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Live Streaming 2009 NCLR ALMA Awards Online

2009-09-15T19:56:00.005+08:00

The 2009 ALMA awards will be aired live at ABC, Friday, September 18, featuring the performances of ‘American Idol’ alum David Archuelta, Luis Fonsi, Nelly Furtado, Selena Gomez, Sean Kingston and Pitbull.

ALMA Awards 2009 Press Conference

The following are the new changes in the show format; Web voting for this year’s Fashion Icon Award. To vote, visit the ALMA Awards' Web site and click for your favorite most stylish Latina. The nominees are: Jessica Alba, Alessandra Ambrosia, Elsa Benitez, Gisele Bundchen, Fergie, Daisy Fuentes, Adriana Lima, Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria Parker.

Catch the ALMA Awards 2009 Live Online!

FIFA 2009 - Argentina VS. Peru

2009-09-09T21:52:00.007+08:00

On October 10, 2009, Team Argentina will Challenge Team Peru on the Football grounds for a head to head fight in the world's biggest soccer league. Who take the momentum between the two Latin-American Team? Witness the action live online!

Goalkeeper Mariano Andujar told his manager's upbeat vision. "This isn't over," he said. "We need to pick ourselves up quickly because we have another final coming up. It's not over and it's still in our hands."

See the Latest Team Rankings:

Chile VS. Brazil - Live Soccer

2009-09-09T21:17:00.007+08:00

Chile will be facing the powerhouse of Brazil on Wednesday September 09, 2009 (Game Time: 22:00). This match is still part of the on going FIFA World Cup 2009 in South Africa.

This is another great Brazil and Chile. Catch every action of the leading soccer league of the world. Experience the thrill and taste the winning moments of your favorite team through online streaming.

Over-all Ranking as of press time:

For the ever-present Auriverdes, who hold the record for the number of FIFA World Cup titles, games won and goals scored at the showpiece competition, nothing less than a staggering sixth world crown will do. The reigning continental champions are aiming for a repeat of their Germany 2006 qualifying campaign, the Verdeamarelos topping the regional table with relative ease. Yet very few of the faces remain the same. Incoming coach Carlos Dunga, captain of the side that triumphed at USA 1994, has wrung the changes in a bid to instil the tactical discipline sometimes lacking from the world's most technically gifted footballers.

FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking: 3

Last friendly result: Brazil 3 - 1 Mexico

Main men: Lucio (Bayern Munich, Germany), Juan (AS Roma, Italy), Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona, Spain), Kaka (AC Milan, Italy), Robinho (Real Madrid, Spain),

Absentees: Marauding full-backs Cafu and Roberto Carlos retired from Seleção duty after Germany 2006. AC Milan striker Ronaldo has yet to figure under the new regime.
Opening matches: Colombia (in Bogota) and Ecuador (in Rio de Janeiro).

Aliwan 2009 - The Culmination of Philippine Festivals

2009-04-27T15:18:00.018+08:00

Best Festival Float, Pamulinawen Festival
The 2009 Aliwan fiesta was concluded by a streetdance competition last Saturday, April 25, 2009. Iloilo managed to send three of its festivals, Iloilo Dinagyang Festival was represented by Tribu Paghidaet of Lapaz National High School, Tribu Kasag of Banate Iloilo's Kasag Festival represented the Kasadyahan of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival and Grupo del Oeste of Samba de Regatta - Iloilo Paraw Regatta festival joined as guest performer. Aliwan organizers allow only a maximum two contingent per region for streetdance competition. But Iloilo Paraw Regatta festival is allowed to join in the Float Competition and to send candidate for Reyna ng Aliwan.

