Festive Walk Parade comes alive on Easter Sunday with colorful Easter Party

Mandurriao, Iloilo City – Iloilo Business Park is rolling out a grand celebration to mark Easter

Sunday on April 1. From fun activities such as egg hunting, egg painting, and a pet fashion

show, families can find plenty of reasons to celebrate Easter at this side of the city – unmatched

by any other.

Easter celebrations at Iloilo Business Park begins at 10AM, and families can be among the firsts

to avail exclusive promos offered by participating partner establishments.

The celebration kicks up a notch in the afternoon, where kids can take part in fun Easter

activities.

Headlining the activities is the Easter Egg Hunt, wherein kids can test their luck in finding the

golden eggs. Those who will manage to find the precious eggs get to take home a special prize.

Young kids who want to exercise their creativity can also join the egg painting activity. Special

awards will be given to those who will create the most colorful and creative eggs. Interested

participants will be given paper mache and art materials in order to create their best version of

Easter eggs. Exciting prizes will also be given away.

Making the celebration even livelier is the Pet Adventure Fashion Show, in cooperation with

Philippine Adventure Dog Welfare Association, Inc. Dogs who will come in their best “paw

forward” and stylish doggie outfits also get to take home special awards.

To join the Easter activities at Iloilo Business Park, guests can present a P300 single-purchase

receipt from participating Festive Walk Parade establishment.

For more details, call (033) 501 9417. Visit http://www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com/ to find out

other activities.

DENR 6, SM City Iloilo and Community partners celebrate Earth Hour 2018

Joining the revolution of the environmental movement that has grown exponentially over

the years all over the world, The Department of Environment and natural Resources 6, SM

City Iloilo and other community partners and advocates gather together to celebrate Earth

Hour 2018 on March 24.

The movement has spawned and encouraged many worthwhile initiatives worldwide such

as massive recycling efforts, passing of legislations against air and water pollution, stricter

enforcements for marine life protection, among others.

National Government Agencies as well as private organizations converge as this year’s

celebration calls the people to “Connect to Earth” and move collectively against climate

change and the steep decline of nature, as biodiversity loss threaten our planet. We must

understand that the variety of life and their habitats are our best defense against the rapid

climate change.

It has been nine years since SM Supermalls participated in the annual Earth Hour. From

just several of malls in 2009, the company’s Earth Hour movement have grown to all SM

establishments namely SM Development Corporation (SMDC), taking part in the lights off

Prime developments, 68 malls nationwide, 7 SM Malls in China, plus its affiliated

initiative. In SM City Iloilo, it will be held at the SM Southpoint starting 6pm.

SM place environment and sustainability at the forefront and the centerpiece of their

operations, taking greater measures to efficiently manage resources such as energy and

water consumptions, as well as waste and water emissions.

This year’s event will be graced by Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III, DENR-EMB 6

Director Sophie Manuel, SM Regional Operations Manager Girlie Liboon and SM City Iloilo

Asst. Mall Manager Jasmine Lynn Maquiling who will lead the ceremonial switch-off of

lights in the mall at 8:30pm.

Afterwhich, the SM façade logo, dropdown banners, billboards landscape lights and pylon

tower will be totally shut off. 50% lights off on open and covered parking, covered walks

and sidewalks, footbridge overpass, transport terminal, entrance lights, lobby lights and

mall hallways.

Tenants will also be encouraged to turn-off exterior and interior lights while maintaining

50% lighting in the store premises as not to disrupt store operations.

Also joining the celebration is the Talahib Eco-Trekkers Organization Inc. runners. PCD

School of Performing Arts will have a special ballet performance. A musical entertainment

by the RCP Ritmo Tambores and SM Little Stars 2017 Winner Maxwell Jesse Figueroa as

well as a performance from West Crew Dance Group will liven up the gathering as it aims to

encourage shoppers and walk-in participation in the said advocacy.

Shop and Enjoy the Ride at SM City Iloilo’s 3 Day Sale

Shop and Enjoy the Ride at SM City Iloilo’s 3 Day Sale

Getting the most of your shopping treats has never been this exciting!

