Experience Iloilo

Twelve candidates representing schools in Iloilo City will vie for the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2011 title as a major highlight of the Dinagyang Festival in January 2011. This year’s edition is organized by SPPR Reel Productions.

The candidates are from 16 to 24 years old, 5'4" and above in height, and have passed the rigid screening conducted by selection committee headed by international fashion designer Renee Salud. Most of them are college students.

The coronation pageant of Miss Dinagyang 2011 will be on January 18, 2011 with pageant host, actor Derek Ramsay.

The grand winner will win a trip for two at Thailand as the city's ambassadress of goodwill aside from many prizes.

The local media also set the schedule of the search for Darling of the Press with a formal presentation of candidates on January 14, 2011 at SM City.

The 12 candidates that will vie for the most coveted crown of the year are Gretchen Grandest of the University of San Agustin, Sunshine de Guzman of AMA Computer College, Sigrid Grace Flores of the University of the Philippines, Rain Catnapping of Riverview Adventist Academy, Krishna Lei Dingo of the West Vises State University, Sofia Lyn Ochoa of College de San Jose, Kchyrziahchayne Dynelle Dinopol of University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Nadaine Broñola of Central Philippine University, Leonor Faunillo of USA, Samantha Marie Amparo and Zyra Grace Vedad both of West Visayas State University.

Selected independent films will be shown during Iloilo City's week-long Dinagyang Festival 2011.

This was announced by City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog after he met with Undersecretary Briccio Santos, chairman of the Film Development Council of the
Philippines under the Office of the President on Tuesday, November 30, to finalize the plan of holding the Iloilo Film Festival on January 19-21, 2011, in time for the Dinagyang celebration.

Santos said the Iloilo Film Festival is in celebration of the first Sineng Pambansa to be held at SM City cinemas. All the films are full length and have been previewed, screened and recognized in competitions and film festivals abroad. However, they have not yet been shown in any local or national theaters or cinema houses.

The 12 films available for viewing are "Halaw," "Red Shoes," "Lola," "Emir," "Donor," "Enkuentro," "Bakal Boys," "Kano," "Astig" and "Himpapawid (Manila Skies)".

“Yanggaw” by Richard Somes is the sole Ilonggo feature included in the film fest.

Santos said the Film Development Council came to be through Republic Act 9167, which seeks to set and establish a national film archive made by Filipino filmmakers and to develop and promote locally produced films that meet international standards.

The country's premier actors among them are Coco Martin in "Astig" (directed by Giuseppe Bede Sampedro) and Rosanna Roces in "Lola" (helmed by premier director Brillante Mendoza).

On the other hand, Mabilog said that the selection of Iloilo City to host the film festival is a manifestation of national filmmakers' awareness that culture and movies are alive in Iloilo.

Iloilo has several independent filmmakers and directors of. Among these are lawyer Joenar Pueblo, Oskie Nava, Kevin Piamonte and the late Quin Baterna.

Mabilog said he is happy to note that the University of the Philippines Visayas has recently been producing short indie films in the local dialect Hiligaynon to showcase the moral values, tradition and culture of the Ilonggos.

The UPV indie film producers are also expected to showcase their works during the Dinagyang Festival.

Tribu Kasag of Banate Iloilo, 2010 Kasadyahan Champion

The 2011 Kasadyahan Festival of Iloilo’s famous Dinagyang celebration will focus on environmental and cultural themes.

Dr. Eden Deriada, chairman of the Kasadayahan competition, said participating towns will have to incorporate environmental awareness and or cultural aspects in their presentation on January 22, 2011.

The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) on the other hand has increased the prizes and subsidies for the Kasadyahan festival tribes to encourage them to perform better and present the best of their respective towns, she said.

The champion for the Kasadyahan 2011 event will receive P120,000 plus trophy. The first runner will get P60,000; second runner-up, P45,000; and third runner-up, P35,000.

The subsidy is now P130,000 for old tribes, while P100,000 for new participants.

