Feature:

Iloilo’s Rising Fast

By Pepin

The new Iloilo City Hall during its construction (Photo Credit to skyscrappercity.com.)

A decade of waiting is almost over. Ten years ago, Ilonggos dream of a highly urbanized city, but the aspiration seemed far-fetched. But today, the metropolitan is gaining more momentum as more businesses are coming in and job opportunities flourish.

Ayala Technohub (Photo Credit to foursquare.com)

New investments in real estates and commercial centers are expected to surface at the end of the year, with two new shopping centers being established at present. Gaisano Capital in the town of Oton and Robinson’s Supermarket in Molo District are both under construction, and will serve the Ilonggo population in the second quarter of the year. 

In addition, there are also condominiums and highly-sophisticated hotels proposed to open in the last quarter of 2012. Call center facilities are also coming into view in various parts of the city, and health care institutions, like Iloilo Mission Hospital, Iloilo Doctor’s Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital, and Medicus Diagnostic Centers are currently upgrading their facilities to better serve the people. 

Paraw Regatta (Photo credit to ceajan.com)

The city government is also investing on tourism and infrastructure projects. In fact, it has fortified the Dinagyang, Kasadyahan, and Paraw Regatta festivals by providing all the possible support needed so as to maintain Iloilo’s status as “home of the best festivals in the country.” 

Mayor Jed Mabilog and his team are implementing policies and strategies to decongest traffic, as well as to create more public-friendly infrastructures, such as walk paths, bridges, and wider roads. New ordinances were created to better discipline offenders and protect the rights and well-being of the citizens, and the new City Hall is already in full operation and promises to provide high quality services to the people.

Iloilo was expected to rise twenty years from now, but with the latest developments, the city will prosper sooner as expected.

Announcement:

"Winning takes talent, 

to repeat takes character."

Panay Mud Pie Congratulates

Photo credit to Demotix.com

 TRIBU PAN-AY 

(Fort San Pedro National High School)

Representing the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo

for being the CHAMPION in the 10th Aliwan Fiesta

held in Manila City Philippines last April 15, 2012

and

Photo credit to Mark Albert Alejo Cruz

 TRIBU SALAKAYAN 

(Municipality of Miag-ao, Iloilo)

Representing  the Kasadyahan Festival of Iloilo

for being a Runner-Up in the 10th Aliwan Fiesta

held in Manila City Philippines last April 15, 2012

 

Feature:

The Wealth of our Community

by Pepin

Baye-baye
(Photo Credit to flavorsofiloilo.com)

Panay is a big community comprised of hundreds of smaller sub-groups that live a culture of their own. But despite the differences, people manage to live cordially and work as one towards progress.

Various crafts and expertise flourish because there are plenty of avenues to enhance them. That is why in Panay region alone, one can name a famous author, like Magdalena Jalandoni; a brave leader, like Evelio Javier; and a world-renowned singer, just like Jed Madela.

There are also painters, lawyers, doctors, nurses, businessmen, beauty queens, entertainers, and engineers that excel in their own respective craft.

Evelio Javier

Digging deeper to the culture of Panay, there are interesting tales to tell, such as old-time favorite folklores of Capiz that talks about supernatural encounters and magical experiences. There are also miracles and beliefs that originated from the region, as well as popular personal accounts of faith. The locals have everything to tell about these.

Moreover, there are savoury foods to taste. Baye-baye, for example, is a perfect past-time and travel treat. Made from sticky rice and coconut ingredients, this popular delicacy in many parts of Antique and Iloilo is a sought by tourists visiting the region. Other “must-eats” are biscocho (butter toast), pinasugbo (caramelized banana fries), and binakol na manok (chicken and coconut soup).

But the best way to tell the wealth of one culture is through its people. The unwavering smiles, the sweet-sound of various dialects spoken around the region, and the enthusiastic energy of every individual strongly define the culture of a large community that lives harmoniously in the spectacular island of Panay.

(Right photo: A painting, entitled "HARVEST" by Anthony Geduspan of Guimbal, Iloilo. It shows the simple everyday life of people in Panay region. Photo credit to iloveiloilo.wordpress.com)

Feature:

Travelling with Faith: 

The Parish of St. John de Sahagun

Tigbauan, Iloilo

By Pepin

Travelling in Iloilo during lent will not be complete without a stopover at Tigbauan church. The parish of Saint John de Sahagun has stood the test of time, and at present it remains as one of the unique architectural structures in the country.

The façade of the church dates back to the Spanish era when Catholicism was developing in the country. It is overwhelming with intricate carvings out of yellow lime stones that features some symbols of the Augustinian order. The three bell towers, two of similar size and shape and another large one at the left, have become prominent landmarks of the town. 

Transfiguration mosaic

Mosaic art about the life story of Jesus Christ

Mosaic art depicting the various images of the Blessed Virgin Mary

But what is more fascinating is the interior of the church that contains huge wall mosaics depicting the life story of Jesus Christ. At the center of the altar shows a unique interpretation of the transfiguration, while on the sides are the stories of the Stations of the Cross. Moreover, at both sides of the altar are mosaic masterpieces showing the different images of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The receptacle that contains portions of the bones of St. John.

The church also house portions of the bone of St. John de Sahagun. It was entrusted by the Vatican to the parish for safekeeping in 2004. These bone pieces were place in a receptacle and are available for public viewing.  

The solemn atmosphere around the church is perfect for a heartfelt reflection during the season of Lent.