Iloilo's Full Circle of Historical Reflection

History has always been set to repeat itself. Everything goes on a cycle as we traverse life. Life in Iloilo used to be simple yet beautiful, a once sleepy town turned into a bustling city in 1889 when Spain’s royal majesty Queen Ma. Cristina granted it a special title as the most loyal city during the Spanish colonization era in the Philippines. Moving forward, Iloilo became a bustling city, an international port for textile industry, an attractive destination, center of commerce and trade next to Manila. For the most part of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Iloilo dominated the trading business, commerce and reached its peak as an affluent metropolis in the Southern Philippines. They say, that a country or a city with a strong connection to its cultural past and heritage can easily attain social and economic maturity because the past bridges the present towards a future of synergistic richness and prosperity.

The stunning Iloilo River Esplanade, photo by Felipe Uygongco

Calle Real, one of the oldest business districts in the Philippines, photo by Felipe Uygongco

The Paraw Regatta Festival held every February is Southeast Asia's oldest sailboat race, photo by Felipe Uygongco

The magnificent Molo Church and Plaza, photo by Felipe Uygongco

The world-famous Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo's cultural spectacle performing at the Iloilo Convention Center during the APEC ministerial meetings this year, photos by Felipe Uygcongco

Angelia Ong, Miss Philippines Earth 2015 is a typical Ilongga wearing the world-famous Hablon gown designed by Totong Gellagarin, photo by Felipe Uygongco

An Ilongga exude the natural charisma and passion. Hablon gown designed by Totong Gellagarin and photo by Felipe Uygongco

Looking at the present rise of Iloilo City as an envisioned setting of a strong economic prominence in Western Visayas, investment potential is surging high that paved way for visitors and investors to consider the city as a future business destination. Iloilo remained adamant to preserve its glorious historical past visible through the city government’s several projects that rebuild, revive and promote major historical landmarks including the old Calle Real, one of the country’s oldest business districts. An Eco-centered project such as the Iloilo River Esplanade anchored in the tourism development aspect of the city is making a name as the next most-watched destinations in the Philippines. The people, the sweet-loving Ilonggos and the charming Ilonggas, women of the southern Philippines whose charisma defines passion, true hospitality and soft-spoken nature that creates a welcoming image for Iloilo as a destination of people-centered culture. Visiting the city will tempt you to sink your palate to the countless delicacies and favorite local cuisines such as Batchoy, Biscocho, Pancit Molo, Seafood dishes and a lot more, a long-history of culinary passion preserved through the Ilonggo tradition. Ilonggos are also known as the most colorful people in the Philippines, and probably in the world, visualized through its prominent Dinagyang Festival and Asia’s oldest sailboat race – the Paraw Regatta. Iloilo presents a deep-rooted devotion to the Roman Catholic and well-known as a faith-based pilgrimage city with the existence of centuries old churches in Jaro District celebrating the annual “Jaro Candelaria” and St. Anne Church in Molo District. Central Philippine University is Iloilo’s version of an old American Protestant-founded university emerging as a tourism destination. Prominent infrastructure projects are filling up the “visual imagery” of Iloilo as a city of expanding modern metropolis yet passionate to preserve its past and harmonize with its ecological aspect. Social, cultural, ecological and, yes, spiritual aspects of Iloilo pieces up a puzzle of a ONE beautiful, harmonious, prosperous and progress-driven metropolis, one of the most livable, “next wave” cities in the world.

The 3,700-seater Iloilo Convention Center, photo by Felipe Uygongco

Richmonde Hote Iloilo, the first luxury hotel that opened at Iloilo Business Park this year, photo by Felipe Uygongco

Visualizing Iloilo City on a higher ground of tangible changes, there is one “phenomenal” reason why this city magnetized a lot more investors and visitors to come in the past few years – Iloilo Business Park. Megaworld, the Philippines’ leading real estate developer and BPO office landlord realize the potential of Iloilo as a potential economic center and investment hub. The company invested P35 billion in a 72-hectare property in the old Iloilo Airport  located in Mandurriao District to developed the area into a highly-urbane township intended for business, lifestyle elevation, tourism and create a new destination for pleasure-seekers, tourists and people wanting to immerse themselves in the colorful yet passionate culture of Iloilo. Major shopping center, the longest dining strip in the country, international hotels, BPO office buildings, rising central business district, international-standard convention venue and various points of interests will emerge in this vast, all-expanding, and larger-than-life Megaworld township. Iloilo Business Park is the city’s high-life magnet and newest claim-to-fame in terms of investment credential.

