Online Iloilo . life in the small city

Jaro Fiesta 2012

2012-01-30T21:51:00.000+08:00

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

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

The Chinese New Year Celebration in Iloilo City

2012-01-24T07:50:00.002+08:00

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

Aside from Cultural Shows and Exhibits, the main highlight of Iloilo's Chinese New Year Celebration is the Chinese parade of Chinese dragons, floats, and dancers from the Capitol Area up to the Chinatown and Calle Real area. The Dragon dances give good luck to the city as they dance along Iloilo City streets. This parade leads up to the main cultural show at the Chinatown area, and the fireworks display. This year, the festivities will surely bloom because it is not only a Year of the Dragon, but it also marks the first Chinese New Year to be graced by the newly erected Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch along Iznart Street (this is also the location of the Cultural Show). This landmark pays tribute to the strong relationship between the city government and Chinese-Ilonggo community.

Iloilo Chinese
New Year 2012 Celebration Schedule of Activities

January 20 – 27, 2012
Filipino-Chinese Trade Expo – PNB Hall, General Luna Street

January 27, 2012
3:00 PM – Cultural Parade, Iznart Street
4:00 PM – Chinese Food Festival, Iznart Street
5:30 PM – Cultural Program and Fireworks Display, Iznart Street
[PARADE ROUTE: Bonifacio Drive, Iznart St., J.M. Basa St., Aldeguer St. / from the Hall of Justice area to Calle Real]

January 28 – 29, 2012
10 AM to 9 PM – Ongoing Chinese Heritage Cultural Exhibit, SM City Iloilo

January 29, 2012
Iloilo Scholastic Academy Mall Show, SM City Iloilo

Dinagyang 2012: Changes & Schedule of Activities

2011-12-03T22:00:00.001+08:00

Dinagyang 2012 has already had its official launch last November 11, 2011. That means that the many Dinagyang-relatede activities had already began, and the plans for Dinagyang 2012 had already been unveiled. The highlights of the celebration will be held on January 20-22, 2012. (CHECK OUT FULL SCHEDULE AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE)

The festival organizers composed of the city government, the San Jose Parish and the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation came up with several changes from the usual format. The most prominent change is that of the Judging Areas. The Judging Areas are as follows:

Judging Area #1: Sports Complex
Judging Area #2: Front of WIT/ St. Clements Church
Judging Area #3: Front of DOT
Judging Area #4: Freedom Grandstand

The parade shall no longer be of the carousel type but it shall be a straight parade which will start at the Iloilo Sports Complex and end at the Freedom Grandstand. According to the organizers, the change in venue was entertained to accommodate a larger audience as the festival continues to draw bigger crowd every year.

In an interview with Serbisyo Publiko hosted by Councilor Perla Zulueta over Sky Cable Sunday, Jimena said the chief complainants against the venue change are the participating tribes of the Ati-ati dance contest. Jimena said the tribes are worried that they will spend too much time and effort in pushing their props such as risers or platforms from the sports complex to the Freedom Grandstand. “Even in the carousel mode, they are pushing their props. This is one reason why we in some festivals the use of ‘non-portable’ props are discouraged and instead they focus on their music and choreography,” Jimena said.

Jimena said the sports complex will be stage 1 while stage 2 will be in the vicinity of St. Clement’s Church in LaPaz. The provincial capitol area will serve as stage 3 and the Freedom Grandstand as stage 4. “If we start at 8am, the first tribe will be able to perform at the Grandstand at around 9:30am. We will find out the sequence during our simulation,” he added.

“The executive committee of the IDFI is looking for ways and means to make the festival more exciting through these changes. And any criticism and suggestions are welcome so we can refine our plans,” he added.

2012 ILOILO DINAGYANG FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
December 9, 2011 [Friday] 3 PM - Miss Dinagyang Launch / SM City Iloilo: Event Center
December 16, 2011 [Friday] 3 PM - Pamukaw (Awakening of the City)
January 13, 2012 [Friday] 2 PM - Opening Salvo (Official Festival Kick-Off)
January 20, 2012 [Friday] 3 PM - Dinagyang Fluvial Procession
January 21, 2012 [Saturday] 7 AM - Mass for Kasadyahan
January 21, 2012 [Saturday] 8 AM - KASADYAHAN Competition / Dinagyang Route
January 21, 2012 [Saturday] 7 PM - Religious Sad-sad to Sr. Sto. Niño
January 22, 2012 [Sunday] 6:30 AM - Concelebrated high mass for devotees, Tribes, Gov't. Officials / Iloilo Sports Complex
January 22, 2012 [Sunday] 8 AM - DINAGYANG Ati CONTEST
January 22, 2012 [Sunday] 7 PM - Awarding Ceremonies

The theme of the 2012 Dinagyang Festival is: "Beyond Awards, A Culture of Excellence". It’s religious theme is "Senor Santo Nino: One Beat, One Voice, On the Move to Serve".

BUTLAK, The 8th National Sunrise Festival in Iloilo

2011-11-15T07:44:00.003+08:00

BUTLAK, The National Sunrise Festival is a three- day event, organized by Maharlika Artists and Writers Federation or Maharlika, it is the first multifaceted culture-based roving arts and writers festival held annually in the different regions of the Philippines. The festival is a celebration of arts made possible by volunteerism and collaboration of cultural workers and amongst professional and upcoming artists in the country. As an alternative festival, the National Sunrise Festival site is kept free of smoking, alcohol and drugs, and non-biodegradable waste. Vegetarian food is served during the whole festival. It will be participated in by local and international artists, writers, musicians, visual artists, students of art, film makers, performing arts groups, photographers, teachers, LGU official representatives, indigenous communities and school children and students. The venues will be at The Iloilo Sports Complex, The Provincial Capitol Grounds, and The Treñas Boulevard.

The purpose of the festival is to ensure a continuing national cultural movement to showcase all aspects of arts in the country: music, theater, literature, dance, film, photography, fashion, broadcast, graphic and digital arts, tattooing and indigenous martial arts. Activities of the three-day festival include an opening parade, art exhibits, creative writing, musical workshop, visual arts workshops, cultural fora, musical concerts, martial arts exhibition, indigenous fashion presentation, a tour of Iloilo, a trade fair and book sale. The highlight of the activity, on the third day, is an early morning greeting to the rising sun through creative movement and music, individual reflection, individual prayer and meditation, as the participating groups meet the rising sun. This is our collective gesture of positive thinking for the healing of our planet.

For more information, about BUTLAK, the National Sunrise Festival, visit their website: http://www.mawfmaharlika.org/index.php
and their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Butlak/227901530584200

Dinagyang 2012 officially launches this November 11, 2011

2011-10-28T02:11:00.002+08:00

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

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

The city government, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) and San Jose Parish will also sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the management of the festival.
Prior to this, Mabilog is set to sign an executive order on the composition of working committees for Dinagyang 2012 upon his return from official trips to China and Korea by end of the month, Jimena said.

Slated on Jan. 21-22, Dinagyang 2012’s tagline is “Beyond Awards, a Culture of Excellence.”
Mabilog wants the festival to be more than just the recognitions it has received and continue to obtain, as it focuses more on being a festival worthy of emulation.

Jimena explained the management of Dinagyang is now concentrating in inculcating a culture of excellence that will become the benchmark that others will follow and replicate.
“We want it to be sustainable and replicable,” he said.

Through the years, Dinagyang has made a track record no other festival has achieved, gaining global recognitions and representing the country in various international events, Jimena stated.

The Dinagyang 2011 edition is a finalist in the Project Award category of the International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom) to be hosted by South Korea on October 27 to 31.
Mabilog leads the Iloilo City delegation going to Seoul for the final presentation.

The 2011 festival edition has also been qualified for site validation by the Galing Pook Awards Foundation.
Jimena said the validating team conducted a random interview on Friday of stakeholders and beneficiaries to determine the festival’s results and impact on the community, how it has promoted people’s participation and empowerment, the innovations introduced, and proof of transferability and sustainability of the project. (Lucy Montealto-Sinay/Iloilo City PIO)

Traffic Advisory concerning Iloilo City Charter Day Celebration

2011-08-14T09:18:00.003+08:00

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

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

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

Per Regulation Ordinance No. 2011-608, the right side of Benigno Aquino Avenue when facing towards Infante from SM City Iloilo to Efraim Treñas Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM for the Event. The run will start 7:00 PM at the mall going to Treñas Boulevard and back.
Registration Fee is P150. Application Forms are available at SM City Iloilo. For more information call (033) 3209602 or 09.

PHL Azkals (Philippine National Football Team) Angel Guirado Aldeguer, Ian Bayona Araneta, Misagh Bahadoran and Chieffy Caligong will be attending the NIGHT FUN RUN. Furthermore, they will also be holding a Football Clinic , Exhibition Game in Guimbal, Iloilo on August 19, 2011

OTHER EVENTS WILL BE ADDED HERE, SO DO PLEASE REFRESH AND VISIT BACK

Iloilo City's Charter Day on August 25; it's a Holiday in the City of Iloilo

2011-07-31T08:08:00.001+08:00

The Celebration of Iloilo's Charter Day

This coming August 25, 2011, Iloilo celebrates its 74th-year Commemoration of being declared as a Chartered City. This day August 25 has now been declared as special non-working day in the city of Iloilo, by virtue of Proclamation No. 203 which was signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. by authority of President Aquino on July 12, 2011. The proclamation also states “It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Iloilo be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies”

Ever since, he got elected, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has made a focus onto Iloilo's Charter Day, that it be considered also one of the most important holidays of Iloilo City, saying: "The celebration of the Charter Day has been set to create awareness of the history and development of Iloilo as a city, to arouse community sense of pride of place, and to showcase the celebration as a link to culture and heritage"

The formal opening program of the 74th Charter Day celebration will be on July 20 at the SM City Activity Center, with various activities and events leading to its highlight on August 25.

On the initial schedule of activities from the City Tourism Office, this year’s Charter Day on August 25 will have a grand civic parade; Mayor’s Ball; search for outstanding Ilonggos and outstanding city government employees; medical and dental mission; and job fair, among others.

