Culture and Arts - Iloilo Metropolitan Times

ILOMOCA hosts BenCab in a celebrated encounter with art

IMT News — Fri, 23 May 2025 05:07:23 +0000

Located in the heart of Iloilo Business Park, the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) had the distinct honor of welcoming National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera and his wife, Annie Sarthou, during their recent visit to Iloilo City. Hosted by art patron Edwin Valencia, the visit marks a significant moment in the museum’s growing cultural legacy.

BenCab, widely celebrated as one of the Philippines’ most influential artists, made a lasting contribution to ILOMOCA during the visit. He graciously gifted the museum a copy of his book—now a prized addition to the museum library—and created an impromptu free-hand sketch on one of the museum’s panels, offering a personal artistic imprint that will be treasured by generations of museum-goers.

“We are deeply honored by BenCab’s visit. His presence affirms ILOMOCA’s mission to be a leading hub of contemporary art in the Visayas and beyond. Encounters like this inspire us to continue fostering creativity and cultural dialogue through world-class exhibitions and community programs,” said Dannie Alvarez.

As the only contemporary art museum in the Visayas, ILOMOCA continues to champion Filipino artistry and bring transformative experiences to the region. This landmark visit by a National Artist further cements its standing as a premier cultural destination in the Philippines.

For updates, visit ILOMOCA on Facebook (@ILOMOCA), Instagram (@itsilomoca), or through email at ilomoca.ph@gmail.com. You may also reach Festive Walk Iloilo’s social media accounts on Facebook (facebook.com/FestiveWalkIloilo) and Instagram (@festivewalkiloilo).

The post ILOMOCA hosts BenCab in a celebrated encounter with art first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Iloilo exhibit features 16 masterpieces by Filipino artists

IMT News — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 03:57:49 +0000

Ilonggos get a chance to see the works of art by great Filipino artists through the generosity of the Lopez Family, who brought 16 masterpieces from the Lopez Museum and Library (LML) Collection for an exhibit at the University of the Philippines Visayas Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage in Iloilo City.

The “Patrimony of All – Ang Panublion sang Tanan Paintings from the Lopez Museum and Library Collection” was officially unveiled late Monday afternoon, Nov. 25, attended by the Lopez family and art enthusiasts.

The paintings included four each from the Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo collections, five from the Fernando Amorsolo collection, and three from the Juan Arellano collection.

“Bringing these masterpieces to Iloilo was an opportunity to honor our roots that we cannot let pass. It is in Iloilo that our family’s journey of hard work, philanthropy, and service to others began. It just made perfect sense to keep coming back and giving back in uplifting the very community that had also shaped our personal history,” Mercedes Lopez-Vargas, president of the Lopez Group Foundation and LML executive director, said in her message.

She said the Lopez family was thrilled as it was the first time they brought the collections outside Manila.

“The loaning of these artworks is a painstaking technical process as it entails the delicate care of these fragile works of art; some of them a hundred years old,” she added.

The project is a joint initiative of the University of the Philippines Visayas, the Lopez Group Foundation, Inc., and the Iloilo City Government, conceived by former senator Franklin Drilon with former tourism secretary Narzalina Lim in 2019 and made possible through the support of Senator Loren Legarda.

“The Patrimony of All” will allow audiences in the Visayas to encounter the works of Filipino masters while also shining the spotlight on the rich architectural heritage and legacy of Iloilo,” the Iloilo City government said in a statement.

Drilon, in his message, said llonggos owed the Lopezes “a debt of gratitude.”

“When you talk about Iloilo culture and heritage, it would not be complete without talking about the Lopezes and their generosity to the province and city of Iloilo. This sets a stage for a more extensive effort for us to continue exposing our people here, our Ilonggos and young students to art and our culture,” he said.

The exhibit is housed in a building designed by Arellano, whose paintings are among the works being exhibited.

It was designed as a city hall in the 1930s when the mayor was Fernando Lopez, who in turn donated the building to the University of the Philippines with the condition that it would establish a branch in Iloilo, the former senator said.

“Today, we are glad that we were able to find this venue to house these treasures to be enjoyed by our Ilonggos,” Drilon said.

The exhibit will be open to the public from Nov. 26, 2024 to April 25, 2025 but it will have a Cycle 2 after funds are secured for its extension for another six months through Senator Legarda.

