The festivities at Megaworld’s IBP officially kicked off on Friday, Jan. 16, with the unveiling of the 10-foot Dino installation, along with the Dino and Dina Limited-Edition Blind Box Collectible.

Dino “represents the strength and bravery of the precolonial Ilonggo warrior, symbolizing courage, unity, and resilience.”

The unveiling was led by Iloilo City Councilor Mandrie Malabor, Department of Tourism (DOT-6) Regional Director Crisanta Rodriguez, and Festive Walk Iloilo General Manager Alyssa Bañares.

The Dino and Dina Limited-Edition Blind Box collectible will be yours if you present a minimum single or accumulated receipt of P4,000 from Festive Walk Iloilo retail partners and parade establishments starting January 19 until February 19 this year.

Entertainment and celebrity-packed performances

IBP brings star power to the Dinagyang celebration with a series of live performances and celebrity appearances.

OPM band Silent Sanctuary kicks off the entertainment on January 23 at 10:00 p.m.

Over at Parksquare, the party continues at 11:00 pm with DJ Siangyoo’s signature blend of EDM, hip-hop, and house music, powered by Smart.

On January 24 at 7:00 p.m., the Dinagyang Kapamilya Karavan takes over Java Road, headlined by pop-rock singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino. The event features appearances by the cast of What Lies Beneath—Jake Cuenca, JM de Guzman, Sue Ramirez, Charlie Dizon, Janella Salvador, and Kolette Madelo—as well as stars from Roja, including Maymay, AC Bonifacio, Harvey Bautista, Kobie Brown, and Gello Marquez. ABS Music artist Ian Manibale and P-pop group BGYO—Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate—round out the high-energy performances.

At 10:00 pm, James Reid will headline the Neon Dew Party, delivering an electrifying nighttime experience.

On January 25 at 7:00 p.m., the Kapuso Mall Show continues the celebration at Java Road, featuring the cast of Huwag Kang Titingin—Allen Ansay, Anthony Constantino, Charlie Fleming, and Sean Lucas.

Arts, culture, and creative showcases

Reinforcing its role as Iloilo’s Center of Arts and Culture, Iloilo Business Park hosts a wide range of artistic and cultural experiences throughout the festival season.

Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo presents Pagtuo & Taliambong: Images of Sto. Niño & Arts Exhibit on January 15, followed by live Dinagyang performances from January 23 to 25.

ILOMOCA offers interactive activities through Creativity Flows with Art Kits for Makers of All Ages until January 31, alongside major exhibitions such as Patis Tesoro: Filipiniana is Forever (until February 1) and Hulot Gallery’s Iloilo Statements (until February 28).

Iloilo craft, fashion, and design

Festivalgoers can explore Iloilo’s creative industries at Festive Walk Iloilo through the Best of Iloilo Fair (until January 18), the Pre-Dinagyang Fair (until January 22), and the Dinagyang Trade Fair from January 20 to 25 at the Garden Atrium.

Fashion and design take the spotlight during Iloilo Designers Week: Iloilo’s Parade of Textile on January 16, celebrating local craftsmanship and heritage.

On display until January 31 are the Dino & Dina Doll Exhibit and the Tata Blas Ms. Universe National Costume Display, showcasing Filipino creativity and storytelling.

Food, nightlife, and township experiences

The township’s hotels elevate the Dinagyang experience through culinary celebrations.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo presents Digamo: Flavors of the Archipelago on January 23, Fiesta Parilya: Sugba at Iba Pa, and Dagyang Kag Sinadya—an interactive buffet experience on January 24.

The Iloilo Night Market runs throughout January, offering nightly food, shopping, and community-driven experiences.

Festival energy extends across Iloilo Business Park with a Projection Show, Dinagyang Open House, and Fireworks Display on January 23.

Major festivities culminate at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) with Chrome: Luminance on January 24, set to be the biggest indoor party of the Dinagyang festival season.