Iloilo Business Summit 2011

2011-07-26T15:16:00.001+08:00

THE Iloilo City Government will host the first Iloilo Business Summit, a gathering of topnotch businessmen and industry leaders of the country, on July 29 at the Sarabia Manor Hotel.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the city and its Trade Investment and Promotions Board are ready to absorb big-time business opportunities, as the city moves forward to becoming the next business hub in the country.

Industrialist and business leader Manuel V. Pangilinan will keynote the summit that will see participation of more than 100 business leaders in the country and abroad.

Also expected to attend the conglomeration of business leaders are Ambassador Jesus Tambunting of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Mr. Oscar Lopez of the Lopez Group of Companies, US-based Filipina businesswoman Loida Nicolas Lewis, and Edgar Injap Sia of Mang Inasal, among others.

Mabilog said the summit will define the business potentials of Iloilo City and its contribution to the national business sector.

It will also show the readiness and preparation of the city in facing influx of big businesses, Mabilog added.

The Iloilo SME Fair 2011

2011-07-03T01:22:00.002+08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

List of Exhibitors

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

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

*OTHERS
Rosary Herbal Products
Earth & Me
Escom Herbal Products

THE LAUNCHING OF ILOILO’S FIRST HEAVY METAL COMPILATION

2011-06-17T16:43:00.000+08:00

THE LAUNCHING OF ILOILO’S FIRST HEAVY METAL COMPILATION
By Reymundo Salao

Sad thing about most people is that they usually have this negative impression of Heavy Metal. Not only heavy metal, but even in local musicians too. If anybody was to ask me; Who cares about Iloilo’s Heavy Metal scene? Probably my reply would be “Apparently, Not You…” and “…Fuck You”

If you were to underestimate Iloilo’s heavy metal scene, then what I can easily ensure are two things: you are an idiot at understanding at what music is, and you have no idea and no faith in the prowess of Ilonggo musicians.

Heavy Metal may have various definitions and interpretations, but basically, it is that subgenre of rock music that is heavier, more powerful in both emotion and intensity. Many would classify musicians such as Metallica, Megadeth, and Cannibal Corpse as heavy metal. But strictly, in an academic point of view, rock icons such as Led Zeppelin, Guns n’ Roses, AC/DC, and Black Sabbath belong to the classification of Heavy Metal. Because it is more powerful emotionally, lyrically, and in intensity, Heavy Metal can be more complex. It is louder because it has more layers, and it has more powerful emotions. If you think heavy metal is just noise, then you simply are uneducated in understanding the complexities of musical classification.

The complexities of Metal require that its musicians are more skilful, more talented, and more creative. That enough feels like they are a more special forces than the ordinary musician; but if a Metal musician or a Metal band is capable of making their own original music as well? Well that’s godlike in comparison to just your typical musician who merely copies from overexposed pop songs. Simply put out, you better recognize and better listen up, because this here come Iloilo’s Metal Scene rising up with original compositions, making history, putting Iloilo City in the World Map of Heavy Metal; Grindhouse Productions Iloilo, Think Logic Studios, and Sneeze Magazine is about to unleash the Heavy Metal compilation CD album “Iloilo Extreme Music Unleashed” The first ever Iloilo Underground Music compilation, featuring songs from bands Mongrelblood, Deicrypitus, Leprocyst, Fugitive, Krematoria, Mechanix, Tyrant, and Chronus. And to celebrate this album release, there is going to be an album launching gig this Saturday June 18, 2011 7:00 PM at Lanai Bar, Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City (in front of Caltex/Starmart, Tabuc Suba, Jaro) featuring the above-enumerated bands and will also feature Blasphemerion, Servorum, Trololo, Dominion, and Dream Come True. The album will be available on the said gig, the first 30 people at the gig will get a free CD. It is going to be definitely an important evening in Iloilo’s Heavy Metal history.

Grindhouse Productions is Iloilo’s premiere organization that is currently extremely active in developing Iloilo City’s heavy metal scene. They have been the ones that have been keeping the fires of Iloilo’s metal scene burning for these past couple of years now. Sneeze Magazine, on the other hand, has been the underground magazine that has been helping Iloilo’s subculture community for years now. You can find copies at EddieMar shop, SM City Iloilo. Think Logic Studios at Arevalo is one of Iloilo’s most prominent recording studios and jam studios, which usually is home to many of Iloilo’s rock bands.

Godchild Album Release tonight; The Night Class Rock Gig on Saturday

2011-03-25T01:08:00.000+08:00

Godchild Album Release tonight; The Night Class Rock Gig on Saturday; and the Rise of Iloilo Music
by Reymundo Salao

Things have actually been looking up for the Iloilo Music scene. The last two years had been inspiring in the field of music because it seems that many sectors of business and mass media have begun embracing the creativity of Ilonggo Musicians. First there was Sneeze Magazine that served as the underground magazine that watches over the local Rock scene, then there is Think Logic and Lanai Bar Grill’s NIGHT CLASS; the monthly gig that celebrates the Iloilo Music Scene, then the launching of the Iloilo Lokal Albums that showcases various Iloilo Bands such as Candyflip, Factory Overhead, The Liberty Jam, and Joint Venture. Then, of course, there’s Grindhouse Productions that fuel the local metal scene alive and kicking balls. Because of those factors, among many other inspirations as well, Iloilo’s musicians have so much confidence in coming out with their own album releases. Along with that is the confidence and the assurance that there is indeed a great number of people out there who are really looking forward to becoming fans of Iloilo Music.

The past few years saw the album releases of bands and artists, such as Hotbox RP, Nervegasm, Evilwurm, Armor, The Liberty Jam, Kwatro Kantos, and The Big Man Upstairs. Iloilo Music is gradually and surely on its way to having a strong sense of pride that comes from the artists it produces. Next in line for an album release is the band GODCHILD.
GODCHILD is composed of Lutz Nobleza on drums, Jason Vestidas on lead guitar, Bart Fegarido on bass, and KR Quinon on vocals and rhythm. Godchild has actually been around for quite a long time already, and had gone through different changes, with KR Quinon replacing the band’s female vocalist, and former Khamulang bassist, and bassist of Crossover and Nadalman, Bart Fegarido joining the band as well. Godchild’s music is easy to fall in love with. A nice mellow fusion of mainstream rock with jazz elements, resulting in the kind of music that fits the mood of being in love, or plainly just enjoying an windy afternoon with a hot cup of coffee. consistently active and also artfully consistent in their sound; Godchild promises to be one of the bands Iloilo should really be proud of. It really is about time Godchild release its album, so that the public may go get it and enjoy their music wholeheartedly in their own stereos.

The official album release of Godchild’s album “Of Friends, Lovers, and Enemies...” is tonight March 25, 2011 7:00 pm at Lanai Bar & Grill (in front of Starmart, Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City. Experience the music of Godchild, with performances by Iloilo's Best Rock Band Awardee of IMA - Factory Overhead, Crowd-favorite Hardhitting Christian Metal Band - The Bigman Upstairs, The Legendary All-Star Cast - Don't Block the Driveway, Our Personal Favorite Groover - Joint Venture, and Iloilo's Only Love Beat - The Liberty Jam. There will be Games, Freebies, and Prizes. Also take note that there will only be 200 copies of the CD, so be early coz it’s going to be on a first come, first serve basis for the buyers of the CD. ADMISSION IS FREE. That’s right, no admission ticket, just come in and enjoy the music. This gig is brought to you by Mortir Antes Deriter Productions and Lanai Bar&Grill Management.

This Saturday March 26, 2011, there is another gig to go; Lanai Bar and Think Logic Studios in cooperation with Sneeze Magazine presents this month’s NIGHT CLASS Gig, which is the monthly festival that celebrates Iloilo’s Rock Scene. Held every last Saturday of the month at Lanai Bar, this monthly festival has become the premiere gig that showcases Iloilo’s best rock bands. This Saturday, the gig will feature the bands krematoria, dream come true, frogsplash, fugitive, dominant 7, glassburn, skypro, retubado, famine, georenetech, hardfly, silence of the lambs, slipsyndrome, the tepen, nadalman, and factory overhead. ADMISSION IS FREE.

2011 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival Schedule of Activities [updated]

2011-01-26T21:31:00.002+08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Gigs Update

2011-01-08T17:36:00.002+08:00

JANUARY 14, 2011
The Tau Gamma Sigma STI College Iloilo Chapter present DROP THE BOMBSHELL. Come and see the finest bands of Iloilo play their brands of music this January 14, 2011. Tickets are at P 50.

JANUARY 23, 2011
Grindhouse Productions & ELVC Cars present DAGYANG SA GARAHE: A NIGHT OF EXTREME MUSIC; THE ILOILO BACOLOD and; DUMAGUETE REVOLUTION. A Metal Party which will feature bands from Dumaguete: Double Murder Suicide, Bandilang Itim; Bacolod: Servorum; and Iloilo: Chronus, Dominion, Krematoria, Leprocyst, Vilerulent, Nemesis, Deicryptus, and more...
This will be held on JANUARY 22, 2011 3PM to 5AM of JANUARY 23, 2011 at ELVC Cars (In front of UPV, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City. Tickets are sold at P20 only.

JANUARY 29, 2011
After the Noise of the Dinagyang Drum Beats Fade, Another Noise Begins...
Think Logic Studios and Lanai Bar & Grill presents their monthly Night Class Gig on JANUARY 29, 2011 Saturday. Entitled AFTER THE DRUMS: The Night Class, Post-Dinagyang Party. Featuring Iloilo's Best Rock bands. Entrance is Free.

DINAGYANG 2011 Festival Schedule

2010-12-20T01:56:00.000+08:00

Skeds may change or alter without prior notice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Gigs Update

2010-12-19T01:15:00.000+08:00

December 28, 2010
Think Logic Studios and Lanai Bar & Grill presents
WALA MADUDLA - NIGHT CLASS Pre-New Year's Party
Another evening of celebrating Iloilo Rock - To End the Year with a Rockin' BANG!
featuring Iloilo's most rockin' bands;
1924, tepen, duadro, fugitive, algorithm, nadalman, foh, dream come true, dominant 7th, childrens playground, hard fly, chiri, famine, owan 23rd, and MORE...!

