Nature run from cancer kicks off at Sta. Barbara Heights May 7

 

 

Experience nature fun run from cancer in the newest healthy lifestyle haven Sta. Barbara Heights Residential Estates at Brgy. Inangayan, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo on May 7, 2016 starting at 5AM to 8AM.

Running enthusiasts, for an affordable P100 registration fee, will have the opportunity to sprint their stuffs through the 3-km or 5-km hilly terrain offering a whole new exciting exercise while embracing the natural, ecologically-friendly and fresh atmosphere.

Students are encouraged to bring and present their ID to avail of free participation.

Participants will not only enjoy the sweet escape from stress but will run for a reason in support of a great cause to win the battle against a dreaded disease as 50 percent of the net proceeds will go to the chosen beneficiary.

Studies show that running on inclined surfaces is less boring as it activates 9 percent more of leg muscles’ strength and power. This is in comparison to running on flat surface that just burn calories and trains your heart.

So what are you waiting for? Pick up those running shoes and find your way to indulge in the initial offerings of the Sta. Barbara Heights township project which will soon become the leading lifestyle destination in town, a sanctuary away from the busy city life.

For registration please contact: mobile 09177291564 or telephone (033) 335-01026/ 335-0128.

IBP's Leisure Hot Spots Unveiled

Excited for Iloilo Business Park's full swing developments of its leisure and entertainment hot spots? Find your favorite destinations only here as we reveal the 72-hectare business township's future perspective and recent updates ready for 2016 opening.

Festive Walk Mall

The Festive Walk Mall is a the township’s high-end shopping center where international boutiques, retail shops, bistros, an events center and 8 world-class cinemas defines ultimate leisure and entertainment.

Target completion and opening: Last quarter of 2016. 

Street of Festive Walk

A 1.1-kilometer longest retail and dining strip in Visayas and Mindanao where prominent restaurants, bistros, pubs, retail shops and boutique showcase a defining new lifestyle in the region.

Target completion and opening: Last quarter of 2016. 

Iloilo Convention Center

The region’s most modern convention venue complete with function rooms that can accommodate more than 3,700 audiences. Its architectural design is inspired by Iloilo’s Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta Festivals.

Recent updates: Complete construction, launched and opened in September 2016, venue of the APEC 2015 ministerial meetings.

BPO Buildings

Iloilo Business Park’s BPO buildings made up the largest IT Park in the region where multinational BPO companies currently operates and provides competitive jobs for local BPO professionals. 10 BPO Buildings are expected to rise and open 30,000 jobs in the next 10 years.

Recent updates: One Global Center and Two Global Center opened in 2014, Richmonde Tower (catering to BPO companies) opened in 2014, One Techno Place and Two Techno Place are set to be completed and open this 2016.

Megaworld Boulevard

The township’s main thoroughfare that retained 30% of Iloilo’s old airport runway connects all the high-endestablishments and destinations, complete with Bike Lanes for healthy activities and green stripes that provides scenic view in Iloilo Business Park.

Recent updates: Open for public, functional and paving way for opening of other leisure destinations in the township.

Boutique Hotel and Commercial District

Envisage as the next Central Business District (CBD) in the Visayas, the 9-hectare, 10 blocks and 60 prime lots composed the Boutique Hotel and Commercial District set to become the financial and leisure epicentre of the township in the future.

Recent updates: 80% of commercial lots are already sold-out to bank institutions and financial companies whose goal is to open regional headquarters in the township soon. Local entrepreneurs has already secured their own commercial lots for future business ventures.  

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo

A business classy hotel with passionate standard of service, the 12-storey Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is provides ultimate pleasure for visitors with top-notch hotel rooms, high-end restaurant The Granary and Bizbar lounge. Its stunning swimming pool located in the 7^th floor showcases relaxation like no other.

Recent updates: Open and launched the hotel's Pool Deck at the 7th floor last February 2016. 

Courtyard by Marriot

The most prestigious international hotel to open in the region, the 22-storey Courtyard by Marriot exudes elegance and top-notch hotel services. It has its own international hotel restaurant, lounge bar, world-class amenities and highest standard of service, making it the most-anticipated hotel to open in 2016.

Target completion and opening: Expected to open in the middle of 2016. 

The Northern Pearls of Iloilo

Text by Bombette G. Marin, photos by Jason Matias, Bombette G. Marin, Vincent Angelo Gefes and Reynaldo Paguntalan Jr.