See Videos of Iloilo Contigents to Aliwan 2009

Aliwan 2009 Winners;

(Aliwan Queen of Festivals)
Best in Festival Costume- Ms. Pakalog sa Pasig, Pasig City
Ms. Ibon-Ibon Festival, Candaba Pampanga
Runners Up- Ms. Kadayawan Festival, Davao City
Ms. Panagbenga Festival, Bagiuo City
Ms. Pamulinawen Festival, Laoag City
1st Runner Up- Ms. Tuna Festival, Gen. Santos City
Aliwan Queen of Festival - Ms. Alcoy Siloy festival, Cebu Province

Grupo del Oeste of Samba de Regatta (ILOILO Paraw Regatta Festival)

(StreetDance)
2nd Runner Up: Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo City
1st Runner Up: Kasag Festival, Banate, Iloilo (ILOILO Dinagyang/Kasadyahan)
Champion: Buyogan Festival, Abuyog, Leyte

Tribu Kasag - Kasadyahan of ILOILO Dinagyang Festival - Aliwan 2009 1st Runner UP

Tribu Paghidaet - ILOILO Dinagyang Festival - Aliwan 2009 2nd Runner UP

(Festival Float)
2nd Runner Up: Dinagyang Festival, Iloilo City
1st Runner Up: Lemba, Cotabato
Winner: Pamulinawen Festival, Laoag City

2009 Aliwan Parade of Floats

video credits: RHTV

Batad - People and Nature

2009-04-23T15:07:00.008+08:00

In 1895, the Municipality of Balasan was officially founded as a parish town by a Spanish "Real Orden" and Batad was considered an arrabal of Balasan. The word "BATAD" is a Hiligaynon version for a sundial shell of the Architectonicidae family of varied species, color and sizes abundant in Embarcadero, a coastal barangay two (2) kilometers away from the present townsite. The town of Batad has its beginning in Embarcadero until the settlement was transferred to the new site and called Batad Viejo due to Muslim raids.

Alapasco Dam

It was said that when the carabao and the cattle herd watchers would stand at the top of the mountain separating the new site from Embarcadero and view the picture of the houses in spiralling formation around the hill resembling the sundial shell popularly known as "batad" they were heard to exclaim "daw batad"!(looks like batad), because of their seashore orientation. The name become a by word to the people as so it was that the new site called Batad, the name it carries up to the present.

Maliaya Island

On October 30, 1949, Hon. Juan Borra of the 5th District of Iloilo passed a bill and was signed into law by former President Elpidio Quirino creating the Municipality of Batad, and separating it from the its mother municipality- Balasan.

At present the Municipality of Batad is composed 24 barangays that primarily produce crops like coconut, corn, and palay. Several Ponds including the coastal areas produce good catch of seafoods, to note numerous barangays in the municipality are named after a specific seafood or creature associating the place to the sea.

Source:Batad, Iloilo LGU

Iloilo City -Traditional Send Off Party For Aliwan

2009-04-17T10:37:00.016+08:00

(April 17, 2009)

Tribu Paghidaet -Champion of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2009
Iloilo City- The traditional send off party of Iloilo City for its Aliwan delegation this year is slated this afternoon after the 3PM Mass at the San Jose Parish. A street performance will then follow going to the Freedom Grandstand where the send off program will formally start. Tribu Kasag from the Municipality of Banate's Kasag Festival is representing the Kasadyahan of Iloilo Dinagyang, Tribu Paghidaet of La Paz National High School, for the second time, is representing the Dinagyang Festival, and Grupo del Oeste of West Visayas State University will represent Samba de Regatta of Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival, the latter, however will only be performing as guest during the Aliwan Fiesta. Aliwan allows a maximum two contingent per region for streetdance competition. But Iloilo Paraw Regatta festival is allowed to join in the Float Competition and to send candidate for Reyna ng Aliwan.

Kasadyahan is held on a Saturday before the Grand ati-ati contest of the Dinagyang Festival. Unlike the Dinagyang, Kasadyahan dancers do not paint themselves in black. Their music is varied and its theme showcases Iloilo's cultural heritage, history and practices. The festival champions of various towns of Iloilo compete at the Kasadyahan Festival.

Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang 2009
The Government and People of Iloilo City wish a safe and peaceful trip to Iloilo's delegation to the 2009 Aliwan Fiesta; Ms. Natalie Roberts and Tribu Paghidaet, Ms. Marie June Bebing and Tribu Kasag, and Ms. Ann Rency Custodio and Grupo del Oeste.

