HomeInvestment Opportunities in Iloilo and Guimaras ReportDuring the Iloilo – Guimaras Investment Forum held on September 4, 2009, at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila, a lot of discussions were bared geared towards marketing the potential of Metro Iloilo – Guimaras as an attractive investment center specific By Marcos Detourista on November 3, 2009During the Iloilo – Guimaras Investment Forum held on September 4, 2009, at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila, a lot of discussions were bared geared towards marketing the potential of Metro Iloilo – Guimaras as an attractive investment center specifically in areas of information and communication technology, tourism, and agribusiness.One of the most exciting parts of the forum was a list of proposed major investments in Iloilo outlined in the “Tourism Investment Opportunities in Iloilo and Guimaras” report presented by Ms. Narzalina Lim, President of Asia Pacific Projects, Inc. Here are some of the investments mentioned in the report:Kapideco EstateKapideco (Kauturan Pison Development Corp.) estate is a master planned mixed-use development currently being developed in the large area that was once salt beds and fish ponds in Brgy. Tabucan and San Rafael in Mandurriao. It is very accessible to Diversion Road and is located in between big commercial developments – Smallville Complex and SM City Iloilo. The whole area from Kapideco to the Old Airport Strip (Megaworld Site) is envisioned to be Iloilo City’s next Central Business District. KAPIDECO is also the home of Ateneo de Iloilo’s new campus, which is already near completion.Plazuela de IloiloPlazuela de Iloilo is a commercial development located in a 12,533 square meter lot beside SM City Iloilo. The project includes a commercial strip with 8,600 gross leasable area and spaces for BPO firms (like call centers).SM City IloiloRevitalization of Calle Real, Iloilo’s Central Business DistrictCalle Real (J.M. Basa – Iznart Sts.) is the lifeblood of Iloilo’s Central Business District. There are 18 heritage buildings in this area alone and the City Government of Iloilo is currently inviting investors to help develop the area into a commercial and tourism center so that it can serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization in this once glorious landmark of Iloilo City. Improvement of Iloilo-Guimaras PortsIn line with improving the tourism infrastructure of Iloilo and Guimaras, plans are already underway to develop major access points between the two tourist destinations. The plans include improvement of the jetty port in Parola (located at the mouth of the Iloilo River) and the ports of Jordan and Buenavista in Guimaras. The information and pictures posted here were sourced from the “Tourism Investment Opportunities in Iloilo and Guimaras” presentation posted on the website of Asia Pacific Projects, Inc.Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment *Name * Email * Website ΔThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Comments ryan saysMay 12, 2012 at 2:40 pmTo joms thank you for giving us an idea of the things that we must improve in Iloilo at least now we know from people outside Iloilo. So far I can say this is such a very good suggestion that maps should be available. and when it comes to wireless parang nagsisimula pa lang ang Iloilo to implement it siguro mahina lang talaga ang signal. maybe in the near future we will have it too. Hope that you will come back next time if there are any changes you have seen or any improvementsReply Vic saysMarch 25, 2012 at 6:08 pmJoms in addition , Read something from different people of varying backgrounds. Marco ( MINDANAO ) May 31, 2009 at 1:31 am “This is way better than our party spots in Davao. Smallville is way better than Davao’s Torres, Rizal and Damosa. Food is great, the people are really into fashion including men. Ilongos really know how to party. But the beer is quite expensive.” “ghie” ( LUZON) January 10, 2011 at 4:34 pm I’ve been in “smallville” which they call nightlife cental also in the new site of Smallville hotel. Iwould rather call this place as the land of the smiling people coz people are always smilling wenever and wherever u go!!. How I wish I can go there agen…!!this place is so nice!! Johnny (AMERICA) February 27, 2011 at 4:14 pm I’m from America and I have decided to come visit the Philippines for vacation. I happened to stop by Iloilo’s entertainment district: Smallville Smallville 21 is a nice simple hotel. Friendly staff and breakfast was delicious …. ….. ……Reply Vic saysMarch 24, 2012 at 5:54 pmJoms true , Davao malamang marami pinagkukunan ang domestic production of goods like bulaklak , prutas , at nga isda na dinadala nila papuntang ibang provencia na nangangailangan ng nga ganun , yun na nga sinasabi ko sa yo ,sa isolated event gayu nang nangyari sa yo , parang Cultural Snob ipinakita sa yo , na sa pagkakaintindi ko diyan , parang ayaw ka tulungan dito kung saan ka pupunta , na para bang , youre not meant for this place where you want comport and convenience , ganun ang meaning nang sign , na para bang , youre meant for other place but not Iloilo. Cebu and Davao are very accomodating like its thier job to welcome the guest , because in ther mind they benifit from them . Unlike here , parang iba di ba? . Yes DOT is prompted to promote because they are mandated by Law to do that job … yet the general population , iba , di sanay sa nagbibisitang nag tuturista , kasi di ganun ka popular ang turismo dito , walang masiadong