Looking for a turquoise ocean and a deserted, white-sand beach?Iloilo has an intense variety and striking beauty of the islands in the north.Pristine palm fringed beaches with clear waters are everywhere in this area. Some are even of high ecological value due to its protected areas, native fauna and rare ecosystems.

With a string of 67 islands, these natural beauties sit on azure waters. From the more popular island beaches of Carles and Concepcion to the lesser known waters in Ajuy, the northern portion of the province has a tropical vibe that few can resist. Most of these island beaches have been unspoiled by pollution and tourism and appeals more to the adventurous tourists, backpackers and nature-lovers.

Hibotkan Rock Sanctuary, Banate is a Marine sanctuary that covers 25 hectares but only 1 hectare is exposed to the sun during low tide. There 16 families of corals are found with 34 species being observed. It is also abundant with tropical fishes.  It is found in between the municipal waters of town and Guimaras Strait and is a paradise for tourists who enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and underwater photography.

MARBUENA BEACH RESORT in Binongan-an Island, Ajuy is a beautiful holiday destination that boasts of its white sand beach and plenty of things to do which include boating, fishing, snorkeling and trekking. Around the resort are religious images where one is constantly reminded of God’s love and protection of man and nature. The beach area has picnic and napping shelters. It is a10-minute motorized boat ride from Barangay Morocoro wharf.

Sitio Salog Gamay in Barangay Punta Buri, Ajuy is an island that is off the main tourist track about 10 kilometers or a 45-minutes motorized boat ride from Barangay Morocoro wharf. With no tourist amenities, however, the island only offer a place where you can hang a hammock and lean back, enjoy the sound of the waves without crowds ruining the peace and quiet. It has a soft, creamy sand beach that is laid back and perfect for relaxing and taking it easy.

Photo by Gerard Villareal

Calabazas Island, SitioNasidman, Ajuyis this town’s popular dive site. Its coral garden isa come on for visitors who would like to go snorkeling. It is home to an 1884 Spanish Lighthouse. The keeper’s house, now in ruins still holds the 45 feet high tower with a focal plane of 100 feet. It is included as one of the 27 Spanish Lighthouses in the Philippines.

 

Sandbar Island Beach Resort in Barangay Polopińa, SitioBulubadiangan, Concepcionhas increased its popularity and has made all its adjacent island beaches so lively as well. It can be reached within 30 minutes through a motorized boat ride from the municipal wharf.  Its white coral sand beach and clear blue waters is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The most attractive feature of this resort is its sandbar.

 

Sitio Sanggutan in Barangay Polopińa, Concepcion has a coastline with fringes of coconut trees offering visitors a pleasant atmosphere. Its calm sea is also suitable for swimming and boating. It has an accommodation that appeals to those who love comfort and tranquility amidst pristine nature. It is fronting Sandbar Island Beach Resort. From the municipal wharf, it is a 30 minute motorized boat ride to the island.

Agho Island, Concepcion is a picnic island destination set on a serene surrounding with its dazzling white sandy beach and a sweeping view of the islands of Igbon, Mangalabang and Tambaliza. The alluring emptiness of its white sand beach offers a personal oasis in nature's tropical playground. Relax and listen to the sound of the breeze in the trees and the gentle waves on the beach.

Barangay Taloto-an in Pan de Azucar Island, Concepcion has a laid-back lifestyle from an off the beaten path. Though the island is inhabited and with traces of destruction from the recent typhoon, a considerate portion in the island provides ample opportunity to relax in its natural and secluded beauty. There are no rooms with bathroom facilities, as tourists do not commonly visit the area.

Barangay Tambaliza, Pan de Azucar Island, Concepcionis famous for its landmark, Mt. Manaphag or popularly known as Pan de Azucar. It has budget-conscious accommodation establishments that rest at the foothill of the majestic mountain. Its beach features golden sand, palm trees and shallow water that provide swimming, snorkeling and boating opportunities.

LUMPATAN, Concepcion is mainly made up of granite rocks. The first thing visitors will probably want to do when in the area is to walk to its 300-meter trail that frames almost half of the island. The beach, however, is rocky, with corals and pebbles, but is a place for a gentle swim capped by happy hours of sunbathing. It is a great spot to relax.

MAGALUMBI ISLAND, Barangay Tanao Batadis a privately-owned island with creamy sand complimenting its bluish green waters perfect for swimming and boating activities. It is a 15-minute motorized boat ride from Barangay Banban or a 10-minute motorized boat ride from barangay Binon-an. The island barangays of Concepcion, Estancia and Carles serves as its backdrop.

