The Treñas Boulevard Iloilo River Esplanade Inaugural Day Event

Photo courtesy of Francis Allan Angelo

Treñas Boulevard is one of the City's shining new landmark. And swiftly, it has been renovated and transformed into what is now known as the Esplanade or the Treñas Boulevard Esplanade. Now this ESPLANADE will have its formal opening on August 18, 2012. The Inaugural Rites will start at 8 AM and expected to grace the event will be Senators Franklin Drilon and Loren Legarda together with boxing superstar and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao. Here is the complete schedule of the Esplanade Opening Day Events...

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
6:00 AM Morning Aerobics Exercises
7:00 AM Religious Mass
8:00 AM Blessing & Inauguration of the Iloilo River Esplanade
9:00 AM First Senator Franklin Drilon Cup Dragon Boat Competition
10:00 AM The Baroto Race
3:00 PM Battle of the Bands
6:00 PM GMA Kapuso Night
7:00 PM Concert at the Esplanade: Bloom Brothers and Sugar Free
8:00 PM Awarding of Dragon Boat Cup Winners
9:00 PM Fireworks Display

Beautified to have the feel of a park-like atmosphere, this Esplanade covers the stretch of walkway frm the diversion road area up till the Carpenter's Bride in Molo. Envisioned as an eco-park, recreational and fun area, the Esplanade will be an ideal place for children and adult work-out buffs, bicycle enthusiasts and other fitness-loving aficionados. Trees and other ornamental plants are planted to enhance its scenery. Food kiosks will be provided to cater the needs of park-goers. This project will definitely boost the city's tourism industry as well as an avenue for social recreations in the metropolis with fast rising developments and home of famous historical landmarks. It hosts viewing decks and trees beautifying the Esplanade which will serve as a leisure place for a respite from busy city life but without going too far.

The designer of this Esplanade project is the well-respected architect Paolo Alcazaren who also designed the Singapore quay and river esplanade.

2 MORE ESPLANADES PLANNED
From the looks of it, the ESPLANADE is already a landmark that will surely be loved by Ilonggos and its visitors alike. And in connection with this, the City Government is already setting its sights on to building two (2) more Esplanades in two separate sites. This was announced by city mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog recently after Ilonggo Senator Franklin M. Drilon approved the proposal to extend the project to two more sites along the river.

The second esplanade project will be from the Carpenter’s Bridge going to Sooc and the third project will be from the Diversion road up to the Jalandoni Bridge.

Now, that is really something to look forward to as well. Especially that one of the second planned Esplanades will seem to connect with the Treñas Boulevard Esplanade. Well, for now, let's enjoy this newly finished one.

STOOP SALE [March 5 to 9, 2012]

STOOP SALE is an ultimate GARAGE SALE and BAZAAR which is being held from March 5, 2012 [Monday] until March 9, 2012 [Friday] at the PNB [Philippine National Bank] General Luna Activity Area. You can expect lots of neat n' cool stuff. OAKLEY SHADES! SLIGHTLY USED NIKE, HOLLISTER , AEROPOSTALE, & GUESS SHRITS, SOME BRANDED & INTERESTING STUFFS, BABY STUFF, CAR PARTS, SPEAKERS, ETC.. Check out FierceAlice IsFierce booth. We have brand new branded clothings, dresses, jeans, pre-loved items, Fashion and anime contact lenses and other interesting finds. Shop for a cause too, as proceeds will be donated to Silaw Foundation Inc for the education of children caught between armed conflict in Tapaz Capiz

SM City 3-Day Sale

SM City Iloilo will once again hold their 3-day sale, on March 16, 17, & 18, 2012. Up to 70% Off on great selections. You can also get a chance to win 1 of 3 HP430 Notebook PC. Dont Miss it!

Robinsons Mall Iloilo Events & Summer Sale

Robinsons Mall Iloilo will once again hold their Hot Summer Sale, on March 16, 17, & 18, 2012. Up to 50% Off on selected items. You can also Check out Robinsons Mall activities lined up for this month! CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA OUTBOUND on March 3, MR. & MS. ST. THERESE MTC on March 4, ARAW NG BUNTIS on March 10, & the ROBINSONS SINGING STAR CONTEST on March 11! Dont miss these events!