Iloilo to honor Outstanding Ilonggo Entrepreneurs

2009-04-17T08:04:00.005+08:00

The Province of Iloilo will be honoring Outstanding Ilonggo Entrepreneurs today April 17, 2009 during the Testimonial Dinner which will be the highlight of the week-long celebration of the 108th Semana Sang Iloilo.

It can be recalled that the Search was launched last December 15, 2009 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr. who heads the overall committee for the search said that he wants to promote and develop entrepreneurship because entrepreneurs are the catalysts of change.

The objectives of the search are to strengthen and improve the Ilonggos way of life through entrepreneurship; recognize outstanding and successful entrepreneurs in the Province and lastly to inspire the people of the Province to consider entrepreneurship as a lucrative career.

There are three business categories that the awardees should belong to: 1. Agriculture, fisheries and forestry which include horticulture, aquaculture, industrial tree farm, crops and livestocks; 2. Manufacturing which includes delicacies and processed food, agri-based products, gifts and housewares, furniture, metacl craft and engineering works; and 3. Service which include hotels/resorts/restaurants, health and wellness, trading, transportation

The qualifiers/nominees for the Search for Outstanding Entrepreneur in the Province of Iloilo are as follows: Mr. Baltazar Gumana – San Nicolas Ridge Farm in the sector of horticulture; Mr. Tomas Hautea – Retcem Resources, Inc. for Aquaculture; Dr. Melchor Calip - Mederin Farm for Poultry and Livestock; Mrs. Ma. Elena Tingson -.Nang Palangs Buko Pie for Delicacies abd Processed Food; Mrs. Ma. Theresa Malones – Iloilo Kawayan Marketing for gifts and housewares; Mr. Noe Gumayao – Pinili Decorcrafts for Furniture; Engr. Nelson Lopez – Lopez Engineering and General Services for Metal Crafts and Engineering Works; Mrs. Constancia Atijon – Connie’s Handwoven Products for Wearable; Mrs. Rubinee Garilva – Garilva “Junbee” Recreation Center for hotels/resorts/restaurants; *Mr. Delson Sonza – Model Agricultural Supply for trading; Mr. Hanzel Querubin – HPQ Transit for transportation and lastly Mrs. Ma. Tessie Pagay – Rosary Herbal Products for Health and Wellness.

It has been the tradition of the Province of Iloilo to recognize and award outstanding achievements of Ilonggos in whatever field endeavor year after year as the Province celebrates its foundation day on April 11. (Capitol News).

*Model Agricultural Trading operates mainly in Northern Iloilo and has branches in Batad, Balasan and Estancia.

1st Iloilo Provincial One Town One Product (OTOP) Congress Is Set Today

2009-04-16T00:00:00.002+08:00

The Department of Trade & Industry-Iloilo Office in cooperation with the Iloilo Provincial Government, League of Municipalities-Iloilo and Iloilo Business Club will hold the 1st Iloilo Provincial OTOP Congress today 16 April 2009 at the Conference Room of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. The Congress aims to assess the OTOP-Iloilo Programs vis-à-vis the National OTOP Strategic Plan for 2006-2010.

It also aims to gain the commitment and support of partner organizations (LGUs, NGAs and other partners) and gather necessary inputs for the development of a successor plan for the National SMED Plan 2004-2010. Mayors with their Municipal/City OTOP Coordinators and an OTOP-SME of each municipality or city will be attending the said Congress. Mr. Rex Resurreccion of the Passion for Perfection Consultancy based in Manila will be the facilitator.

One of the highlights of this activity is the recognition of the Best OTOP Implementer, Outstanding OTOP SME and Most Supportive Partner Agency. Presidential Assistant Raul N. Banias will be the keynote speaker while Iloilo Provincical Governor Niel D. Tupas, President of League of Municipalities of the Philippines Mayor Raul C. Tupas and President of League of Cities of the Philippines Mayor Jerry P. Treñas will give the welcome messages for today's activity.

