50-Million Campaign for Iloilo MICE Tourism

October 15, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

ILOILO CITY – A 50-million MICE campaign – “Meet you in Iloilo” – was launched last October 10, 2019 at Iloilo Convention Center led by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat together with the Iloilo MICE Alliance, Department of Tourism to market Iloilo as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences/Conventions and Exhibitions) destination in the country.

The launching of “Meet you in Iloilo” campaign is expected to pull in tourists, business investors and exhibitors to one of the progressive and livable cities in the Philippines, Iloilo City, and be recognized as a premier MICE destination in the country.

“The launching of Iloilo as a MICE hub will surely open more opportunities for Iloilo to further boost its tourism industry, drive investments and development, and create jobs,” Senator Drilon said.

Promoting Iloilo as a MICE center is projected to bring significant contributions to the province and the entire region’s development. This campaign includes a handful of promotions and related tourism packages in partnership with different tourism stakeholders in the city.

The launching of the MICE campaign also highlighted some of the tourism facilities and projects that will surely attract every tourist, local and international.

Iloilo convention center
an 8-kilometer Esplanade, the longest linear park in the country
the 10-lane, 15-km Sen. Benigno Aquino Avenue
the 4-lane President Corazon Aquino circumferential road
rehabilitated Iloilo River
four museums including the country’s first Museum of Philippine Economic History
restoration of heritage buildings along Calle Real
restoration of the Iloilo Customs House, or Aduana
building the Iloilo-Guimaras Bridge by 2023

For more information, you visit Iloilo MICE Alliance, Department of Tourism at Ground floor, Casa Real de Iloilo (Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol), Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City, Philippines or contact their office through these numbers: (+63 33) 337-5411 / 335-0245 (Telefax). You can also reach them online through an email, secretariat@meetyouiniloilo.com or visit the website, www.meetyouiniloilo.com. #MeetYouInIloilo

Event, Travel

9 Reasons for Iloilo as a MICE Destination

October 15, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

Iloilo – culinary haven, a vibrant festival destination, a cosmopolitan trading port since the turn of the last century, the heart of the Philippines, and so much more.

It’s a fairly easy task to fall in love with Iloilo – a locale steeped in history and rich indigenous culture, yet also an emergent city assuredly making strides toward a sustainable tomorrow, an eclectic marriage of the traditional and the modern. As multifaceted as it is colorful, Iloilo will leave you spellbound by its manifold charms.

Here are 9 reasons why you should consider the “City of Love” as your next MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences/Conventions, Exhibitions) destination.

1. The Heart of the Philippines

Smack dab in the middle of this vibrant archipelago, Iloilo’s strategic location lends its ease of accessibility to most major hubs in both Luzon and Mindanao, as well as being a gateway to multi-cultural Panay Island and the greater Visayas.

2.Steeped in History

Ours is a culture shaped by a rich genteel history and undeniable Spanish influence, as demonstrated by Iloilo’s architectural marvels: from the stately ancestral mansions of the moneyed sugar barons to age-old ornate churches that have stood the test of time. The country’s former textile capital and the Philippines’ most important seaport during the Spanish era – second only to Manila – one only needs to visit Iloilo’s immersive museums to fully fathom the city’s old glory.

3. Food-Lover’s Haven

Satisfy your cravings: From the quintessential Ilonggo batchoy, to seafood freshly plucked from the ocean, to saccharine delicacies that will satisfy any sweet tooth – Iloilo is a gastronomical destination like no other. Iloilo’s sprawling shorelines and serendipitous proximity to the uplands ensures abundant produce from both the land and the sea whole year-round, making it a bountiful playground for chefs and foodies alike.

4. Sunny Shores and Marvelous Mounts

Traced by the Panay Gulf in the east and bordered by the Central Panay Mountain Range in the west, Iloilo and its neighboring provinces has scenic excursions for beachcombers and mountain adventurers alike.