The Sizzling Arra Pascual comes to party in Iloilo

Hot and Sexy FHM Model Arra Pascual is coming to Iloilo, and she is going to party at FLOW Superclub this coming Saturday March 3, 2012. Arra, or rather, DJ Arra Pascual is obviously not only a model, but is also a DJ, and she is the Brand Ambassador for Pioneer CDJ to the Philippines. DJ Arra writes songs and is also a multimedia artist as well.

DJ Arra will be spinning along with the Team F DJ's DJ Eric Gella, DJ Jason David, DJ Kreng Detablan, DJ Arvin Ong, MC Dax, and MC Archie. Door charge is at P150. Call 3213818 or 5080200 for VIP reservations

[note: we spelled "comes" correctly]

Paraw Regatta 2012

Aside from the fact that Iloilo is an ideal place to go to for the beaches around it, it should also be noted that Iloilo holds a Paraw Regatta which is not just a mere race of sailboats, but this is also an event that boasts the creativity and art of Ilonggo craftsmanship. The sailboats are also judged by their artistic beauty, because the sails are usually painted with colorful, wonderful, and artistic designs. Aside from the regatta itself, there are also various concerts and parties that go along with this event.

Of course there is also the Sinamba sa Paraw Regatta which is a dance and parade festival that celebrates the Paraw Regatta festivities. One may describe this as a combination of the Brazilian Carnival parade and the Dinagyang format. While it is a festival-add-on that was made just a couple of years ago, it obviously has the makings of a festival that would be as scorchingly intense as the Dinagyang festival.

Jaro Fiesta 2012

On February 2 is the Fiesta of the Jaro district of Iloilo. This is Iloilo City's most prominent district which was itself a city during the Spanish era. The fiesta is one of the grandest fiestas of the city because of the procession, parades, and the well-known cockfighting competitions at the Iloilo Coliseum, where cockfighting aficionados (including the likes of Manny Pacquiao) from all over the Philippines converge.

Jaro is also a place where one can find many old mansions that are a testament to the Spanish architectural influence on the country. The Jaro cathedral is the site where one can find the statue of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of the Candles), which was canonically crowned by the late Pope John Paul II during his visit in 1982; it remains the only religious statue in the Philippines to have been personally crowned by a Pope.
This year, February 2 is on a Thursday.

The Chinese New Year Celebration in Iloilo City

As much as we anticipate the upcoming Dinagyang Celebration, the City of Iloilo is also anticipating the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities. As we all know, Iloilo City's Chinese New Year celebration boasts as the first Chinese new year celebration outside Metro Manila and is often considered the biggest Chinese New Year celebration in the Philippines, even bigger than in Manila’s Chinatown. With the help of local prominent Chinoy business organizations, the City's Chinese Schools, the City Government, and many other supporters, the Iloilo City Chinese New Year Celebration is something that everybody should not simply miss. (These photos are from the previous Chinese New Year Celebrations in Iloilo)

Dinagyang 2012 officially launches this November 11, 2011

The 44th celebration next year of this city’s premier festival, the Dinagyang, will be officially launched on Nov. 11, 2011.

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said it will be a grand Dinagyang 2012 as Ilonggos celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Year, marking the 75th year of the city’s Charter.
Venue of the launching will be at SM City mall, though the program and other plans related to the festival are still being finalized, according to city tourism officer Benito Jimena.

Traffic Advisory concerning Iloilo City Charter Day Celebration

The City Council, City of Iloilo has announced a traffic advisory for events in connection with the upcoming 74th ILOILO CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION.

First off, there will be a Charter Day FOOD FESTIVAL AND CONCERT OF ILONGGO ARTISTS at the Iznart-Delgado-Valeria areas. There will be a Temporary road closure from Corner Iznart and Delgado Sts., to Corner Valeria and Delgado Sts.from 6:00 PM of Aug. 19, 2011 to 12:00 Midnight of August 20, 2011.
As for the details of the Concert [such as the names of the bands], this page will be updated for those details. So Please do come back...

Then, there is also the NIGHT RUN [fun run event] at SM City Iloilo in celebration of the 74th Iloilo Charter Day and for the benefit of the 1Meal Program. This Fun Run Event will cover areas around the Diversion Road.

The Iloilo SME Fair 2011

SME Week to showcase new Ilonggo product designs
by TWVillavert
source: P.I.A.