Adding to the atmosphere is the Art Trail, a curated display of murals and artworks across the township’s office buildings from January 15 to 31.

“With Dinagyang celebrations unfolding across our mall, hotels, museums, residential communities, and convention center, Iloilo Business Park proudly upholds its role as the city’s center of arts and culture,” said Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

“Through immersive art, exciting celebrity-led performances, and vibrant cultural showcases, the township becomes a shared stage where heritage, creativity, and community are celebrated,” he added.

The post Iloilo Business Park hosts ‘happiest, most exciting’ Dinagyang 2026 events first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Citing developments in the Asian fuel price benchmark and foreign exchange developments as of Thursday, Jan. 15, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said Friday diesel prices may rise by P1.80 to P2 per liter and gasoline, by P1 to P1.20 per liter.

He explained that “prices of crude oil and refined fuel products have increased significantly this week due to the volatile and unpredictable environment arising from the simultaneous geopolitical tensions in Venezuela, Iran, and the Black Sea, despite the potential supply glut looming over the market.”

“The protests in Iran and the threat of US intervention in support of demonstrators have raised concerns that the ensuing conflict could spread and threaten flows through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

He also noted that “drone attacks on two Western-operated oil tankers in the Black Sea have added to the tensions in the Middle East and fueled worries of more supplies being affected.”

“However, recent comments by US President Trump that the crackdown on protesters in Iran is easing have allayed fears of potential oil supply disruptions. Expectations of stability in supply from Venezuela and the larger-than-expected increase in US crude oil and gasoline inventories have also weighed on prices recently,” he added.

If the projected uptick in fuel prices next week materializes, it will be the fourth consecutive hike in diesel prices and the second for gasoline.

Kerosene prices have also been on the rise for the third consecutive week.PNA

The post Hefty oil price hike looms next week first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The Ayala-led Telco telecommunications company will be the first to market Starlink’s DTC satellite service in the country and Southeast Asia, and the second in Asia. 

Globe president and CEO Carl Cruz and Starlink senior partnerships manager Damien Innes signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the Globe Tower in Taguig City on Friday, Jan. 16.

The ceremonial signing was witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, Globe Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and Taguig City Representative Jorge Daniel Bocobo.

The historic breakthrough service will allow Filipinos with standard LTE (long-term evolution) mobile phones to access mobile services such as essential data that offers video, voice and messaging through apps, and text messaging, wherever there is a view of the sky.

The satellite-to-mobile service works with standard LTE phones, thus serving the underserved communities and the remaining 4% of the Filipino population who live in areas without any terrestrial coverage.

“This partnership with Starlink marks a historic step in our mission to build a digital inclusive nation,” said  Cruz.

“Connectivity is no longer a privilege—it is a lifeline and a modern‑day utility that fuels individual opportunity and national economic progress. By extending mobile reach through satellite technology, we are ensuring that every Filipino, whether in bustling cities or in the most remote barangays, has access to essential communication,” he further said.

Starlink is the world’s largest 4G/LTE coverage provider and partners with Mobile Network Operators all over the world.IMT

The post Globe to offer Starlink’s DTC satellite service in PH first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The Sugartown will host premium residential developments by both Megaworld and its whollyowned subsidiary Suntrust Properties, Inc., commercial and retail developments, and will be highlighted by its own town center, commercial district, and unique tourism facilities.

This township, the first of its kind in Talisay City, is designed as a comprehensive mixed-use development, drawing inspiration from a long line of successful integrated estates and communities that Megaworld has pioneered and developed through decades.

The company is allocating P8-billion to develop the township in the next 7-10 years.

“Our vision for this new township in Negros Occidental is to provide new opportunities to help boost tourism in the province. With its close proximity to the Bacolod-Silay Airport, this will be an exciting destination for visitors and tourists, and a vibrant enclave for residential living,” said Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president and CEO, Megaworld.