nagbibisita na local or foreign tourist. you tell by experience , parang bang sa akin ,in my opinion , kasi di yan bread and butter dito … Ilongo people are people who are content/proud of its territory and their Ethnic Identity ,of their rich history , of their food , pero we don’t broadcast it … parang , Were better off without you , just leave us … sa Tourism Promotion na video nga…. parang Lahat na Lugar sa Pilipinas ipinakita…… except ILOILO ……..I find were victim of Conspiracy…….. that everyone wanted to subscribe with…..Reply Joms saysMarch 24, 2012 at 9:20 amHnd lang nman tourism ang nagpapabuhay sa davao. Fair naman ang mga tao dito at kahit alam nila taga ibang lugar anytime pwd kang tulungan. Wag mo sana sabihin na wlang balak gawin tourist spot yan kasi nung andyan kame halos yung staff ng DOT panay ang promote sa place. dahil nga sa DOT ay may ibang place pa kame napuntahan. anyway. likas sa ating mga Filipino ang pagiging hospitable at yan ang panlaban natin sa ibang bansa. :) May mga friends ako at fellow animator from US at mas gusto nila makipag kaibigan sa atin.Reply Vic saysMarch 23, 2012 at 10:15 amJoms ,very unfortunate naman nian , baka naman mukhang na terretorial assault ang ilongo sa yo kaya ganun ipinakita sa yo? hahaha … Oh di ba wala ganung karami ang turista dito na pumupunta? … Di gaya ng Puerto Princisa , Baguio , Tagaytay o Davao ,malaki bahagi ng populasyun na nabubuhay dahil sa turismo … parang infant stage pa sa tourism ang lugar na ito o di kaya walang balak or gana sa tourism kaya infant-stage for good sia, pero marami dito ang nga historical places din , pero hindi sia dinidevelop at ginagawang tourist spot … In my opinion , parang Culturally , It’s a Snob … ayaw dito ng turista especially , kung masiadong kang mapanuri …like if you are critical of the locals , if you dont like our language , if you dont like our culture ,if you dont like our way of living…. you dont belong here,,,, get out of here ,,,on the other hand , kung gusto mu dito , youre not prejudiced , if youre unfairly bias , if youre not predisposed to cultural stereotyping and if youre not a Cultural Assasin . you’re welcome here … Dito , lubhang culturally homogenous ang populace , di gaya ng Davao etc , sari sari yung tao naninirahan galing sa ibang pook, di ba pag punta mu dito wala ganu nagsasalita ng Tagalog o Cebuano? may pumupunta din dito na nga tagalog at cebuano-speaking people pero hardly na mag integrate ang kanilang salita ,,,kasi parang dinidiscriminate ka pag nagsalita ka ng Cebuano o Tagalog at tititigan ka talaga , ewan ko bat ganun , baka ganun na talaga na imprint sa ulo ng tao dito kahit nung una pa , passed on generation to generation . Kaya ganun ,,, Nga Taga Iloilo ang taun diyan sa GENSAN,MARBEL at buong SOUTH COT , Boung bayan parang dito sila nang-galing sa Iloilo gaya ng ALEOSAN , etc …Reply Joms saysMarch 23, 2012 at 9:00 am@Vic sa mga place napuntahan ko friendly ang mga tao. Pumunta din ako ng BASILAN para makita kung tlaga ba delikado doon pero friendly man sila at nagbibigay ng information. Pwd man magbigay ng limited na sagot pero hnd yun parang galit pa kung magbigay ng info. May taxi driver pa na ayaw kame ihatid sa JARO Church kahit may metro ung taxi nya. wew. Nasabi ko nga kung davao lang ito lagot sila sa Mayor. ;)Friendly din ang GENSAN,MARBEL at buong SOUTH COT.anyway, if may gusto pumunta ng gensan check lang ang site na ito: gensantos.com :)Mataas ang signal sa airport ng ilo-ilo pero hnd ko pa na try ung smart doon. SUN at globe gamit namin kaso wla tlga at ang globe ko nka unlisurf pa. :) cguro wrong timing ung signal sa amin at nasanay kasi kame na free internet dito sa GENSAN at DAVAO city (soon the entire city will be WI-FI hot spot).Reply Vic saysMarch 22, 2012 at 8:23 pmJoms sa Iloilo rin ako , parang ganun din , kung mag ask ako ng direction parang nag dadalawang isip din karamihan , bakit kaya? baka kasi di nia din alam talaga kung saan , ganun din pupunta ako sa ibang probinsia mula driver estudyante kahit guru. limited lang ang alam. sa government office hospitality , kahit saang banda ng pilipinas , talagang mapalad ka kung aasikasuhin ka agad ng superior treament … wala didto talagang package para sa touring , parang ganun din sa ibang sulok ng pilipinas di ba? unless , mag ookupa ka ng rent-a-car at dun , driver mu nalang bahala sa lahat lahat na pupuntahan… sia na rin ang magtanung…sa wifi ganun lang din… wala tayu sa poder didiktahan kung anu ang gusto natin mangyari sa configuration , pero mataas ang signal sa airport , meron kang 30 pesos , unlimited na ang facebook at youtube mu sa airport habang naghihintay kisa naman bumili kapa ng 200 worth of purchase sa kanila di ba? … Going places is not cheap , goods and services will commensurate what you have in the pocket…..Reply Joms saysMarch 22, 2012 at 7:39 pmFirst time namin ng girlfriend ko pumunta ng Ilo-ilo last March 19,2012 at galing pa kame ng davao city. Sa lahat ng place amin napuntahan ang ilo-ilo ang pinka worst. 1st. kung mag ask ka ng directions, nagdadalawang isip ang mga tao magbigay. 