ILOILO CITY, July 1 (PIA) -- Thirty-one Ilonggo producers will showcase their newest designs for this year’s conduct of SME Fair as part of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development week.

The Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Provincial Office said that the SME Fair, now on its 6th year of showcasing the finest of Ilonggo skills and creativity, will be held at SM City Iloilo from July 3 to 9, 2011.

With the theme “Pinoy SMEs Business Tayo”, the activity is the government’s drive to encourage more Ilonggos to participate in the SME sector.

The DTI-Iloilo Provincial Office spearheads the activity with the Business Counselors League of Iloilo, and in coordination with the Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council.

To further boost economic activity in the SME field, the fair will also serve as venue to promote the products in the local market and to the visiting tourists, buyer or investors.

According to the press report of Mutya Delamota of DTI, the three major sectors--- Processed Food, Gifts, Decors and Housewares and Health Wellness will be showcased during the SME Fair.

The SME Development Week is part of the government’s program to support the growth of SMEs nationwide.
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July 3 - 9, 2011
SM City-Iloilo Activity Center
Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue
West Diversion Road Mandurriao
Iloilo City, Philippines

List of Exhibitors

*FOOD
Sweet’nes Fine Homemade Delicacies
Badiangan Ginger Planters and Producers Coop
Ninfel Pasalubong Center
Anilao LGU/Anileña Bags for Life
Panaderia de Molo
Kalibo Food Haus
Passi City LGU
Pototan LGU
Igbaras LGU
Panaderia de Iloilo
Leon LGU
Eon Industries Phils., Inc.

*GIFTS & HOUSEWARES
Oton Woven Products
Amphora Novelty Shop
Tuburan Abaca Handicraft Association
Lola Charing’s Furniture
Tigbauan LGU
Panubli Arts and Crafts
Moto Rural Improvement Club
Tribulandia Arts and Crafts
Cabatuan LGU
Concepcion LGU
UPV-BEDP
Tubungan LGU/Tubungan Small Coconut Farmers MPC
Boyel Marketing
Taytay sa Kauswagan, Inc.

*OTHERS
Rosary Herbal Products
Earth & Me
Escom Herbal Products

2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival Schedule of Activities [updated]

2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival
Schedule of Activities
February 13 to 20, 2011

February 13, 2011 (Sunday)
07:00 AM - Mass Offering / Villa Arevalo Parish Church
09:00 AM - Fellowship Breakfast / Tatoy’s Manokan
03:00 PM - Formal Opening Program: 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival / Robinsons Place Fountain Area
04:00 PM - Presentation of Official Candidates: 2011 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival
05:00 PM - Opening of The Photo Exhibit (Feb 14 to 20, 2011)
05:15 PM - Opening of The Miniature Paraw-Making Contest (Feb 14 to 20, 2011)
05:30 PM - Opening of The Iloilo Watercraft Association Exhibit (Feb 13 to 19, 2011)
06:00 PM - Cocktails

February 14, 2011 (Monday)
10:00 AM - Start of The “Pinta Layag” Sail Painting Contest / Robinsons Car Park
04:00 PM - 2011 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pre-Pageant: Festival Costume & Swimsuit Pre-Judging Competitions / Robinsons Fountain Area

February 15, 2011 (Tuesday)04:00 PM - Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pre-Pageant: Evening Gown & “Darling of the Press” Pre-Judging Competitions / Robinsons Fountain Area

February 16, 2011 (Wednesday)
04:00 PM - Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pre-Pageant: Talent Competition / SM City

February 17, 2011 (Thursday)
06:00 PM - Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival Torch Parade / Major City Streets
08:00 PM - “Sinamba Sa Paraw Regatta” Mardi Gras Semi-Finals – Freedom Grandstand
February 18, 2011 (Friday)
12:00 NN - 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Rowing & Paddling Competitions / Along Iloilo River
07:00 PM – 2011 Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pageant Coronation Night / Freedom Grandstand

