Mr. & Ms. Western Visayas takes centerstage on July 23 at USA Gym

Ushering a new face of glamorous pageantry in the region this year is the conceptualization of Mr. And Ms. Western Visayas, a brainchild project of visionary Ilonggos and artists to create a neo-blueprint of beauty search that reaches other provinces in finding its regional ambassadors and ambassadress. Though we often perceived beauty pageants as a showcase of physical appeal, talents and wit, Mr. and Ms. Western Visayas elevates a little higher as expected because they are looking for faces that best represents the image, mind and heart of exceptional youth role models. The pageant itself is more than just a production showcase of elegance and glamour; it comes with a big heart for passionate advocacy since proceeds of the show will benefit the UNICEF international projects. The brains and passionate people behind this significant beauty pageant are LIZETTE L. AGUSTIN - executive producer, GILBERT FRANCISCO - event organizer, ALLYN D. ESCOTO- pageant coordinator, FEDERICO LLIGE- production head and DOLLY CHUA – pageant consultant.

Considered as the first of its kind in the region, Mr. and Ms. Western Visayas was launched this year to gathered exceptional candidates that's not just merely representing beauties and personalities but the cultural pride of different provinces, carrying with them their passion to inspire, to showcase versatility and commitment in highlighting a far deeper concept of beauty, pageantry and personality development. 10 gorgeous females gifted with charm, talents and sheer wit, they already captivate audiences in the pre-pageant competition held at Robinsons Place Iloilo last month. The 10 male candidates are equally astonishing as they showcased their boy-next-door appeal, versatility and striking charm at the pre-pageant competition.

Candidate No. 1 - Irene Fe Saren

Candidate Number 1 - Jean Perri Gambol

Candidate No. 2 Marie Andrea Desingano

Candidtate No. 2 Christian Jay Patanindagat

Candidate No. 3 Glydine Sia Dumilag

Candidate No. 3 Daniel Agan

Candidate No. 4 Gibbel Marie Erobas

Candidate No. 4 Clint Decana

Candidate No. 5 Jeanyfer Garvilles Ozbot

Candidate No. 5 Jan Paulo Agrasada

Beauty pageants are meant to be a showcase of stage bravura and spectacle but putting creative passion, deeper advocacy and purpose for this beauty pageant, it becomes a multi-faceted and socially-relevant production for cultural elevation in the region. Mr. and Ms. Western Visayas set a brave new standard for beauty pageant culture. Highlighting the climactic finale of this prestigious competition, the grand coronation night of Mr. and Ms. Western Visayas will be staged in the University of San Agustin Gym on July 23, 7PM. Creating a glittering evening of powerhouse entertainment, ABS-CBN It’s Showtime sensational heartthrob boy group – the Hastags will be the event’s special guests, serenading the crowd with their upbeat songs and dance numbers.

Candidate No. 6 Sasa Contreras

Candidate No. 6 Kim Cortez

Candidate No. 7 Arlie Sumagaysay

Candidate No. 7 Michael Porcary

Candidate No. 8 Wilvie Penaso

Candidate No. 8 Den Mark Paclibar

Candidate No. 9 Judy Ann Tagacay

Candidate No. 9 Kent Jerome Articulo

Candidate No. 10 Ruffa Nava

Candidate No. 10 JL Aspan

Mr. and Ms. Western Visayas pageant night will be an unforgettable spectacle of grace, beauty, wit and showcasing world-class production that would set the bar in the region’s beauty pageant culture. Be there to witness the glamour, the parade of Western Visayan beauties embracing social advocacy, cultural promotion and finding the next youth role models, ambassadors and ambassadress of goodwill.

Who will be the first Mr. and Ms. Western Visayas 2016? Are you ready to party with the Hastags? Be there and be part of beauty pageantry history on July 23.

VIP tickets are available for P700, Lower Box for P400 and General Admission for P200. For more information and ticket reservation, contact 09234466707 or 09954391125.

Antique’s bet, Angela Yagaya was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas - Western Visayas 2016

Mutya ng Pilipinas-Western Visayas 2016 Angela Yagaya of Antique (center) with 2nd runner up May Adel Salman of Aklan and 1st runner up Japril Maquiling of Iloilo.