December 29, 2010
NO NOISE PRODUCTION & LANAI GRILL presents:
"IN DAYS OF OLD"
a reunion and integration of iloilo's rock bands old, new, and mutated.
FEATURING:
SISIA (saksi ni kelly), Necromania, Souls unleashed (souls of leash), Pillbox, Beggars Description, Agent Orange, Helium Soda, Hodge Podge, Dont Block the Driveway, Candyflip, Mindrip, Dementia, One Zero One Zero, Farmer John and the Cows of Metal(Vineyard, Phopia, AD...M), Nadalman and MORE...!!!
DEC.29,2010..@Lanai grill.. Time: 7:30 pm

Race to the Sun Pro-Health Fun Run

2010-11-17T20:13:00.000+08:00

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

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

For more details contact 0929-2818848 (Raem)

October Gigs on Lanai

2010-10-09T00:42:00.001+08:00

October 9, 2010
DUHWAIN B-DAY PARTY &
THE VATOMOFO ALBUM RELEASE
The Late great Duhwain Catacutan, who is the frontman of the band Point Click Kill, and is also a solo musician under the moniker VatoMofo, he died last June. But his legacy lives on; and his music still lives on. This October we celebrate Duhwain's birthday party and the album release of the songs he made before he died.

This gig will feature the manila industrial band SWITCH, and will also feature Iloilo's top rock bands, especially the ones who were with the same batch as PCK was. Be there, coz it sure would be History in the making...

OCTOBER 23, 2010
Candybars & Milkshakes Production presents
TRICK OR THREATA Gig that will feature Iloilo's Industrial and Nu Metal Bands, and is assured to Bang your Brains Out!
The gig features bands like Diet of Wormz, Project Loco, Dollhouse, Chupacabra, Korzlow, Deflorate, Lipcurse, Frogsplash, Nadalman, and more...
Gig starts at 5PM tickets are P40 only

OCTOBER 30, 2010
Think Logic Studios and Lanai Bar & Grill presents
NIGHT CLASS III
The Halloween Party
Another evening of celebrating Iloilo Rock - the Halloween way!
featuring bands like: Tepen band, Splur, Hiteh, Crejugigle, 13th Karma, Invaders, Dont Block The Drive Way, Foo Flanghu, Big Man Upstairs, 0Wan23rd, Breach of Fate, Nemesis, Tyrant, Nadalman, Hard Fly, and much more...
gig starts at 6PM

TRANSITION 2010: The CPU Advertising Expo

2010-09-24T08:04:00.000+08:00

The Central Philippine University College of Business and Accountancy BS Advertising, will be holding an advertising expo/festival entitled TRANSITION 2010 on September 23 and September 24. A workshop will be held on the CPU Promenade on September 23, 1:00 to 5:00 PM, and September 25, 2010 there will be contests on the CPU Audio Visual Room, and a Fashion Show at 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the CPU Promenade.

Think Logic presents NIGHT CLASS II

2010-09-23T08:09:00.000+08:00

Think Logic Rehearsal Studio and Lanai Bar & Grill brings you another evening of celebrating the Iloilo Rock Scene with NIGHT CLASS II. This Gig will feature Iloilo Rock bands such as Tyrant, Hiteh, Polyrhythm, Oink, Blezel, Nadalman, Souls Unleash, Indio Republika, Hepzibah, Tepen Band, Louie & d Teletabbies, & MORE...!
The Show starts at 8:00 PM, and ENTRANCE IS FREE!!!
Be there! & Let's Support the ILOILO ROCK SCENE!

Assumption Centennial Homecoming Schedule of Events and their short Video about the event

2010-08-08T20:49:00.000+08:00

ASSUMPTION ILOILO is celebrating their Centennial Homecoming [ Old Girls / Boys Week ] from August 9 to August 15, 2010. Here are their schedule of events...

Aug 9, 2010 (Monday)
9:00 AM Registration

Aug 10, 2010 (Tuesday)
5:00 PM Opening of Museum Exhibits
and Welcome Cocktails

Aug 12, 2010 (Thursday)
7:00 PM Jubilarian’s Dinner

Aug 13, 2010 (Friday)
5:00 PM The Grand Velada

Aug 14, 2010 (Saturday)
4:30 PM Solemn Vespers

Aug 15, 2010 (Sunday)
ASSUMPTION DAY
(Attire: School Uniform)

3:30 PM Grand Procession
(from Plaza Libertad to Assumption)
5:00 PM Pontifical High Mass
7:00 PM Grand Alumni Dinner

+Registration will be ongoing until Saturday, Aug 14, 2010
*Individual classes are encouraged to make their own activities
on the open dates.
*Updates of schedules will be announced later.

AUGUST 25 is declared a Holiday for City Government

2010-07-29T23:14:00.000+08:00

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

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

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

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

Think Logic presents NIGHT CLASS

2010-07-22T23:38:00.001+08:00

Think Logic Rehearsal Studio presents

NIGHT CLASS

A Rock Gig featuring Iloilo's most rockin' bands which include

stoner inc., owan 23rd, hepzibah, famine, diet of wormz, breach of fate, indio republika, tyrant, 13th karma, dont block the drive way, illegal entry, denying tiffany, childrens playground, factory overhead, khamulang, vegabonds, bigman upstairs, korzlow, and more...!!!

The Gig will be held on July 31, 2010 at the Lanai Bar & Grill, Jaro, Iloilo City (in front of Caltex/Starmart Jaro, Iloilo City). Gates Open at 8 PM.
ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

UPDATE: The Gig will feature not less than 15 (FIFTEEN!!!!) BANDS, and this grand festival of a gig will begin at 6:00 PM That's right, right at the first minute of Night, the NIGHT CLASS shall begin...

The Gig also supported by Lanai Bar & Grill, Rock Ed Iloilo, Sneeze Magazine, Online Iloilo, Aftersyx Radio, JustAnotherFilmJunkie, & Iloilo Underground

City Government intensifies campaign against Littering, Smoking, Jaywalking

2010-07-19T06:17:00.001+08:00

ILOILO CITY, July 12 – The city government vowed to run after violators of Regulation Ordinance 2004-149 or the Environmental Code of Iloilo City particularly on its intensified campaign against littering.

Same seriousness will applied in the apprehension of jaywalkers.

In its anti-jaywalking drive, the local chief executive wants city employees to be the model in showing the public where to properly cross the street.

“I am giving a 15-day ‘leniency period’ to violators,” Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said.

Full enforcement of anti-littering and anti-jaywalking guidelines will be implemented next month with the issuance of citation tickets, he added.

He said it is illegal to litter on streets, sidewalks, parks, playgrounds and other public places; urinating, defecating or spitting in public places.

The ordinance likewise prohibits painting, inscribing or posting of graffiti on public buildings, walls, fences and similar places; vandalism of public or private property; unclean comfort rooms in public establishments; and dirty premises surrounding public or private buildings or vacant lots.

For both littering and jaywalking, apprehended persons or establishments will be fined, face charges in court or suffer both. (PIO)

Mayor wants August 25 to be declared a Local Holiday

2010-07-19T06:02:00.000+08:00

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said he will request either President Benigno Simeon Aquino III or the Sangguniang Panlungsod to declare August 25 of each year a special non-working holiday in Iloilo City in observance of the city’s Foundation Day.

Records show that Iloilo City became a chartered city July 16, 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act 158 and was inaugurated as such 40 days later on August 25, 1937.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Government will celebrate its 73rd Charter Day on July 16, starting with a thanksgiving mass at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo

The religious activity will kickoff the 40-day calendar of socio-cultural activities stretching to August 25.

Mabilog approved most of the activities presented for implementation by City Tourism Officer Benito Jimena, including the Ilonggo arts and crafts exhibits in shopping malls, a civic-military parade, food festivals of Ilonggo dishes and oratorical contests.

Jimena said the Charter Day celebration aims to create awareness of the history and development of Iloilo as a city, arouse community sense of pride and place, and showcase the celebration as a link to culture and heritage.

SOURCE: The News Today

Treñas wants Iloilo to be IRA-Independent

2010-07-19T05:50:00.000+08:00

ILOILO CITY, July 17 (PNA) –- Iloilo City lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas is encouraging the city government not to rely solely on the annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the national government.

Treñas said that the IRA is not enough for all of the city’s projects and programs, adding that the city should also look for other sources of funds by focusing on business-friendly programs, tapping the expertise of the business community and enticing call center companies to invest.

He also urged Mayor Jed Mabilog to work on the infrastructure needs of the city to attract more business players. He said that the city should also continue its drive on efficient tax collections.

The current sources of funds for the city also include collections from the police clearances, balance of calamity fund, City Hall building bank interest, taxes from real property and the business taxes, as well as from the public markets.

The IRA is the share given by the national government to local government units according to their classification. Iloilo City’s annual IRA is around P40 million only.

But the congressman laments that the share of the city is getting smaller with the addition of new cities every year. This is the reason why the city should strive to be IRA-independent in the future, Trenas said. (Philippine News Agency)
scs/AJP/LPCarnaje

The 2010 Visayas Island Invention Contests and Exhibits

2010-07-19T05:25:00.000+08:00

All Set for 2010 Visayas Island Invention Contests and Exhibits
[source: D.O.S.T. website]

The Department of Science and Technology Visayas Cluster Regions (DOST VI, VII and VIII) and the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) will hold the 2010 Visayas Island Invention Contests and Exhibits (VIICE) on August 12, 13 and 14, 2010 at the Amigo Plaza Mall, Iloilo City. The 2010 VIICE is bannered by the theme “Filipino Inventions and Innovations: The Way Forward”.