 

Antonia Island in Barangay Gabi, Gigantes Sur, Carlesis a privately-owned small island of enormous beauty with the least signs of civilization. This is one of the very few islands in Carles that is nearly uninhabited. It is no wonder a lot of visitors, mostly beach lovers and backpackers find it hard to leave.  It has grown into an energetic destination for young travelers looking to sunbathe with a bit more privacy.

SITIO PULUPANDAN, Barangay Gabi, Carles is an idyllic deserted white-sand coral islet lapped by turquoise waters. The place is simply stunning,almost an hour awayby motorized boat from the mainland. The islet serves as a resting area for fishermen in the area. The isletis a perfect place to go snorkeling and diving.

 

Tangke, Barangay Gabi in Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carlesis a hidden saltwater lagoon formed by a surrounding wall of granite monolithic cliffs. During low tide, the level of water also recedes but also rises when it is high tide. Visitors to the area need to climb on its steep rocky wall that serves as the lagoon’s fortress. However, an easier and shorter climb from where the motorized-boat docks alongside its walls is done only during high tide. The lagoon’s rocky borders offer visitors one-of-a-kind formations.

Cabugao Gamay, Gigantes Norte, Carles is a privately-owned island surrounded by azure waters excellent for swimming and snorkeling activities. It is one of Iloilo’s most popular island-hop spots. After docking at the base of the island, a climb up the rocky hill steps to a breathtaking view of its outlying area and it is well worth the effort. Several other white sand island beaches are seen adjacent to the beach.

These northern island beaches are a far cry away from the crowded resorts of the neighboring provinces in the region. For those who would to stay overnight and experience the serenity of rural life, there are lodging houses in the area. There is enough space and so few visitors that you will probably find a spot just for yourself. If you are lucky enough to make it to any of these northern pearls, you will have an island experience that will surely give you a lifetime of memories.

For more information, please contact the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government at telefax (033) 3384910.

Iloilo Bike Fest Inspires a 'Bike-Safe' City

"Bike on Lights" added excitement and glitter in this year's Iloilo Bike Festival

"Bike on Lights" winner Joe Fondevilla showcases his colorfully-lighted bike during the competition

The 3rd Iloilo Bike Festival resonated a vision of bike-friendly and bike safe metropolis for Iloilo City as thousands of bikers gathered to join the series of events and fun activities from March 13-19. A partnership event of the City Government of Iloilo, Megaworld Corporation and Ronda Pilipinas,the week long event became a sensational attraction in Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare business and leisure township in Mandurriao District. The event opened with Ronda Pilipinas Criterium in Iloilo Business Park in the early morning of March 13. The most anticipated new event in this year's Bike Festival is "Bike on Lights," a gathering of bike lovers who paraded their bikes with colorful lights and designs in the evening of March 19. To showcase arts and culture, there's Pinta Siklista which showcased a parade of multi-colored painted participants with their bikes.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo Hotel Manager, Natalie Lim awards the prize for first place winner of "Bike on Lights"

Participants are getting ready to parade and showcase their colorfully-lighted bike

Iloilo City official led by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Megaworld - Iloilo Business Park Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Jennifer Ann Palmares-Fong led the formal ceremonies of Iloilo Bike Festival

The vision of the Iloilo Bike Festival is to emphasize Iloilo City as the country's most bike-friendly metropolis in the Philippines. In fact, Iloilo takes pride of its 5-meter bike lanes along the Diversion Road (Benigno Aquino Avenue) going to Iloilo Business Park to showcase another significant attraction that encourages Ilonggos and visitors to enjoy the healthy ambiance and activities of the city. The City of Government of Iloilo and Megaworld Corporation partnered and agreed to hold the annual Iloilo Bike Festival until 2020, a passion to encourage healthy lifestyle and a "bike-able" Iloilo City.

Festive Walk Mall inspires Ilonggos' Metropolitan Lifestyle

Festive Walk Mall construction updates, February 2016

It is etched in the mindset of Ilonggos that shopping has become their favorite lifestyle for a long time. Their progressive city, Iloilo has experienced fast-paced metropolitan changes in the last decades, ushering beautiful developments, sustainable elevation and giving Ilonggos the reason to enjoy life even better in their beloved city. As prestigious shopping malls propping up in the last few years in the city, Ilonggos are lovers of the good life and the high-end lifestyle. They love to shop and look around for new leisure destinations and options. In early 1800, it is said that Ilonggos has developed a high sense of aesthetics when it comes to lifestyle in their city. Iloilo is known throughout the history as the original "Queen City of the South." Iloilo's Calle Real, one of the country's oldest business districts, is said to be one of the first and most modern international port-city outside of Manila, and has attracted international dignitaries and investors when the city struck its own goldmine with the rise of the textile and sugar industry in Western Visayas. Metropolitan lifestyle back then in Iloilo City was vibrant, extravagant and prestigious. 