“With the Negros Island Region already in place, the future of this province is bright and we have seen the rise of mixed-use developments not just in the capital but also in other towns and cities.Through this new township, our seventh in the Visayas, we are excited how we can further contribute to regional progress especially in tourism,” said Kevin Tan, president and CEO, Alliance Global Group, Inc., the parent company of Megaworld.

The Sugartown is located less than five minutes away from the Bacolod-Silay Airport, also less than five minutes away from the Talisay City Hall, and around 15 minutes away from the Bacolod City Government Center. Its location is also just a few minutes away from the two Megaworld townships: five minutes away from Northill Gateway and 12 minutes away from The Upper East.

The post Megaworld to develop 97-hectare ‘The Sugartown’ in Talisay City first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

MORE Power president and CEO Roel Z. Castro said the plan is simple: keep making things better for customers. That means rolling out to more towns in 2026 but also rolling out smarter technology to make everything run smoother.

He explained that MORE Power wants consumers to truly feel the value of what they are paying for through tangible improvements in service and the adoption of modern technology.

Castro also clarified that the company’s direction does not stop at the original five-year development plan laid out at the start of its operations. Instead, MORE Power is now preparing additional development programs that will directly benefit consumers once substations and primary distribution lines are fully upgraded and in place.

“There are new customer programs that we will be launching and improving this year here in Iloilo, as well as in our expansion areas, to ensure excellent service. This is how we justify what consumers pay for their electricity—through the quality of service we provide. At the same time, we will continue working to keep our rates among the lowest for our consumers,” he said.

Among the major projects lined up by MORE Power is the construction of additional substations. Currently, the company operates eight substations with a total capacity of 252.2 MVA, with one more substation targeted for completion in 2026.

Another key initiative planned for 2026 is the expanded use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to collect analytics and data through centralized servers. This system will allow the company to respond faster and more efficiently to consumer concerns.

MORE Power is also continuously studying the implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which will help the consumers track their energy use more easily. Once that’s in place, customers won’t have to wait hours for reconnections; it’ll happen remotely, thanks to their SCADA system.

On top of all this, the company plans to boost its energy mix and use more renewables, keeping prices reasonable for everyone.

“If you remember, the expansion to the 2nd and 4th districts was driven by the consumers themselves. The reason for migration is really the kind of service we provide—very transparent, very open, and always present for our customers. We work to solve problems as fast and as reliably as possible,” Mr. Castro added.

MORE Power has already started bringing electricity to new areas in Iloilo Province, beginning with Pavia and the University of St. La Salle campus. There are several establishments also preparing to migrate to MORE Power once all requirements are complied with. MORE Power will also be moving to San Miguel and Sta Barbara soon.

The post MORE Power assures continued reliable, improved service across Iloilo this 2026 first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

A halal seal was conferred to 20 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) producing processed food, heritage treats, and innovative pharmaceuticals after going through the rigorous process of the Philippine National Standards for Halal, the Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas (DTI-6), said in a statement.

The certified establishments included Sunshine’s Breadmart and Filbake Food Corporation from Aklan; Hamtic MPC and Belison MPC from Antique; Capiz Cacao Producer’s Cooperative, Progressive Women Agrarian Reform Cooperative, and Fergie’s Food Products from Capiz; and Emhyu Food Products, Kitzsteinhorn Food Production, Kokomojo Mango Farm, NJST Fruit Farm, and McNester Food Products from Guimaras.

Also certified were Sunbursts Balay Tablea, Pharma Galen-X Innovations, Inc., Einar’s Natural Food Export, Maridan Industries, Inc., Kape Iloilo Coffee Trading, Al Di Foods, Inc., Avanceña-Camiña Balay Nga Bato, Inc., and Fiesta PH Bakery Products Manufacturing from Iloilo.

“The certification is valid for three years, during which time the businesses must adhere to strict monitoring protocols,” the DTI said.