2nd. pumunta kame sa city hall at pumasok sa isang LGU office doon para humanap ng mapa at yung staff mismo ayaw kame tulungan. Alam na nga nya na first timer kame tpos ganon yung trato nya sa amin. Pinapunta nya kame ng DOT at limited ung instructions. Hinanap namin ung Department of Tourism para sa map kaso konting information lang mkukuha mo sa mga driver ng jeep kung mag tanong ka at yung tourism naging tourisum. Sana maglagay nlang ang CITY MAYOR ng malaking MAPA para sa mga tourist either pinoy man yan or foreigner. Maganda Sana yung mga old buildings kaso wla nman nga guide. We won’t recommend to our friends at fellow bloggers to go here not unless may sarili kang sasakyan pumunta dito para ma explore. Nag jeep lang kame para mka save. At Last ang Coffe Shop name Coffee Break sa Airport limited pa tlga yung wifi nila. 1 person alng ung wifi nila. eg. kung nag order kayo ng coffee or cake worth 175-up at kung dalawa kayo may ipad or laptop isa lang ang pwd mag enjoy ng internet. Nag business pa sila kung ang free wifi nila ay maybayad.Reply Vic saysMarch 21, 2012 at 10:48 amoiloil , Iloilo must have viable poverty reduction , housing program and scholarship too… that’s all we need. to help each other enjoy and live a good life.Reply oiloil saysMarch 21, 2012 at 2:54 pmVic. Poverty reduction would just follow if we are a city filled with investors and infrastructures and businesses as the high school graduates can always work and find a living may it be in the construction sites or just being a security guards or janitorial services. And if the govt is to provide housing for the poor it would just stop there and well, the 7 universities in Iloilo and several colleges could always provide scholarship to poor but deserving students.Reply oiloil saysMarch 21, 2012 at 8:08 amIF FULLY DEVELOPED ILOILO IS BEYOND THE QUEEN CITY TITLE FOR IT HAS THE TRAPPINGS OF A BEAUTIFUL-PROGRESSIVE CITY, BUT IT IS RIGHT, WE SHOULD RECLAIM ILOILO AS THE REAL QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH. THIS TITLE HAS BEEN ECONOMIC FRIENDLY TO CEBU AND LOOK THEY ARE VIGOROUSLY MOVING FORWARD. THAT CITY HAS LIMITED SPACE, NO WATER WITH SINK HOLES MANIFESTATIONS BUT THEY CAN AFFORD TO HAVE DESALINATION PLANT. THE BRIDGES FROM CEBU TO MACTAN HAVE TRIPLED. THAT CITY HAVE LABORED, PROCESSED AND PLANNED 10-15 YEARS AGO, THE WAY ILOILO IS DOING NOW. IM NOT POLITICIZED BUT MAYOR JED PATRICK MABILOG HAS THE VISION FOR ILOILO CITY.Reply John Gaje saysApril 5, 2011 at 10:28 pmTe Quiero Iloilo!….Viva! Iloilo!….Ciudad de Amor!….Good News! Bati ko guys sa SM Malls….mapatindog naman sila sang another mall liwat kuno…ika 6th na nila nga mall diri sa ciudad sang iloilo…Sa Jaro alone my 3 ka SM (SM Jaro; Jaro Town Square; and ang bago bukas nga SM Hypermarket, formerly Makro), 1 sa City Proper kag ang pina ka daku sa Mandurriao, ang SM City….basi bala sa Jaro haw kag daku pa sa SM City…..Kag sang pag bisita lang ni Pres. NoyNoy Aquino last nga semana,,,bali may veinte-dos/22 ka mga hotel ang iga patindog sa ciudad….kag madayun na ang TULAY sa Iloilo-Guimaras…may fundo na daw….according to TV News nad Radio News….Adelante! Iloilo….Reply Dave saysJune 22, 2010 at 6:33 pmGo Iloilo…sarangan ta ini.:-)Reply Jolly saysMarch 7, 2010 at 1:11 pmCongrats to MW, SM City, Plazuela de Iloilo, Smallville 21 Hotel, Kapideco, Ayala Techno Hub, and lots and lots of construction in the City of ILOILO! Cheers!Reply Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:17 pmOK Simple lang. Aton guid botohon ang less a**holes this coming election. Kon ara lang ako dira amo ini ang akon nga Botohon hu! Jerry Trenas, Manny Villar, Franklin Drilon, Mirriam Santiago, Mar Roxas, and Mabilog for the next mayor, kon ining si Mabilog will follow the steps of Mayor Jerry, Mabilog might get re-elected in the future. Cheers! ;)Reply Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:12 pmDugay-dugay matapos na ila nga term nga duha WALA guid sila iya nga accomplisment ah!! Makahuluyah! Grrrrrr!Reply Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:09 pm…correction..Tupaz is a pain in the a** of Provincial Gov’t. of ILOILO. Like Gonzales.Reply Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:06 pmGlad we have a mayor like Jerry Trenas, and I hope and pray that the next mayor will DO the same thing. Also Franklin Drilon who fathered the amazing new airport. Tupaz and Gonzales are wasteful in the political arena of ILOILO CITY.Reply Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:00 pmI live in the states and I see construction here anywhere in this place. First the road then the drainage and eletrical wirings, and the water connection. I hope that we adopt this kind of systems that we have here in the states, in this way we can be proud of ourselves as Filipinos. These systems are no big deal to our DPWH there. We spent millions and bilions of projects there and why we can’t DO IT RIGHT?!!Reply Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 10:53 pmFirst and Foremost is the construction of cicumferential roads in the whole Panay/Guimaras Islands before anything elses, then drainage system, potable water lines, electrical wirings must be inlined and etc. Period! :)Reply ChinoILONGGO saysFebruary 2, 2010 at 12:52 amILOILO is indeed moving forwad for economic growth. subong ko lang nakita kag nabatyagan nga naga hulag ang iloilo pakadto sa kauswagan.mayor jt thank u gd and the rest behind iloilo’s economic progress in the present administration.My ULTIMATE Dream is ILOILO to become the new economic power house of the Philippines. ILOILO is the first and truely the only OUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH , i dont see any reason for us not to use the title, it’s a given name to ILOILO by the Queen of spain herself,no other cities can use it if we dont allow them to, no matter how progressive that city maybe. as a PROUD ILONGGO we must use/carry the title of ILOILO as THE OUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH! let the whole country if