Photo credits: meetyouiniloilo.com

5. Heartfelt Ilonggo Hospitality

Ilonggos, Iloilo’s locals, are known to be a generous and hospitable bunch – it isn’t the “City of Love” for nothing. Hoteliers and restauranteurs in this cosmopolitan destination put a premium on exceptional service to delight guests, but Ilonggos have always been innately warm and outgoing.

6. Beacon of Sustainability

Lauded for numerous successful civic initiatives, sustainability has become the foundation for the mapping and planning of this developing metropolis. The Iloilo River Esplanade first comes to mind, an 8.1-kilometer linear park that traces the banks of its namesake waterway, running along major thoroughfares in the city.

7. Among Southeast Asia’s Safest Place

Iloilo is consistently recognized as one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia by the survey of international online database Numbeo. In 2019, the city landed 8th place, following the ranks of Singapore, Bangkok, and Bali, among others.

8. Seamless Incentives

The tight-knit collaboration of Iloilo’s MICE Alliance seeks to offer a seamless experience, with an across-the-board incentive plan that no other city is likely capable to match – encompassing from confab discounts on domestic airfare, to exclusive hotel perks, and even concessions from major malls and affiliated restaurants. Iloilo promises an unparalleled MICE experience. Giving meeting planners every reason to choose Iloilo as their next MICE venue.

9. International MICE Standards

Iloilo is committed to abide by the tight touchstones of global MICE standards. The city has revealed itself a trailblazer, being one of only a few hubs in the Philippines to have successfully hosted both APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meetings and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) delegates in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

Photo credits: meetyouiniloilo.com

For more information, you visit Iloilo MICE Alliance, Department of Tourism at Ground floor, Casa Real de Iloilo (Old Iloilo Provincial Capitol), Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City, Philippines or contact their office through these numbers: (+63 33) 337-5411 / 335-0245 (Telefax). You can also reach them online through an email, secretariat@meetyouiniloilo.com or visit the website, www.meetyouiniloilo.com. #MeetYouInIloilo

Source: www.meetyouiniloilo.com

Event, Food

Bluejay at 15 Years + Promos

October 12, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

Bluejay Coffee and Company is celebrating its 15 years in the business of serving Iloilo with their best selling coffee-based products. “We are proud to say that we only source our coffee beans from Sagada, ” said Mrs. Arlene Juantong, owner of Bluejay Coffee and Company. This celebration will be exciting as events and promos shall captivate the coffee lovers in the city in Bluejay’s three branches.

This coffee shop started as the husband of Mrs. Arlene is a coffee drinker. To satisfy their love for coffee, they decided to come up with a coffee shop that serves only the best of Philippines’ coffee beans last 2004. Bluejay gets their from Mr. Goad Sibayan of Bana’s Cafe in Sagada. Last 2017, Mr. Goad’s coffee beans received the Medaille Gourmet in the International Contest of Coffees Roasted in their Countries of Origin organized by the Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products. “This only shows that internationally, Philippines can compete when it comes to coffee beans.” emphasized by Mrs. Arlene.

This year on its 15th anniversary, Bluejay Coffee and Company graced the celebration with promos on their hot americano, iced mocha and ensaymada.

Bluejay

October 15, 2019 – SM City Branch, get one (1) hot americano or iced mocha for P15 only when you buy one (1) ensaymada.
October 19, 2019 – Ayala Technohub Branch, get one (1) ensaymada for P15 only when you buy either one (1) hot americano or iced mocha.October 23, 2019 – The Medical City Branch, get one (1) hot americano or iced mocha for P15 only.
Until supply last. One purchase per person only.

Bluejay

And gracing this whole celebration is the tour of Ms. Tsina Jade Chu, Miss Iloilo Tourism 2019. Kindly follow the Facebook page of Bluejay Coffee and Company for the schedules.

For events, Bluejay will have Coffeecon: The Coffee Connection – A gathering of like-minded coffee-drinkers who want to appreciate coffee on Friday, October 18, 2019 (9AM – 11AM) at Ubra: Shared Space + Cafe Lounge, SM Southpoint. This a FREE class so reserved your slot now!