The magnitude of progress, developments, cultural pride, dreams-turning-into-reality, and opening a doorway for global opportunities for this once sleepy yet beautiful city of “many wonders” are coming together, falling into place and rising up as ONE destination we can truly OWN. In the crystal clear waters of the Iloilo River, the present facet of the city’s modern image is reflected like those in the past. It is not about reclaiming a historical title as the original “Queen[’s] City” (owning it or embodying it), it has always been there etched in the deepest recesses of our cultural identity as Ilonggos. We are part of its pieced-up puzzle, full reflection of passion and splendor waiting to make the world see this city sparkle in full brilliance.  Iloilo steps up in full circle. Its history is destined to repeat itself through Iloilo Business Park... OUR OWN STORY to TELL soon.

Dreaming to invest in Iloilo City? call us at (033) 330-3465, visit us online at www.iloilobusinesspark.ph  or see for yourself the lifestyle you desire at our IBP Showroom located at the ground floor of Richmonde Tower, 8 Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Ilonggo Artists United for Iloilo’s Tourism

Ilonggo artists of Region VI performed "Lagaw Ta (Experience Western Visayas)" after 3 years since its official launch in 2013

The Tambobo Festival theme song of the Municipality of Ajuy was performed live for the first time with Jamela Puyo, Rodj of Metaphorhyme and NIPSC - Ajuy Dancers

Daniel Zedane performed his original song "Panaginip" and collaboration song with Rodj of Metaphorhyme "Ngaa Bala"

Iloilo's soulful duo - Marty n' Lindy performed a medley of their original songs

Metaphorhyme rap group performed their original songs "Balang Araw" and "Lipad"

Eunioa rap group performed their first single "Dali Na"

Iloilo City, Philippines – Ilonggo musis artists once again united to showcase their talents and passion for  local music and tourism industry last September 27, 5 p.m. at Robinsons Place Iloilo – Fountain Area during the last day of the 11^th Tumandok Tourism Fair organized by Province of Iloilo - Office of Culture, Tourism and the Arts, Department of Tourism Region VI, Tinukib Pasalubong Center, Iloilo Science and Technology University and Iloilo Tourism Officers Association, Inc. Local Ilonggo recording artists Daniel Zedane, Marty n’ Lindy, rap groups Eunioa and Metaphorhyme performed their original songs. The Iloilo Pop Song Festival, the first multimedia songwriting competition in Western Visayas organized by the Municipality of San Enrique LGU spearheaded by its municipal mayor, Ramona Palabrica Go together with RSLPhoenix Music and SEAC Batch 1990 launched the competition. San Enrique Iloilo Association – America president, Greg Palabrica shared the advocacy and invited Ilonggo composers from various municipalities to join the competition. Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (NIPSC) – Ajuy Campus together with its college administrator, Dr. Cirilo Deocariza and faculty and staff presented with pride the entertaining live performance of the Municipality of Ajuy’s Tambobo Festival Theme Song. The song was performed by local singer Jamela Puyo, Ilonggo rapper Rodj of Metaphorhyme and NIPSC – Ajuy Tambobo Dancers. Ilonggo artists of Region VI reunited onstage once again and performed “Lagaw ‘Ta (Experience Western Visayas,” the first and only unified tourism song and music video of Region VI produced in 2013.  On its 11^th year, the Tumandok Tourism Fair with the theme “Heritage and Tourism: Community and Environment” held at Robinsons Place Iloilo from September 24-27 continues to highlight the best of Iloilo’s tourism industry, talents and culture heritage. 