not the whole to know that we are the REAL OUEEN CITY! GO!GO!GO! ILOILO Next Big Thing!Reply Gary saysNovember 20, 2009 at 7:12 pmanybody heard anything about Banate?Reply ryan saysNovember 16, 2009 at 10:41 amFor a very long time Iloilo had been so quiet about developments. Wala ka gid ya may makita nga pag bag o past 4 or 5 years. Before I leave the city i have seen certain projects that are being implemented. Base sa nakita ko it seems that Iloilo is now moving forward. At least subong damo na gawa developments da. I have seen a lot of constructions going on and hoping this will bring progress to the city of love which is the next big thing. Very promosing ang nagakatabu ang we are hoping nga indi lang ang city ang madevelop tani pati man ang province so that we can promote more ang iloilo diri sa gua to invest in our city. Yet ang problema ta sa energy, flood, and politics tani maresolve na nila para mas ma enganyo ta ang investors.Reply gigi saysNovember 10, 2009 at 9:50 amI’m very glad that Iloilo is progressing slowly but surely. I applaud the government’s efforts in regards to flood control and affordable electrical supply, both vital to the city’s development. However, I have not heard anything about cleaning up and developing the shoreline. I’m referring to the stretch of beach from San Juan Boulevard to Villa Beach. This used to be pristine but now you can hardly see the water. Are there any plans to clean up this area? It would be wonderful if one can drive up the coast and appreciate the sights at the same time. I wonder if others share my views. Thanks for keeping us updated. You are doing a great job!Reply Mauro Somodio saysNovember 6, 2009 at 4:06 pmBinshu, maayong gab-i, I’m so happy to know that you live in Brisbane. Please ring me, 0404663978, if you have time. There’s a Kahirup affair on Dec 5, if you want to attend please just ring me.Since 1997 we are sending annually Fil-Australian delegates, and we support the tourism program of the government. This January 2010 Dinagyang Festival, handa na ang amon delegations maabot dira. There are around 20 of them, and book na ang CPU Roselund Hostel kag CPU Guest House. Maayong gab-i lang da sa inyo tanan.Nong Mau Brisbane, AustraliaReply Marcos C. saysNovember 6, 2009 at 3:12 amIloilo needs to address a lot of very serious problems that is keeping big investors from coming to the city (and keeping its citizens from fully enjoying what the potentials of Iloilo) … but Iloilo’s development is on its own pace right now, just like it has been for the past decade because it’s on the stage for laying down the foundations for more developments. We already have a new airport and ongoing major (multi-billion) projects to address flooding and high cost/unreliable power. Iloilo is doing good … It’s now the time to be optimistic and to support the kind of change that we want for Iloilo.Reply Binshu saysNovember 5, 2009 at 9:52 pmI grew up in Iloilo but currently live in Brisbane and, honestly, I’m excited with the economic prospects in Iloilo. Just as Brisbane City is the premiere river city of Australia, I hope Iloilo would be a booming river city too. Kudos to the plans of cooperative development in iloilo and guimaras. However, I do think there are some issues to be pondered on: (1) power supply; (2) flooding problems; and (3) small roads and congested streets. Also, wouldn’t it be great if the towns of Sta. Barbara and Pavia start to urbanize as well. I can’t wait to go back to Iloilo…Reply Rod saysNovember 5, 2009 at 2:00 pmFor me , hinay hinay lang Iloilo is doing good, ang power supply magkakaroon talaga ng solution yan, I know Iloilo can make it. Napakaganda ng potential ng Iloilo sa mapa ng Pilipinas ito ang babangun sa kanya at ang mga intellectual graduates nya sa buong bansa sa hinaharap. Iloilo has really a great potential for Education, Business and tourism. Lalo pa pagmaumpisahan na ang mga International nabiyahe sa Iloilo. I believed malaki ang development ng Iloilo na ika gulat din ng lahat sa future yan ang pananaw ko.Reply rhey saysNovember 5, 2009 at 1:04 amgood news sa iloilo but no.1 problem natin ngayon ay ang power supply ..ang iloilo ang maypinakaexpensive at unstable power supply sa bansa,kya maraming investor ang na turn-off lalo na sa call center..ngayon under construction ang coal power plant sa la paz pero ito ay patuloy na pinoprotestahan ng mga bishop BUTOD & thier WHITE EUROPEAN MASTER( greenpeace) if they succede economic holocaust ang mangyari sa iloilo..sino ang maq-invest sa iloilo kung ang fully air-condition na palasyo ng bishop BUTOD lang ang may stable na power supply…tingin waay gid..Reply mike saysNovember 4, 2009 at 11:57 pmIf we want to develop the Iloilo-Guimaras business area, a bridge connecting the two provinces is a must. One of the problems with not having a bridge is that during typhooons, even just signal no. 1, no boats are allowed to cross goin to Guimaras and vice versa. One of the scenarios is that when businesses will be put up in the mandurriao area, many of its employees will come from Guimaras (unless people from Guimaras dont want to work in these companies). What will happen if all of a sudden in the morning before office hours, Pagasa will declare a storm signal no.1. All of a sudden hundreds of employees from Guimaras cannot report for work because there are no pumpboats available because the coast guard will not allow them to cross going to Iloilo. That would be a great blow to the businesses. What will happen is that when companies would hire employees, they