Batad Is Celebrating Its 60th Annual Fiesta

2009-04-15T00:00:00.007+08:00

The Municipality of Batad will celebrate its 60th Annual Municipal & Religious Fiesta on April 18-21, 2009 in Honor of St. vincent Ferrer, the patron saint of the municipality. Major activities identified for this event include the food festival along the municipal plaza which formally opened last April 13, and Coronation of the 2009 Fiesta Queen on April 21. Different agencies such as the LGU officials, various schools, religious sector, LIGA ng mga Barangay and SK Federation will also have their respective activities during the entire duration of the celebration, to include Lin-ay sang Batad 2009, Ecumenical mass, Cavalcade of Dances, Jamming with the Band and agro-industrial Fair.

This year's fiesta celebration aims to continue the promotion of its culture as Batad march towards sustainable progress. It also symbolizes the concerted efforts and initiatives of Batadnons who are willing to make the municipality a develop and progressive town in northern Iloilo.

Come and enjoy the seafoods, the waterfalls and the hospitality of Batadnons.

108th Foundation Anniversary of Iloilo Province

2009-04-13T13:22:00.000+08:00

(April 13, 2009)
The week-long celebration of the "Semana sang Iloilo" in line with the commemoration of the 108th foundation day of the province kicked off today with the opening of the garden show, one town–one product (OTOP) exhibit and a showcase of various festivals of Iloilo towns at the capitol grounds.

Iloilo Gov. Niel D. Tupas said after more than a century of being a province, Iloilo has plenty to be proud of including its new capitol dubbed as the “Capitol of the Future", improved road and other infrastructures, new site for its rehabilitation center and the New Iloilo Airport of International Standard which happens to be one of the best airports of the country.

“One of the most significant achievements that we have is the peace and order,” he said.

Tupas said that peace and order situation is one significant factor in terms of promoting Iloilo as a tourist destination.

Meanwhile, the opening day was also highlighted by a magical silent drill of students from the John B. Lacson Maritime Foundation University.

Also the famous hablon of the municipality of Miagao took centerstage with its "Rigodon de Hablon" where participants are wearing the hablon or woven cloth mirroring the culture and history of the town.

Carles PNP, Iloilo's best

2009-04-07T12:37:00.000+08:00

The Carles Municipal Police Station (MPS) headed by Insp. Remias Alavaren has been declared the best police station in the province for the first quarter of this year. It bested 42 other police stations.

Second to Carles is the police station of Maasin under Insp. Romeo Villasis.

In third place is the Oton MPS under Supt. Rolando Segaya.

Meanwhile, the 607th Iloilo Provincial Mobile Group (IPMG) was declared as best provincial mobile group among the four mobile groups of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

The 607th is under Group Director Supt Khasmir Disomangcop.

According to Senior Supt. Ricardo Dela Paz, IPPO director, these police units performed well in the campaign against illegal activities such as drug trafficking, illegal gambling and cattle-rustling, among others.

Dela Paz said a special team from the IPPO assesses the performance of police stations every month. They are rated on the following criteria: Police Community Relations (PCR), operation, intelligence, investigation, administrative, Human Resource Development Division, finance and logistics.(PN)

Northern Iloilo

2009-03-26T10:33:00.003+08:00

The northern portion of the province of Iloilo comprises the 5th Congressional District of the province, of the eleven (11) municipalities, Balasan, Batad, Carles and Estancia, compose the northern most part of the province.

A Three-hour travel by land from Northern-Central Iloilo Transport Terminal in Tagbak, Jaro District in Iloilo City will refresh you with good food, cool resorts, great accommodations at reasonable prices, while an hour trip from Roxas City, Capiz will bring you to these wonderful destinations.