10 Best Reasons to Move Out of the Metro for a Stress-Free Lifestyle

  

Photo from Skyscrapercity.com

There’s more to lifestyle perspective in “megacities” than meets the eye. What makes bigger cities in the Philippines like Manila a notch higher than any other highly-urbane metropolises in the country is its economic dominance and “investment magnet” image. Megacities have established a reputation as melting pots of opportunities from business, finance, tourism and leisure that shine brighter than its stunning city-lights at night. But behind this fast-paced lifestyle, uprising cities in the provinces offer more than a promise of opportunities: the priceless advantage of a stress-free and pleasurable living.      

Pleasurable, pollution-free and healthy lifestyle in Iloilo City, photo from iloilo.net.ph

1. Pollution

Everyone hates pollution in big cities. It’s absolutely suffocating, health hazzard and down-right deadly. But, don’t worry because you can always run away from this never-ending metropolitan syndrome. There is a huge difference in the air quality and pollution levels from big metro cities to out-of-town provinces. Just like Iloilo, this city has more air quality control than common metropolitan areas, signifying a more liveable atmosphere for people. Vehicular emissions are more controlled and minimal often emphasize by its environmental-centered community and a city government that promotes healthy lifestyle.

Photo from thenewstoday.info

Less traffic roads and streets in Iloilo City

2. Traffic

And while everybody hates a deadly pollution problem, people are also whining about megacities’ traffic. If you search www.google.com with the terms, “traffic in the Philippines”, nine (9) out of (10) of the search results will show unsatisfactory descriptions of the traffic in major metropolitan areas. Thinking of moving out from a big city? Well, Iloilo is the place for you with wide main roads and fast-moving highways.

Photo by Felipe Uycongco

Photo from pinasmuna.com

3. Overcrowding

Metro Manila is one major example of an over-crowding megacity where limited spaces are available for recreation and promote healthy lifestyle. Dense urban cities have a hard time managing their space, compared to the ratio of the people residing in such areas. If one million people are living within one small street side, that’s a lot of heads to turn to if you want to say “hi.” If you want to live in a place with enough people to get by, fly to Iloilo and leave your claustrophobic fears behind. In this city, more relaxing areas are open for public like the Iloilo River Esplanade, bike lanes along Diversion road and Iloilo Business Park.

Iloilo City Police Officers are always on the road to do their public service, photo from ilongo.weebly.com

4. Crime rate

It would be traumatic for someone to get robbed in the sidewalk or get mulled by a violent gang over a dark street. But in big metropolitan areas, it’s part of the normal day-to-day scene. Another data from Numbeo suggests that the safety one feels walking alone during night time drops to 23.71%. Try coming to Iloilo and see all the bright lamp posts from one street to the next, ensuring your safety even after the daylight hours. Iloilo City is noted for being one of the world’s safest place to live with less number of crimes recorded every year.

Stress-free city streets and typical public transportation vehicles in Iloilo City, photo from projectiloilo.com

5. Public transportation and driving

Megacities in the Philippines tend to get confusing and crowded with the existence of public utility and private vehicles filling up the roads. Traffic system in these major cities is constantly innovating to maintain smooth flow such as color coding and number coding of vehicles.  Streets are full of so-called “public utility vehicles” for any distances and people moving to their destinations in these huge cities are always in a hurry that often resulted to a congested atmosphere. Though megacities have wide roads and highways, these are not spared from the non-stop influx of vehicles of both public and private. Iloilo is still a rising megacity, its roads and highways are still sparred from traffic congestion. To create consistency, road widening projects are ongoing and well-managed traffic controls are being implemented by the city givernment to maintain a stress-free ambiance for motorists and vehicles.