would have second thoughts of hiring persons going home to Guimaras. Ti sin-o pyerde? Ang taga Guimaras. Unless ma gasto pa siola sa rent kun diri sila ma istar sa Iloilo, ok lang. But it would be too expensive. Peor kun may bridge, we could go to Guimaras 24/7.Reply Gary saysNovember 20, 2009 at 7:20 pmWhat do you know of Banate developing?Reply suv saysNovember 3, 2009 at 9:49 amno comment!Reply gladita saysNovember 3, 2009 at 9:32 amVery promising ini nga mga investment opportunities. Everytime magpuli ko sa Iloilo after a few months daw may mga bag-o gid nga developments. Pero sa akon lang, let’s not regain the old title but make a new and bigger title for Iloilo. I don’t know what title that would be but maabot lang na ya once all these projects are in place.Reply jn saysNovember 5, 2009 at 1:29 amYou are correct. It will just come, may be a bigger one that fits with the modern way of living.Reply Binshu saysNovember 5, 2009 at 9:55 pmI agree, let’s not desperately seek the title of Queen City. Iloilo is the HEART OF THE PHILIPPINES and that works fine for me.Reply Lee saysNovember 3, 2009 at 8:51 amI’m strongly hoping na may investors nga interesado para ma-fast tract nila ang construction sa may Calle Real. Also, is there any plan in the horizon building a bridge linking Guimaras-Iloilo? I wonder why they scrapped that plan before. Nami tani.. people will have the option to travel by land or by sea to Guimaras. Moreover, their plans are very promising and exciting. My ultimate dream is that, ILOILO WILL REGAIN IT’S GLORY BACK AS QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH! It may not be soon but, eventually, IT WILL!Reply
ryan saysMay 12, 2012 at 2:40 pmTo joms thank you for giving us an idea of the things that we must improve in Iloilo at least now we know from people outside Iloilo. So far I can say this is such a very good suggestion that maps should be available. and when it comes to wireless parang nagsisimula pa lang ang Iloilo to implement it siguro mahina lang talaga ang signal. maybe in the near future we will have it too. Hope that you will come back next time if there are any changes you have seen or any improvementsReply
Vic saysMarch 25, 2012 at 6:08 pmJoms in addition , Read something from different people of varying backgrounds. Marco ( MINDANAO ) May 31, 2009 at 1:31 am “This is way better than our party spots in Davao. Smallville is way better than Davao’s Torres, Rizal and Damosa. Food is great, the people are really into fashion including men. Ilongos really know how to party. But the beer is quite expensive.” “ghie” ( LUZON) January 10, 2011 at 4:34 pm I’ve been in “smallville” which they call nightlife cental also in the new site of Smallville hotel. Iwould rather call this place as the land of the smiling people coz people are always smilling wenever and wherever u go!!. How I wish I can go there agen…!!this place is so nice!! Johnny (AMERICA) February 27, 2011 at 4:14 pm I’m from America and I have decided to come visit the Philippines for vacation. I happened to stop by Iloilo’s entertainment district: Smallville Smallville 21 is a nice simple hotel. Friendly staff and breakfast was delicious …. ….. ……Reply
Vic saysMarch 24, 2012 at 5:54 pmJoms true , Davao malamang marami pinagkukunan ang domestic production of goods like bulaklak , prutas , at nga isda na dinadala nila papuntang ibang provencia na nangangailangan ng nga ganun , yun na nga sinasabi ko sa yo ,sa isolated event gayu nang nangyari sa yo , parang Cultural Snob ipinakita sa yo , na sa pagkakaintindi ko diyan , parang ayaw ka tulungan dito kung saan ka pupunta , na para bang , youre not meant for this place where you want comport and convenience , ganun ang meaning nang sign , na para bang , youre meant for other place but not Iloilo. Cebu and Davao are very accomodating like its thier job to welcome the guest , because in ther mind they benifit from them . Unlike here , parang iba di ba? . Yes DOT is prompted to promote because they are mandated by Law to do that job … yet the general population , iba , di sanay sa nagbibisitang nag tuturista , kasi di ganun ka popular ang turismo dito , walang masiadong nagbibisita na local or foreign tourist. you tell by experience , parang bang sa akin ,in my opinion , kasi di yan bread and butter dito … Ilongo people are people who are content/proud of its territory and their Ethnic Identity ,of their rich history , of their food , pero we don’t broadcast it … parang , Were better off without you , just leave us … sa Tourism Promotion na video nga…. parang Lahat na Lugar sa Pilipinas ipinakita…… except ILOILO ……..I find were victim of Conspiracy…….. that everyone wanted to subscribe with…..Reply
Joms saysMarch 24, 2012 at 9:20 amHnd lang nman tourism ang nagpapabuhay sa davao. Fair naman ang mga tao dito at kahit alam nila taga ibang lugar anytime pwd kang tulungan. Wag mo sana sabihin na wlang balak gawin tourist spot yan kasi nung andyan kame halos yung staff ng DOT panay ang promote sa place. dahil nga sa DOT ay may ibang place pa kame napuntahan. anyway. likas sa ating mga Filipino ang pagiging hospitable at yan ang panlaban natin sa ibang bansa. :) May mga friends ako at fellow animator from US at mas gusto nila makipag kaibigan sa atin.Reply
