10 Ilonggos Explain Why Iloilo is such a Special Place

In the September 2021 issue of Philippine Panorama of The Manila Bulletin, 10 Ilonggos with considerable success in their own fields were interviewed and gave their opinions on what makes Iloilo special.

Their varying perspectives of the place and the people in it are fascinating.

Here are snippets of what they said about IloIlo and the Ilonggos:

We can be an independent country if you ask me. But for me, what makes Iloilo unique is the people — the Ilonggos.

Chef Tibong JardelezaILONGGO HERITAGE CUISINE CHAMPION

Even during the Spanish time, Iloilo has been a booming city. It also has great infrastructure that supports tourism development. Also, it’s the creativity of the people.

Cristine MansinaresDOT REGIONAL DIRECTOR, WESTERN VISAYAS

What’s nice about Iloilo is it is a vibrant city during the day but it becomes a small town at night. It’s got the best of both worlds. It’s a city but everyone knows everyone.

Paul Benedict TinsayPRESIDENT & CEO, PLAY TELECOM

What I want everyone to know more about the Ilonggos is how charming, affable, frugal, yet sophisticated we are. I want the rest of the Philippines to know our values, and our way of thinking and feeling.

Marjorie FloreteVP of Sales & Operations, F&C Jewelry; President of Assumption Iloilo Educational Foundation (AIEF)

Ilonggos are now more open to trying new things, hence more restaurants and clothing brands are opening and making their mark here. I enjoy Iloilo’s growth because I am also seeing that a lot of people are becoming environmentally conscious.

Frannie GolezPRESIDENT & CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF OBRA ILONGGO

Iloilo is a developing city. The wider roads are among the drastic changes. Construction is still booming, but more in the BPO industry.

Allan Ryan TanINTERNATIONAL BUILDER’S CORPORATION VP FOR REAL ESTATE & LAND DEVELOPMENT

What stands out is our resilience and preparedness. We have adopted several measures not just to fight the flooding but also to bounce back immediately after any disaster. We have a very good risk-reduction management program.

Chiqui BiancaflorHEAD OF USWAG MOLECULAR LAB & SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE MAYOR

We value history and heritage and so we don’t just change or develop something just for the sake of making it modern. We make sure there’s a good balance between moving forward and respecting our past. These characteristics make Iloilo a beautiful place with so many stories waiting to be told.

Elvert ‘JV’ BañaresACCLAIMED FILMMAKER & MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ARTIST

I’ve never seen people with so much pride and love for their city. The community gives so easily, and by the millions. They would give a helping hand to anyone, especially if it’s for the betterment of the city.

Natalie LimGENERAL MANAGER OF RICHMONDE HOTEL ILOILO (and adopted Ilonggo)

We have a strong labor force. You need not go to Manila or Cebu if you’re looking for people to run your business. We have them here. So, I think Iloilo has great potential, and it has a lot to do with the educated populace.

Joemarie LaysonCEO OF LAYSON GROUP OF COMPANIES

Read source at Philippine Panorama by Jules Vivas: https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/18/the-secret-of-iloilo-is-its-people