DOST-TAPI celebrates the National Inventors’ Week (NIW) every year, which is highlighted by the National Invention Contest (NIC). The activity aims to recognize and promote Filipino Inventors’ ingenuity, innovativeness and creativity. This is also to enhance awareness on Filipino Inventions as well as knowing their influence to national development. To ensure the maximum participation of inventors nationwide and to give them the chance to display and present their inventions, regional-level contests are also being conducted every year.

This year, VIICE will be hosted by DOST Region VI headed by Director Rowen R. Gelonga. This three-day activity will formally open on August 12, 2010 and will end on August 14, 2010. Filipino inventors will compete in six (6) categories, namely: Invention (Tuklas Award); Utility Model; Industrial Design; Creative Research (Likha Award); Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for High School and; Student Category Research (Sibol Award) for College. The entries for the Invention Category (Tuklas Award) must be covered by invention patent, still in force granted by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). However, the Utility Model entries must be covered by utility patent/registration still in force granted by the IPO. The Industrial Design entries must be covered by industrial design patent/registration, also still in force granted by the IPO. The entries for the Creative Research Category are those influenced by commercialization/dissemination. And lastly, entries for the Student Creative Research for high school and college students must be new and innovative projects/models and must possess features and characteristics that have significant contribution in the promotion of S&T innovations that are not contrary to public order, morals, public health, and welfare.

The judges will name the top three (3) regional qualifiers in each of the categories. Each regional qualifier will receive cash incentive amounting to Ten Thousand Pesos (Php 10,000.00). Regional finalists will be competing in the National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) to be held in November 17-19, 2010 at the Trade Hall 1, SM City Cebu, Cebu City.

Deadline of submission of entries is on July 16, 2010 at 5:00 pm. Entries are to be submitted at the DOST Regional Office VI, Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City. Interested apllicants may download Entry Forms at http://region6.dost.gov.ph.

As part of the conduct of the 2010 VIICE, the DOST Visayas Cluster Regions will have series of Technical Sessions with topics on DOST-TAPI’s Programs of Assistance to Inventors and Would-be Inventors, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Awareness and Patent Application, Patentability and Granting Procedure on August 13, 2010.

For more queries please contact Ms. Lea A. Tabligan or Ms. Paula Huelar at telephone numbers (033) 320-0093, 320-0907 and 320-0908. (DOST VI)

Mabilog's Plant A Tree Policy and Wedding Park Eyed

2010-07-19T00:22:00.006+08:00

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

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

[read the full article here]

The Killing Jar - Artworks of Rosario Solis

2010-04-30T00:38:00.000+08:00

Start Time: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 7:00pm
End Time: Monday, May 31, 2010 at 12:00am
Location: RED Gallery, Smallville, Diversion Road, Iloilo City

When corporations and ideologies started categorizing dreams and ideals in neat little boxes, the soul and essence of free thinking began to wither like insects in a huge killing jar. The suffocation has to end. The lid has to be opened. The killing jar must be shattered.

Featured in the exhibit are six artworks by Rosario Solis that celebrate liberation, images inspired by very old scientific illustrations of insects combined with modern minimalist organic and industrial designs.

Also featured is a surrealist portrayal of a taboo love affair done by Nestor Ong.

Aside from breaking personal killing jars, there will also be a jam session with PG Zoluaga's band "Maharlikang Bahandi", poetry readings, and collaborative painting sessions.

the Iloilo Paraw Regatta 2010

2010-02-17T06:48:00.004+08:00

The Race
Now on its 37th year, the Iloilo Paraw Regatta is the oldest traditional craft event in Asia, and the largest sailing event in the Philippines. The Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation currently organizes the activities, with leading support from the Iloilo City and Provincial Governments and the Department of Tourism, along with private sector donations. Activities have been expanded to spread over a week. On the Saturday of the climactic

The Festival
Samba de Regatta is a celebration of Ilonggo seafaring ingenuity! It is a celebration expressed in music and dance. The Samba de Regatta Music and Mardi Gras Competition is hoped to be slowly developed into another tourism spectacle of the city. Conceived to be a special event after the take-off of the competing “Paraws” to entertain the anxious spectators, it has gained the acceptance and enjoyment of the witnessing regatta. The Pinta Tawo Competition is a body painting contest that celebrates the human skin as a perfect venue to showcase art. It is one of the special events organized by the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Foundation, Inc together with the Junior Chamber International Iloilo (JCI-Iloilo).
[photos by Christian Lozañes]

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

FEBRUARY 17, 2010 WEDNESDAY 1600 hrs (4 pm) - Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pageant: Talent Competition / SM Activity Center

FEBRUARY 18, 2010 THURSDAY 1800 hrs (6 pm) – Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival “Samba De Regatta” Torch Parade / Major City Streets
FEBRUARY 18, 2010 THURSDAY 2000 hrs (8 pm) – “Samba De Regatta” Music & Mardi Gras Competition / Freedom Grandstand

FEBRUARY 19, 2010 FRIDAY 1200 hrs (12 noon) – Rowing & Paddling Competition / Iloilo River
FEBRUARY 19, 2010 FRIDAY 1900 hrs (7 pm) – Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta Pageant: Coronation Night / Freedom Grandstand

FEBRUARY 20, 2010 SATURDAY 0700 hrs (7 am) - The Governor’S Cup Fishing Competition / Fort San Pedro
FEBRUARY 20, 2010 SATURDAY 0800 hrs (8 am) - Paraw Slalom Competition: Registration Of Participants Measurement Of Participating Paraws Slalom Championship Race / Paraw Regatta Center Stage Tatoy's Manokan
FEBRUARY 20, 2010 SATURDAY 0900 hrs (9 am) - 1st Iloilo Paraw Regatta Jet Ski Competition / Iloilo Fishing Port Complex
FEBRUARY 20, 2010 SATURDAY 0900 hrs (9 am) - 2010 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Beach Volleyball Competition / Villa Regatta Beach Front
FEBRUARY 20, 2010 SATURDAY 1000 hrs (10 am) - "UNLEASHED" 2010 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Frisbee Elimination / Villa Regatta Beach Front
FEBRUARY 20, 2010 SATURDAY 1300 hrs (1 pm) - “Pinta Layag” Sail-Painting Contest / Tatoy's Carpark Areas
FEBRUARY 20, 2010 SATURDAY 1800 hrs (6 pm) - GMA Network's "Reggae-Ta" Night Beach Party / Breakthrough Restaurant Beach Front
FEBRUARY 20, 2010 SATURDAY 1800 hrs (6 pm) - ABS-CBN Beach Party / Le Gress Beach Front
FEBRUARY 20, 2010 SATURDAY 2200 hrs (10 pm) - Fireworks By The Sea / Paraw Regatta Center Stage Tatoy's Manokan

FEBRUARY 21, 2010 SUNDAY 0600 hrs (6 am) - "Pinta Layag" Final Judging & Photo Contest / Villa Beach Shoreline
FEBRUARY 21, 2010 SUNDAY 0730 hrs (7:30 am) - Iloilo Paraw Grand Regatta Race Take-Off / Paraw Regatta Center Stage Tatoy's Manokan
FEBRUARY 21, 2010 SUNDAY 0800 hrs (8 am) - "Sinamba sa Paraw Regatta" Mardi Gras Finals / Paraw Regatta Center Stage Tatoy's Manokan
FEBRUARY 21, 2010 SUNDAY 0800 hrs (8 am) - "Pintawo" A Body-Painting Competition / Breakthrough Restaurant
FEBRUARY 21, 2010 SUNDAY 0800 hrs (8 am) - Mini Paraw Beach Race / Villa Beach Shoreline
FEBRUARY 21, 2010 SUNDAY 1000 hrs (10 am) - "UNLEASHED" 2010 Iloilo Paraw Regatta Invitational Frisbee Finals / Villa Regatta Beach Front
FEBRUARY 21, 2010 SUNDAY 1400 hrs (2 pm) - 2010 Paraw Regatta Awarding Ceremonies / Paraw Regatta Center Stage Tatoy's Manokan

Evelio Javier Holiday

2010-02-09T06:54:00.002+08:00

Feb. 11 is local holiday in Panay Island
(from the Phil. Information Agency)

February 11 has been declared a special non-working public holiday in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo in line with the commemoration of the 22nd death anniversary of Antique Gov. Evelio B. Javier.

The holiday declaration is stipulated in Republic Act 7601 or "An Act Declaring February 11 of each year Governor Evelio B. Javier Day a Special Non-working Public Holiday in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo" in order to commemorate the martyrdom of the slain governor.
RA 7601 was approved and signed by President Corazon Aquino in 1992.

Gov. Javier was killed on February 11, 1986 by three hooded armed men at the Antique New Capitol Building. At the initial gunshots, the Antique hero sustained gunshot wounds on his left shoulder and leg but scampered for safety by zigzagging the 50-meter stretch across the circular park away from the Capitol building and in the process collapsed in an artificial moat. He still managed to seek for safety in a comfort room but he was cornered by his chasing attackers who riddled his body and head with bullets. Javier was born on October 14, 1942 in Barangay Lanag (now Evelio Javier), Hamtic, Antique. He was a lawyer and became a governor of Antique via a landslide vote in 1971. (PIA)

Iloilo's Chinese New Year Celebration

2010-02-09T06:41:00.000+08:00

The Chinese New Year Celebration in Iloilo has gained popularity for the last six years as the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside Metro Manila. This year, the tradition continues as Iloilo City will once again have its Chinese New Year celebration, welcoming the Year of the Tiger. The grand celebration and festivity will be held on February 12, 2010

As like in previous years, the Chinese parade will start from the Capitol grounds and end in the Freedom Grandstand. This starts at 4 pm. And then after that, there will be a Cultural Show at the Freedom Grandstand which will feature the best in Filipino-Chinese arts, a fireworks display, and of course, a food festival that will showcase Chinese-Ilonggo's prowess in oriental cuisine.