Tribu Mandurrianon performs during the Kasadyahan 2010

Deriada said 10 municipalities have already confirmed participation in the festival. These include the Tribu Binanog of the municipality of Lambunao; Patubas of Barotac Viejo; Kasag of Banate; Tultugan of Maasin; Pantat of Zarraga; and Tinuom of Cabatuan.

Other towns with contingents are all first time participants. These are Tribu Pandayan of the municipality of Badiangan; Pagdihon of Dingle; Kagayunon of Alimodian; and Hiliusa of Barotac Nuevo.

Most of the towns will send the winners of their respective festivals for the Kasadyahan. This is to showcase their indigenous and cultural heritage during the event, Deriada said.

Guimaras Island has been a runaway place to escape from urban life in Iloilo City. One of the best places in the island to relax your body and soul is right on the island's door to paradise, La Puerta Al Paraiso Resort.

La Puerta al Paraiso Cottages

La Puerta Al Paraiso is situated in San Roque, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. La Puerta Al Paraiso is one of the newly develop beach front resort, and one of Guimaras' bests.

Upon setting into sea exploration, you will be greeted by sparkling white sand and clear waters.

La Puerta Al Paraiso; A relaxing venue for a your great escape

Resort facilities include a pool complimenting the newly constructed cottages that could house the resort guests if they choose to stay overnight, air conditioned rooms and non-air conditioned rooms that include hot/cold shower, a television, and refrigerator. Room rates start at Php 1600.00.

The clear waters fronting the resort's facilities

Reservations is required for those who are wanting to experience the comforts of La Puerta that offers to its guests.

The crystal cool waters kisses the sparkling white sand shoreline of Al Puerta

For inqueries and reservations, you may contact La Puerta al Paraiso at (+63)926-413-5970 and (+63)927-507-9024 or e-mail at lapuertaalparaizo@rocketmail.com.

(photos by: Hardy Espinosa; processed by: Reymund Flores)

Miss Ibajay Tourism; Lin-ay sang Negros; Miss Iloilo Dinagyang

The 2010 Miss Western Visayas Tourism, an annual regional beauty pageant promoting tourism awareness will again stage the most beautiful ambassadress of goodwill of various cities and provinces in Western Visayas region. The pageant has been hosted in different areas of Western Visayas, Philippines, each year. The reigning titleholders have their year to promote tourism-related projects throughout WV.

Miss Western Visayas Tourism 2010 will be an exciting pageant of cultural celebration on November 13, 2010, Saturday, 7 PM, at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center in Lapaz, Iloilo City.

Mutya ng Guimaras; Pahinis Festival of Antique; Bb. Leon Tourism

Each festival queen is not just physically beautiful, but is knowledgeable terms of the tourism potentials of her city and province.

This year, nine festival queens will compete for the crown and the title of being the 2011 Miss Western Visayas Tourism. They are Miss Ibajay Tourism, Julie Ann Dionisio of Aklan Province; Miss Pahinis Festival Queen, Zyra Grace Vedad of Antique Province; Miss Maskara, Agnes Therese Chang of Bacolod City; Miss Halaran, Ivana Isidora Besa of Capiz Province; Mutya Ng Guimaras, Mary Rose Andaluz of Guimaras Province; Miss Paraw Regatta, Pauline Asegurado of Iloilo City; Miss Dinagyang, Angelie Joy Golingay of Iloilo City; Lin-ay Sang Negros, Kareen Ty of Negros Occidental and Binibining Leon Tourism, Nikki Beatingo of Iloilo Province.

Miss Iloilo Paraw Regatta; Miss Masskara; Mutya ng Halaran

The pre-pageant Talent Competition was held on November 11, 2010 at the SM City Activity Center, while the pre-pageant swimsuit competition event will be on November 12, 2010 at the activity center of SM City Iloilo.

