PhilCare Study: Iloilo Topped the Medical Wellness Domain Nationwide

November 19, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

ILOILO CITY – Ilonggos could be the Filipinos’ role model when it comes to preparing for medical emergencies. PhilCare Study 2019 by Dr. Fernando Paragas, lead researcher and associate professor of Communication Research, College of Mass Communication of University of the Philippines Diliman, shows that Iloilo topped the medical wellness domain nationwide with a score of 2.61 or “good” followed by Bacolod (2.84); Legazpi (2.97); Cebu (3.12); San Fernando City, La Union (3.16), and Pili, Camarines Sur (3.16), all of which are “somewhat good.” These scores are much better compared to the nationwide average of 4.02, which is classified as “neither good nor bad.”

Researchers of the 2nd PhilCare Wellness Index discovered that Ilonggos were able to pay for their medical bills and see their doctors and dentists regularly more often than the rest of the country.

At the same time, though, the survey found Ilonggos as among the most stressed of all Filipinos, being often pressed for time and are unable to get enough sleep frequently.

A total of 1,350 respondents from 22 key cities and towns nationwide aged 18-90 were interviewed for the study commissioned by PhilCare, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO). Of the total sample size, 300 respondents came from the Visayas, 75 of which are from Iloilo.

“PhilCare Wellness Index, the only study that measures the perceived health and wellness of Filipinos, is composed of six wellness domains, namely psychological, physical, medical, nutritional, financial and lifestyle.” said Dr. Paragas. Each domain is, then, composed of several wellness statements.

Apart from self-evaluations of physical, nutritional, medical, psychological, lifestyle and financial well-being, the study also measured stress, sex, vices, and health practices.

Unfortunately, Iloilo scored the highest for stress together with Legazpi compared to Bacolod, San Fernando City. Interestingly, Ilonggos spent the most for wellness among Visayans and even more than the rest of the country. Ilonggos allotted about P3,300 monthly for R&R spending, beating Bacolod (about P2,800), Cebu (at least P2,000), Tagbilaran (at least P2,300), and even most other Filipinos (at least P3,000).

About PhilhealthCare, Inc. (PhilCare)

PhilhealthCare (PhilCare) is among the top two most preferred HMOs in the country today. It distinguishes itself from other health maintenance organizations (HMO) in the Philippines by advocating wellness as a more holistic approach to health.

PhilCare pioneered the country’s first Wellness index in 2014. Based on the findings of that study, the company introduced the very first prepaid health plans in the country. From prepaid to comprehensive coverage, PhilCare’s extensive line of products covers hospitalization, out-patient and emergency healthcare needs across a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and physicians.

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GT Town Center Pavia, PROFriends launch ‘Garbage to Treasure Initiative

November 19, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

One of Iloilo’s largest real estate developer, Property Company of Friends, Inc. (PRO-FRIENDS) and local mall player GT Town Center Pavia is partnering for a sustainable environmental initiative which aims to lessen the global problem on waste management – “Garbage To Treasure”.

Dubbed as “Garbage to Treasure”, the said initiative was officially launched at the GT Town Center Pavia on October 26.

“Garbage to Treasure” is a brainchild of GT Town Center’s Vice President for Real Estate and Land Development Allan Ryan Tan who is an advocate of environmental preservation through proper waste disposal.

“I am geared towards the preservation of the environment ever since. I always practice waste segregation. In fact, I built my own compost pit at home. With the global environmental problem that we are facing at present, I think it’s high time that we involve the community,” said Tan.

Garbage To Treasure

GT Town Center VP Allan Ryan Tan is an advocate of environmental preservation, and he wants to involve the community in this Garbage to Treasure initiative.“We are piloting this initiative by partnering with PRO-FRIENDS which is the closest community to our mall. With this, we hope to encourage the homeowners of Parc Regency Residences and Monticello Villas and eventually influence the community to practice proper waste disposal,” he added.

On his part, PRO-FRIENDS Iloilo Strategic Marketing Brand Manager Jerome Garcia highlighted that this project is timely with the pressing environmental issues in the country nowadays.

“This initiative will truly benefit not just our homeowners at Parc Regency Residences and Monticello Villas, but the llonggo community as a whole. As we build homes and accessible communities for the Ilonggos, it is also part of our responsibility to protect the environment,” he said.

Garbage To Treasure: Turning Waste into Money

“Garbage to Treasure” is an opportunity for everyone to convert their waste into money by simply bringing it to GT Town Center Pavia every other Saturday (October 27, November 9, November 23, December 7, December 21) from 8AM to 2PM at GT Town Center Pavia’s Parking Area. The public can bring recyclable garbage such as paper, empty bottles, scrap iron, tin cans, GI sheets, aluminum, copper, batteries, pet bottles, plastic containers and cellophane.