Bingkong 2010

2010-02-09T05:13:00.000+08:00

Sneeze Magazine + Grindhouse Productions present BINGKONG 2010: The Gathering in Shadows. An Evening of Rabid and Monstrous Heavy Metal and Hard Rock. Featuring bands like Carnage, Mongrelblood, Krematoria, Leprocyst, Blasphemerion, and more!!! February 14, 2010 6:00 PM at Mc's chicken House, Bar & Restaurant, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City

Sneeze Publisher Promethean organized his first Bingkong Party in 1999, at Mariner's Point in Jaro, it was a small festival of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock as well. Around 2 or 3 years after, a separate group organized a Bingkong Party as well. Now, SNEEZE Magazine goes back to the gig scene and has joined forces with Grindhouse Productions in order to make February 14 a day of celebrating Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, and the many other darker and the more angstier aspects of Rock and Metal.

This event is brought to you in part by Rock Ed Iloilo. Please bring Old Books for Donation for the Rock Ed Iloilo's BOOK BIGAYAN CAMPAIGN. These books will be donated to Elementary Schools which greatly need more books that will help the Filipino youth of tomorrow. BINGKONG 2010 also is brought to you in part by Aftersyx Radio, Eksena Iloilo, Online Iloilo, Hotbox Records, & JustAnotherFilmJunkie

Youth Forum with Prof. Randy David

2010-02-09T01:40:00.000+08:00

Intergrity and Accountability Movement
In and Out of Government
in partnership with
FOM Iloilo
CPU Koalisyon Party
Student Council Alliance of the Philippines
YOUTH FORUM with PROF. RANDY DAVID
TOPIC: National Situationer

February 10, 2010 (Wednesday)
2:00 - 5:00 PM
University Church, Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City

~ Free Admision! Come and be empowered!~

Dinagyang 2010 competition results

2010-01-26T08:00:00.001+08:00

GRANDSLAM
Tribu Paghidaet is Ati-ati champ for 3 straight years
By Francis Allan L. Angelo
January 25, 2010

TRIBU Paghida-et of LaPaz National High School (LPNHS) achieved a grand slam win in the Dinagyang Festival after retaining the championship in the 2010 Ati-atihan dance contest Sunday.

Paghida-et, managed by Judith Benjamin and choreographed by Erol Jave Villalobos and Gerlin Francisco, also won the Ati-atihan championships in 2008 and 2009. Paghida-et hauled in almost all of the special awards (headdress, costume, costume designer and choreographer) and minor awards (costume, performance, choreography, music and musical director). The champion tribe will represent Dinagyang to the 2010 Aliwan Festival in April in Metro Manila.

Paghida-et won the P150,000 grand prize and a special trophy.
Tribu Bola-Bola of Iloilo National High School, also a former grand slam winner of the festival, settled for 1st runner-up honors.
Tribu Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School is the 2nd runner-up aside from wining the best in street dancing and discipline awards.
The 3rd runner-up honors went to Tribu Salognon of Jaro National High School while Tribu Silak of Iloilo City National High School settled for 4th runner-up.

Benito Jimena, Iloilo City tourism officer, said the results of the competition were very close and the judges had to deliberate on the results which eventually delayed the awarding rites.

KASADYAHAN

Tribu Kasag of Banate, Iloilo retained the championship in the Kasadyahan festival and won P100,000. It also garnered the special awards for best in performance, choreography, music and costume. Kasag’s choreographer Rommel Flogen also won the best choreographer plum.

Tribu Tubong-Tubong of Tubungan town settled for the 1st runner-up honors while Patubas of Barotac Viejo was 2nd runner-up. Tribu Pantat of Zarraga, Iloilo was 3rd runner-up while Tribu Mandurriaonon of Mandurriao National High School was 4th runner-up.

In the Luces in the Sky fireworks competition, Chintang Fireworks of Bulacan dethroned two-time champion DSS Fireworks of Dumaguete City to win the P80,000 grand prize. DSS Fireworks won P60,000 while Iloilo City’s Supreme Fireworks settled for the 2nd runner-up honors and P50,000 cash prize.

Jaro Fiesta 2010

2010-01-25T23:56:00.003+08:00

[excerpts from an article by Mera Joy Aniolga and May Franzell Obieta]
GROWING up in such a scenic place, I must admit, I took for granted the beautiful spots that Jaro offered. I have spent most of my waking hours walking, looking, smelling and witnessing almost everything that Jaro offered me. I was too blind to see that I live in one of the most beloved districts of Iloilo City.

Being a Jareno, the annual fiesta celebrated every 2nd of February is such a grand event. People from different parts of Iloilo would flock to Jaro to participate in the festival. Some would go to the church to honor the district's patron saint, Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, said to be miraculous. Some would go there to visit their relatives and friends.

History showed that Jaro used to be a bustling town in Panay even before the Spaniards came. It was the seat of governmental power and business activity and center of Catholicism in the entire Iloilo Province and not the other way around as it is today.

Tribu's TOP OUT

2010-01-25T23:48:00.004+08:00

The Tribu Outdoor Climbing Facility Iloilo City presents "Top Out" a sportclimbing/wallclimbing competition to be held at the Caribana Bar (formerly Shelsyd bar), BS Aquino Drive, Diversion Road, Iloilo City, on January 30, 2010 saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM

Longboard Iloilo's Palumba 2010

2010-01-12T21:28:00.000+08:00

Longboard Iloilo and Free Spirit skate & extreme sports shop, in cooperation with Aftersyx Radio, Sneeze Magazine, Online Iloilo, and Hotbox Rec presents PALUMBA ILOILO 2010

LONGBOARD ILOILO, which is an organization for longboard enthusiasts and those who basically enjoy skating or longboard skating and extreme sports in general, are going to have their first big event which is THE PALUMBA ILOILO 2010 on January 22 & 23, 2010. January 22 will be a downhill event to be held at San Rafael, Iloilo and January 23 will be the 10 km Push Race to be held within the Iloilo City proper (details of the route to be announced later on). Other details such as registrations will be announced later on. Just keep posted, and visit the Longboard Iloilo forum site ASPALTO for further details.

More Art Exhibits this January

2010-01-08T01:45:00.004+08:00

Aside from the Art exhibit series entitled Heartistry, two more art exhibit series are set to give our January the vibrant color to match the Dinagyang season.

First is the Koloryakot Art Exhibit which will be held at Red Steakhouse & Gallery from January 18 to February 7, 2010.

And then there's the Contemporary Reflections Art Exhibit, to be held at the UPV Art Gallery, Univ. of the Philippines, Iloilo City, from January 20 to February 5, 2010. The exhibit will feature works from Amacio, Arro, Castillo, Cerbas, Laparga, Lozañes, Ordoyo, Tilos, and Zoluaga. The opening will be held on January 20, 5 PM, after that the exhibit will be daily from 8:30 AM to 5 PM up until February 5, 2010.

Dinagyang 2010 SCHEDULE

2009-12-31T10:48:00.002+08:00

Hey hey it's DInagyang Season again! The streets are gonna be filled with festive drumbeats and revelry again! I am sure you wanna be updated with whatever is happening in the city during this season...

December 10-15, 2009
NATIONAL LAUNCH Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010 Tiendiesitas, Greenhills Shopping Center and Mall of Asia

December 18, 2009 – (Friday)
2:00 P.M. PAMUKAW Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010 Assembly Area: Promenade passing Iznart, J.M. Basa to Freedom Grandstand

January 5, 2010
3:00 P.M. Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010 Presentation of Candidates SM City Iloilo, Event Center

January 6, 2010
3:00 P.M. Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010 Fashion Show “Elegance by Alta Moda” Robinson’s Place Iloilo

January 7, 2010
4:00 P.M. Ms. Iloilko Dinagyang Festival 2010 Swimsuit Competition, SM City Iloilo, Event Center

January 9, 2010
Ms. Dinagyang Festival 2010 Talent Competition, Robinson’s Place Iloilo

January 9-24, 2010
Dinagyang Tourist Assistance Center, SM City Iloilo

January 10, 2010
4:00 P.M. Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010 Headress & Casual Wear Competition, SM City Iloilo

January 11, 2010
4:00 P.M. Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang 2010 Newspaper Gown Competition & Talent Showcase SM City Iloilo

January 12, 2010
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010 Pre-Judging Iloilo Grand Hotel

January 13-23, 2010
Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Basketball Cup (tentative) University of San Agustin covered Gym

January 13-21, 2010
Masses San Jose Parish Church
5:30 P.M. Turning Over Ceremony for Incoming Hermano & Hermana Mayor, San Jose Parish Church

January 13-14, 2010
Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010 Rehearsal

January 15, 2010 – (Friday)
2:30 p.m. Mass for opening Salvo of Tribe Dancers San Jose Parish Church
3:00 P.M. OPENING SALVO Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010 Judging Area

January 16, 2010 – Sunday
7:00 P.M. Coronation Night, MS. ILOILO DINAGYANG FESTIVAL 2010
Colegio de San Jose Auditorium

January 17, 2010 – (Sunday)
8:00 AM- 12:00 NN Medical Mission San Jose Parish Church
10:00 A.M. Dressing up Dagoy Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010, SM City Iloilo, Event Center

January 18, 2010
9:00 A.M. Healing Mass San Jose Parish Church
4:00 P.M. SM Department Store Dinagyang Show with Dingdong Dantes, SM City Iloilo

January 18-19, 2010 -( Monday & Tuesday)
Night Final Rehearsal, Dinagyang Ati Tribes 2010, Dinagyang Parade Route

January 19, 2010 – (Tuesday)
10:00 AM Lunch Date for the Elders around the Barangay San Jose Parish Church

January 20, 2010 – (Wednesday)
7:00 a.m. Arrival of Pilgrim Image of Señor Santo Niño from Cebu City Iloilo Port Terminal
4:00 P.M. Coronation of Queen Juana 2009 & Dinagyang Niño 2010 San Jose Parish Church
Night Final Rehearsal, Kasadyahan 2009 Dinagyang Parade Route

January 21-24, 2010 – (Thursday-Sunday)
2:00 P.M.-12 MN Iloilo Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association Food Festival(IHRRA) Delgado St., Iloilo City