Expanding IT-BPO industry in Iloilo City, photo from panaynewsphilippines.com

6. Affordable Cost of living in out-of-town provinces

Living in major metropolitan cities can be a rewarding lifestyle perspective because you have the best access to a lot of things: amenities and opportunities. But there’s always a catch living in big cities: the cost of living. According to Numbeo.com, 31.1% is spend on average monthly house or apartment rent and 28.8% is spend on food and groceries for a resident in a big city based on distribution of expenses statistical model. If this is the case, the slightly minimal low cost of living in the provinces in the Philippines could directly affect the expenses of a resident compare to those living in megacities. Since Iloilo City is experiencing a booming economy and influx of investments, multinational companies are opening jobs that offer higher salary close to other megacities like Manila or Cebu. Combined with the slightly low cost of living in Iloilo and better salary compensation from companies, this city could be an employment destination in the future.

Photo from iloilo-travel-guide.blogspot.com

Weekend cultural and special events at Calle Real, Photo from iloilo.net.ph

Zumba session and activities at Iloilo River Esplanade, Photo from Skycraperscity.com

The annual Iloilo Bike Festival in Iloilo Business Park, Photo from Iloilo.net.ph

7. Accessibility to modern amenities in Iloilo

Everything is within your reach in big cities when it comes to business opportunities, entertainment and leisure. Iloilo City is on fast-paced infrastructure developments from roads, shopping malls, business and having a new convention center which are all accessible to locals. To counter the stressful lifestyle in the metropolis, wellness centers and public parks hold wellness programs or activities. On Sundays, the city’s old business center, Calle Real where heritage buildings are being rebuilt to its original form is usually closed for public transportation and holds Zumba sessions, cultural shows and local concerts to emphasize significant weekend attraction to locals.  The city government is also establishing wellness-inspired recreation areas. One of them is the long-stretching Iloilo River Esplanade where wellness activities often attracts passersby, giving a boost both on its economy, tourism and additional modern amenities.          

Iloilo River Esplanade, Photos by Felipe Uycongco

8. Appreciation of Nature

Looking for greens and bio-diversity in major cities? Crammed and congested it may seem to be but major cities are innovating to counter stressful lifestyle and avert the effects of pollution. High-end malls and shopping centers feature pocket gardens and trees within commercial areas. Bistros and restaurants are placed in open spaces or along the seashore to appreciate nature. Wellness activities are encouraged in open parks. Moving away from megacities, Iloilo City have the Iloilo River Esplanade with a glimpse of a protected bio-diversity, wide-roads with bike lanes for health buffs, and consistent wellness activities in public parks, a convergence of a nature-centered expanding metropolis with uprising progress.     

9. Proper Sanitation

Most megacities have similar problems when it comes to their garbage accumulation and sanitation issues. Every day, tons of garbage are collected in the city to minimize pollution. The average garbage collected in most megacities is high compared to out-of-town provinces. Megacities have serious garbage problems due to lack of proper dumpsites. Proper sanitation is worse and public toilets are congested compared with those in provinces due to consistent influx and daily activities of people. Try visiting Iloilo and you’ll see minimal trash problems and public toilets are less congested. The city government of Iloilo is doing its best to counter the problems of garbage, littering and push for more clean-up drive projects in local communities.

Iloilo Floodway Project in Jaro District, photo from livefromiloilo.wordpress.com

10. Less flood levels

Probably one of the most visible dilemmas in major cities especially in the Philippines, is the unstoppable flooding during rainy season. Big metropolitan cities suffer a lot and cause delays such as suspension of work and classes in schools during typhoon. A lot of investment and business opportunities are lost for multinational companies, government services are delayed and millions of calamity funds from the city’s tax are spend to fix infrastructure damages and support victims of flooding. Flood levels in Iloilo have been minimized over the years because of a major flood control project centered in Jaro district. The local government is also pursuing an improved drainage system project within the city.