Garbage To Treasure

These trashes will be sold to the garbage collector per kilo. The prices of the garbage will depend on the kind of material. Thus, the public are reminded to have their trash segregated before bringing it to scrap buying area.

With this initiative, GT Town Center Pavia and Profriends management hopes to lessen the problems on waste disposal at the same time,help the people earn money by doing this simple act of saving the environment.

Pavia Mayor Luigi Gorriceta graces the launching of Garbage to Treasure in GT Town Center.

Aside from GT Town Center Pavia and Profriends also partnered with the local government of Pavia and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in order to intensify the impact of the project.

Other than “Garbage to Treasure”, GT Town Center Pavia has also other sustainable environmental projects and initiatives on its pipeline as part of its thrust of becoming a “Green Town”. Among those include the installation of its solar panels and the holding of the “Sunday Market” for the local entrepreneurs and farmers.

To know more about “Garbage to Treasure”, like GT Town Center on Facebook.

Garbage To Treasure: About GT Town Center Pavia

GT Town Center, Pavia officially opened last July 19, 2018. It is the second shopping establishment produced by IBC International Builders Corporation. First was the GT Plaza Mall at Molo, Iloilo City.

GT town Center, Pavia is under the umbrella of IBC International Builders Corporation founded by Mr. Alfonso Go Tan. Some of its sister companies are, GT Plaza Mall at Moto, Iloilo City, GT Hotel-Boracay, GT Hotel-Iloilo, GT Hotel-Jaro(Tabia), Hotel del Rio, and Iloilo Convention Center.

GT Town Center Pavia is serving the nearby areas. Tenants of the mall are mostly local and home-grown entrepreneurs. GT offers everything one needs: a supermarket, a department store, an appliance store, electronics and mobile phones, a medical and diagnostic center, fashion and jewelry stores, party needs, printing shops, restaurants and cafes, spas and salons, pharmacies, optical shops, and government services (SSS, LTO, Pag Ibig, NBI, etc). Nearby towns and areas are actually served and there is no longer any need to go to the city for one’s needs.

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Alliance Global on 9-mo profit hits P19.3B; Q3 earnings up 10%

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

MANILA, Philippines, November 14, 2019—Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), the investment holding company of tycoon Dr. Andrew Tan, reported a net income of P19.3 billion in the first nine months of the year, registering a growth of 4% from the P18.7-billion level the year before.

Excluding non-recurring gains, core profit grew 9% to P19.1-billion from P17.6-billion the previous year.

Consolidated revenues increased remarkably by 17% to P127.0-billion from P108.8-billion during the same period last year, reflecting an accelerated growth pace from the first half.

Attributable net income stood at P12.8-billion, up 7% from last year’s P12.0-billion. Excluding non-recurring gains, core attributable profit grew 11% to P12.7-billion from P11.4-billion the previous year.

“We continue to work hard to deliver the strong performance across all our business segments,” says Kevin L. Tan, chief executive officer, AGI.

“We undertake product innovations, capacity expansions and even pursue digital transformations in order to further strengthen our diversified portfolio amidst this fast-changing market. We believe these deliberate strategies will soon bear fruit, allowing our Group to show accelerated growth in future earnings,” Tan adds.

For the third quarter alone, consolidated revenues soared 19% to P44.2-billion, amid strong contributions from all its key business units. These include its real estate development arm Megaworld Corporation, gaming and leisure operator Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., liquor subsidiary Emperador Inc., and quick service restaurants (QSR) unit under Golden Arches Development Corporation (GADC).

Net income for the quarter climbed by 10% to P6.8-billion, with attributable profit higher at 12% to P4.7 billion than the previous year.

“We have operating leverage. We will continue to strive to achieve efficiencies so that when sales improve, this could translate to an even stronger Group performance,” explains Tan.

Megaworld, the country’s largest township developer, recorded attributable profit of P12.8-billion in the first nine months of the year, a 14% improvement from its year ago level of P11.2-billion. Consolidated revenues grew 17% to P48.1 billion as its core operating segments sustained their respective strong growth trajectories.

The combined leasing contributions from Megaworld Premier Offices and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls continued to show accelerated growth of 19% in rental revenues to P12.4-billion (26% of topline), coming on the back of adjustments in rents and increases in gross leasable space.

Development revenues also grew at annual clip of 11% to P30.7-billion, or 64% of group topline, coming largely from its projects in Uptown Bonifacio, McKinley West, and Westside City townships. During the same period, reservations sales reached P114-billion, underpinned by P58-billion worth of project launches.