January 22, 2010 – (Friday)
8:00 a.m. TAMBOR TRUMPA MARTSA MUSIKA Freedom Grandstand
10:00 A.M. GMA 7- Debate Grand Finals SM City Iloilo, Event Center
1:00 p.m. FLUVIAL PROCESSION from Fort San Pedro Drive Inn to disembark in front of Customs House and followed by Solemn Procession to San Jose Church San Jose Parish Church
5:30 P.M. Santo Niño mass in English to be followed by blessings of children, pregnant mothers Santo Niño images San Jose Parish Church
6:00 PM GMA, Kapuso Night Freedom Grandstand
7:00 P.M. Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2010 LUCES IN THE SKY SM City Iloilo

January 22-23, 2010
2nd ILOILO DINAGYANG 2010 AGE-GROUP SWIMFEST Iloilo Sports Complex

January 22-24, 2010
SM Street Party & Food Festival SM City around Mall

January 23, 2010 – Saturday 7:00 A.M. Mass for Kasadyahan San Jose Parish Churh
8:00 A.M. KASADYAHAN Competition Freedom Grandstand and other stages
SPONSORS MARDI GRAS, Freedom Grandstand & other stages
6:00 P.M. ABS-CBN, KAPAMILYA NIGHT SM City
7:00 PM LUCES IN THE SKY
7:00 PM Religious Sad-sad to Sr. Sto. Niño San Jose Parish Church

January 24, 2010 – (Sunday)
6:30 a.m Concelebrated high mass for devotees, Tribes, Gov’t. Officials, LOMAS in attendance San Jose Parish Church
8:00 A.M. DINAGYANG CONTEST Freedom Grandstand and other stages
5:00 P.M. Salvo of A Thousand Drums, Iloilo Sports Complex
7:00 P.M. Closing & Awarding with PAGCOR’s Wanders & Fireworks Iloilo Dinagyang Awarding Ceremonies Iloilo Sports Complex

January 25, 2010 – (Monday)
5:30 P.M. Thanksgiving Mass with all members of 2009 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Working Committees San Jose Parish Church

Dinagyang 2010's PAMUKAW

2009-12-15T05:47:00.001+08:00

On December 18, 2009 in the afternoon, the downtown streets of Iloilo City will once again come alive with vibrance with the familiar rhythmic beating of drums as participating tribes will parade and dance in the streets of the city for the traditional Pamukaw of the Dinagyang Festival 2010. The tribes will assemble at the Promenade area, dance from the Provincial Capitol, pass Iznart, J.M. Basa, & up to the Freedom Grandstand. This event is meant to rouse the residents and everyone to inform that the Dinagyang Festival is coming.

The Inaugural Show of CASA REAL

2009-12-09T23:03:00.004+08:00

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

Spit or Swallow - Spoken Word Gig

2009-11-25T07:45:00.004+08:00

Spit or Swallow: Sex in an Age of Scandals and Virtual Reality

Who’s afraid of sex? Iloilo is, apparently. There was massive clamor over the showing of Brokeback Mountain, but hushed voices about double-showing porno movies in Mariz, Golden, Kathy, and Vision Theaters—all dead sex dens by now.

Cultural observers say Iloilo is living on a double standard: We penalize prostitution but give out pink cards to "sex workers." We hate perverts but we share sex scandal videos. We hate sex maniacs but we have Catholic priests getting caught making out with students in cars. What’s going on?

It’s because sex doesn’t know right from wrong, black from white, heaven from hell. Join us again at Shellsyd on November 28, at 5:30 PM for a short time. We will go oral as we feature the sexually charged poems of foremost Ilonggo gay poets Felino S. Garcia, Peter Solis Nery, and others. It’s open mic--public and perverts are welcome, but please keep your zippers closed.

To confirm your attendance, email archprankster@yahoo.com or emanlerona@gmail.com

Dunang Manggad Gig

2009-11-25T07:38:00.004+08:00

AN ADVOCACY GIG FOR THE BENEFIT OF MAASIN WATERSHED

PHP 50 TICKET WITH FREE BEER

DOLLHOUSE,MJAH,MIRANA, LIBERTY JAM,FULCRUM,BIG MAN UPSTAIRS,MONSTER KILL,YANA BROKE MY,OUTLIARS,PIG STOMP,OFFLOOK,SHATTERED GLASS,HEPHZIBAH,CHUPACOBRA,ACCIDENTAL KIKSHIW

Pluma sa Kilid Suba

2009-09-10T08:25:00.000+08:00

pahibia, panguruba, paudyaka ang pluma

Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 4:00pm till 9:00pm, at the dry riverside of the new shortcut road from the diversion road (near BBQ Park), leading up to Molo. (meeting place: outside BBQ park, diversion road, Iloilo City)

A budding circle of scribblers in Iloilo, is gathering and is going to sit down and watch the sunset, write their thoughts, unguarded-uncaged-untamed and will celebrate how the lips utter majesty and sweet downfalls. :)

Sa mga nahuya, indi magkakulba. Parareho lang man ta bag-uhanon sa sini nga patag.

We aim to bring the written word closer to every soul. And that, there is a venue for what you have secretly scribbled on those pages and coffee-stained table napkins.

Each session is liberating. Each writer is special.
Bring some insanity.
If it rains, who cares anyway? :)

Kit-anay ta tanan.

SANAG Art Exhibit

2009-09-10T01:30:00.002+08:00

Invictus Consultants & Red Gallery presents SANAG, a Painting Exhibit featuring the best works of B.S. Fine Arts students of the University of San Agustin. This is to be held from September 14 to October 14, 2009 at the Red Steakhouse & Gallery, Smallville Commercial Complex, Iloilo City. Exhibit opens at 6:00 PM. For more info, contact 09196177650 or email them at consultants.invictus@gmail.com SANAG ...Because SANAG or light is the "queen of all colors."

gna ubra namun

2009-09-05T06:48:00.001+08:00

datz right

this site is updating

2009-09-04T06:47:00.000+08:00

yep. we're on the job

Paraw Regatta '09

2009-02-11T10:26:00.005+08:00

Prepare for another exciting festival to hit Iloilo City as the Ilonggos hold the Paraw Regatta Festival 2009 this February 15-22, 2009. The Paraw Regatta Festival has grown tremendously over the years with numerous events lined up around the main highlight, which is the race among native outriggers called “Paraws” in the strait between the island Province of Guimaras and Iloilo City. These events include pinta layag, slalom race, mini-paraw boat race, luces by the sea (pyrotechnics exhibition), beach sports, samba de regatta, anglers fishing competition, and many more. So be sure to take your beach slippers to Arevalo this third week of February for the Paraw Regatta Festival 2009 and have a fun time under the sun! [originally posted by Christian Vansen Lozañes at Eksena Iloilo - click to go there]

PARAW REGATTA: Summer in Iloilo City is traditionally highlighted with the race of hundred paraws (sailboats) along the water strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras during the Paraw Regatta Festival. The annual festival primarily intends to encourage local tourism and preserve paraws as part of the Ilonggo culture and history. Other activities include sail painting (Pinta Paraw), body painting (Pintawo), fishing tournament, and Regatta Model Search.

Upcoming Event: Summer Indie Fest

2009-02-11T09:43:00.004+08:00

Strawlace Productions will be coming up with an Iloilo INDIE FESTIVAL this summer, probably on May, 2009. The event will be showcasing the best of Iloilo, photography, music, literature, movies, etc... They will put it in one place were everybody could see and hear it.... a booth were bands can sell their cds, & there is also a plan to put up a skate park in the venue if it's possible. This will be a free event. Stay Tuned for the developments on this event. For details, contact 09153848970 or 09074742476

Feb. 13 Pre-Vday Gig: "Your X's & O's"

2009-02-08T21:00:00.002+08:00

On February 13, 2009 at 7 PM is
the Pre-Valentine Acoustic Gig entitled
YOUR X's & O's
to be held at The 012 Backyard
ticket price: 50 pesos
Bands featured are:
Children's Playground
Stalker ni Me_Poor
Forgetting Leslie
Cure for Malaria
The Liberty Jam
Prodigy of Eve
Floodexit
Shudifu
No Disc
& more...

Coming this March: Strawlace Productions presents MAINSTREAM MARCH [it's MTV's Fault]

2009-02-08T08:02:00.002+08:00

One of Iloilo's best Rock Gig producers - Strawlace Productions, are at it again. They are now prepping up their March Gig, in which the theme is...
POP!!!!!! ..... boybands.. girl groups... one hit wonders...or anything that bursts your bubble that is POP!!!!

The Gig is scheduled this March, the specific date is yet to be announced

CALL NOAH

2005-08-11T19:03:00.002+08:00

By Reymundo Salao
Askal Projection
The Guardian, Iloilo City
August 12, 2005

Is it sunny outside? Well, you can't really trust the weather by just looking outside the window anymore. You can't trust that sunshine; bring your jacket and your umbrella. In the case of this city, whenever you talk about rain, then, you can inevitably talk about floods. Flooded streets, flooded roads, flooded city. To quote a friend of mine, the floods in this city are an almost-annual occurrence that never misses to happen. It's that time when crossing the street feels like crossing the Yangtze river. Hours later, you'll be cursed by a killing flu, or leptospirosis. Much later, an entire nation of mosquitoes rise out of the floodwater and begin their reign of dengue. One of the many causes of this? …all because many of us are just idiotically taking our surroundings for granted. We throw plastic EVERYWHERE. We smoke and just simply get rid the butts right under our butt, oblivious to the fact that each time we do these (oh, unconscious and negligent) acts of stupidity, we doom ourselves with the side-effects that nature most willingly will lecture us with.

Many of the opinions I've read about this subject matter point to street vendors and how they are accused of being the filth that causes the eventual damage to our little urban ecosystem. While that may have some level of truth, it just seems too hypocritical to generalize the blame on them. Most of them are too underprivileged to afford decent garbage disposal equipments, much less afford a decent home. In addition, many of them are just too ignorant to be too conscious on the matter. One appropriate solution to this is a really efficient information drive. Let these people understand that they must have limits to what abuse they do to the urban ecosystem. Because it is them who are the direct victims of the calamities that may be caused by these acts of negligence.