Bluejay

Also, check out the watercolor art class at Ayala Technohub Branch on October 26, 2019, 10AM to 12NN together with Erika Velasco, a watercolor artist. For every minimum purchase of P350 an any branch, you can register for the class. Limited slots only, so get yours now!

Event

UDD X JUST HUSH: COOL AND COLLECTED

October 11, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

There are musical acts that take the world by storm, there are some that prefer a more slow and steady approach, and then there are those who just play by their own rules. UDD and R&B/hip-hop artist Just Hush fall under the third—both being more comfortable flying under the radar. In effect, they keep up an effortlessly cool reputation, something easily admired by their superfans—those who love the craft of music, rather than just the fame.

UDD, composed of Armi Millare on keyboards and vocals, Carlos Tañada on guitars and synth, Ean Mayor on drums and electronics, and Paul Yap on bass and synth, never fail to charm the hearts of listeners with their eloquent lyrics and unique beats. In the next episode of Coke Studio Season 3, they are paired with up-and-coming artist Just Hush—a reveal that the band tells us was full of surprises. “When I heard how he mixed English and Filipino on his tracks, I was surprised with how he did it. It comes off unexpected but natural. Actually, I had always wanted to do a song in both languages, and I think the band will probably still do one,” says Ean.

UDD

Armi admits, “What surprised me was how quiet he was! Because he does rap, we do have this image of what a rapper should be, and he is very different from that.”

On his end, Just Hush was definitely thrilled to be working with one of the greats in OPM, but he was keeping his cool. He shares, “When we first met, I was really excited because I really love their songs. I know they’re a big deal but I didn’t want to show that I was their fanboy! But they were so humble, so down to earth, and that really surprised me.”

When it came to their creative process, Just Hush says, “They’re very open. Even when they knew that I was their fan, I could feel that they didn’t look at me that way. I wanted to mix funk with R&B, and they were also game. In the end, it was very spontaneous. Somehow, we were able to capture the emotion of the moment.”

UDD all agree that their working dynamic flowed effortlessly. “It was on the spot, we were able to work well together.”

UDD

Emotion was definitely an important factor, especially since the collab was about letting go of the things that inhibits you and the #feels involved when you have to Let Go and Grow. Surprises aside, the collaboration was a good mesh of the two artists, integrating common elements while still keeping cool, collected and true to their own sound.

Armi adds, “I really like R&B, it’s what I grew up on, and I do think that you can hear it a bit on our music. When it comes to art, somehow you will come to, more or less, the same questions, the same why. So even from different genres and generations, you will still find what feels right.”

Ean sums it up, “I like to think of us as perpetual students. We went out of our comfort zone, but the funny thing is, I am sure that when fans hear the song, they will still say that it’s very us.”

Watch UDD and Just Hush as they collaborate on Coke Studio Season 3. Catch them on October 12, Saturday at 10a.m. on ABS-CBN or subscribe to Coke Studio’s Youtube page at www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH for the latest episodes.

Event

Coke Studio Season 3: GIRLS GONE #WOKE

October 2, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

Janine Teñoso, Bea Lorenzo, and Clara Benin all started on the path to music as very young girls. And though they’ve forged their names as solo artists, from the first time they met, there was an instant rapport that made their Coke Studio collaboration feel free-flowing and natural.

Janine says, “Literally, I was just listening to their songs, and then a few days after, we were meeting together. It felt as if we were sisters right away, we just started sharing our ideas and talking and talking.”

Coke Studio

For their Coke Studio Season 3 episode, the girls tackled something the youth feel strongly about: the environment, and how to create even more awareness and action to save it. These days, people are getting more and more #woke and want to do their part to help, and Coke is taking action through their various green initiatives. With this musical collaboration, Coke champions two things they firmly believe in: an active stance on environmental issues and women empowerment.