Entry Points:

Iloilo City - the capital of the province of Iloilo and the regional center of Western Visayas, is the primary entry point to northern Iloilo, you can travel to Iloilo from other parts of the country in style. By air, there are four airline companies (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and Zest Air) currently serving Iloilo-Manila flights and vice-versa via the Iloilo International Airport which will take about an hour. Cebu is only 35 minutes by plane. Cebu Pacific is serving Iloilo-Davao route trhree times a week, or you can have a connecting flight to Zamboanga. By sea, sailing time is about 20 hours from Manila; from Zamboanga or Cagayan de Oro, 14 hours once a week; from Cebu, 12 hours. Fastcrafts from Bacolod City take 45 minutes while travel by regular ferry takes 2 hours. A Roll on-Roll off (RORO)buses also cater direct transport from Cubao to Iloilo.

Roxas City - the seafood capital is a secondary entry point to northern Iloilo. From Manila the trip lasts for a maximum of eighteen hours by sea. For a lesser price, there is also a Roll on-Roll off (RORO) option that passes by Roxas City straight from Cubao in Manila. For the jet setter, both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have flights that fly to Roxas daily, every morning. The plane ride costs a little more, but will only take you 40-45 minutes.

A direct travel by sea from Masbate or Romblon would take you to the Port of Estancia, Carles also serves as an alternate route to and from Masbate or Romblon.

Plans For Northern Iloilo

During the 1st investment forum held in Estancia, former Estancia Mayor Cordero said their are plans to make the Municipalities of Batad, Balasan, Carles and Estancia a “metro municipalities” in Northern Iloilo , utilizing the Integrated Area Development approach to hasten development in this part of the country.

Balasan - The Origin

2009-03-23T15:05:00.001+08:00

In 1847, Francisco Areola was granted permission by the military Governor of Capiz, Don Juan Silverio, to take fifty families from Navas, (now town in the Province of Aklan) to establish a settlement in Punat Bolocawi which is now a part of Carles. This place proved to be inadequate to satisfy the settlers for food, so moved to the lowland that became the present Municipality of Carles. The settlers grow in number and for food, so they become acute. In the latter part of 1852, Areola commissioned Vicente Navales to look for a place with a better food supply. As Vicente Navales moved Southward, he came upon a vast plain of level land that perfectly responded to their needs. Near the bank of the river where the Barangay of Maya is located the first settlement was formed.

How this municipality got its name could not be ascertained because of the many versions then prevailing. Some say that Balasan derived its name from "Balas" meaning sand which are still found in abundance along the Banks of Bangon River where the first settlement was founded. Others claimed that during the early years of the settlement there was a band of settlers from Abaca, Passi, all surnamed Balasa. This family formed the greatest number of settlers and that the settlement was named in their honor. Up to this time there are still inhabitants in Barangay Batuan with this family name.

Before Batad, Carles and Estancia became a separate municipality, they once formed part of the Municipality of Balasan, hence, the Municipality of Balasan became the origin of these municipalities in the northern most area in the province of Iloilo.

Attractions:

The municipality takes pride of Salvacion Falls located in Barangay Salvacion, one could enjoy the cool and refreshing waterfalls at no cost, a great interaction with nature can also be experienced as you treck the area, access roads will direct you right at the foot of the mountain.

The Municipality of Balasan celebrates the annual “ADOPT AND LIGHT A CHRISTMAS TREE” Project. Spearheaded by the local government since 1998 in cooperation with the NGO’s and the business sector, this project starts on the first week of December and culminates in the first week of January of the following year. The attraction of this annual Christmas Festival is the illuminated trees in front of the Municipal Hall and the trees surrounding the Municipal Plaza. The municipal building is likewise illuminated with different colored lights. This annual project includes a Food Festival catered by different stall owners.

After the December activity, comes the “FESTIVAL OF HEARTS” which starts first week of February and culminates on February 14-Valentine’s Day. This features hearts in glowing red colors, which are displayed in front of the Municipal Hall and around the public plaza, along with a food festival organized by the locals.

The municipality celebrates its Municipal and Religious Fiesta every 24th day of July in honor of Señora Santa Ana. The municipality likewise celebrates the annual May Flower Festival which culminates in the last day of May through the traditional Sagala and Reyna Elena procession.

Municipality of Estancia

2009-03-23T09:46:00.000+08:00

Location:

Estancia is located in the northern part of the Iloilo Province approximately 135 kilometers from the capital of the province Iloilo City.

