An exciting week awaits those who wish to experience Iloilo. People can explore a tourist destination and food hub, take part in a film showing, or catch a K-pop event. To improve the city, officials are looking into a viable solution for mitigating transportation problems. A proposed jeepney fare hike is also in the works.
NEDA pushes for expressways
Expressways are preferred by the economic sector of Western Visayas.
Economic planners from Western Visayas prefer expressways over railroads in solving transportation problems in the region. National Economic and Development Region 6 (NEDA-6) director Ro-Ann Bacal supports the idea of building an elevated expressway to link Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo. The proposed route is that of the old railway line used in the 1980s. The cost in constructing an expressway is believed to be less than the expenses for reviving the railway. Officials from Panay Railways, Inc., NEDA-6, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are yet to convene to discuss the proposal.
Great eats at Food Park
Food Park Iloilo at night
Image: Food Park Iloilo
Diners looking for a place to eat and chill can head to Food Park in San Jose, Molo, Iloilo City. The place features seven start-up restaurants which serve light snacks. These include burger, fries, ramen, nachos, paella, spicy Mexican wings, and hot or cold local coffee. The restaurant is a good venue for friends who wish to experience a cozy ambiance inspired by the jungle. Prices of food and drinks range from PhP60 to PhP150.
Beautiful white sand beaches at Concepcion
The white sand beach of Baliguian Island in Concepcion, Iloilo
Image: Bombette Golez Marin
Tourists who are fond of beach hopping may opt to go to Concepcion, Iloilo. The town with a number of island beaches is nearer when compared to Isla de Gigantes in Carles. Boat rides from the main island last for less than an hour.
Concepcion is home to Pan de Asucar which is a mountain in an island, as well as Bolobadiangan Sandbar, Agho Island, and Tambaliza Beach. One can also see Baliguian Island, Sipol Island, and Mangalaba Island. These destinations are less commercially developed compared to others, but are as beautiful as the expensive ones.
Local films at Cinematheque Iloilo
Cinematheque offers an intimate movie experience to film lovers.
Image: Cinematheque Iloilo
Locals and tourists can catch Filipino films at Cinematheque Iloilo. Moviegoers can watch Siargao on February 23 at 6 PM; Kita Kita on February 22 and 24 at 6 PM; Deadma Walking on February 21 at 6 PM; and I’m Drunk, I Love You on February 20 and 24 both at 6 PM.
The film showing is organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, which aims to promote Filipino artistry in films. The place offers an intimate film screening experience to moviegoers. Movie tickets are at PhP100. Cinematheque Iloilo is located at the corner Solis and Iznart Streets, Iloilo City.
Butterscotch, a popular pasalubong
Rgies Delicacies prepares one of the best butterscotch in Iloilo.
Image: Rgies Delicacies
The most purchased gift that locals and tourists buy in Iloilo is butterscotch. This soft and chewy delicacy is made of sugar, butter, egg whites, and flour, among others. It is then topped with nuts. Today different brands produce butterscotch in flavors like coffee, mango, cashew, pineapple, and prunes, among others.
Butterscotch brands from Iloilo include Rgies Delicacies, Biscocho Haus, Deocampo Barquillos, and Tinapayan Bakeshop Iloilo. A box of butterscotch costs PhP50 to PhP130.
K-Pop Alert: ‘Spazzing Out’ in Iloilo
Spazzing Out!, a K-pop event this February 24
Image: Iloilo KPOP Organization
Spazzing Out! will be happening this February 24, 2018, Saturday, from 10 AM to 6PM at SM City Iloilo Southpoint in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The event will include performances by K-pop cover artists, a K-pop dance cover contest, as well as exhibits of active K-pop fans’ clubs in Iloilo. K-pop fans can get to meet Korean icons and celebrities, as well as recruit new members to their group. Spazzing Out! is organized by the Iloilo KPOP Organization (IKO).
AED-ready ambulances, the weather
The hospital chiefs and the governor pose with a defibrillator.
Ambulances in Iloilo are now ready to cater to life-and-death situations. Twelve ambulances from provincial government-run hospitals are now equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These portable devices may be used in case of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
As for the weather, locals and tourists can expect fairly good weather this week. The average temperature in Iloilo will be at 32 ºC. There will be partly sunny and cloudy skies from February 18 to 23. On the 24th, there is a chance of rainfall, but there won’t be any thunderstorms throughout the week.
Iloilo transport groups call for fare hike
TThe busy Diversion Road in Mandurriao at night
Image: Iloilo KPOP Organization
The new tax reform law means drastic fare hikes for Iloilo commuters. The Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Owners and Drivers Association (ICLAJODA), the Iloilo City Alliance of Drivers’ Associations (ICADA), and the Confederation of Iloilo Provincial Jeepney Owners and Drivers Association (CIPJODA) have recommended an increase in the minimum fare because of the more expensive price of fuel. The PhP6.50 charge for regular commuters and PhP5 for discounted passengers will soon be PhP10.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 6 (LTFRB-6) has approved the recommendation last February 5. The LTFRB Central Office will make a final decision on the matter.