Knowing that their Coke Studio episode would focus on the single biggest issue of this generation, all three realized that the big environmental issue comes from the smaller task of deciphering one’s priorities. They saw that the root of caring for the environment is self knowledge. From self knowledge comes the realization that we are all connected to each other.

Coke Studio

Janine understood that they were taking on a big task. “We knew that the song had to be uplifting spiritually.”

In creating their all-girl anthem, Clara says a little spontaneity went a long way. “You also have to surprise yourself. That’s part of the process. We want to write a song that will encourage people to be themselves.”

At the end of the day, it’s all about being true to your heart. As Bea sums it up: “The essence of being woke is doing what you love. You have to do something that really speaks to you. And for our song, it was about finding that balance without being too preachy.”

Watch how Bea Lorenzo, Clara Benin and Janine Teñoso, collaborate for Coke Studio Season 3. Catch them this coming October 5, at 10:00 a.m. on ABS-CBN or online at www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH .

Event

SM Foundation set to open College Scholarship Applications

September 30, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga 1 Comment

SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) is set to open its online application for its college scholarship program this year.

Aspiring SM scholars can get ready for the opening of the SM College Scholarship Program online application for SY 2020-2021, which will start October 15, 2019.

The SMFI College Scholarship program is aimed at extending assistance to poor but deserving highschool students get a college education and build a better future for them and their families.

SM founder Henry Sy, Sr. believes that education is the best defense against poverty. SM Foundation provide college and technical-vocational scholarship grants as well as access to primary education through school buildings to help the youth achieve their dreams.

Interested applicants can visit the SM Scholarship website for the qualifications, requirements, accredited courses, partner schools, and other information about the program:
https://sm-foundation.org/programs/education

For inquiries, aspirants can also the contact the Education team at 857-0100 local 1688 / education@sm-foundation.org.

Apllication deadline is December 31, 2019

Event

Tunog Transcom Tayo Y2 – Happy Culture and Work-Life Balance

September 22, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

More than 2,000 employees from Transcom Worldwide Philippines’ Manila sites gathered at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City last September 14, 2019 to celebrate camaraderie and togetherness in the second year of the company’s musicfest dubbed as Tunog Transcom Tayo.

The event was graced by live performances from various well-loved Filipino musicians and bands such as Ebe Dancel, Mayonnaise, Chiquerella, Sponge Cola, Where’s Ramona, This Band, Ben&Ben, and Aegis.

Tunog Transcom Tayo

“As we’ve been transforming our business in recent years, creating a positive culture where our folks can express themselves has been and continues to be a key focus. Tunog Transcom Tayo, our annual musicfest, is just one building block in the foundation that is Transcom Tayo and sits alongside our annual CSR activities, our support for the LGBTQ community and our HIV & AIDS awareness campaign in conjunction with The Red Whistle,” said Mark Lyndsell, Transcom’s CEO for the Global English Region.

This is also the second year that a Karaoke-inspired singing contest – Viral Voice – which Transcom coworkers participate in was incorporated in the music event.

“Our awesome multi-talented coworkers are placed at the heart of Tunog Transcom Tayo and have been auditioning for months as part of our very own Viral Voice competition. Filipinos are known across the globe for their musicality and singing abilities and this is no exception here at Transcom where our finalists will be showing off their talent alongside bands such as Sponge Cola, Ben&Ben, and Aegis,” Lyndsell further shared.

Tunog Transcom Tayo

Tunog Transcom Tayo was also held yesterday September 21, 2019 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City and today, September 22 at the SMX-Bacolod City. The event is sponsored by Seda Hotel, Caronia, Jergens, and Liese.

Event

Arriba Visayas Iloilo on Cactus and Succulents for a Greener Space

September 18, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

ILOILO CITY – Arriba Visayas: A Cactus and Succulent Roadshow stopped over in Iloilo Festive Walk Mall last Sunday, September 15, 2019 for a one-day exhibit and workshop on tropicalizing cactus and succulents, basic grafting and starting a cactus and succulent business participated Arids and Aroids Boyet Ganigan, Masiteras, DOS Tillandsias, Sprouting Surprise Garden, Pinky Spikes, Succulents and Spikes, and Planthaholic Garden. The event was very much embraced by members of Iloilo Cactus and Succulent Lover Group.