Vic saysMarch 23, 2012 at 10:15 amJoms ,very unfortunate naman nian , baka naman mukhang na terretorial assault ang ilongo sa yo kaya ganun ipinakita sa yo? hahaha … Oh di ba wala ganung karami ang turista dito na pumupunta? … Di gaya ng Puerto Princisa , Baguio , Tagaytay o Davao ,malaki bahagi ng populasyun na nabubuhay dahil sa turismo … parang infant stage pa sa tourism ang lugar na ito o di kaya walang balak or gana sa tourism kaya infant-stage for good sia, pero marami dito ang nga historical places din , pero hindi sia dinidevelop at ginagawang tourist spot … In my opinion , parang Culturally , It’s a Snob … ayaw dito ng turista especially , kung masiadong kang mapanuri …like if you are critical of the locals , if you dont like our language , if you dont like our culture ,if you dont like our way of living…. you dont belong here,,,, get out of here ,,,on the other hand , kung gusto mu dito , youre not prejudiced , if youre unfairly bias , if youre not predisposed to cultural stereotyping and if youre not a Cultural Assasin . you’re welcome here … Dito , lubhang culturally homogenous ang populace , di gaya ng Davao etc , sari sari yung tao naninirahan galing sa ibang pook, di ba pag punta mu dito wala ganu nagsasalita ng Tagalog o Cebuano? may pumupunta din dito na nga tagalog at cebuano-speaking people pero hardly na mag integrate ang kanilang salita ,,,kasi parang dinidiscriminate ka pag nagsalita ka ng Cebuano o Tagalog at tititigan ka talaga , ewan ko bat ganun , baka ganun na talaga na imprint sa ulo ng tao dito kahit nung una pa , passed on generation to generation . Kaya ganun ,,, Nga Taga Iloilo ang taun diyan sa GENSAN,MARBEL at buong SOUTH COT , Boung bayan parang dito sila nang-galing sa Iloilo gaya ng ALEOSAN , etc …Reply
Joms saysMarch 23, 2012 at 9:00 am@Vic sa mga place napuntahan ko friendly ang mga tao. Pumunta din ako ng BASILAN para makita kung tlaga ba delikado doon pero friendly man sila at nagbibigay ng information. Pwd man magbigay ng limited na sagot pero hnd yun parang galit pa kung magbigay ng info. May taxi driver pa na ayaw kame ihatid sa JARO Church kahit may metro ung taxi nya. wew. Nasabi ko nga kung davao lang ito lagot sila sa Mayor. ;)Friendly din ang GENSAN,MARBEL at buong SOUTH COT.anyway, if may gusto pumunta ng gensan check lang ang site na ito: gensantos.com :)Mataas ang signal sa airport ng ilo-ilo pero hnd ko pa na try ung smart doon. SUN at globe gamit namin kaso wla tlga at ang globe ko nka unlisurf pa. :) cguro wrong timing ung signal sa amin at nasanay kasi kame na free internet dito sa GENSAN at DAVAO city (soon the entire city will be WI-FI hot spot).Reply
Vic saysMarch 22, 2012 at 8:23 pmJoms sa Iloilo rin ako , parang ganun din , kung mag ask ako ng direction parang nag dadalawang isip din karamihan , bakit kaya? baka kasi di nia din alam talaga kung saan , ganun din pupunta ako sa ibang probinsia mula driver estudyante kahit guru. limited lang ang alam. sa government office hospitality , kahit saang banda ng pilipinas , talagang mapalad ka kung aasikasuhin ka agad ng superior treament … wala didto talagang package para sa touring , parang ganun din sa ibang sulok ng pilipinas di ba? unless , mag ookupa ka ng rent-a-car at dun , driver mu nalang bahala sa lahat lahat na pupuntahan… sia na rin ang magtanung…sa wifi ganun lang din… wala tayu sa poder didiktahan kung anu ang gusto natin mangyari sa configuration , pero mataas ang signal sa airport , meron kang 30 pesos , unlimited na ang facebook at youtube mu sa airport habang naghihintay kisa naman bumili kapa ng 200 worth of purchase sa kanila di ba? … Going places is not cheap , goods and services will commensurate what you have in the pocket…..Reply
Joms saysMarch 22, 2012 at 7:39 pmFirst time namin ng girlfriend ko pumunta ng Ilo-ilo last March 19,2012 at galing pa kame ng davao city. Sa lahat ng place amin napuntahan ang ilo-ilo ang pinka worst. 1st. kung mag ask ka ng directions, nagdadalawang isip ang mga tao magbigay. 2nd. pumunta kame sa city hall at pumasok sa isang LGU office doon para humanap ng mapa at yung staff mismo ayaw kame tulungan. Alam na nga nya na first timer kame tpos ganon yung trato nya sa amin. Pinapunta nya kame ng DOT at limited ung instructions. Hinanap namin ung Department of Tourism para sa map kaso konting information lang mkukuha mo sa mga driver ng jeep kung mag tanong ka at yung tourism naging tourisum. Sana maglagay nlang ang CITY MAYOR ng malaking MAPA para sa mga tourist either pinoy man yan or foreigner. Maganda Sana yung mga old buildings kaso wla nman nga guide. We won’t recommend to our friends at fellow bloggers to go here not unless may sarili kang sasakyan pumunta dito para ma explore. Nag jeep lang kame para mka save. At Last ang Coffe Shop name Coffee Break sa Airport limited pa tlga yung wifi nila. 1 person alng ung wifi nila. eg. kung nag order kayo ng coffee or cake worth 175-up at kung dalawa kayo may ipad or laptop isa lang ang pwd mag enjoy ng internet. Nag business pa sila kung ang free wifi nila ay maybayad.Reply
Vic saysMarch 21, 2012 at 10:48 amoiloil , Iloilo must have viable poverty reduction , housing program and scholarship too… that’s all we need. to help each other enjoy and live a good life.Reply
oiloil saysMarch 21, 2012 at 2:54 pmVic. Poverty reduction would just follow if we are a city filled with investors and infrastructures and businesses as the high school graduates can always work and find a living may it be in the construction sites or just being a security guards or janitorial services. And if the govt is to provide housing for the poor it would just stop there and well, the 7 universities in Iloilo and several colleges could always provide scholarship to poor but deserving students.Reply