Estancia is known around the country as a center for commercial fishing, so much so that it carries the name "Alaska of the Philippines" as a testament to its bountiful marine resources. The reason for this is that Estancia lies in the Visayan Sea triangle, an imaginary triangle extending from the provinces of Iloilo, Negros, Cebu, Samar, and Masbate.

This triangle is a part of the "Sulu-Sulaweisi Triangle" of the Sulu Sea and neighboring Indonesia where a large concentration of marine organisms coupled with climate conditions support a massive marine ecosystem. Various commercial species are harvested along Estancia's waters, namely mackerel, barracuda, sardines, shad, pompano, grouper, squid, cuttlefish, shrimp, prawns, shells, seaweed and others.

Municipality of Carles

2009-03-23T09:41:00.000+08:00

Location:

Carles is the northernmost town of Iloilo. It is located in the northeastern tip of the triangular shaped Panay Island. It lies in the coordinates of 11 01’30" latitude and 128 ’01’00" longitude.

It is bounded on the north by Jintotolo channel; on the northeast by the Visayan Sea. On the west by Municipality of Pilar, Capiz; and in the south by the Municipality of Balasan, Iloilo. It is 146 km away from Iloilo City and 13 km away from Balasan, Iloilo, the nearest town to Carles.

Municipality of Batad

2009-03-23T09:38:00.003+08:00

Location:

The municipality of Batad is located in the northern tip of Iloilo Province, about 120 kilometers from the City of Iloilo.

Prior to its becoming a municipality on October 30, 1949, Batad was an arabal of Balasan. Batad is composed of 24 barangays, 19 are inland while 5 are coastal area. It is bounded on the North by the municipalities of Balasan and Estancia on the West by the municipality of Pilar Capiz, on the south by the municipality of San Dionisio and by the Visayan Sea on the East.

Municipality of Balasan

2009-03-23T09:33:00.003+08:00

Location:

Approximately a hundred and thirty three (133) kilometers away from the heart of the city lies the Municipality of Balasan, the 2nd to the last town of the Province of Iloilo.

The exact location of Balasan is at coordinates 123 degrees 5’ 10" latitude 11 degrees 28’ 30’ longitude. It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of Carles, on the South by the Municipality of Batad, on the East by the Municipality of Estancia, on the West by the Municipality of Pilar, Province of Capiz.

Balasan is the furthest Municipality on the northern portion of Iloilo Province. It serves as the boundary between the province of Capiz and the Province of Iloilo. Furthermore, the town is accessible to Iloilo City the provincial Capital as well as the regional center of the Western Visayas, and Roxas City, the Capital of the province of Capiz.

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2009-03-19T15:36:00.000+08:00

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Northern Iloilo: A Holy Week Special (part2)

2009-03-19T14:12:00.003+08:00

back to Part 1

Meet Our Team!

ILOILO: The City of Love

2009-03-19T11:51:00.009+08:00

The City of Iloilo is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines, the capital of, but independent from, the province of Iloilo. It is the economic hub of the Western Visayas region, as well as the center of the Iloilo-Guimaras Metropolitan Area.

Iloilo was historically one of the major agricultural centers of the Philippines, exporting sugar, copra, bananas, mangoes and other natural resources during the Spanish and American colonial periods.

Irong-Irong appears in the Maragtas legend of the coming of ten Bornean datus (Chieftains) to Panay who bartered gold for the plains and valleys of the island from a local Ati chieftain. One datu, Paiburong by name, was given the territory of Irong-Irong (now Iloilo). For 300 years before the coming of the Spaniards, the islanders live in comparative prosperity and peace under an organized government and such laws as the Codes of Kalantiaw.