For the first time, one of the Philippines’ most prestigious beauty pageants, Mutya ng Pilipinas staged a successful regional search for the whole Western Visayas, gathering 10 charming and gorgeous ladies from different provinces. Mutya ng Pilipinas – Western Visayas 2016 was held last June 18, 7PM at ABL Sports Complex in Kalibo, Aklan. It was organized through the effort of Kalibo councilor Juris Socro in cooperation with Mutya ng Pilipinas national committee, MAGS and Viva Events. The pageant’s production number featured a song and music video by the Department of Tourism’s “Lagaw Ta Experience Western Visayas,” Region VI’s first all-star tourism song. The candidates invaded the stage in their swimsuit competition through the song “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” by international Filipino artist Apl de Ap. Iloilo’s fashion designer, Bo Parcon showcased his black collection designs during the casual wear competition. The candidates showcased their grace in the gown completion wearing the designs of local designers from various provinces including Iloilo’s fashion cultural czar Hector “Totong” Gellagarin. Star Circle Quest Alumnus Joross Gamboa serenaded the candidates with songs of love and passion.
Kate Monerva representing the province of Iloilo won the Miss Photogenic award. Antique’s bet Angela Yagaya won the Best in Swimsuit award while Iloilo’s representative, Japril Maguiling got the Best in Gown award. May Adel Salman from the Province of Aklan was declared 2nd Runner-up, Japril Maguiling of the Province of Iloilo won the 1st Runner-up title. Finally, Angela Yagaya of the Province of Antique was crowned as Mutya ng Pilipinas – Western Visayas 2016 and will represent Region VI in the national Mutya ng Pilipinas this year. The Pageant Night of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 is on the evening of July 30 at Resorts World Manila. 

Angela Yagaya is formerly crowned as Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta - Aliwan 2015. She represented Paraw Regatta Festival in the Reyna ng Aliwan 2015. She landed in the top 10 of Slimmer's World - Miss Bikini Philippines 2015. Mutya ng Pilipinas will be her third time to compete for a national beauty pageant.

Angela Yagaya as candidate number 18 in the official press presentation of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016 candidates at Hotel 101 Manila last July 13, 2016. 

Bb. Pandayan 2016 Grand Coronation Night: Spectacles of Culture, Dances, Glamour and Music

GORGEOUS QUEENS: Bb. Pandayan 2016 of the Municipality of Badiangan crowned their newest ambassadress of goodwill - Reginne Palmes Salvacion, First Runner-up Jhelyn Guion and Second Runner-up Rowena Arkangela Young on June 21 at Tirador Multi-Purpose Gym. 

The Municipality of Badiangan. Iloilo’s Bb. Panadayan 2016, the town’s prestigious beauty pageant that annually chooses their cultural ambassadress of goodwill and anchored in the advocacy of their significant Pandayan Festival have finally chosen their winners last June 21, 2016. 10 official candidates represented various groups and communities in Badiangan competed for the beauty pageant with cultural, ecological and social advocacy.

The 10 lovely candidates of Bb. Pandayan 2016 wearing the fabulous gowns designed by Ilonggo fashion czar Hector "Totong" Gellagarin who is also the pageant director and choreographer.

Actor and model Carlos Agassi serenades the 10 lovely candidates of Bb. Pandayan 2016 with much so much passion and charm. 

This year’s official couturier and designer is Ilonggo fashion czar Hector “Totong” Gellagarin, who is also the pageant’s creative director and choreographer. Jehu Rampola is the pageant’s official video and photo artist, as well as Ronelo Ladiao of RSLPhoenix Music produced the first official theme song and music video of Bb. Pandayan entitled “Forged in the Sky,” performed by Bb. Pandayan 2014 and Ms. Filipinas Heritage – Culture 2015  Jay Roxanne Divinagracia and newly-crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas – Western Visayas 2016 Angela Yagaya.

Municipality of Badiangan, Mayor Serafin Villa, Jr. together with Mutya ng Pilipinas Western Visayas 2016, Angela Yagaya crowned and congratulated the winner of Bb. Pandayan 2016, Reginne Palmes Salvacion.