The surging investment and business opportunities in the country has long been potentially presented by megacities but less popular for their beneficial lifestyle and stress-free elements that can be seen in provinces. Iloilo City’s relentless rise as the next economic center point in the Visayas may prove as a game-changing concept of business mixed with desirable lifestyle for investors, visitors and its locals. The infrastructure and economic developments are elevating but the vision of ecological conservation is prominently emphasized. Leading real estate company, Megaworld Corporation has long seen this unique potential in Iloilo City by transforming the 72-hectare old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao district into a mixed-used development community, a township solely dedicated for business and high-end leisure facilities known as Iloilo Business Park.

Who said megacities have everything it has to offer in determining its prominence and promising opportunities? Think about another concept of it: a city of greens and swift infrastructure expansion leaping a notch higher in defining a better quality of life.

Chasing the Blue Hour and Photography with Felipe Uygongco

“For me, photography is both passion and art,” says Felipe Uygocongco, an Ilonggo photographer whose extensive work in photography captured most of Iloilo’s beautiful landmarks, tourism sites, hidden gems, and vibrant faces of people for the last five years of his triumphant return to photography. His interest in photography started during his early days in high school and college. Back then, he mastered the use of point-and-shoot camera, a very ordinary gadget that never failed to evoke his interest in photography.

“I’ve always been a lover of beautiful images and visuals that speaks about different stories,” he continues. After college, he decided to dedicate his life in their family business, his career elevation and soon had his own family to take care of. But his inclination for photography never slowed down and remained intact in his heart.

Iloilo Business Park Head of Sales and Marketing, Jennifer Ann Palmares-Fong presented a token and certificate of appreciation to Felipe Uygongco.

“Photography has always been there inside me, waiting for the right time to bring it out and express it,” he uttered with confidence. After decades of dedicating himself with his career, business, and family life, he decided to pursue his passion for photography.  It was more than five years ago when he decided to make photography his most anticipated retirement hobby that awakened the slumbering artist inside of him.  Once again, he learned to appreciate the beauty of natural scenery and places that he  visited around the world through photography.

“Light makes photography work. Using it and embracing it is making more than just art,” he said. For him, photography is about creating balance and harmonizing the light that creates a visual story. For most of his time as a photographer, he is a storyteller who always waits and chases the “blue hour,” the period of twilight each morning and evening when the sun is a significant distance below the horizon and the residual while indirect sunlight takes a predominantly blue hue. When most people in their retirement years pursue the life of comfort and stress-free lifestyle, Uygongco still has the burning passion to chase the hard life of a photography artist whose flair is to satisfy the heart, seeking the thrill of adventure and difficulties, all in the name of perfecting a craft and achieve true artistry.

“I had to wear thick clothes just to keep myself warm during our photo shoot sessions in cold countries abroad. Sometimes, when you love to do something, there’s no obstacle that you can’t get through. Everything becomes easy when you’re willing to do it right,” he said. Constantly, he keeps on learning and developing his skills, trying to discover a lot of techniques and apply it with his craft. Together with his group of photography buddies, they are striving to hone their skills and travel as much as they can. The closest photography subject in his heart is capturing the images of Iloilo’s culture, landmarks, people and heritage, from the old buildings in Calle Real to Iloilo River and a lot more.

“Iloilo Business Park is a picture of progress for Iloilo City these days. As a photography artist, it is a challenge for me to capture the visual scenery in this township that started to open a gateway of world-class opportunities and strong infrastructure developments not only in the city but the whole Region VI,” he further enthused. With great enthusiasm, he immediately agreed to accept the invitation in taking part in Iloilo Business Park’s photo exhibit event entitled “La Fotografia: Capturing the Progress of IBP” weeks ago. With confidence in his craft, he showcased the vibrant side of the township through his stunning photos during the exhibit last September 19, 7pm at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. His seven exhibited photos grandiosely presented Iloilo Convention Center, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and other scenery in the township that defines the vivid concept of Iloilo’s glorious economic rise.

“We Ilonggos have come a long way from a sleepy city into a progressive rise as the original ‘Queen City of the South.’ Aside from considering these photos as part of my life’s greatest work and journey, let these images tell you how great it is to be an Ilonggo,” he spoke with sincerity, concluding his speech with a spark of vigor in his eyes.