In 1566, the Spaniards under Miguel Lopez de Legaspi came to Panay and established a settlement in Ogtong (now Oton, Iloilo). He appointed Gonzalo Ronquillo as deputy encomiendero who in 1581 moved the seat of Spanish power to La Villa de Arevalo, a sitio named in honor of his hometown in Avila, in Spain. By 1700 due to recurrent raids by Moro pirates, Dutch and English privateers, the Spaniards moved to the village of Irong-Irong where close to the mouth of the river they built Fort San Pedro. Irong-Irong or Ilong-Ilong whose name the Spaniards shortened to "Iloilo" later became the capital of the province. The Maragtas, a set of ancient documents, is a popularly accepted chronicle of ancient Panay, According to the documents, Datu Puti and his fellow datus, together with their families, warriors and slaves, fled from the tyranny of Sultan Makatunao of Borneo, and landed at now known as the town of San Joaquin. At that time, Panay was inhabited by native aboriginal people, the small, dark-skinned "Atis" who were ruled by King Marikudo and Queen affluent land bustling with trade and commerce. Maniwangtiwang. King Marikudo sold the lowlands of Panay for the price of a golden hat (saduk), a long golden necklace (manangyad) and other assorted items. After the sale, the Atis retreated to the highlands and newcomers settled in their new home. In 1566, when the Spaniards set foot on the land they later renamed Iloilo, discovered an affluent land bustling with trade and commerce. Its flourished economic activities and excellent port made Iloilo the premier province of the country.

In December 1898, the Americans entered the Iloilo port and took over the reins of the City. Under American tutelage, many Ilonggos became luminaries in the fields of politics and government. The outbreak of the Second World War took a heavy toll on the province. Like the rest of the country, Iloilo was left with severely shattered economy and deeply demoralized populace. Possessing the resilience and determination of their forebears, the Ilonggos slowly regained their foothold. Today, Iloilo has rejoined the ranks of the progressive provinces outside of Metro Manila. Iloilo's colorful history has distilled a spirit that posses the complex nuances of contrasting cultures. It is a culture essentially Oriental, progressively Occidental, yet uniquely Ilonggo.

Source: Iloilo City LGU

Meet Our Team

2009-03-19T11:44:00.006+08:00

The Holy Week Special of Visit Northern Iloilo was made possible through the following special correspondents;

Reymund B. Flores, A.B.
Site Admin/Founder, Visit Northern Iloilo
Balasan-Batad, Iloilo Correspondent

Daisy Dawn Macahilo
Balasan-Estancia, Iloilo Special Correspondent

Jebbelou Pago
Balasan, Iloilo Special Correspondent

Vincent Luceño, R.N.
Batad, Iloilo Special Correspondent

ILOILO: The Province

2009-03-19T11:42:00.003+08:00

ILOILO, the largest province in Panay Island of the Western Visayas Region, is divided into 42 municipalities & 1 component city (Passi City), composed of 1,721 barangays with Iloilo City (though independent from the province) as the provincial capital. Iloilo takes its name from Irong-Irong, the old name of the city of Iloilo, a tongue of land that sitcks out like a nose on the south side of the Iloilo River.

This mystical province, poised for progress, is famous for its delightful contrast between the east & west, the old and new ... of tall buildings and nipa hus, of modern streamers and scurrying native boats, of free-wheeling cars and jeepneys.

A heritage and adventure destination in this side of the region, Iloilo prides itself with having the country's oldest and well-preserved churches, ancestral homes, & other historical landmarks, resplendent festivals, unspoiled coastal communities with pristine beaches and islands.

Iloilo is harnessing the potentials of its strategic location, abundant resources & established facilities to attain revitalized growth. Centrally located, it serves as the gateway to Southern Philippines and holds an unparalleled advantage of being the hub of trade, commerce and industry.

Agriculture is the principal industry of Iloilo. Its production of rice, sugar, mongo, fish and other major producs has placed the province among the country's top agricultural prodcuers.

While Iloilo teems with energy and vibrancy of new developments, the glory of its heritage is stiill evident in its architecture and lives on in the hearts of its people. Truly, Iloilo is a destination that fulfill your needs, a place for history, business, leisure and one that you could proudly call home.

Source: Province of Iloilo LGU

Northern Iloilo: A Holy Week Special (part1)

2009-03-19T10:56:00.002+08:00

go to part 2

Meet Our Team!