oiloil saysMarch 21, 2012 at 8:08 amIF FULLY DEVELOPED ILOILO IS BEYOND THE QUEEN CITY TITLE FOR IT HAS THE TRAPPINGS OF A BEAUTIFUL-PROGRESSIVE CITY, BUT IT IS RIGHT, WE SHOULD RECLAIM ILOILO AS THE REAL QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH. THIS TITLE HAS BEEN ECONOMIC FRIENDLY TO CEBU AND LOOK THEY ARE VIGOROUSLY MOVING FORWARD. THAT CITY HAS LIMITED SPACE, NO WATER WITH SINK HOLES MANIFESTATIONS BUT THEY CAN AFFORD TO HAVE DESALINATION PLANT. THE BRIDGES FROM CEBU TO MACTAN HAVE TRIPLED. THAT CITY HAVE LABORED, PROCESSED AND PLANNED 10-15 YEARS AGO, THE WAY ILOILO IS DOING NOW. IM NOT POLITICIZED BUT MAYOR JED PATRICK MABILOG HAS THE VISION FOR ILOILO CITY.Reply
John Gaje saysApril 5, 2011 at 10:28 pmTe Quiero Iloilo!….Viva! Iloilo!….Ciudad de Amor!….Good News! Bati ko guys sa SM Malls….mapatindog naman sila sang another mall liwat kuno…ika 6th na nila nga mall diri sa ciudad sang iloilo…Sa Jaro alone my 3 ka SM (SM Jaro; Jaro Town Square; and ang bago bukas nga SM Hypermarket, formerly Makro), 1 sa City Proper kag ang pina ka daku sa Mandurriao, ang SM City….basi bala sa Jaro haw kag daku pa sa SM City…..Kag sang pag bisita lang ni Pres. NoyNoy Aquino last nga semana,,,bali may veinte-dos/22 ka mga hotel ang iga patindog sa ciudad….kag madayun na ang TULAY sa Iloilo-Guimaras…may fundo na daw….according to TV News nad Radio News….Adelante! Iloilo….Reply
Jolly saysMarch 7, 2010 at 1:11 pmCongrats to MW, SM City, Plazuela de Iloilo, Smallville 21 Hotel, Kapideco, Ayala Techno Hub, and lots and lots of construction in the City of ILOILO! Cheers!Reply
Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:17 pmOK Simple lang. Aton guid botohon ang less a**holes this coming election. Kon ara lang ako dira amo ini ang akon nga Botohon hu! Jerry Trenas, Manny Villar, Franklin Drilon, Mirriam Santiago, Mar Roxas, and Mabilog for the next mayor, kon ining si Mabilog will follow the steps of Mayor Jerry, Mabilog might get re-elected in the future. Cheers! ;)Reply
Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:12 pmDugay-dugay matapos na ila nga term nga duha WALA guid sila iya nga accomplisment ah!! Makahuluyah! Grrrrrr!Reply
Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:09 pm…correction..Tupaz is a pain in the a** of Provincial Gov’t. of ILOILO. Like Gonzales.Reply
Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:06 pmGlad we have a mayor like Jerry Trenas, and I hope and pray that the next mayor will DO the same thing. Also Franklin Drilon who fathered the amazing new airport. Tupaz and Gonzales are wasteful in the political arena of ILOILO CITY.Reply
Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 11:00 pmI live in the states and I see construction here anywhere in this place. First the road then the drainage and eletrical wirings, and the water connection. I hope that we adopt this kind of systems that we have here in the states, in this way we can be proud of ourselves as Filipinos. These systems are no big deal to our DPWH there. We spent millions and bilions of projects there and why we can’t DO IT RIGHT?!!Reply
Jolly saysMarch 6, 2010 at 10:53 pmFirst and Foremost is the construction of cicumferential roads in the whole Panay/Guimaras Islands before anything elses, then drainage system, potable water lines, electrical wirings must be inlined and etc. Period! :)Reply
ChinoILONGGO saysFebruary 2, 2010 at 12:52 amILOILO is indeed moving forwad for economic growth. subong ko lang nakita kag nabatyagan nga naga hulag ang iloilo pakadto sa kauswagan.mayor jt thank u gd and the rest behind iloilo’s economic progress in the present administration.My ULTIMATE Dream is ILOILO to become the new economic power house of the Philippines. ILOILO is the first and truely the only OUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH , i dont see any reason for us not to use the title, it’s a given name to ILOILO by the Queen of spain herself,no other cities can use it if we dont allow them to, no matter how progressive that city maybe. as a PROUD ILONGGO we must use/carry the title of ILOILO as THE OUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH! let the whole country if not the whole to know that we are the REAL OUEEN CITY! GO!GO!GO! ILOILO Next Big Thing!Reply
ryan saysNovember 16, 2009 at 10:41 amFor a very long time Iloilo had been so quiet about developments. Wala ka gid ya may makita nga pag bag o past 4 or 5 years. Before I leave the city i have seen certain projects that are being implemented. Base sa nakita ko it seems that Iloilo is now moving forward. At least subong damo na gawa developments da. I have seen a lot of constructions going on and hoping this will bring progress to the city of love which is the next big thing. Very promosing ang nagakatabu ang we are hoping nga indi lang ang city ang madevelop tani pati man ang province so that we can promote more ang iloilo diri sa gua to invest in our city. Yet ang problema ta sa energy, flood, and politics tani maresolve na nila para mas ma enganyo ta ang investors.Reply
gigi saysNovember 10, 2009 at 9:50 amI’m very glad that Iloilo is progressing slowly but surely. I applaud the government’s efforts in regards to flood control and affordable electrical supply, both vital to the city’s development. However, I have not heard anything about cleaning up and developing the shoreline. I’m referring to the stretch of beach from San Juan Boulevard to Villa Beach. This used to be pristine but now you can hardly see the water. Are there any plans to clean up this area? It would be wonderful if one can drive up the coast and appreciate the sights at the same time. I wonder if others share my views. Thanks for keeping us updated. You are doing a great job!Reply