The Miss Western Visayas Tourism 2010 is organized by TMX, your travel & marketing experts, in partnership with the Department of Tourism Regional Office and the Province and City of Iloilo.

Tangke is located in South Gigantes Island (Isla Gigantes Sur) in the northernmost town of Iloilo Province - the Municipality of Carles. The jump-off point to South Gigantes Island is the Estancia seaport complex. From there, tourists can hire a motorized boat (motor bangka) to go to South Gigantes Island/Tangke. Travel time is approximately an hour.

However, for those tourists who want to experience the relaxing accommodations in Carles, they can take the other route by dropping by to the nearby town of Balasan and take a 45-minute ride to Barosbos, Carles. Barangay Barosbos (Carles) is a resort strip in the municipality with a good number of resorts that are lined-up along the highway facing the beachfront to give you an overnight accommodation, before you finally jump off to Gigantes Island. One can make an arrangement with the resort owner to bring them to the island. Approximate travel time is 1 and a half hour.

An early morning travel to the island, or about 4:30 AM, is very much ideal. You can eat your breakfast while on board in a motorized bangka and witness the sun as it rises from the eastern coast.

This wonderful Northern Iloilo attraction is surrounded by myths and stories that have been handed down from generations to generation. Local beliefs about this enchanting place is likely to be observed, as a sign of respect.

Tangke is a perfect place to relax your soul and dip your body in a serene salt water pool walled by steep cliffs and other rock formations.

Runners of the 1st Iloilo Halloween Night Run

More than 1,000 runners joined the fund raising run, which is being spearheaded by the Quota International of Iloilo and Iloilo Professional Sports Organizer (Prosports) Team supported by SM City and the City Government of Iloilo, on the evening of October 30 for the first Halloween Night Run. The Fun Run was originally planned to showcase runners in gnomes, skeletons, witches and other scary costumes, but in turned out in a different way.

The Fun Run started at SM City going to the Treñas Blvd. (until Tabucan point for the 5K), passing through Aquino Avenue, and passing the same areas to finish line. Children seven to 13 years old took a 3K run while 14 years and above competed for the 5K run.

A lady finisher during the 1st Iloilo Halloween Night Run

The fun run proceeds will benefit the hearing impaired children at the Leganes Resource Center for the Deaf. The center needs at least P200,000 for transportation allowance of students, teacher and repair and maintenance of the school.

Part of the proceeds will also go for a holiday gift giving and program for the senior citizens of Asilo de Molo Home for the Aged in December 2011.

The term TIGKARALAG is a “karay-a” or local dialect word that loosely translates to season/time (TIG) of soul/s (KALAG) and refers to the observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days that fall on the 1st and 2nd days of November respectively.

This festival started as a local version of the western celebration of Halloween 19 years ago. It originally started on the evening of the 31st of October but was later moved to the evening of the 30th of the month to give the participants and audiences alike the time to give due respect and observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day that immediately follow the original date.

Its humble beginnings consisted of group of children dressed and made up as otherworldly characters and creatures performing in the Pavia municipal plaza to the delight of the hometown audience. The group who has the most impressive presentation then wins packs of candies and corn snacks.

Today, the participating groups represent a specific barangay of the town and are mostly composed of teenagers. They compete in a dance-drama with a storyline reflective of the TIGKARALAG. The choreography, music, costumes and makeup now are not only designed to scare and impress but are purposely done to help convey the message – that death is inevitable and good always triumph over evil. The most creative performers win a big cash prize and the honor of being proclaimed the year’s champion.

With TIGKARALAG Festival, the human mind is the only limit when it comes to imagination.

*(photos & article were officially sent to Experience Iloilo for posting).

Contributed by DEXTER G. DIZON, RN, MPG

He is a former three-termer Pavia councilor, a Registered Nurse, has a post-grad degree of Master in Public Governance, events organizer, a layout artist and while contemplating between a doctoral or a law degree he dabbles in amateur photography. Presently he holds the position of Local Legislative Staff Officer III at the LGU-Pavia and is the Alternate-Tourism-Officer-Designate.