Travellers International, owner and operator of Resorts World Manila (RWM), recorded a sharp 49% increase in consolidated net revenues to P16.4-billion from P10.9-billion. Gross gaming revenues shot up by 52% to P20.9-billion, boosted by the sustained recovery in the VIP segment, healthy growth in the mass business, improved hold rates and increased foot traffic to the RWM complex.

EBITDA for the nine-month period reached P4.1-billion, up 27% year-on-year, while attributable net income stood at P786-million.

AGI’s hotel business also continued to soar, with revenues growing at a stellar rate of 59% to P5.4-billion from P3.4-billion amid increases in hotel room capacities. The nine-month period saw incremental contributions from its recently-launched Hilton Manila Hotel and Sheraton Manila Hotel under Travellers International, as well as Twin Lakes Hotel, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, and Belmont Hotel Boracay under Megaworld Hotels. The newest addition to its growing hospitality business is the 547-room Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown in Megaworld’s 30-hectare Mactan Newtown township in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. This brought the Group’s total hotel room count to over 6,100 keys to date.

Alliance Global

Emperador, the world’s biggest brandy producer and owner of the world’s fifth largest Scotch whisky manufacturer, posted a healthy 11% improvement in consolidated revenues to P33.8-billion in the first nine months of the year from P30.6-billion the year before. Gross profit grew at the same 11% clip to P12.1-billion, keeping its gross profit margin stable at 37%. Attributable net income stood at P5.3-billion, up 3% from last year’s P5.1-billion.

The brandy segment registered a robust 13% growth in revenues to P24.1-billion, driven mainly by its popular premium brands Fundador and Tres Cepas, its flagship Emperador Brandy, and recently-expanded gin brand, The Bar. The whisky segment under Whyte and Mackay registered P9.3-billion in revenues, up 5% year-on-year, supported by its single malt brands led by The Dalmore and Jura, and its blended whisky Whyte&Mackay. This segment’s contribution would have been higher if not for the weak exchange rate of the British Pound (GBP) into Philippine Pesos (PhP).

GADC, which holds the exclusive franchise to operate restaurants in the Philippines under the “McDonald’s” brand, showed exciting results with attributable net income up by 18% to P1.2-billion. This came on the back of a sharp 14% jump in revenues to P23.- billion, helped in part by its strong same-store sales growth of 6% during the nine-month period versus 3.8% the year before.

GADC also continued to pursue its store expansion program, bringing its total store count to 652 by end-September, increasing from 620 stores in end-2018. Already, 106 of these McDonald’s stores are in the NXTGEN format.

AGI, meanwhile, also implemented another round of its share repurchase program of up to P2.5-billion, which will run for 12 months starting September 2019. Since the start of the new buyback program, about 84 million AGI shares have been bought back, amounting to around P950-million.

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Power Struggle: Iloilo City deserves MORE Power

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

MORE Power is an electricity distribution company challenging the long-standing company, Panay Electric Company (PECO). For so long, MORE Power is lambasted online and offline as people criticize the company for being ready without any facilities such as posts, meters and cables. However, MORE did not try to brag their facilities for the moment as to secure their warehouses and resources during the process of power turnover in the city. Now, let’s us have a closer look at MORE.

MORE Power

MORE Power had less than a year when they got the franchise. The House Bill No. 8302 that aims to grant the company a franchise to be a distribution company underwent a rigid approval and was signed into law as Republic Act 11212 last February 14, 2019. RA 11212 was then made effective on March 6, 2019. This grant is termed to expired after 25 years, March 6, 2044.

MORE Power

Republic Act 11212 is an Act Granting More Electric and Power Corporation a Franchise to Establish, Operate, and Maintain, for Commercial Purposes and in the Public Interest, a Distribution System for the Conveyance of Electric Power to the End Users in the City of Iloilo, Province of Iloilo, and Ensuring the Continuous and Uninterrupted Supply of Electricity in the Franchise Area.

As published on the Official Gazette’s website:

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/

: MORE Power Posts

: MORE Power Posts

: MORE Power Service Wires

: MORE Power Meters and Service Wires

MORE Power in their tagline Bringing More To Life, they are a service-oriented company committed to bringing only the best customer experience to the electric consumers of Iloilo City. They fully appreciate the grave need to provide the City of Iloilo with a modernized, reliable, cost-effective, flexible and scalable power supply delivery system. As a vision, the company desires to be a preferred electric distribution utility provider that responds to the dynamic needs of consumers and delivers competent energy solutions. On the go with a noble mission, they aim to maintain their electric services in a friendly, safe, effective, non-discriminatory, cost-efficient and helpful way.

MORE Power Line Truck

MORE Power stands out by having four major goals for Iloilo City.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM’S RELIABILITY

- To provide reliable, safe, and quality electric services by investing in the upgrading of the existing electrical framework of Iloilo City.