Another solution is providing these sidewalk stalls (as part of the apparent city beautification program) with a proper sidewalk stall system; garbage cans and public toilets. And letting some stall-owners understand that they would have the responsibility of these facilities. But that kind of solution is just too utopian. There will be the pessimistic possibility that such facilities would fall into being abused and worn-out. These poor stall owners and street people are not to be blamed. Each and every citizen also has an obligation to keep the city clean. ESPECIALLY these large commercial companies. I've actually been disturbed by this one incident not too long ago when I was crossing a bridge on this city and witnessed that this commercial complex was dumping some kind of reddish watery material (like water with red dye) from their drainage system, and into the river. I'm not sure if that was just sheer coincidence or if that was a regular activity of said commercial complex. Nowadays it's easy for capitalists to ignore laws that have to do with the environment. Sometimes, I get too rebellious and become a reckless litterbug whenever I'm inside the mall as a form of demonstration for my friends to witness as I impart my little motto of urban ecosystem: "Malls have janitors; Mother Nature doesn't.

The HAKOT FACTOR

2005-07-22T18:58:00.002+08:00

By Reymundo Salao
Askal Projection
The Guardian, Iloilo City
July 22, 2005

One indication that Democracy has indeed been corrupted is that the concept of People Power and or mass demonstration is now tarnished with what I would call The Hakot System. Hakot is one slang term that has come to be known in Metro Manila as those numbers of crowds who join &/or comprise protesters, who do so, not for some firm ideological cause, but only for some compensation. Protesters with a price tag. These are crowds who really don’t care whether they join an administration or opposition rally, don’t care if it’s a cause of Pro or Con, but does so for cash in return. One of the rallies that was expected to spark the ouster of PGMA was said to have failed because the rallying crowd was not "paid" enough. While in strictest terms, that is mere hearsay, one cannot ignore the testimonies of those who revealed this in the TV and Radio news reports that covered said rallies. On the other hand, there may be organizations that do not treat it as a form of compensation, but mere aid. Surely, in defense, protesters may have come because of their own personal ideological drive, and not because of some bayad. The pressures of rallies take such a toll on a person. While the spirit may be willing, physical fatigue may render d body to bog down to fatigue. The aid, in the form of food and drinks, may only be there, offered by some organizations, so that the body may resist the fatigue and physical stress of rallies. However, it does not erase d existence of hakots who only comprise a rally because of monetary compensation.

The essence of People Power is not People Power after all. In a grim point of view, some schools and universities have seemed to join in on this ugly practice, by requiring some students to join in on the rallies. There were those interviewed during the rallies who were students, saying they were just there to have their attendance checked. School authorities should have their school attendance checked on curricular activities, not on events that serve a partisan cause. In addition, protest demonstrations have a tendency to boil into violence. The schools are recklessly risking the safety of their students by requiring their presence in these demonstrations.

In another way of expressing the unreliability of People Power is the simple fact that the nation is an archipelago. If a People Power brews up in Manila, it does not necessarily reflect the same sentiments of those in Visayas and Mindanao. It is Manila Mob rule trying to inject its cause upon the more than 90% that embody the rest of the nation.

Interestingly, the Hakot can be an interesting symbolism for the poverty-stricken Filipino, which embodies majority of the citizenry. It doesn’t care anymore for patriotism, or partisan cause, or even utang-na-loob, but for some cash-up-front that will feed one and his/her family/s. It sadly does not contemplate upon the consequences of its action, understandably, because it cannot afford to do so. How can the poor and starving say No to solid cash right then and there? True and undeniable that it exists, Democracy cannot rely on mere headcount anymore. Strength is not in numbers. Not anymore.

DEFINING DINAGYANG

2005-01-25T06:39:00.002+08:00

by Reymundo Salao
Oftentimes Disturbing
The Guardian, january 25, 2005

The clash of icons between Dagoy and the Sto. Niño does not necessarily exist as a contest to win the entire essence of the Dinagyang spirit
I believe that it is a futile argument because the two icons belong to two distinct and separate levels. While the Sto. Nino may actually hold the true essence of the festival, which is that of the spiritual aspect. It is undeniable that this same festival has given much benefit to the tourism and the commerce of the city. The Sto. Niño cannot, of course, represent this other aspect (of tourism and commerce), but it is a mere coincidence that such religious event could be so fruitful in the sense that the tourism power of the event is positively strong to attract tourists from the farthest of countries. Such tourism helps the local economy a lot, not to mention, let local businesses be positively exposed to foreign market as well. This aspect is and can only be represented by a separate icon, rather, a mascot in the guise of Dagoy.

However, Dagoy and what it represents has become more popular and more descriptive of the event than that of the religious aspect, which indeed many tend to forget and even, in an unpleasant manner, disregard. It is now the duty of the organizers and administrators of the festival to make sure that the religious aspect, which holds the original aspect of the festival, prevails and does not get drowned in the glitz of commercialism. In addition, it is inevitable that, even though we are, by majority, a Catholic group of people, there still is a large percentage of those who partake in the festival that are of different groups of religion. Many of which are the tourists of different cultures and races. Therefore, we should be open to the idea that the Dinagyang may also be a festival that is meant for its other interpretations.

Although originally a religious festivity, one cannot deny its dual interpretations of solidarity and thanksgiving. It is also interpreted as a season of hospitality not only toward tourists, but also with homecoming friends and families. Dinagyang is the "other holiday season" that we have in this city.

For obvious reasons, it is the perfect season to welcome summer. Perfect in the sense that Iloilo is where tourists would take the route that goes to Caticlan, and then, directly to Boracay, which is the most popular summer destination of the country. Being a well-urbanized city, Iloilo is a convenient waypoint with the accessibility of such establishments like internet cafes/stations and air and freight ports. This fact enhances the tourism value of the Dinagyang festival.

Much has been elaborated about the religious aspect, and even the beauty of such solemnity has been part of why it is so attractive to tourists. In fact, Dinagyang has that perfect blend of solemnity and a wild-party atmosphere. It is clearly depicted in the dancing of the tribes: In the middle of the tribal dance, there is always a moment of pause, when the tribesmen lay still and quiet. Then, they burst in glory hailing "Viva Señor Sto. Niño! Viva!" At once, the banging drums resume, and a wild revelry ensues.

But why the African and warrior-like appearance? If we would have to lecture back in basic history, we should understand that the Philippines was once inhabited by Aetas, dark-skinned natives, which ironically, have become the cultural minorities (mostly, the ones who are being scourged by poverty). Many skeptics may have argued that the incident depicted in the Dinagyang festival were not based on factual events. But in my personal interpretation of the Dinagyang festival, it is a festival that celebrates the introduction of Christianity, which is represented by the Sto. Niño, to the natives, and the conversion from their savage ways to become a people guided by the light of religion. It is the conversion of the misguided to the guided. From savages, to a people of purpose. It may even be a symbolism not exclusive to Christianity, but to any kind of theology. All in all, to sum up and deduct to what it defines, Dinagyang is revelry under goodwill and it can have many interpretations, many symbolisms, and many icons.

ASKALISH TALES: THE GOLDEN AGE OF ILOILO

2004-09-02T06:32:00.002+08:00

As I was fondly picking my nose, pondering the reasons why there has been a terrible delay upon the local release of the film, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, TWO TOWERS, I could not help but remember my yesteryears (back when it took months before a foreign film is released here). What I would consider my own personal version of "Iloilo's Golden Age". The way I remember it when I was in my high school years, or rather my first years of being a nomadic palalagaw, (one who enjoys frequent wandering) for if not for my afternoon-cartoon-influenced English accent and my excess fats, I would've been mistaken for your typical ati, for my askalish (from the word askal) wandering behavior. Unlike the modern day palalagaws, who become too image-conscious upon what to wear when they go to the mall, where they would consider a place "to see and be seen", us the classic palalagaws of the golden age enjoy plainly the art of wandering, with no other particular objective.

With these memories in mind, it would be a bit interesting to review and reflect these places now and then. It is really quite an inspiration that hit me, when I was reading the column of a colleague about how her relatives came back to Iloilo after quite a number of years. It just made me more interested to focus upon that sensation of seeing Iloilo now and recalling what it was then, especially upon how I recalled it during the days that I first learned to enjoy walking the streets of the city that I proudly call home.

Back then, we contented ourselves with going around Amigo Plaza, especially at a place there called Wizards where kids and computer gameheads would flock by the numbers to play Family Computer (aka: Nintendo Entertainment System). Tambay kids would pester you by offering you help getting through some difficult level, but what they really want is that 15-seconds of pleasure of taking a turn to play the game for free. I never did get to the Mike Tyson level at "Punch Out" or the speederbike level at Battletoads, but the memories are enough to make me grin right now.

Malls now are so grandiose, while in our high school days, visiting shops like China Arts, Jorndin's, Rofer's, and SM Delgado already constitutes an afternoon of lagaw. Oh, we didn't have text messaging back then (obviously) so we had to be a bit more disciplined when and where to meet, on-the-dot. The "popular kids" (which is equal to the modern-day jolog kids), who listened to Motley Crue (some lousy band) and Color Me Badd, would often go to afternoon discos, because back then, you can party early in order to rest your energy for the next day. Sensible, huh? But our idea of fun was more upon watching movies.

I could remember how I took pleasure in skipping my P.E. classes (no wonder I'm so unhealthy) almost all throughout High School, just because I considered P.E. uniforms "sissy-looking" (I was already a sissy, I didn't want to add on it by getting into a stupid fashion ensemble-ANYWAY-). And when I'm out the university gates, while I was humming the Mission: Impossible theme song (it was a TV series in my HS years), I would go directly to the theaters to watch movies. Particularly, me and my friends always went to Allegro, since we were deeply into Hollywood movies, which Allegro regularly shows. There, I remember watching "Robocop 3" and "Silence of the Lambs", rejoicing with a grin how all the bullies at school were dressed on the sissy outfit while I was sitting on my ass with Nagaraya in hand, watching Robocop being sliced into six parts. I also remember how jampacked Allegro and Riviera was when "Terminator 2" was shown. Back then, there were still many people who would watch the film while standing up, because on days when they're showing really popular movies, it could be impossible to get a decent seating location. When they were showing "Superfly"(starred Jacky Chan, later re-released in the western market as "Operation: Condor") at the renovation opening of Regent Cinema, I had to watch the fight scene at the opening sequence, tiptoeing over the shoulders of some guy. And back then; if a film is released in the US box office, it would take like 5 months till the film gets released here. At least, there are times when you can watch double feature for the price of one. Would you believe I watched the Schwarzenegger comedy "Twins" and the George Lucas medieval fantasy "Willow" for the price of one? Cool, huh?