“Ang Panublion sang Tanan celebrates not only the creative genius of our Filipino masters but also the enduring legacy of our culture. Having these masterpieces in Iloilo on display for our communities and especially for our youth is a true gift that will enrich our collective understanding of who we are. As I say, culture is what binds us as a nation,” Legarda said in her virtual message.

Rosalie Treñas, wife of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, said the city has always been home to artists, art lovers, patrons, and enthusiasts, providing everyone with a welcoming environment where talents and skills can thrive and artistic expressions are admired and respected.

“The presence of galleries, museums, and art places, the city has certainly firmed up its position as the arts capital of the Philippines. Its piece of art is a window into the cultural heritage of the community, offering insights into their real life, beliefs, and values,” she said in her message.Perla Lena/PNA

The post Iloilo exhibit features 16 masterpieces by Filipino artists first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Candelaria 2023

Reymar Latoza — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

The feast of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria is a religious activity in Jaro district, Iloilo City held every second day of February.

Available references would note that the feast traces its past in 1527 when a limestone statue of the Blessed Mother carrying the Child Jesus was discovered by fisherfolks along Iloilo river and by order of the bishop, it was brought to the Jaro church. It is said that the statue was too heavy to be lifted but suddenly became lighter when it was decided to be brought to the then Jaro church.

Initially, it was said that the statue was placed inside the church but based on the account of local folklores, the statue has grown over the centuries until it was decided that it will be placed on the balcony of the now Jaro Cathedral.

There are several accounts and stories as to the statue’s miraculous acts. It is said that there were times when she disappears early in the morning and people will see a beautiful lady bathing her son in a well at the Jaro plaza and a mist would appear and cover her niche at the cathedral. Another account also speaks of an instance before the war when the church was covered with darkness and suddenly when the light came back, the statue has grown larger.

A more recent account was during the preparation for the papal visit of Pope John Paul II. The statue of the Blessed Mother denied any attempt of the parishioners to move her from her niche to the balcony of the cathedral. The chains holding her simply snap each time they attempt to move her. They have to call then the late Archbishop Alberto J. Piamonte to help and personally take charge of the job. It was only then that she relented and today everyone can see her at the balcony of the cathedral.

Pope John Paul II canonically crowned the image on February 21, 1981 during his Apostolic Visit in the country and declared it as the patroness of Western Visayas making it as the only Marian Statue in the Philippines personally crowned by the pope.

The Diocese of Jaro was elevated to an archdiocese on June 29, 1951 by Pope Pius XII and in January 2012, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines approved an additional title for the cathedral as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles.

Today, the statue of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is visited and frequented by devotees of all ages and status asking and praying for intercessions on their concerns and problems. Some are praying for healing while some are asking for her help to survive board examinations.

The celebration of her day is grand. A fiesta queen and escort are chosen and crowned in her honor and a solemn procession precedes the coronation. Perdon candles are distributed and lighted. It is believed that these candles are miraculous and is lighted by devotees in times of need. People also line up outside the cathedral for the palapak. Small replicas of the Our Lady of Candles are placed on the forehead of devotees for purification and the aching body parts of the sick as it believed that such will start the healing process.

The stories about the statue and her miracles may border between fiction and the surreal however it doesn’t really matter for the people. Devotees from around the country and even from some parts of the world have their own healing stories to tell through the intercession of the Holy Mother. Perhaps, it is the reason why people flock the feast in her honor to catch a glimpse of her physical presence at the cathedral.

The post Candelaria 2023 first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Let’s museum-hop at the City of Love

Reymar Latoza — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

To visit Iloilo City is to experience the diversity of Filipino culture as expressed in the Ilonggos’ love for cooking and food and their determination to preserve, protect and promote the tangible manifestations of the city’s glorious past like heritage houses and prominent landmarks. The richness of Filipino heritage can also be seen preserved, protected and promoted in several museums in the city, which are either managed by the government or private institutions and culture advocates. As we hop from one museum to the other, let’s discover the similarity of our culture and traditions and be inspired to help in its preservation.