SM City Iloilo offers the best deals with the 3-Day Sale this March 16-18, 2018!

Up to 70% discount on selected items are at stake. Be it in items, food and services, every shopper is sure to enjoy from the offers in store for them:

Here’s how incredibly easy and enjoyable to have a worry free shopping during the sale in the mall:

• LAY DOWN YOUR CARDS

Bring your SM Prestige on Friday to enjoy special discounts the whole day, your SM Advantage or BDO Rewards Card on Saturday to enjoy perks until 12nn or bring all on Sunday and get amazing discounts from 5pm-7pm!

Lay down those cards and get the best deals for your favorite items at the SM Store.

• EAT YOUR WAY TO SM FOODCOURT AND SM FOODHALL

“Kumain Ka Na Ba?” Or better said in Hiligaynon dialect “Kakaon Ka Na? This question is unofficially considered as the way Ilonggos greeting equivalent of “Kamusta ka?”(the Filipino word used to say hello). Be it in their homes or just anywhere, Ilonggos would ask you “Have you eaten?”

Special offers by tenants are available for everyone to enjoy. Get that needed energy to do your three-day shopping with the delectable Filipino and international dishes available.

• TENANT HOP FOR SPECIAL OFFERS

SM City Iloilo tenants have readied their stores so shoppers can get the best discounts when they dine, buy or enjoy the services. Checking out one tenant to another will surprise you with great deals these stores have prepared for their customers.

• ENJOY THE RIDE

Shop and get a chance to win 1 of 2 Suzuki Raider R150 for a single or accumulated receipt worth 1,000 in any store; purchase of 4 cinema tickets; P300 single receipt purchase in any amusement tenant or P300 single receipt purchase in SM Foodcourt.

The new Suzuki Raider R150 revolutionizes itself as it gives the rider one step closer to riding a true Suzuki GSX-R. History repeats itself as the new Suzuki Raider R150 emerges far ahead of the competition as the nation’s top-class sporty underbone motorcycle, the leader of the pack. With its inspiration drawn from the Suzuki GSX-R lineage, the new Suzuki Raider R150 once again sets high standards in design, speed, power, and performance. The new Suzuki Raider R150. A sporty motorcycle belonging to the breed that continually brings Suzuki far ahead of the competition – the Raider Breed.

SM City Iloilo Mall Hours are as follows: 

March 16(9AM-12MN); March 17(8AM-10PM); March 18(10AM-10PM).

For more details, please check the official Facebook page of SM City Iloilo or call (033) 3209609 local 16.

Educational roadshow bolsters campaign to address nutrition gap in Visayas

Role of biotech in farming nutritious food cited

                                 

ILOILO, PHILIPPINES - Monsanto Philippines strengthened its efforts to promote better nutrition in the country after it recently launched an educational roadshow, dubbed Monsanto Fun Kitchen, at Nabatasan Elementary School in Iloilo City. Monsanto Corporate Affairs Lead Charina Garrido-Ocampo said during a media briefing that the Mobile Fun Kitchen was the second leg of the company’s nutrition campaign in the country

.

Ocampo said that the program forms part of the company’s continuing efforts to make balanced meals accessible especially amid the 3.6 million stunted Filipino children who suffer from the consequences of malnutrition. In a study1dedicated to nourishing communities by ensuring access to nutritious foods. Today we realize this commitment to nutrition through Monsanto Fun Kitchen, which seeks to teach proper nutrition at school levels. Every Filipino child deserves access to a balanced meal,” Ocampo shared during her opening remarks at the launch.

The Mobile Fun Kitchen was participated by over 415 students, including parents and faculty members of Nabitasan Elementary School. The program demonstrated to children the value of healthy eating and taught parents and teachers easy-to-cook and healthy recipes that can be easily replicated in their homes.

The initiative also explained the role of biotechnology in producing and farming nutritious food. Shemaine Castillo, Regulatory Affairs Lead of Monsanto, explained during the program that biotechnology has been a proven breeding method that not only improves the quantity of harvest but also increases levels of minerals and vitamins.