At the end of the day, we would head home (that would usually be around 5 pm) and rest our backs, watching BELLAMY and the tagalog-dubbed VOLTES FIVE, while eating Cheezels and Chikadees. And by 10 pm the city is so quiet, you'd fall asleep in the stillness.

COZY LIKE A 20-YR. OLD PILLOW

2004-01-31T14:39:00.000+08:00

COZY LIKE A 20-YR. OLD PILLOW
By Reymundo Salao
Oftentimes Disturbing
The Guardian, Iloilo City. January 23, 2004

I was in Manila for two weeks on a journey to search for a better day job. While I was there, I realized that finding a decent job is never as easy as finding a reliable company to work for. Nevertheless, I did enjoy my little moments of promdi fun as I familiarized myself with the confusing streets, getting used to traveling via MRT, and the shock that the cost of going to movie theaters could cost you around 70 to 150 pesos! I should've had a buri hat to go with my kamanulan.

In the span of two weeks, and the contemplation of changing addresses, one could easily miss Iloilo. When I got back last Tuesday, I was sure that the other passengers of the plane I rode on were tourists that came for the Dinagyang festival. It made me contemplate on my home city from a tourism-related point of view, and came to that cliché assumption of how precious my city is.

The simplicity of this city. The conservative atmosphere. I do hate it sometimes, but the tranquility does make Iloilo a more habitable place, free from highly urbanized stress and toxic pollution. Iloilo may seem dull, but at least during Dinagyang season, it gets to party hard. Ilonggos are like mga binuy-an na kabayo (pinakawalang kabayo) whenever Dinagyang season comes. In a more irreverent comparison, Iloilo is like a catholic school virgin girl who is so reverent all year, but sets aside one evening to become a rabid bitch. The timid population which rarely goes on an extravagant party mode is driven to festival madness.

Ilonggos are known for their ultra-conservative economical nature. A frugal spender who minimizes spending on parties and barhopping. Ever wonder how cheap partying in Iloilo is? How cheap our beer is? It's coz it's risky to run a bar where your drinks and your food are expensive, of course, not unless your bar is appealingly designed to cater the wealthier breed of coñitos and coñitas who enjoy their 70-peso beers. The thrifty nature of Ilonggos is evidenced by the number of banks in this city. We have more banks in this city than we have gasoline stations or bars. Well, I actually haven't counted, but whenever you're in the city and you pass by a bank, it would only take you a short sprint to stumble into another. Ilonggos just want to stay put and our pockets to stay dormant, till need arises. That's why we don't have Casinos. I would quite frankly laugh at the next person who would suggest opening one in this city. Unfortunately, we don't have Starbucks either. Perhaps somebody found out that if we'd wanna buy a cup of coffee that's worth over 50 pesos, it would be once in two months. Hello? I don't care if it tastes grand, I, the normal Juan wouldn't want to buy coffee that has an equal rate to buying a hamburger the size of Tyson's fist. Don't get me wrong, I also mourn that we don't have many nice cafes here. Actually, I've noticed two cafes that sprung up, and I've loved. But when they started playing Barry Manilow and N'Sync music there, I shrunk to loathing and decided to minimize patronizing them. (Would the owner of those cafes, PLEASE tell your café clerks to play those jazz and ambient music like you used to do…PLEASE!) Air Supply my ass…I do want to drink coffee, not choke on it! If they played Eddie Peregrina or Victor Wood, at least you would smile and cheer the Pinoy noir-like nostalgia of it.

If there's one thing Ilonggos spend on without having much thought, it would be on good food. And Iloilo takes pride on bringing forth a menu of mouth-watering delicacies, mostly seafoods like bangus, blue marlin, talaba, diwal, bay-ad, and an entire list of menus that could make Aquaman nauseate. But of course, the numero uno on the list is the La Paz Batchoy! If you haven't tried the Batchoy, you haven't been to Iloilo. The nice spice of it and the sumptuous delight that makes you produce a burp like a ship horn. Once you smell the aroma of it, you'll forget how to count your calories. It is so good that a friend of mine once bought it and stored it in a thermos, to be brought to Manila. Some restaurants in Manila try to copy and even experiment on the recipe of the Batchoy, yet what they come up is a laughable gooish product.

A sort of survey asked me what changes would I want for the city of Iloilo. I answered that I would also want it to be a bit more developed and a bit more commercialized, but at the same time, preserve the conservative nature of it. Do we really need another mall? Maybe one, but I hope that would be it. If we had too many malls, the little stores might die out. If Iloilo gets too urbanized, it could be dirtier, more polluted, and crime rates may skyrocket. I like it the way it is. That's why it will always be a cozy place to chill out.
(tripxyde@yahoo.com)

THE DAY AFTER SUNDAY

2004-01-31T06:37:00.000+08:00

Oftentimes Disturbing
By Reymundo Salao

One by one, the speakers of the many sound systems die out into silence, and moments later, the sounds of disco and revel music is gradually replaced by only the sounds of those who get on with their drinking, and the people who gather to go home. And as the clock is ticking without the music, and the sunrise only moments away, the drunkards will descend into slumber. The vendors gather their profits and pull out their calculators, while those who rented the sidewalk for a street booth, dismantle their little constructions of roof and fence in the most tiresome manner. This year's Dinagyang is over. But it never is the end.

At the end of every annual Dinagyang festival, is a preparation for the next. A year's preparation and study, what were the aspects that worked and didn't work. The manner of being a bit too strict with access. Was it effective? It was a bit too strict that the media raised their blood pressures as local policies blocked their way. Literally, so to speak. On the other hand, the strict policies were able to provide a reliable sense of security, as many of our policemen were patrolling and strolling, and was able to make check-ups on the people who passed by upon some designated areas. For some, it may have been offensive and disrupted the party spirit and mood, but it surely is for the good and for the security of all. There are so many things that can be put upon the checklist to review and analyze, making sure that the event of the years to come would be a better one.

Monday mornings, and this upcoming week would be a bluish simplistic one. Many will have hangovers, wishing the fests were still a weeklong from over. But surely, we must change back to our work-faces and get on with our lives. Getting on with our lives, foreigners and visitors would surely see how Iloilo transforms back to its simple, and humble identity. Iloilo may be like a party monster Mr. Hyde on Dinagyang season, but what it really is, is a quiet Dr. Jekyll. That's not to say that it is boring, but to say that it is, in a literal way of putting it, ---COOL. But we must continue to let our city shine in it's simplistic beauty, especially now that Iloilo is a place that foreigners and visitors will visit, in preparation for what is considered the next stop for tourists, which are the beaches. Particularly, that of Guimaras and Boracay.

On the other hand, many Ilonggos will surely continue to recaffeinate themselves, getting over the hangover. I was right when I said that it is as if the demure Ilonggos save up their energies and resources, up until the Dinagyang season, when they party hard. I'm sure many will say to themselves "Man! Did I party last Sunday!"

PARTY DRUMS

2004-01-30T17:49:00.000+08:00

PARTY DRUMS
By Reymundo Salao
Oftentimes Disturbing
The Guardian, Iloilo City. January 24, 2004

I believe that Tourism is the key to further the development of Iloilo City. Balikbayans who go home on Christmas season may always want to hold on for the next five months since the Holidays never seem to end in this usually sleepy city. By the times the second week of January comes, it's hard to resist getting excited about the Dinagyang spirit since banners and announcements of festivities are posted, along with Tribal decorations that anticipate the upcoming season. Match that with the evening drums of "Tribes" practicing in some corner of the city. I used to live in an area where a tribe would practice, and although it was pretty damn distracting (especially if you're a student trying to perfect your lessons), you cannot deny the excitement that it makes. I've noticed that many youngsters enjoy hanging out and watching the tribes practice on some evenings.

But when Dinagyang begins, the city blooms with festive aura. The only pain in your ass is the excruciating traffic jam that it creates. It is one of those moments where you'd wish you had a book with you to keep you company throughout the duration of the long turtle journey. If you plan to go to and watch the Dinagyang Sunday parade, you'd better start commuting as early as 5:30 a.m. not unless you live around the heart of the city, because they'd be closing the main roads and the traffic of human revelers would be much of a problem to those who wish to get a comfortable seat on the judging areas. But then again, there's the usual hazardous areas where you could dangerously hang on to like Spiderman, just to get a glimpse of the tribal performances. And then there's the cheap "unofficially-constructed-judging areas", poorly-erected lines of benches, which would hope to make some extra dough for those who took time to construct them. Just hope it wouldn't break down to nasty pieces, or else you'd have a vivid understanding of the word Tetanus. But in fairness, some of these constructions are cleverly sturdy and are sometimes worth your money. But you be the judge though.

In selecting which party to go to afterwards, you'd probably need a planner to do so, since there are numerous parties around the city this Dinagyang weekend. There are "tribal" raves on clubs, reggae bands, rock bands, punk bands, or whatever manner of festive madness suits your taste. But if you're as nerdy as I am, there's also Lord of the Rings 3 to watch for the Nth time (it could probably make you hallucinate that the dancing Dinagyang atis are Uruk-Hais on rave). But to those who want to experience the true essence of Dinagyang revelry, one should join in on the merry-making street-dancing that commences basically after the parade. By five in the afternoon, the streets in the main districts are filled with a population drunk with cheer and celebration. It's like a music video set on some exotic urban setting for some electronica music.

Wherever you are in Iloilo City this weekend, it is hard to escape the party atmosphere of Dinagyang.
(tripxyde@yahoo.com)