Spearheaded by the visionary Badiangan Mayor Serafin Villa, Jr., Bb. Pandayan took off with pride and unique innovations this year with a sensational social media buzz and innovative pageant concept helmed by Totong Gellagarin as the pageant director. The Grand Coronation Night of Bb. Pandayan 2016 held at Tirador Multi-Purpose Gym hosted by Ilongga radio personality Charm Gabileo, started off with a bang and featured the cultural wealth and attractions of Badiangan, from Bolo-making industry, local products, festival and resort destinations. The pageant became a glamorous night of colors, spectacles and dances provided by Iloilo’s premier dance artists – the Sidlangan Dance Group.

This year's Bb. Pandayan 2016 First Runner-up is Jhelyn Guion who confidently showcased her confidence and beauty onstage. Former Ms. Dinagyang and now a beauty-queen-turned-politician, and the pageant's chief judge Angeline Golingay awarded Jhelyn her sash and trophy.

Bb. Pandayan 2016 Second Runner-up Rowena Arkangel Young receives her trophy and sash from Ms. Filipinas Heritage - Culture Jay Roxanne Divinagracia. 

This year’s winners of Bb. Pandayan are Reginne Palmes Salvacion, First Runner-up Jhelyn Guion and Second Runner-up Rowena Arkangela Young. Hannah Marie Conato bagged the Ms. Photogenic award from Jehu Rampola photography, and Ms. Popularity based on social media likes, shares and video views is Reginne Palmes Salvacion. The winners were also eyed to compete for biggest prestigious pageants in the province to represent the town of Badiangan and its unique culture.  

Here's the official theme song and music video of Bb. Pandayan 2016 - "Forged in the Sky" performed by Jay Roxanne Divinagracia and Angela Yagaya, written and produced by Ronelo Sanchez Ladiao of RSLPhoenix Music, music composition by Ymmanuel Demegillo and recording production by Daniel Zedane. 

Here's a link to the video of Bb. Pandayan 2016 Production Number featuring the Sidlangan Dancers.

Sta. Barbara Heights: Nature and Finest Lifestyle Converge

When owning an inspiring and desirable lifestyle, it should embrace the essence of your dreams. A community of the finest living experience designed by nature and passion, the 173-hectare Sta. Barbara Heights rising in the heart of Brgy. Inangayan in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, is the epitome of everything worth dreaming: grandiose, exceptional and life-changing. A 5-minutes drive from the Iloilo International Airport, Megaworld Corporation, the country’s real estate giant and leading township developer is transforming this serene community purely-blessed with rolling hills, tranquil ambiance and astonishing natural lake, and rising as a future vibrant township that passionately preserves the unspoiled beauty of nature into a centerpoint of the most excellent luxury, lifestyle elevation and commercial hub.

Sta. Barbara Heights appeals with rustic, historical and high-end perspective of lifestyle, a unique fusion of Megaworld’s “live-work-play” township definition of class and grandeur. Sta. Barbara Heights is a fitting location for residents that envision of embracing a peaceful suburban lifestyle with convenient access to work, leisure, education and pleasure. Nearby, the vibrant township is situated next to Iloilo’s most recognizable landmark - the Iloilo Golf Course and Country Club, the oldest golf course in the Philippines, and Santa Barbara Church and Convent, a declared National Landmark of the National Heritage Institute.

Sta. Barbara Heights embodies the visualization as a mixed residential and commercial area, the first of its kind in the region to have everything, all the features of a community and commercial township with captivating tourism appeal, a gorgeous and incomparable manifestation of Megaworld’s best township outside of Manila.

Sta. Barbara Heights highlights eye-catching scenery of lush green fields and rolling hills interconnected with the natural ambiance, a picturesque element that most future residents are looking for a community that can either be an ideal community of the finest luxury or a retirement haven for those looking for lasting respite. The community provides an astonishing sight of metropolis Iloilo from a distance, signifying a business vision in close proximity without taking away the concept of calm lifestyle. The community is creating a synergy of living experience by having its own newly-opened Clubhouse in Phase 1 where a swimming pool, a natural lagoon-lake, children’s playground, basketball court, mini-park for picnics and various leisure activities are located.