“As an agriculture company, we especially look at biotechnology as a novel approach in producing nutritious produce.  By applying biotechnology in agriculture, we protect crops such as corn, lettuce and tomatoes from pests and diseases, allowing us in turn to have better yield,” Castillo said. She added that “we use biotechnology to develop new varieties of plant seeds with a range of desirable characteristics, such as being able to resist certain insects or harsh weather conditions.” 

initiative of Monsanto to boost its community efforts in Iloilo and other parts of the country. “For almost 50 years, Monsanto has been working on some substantial and meaningful programs meant to improve Filipinos’ lives. Today in Iloilo, we continue the tradition of giving back to the communities where we live and work, striving towards the improvement of food, nutrition, and the overall wellbeing of Ilonggos.”

###

 Monsanto Philippines is a local unit of Monsanto, a Fortune 500 global power company with a diverse portfolio of advanced biotechnology products produced in 404 facilities in 66 countries. To date, Monsanto Philippines has four facilities spread out across the country, which includes its head office in Alabang, a Refuge-in-a-Bag (RIB) Plant and cold warehouse located in Bulacan, and an R&D station in Mindanao. The company also has partnerships with the Philippine government through the Department of Agriculture as well as the local scientific and academic communities in the promotion of modern agricultural biotechnology. To learn more, please visit www.monsanto.ph.

About Monsanto
Monsanto is committed to bringing a broad range of solutions to help nourish our growing world. We produce seeds for fruits, vegetables and key crops – such as corn, soybeans, sorghum, canola, and cotton – that help farmers have better harvests while using water and other important resources more efficiently. We work to find sustainable solutions for soil health, help farmers use data to improve farming practices and conserve natural resources, and provide crop protection products to minimize damage from pests and disease. Through programs and partnerships, we collaborate with farmers, researchers, nonprofit organizations, universities and others to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.

F&E Valvoline Dealer's Conference #Unstoppable

This year's dealer's conference was attended by 45 topnotch Valvoline dealers all over Western Visayas, Negros Island, Cebu, Tacloban and Palawan. F&E Family of stores held the event in the world-class convention and events destination - the Iloilo Convention Center on March 9, 2018.

The event is part of F&E's commitment to deliver the highest quality automotive essentials to its consumers. F&E emphasizes on the importance of investing in motoring safety. It is with this commitment that we have gained the continued trust of our valued partners with the F&E's brand.

 Moreover, recognition of special awardees of the Upgraded Valvoline Dealer Program has been honored at the convention. Among the 45 Valvoline suppliers, three lucky winners had received ash prizes for their prolific resale performances for the entire program period.

In partnership with Valvoline Philippines, this conference also highlighted appreciation for the continued support of the dealers to Valvoline products on resale segment. With 150 years of excellence on lubricating industry, Valvoline is a leading legacy in producing premium branded automotive, commercial, industrial lubricants and chemicals.

Not only this conference has recognized and rewarded the awardees but also honored all the dynamic leaders who have put their focus and hardwork on growing the base of Valvoline lubricants in the Visayan market.

The awards ceremony for the propitious winners of Beijing-Shanghai Disneyland Trip has been the festive highlights of the Dealer's Conference. As adjudged winners of the trip, the lucky dealers will have an exclusive experience of first class hospitality and momentous recollection of memories from visiting remarkable places.

F&E maintains leadership in automotive are for over the past 35 years by partnering with every motorist in  12 branches in 9 locations in Visayas and Palawan, making roads safer for all users, not just for motorists but also for pedestrians. Like F&E Autostore on Facebook and visit www.fandegroup.comwww.fandegroup.com for more information. 

How to Steal A Bargain in Sale Events

It’s always exciting during sale events but having to work your way to get the best discounts is a

little tricky since expectedly, a lot of people will flock the mall and buy their favorite items just as

you do. Having a list of the sales items ahead of time and having some kind of a plan can save you a lot of time and effort during the sale day itself.

As SM City Iloilo holds its 3-Day Sale this March 16-18, 2018, you might as well arm yourself

with helpful tips on how to get the most of your bargain shopping to get the best deals on top

of the up to 70% discount on selected items and more.