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Latest update for the newly developed Plazuela de Iloilo of the Florete land revealed the opening of Padi's point in Iloilo City. Located in the Lower level of the two-story Plazuela de Iloilo Complex, Padi's point will soon try to enter the Ilonggo's fun and leisure industry and capture the taste of fun loving locals and outdoor-lover tourists.

Plazuela de Iloilo, a Spanish-Italian styled complex is located at Diversion Road, Benigno Aquino Avenue in Mandurriao, is designed by the most notable Palafox and Associates that was also commissioned by the Iloilo City government for its urban planning. This 12,533 square meter commercial complex will host retail stores, coffee shops and restaurants in the ground level and BPO locators in the second level.

Padi's Point Bar &amp; Restaurant is the widest and favorite bar and restaurant chain in the country (Philippines) today. Currently with 19 branches and still growing.

Padi's Point is just one of the latest addition to Iloilo's growing leisure and entertainment venues.

They offer Filipino, Spanish, Seafood, Grill cuisines.

Teresa Magbanua y Ferraris, popularly known as "Nay Isa" to people who are close to her is regarded as the "Visayan Joan of Arc." Teresa was born in Pototan, Iloilo on Oct. 13, 1868. She studied at the Colegio de San Jose in Jaro, Iloilo; in 1885, and was sent to Manila and enrolled at Colegio de Santa Rosa and then at Colegio de Santa Catalina. She was a classmate of Doña Aurora Aragon, the wife of President Manuel Quezon. Teresa finally obtained a teacher's certificate from the Colegio de Dona Cecilia in 1894, and had taught in several schools in the province of Panay.

When she married Alejandro Baldero, a rich landowner from Sara, Iloilo, she gave up her teaching career to work on the farm. While on the farm, she learned the rough ways of farm life, learning how to ride a horse and fire a pistol. By then however, the Philippine revolution had started and two of her brothers had become officers in the revolutionary army.

She joined the revolutionary forces at the age of 28. In the battlefield, she bravely led men soldiers. Her unit won the battle of Sap-ong near Sara, Iloilo. The commander of the Revolutionary foces in the Visayas, General Martin Teofilo Delgado, commended her bravery and military abilities and entrusted her leadership in many military encounters throughout Panay island. Nay Isa fought the Americans in the Battle of Iloilo City on Feb. 11, 1899.

After the fall of the Filipinos' regional headquarters in Sta. Barbara, Magbanua shifted to guerrilla tactics. In 1900, she disbanded her unit and surrendered.

Nay Isa remained childless and was widowed shortly after the outbreak of the war with the Japanese. Teresa sold all her property in Iloilo to help finance the guerrilla forces. She migrated to Mindanao and lived with her sister, Maria, in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur. Here she would die in August 1947 at the age of 78, with the rare distinction of having fought all of her country's colonizers.

The winning book of Dr. Laureta

Dr. Liberato V.Laureta, faculty member of the University of the Philippines Visayas’ Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, received the prestigious Gintong Aklat Award, Natural Sciences category, for his book “Compendium of the Economically Important Seashells in Panay, Philippines,” published in 2008 by the UP Press.

The book contains a compilation of colored photographs and illustrations of economically important seashells found in Panay Island.

Local, English and scientific names, habitat, and distribution of these seashells are also included in the compilation.

Dr. Laureta is the Project Leader of a Department of Agriculture-funded project entitled “The Development of Hatchery Techniques for the Oriental Angel Wing, Pholas orientalis, Gmelin (1971).”

The Oriental Angel Wing, or diwal (as locally called), is an economically important bivalve in Panay Island sought after for its sweet and succulent meat.

Twelve finalists and nine winners were chosen from among 268 entries this year.

The awarding was held on September 15, 2010 at the SM Convention Center, Mall of Asia during the Manila International Book Fair.