Fast-forward in these modern times, Iloilo City is now paving way for a lot of significant changes and developments. The Ilonggos has never lost their taste for high-end living and vision for a classy metropolitan lifestyle. Such glorious days and passion for high-brow metropolitan lifestyle will once again be inspired by the opening of another premier destination, the Festive Walk Mall at Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao District.

Festive Walk Mall construction updates, February 2016

Conceptualized through the classy vision of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in Metro Manila, this new shopping destination is expected to open before the end of the year where shoppers will enjoy a lot of unique and first-class leisure options. The mall will house international branded boutiques, retail shops and stores. There will be a spacious food hall, an events center and world-class experience through its very own 8 modern cinemas. The premier mall is interconnected to a Mall Annex right across the street and the Street of Festive Walk, VisMin's longest 1.1 kilometer shop-and-dine strip, expected to become the next nightlife and entertainment destination in the city. The mall itself is located in heart of Iloilo Business Park where it becomes the centerpiece destination of high-end experience and luxury, surrounded by various landmark establishments and tourism spots including the Iloilo Convention Center, BPO buildings, elegant condominium towers, international hotels and a rising Central Business District.

Artist's Perspective - Festive Walk Mall

The Festive Walk Mall is more than just a shopping center for the future residents and visitors of the township, it is a prized location for their various needs to enjoy a great and inspiring lifestyle.  By choosing to live in Iloilo Business Park, residents choose not just to buy a home but a modern township where they can own a promising future and vibrant lifestyle of the whole township.And the Festive Walk Mall is one of these prized destination right next to their home. 

  

   

Iloilo Bike Festival: Iloilo and IBP’s Visionary Biking Event

Iloilo Bike Festival is envisioned as the biggest gathering of bikers and enthusiasts for the last 3 years in the Philippines. The event has inspired Ilonggos to be proud of their beautiful city where amidst the booming economy and developments, there’s always a reason to stay healthy, live an active life and promote a sport that educate the public for a greener and cleaner ecology. Iloilo Bike Festival is one of the major events of the City Government of Iloilo in partnership with Megaworld Corporation to emphasize the need to appreciate healthy lifestyle and promote biking activities which is basically pollution-free and inexpensive. Since Iloilo Bike Festival was established in 2014, people from all walks of life – the Ilonggos, visitors and investors have all seen the rise of the city not just as a modern metropolis that continuously embraces progress but keeps up with the changes by promoting healthy activities and sports such as biking. 

The first two series of Iloilo Bike Festival proved to be a successful endeavor and were able to generate attention internationally in making the city as the next “bike capital” in the Philippines. Last year, a total of 4000 bikers and spectators came to participated in the event. Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao District is the main venue of the Iloilo Bike Festival, showcasing real estate developments and a beautiful township where “biking” is hugely promoted through the Megaworld Boulevard Bike Lanes. The event is a momentous milestone gathering in order to celebrate the realization for Iloilo City as a “Bike-able” and “walk-able” modern metropolis in the country.

This year, the 3^rd Iloilo Bike Festival is far more significant and inspiring with a lot of activities that would elevate the vision of the city in emphasizing the need to promote the “biking culture and lifestyle” from March 13-20. Ronda Pilipinas National Criterion is now part of innovating the event. There will be a series of Ronda Pilipinas activities after the opening of the Iloilo Bike Festival and fellowship and awarding night at Iloilo Business Park on March 13. The Iloilo Bike Festival will start a photo contest and ifold Art Tour on March 15-18. On March 18, major activities are Obstacle/Adventure Course, Kids Biking activities, Bike Expo Show, Interschool Cycling activities, Flatland BMX Street, Fitstop Amazing Race and unveiling of Bike Statue. On March 20, there will be Bike Fun Ride, King and Queen of Iloilo Bike Festival, Pinta Siklista, Bike Expo Show, XCO/4X/BMX, Tri-Sikad Race, Sprint Race and Battle of the Bands.  