Cactus Succulent

Iloilo is the third leg of Arriva Visayas following Bacolod and Antique. This roadshow aims to educate the public about cactus and succulent. Boyet Ganigan of Arids and Aroids is convinced that planting and taking good care of cactuses and succulents is good therapy for everyone even for kids. “It brings relaxation, distresses the mind and creates tranquility from within” said Boyet. “Cactus and succulent is becoming a craze. Millennials now considered plants as pets at home” he added.

Cactus Succulent

Part of this event was a workshop on tropicalizing cactus and succulent conducted by Mark Dizon of Masitera. “There is a very big potential for cactus and succulent breeders in Iloilo City. The Ilonggos are very welcoming” said Mark. Taking care of a cactus or a succulent is very easy for a beginner. You will only need constant sunlight exposure, a soilless medium and to be watered minimally once a week. “The next stop will be in Cebu but will have it for three days. The Cebu demands a longer exhibit as it currently has a very big market” he added.

This event happened in Iloilo as an aspiration of Honey Mae Osimco of Sprouting Surprise Garden whose love for cactuses and succulents started as a hobby. She collected different breeds until she thought of having it as a business. This opened her up to a more complex and diverse network of businesses. She not only wants cactus and succulent breeding business to thrive but also other trade-related enterprises such as pots, succulent collectors and sellers, recyclable bottles, compost mixers and sellers, workshops on kids painting on pots and basic grafting.

Cactus Succulent

Honey Mae hopes to instill environmentalism on kids through these activities. She also supports this lifestyle and habit to help breeders and collectors. Ultimately, she believes that having cactuses and succulent around us can also helps keep our air clean or lessens the pollutants at the very least. “We all know plants help clean the air” she added. Having cactus at home can then help us breathe cleaner air.

Meet Punggo and Estrella!

The next stopover of the roadshow is in North Drive Mall in Cebu City on September 20-22. Attending this event somehow sparks a desire in me to have ab cactus or succulent. I brought a cactus and a succulent at home. They will be called as Punggo and Estrella. Let me try my thumb if this time it’ll become green!

Stay tuned for more stories! Follow Nile on Weekends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. Check out other events I have attended.

Event

4 Tips to GO BIG on SM 3 Day Sale!

September 12, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

Most of us have one thing in mind when we go shopping, and that is getting the best discounts on the items we have been saving up to when the sale season comes. This 3-Day Sale at SM City Iloilo ‪on September 13 to 15, 2019‬, with the expected crowd wanting to take part in the biggest sale of the year, it is helpful to bear in mind some reminders to maximize time and savings bargain shopping.

Here are some brief and simple tips you can consider:

1. Mind The Time

Being aware of the time and store hours is importantly helpful if you want to get the best deals of your favorite store in the mall during the sale. Special deals are often given in the early hours, so being on time will not only give you a chance to be the first to avail the item but the discounts as well.

Mall Hours: ‪
September 13 (9am-12MN)‬
‪September 14 (8am-11pm)‬ ‪
September 15 (10am-11pm)‬

2. Keep Those Cards Close

There are reasons why you have those special cards with you and that is why you always have to have them in your wallet, especially during sale season. Your SM Advantage, BDO Rewards, Ace Rewards and SM Prestige Cards have their own special powers that will give you more discounts on top of the existing discounts offered.

Prestige Friday (9am-12MN)
SMAC Saturday (8am-12NN)
SUNDAY Specials(‪5pm-7pm‬)

Image result for SM Prestige Card and SM Advantage Card

Source: https://www.smadvantage.com/

3. Load Up

Getting around the mall can be physically draining. And being in that rush to get the best discounts can be both exciting and a calorie burning experience—given that on sale days, people swarm the mall with the same reason as yours—the best items with the best discounts. Be in the lookout for the offers of the different restaurants in the mall, so you can maximize your budget with a little more extra on food. Take your time choosing the best offers, as food establishments including the SM Foodhall and SM Foodcourt tenants, may even have freebies on top of your food purchases.