The Gintong Aklat Award, established in 1981, recognizes excellence in book design, writing, and editing. It is organized by the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP) and the National Book Development Board.

(source of information: Soledad S. Garibay)

ILOILO City – The 2011 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival will again showcase the Ilonggo religiosity and rich cultural heritage, at the same time it will focus on the promotion of environmental protection.

“Dinagyang 2011 will morph into a green festival. It takes on a new direction as a vessel for making communities more livable – not only vibrant and prosperous but also healthy and safe,” said City Tourism Officer Ben Jimena.

The premier tourism attraction of this city is scheduled from January 21 to 23, 2011.

Limiting the use of plastics all throughout the festivity will be imposed, said Jimena.

The city government may require participating restaurants in the Dinagyang food festival to use recyclable or environment-friendly materials, the city tourism officer added.

Jimena also said, the coordinator of the Miss Dinagyang beauty pageant plans to use recyclable materials in the gowns and other outfits of the contestants.

The theme of next year’s festival is “Señor Sto. Niño: Source of our Unity, Bond of Our Family” while its official tagline will be “Iloilo’s Finest, Nation’s Best.”

The highlights of the festival will still be the fluvial procession, Kasadyahan to be participated by 15 dancing groups and the ati-ati competition by 15 competing tribes.

There will also be a pyrotechnics show, drum and bugle/lyre competition to be participated by secondary and elementary schools, marching band, Healing Mass for the aged, sick and the abandoned, Novena masses, and coronation of Queen Juana (Maria Mylene Illera) and Niño Dinagyang./ei

The Cascades will come again to Iloilo City for their 2010 concert on October 15, featuring their frontman John Claude Gummoe. The group was famous for their hit singles such as Rhythm of The Rain, which was released in November 1962. It is one of the group's hit singles that rose to #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1963, and became a major hit in over 80 countries.

Concert Venue will be the Rose Memorial Auditorium, Central Philippine University
Jaro, Iloilo City, and will start at 7PM, Friday, October 15, 2010.

Tickets are available at Lifeline International, SM Department Store, Central Philippine University, Options at the Atrium Mall, and Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Arroyo Fountain was built as a way of recognizing the commitment of Honorable Jose Maria Arroyo, former senator of the Philippines, to the establishment of Metro Iloilo Water Works.

It (Arroyo Fountain) is a classy and stylish water fountain in Iloilo which depicts the neoclassic design. Tourists can see the alluring and appealing structures of four women holding basins above their heads facing different directions (North, South, East and West). The fountain also serves as the point of reference for Panay Island - 'Kilometer 0.' The fountain is surrounded by a mall, retail shops, convenient stores, and restaurants nearby. Furthermore, the fountain is in front of another landmark - the old Iloilo Provincial Capitol (Casa Real), another historical site declared by the Philippine Historical Commission.

The Arroyo Fountain with four-naked women carrying the basin

Most of tourists, even the Ilonggos (people of Iloilo) are not aware that the four women carrying a basin was then half naked, but due to the distinct conservative attitude of the people during those early years, it was redesigned to its present structure.

The Jaro Belfry; viewed from the main entrance of the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral

Historical Facts:

The Jaro belfry is one of the few belfries in the Philippines that separately stands from the church. During the Spanish colonization, the belfry served as watchtower against invaders. It was believed that the tower was built sometime in 1744. The structure standing between the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the Jaro Plaza is made of bricks and limestone blocks. Jaro as the center of religious faith in Western Visayas (Philippines) was a city independent from the City of Iloilo. On July 17, 1787, the campanario was heavily damaged by a strong earthquake. The reconstruction of the belfry only began in 1833 under the supervision of Fr. Jesse Alvarez, an Augustinian.

Between 1933-1881, another earthquake hit and caused damage to the belfry in Jaro. Msgr. Mariano Cuartero, the first bishop of Jaro, had this completely restored in 1881. Another reconstruction was done to the Jaro belfry when it suffered from its third major destruction on January 25, 1948 - earthquake named Lady Caycay swept through the entire Panay Island.