February 19, 2011 (Saturday)
07:00 AM - Send-Off Mass of The Governor’s Cup Deep-Sea Fishing Competition / Fort San Pedro Drive Inn   
07:00 AM - Start of The 2-Day Sports Photo Contest / Villa Regatta Resort
08:00 AM - Iloilo Paraw Regatta Slalom / Main Festival Stage, Tatoy's Villa
08:00 AM - 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Women’s Beach Volleyball Eliminations / Villa Regatta Resort  
08:00 AM - 1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta Airsoft Competition - Eliminations / Punta Villa Resort Hotel  
09:00 AM - 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Men’s Beach Football Eliminations / Villa Regatta Resort
09:00 AM - 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Beach Ultimate (Frisbee) Eliminations / Villa Regatta Resort
09:00 AM - 1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta Jet Ski Competition / Breakthrough Restaurant Beach Front
06:00 PM - Gma Network’s “Reggae-Ta” and Kapuso Night Beach Party / Main Festival Stage Tatoy’s Villa
06:00 PM - Abs-Cbn Beach Party / Breakthrough Restaurant Beach Front   
07:00 PM - Welcome Dinner to The Norwegian Ambassador & Press Conference / JBLFMU - Arevado
07:00 PM - The 1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta “Chairman’s Ball” / Consejo Hall, Tatoy's Villa 
10:00 PM - Arevalo Pyrotechnics Association’s Fireworks Competition and “Luces By The Sea” Fireworks Display / Main Festival Stage Tatoy’s Villa    

February 20, 2011 (Sunday)
06:00 AM - “Pinta Layag” Final Judging / Villa Beach Shoreline
06:00 AM - Festival Photo Contest (Awarding On March 4 at Tatoy’s Manokan, Villa Beach, Arevalo, Iloilo City) / Villa Beach Shoreline
06:00 AM - Main Paraw Regatta Event: Registration of Participants and Measurement of Participating Paraws / Villa Beach
07:00 AM - Opening Program and Opening Declaration of Race / Main Festival Stage Tatoy’s Manokan
07:30 AM - 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta - 39th Edition Grand Take-Off / Main Festival Stage Tatoy’s Manokan
08:00 AM - “Sinamba Sa Paraw Regatta” Mardi Gras Finals / Punta Villa Resort
08:00 AM - “Pintawo” A Body-Painting Competition / Villa Regatta Resort
08:00 AM - Mini Paraw Beach Race / Breakthrough Restaurant
08:00 AM - 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Women’s Beach Volleyball Finals / Main Festival Stage Tatoy’s Manokan
08:00 AM - 1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta Airsoft Competition - Finals
08:00 AM - Sports Photo Contest / Villa Beach Shoreline
08:00 AM - Rapid Chess Tournament / Breakthrough Resto
09:00 AM - 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Men’s Beach Football Finals
10:00 AM - 2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Women’s Beach Football Finals
10:00 AM - 2011 Iloilo Beach Ultimate Finals (Frisbee) / Villa Regatta Beach Front
12:00 NN - Arrival of The Deep-Sea Fishing Competition Participants / Breakthrough Restaurant Beach Front
03:00 PM - Awarding Ceremonies / Main Festival Stage Tatoy’s Manokan
05:00 PM - ABS-CBN Beach Party / Main Festival Stage Tatoy’s Manokan
05:00 PM - GMA Network Beach Party / Breakthrough Restaurant

DINAGYANG 2011 Festival Schedule

Skeds may change or alter without prior notice

October 14, 2010, Friday [2:00 P.M.] - LOCAL LAUNCH Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2011 / Freedom Grandstand
December 16, 2010, Friday [ 2:00 P.M.] - PAMUKAW / Assembly Area: Promenade passing Iznart, J.M. Basa to Freedom Grandstand

January 4, 2011, Tuesday [2:00 P.M.] - Model Ati Dinagyang Warrior 2011 Presentation
January 7, 2011, Friday [2:00 P.M.] - Model Ati Dinagyang Warrior 2011 Talent Competition
January 9, 2011, Sunday [1:00 P.M.] - Model Ati Dinagyang Warrior 2011 Finals

January 14, 2011, Friday [2:30 P.M.] - Mass for Opening Salvo of Tribe Dancers / San Jose Parish Church
[3:00 PM] - OPENING SALVO / Judging Area

January 14-16, 2011 - Iloilo Dinagyang Golf Competition 2011 / Sta. Barbara Golf Club
January 15, 2011, Saturday [7:00:00 AM] - SQUEAK / Parade Route
January 16-23, 2011 - Dinagyang Photo Exhibit
January 16, 2011, Sunday [10:00 AM - 3:00 PM] - DRESSING UP DAGOY