Mauro Somodio saysNovember 6, 2009 at 4:06 pmBinshu, maayong gab-i, I’m so happy to know that you live in Brisbane. Please ring me, 0404663978, if you have time. There’s a Kahirup affair on Dec 5, if you want to attend please just ring me.Since 1997 we are sending annually Fil-Australian delegates, and we support the tourism program of the government. This January 2010 Dinagyang Festival, handa na ang amon delegations maabot dira. There are around 20 of them, and book na ang CPU Roselund Hostel kag CPU Guest House. Maayong gab-i lang da sa inyo tanan.Nong Mau Brisbane, AustraliaReply
Marcos C. saysNovember 6, 2009 at 3:12 amIloilo needs to address a lot of very serious problems that is keeping big investors from coming to the city (and keeping its citizens from fully enjoying what the potentials of Iloilo) … but Iloilo’s development is on its own pace right now, just like it has been for the past decade because it’s on the stage for laying down the foundations for more developments. We already have a new airport and ongoing major (multi-billion) projects to address flooding and high cost/unreliable power. Iloilo is doing good … It’s now the time to be optimistic and to support the kind of change that we want for Iloilo.Reply
Binshu saysNovember 5, 2009 at 9:52 pmI grew up in Iloilo but currently live in Brisbane and, honestly, I’m excited with the economic prospects in Iloilo. Just as Brisbane City is the premiere river city of Australia, I hope Iloilo would be a booming river city too. Kudos to the plans of cooperative development in iloilo and guimaras. However, I do think there are some issues to be pondered on: (1) power supply; (2) flooding problems; and (3) small roads and congested streets. Also, wouldn’t it be great if the towns of Sta. Barbara and Pavia start to urbanize as well. I can’t wait to go back to Iloilo…Reply
Rod saysNovember 5, 2009 at 2:00 pmFor me , hinay hinay lang Iloilo is doing good, ang power supply magkakaroon talaga ng solution yan, I know Iloilo can make it. Napakaganda ng potential ng Iloilo sa mapa ng Pilipinas ito ang babangun sa kanya at ang mga intellectual graduates nya sa buong bansa sa hinaharap. Iloilo has really a great potential for Education, Business and tourism. Lalo pa pagmaumpisahan na ang mga International nabiyahe sa Iloilo. I believed malaki ang development ng Iloilo na ika gulat din ng lahat sa future yan ang pananaw ko.Reply
rhey saysNovember 5, 2009 at 1:04 amgood news sa iloilo but no.1 problem natin ngayon ay ang power supply ..ang iloilo ang maypinakaexpensive at unstable power supply sa bansa,kya maraming investor ang na turn-off lalo na sa call center..ngayon under construction ang coal power plant sa la paz pero ito ay patuloy na pinoprotestahan ng mga bishop BUTOD & thier WHITE EUROPEAN MASTER( greenpeace) if they succede economic holocaust ang mangyari sa iloilo..sino ang maq-invest sa iloilo kung ang fully air-condition na palasyo ng bishop BUTOD lang ang may stable na power supply…tingin waay gid..Reply
mike saysNovember 4, 2009 at 11:57 pmIf we want to develop the Iloilo-Guimaras business area, a bridge connecting the two provinces is a must. One of the problems with not having a bridge is that during typhooons, even just signal no. 1, no boats are allowed to cross goin to Guimaras and vice versa. One of the scenarios is that when businesses will be put up in the mandurriao area, many of its employees will come from Guimaras (unless people from Guimaras dont want to work in these companies). What will happen if all of a sudden in the morning before office hours, Pagasa will declare a storm signal no.1. All of a sudden hundreds of employees from Guimaras cannot report for work because there are no pumpboats available because the coast guard will not allow them to cross going to Iloilo. That would be a great blow to the businesses. What will happen is that when companies would hire employees, they would have second thoughts of hiring persons going home to Guimaras. Ti sin-o pyerde? Ang taga Guimaras. Unless ma gasto pa siola sa rent kun diri sila ma istar sa Iloilo, ok lang. But it would be too expensive. Peor kun may bridge, we could go to Guimaras 24/7.Reply
gladita saysNovember 3, 2009 at 9:32 amVery promising ini nga mga investment opportunities. Everytime magpuli ko sa Iloilo after a few months daw may mga bag-o gid nga developments. Pero sa akon lang, let’s not regain the old title but make a new and bigger title for Iloilo. I don’t know what title that would be but maabot lang na ya once all these projects are in place.Reply
jn saysNovember 5, 2009 at 1:29 amYou are correct. It will just come, may be a bigger one that fits with the modern way of living.Reply
Binshu saysNovember 5, 2009 at 9:55 pmI agree, let’s not desperately seek the title of Queen City. Iloilo is the HEART OF THE PHILIPPINES and that works fine for me.Reply
Lee saysNovember 3, 2009 at 8:51 amI’m strongly hoping na may investors nga interesado para ma-fast tract nila ang construction sa may Calle Real. Also, is there any plan in the horizon building a bridge linking Guimaras-Iloilo? I wonder why they scrapped that plan before. Nami tani.. people will have the option to travel by land or by sea to Guimaras. Moreover, their plans are very promising and exciting. My ultimate dream is that, ILOILO WILL REGAIN IT’S GLORY BACK AS QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH! It may not be soon but, eventually, IT WILL!Reply