The Jaro Belfry at the back of the Statue of Filipino Hero Graciano Lopez -Jaena, the great son of Jaro

 The reconstruction of the Jaro Belfry began in the later part of 1990s under the supervision of the National Historical Institute. It is intended as a viewing deck and tourist center.

The Challenge:

The glassed - window of the belfry - viewing area

October 03, 2010 (Sunday) 8AM, with no signs of restrictions to trespassers was seen from the entrance of the Jaro Belfry, added the fact that the main door was wide open, this writer decided to go inside the belfry and see what's inside of it. The curiosity was triggered when this writer saw an aerial shot of the cathedral that was taken in the belfry itself few days ago.

way to the top of the tower

Going up to the tower's peak is no easy. You have to conquer your fear of heights, believe in your faith and focus to your passion (in my case, it's photography). First, you should take the courage to climb the rusty-continuous-steal-stairs (you should carefully watch your steps);

Second, you have no choice, but to hold into the dirty bars while taking your steps up to the tower (never mind the dirt caused by bats living inside the belfry);

this is what can you see inside the tower

Third, sustain the smell of the waste that came out from those flying settlers inside the tower - the Bats. Though I'm sweating with shaking knees until I reached the top, I'm proud to have made it , took photos and panoramic shots of this historic district of Iloilo City.

Panoramic view of the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral viewed from the Jaro Belfry

 This writer wishes that the tower will soon be opened for tourists, and locals who would like to view the city-scapes. And as much I am wishing this, reconstruction of stairs and ways to the top of the tower should be made first for everybody's safety.

We, in experienceiloilo.com, do not wish you to search and explore places. We DARE you to Experience!

Reception Area of the hotel

Iloilo Grand Hotel, a standard class hotel that provides room accommodation, function room use, food service, and many other services.

Detox Room

Iloilo Grand Hotel has a total of 107 rooms available to accommodate guests. The hotel also has 21 function rooms for banquets and special occasions. The hotel also has three restaurants which provide guests sumptuous and mouth-watering dishes.

Common Massage Room

Among the other services provided by the hotel include, car rental services, safety deposit box, secured basement parking, massage service and spa and fitness center which provides hotel guests and clients with pampering services that relax and rejuvenate.

Sauna Room

 Their room accommodation features a Hot & Cold Shower, individually controlled Air condition, 21” colored TV with cable ready, PABX telephone Line System, Mini Bar and Bath Tubs for all Suite Rooms.

the Iloilo Grand hotel Gym

The Iloilo Grand Hotel is located at Iznart Street, Iloilo City.

The Facade of the St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary

The Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary was founded in 1869. It is the fifth oldest and the last seminary that was established during the Spanish colonial period. On May 27, 1865, Pope Pius IX in the Bull of Erection, “QUI AB INITIO”, of the Diocese of Jaro, insisted that the new bishop should found and organize a seminary as soon as possible. The Archbishop of Manila, Most Rev. Gregorio Meliton Martinez on October 10, 1867, carried the decree into effect. Most Rev. Mariano Cuartero, O.P., at the time of his appointment as first Bishop of Jaro, was in Spain acting as General Procurator of the Order. He was ordained Bishop at the Dominican Seminary of Ocania, Spain, on November 1867. He took possession of his Diocese on April 25, 1868. The new Bishop founded the Diocesan Seminary where he could train good pastors for the different parishes, which at that time were almost entirely under the spiritual administration of the Augustinians Friars, who were then regarded as the Fathers of Faith in Panay.

