There is something distinctly Ilonggo about celebrating Iloilo: good food, meaningful stories, creativity, community, and a deep sense of pride in where we come from.
This Charter Day season, all of these come together at the most-loved SM City Iloilo, where the city’s culture and contemporary spirit take center stage through a vibrant lineup of activities.
Running until August 25, the celebration has turned SM City Iloilo into a meeting place for Ilonggos and visitors looking to experience different facets of the city—from its iconic food and local artistry to learning, public service, and community activities.
The Iloilo Batchoy Festival, happening August 17–25 at the Event Center, puts the beloved Ilonggo noodle soup in the spotlight, bringing together food, culture, and community in one flavorful celebration. Event was graced by Ms Leny Ledesma, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and focal person for Iloilo City of Gatronomy to UCCN.
And just as food tells the story of a place, art gives a city another way to express who it is—and who it is becoming. At North Point Event Center, HÁNAG: Emergent Perspectives brings an exciting visual dimension to the 89th Iloilo City Charter Day celebration.
Presented by SM City Iloilo, TAOHAY NCCA Cultural Center and Regional Hub, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., and the City of Iloilo, the exhibit is curated by Director Elvert Bañares, marking his first curatorial project in Iloilo in more than a decade. The exhibition brings together works by acclaimed, award-winning, and promising visual artists, filmmakers, and designers, offering a diverse look at contemporary creativity.
Featuring the works of John Francis Babiera, Margaux Blas, Daniel De La Cruz, Peter John De La Vega, Kyle Francis Dile, Guijo Dueñas, Joshua Gabayeran, Peach Garde, Kyle Fermindoza, Martin Genodepa, Patrick Jamora, Carlo Juntado, Manny Librodo, Joemel Mirabuena, Renwil Portodo, Al Provido, Sabrec, and Edgardo Lopez Suelo, HÁNAG creates a space where different artistic voices and perspectives meet.
Running August 17–25, the exhibit reflects how Iloilo’s creative community continues to evolve—honoring its cultural roots while embracing new ideas, forms, and perspectives.
The Charter Day celebration goes beyond traditional cultural showcases. Beyond the Bowl, held last August 19, treated audiences to look beyond the familiar, while Brain Bowl – A Quiz Bowl Competition on August 20 puts knowledge and quick thinking to the test.
The Legal Aid Clinic, also held on August 20 at the Government Service Express, adds a public-service component, making the celebration meaningful not only as entertainment but also as an opportunity to connect communities with essential services.
Last August 21, the Iloilo Paw Parade brought a lighter, more playful side to the festivities, celebrating the city’s growing community of pet lovers.
Voices That Matter: The Art of Public Speaking, held August 22, highlights the power of communication and the importance of giving people, especially young voices, the confidence and skills to speak, be heard, and make a difference. The event was organized by the Office of Vice Mayor Love Baronda
On August 23, Banaag: From Folklore to the Future adds another layer to the celebration, connecting Iloilo’s stories and traditions with contemporary perspectives.
Adding to the festive atmosphere is the Big Iloilo Sale, running August 21–25 across participating stores, giving shoppers another reason to make SM City Iloilo part of their Charter Day experience.
Taken together, the activities showcase the many things that make Iloilo special—food that brings people together, art that sparks conversations, stories that connect generations, and community initiatives that make a celebration more meaningful.
More importantly, the lineup reflects the role SM City Iloilo has embraced as a venue for major events that promote Iloilo’s culture and provide platforms for local talent, ideas, businesses, and communities.
As Iloilo celebrates its Charter Day, the most-loved SM City Iloilo continues to be a place where Ilonggos can celebrate their identity—and where the city’s culture can be experienced, shared, and brought to the max.