Along with the conferment last month was the formal signing of the Halal Certification and Monitoring Agreement (HCMA) between the MSMEs and the Philippine Ulama Congress Organization Incorporated (PHILULAMA).

The agreement grants the certifying body the right to conduct unannounced inspections and revoke certificates if standards are not maintained, ensuring that the “Halal” label remains a trusted guarantee of purity for consumers.

“DTI-6 will continue to monitor these enterprises through local Business Counselors to ensure they uphold these world-class standards as they represent the best of Western Visayas on the global stage,” it said.

The journey to obtaining the halal certification started in 2024 when DTI gathered MSMEs for a regional orientation and introduced them to the global halal market, projected to reach USD4 trillion by 2028.PNA

The post Over 150 local products in WV pass halal standard first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

From Jan. 20 this year, Treñas proposed to extend the deadline for the renewal of business permits to  Jan. 31.

The proposal was endorsed by the mayor to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) on Monday, Jan. 5, for the amendment of Tax Ordinance No. 2007-016 or the Local Revenue Code of Iloilo City.

Treñas cited the shortened operation of offices due to the suspension of government work on Dec. 29, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026, and the ongoing preparations for the Dinagyang Festival as among the factors for the proposed extension.

The Iloilo City Business Center along Aduana Street, and Iloilo City Hall are open from Monday to Sunday to accommodate applicants.

The city government’s payment centers at The Atrium, Mary Mart Mall, SM City and Festive Mall also cater to the renewal of business permits.IMT

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The local bourse’s main index shed 0.21 percent to 6,052.92 points, but the broader All Shares rose 0.25 percent to 3,473.24 points.

Most of the sectoral gauges ended on the red, namely Mining and Oil, 1.17 percent; Property, 1.08 percent; Financials, 0.88 percent; and Services, 0.13 percent.

On the other hand, Holding Firms rose 1.09 percent and Industrial, 0.44 percent.

Volume reached 727.82 million shares, amounting to P4.29 billion.

Advancers led decliners at 139 to 75, while 56 shares were unchanged.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort traced the PSEi’s drop partly to bargain-hunting after the index’s rise last week, “as the markets (are) still on holiday mode recently in view of the series of holidays towards the new year in terms of reduced trading activities/volumes.”

He said the index also corrected after tracking US counterparts, “amid relatively think holiday trading.”

Although the main index gained for the second consecutive month this December, he said full-year performance slipped for the fifth consecutive year due to the impact of US trade policies, geopolitical tensions and weather-related disturbances.

For 2026, he said anti-corruption measures may bolster investors’ sentiments, noting that “these remain the missing link” on investors’ confidence in the economic and the financial markets.

Meanwhile, the local currency ended the year’s trading at 58.79 from its 58.71 close last week.

It opened the day sideways at 58.68, and traded between 58.83 and 58.68. Average for the day stood at 58.79.

Volume went down to USD956 million from USD1.06 billion in the previous session.

Ricafort said the peso corrected slightly against the greenback, sustaining its strength for the last four sessions, and was among the strongest in almost a month due partly to the support from season inflows of overseas Filipino workers.PNA

The post PSEi ends 2025 down on bargain-hunting, peso closes sideways first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Inflation dropped to just 1.6% from January to November 2025, down from 3.4% in 2024, continuing a steady decline since 2022.

The slowdown reflects coordinated government action to stabilize prices, secure food supply, and protect household purchasing power, especially for rice, the biggest expense of low-income families. 

Rice prices have continued to ease as the Department of Agriculture works to bring costs down to P20 per kilo, about half the 2022 average.

As a result, inflation for the bottom 30% of households fell to -0.2% in November 2025, marking six straight months of contraction and showing that price controls are benefiting the poorest Filipinos.

S&P Global Ratings cited the country’s low and stable inflation in reaffirming the Philippines’ ‘BBB+’ investment-grade rating with a Positive Outlook, signaling confidence in the government’s economic leadership.