Familiarize yourself with prices

If you want to be able to find bargains, you should be able to recognize a good deal. Therefore, before you go out shopping for an item, spend some time learning the usual retail prices so you know that you are really getting the best discount.

Bargain hunt online

Browse the website or social media site of your favorite store online if they have and look for updates about their sale offers. It will also be a helpful tool since you can inquire about other deals available.

Check Sale Advertisements

In local newspapers, ads are usually placed 1 to 2 weeks ahead or during the sale week, to give you a sneak pick of the offerings. These may contain food offers and other products. For example, SM Foodcourt and SM Foodhall tenant offers freebies and discounts that will let you enjoy your food experience while having a break from shopping.

Be on the lookout for special discounts

Many people don't realize how many specialized

discounts stores offer. You may be surprised to find more treats aside from what you are used to.

Follow your favorite stores on social media

Stores often post about upcoming sales and discounts on social media accounts. Following a variety of your favorite stores on Facebook can help you spot sales early on. SM City Iloilo has an official

facebook page you can look up for updates.

Looking up in FB can also give you valuable information about being first to shop or how to

reserve your items. Or better yet, what additional discounts you can get like a 10 percent additional in the first 2 hours and privileges of having an SM Advantage Card.

Learn sale periods. 

If possible, it's best to learn the specific sales cycles for your

favorite stores or mall. Like for SM City Iloilo, the 3 Day Sale is scheduled every March and September of each year. This way, you can plan to shop during times when you'll find the most discounts. And of course have time to save up for that item you’ve been wanting to buy.

For more info, you can visit the official facebook page of SM City Iloilo or call the marketing

department 3209609 local 16.

Mayor Joe welcomes British Ambassador Pruce at the newly-renovated Elizalde Heritage building

"Gina and I are delighted to welcome Her Majesty's Ambassador Daniel Pruce tonight in the historic Elizalde Building and exchange pleasantries to all of them more than discussing business. It's a night to unwind, relax, and simply have a great time.

It is our deepest pleasure to be hosting this dinner to acknowledge our ties with the British Government and to show our gratitude for choosing our beloved city for their trade mission in the country. We are beyond words in expressing our appreciation with the impact this endeavor will contribute to the further growth of the city.

On behalf of the City of Iloilo, I wish to convey our good wishes of good health, success, and prosperity to Her Majesty's Ambassador Daniel Pruce and for his family as well as for his mission. I wish you all the very best in all your future endeavors and we look forward to welcoming you back to Iloilo City in the future.

Arangka Syudad Sang Iloilo!"

Mayor Jose Espinosa III 

 See: British Chamber Trade Mission goes to Iloilo

British Chamber Trade Mission goes to Iloilo

Iloilo City, in particular, has a “lot of opportunities,” Nelson noted, citing the city’s strong performance in terms of agribusiness, manufacturing and information and communications technology. 

The Philippines posts a steady economic growth and is even hailed as one of the fastest growing emerging economies in the world since President Rodrigo Duterte took office last year. In an effort to address Metro Manila’s worsening traffic congestion brought by the lack of infrastructure spending for years and to achieve inclusive growth throughout the country, President Duterte’s administration is pushing for decentralization to spur development in the countryside. Major cities like Clark in Northern Luzon, Davao and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao, and Iloilo in the Visayas are economic hotspots for investment.

Following last year’s successful trade mission in Davao, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) is visiting Iloilo City this year to encourage more businesses expand operation in the Visayas region. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) earlier forecasted that the average growth rate in the Visayas region will be higher than the government’s targeted national GDP growth for 2017-2022. In addition, there’s a growing interest of British companies in regional investment opportunities in the county.

With this in mind, the British Chamber is organizing the Iloilo Trade Mission on March 8-9, 2018 in Iloilo City. The Mission, held in celebration of the annual GREAT British Festival, will highlight a Trade & Investment Forum on March 8 at the Richmonde Hotel aimed to facilitate a dialogue between the government and private sectors and present business opportunities in Iloilo and the Visayas as a whole, and site visits on 9 March.