Redefining lifestyle of a multifaceted community with tourism and highly-exclusive charm, Megaworld will build a commercial area near the pre-selling Phase 3 to become the future business and leisure strip. The commercial strip is intertwined, and will also have an access road leading to Iloilo International Airport, envisioned as a future International Business Park where a lounge area for visitors and residents who wanted to relax before heading to or from the international airport. To elevate the convenience of residents and non-residents, a 5-lane road poised to be called the Iloilo International Avenue, will attach the road-way of residents going to the international airport, as well as enjoy the commercial amenities through a planned school and sports complex facility. In terms of investment-vision and tourism concept, Sta. Barbara Heights is destined to become a booming town with prestigious amenities surging with priceless value and ultimately fuels business synergy both for the municipality of Sta. Barabara, Iloilo International Airport and nearby Iloilo City.

The town of Sta. Barbara may have been blessed with timeless cultural wealth with its historical sites, festivities and charming people, but its newest gem, a potential tourist destination and finest lifestyle hub is underway, blooming and opening significant gateway for progress, it gorgeously inculcates pride to the Ilonggos with its inspiring urban-rural lifestyle perspective. Likewise, it beautifully embraces and preserves nature in its unspoiled form. Sta. Barbara Heights shines and pulsates as a community, a lifestyle township most of us are aspiring for, to enjoy with passion, and own as an investment with priceless value.

Sta. Barbara Heights is a kind of township that you truly need to be a part of.

For further details and inquiries, call 0917 729 1564 o visit their office at AMK Bldg., Gen. Luna Street, Iloilo City.

Iloilo Business Park: Then and Now

Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare real estate project poised to become the most prestigious business and lifestyle township in Western Visayas is booming with opportunities and investment potential. This massive project of Megaworld Corporation, the country's leading BPO office landlord and pioneer township developer aims to elevate the lifestyle perspective of Ilonggos. The old Iloilo airport property in Mandurriao District was envisioned by the company to become the modern financial, commercial and tourism district of Iloilo City where  opportunities will be able to help change the economy of the region. Since Iloilo Business Park opened in 2013, Ilonggos and investors were overwhelmed by the upcoming developments of the township. It boosted Iloilo's tourism and investment potential to a higher level, making it the most sought-after mixed-use commercial district in the Visayas.

We look back on the trails of success and the ceaseless developments happening in Iloilo Business Park. Here are the most important establishments and destinations that took shape beautifully in the township.

IBP McDonald's is considered as the biggest branch in Panay Island with its own play house and drive thru. It is the first establishment that opened in the township.

Construction photo in 2013

Present look of IBP McDonald's, February 2016

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is a first-class hotel with its interior design exclusively conceptualized by Getty's, one of the world's famous hotel designers. On the other side of the building is the Richmonde Tower where the offices of Megaworld Sales and Marketing, Operations, Commercial Divisions are located as well as BPO company Reed Elsiever are located in the 2nd and 3rd floors.

Construction Photo in 2013

The now fully-finished Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and Richmonde Tower

The iconic Iloilo Convention Center with architectural design inspired by the two important festivals of Iloilo City - the Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta. It can accommodate up to 3,700 audience with function rooms on the second level. It is the official venue of last year's APEC ministerial meetings where foreign dignitaries and guests visited Iloilo City during the conference.

Construction Photo in 2013

Present look of Iloilo Convention Center, February 2016

Iloilo Business Park is expected to become the biggest and largest BPO-IT Park in Western Visayas with an expected 10 BPO office buildings rising and open more than 30,000 jobs in the next 10 years. In 2013, One Techno Place and Two Techno Place started their construction and became the Iloilo offices of BPO companies Transcom Asia and StarTek. Two new BPO buildings are set to open this year such as One Techno Place and Two Techno Place.

2013 Construction Photo of One Techno Place

Another construction photo of One Techno Place in 2013

February 2016 updated photo of the fully-finished One Global Center (left) and new BPO buildings One Techno Place and Two Techno Place (middle to right) set for this year's completion.

Iloilo Business Park's BPO District is the biggest IT Park in the region set to elevate the lifestyle and increase the global opportunities of neighboring provinces especially those interested in working for the BPO industry.