Here are significant photos highlighting dynamic and life-changing scenes that happened in the last 2 series of Iloilo Bike Festival… 

Impressive Iloilo

Soaring high with relentless changes and developments, Iloilo City is carving a niche in the tourism industry as one of the most exciting destinations in the country. But Iloilo is more than just a destination, it is a city blessed with captivating culture, heritage and sense of history, a promising perspective reflected in the eyes of its people, the culture-loving Ilonggos.

Here’s a rundown of the most exciting things to see, experience and appreciate in Iloilo City these days:

Let’s go straight to the very of the city’s tourism appeal – it’s the recently concluded Dinagyang Festival, the world-class cultural event that was borne from religious, historical and artistic vision of Ilonggos. The festival draws thousands of visitors and crowd every year by combining the story of devotion to the Child Jesus (Senor Sto. Nino), the Barter of Panay epic – 10 Bornean Datus arrival and friendship with the local Aetas, the adaptation of Kalibo’s Ati-atihan made even more spectacular and innovative in terms of dance choreography and costumes. Plus, the non-stop, loud and endless party, merrymaking and explosive events, the festival is a globally-packaged annual tourism event for locals and foreigners. It takes place every third Sunday of January in Iloilo City.

One of the most oldest and authentic traditional textile weaving industries can be found in Villa de Arevalo in Iloilo City (Sinamay House). Passed from generation to generation, the Sinamay weaving tradition in Villa and the old textile stores in Calle Real still exists to remind that Iloilo City was once hailed as the Philippines’ and Asia’s weaving capital.

Iloilo City’s cultural and ecological treasure, the long-stretching Iloilo River is now the toasts of international travelers and visitors as the new Iloilo River Esplanade. It serves as a recreation park with close-to-nature ambiance and still thrives as one of the world’s cleanest rivers. Walking and jogging in this gorgeous destination is pleasurable and relaxing.

Batchoy, Biscocho, Pancit Molo, Roberto’s Queen Siopao, seafood and other trademark gastronomy makes Iloilo City a haven of excellent comfort food and delicacies in the country. Ilonggos love to eat and so, its popular list of luscious gastronomy is part of its global branding as a tourism destination.

The oldest sailing sports event in Southeast Asia – the Paraw Regatta Festival is a strong and vibrant annual event held every third weekend of February. The competition of Paraw Regatta (traditional Malay-Bornean sailboat) race is a reflection of the legendary “Barter of Panay.” The design of these traditional boats goes back thousands of years in history. Paraw Regatta features various activities based in Villa Beach in Arevalo District where most of these competitions takes place including a yearly “Sinamba” Mardi Gras Dance Competition with dancers donning colorful costumes.

After Dinagyang Festival and before Paraw Regatta Festival, Iloilo is one of the few cities in the Philippines to celebrate Chinese New Year every first week of February, paying tribute to the strong and active Chinese community that contributed in the steadfast economic prominence of the city throughout the centuries. There are grandiose performances of dragon dance, spectacular Chinese dances, food festival and fireworks display in Calle Real, the city’s oldest business district.

JARO_FIESTA. Devotees flock to Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City for the Feast of Our Lady of Candles last February 2. The Jaro Fiesta is considered to be the biggest religious fiesta in Western Visayas region. (Tara Yap)

The Jaro Fiesta and the miraculous feast of Our Lady of Candles in the district of Jaro held every first day of February is both a solemn religious celebration among the Catholic devotees and pompous showcase of tradition. A glamorous Jaro Queen, chosen to carry the traditional queenly reign and held a grandiose coronation in Jaro Plaza, is one of the most-awaited highlights of the celebration.

Iloilo City’s newest “claim-to-fame” when it comes to economic prominence and development is Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld Corporation’s biggest single investment outside of Luzon with over P35 billion investments. The 72-hectare old Iloilo airport was beautifully transformed into a bustling and promising business township where high-rise buildings and prestigious establishments including international hotels, modern convention center, BPO buildings, shopping mall, the country’s longest shop-and-dine strip, and residential towers converge to become the newest center point of progress and opportunities.

Iloilo is impressive as a highly-livable and progressive city where public and private partnership co-exists, the government and private companies work together in a dynamic synergy to create a bright future for its people. From economic foresight, tourism vision, sustainable developments and opening of promising opportunities, Iloilo City, the Philippines’ “city of love” has always been the “queen city of passion and progress” slowly carving a niche as modern city of great possibilities and opportunities, shaping a pathway for lasting advancement and timeless elevation.

Come to Iloilo City and rediscover the passion for life that you’re looking for!