Lower prices, strong job conditions, and possible interest-rate adjustments by the BSP are expected to boost spending and growth. Investment prospects remain strong as reforms continue, with new opportunities, especially in agriculture, set to be announced.

Global lenders remain optimistic: the ADB forecasts 5% GDP growth, while the World Bank and IMF project 5.1% growth in 2025, outperforming advanced economies and ranking the Philippines among the fastest-growing in ASEAN. 

By 2026, the IMF sees the Philippines tied with Vietnam as the region’s fastest-growing economy.IMT

The post Marcos keeps inflation low, economy strong in 2025 first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The Priceless Gift of #LifeChangingVision

Waking up with clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses is a change many patients notice right after having LASIK. During the holidays, good visual clarity makes daily activities easier, from viewing Christmas lights to traveling, preparing Noche Buena, or enjoying quiet mornings at home.

Advanced, bladeless vision correction procedures such as CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive Correction) and Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery (FLACS or Femtosecond Laser–Assisted Cataract Surgery) use the most cutting-edge laser technology available today. These procedures eliminate common visual inconveniences experienced during busy seasons—no lens fogging, no dependence on glasses or contacts, and minimal dryness or irritation even during long days and travel. With bladeless precision, fast healing, and quicker visual recovery, patients enjoy clear, stable, and highly functional vision with superior visual comfort.

The gift of #LifeChangingVision goes beyond convenience. Many patients report improved visual difference and overall quality of vision during the holidays. At Borough Lasik Center, this level of visual clarity is how the season should be experienced, safely and confidently.

Why Choose Borough Lasik Center

Choosing where to have your vision correction procedure is a big decision. At Borough Lasik Center, patients trust the process because everything is explained clearly and handled with care. From the start, the focus is on safety, accuracy, and what is truly best for each patient.

BLC is known for its advanced technology, expert surgeons, and a medical team that takes time to guide patients through every step. Comprehensive screenings, personalized treatment, and attentive follow-ups help patients feel informed and confident throughout their journey to life-changing vision. Many patients share that the process feels easy to understand and never rushed, from consultation to post-procedure care, BLC makes sure that everyone is at ease and attended to.

This balance of medical expertise, advanced technology, and genuine patient care is why Borough Lasik Center continues to be a trusted choice for vision correction in Western Visayas.

Best Holiday Gift in 20/20

Many of BLC’s patients describe their vision correction experience as the best gift they’ve given themselves during the holidays. One CLEAR patient shared that they can now see the world clearly and are enjoying their very clear vision today. Some also expressed how grateful they are for the opportunity with Borough Lasik Center and the staff that guided them every step of the way.

“I always struggled with eyeglasses and contact lenses when I hit the gym and did other physical activities. Now, I don’t have to worry about foggy glasses or irritated eyes from contact lenses”, said CLEAR patient, Jolo. Stories like this show that getting vision correction with BLC isn’t just a medical procedure – it’s a gift that transforms everyday life and creates memories that last well beyond the holiday season.

For anyone considering clearer vision, the holidays are the perfect time to take the step. It’s a season of giving, renewal, and new beginnings. 20/20 vision brings confidence, comfort, and freedom that carry well into the new year. Borough Lasik Center continues to make this possible through safe, trusted, and truly #LifeChangingVision experiences.

Choose Borough Lasik Center for your #LifeChangingVision

As the premier eye care provider in the Philippines, Borough Lasik Center is known for offering personalized treatments using the latest and most advanced technologies in diagnostics, refractive and cataract surgery. Together with expert doctors and multiple branches nationwide, BLC remains committed to their mission in providing better vision to help Filipinos see the world more clearly.

To learn more about BLC’s services, follow their official social media accounts, where you can also connect with their specialists for more information:

● Borough Lasik Center Visayas (Facebook)
● @blc.visayas (Instagram)
● @docchesheredia (TikTok)

The post Why you should get LASIK with Borough Lasik Center this holiday season first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.