Image result for sm city iloilo food hall

Source: https://ph.phonebooky.com/blog/sm-iloilo-food-hall/

4. Have Fun

Enjoy the exciting activities in store during the 3 Day Sale, such as store mascots parade, hourly freebies and the Ball Toss game for a chance to win the first 100 prizes per day. Just present any receipt purchased during the 3 Day Sale to play the Ball Toss game at the Northpoint of SM City Iloilo. Plus, you also get a chance to win a Suzuki Swift GL CVT for every P1,000 single receipt purchase. There are a whole lot reasons to shop this September 13,14 and 15 at SM City Iloilo. But putting everything in order before the rush makes things a little better.

For other inquiries on offers and discounts of some tenants in the mall, you can visit the official Facebook page of SM City Iloilo or call ‪(033) 3209609‬ loc. 15 and 16 to get in touch with the Marketing Department.

Event

National Speakers Inspired Students at the Globe AcadArena School Tour in University of San Agustin

August 14, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

ILOILO, Philippines – ISC Events and Media, together with the University of San Agustin, Campus Esports Development Organization, RUMBLE ROYALE, and Secret 6 partnered up for the first Ilonggo leg of the Globe Telecom Esports AcadArena School Tour on July 31 at the USA Auditorium.

Themed ‘Taking Your First Steps In The Gaming Industry’, the one-day event featured keynote speeches and panel discussions from industry leaders, professional players, and organizations all across the Philippines. The free-to-all event drew students from different schools, esports communities, and groups from across Iloilo who were interested in building communities, learning about the gaming industry, and pursuing their careers in the industry.

AcadArena

The talks ranged from a variety of topics relating to the theme, ranging from content creation, the rise of the esports community, the future of digital and new media, and game development.

The aim of the program is to elevate esports with schools across the country, empower different students and enthusiasts, and to prepare them for a career in the industry.

‘This marks our first school tour event here in Iloilo, and our 5th nationally, we were amazed by the enthusiasm of the attendees who really got to engage with the speakers” said A. Frederick Sansait, Director of External Affairs of ISC Events. ‘The future of the esports industry is bright in Iloilo, and I see the next generation of the youth rising up to the challenge”.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Emile Tanglao is currently the Head of Talent Management and Acquisition Department of RUMBLE ROYALE — one of the two Facebook-accredited talent agencies in the Philippines. RUMBLE ROYALE is a talent management and content production agency based in Quezon City. Founded in 2014, they currently manage influencers such as Megan Young and Christian Bautista.

AcadArena

Anton Naranjo is the Head Coach of Bren Esports’ League of Legends team. Founded by venture capitalist Bren Chong, Bren Esports is one of the Philippines’ leading esports teams — having won the Mobile Legends Professional League last year, as well as competitions for several other titles.

Regina ‘Xiao’ Supapo is a Game Design and Marketing Manager from Secret 6. Born and raised in Iloilo, she did college in Manila and eventually found herself working for Secret 6. The company is a game development, art and animation company that caters to a wide variety of clients from across the globe.

About Esports AcadArena

The Globe Esports AcadArena is the country’s first multi-faceted campus esports program. With three pillars — competitive, education, and experience — it aims to uplift students, their communities, and provide them with pathways into the new and emerging media industry. In its network of events include the EAA Championships (a national league/tournament), CONQuest Festival (the largest pop culture convention in the Visayas), and the EAA School Tour.

AcadArena

About ISC Events

ISC Events is a student-run events management & content production firm behind CONQuest Festival based in Western Visayas, Philippines. Founded in 2014, it is the official partner of Twitch and Globe Telecom for campus esports and pop culture in the Philippines.

Contact them at contact@iscevents.net and on their Facebook Page: fb.com/MadeByISC.