January 19-23, 2011 [2:00 P.M.- 12 MN] - Iloilo Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association (IHRRA) Food Festival / Delgado St., Iloilo City

January 21, 2011, Friday [8:00:00 AM] - TAMBOR TRUMPA MARTSA MUSIKA / Freedom Grandstand
[7:00 PM] - LUCES IN THE SKY Part I

January 22, 2011, Saturday [7:00:00 AM] - Mass for Kasadyahan / San Jose Parish Church
[8:00 A.M.] - 2011 KASADYAHAN Competition     Freedom Grandstand and other stages
[2:00 PM] - SPONSORS MARDI GRAS / Judging Area #4 to Freedom Grandstand
[7:00 PM] - LUCES IN THE SKY Part II
[7:00 PM] - Religious Sad-sad to Sr. Sto. Niño / San Jose Parish Church

January 23, 2011, Sunday [6:30 a.m] - Concelebrated high mass for devotees, Tribes, Gov't. Officials, LOMAS in attendance / San Jose Parish Church
[8:00 A.M.] - 2011 Dinagyang Ati CONTEST / Freedom Grandstand and other stages
[7:00 P.M.] - Awarding Ceremonies / Freedom Grandstand
January 24, 2011, Monday [5:30 P.M.] - Thanksgiving Mass with all members of 2010 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Working Committees / San Jose Parish Church

Race to the Sun Pro-Health Fun Run

The Council of Rotaract Clubs in Iloilo is hosting a fun run event called Race to the Sun a pro-health Fun Run to be held on November 21, 2010 at SM City Iloilo.
A Rotaract Club is a youth action group of the Rotary Club which consists of students and young professionals aged 18-30. They are here to promote their motto “Fellowship through Service” which unites us all to reach our goals as an organization and most of all as a community.
Race to the Sun – Pro-Health Fun Run
November 21, 2010 @ 5:30 AM
SM City Iloilo (Main Entrance)
3K / 5K
Registration Fee for the event is PHP 100.00
Cash Prize:
5k – Men’s and Women’s: all with medal or trophy
1st – 5000
2nd – 3000
3rd – 2000
3k – 1st 2nd and 3rd mens and womens: all with medal or trophy
First 100 runners will get a free shirt
For the benefit of:
Large scale Medical Mission throughout Iloilo.
Red Cross Youth Iloilo

Register at:
SM CITY - 09292818848 (Raem)
CPU – 09298834815 (JD)
USA – 09285417197 (Dyrel)
Red Cross Office – 09092600785(Phil)
Classique Office – 09292818848 (Raem)
Sens Bien Office – 09292818848 (Raem)

For more details contact 0929-2818848 (Raem)

AUGUST 25 is declared a Holiday for City Government

The Iloilo City Government declared August 25 as special non-working holiday for city officials and employees only, in time for the celebration of its 73rd Charter Day.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog issued an Executive Order declaring the holiday in city government offices for the officials and employees to attend and participate in the parade activities.

"All concerned government offices, appropriate non-government organizations (NGO's), business and civic organizations and academe in Iloilo City are encouraged to extend their utmost support and cooperate in the commemoration of this historic day," Mabilog said.

The city's chief executive also declared August 25 of every year as the "Charter Day of Iloilo City." Historical records show that then municipality of Iloilo was converted into a chartered city on July 16, 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 158 and was inaugurated on August 25, 1937.

Mabilog's Plant A Tree Policy and Wedding Park Eyed

PLANT a tree at the ecological park of the Calajunan dumpsite and get married by civil rites before City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

This was the instruction of Mabilog to marrying couples who have no open land space for tree planting. At the same, Mabilog ordered dumpsite manager Engr. Neil Ravena to reserve and designate a Wedding Park at the old dumpsite area for marrying couples to plant a tree before getting a marriage certificate at City Hall.

[read the full article here]

The Inaugural Show of CASA REAL

The Provincial Council for Culture, Arts, History, and Tourism of the Province of Iloilo presents the Inaugural Show of CASA REAL, The Provincial Gallery, featuring JOSEPH FIRMEZA, The Journey, Back to the Storm. This will be on December 11, 2009 Friday 4:00 pm at the Old Capitol Building, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City, Philippines.