The 2-day event will gather an estimated total of hundred participants, and include three main components:

1) Iloilo Trade and Investment Forum

● Innovation is GREAT: Showcasing Innovative Practices

● How to Protect Your Innovation in the Philippines?

● Investment Opportunities in Iloilo

● Developing Iloilo's Economic Viability

2) Site Visits around Iloilo 

● Iloilo Business Park

● Iloilo Commercial Port Complex

● Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center

● And other homegrown industries, TBA

3) Social Networking & Cocktails

BABAENIHAN Launching

The Philippines is the only country in the Asia-Pacific region where the rate of teenage pregnancies rose over the last two decades, wherein one in ten young Filipino women age 15-19 has begun childbearing. These are startling figures that reflect more than just a personal or a family problem.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), together with the Office of Vice President of the Philippines, has collaborated in empowering young women nationwide to address teenage pregnancies today – through the launch of BABAENIHAN.

"We fortify this campaign in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 9, 10AM in UP Visayas Iloilo City Campus to raise our collective voices in raising awareness on this pressing condition and give more girls the choice to be more educated, more responsive and more vigilant. Vice President Leni Robredo and UNFPA Representative to the Philippines Klaus Beck will be there to grace the event."

"Mang Inasal, The Pride of the Ilonggos!"

Mang Inasal executives made a courtesy call to Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III yesterday morning, March 6, 2018 at City Mayor's Office, Iloilo City Hall.

They presented the golden leaf to Mayor Joe III as token of Mang Inasal's endless gratitude to the people of Iloilo City for supporting them since they opened their very first store in Iloilo City wayback 2003 and for welcoming them back as they launch their 500th store.

Hi-Fi, Iloilo CIty's most modern KTV opens at the City Time Square

  With state-of-the-art TV screen, sound system and digital song book, Hi-Fi truly offers a unique experience to the Ilonggos at the City Time Square. You can sing your hearts out or watch movies while eating or drinking, the price listed below for the first three hours is consumable - of course with delectable dishes.

See more. 

DOT pursues alternative livelihood during Boracay 'upgrading'

BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN - Over 56 billion pesos of tourist spending is at stake during the imminent Boracay Island rehabilitation and restoration but the Department of Tourism (DOT) is now collaborating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to address the issue.

DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo recognizes the possible effects including job displacements and economic dislocation of the the current upgrading of Boracay and is already looking at alternative means of livelihood and employment.

SIGHTSEEING AT BORACAY ISLAND’S MT. LUHO

"We are aware of the situation of Boracay but we cannot just discount the thousands of employees and their families and the economic contribution of the island through its tourist receipts and job employment. We have to strike a balance between the environment and the economy," Teo said.

Boracay Island welcomed over two million local and foreign tourists last year for a 16 per cent growth from 2016. Boracay also employed the most for the Western Visayas region last year with 17,737 direct tourism employment accounting to 66 per cent of the whole region.

DOT Regional Director for Western Visayas Atty. Helen Catalbas shared that most of the workers at the island are from other places like Cebu, Negros, Manila, and other provinces in Luzon.

The DOT Regional Office VI is already in coordination with other local government units in efforts to relocate employees that may be laid off during the Boracay rehabilitation.

MISS ILOILO DINAGYANG 2018 SWIMSUIT PICTORIAL IN BORACAY

"Those who will be affected can work with the demolition of illegal structures and the construction of the improved sewage system and road infrastructure," Teo added.

Hotel and tourism establishments can for the meantime polish and update their facilities and manpower during the reported Boracay upgrading.

DOT is also studying tax holidays and incentives for those business and employees affected. Skills development trainings and seminars for front liners and other tourism ambassadors are also being planned.

The DOT holds regular consultation meetings with tourism stakeholders including tour operators and travel agency associations in pacifying the effects to the domestic and international tourist market.

Meanwhile, DOT remains steadfast in its support to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in its pursue to solve the environment woes of the island and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in apprehension of those who violated and abused the law.

The tourism department is also gearing up to the launching of the 'new' Boracay after its renovation and upgrading.

"After the six-month timeline set by President Duterte, we look forward to introducing to the world the 'new' and improved Boracay," Teo added.