National Museum Western Visayas

Museum Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM.
Entrance: Free
Location: old Prison of Iloilo, Provincial Capitol Complex, Bonifacio Drive, City Proper

National Museum Western Visayas exhibitions feature the National Collections on anthropology, fine arts and natural history. This landmark is so easy to spot in the capitol area because the building is the former Prison of Iloilo or Iloilo Provincial Jail. Declared an Important Cultural Property in December 2016, it was built in 1911 and was used as jail until 2006. One will discover the colorful textile heritage of the region in Habol Panay: The Woven Artistry of Western Visayas exhibition. Find out how the beautiful landscapes and seascapes of the region were formed and what happened to the elephants and stegodonts that used to roam Panay, Guimaras and Negros in the Geology and Paleontology exhibition. Discover the Bisayans’ love for gold that they send it with their dead even afterlife in the Ang Tamung nga Bulawan (The Oton Gold Death Mask) exhibition. Time travel to the 1800s to 1900s Philippines in Bugasong to Barcelona: Felix Laureano, First Filipino Photographer. Appreciate the richness and diversity of flora and fauna of the Visayas in mobile museum boxes Biodiversity of the Visayas and Pambansang Museo sa Barangay. Spend quality time with your family and friends in our learning and art corners where you can do rock art, mask-making, color our heritage, and even DIY weaving. One can also join in public and educational programs like lecture series, workshops and demonstrations.

NHCP Museum of Philippine Economic History

Museum Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9AM-4PM.
Entrance: Free
Location: Ynchausti y Compania Building, J. M. Basa St., City Proper (beside City Hall)

The NHCP Museum of Philippine Economic History features the development of trade and commerce in the Philippines, including the historical events that shaped it. It seeks to highlight the journey of the Filipino people toward economic self-sustainability, recovery, and equitable progress. The museum has 13 galleries with informative displays, artifacts and interactive features detailing the journey of the nation toward self-sustainability, innovation, and self-enterprise. One can learn the diverse trade products of the Philippines like tobacco, manila hemp, and handwoven textiles. It is aptly situated in a former bustling trading house, Ynchausti y Compañia building that was built in 1905 by the pioneering multinational company in the country, the Ynchausti Y Compania (YCO). YCO was brand known to Filipinos at the turn of the 20th century – the paints and floorwax, the usual items found in Filipino households.

NHCP Museum of Philippine Maritime History

Museum Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9AM-4PM.
Entrance: Free
Location: Iloilo Customs House (Aduana), J. M. Basa St., City Proper (near Sunburst Park)

The newly-opened NHCP Museum of Philippine Maritime History will steer a guest into the seafaring traditions of the Filipinos. Surrounded by waters, Filipinos’ navels are attached to water, and what a better way to celebrate this connection through this museum. The museum highlights Philippines’ rich maritime history, particularly in boat building and seafaring. It also traces the evolution of boat building and sea navigation in Philippine history and presents the impact of technological developments in the field of navigation and boat building in the maritime history of the Philippines to inspire appreciation of Filipino maritime heritage. The museum is the former Iloilo Custom House.

Museo Iloilo

Museum Hours: Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM.
Entrance: Adult – P50, Student – P20, Seniors/PWD – PP0
Location: Provincial Capitol Complex, Bonifacio Drive, City Proper

Museo Iloilo is another iconic landmark in Iloilo City. This contemporary building was designed by Ilonggo architect Sergio Peñasales. The museum is operated by a foundation that espouses the promotion of Ilonggo culture and traditions. It is also a space for local artists to display their works. Exhibitions in Museo Iloilo vary – from precolonial potteries, Spanish-period religious sculptures and ceramics, contemporary artworks, among others.

Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10AM-5PM
Entrance: Adult – P100, Students – P50, Senior/PWD – P80
Location: Casa de Emperador, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao

The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art transports one into the boundless creativity and imagination of artists of international, national and regional prominence. It is the first museum built by Megaworld, and the first museum in the Visayas and Mindanao dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It has a large art collection, particularly by collector Edwin Valencia. It also has a dedicated space for performance arts and works of Ilonggo visual artists. Visit this museum to feast on visual art as a facet of human creativity and love for all that is both beautiful and ugly.

The post Let’s museum-hop at the City of Love first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

PH economy seen growing 6-7% in 2022

Reymar Latoza — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

The Philippine economy is expected to return to its 6 to 7-percent growth trajectory in 2022 after nearly two years of grappling with the pandemic despite the threat of the Omicron variant, according to the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group.

First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) said this year’s economic growth will be driven by sustained domestic demand, easing inflation, election expenditures, and accelerated government spending on infrastructure projects.

