The town’s name is a construction of “Bugas sa lusong,” which describes the traditional method of separating the rice grain from its hull. “Lusong” is a common farm equipment chiselled out of a sturdy piece of wood. It looks like a huge version of mortar and pestle and used in a similar way, only that you need to exert more effort and control.

The Bugas sa Lusong Festival that the town celebrated last January 18 drove hundreds of spectators from all across the province. Even tourists and balik-bayans from different parts of the globe had a chance to witness the town’s finest celebration. I came cynical about it at first, but I’m glad that my expectations were relieved after I saw and felt what this festivity was all about.

The week-long celebration was jam-packed with several activities, including cultural presentations and a fashion show. But the highlight of the event was the Ati-ati Kayumbog Competition, which I thought was similar to that of the Ati-atihan Festival of Kalibo, Aklan or the Dinagyang of Iloilo. This one was entirely a different event, and instead of the warriors dancing for Sr. Sto. Nino (The Holy Child Jesus), it was the ati’s way of life that was showcased to the viewing public.

There were only three competing tribes for this year’s edition, and each one showcased a unique presentation. The people in the audience enjoyed a great time and at the end they came to realize how precious the Ati culture was. For instance, this festival made me value the ati’s indigenous ways, such as the Pangayam (hunting), Pamulong (faith healing), and how they turned towards Sr. Sto Nino for their faith. I also had fun running away from ati’s doing the Pamuling (marking one’s face with charcoal).

I left the town mesmerized by its talented people and friendly atmosphere. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t go back there in the future. There’s more that I need to discover and rediscover and that includes their Patadyong products, native dishes, and spectacular sites.

Feature:

Iloilo Dog Lovers on the web



"JUMPER" by Harold Demaisip

By Pepin

Dog lovers from all over Iloilo and the world can now meet through the web. The Iloilo Dog Lovers official website and Facebook page allow canine enthusiasts to share their photos and experiences with their dog buddies to everyone, as well as to get to know more friends who share them same passion.

These sites feature a photo and video gallery and a discussion board for those who want to sell puppies or offer a stud service. Schedules of dog shows and competitions are also posted there.

Here are some fan photos at the Iloilo Dog Lovers Facebook page:

"JACOB" by Warren Joe Suelo

"SARABEE" by Connie Delarama Narciso

"CHIKO" by Jiji Sy Tumbleweed

"FUEGO" by Marlo Arquisola





Events:

It's Dagyang time once again

in the city of love

By Pepin


Groovin' during the Kapamilya
Dinagyang Dance Showdown

 Iloilo city, home of the Dinagyang Festival, is more than ready to rock the world this 2011 with the loudest drum beats and the flamboyant display of culture.

With a theme of “Iloilo’s Finest, Nation’s Best,” this year’s edition of the world class festival will again set a new height in Philippine cultural celebration and will aim to further boost the tourism industry of the country. People from different parts of the globe will travel to Iloilo, known as the city of love, to witness the spectacular event that takes place every fourth Sunday of January.

During the first few days of the 2011, several activities have already taken place. These include the Kapamilya Dinagyang Dance Showdown at SM City Iloilo, and the Dressing up the Dagoy Doll at Robinson’s Place Iloilo. The gorgeous delegates for the 2011 Miss Dinagyang Pageant have already been revealed to the public, and they will be competing in various pageant activities, including a talent show. The final pageant night will be hosted by one of the sought-after actors in the country today, Derek Ramsay.

Dressing up the Dagoy doll contest held at Robinson's Place Iloilo

Heating up the dancefloor during Kapamilya

Dinagyang Dance Showdown

Other activities to watch out for are Luces in the sky pyro-musical display, Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika, Sponsors Mardi Gras, The Little Miss Dinagyang, and the Dinagyang Photo Exhibit.

Dinagyang 2011 will be another blast in Iloilo’s history, as more and more people will bear witness to this undisputed event that only happens in a city that serves as the heart of the country.

Feature:

Estaka Hill narrates vital details of Antique’s history

By Pepin

Sitting high above the sea, Estaka Hill has served many purposes in the past and became a witness of how brave and strong-minded the forefathers of Bugasong, Antique were.

The rich history reflected on its huge and mucky stones is more than just a tale of victory. Estaka was once a sanctuary of people living in fear and pains of war. It is also where valiant warriors of the town would sharpen their arrows and wedges, and prepare a combat plan against the Moro tribe.

The winding path leading to
the hill top.

Overlooking the blue sea, this present-day landmark was also a watch tower. Locals would often share that whenever an opponent’s sea vessel was spotted afar, a signal will be transmitted to the bell-ringer of the town church, which in turn will toll a very large bell to warn all people of possible attacks. Unfortunately, the bell was stolen from the town a long time ago and it is still missing up to this date.

Today, a robust pile of colossal stones still supports Estaka Hill. The local government made some renovations on the site, turning it into a watch pad, where tourists can have a breathtaking view of the entire town of Bugasong and the mountainous landscape that surrounds it.