THE MINIMIZATION OF FRANCHISE-WIDE OUTAGES

- To maintain an effective distribution maintenance plan to eliminate or minimize interruptions and outages.

COMMITMENT TO COMPETITIVE POWER RATES

- To bring more to the lives of the Ilonggos and foster business growth by ensuring that its power rates are maintained at the least cost.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

- To create a meaningful customer experience with the consumers through the delivery of excellent customer services.

MORE Power Meters

Pursuance to their goals, MORE Power wants to take the customer service to higher ground. They will trim down the application requirements, from having more than 10 requirements to only four. This makes the process more customer-friendly. The company will also have Spot Billing in all district, 24/7 Hotline, 24/7 Quick Response Team, Key Accounts Management, and Dispute Resolution.

With the recent blackout due to energy monopoly in the area, Iloilo City deserves MORE Power and what it offers. As business goes by, competition is fine with the right civility and brand inclusivity in the market. But with the setup of the current energy distribution company where generally, there can only be one single direct source puts the whole city on the brink of city-wide shutdown should there be a problem with the “only” source. This is where competitors come to aid the greater need of the market.

Stay tuned for MORE updates in the coming days! Follow Nile on Weekends on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.

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Global Shapers Iloilo Call To Help Davao

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

Global Shapers Iloilo Call To Help Davao – The Global Shapers Community (GSC) is an international network of hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities. It is an initiative of the World Economic Forum and is currently headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, there are 403 hubs all over the world, 4 of which are Philippine hubs namely Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Manila.

With these hubs having a shared mission to drive dialogue, action and change to shape the future of the Philippines, we respond with conscious efforts to events that call for help. This includes the recent earthquake in Mindanao that displaced many communities specifically in Cotabato and Davao del Sur.

Recently, a series of earthquakes jolted certain areas in Mindanao, claiming lives and property and leaving the survivors in dire need for basic necessities. A difficult time for our fellow Filipinos affected by this tragic disaster, it calls on all of us to unite in helping them rise above the rubble. We are calling into your kind hearts to extend your blessings upon our affected brothers and sisters. A little help goes a long way!

With the help that you can give in cash, goods or publicity for this cause, it will be relevant in pooling resources for the following:

Tents for medical staff and volunteers.
Crayons and coloring books for the psychosocial first aid of the affected children
Potable water
Blankets
Underwear

Should you want to send financial support in this cause, you may send your funds through the bank details below.
Donate through Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) Bank
Account Name: Global Shapers Iloilo
Account Number: 2830-0075-07

You may reach Global Shapers Iloilo at iloiloshapers@gmail.com or at (+63)956-568-6233.

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SM Foundation Gathers SM Scholars of Iloilo, Bacolod and Roxas

October 21, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

SM Foundation scholars in Iloilo, Bacolod and Roxas City have gathered for their very first general assembly last October 20, 2019 at SM City Iloilo. The general assembly is an annual event for all college and technical vocational (techvoc) scholars under SM Foundation to interact and get to know one another, and to meet up with their mentors and benefactors.

The gathering began with a morning mass in SM City Iloilo’s main entrance, the venue where the regular Sunday mass in the mall is held. After the mass, SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Carmen Linda Atayde addressed the crowd, including the regular mallgoers in the mall, and emphasized that The SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program was established by the late Henry Sy Sr. because he believes that education is the best weapon to alleviate people from poverty.

SM Foundation SM Scholars

Added Atayde, SM Foundation already has over 3,000 college scholars and over 2,000 technical-vocational (tech-voc) scholars nationwide at present.

The SMFI tech-voc scholars from Don Bosco in Dumangas, Iloilo were also present together with Fr. Dindo Vitug and Fr. Allen Elevado.

The scholars then proceeded to the mall’s cinema 6 for the program wherein the SM Foundation Asst. Vice President Ling Lansang welcomed them and gave a brief overview of the general assembly.

The students were later made to watch short inspirational videos about the life of SM Founder Henry Sy, Sr.

The gathering was also an opportunity for the tech-voc scholars and the college scholars to know each other, as well as meet the alumni who are now professionals in their chosen fields.

SM Foundation SM Scholars

SM Scholars and alumni shared testimonies and inspirational messages about SM Foundation’s scholarship program and their stories of struggles and success along the way.

SM City Iloilo Mall Manager Gilbert Domingo and The SM Store Branch Manager Reina Donesa also shared their experiences working in SM as well as offer inspirational messages on how they hurdled the challenges to get to where they are now in their respective careers.

After the program, the scholars were given a treat as they cap the day with the movie Lion King.

Aspiring SM scholars can already avail of the SM College Scholarship Program online application for SY 2020-2021, which started last October 15 and will end until December 15, 2019.

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

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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!

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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.