“Notwithstanding the ongoing pandemic, and Omicron sparking the third wave of infections, we are still optimistic that Philippine growth will further accelerate and get back on its trajectory of 6-7 percent in 2022,” FMIC president Jose Patricio Dumlao said in a virtual briefing.

Dumlao said the economy registered a 4.9-percent growth in the first three quarters of 2021 and the growth momentum likely spilled over in the fourth quarter given further economic reopening and easing mobility restrictions.

He added business and consumer confidence are also cautiously positive given wider availability of vaccines and relaxation of lockdowns, quarantine measures, and mobility restrictions.

University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) economist Dr. Victor Abola said the 6 to 7 percent gross domestic product (GDP) projection this year will be led by the industry sector –both construction and manufacturing.

Abola said services will still be the lagging sector as the pandemic measures hit hotels and restaurants.

“The Philippine situation is that there is recovery but still on the way to reach the pre-pandemic levels,” he said.

The country’s GDP posted a -9.5 percent full-year growth rate in 2020 compared to its 5.9 percent pre-pandemic performance in 2019.

Abola said the business process outsourcing (BPO) is a major contributor to the resiliency of the economy amid the pandemic.

“And it’s not the same as usual call centers, etc. You can see there are new, emerging segments and that is what companies are focusing on,” he said, citing insurance, life sciences, healthcare, and data analytics, among others.

Aside from BPO revenues, FMIC chairman Francisco Sebastian said the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) remittances are boosting the economy.

“These two things are not as sexy as other things like technology and telecoms… This is what is holding us up. OFW remittances continue to grow,” he said.PNA

The post PH economy seen growing 6-7% in 2022 first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Iloilo City Hall to implement ‘no booster, no entry’ policy

Reymar Latoza — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Starting Jan. 17 next year, a “no booster, no entry” policy will be implemented among Iloilo City Hall employees and visitors.

City Hall Administrator Melchor Tan issued Office Order No. OCA-2021-065 dated December 17, stipulating that all city government employees who have been fully vaccinated by September but have not received booster shots will not be allowed to report to work.

“Relative to this, you are directed to advice personnel under your department and offices who are fully vaccinated to have their booster shots before Jan. 17, 2022,” the order read.

Clients who wish to transact business at the City Hall will also be required to present their COVID-19 Booster Cards.

Citing the threat of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, City Mayor Jerry Treñas urged Ilonggos to have their booster shots.

“Let’s all get our boosters. The Omicron variant is affecting the USA and Europe. Let us get as much protection as possible when it is already allowed,” he said.IMT

The post Iloilo City Hall to implement ‘no booster, no entry’ policy first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Iloilo City close to herd immunity vs COVID-19

Reymar Latoza — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Iloilo City is now close to achieving herd immunity against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Data from the Department of Health (DOH-6) showed that 323,949 or 96.65 percent of the city’s 335, 172 target population are now fully vaccinated against the viral disease while 364,609 or 108.78 percent have received their first dose of the vaccine.

According to Mayor Jerry. Treñas, the city’s accomplishment includes the 55,436 individuals from various towns in Iloilo province.

“While we have included some from the province who are working here we really need to ramp up the vaccination so that we can say we are achieving herd immunity. Take note that the 5 to 11 years old are not yet vaccinated and the city has yet to start the booster shots for those fully vaccinated more than 6 months ago,” said Treñas.

Meanwhile, the mayor urged everyone to be circumspect when going around and continue to follow the minimum health protocols.IMT

The post Iloilo City close to herd immunity vs COVID-19 first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Iloilo City close herd immunity vs COVID-19

Reymar Latoza — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Iloilo City is now close to achieving herd immunity against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Mayor Jerry. Treñas, the city’s accomplishment includes the 55,436 individuals from various towns in Iloilo province.

Meanwhile, the mayor urged everyone to be circumspect when going around and continue to follow the minimum health protocols.IMT

The post Iloilo City close herd immunity vs COVID-19 first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Ex-Iloilo solon, 2 others convicted for PDAF scam

Reymar Latoza — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The Sandiganbayan has sentenced a former lawmaker and two others for two counts of graft in the funding of a vocational education program run by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) using Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2005.