"The Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary was founded by deocesan clergies in 1869. Formerly housed in the Bishop's Palace under the administration of the Order of Saint Vincent de Paul. The first building was built in 1871; Established and college classes of the seminary was opened in 1872. It was made as the American headquarters in 1899 and later was turned over to the Vincentians. Destroyed by fire, in 1906, it was reconstructed in 1912. It was damaged during the second world war, and classes was reopened in 1946. The present building was finished on June 19, 1954, and was enaguarated on August 15, 1954. Some its prominent alumni are Graciano Lopez Jaena, Martin Delgado, Quintin Salas, Ramon Avanceña, Delfin Jaranilla and His Eminence Jaime cardinal Sin and many others."

The Seminary, as completed in 1847, was of quadrilateral shape with dimensions 54 x 52 meters. In the center was the interior garden measuring 23 square meters. The first floor was made of stone and bricks while the second floor was made of hard wood. At that time it was undoubtedly the best seminary in the Philippines.

A closer look to architectural designs of the seminary

The new seminary soon became the most popular and first center of secondary education in the island. The number of students who requested to be allowed to take secondary education in the seminary but without any intention of pursuing priesthood was so many. Fr. Ildefonso Moral, who was reappointed rector in 1875, decided to open the seminary doors to lay students as had already been done in other diocesan seminaries.

On June 19, 1946, the Archdiocese of Jaro (Elevated; 1951) had again a modern and excellent Seminary for the proper training of its future priests. The Seminary had known a good number of changes of great importance. In 1957, the Seminary became “de facto” a regional major Seminary when the Bishops of the suffragan Dioceses of Bacolod (1946), Capiz (1957), Antique (1963) and even the Prelature of Palawan enrolled their major Seminarians in this Seminary. The number of Seminarians had broken all the previous records, introducing new subjects and adding new courses and had updated the plan of studies. The department of Latin and Philosophy had come under government recognition. In 1958, the St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary obtained government recognition of tits studies of Philosophy and power to grant the Bachelor of Arts degree.

The Historical Marker mounted at the entrance of the seminary, by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines

The St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary was the first of the seminaries to be run by the Vincentian fathers to become a first class college, being fully incorporated in the University of Santo Tomas in 1891. Sometime in 1890, Bishop Arrue from Governor General Valeriano Weyler for the authorization to offer baccalaureate studies for those students who, having finished secondary education here, couldn’t afford to pursue college studies in Manila. The request was granted without delay since the institution had complied with all the requirements of Art. 13 del Reglamento 1867. From then on and until 1897 when the first signs of Filipino-Spanish conflict started, the seminary enjoyed a flourishing life.

The Jaro Cathedral is among the churches in the Philippines that has its belfry separated from it, across the national highway and situated in Jaro's Plaza. Historically, was used as a lookout-tower for sea raiders. This is where Philippine hero Graciano Lopez-Jaena was baptized.


The Jaro Cathedral is the first cathedral in Panay. One of its high points in Panay's history was the visit of Pope John Paul II, conducting a mass in 1982.

The Newly Renovated Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral

The Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral was built in 1864, the year the district was named a diocese by Pope Pius the IX, by order of His Grace Mariano Cuartero, first bishop of Jaro. It was destroyed by an earthquake last January 1948 and restored by order of His Excellency Jose Ma. Cuenco, first archbishop of Jaro in 1956. The cathedral’s style is basically Baroque, with the addition of Gothic elements over many renovations.

The Cathedral, before it was renovated

It's patroness - The Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria is the only female among the all-male-saints collection of the church. Her shrine is visited often by a number of faithfuls who believe the statue to be miraculous. This 400-year-old image is the focus of the Jaro Fiesta held every second day of February.

Just about everything a person needs for a wedding can be found at Amigo Plaza Mall from September 16-23, 2010. You won't want to miss out on this elegant production highlighting Iloilo City's key players in the wedding organizing industry showcasing their fresh ideas and innovative concepts.



You can have the chance to meet with photographers, florists, cake designers, event planners, specialists in announcements and invitations, and many others. Also get the chance to preview a special selection of wedding creations.

'Wedding Vows' exhibits and information assistance is located at the activity area of the Amigo Plaza Mall, until September 23, 2010.