In a 33-page decision written by Associate Justice Oscar Herrera Jr. dated November 12, the anti-graft court’s Special Second Division sentenced former Iloilo 2nd District Representative Judy Syjuco, former TESDA deputy director general for field operations Santiago Yabut Jr., and Tagipusuon Cooperative president Maria Nela Yniesta from six to eight years in prison for each count.

The three were also ordered to pay the government a total of P6.984 million in civil liabilities.

The pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution “more than sufficiently established the required quantum proof for the conviction of the accused of the offenses charged”, the Sandigan ruled.

The case against Syjuco’s husband, then TESDA Director General Augusto Syjuco Jr., was dismissed following his death in January 2020.

On July 23, 2014, they were accused of entering into transactions with the cooperative, founded by the Syjucos in 1998, for the implementation of TESDA’s “Education for All” program.

The transaction involved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Tagipusuon Cooperative, covering its Invigorating Constituent Assistance in Reinforcing Employment (I-CARE) Program, to be funded by Judy Syjuco’s PDAF for P20 million.

Records showed the Department of Budget and Management issued two Special Allotment Release Orders at P10 million each from the PDAF of Judy Syjuco in 2005.

The cooperative, according to the investigation, was unqualified at the time.

Investigators also found that the late Syjuco issued TESDA Order No. 1C Series of 2006 supposedly providing school bags, supplies, and uniforms for elementary and high school students from the second congressional district of Iloilo under the I-CARE program, in violation of the agency’s mandate to provide technical education and skills development to Filipino “middle-level manpower”.

Middle-level manpower is generally defined as the working force between an unskilled worker and a professional.

Aside from handing the money to an unqualified cooperative for an unauthorized purpose, the court also said “there was no proper liquidation of the funds received by Tagipusuon Cooperative”, noting that the liquidation of P14.7 million from the PDAF of P20 million, as reported by Tagipusuon, was unacceptable.

The court noted that P5.297 million is still missing from the equation and unliquidated, and the PHP1.687 million used by the cooperative to pay its overhead and other expenses are not allowed under government guidelines.

Tagipusuon also spent the PDAF funds on administrative costs, including hotel expenses.

“There was blatant conflict of interest. Accused J. Syjuco assigned TESDA, where her husband was the Director General, as the implementing agency, and TESDA designated Tagipusuon as the NGO (non-governmental organization) to receive accused J. Syjuco’s PDAF, and implement the fatally defective and highly irregular project,” the Sandigan said.PNA

The post Ex-Iloilo solon, 2 others convicted for PDAF scam first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Over 200 tour guides in WV hit hard by pandemic

Elyrose Naorbe — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +0000

More than 200 tour guides in Western Visayas have been heavily hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT-6).

Most of the affected workers, who are based in Iloilo, Guimaras and Aklan, rely on their income from tour guiding, said DOT-6 Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Rene T. Cortum.

“Grabe gid ang resulta sang pandemic. Because most of our resorts and tourism destinations are close, wala man sang work ang aton tour guides. Tanan sila affected gid. We are hoping that the DOT Central Office can provide assistance to them,” he told IMT NEWS.

Erlyn Alunan, Senior Tourism Operations Officer of San Joaquin, Iloilo, said she was saddened by the negative impact of the pandemic on the local tourism industry.

“We were one of the most visited destinations in the region. Our day visitor record is in fact the highest in the province of Iloilo. During peak season, we would have as many as 10,000 day visitors in our resorts,” she said.

“After February of 2020, the tourists dwindled not because they are no longer interested in the attractions here but because of the travel restrictions strictly imposed by the government,” Alunan continued.

According to her, they have about 258 displaced tourism workers. They are resort employees, local guides and members of community-based eco-tourism sites.

“A lot of them were retrenched. Only a handful are still employed but only on an on call arrangement. The constant lockdown of the communities due to exponential transmission of COVID-19 virus has greatly affected the business,” said Alunan.

“Tourism is no longer economically viable here. Resorts are incurring insurmountable losses brought about by the ever changing policies and directives imposed by the government in its effort to curb COVID-19,” she added.

Meanwhile, DOT-6 Regional Director Cristine Mansinares noted 9,232 or 72 percent of the 12,809 active tourism workers in the region have already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Additional doses are expected to arrive within this month for the remaining number of workers. Hopefully, within the month, we can complete the target number of vaccinated workers,” she said.IMT

The post Over 200 tour guides in WV hit hard by pandemic first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.