National Media Familiarization Tour in Santa Barbara
In preparation for the National Celebration of the 117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in Santa Barbara this coming June 12, the members of the media from Manila toured the town's heritage zone. Print, broadcasters journalists from ABS-CBN, Philippine Star, Inquirer, Pilipino Star Ngayon as well as bloggers toured the Santa Barbara Church and Convent, Centennial Museum, Victory Plaza and Flagpole Park with Mayor Dennis Superficial.
Standing from left: Danny Gozo, PR Consultant; Hon. Dennis S. Superficial, Mayor, Municipality of Santa Barbara ; Narzalina Lim, President, ILED Foundation, Inc; Marissa Bondoc (DWIZ radio); Jarius Bondoc, Philippine Star; Al Pedroche, Phil Star Ngayon; Ivan Anthony Henares, Blogger on Heritage and Culture; Marichu Villanueva, Philippine Star;Rina Jimenez David, Inquirer and; Boo Chanco, Philippine Star.
Checking the almost finished restoration works of the church
Marissa and Jarius Bondoc taking a pulpit pose
Scaling down the escalera after visiting the convent and choir loft
This is part of a 2-day Iloilo Media Familiarization tour organized by Ms Narzalina Lim
Members of media based in Manila will be in the city and province of Iloilo for a familiarization tour starting Thursday, May 21.
The tour was organized by former secretary of the Department of Tourism and current President of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation Inc., Narzalina Lim to further promote Iloilo City and province for investment and business.
Lim is actively involved in the preparations for the forthcoming 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration on June 12 in Iloilo.
President Benigno Aquino is expected to attend the flag-raising ceremony at Sta. Barbara town where the Philippine flag was raised for the first time outside Luzon and later in the morning for the traditional Vin d’Honneur which will take place at the newly-restored old Iloilo Provincial Capitol on June 12.
On the other hand, Philippine Information Agency 6 Director Atty. Janet Mesa said through the two-day tour, participating media will also get to know the strides the city and province of Iloilo have taken in terms of infrastructure, industries, business and attractions for investors and tourists.
Mesa said the activity will also raise the group’s level of awareness and understanding of the history and culture of Iloilo and its investment and business potentials.
Participating media include journalists from Philippine Star, Inquirer, Pilipino Star Ngayon, a blogger, broadcaster, a PR consultant and a team from ABS-CBN.
Part of the two-day familiarization tour is the group’s visit to important historic, cultural heritage and religious sites, ongoing infrastructure development and major government projects in the city and province.
They will also have the opportunity to experience the famous local dishes and delicacies offered by Ilonggos and well known restaurants.
Governor Arthur Defensor and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog will also brief them on the ongoing projects and developments in their respective local government units while Congressman Jerry Trenas of the Lone district of Iloilo City, will give a briefing on cultural heritage projects.
Senate President Franklin Drilon, an Ilonggo, will also be with the group and brief them on some of his major projects here.
The Santa Barbara Centennial Museum was built in 1998 as part of the Centennial Freedom Trail Site Project of the Philippine Centennial Commission. The museum houses antiques, artifacts and photos that tell the story of Santa Barbara’s historical heritage. The museum has two wings: the left wing is the historical wing while the right wing has been designated as the changing museum. In the historical wing is Gen. Martin Teofilo Delgado’s Exhibit. The items on exhibit here are: Gen. Martin Teofilo Delgado’s Exhibit – the greatest revolutionary hero of the Visayas, and the first Filipino Governor of Iloilo under the American regime. 1. GMTD’s bed 2. GMTD’s backbone – spared by the Delgado clan for display to the museum with document of permission 3. Documents written in Spanish attesting of him as the first Filipino Governor of Iloilo 4. Photos of him with his family 5. Frames explaining the Cry of Santa Barbara and his biography 6. Revolutionary insignia o
In time for the Lenten Season, a new attraction has emerged in Santa Barbara particularly in Brgy. Jibao-an near its boundary with the town of Pavia. Called as the Our Lady of the Smile, the statue sits on top of a man made mound called the Hill of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Located in a former ricefield, the "hill" is about 2-3 storeys high with snaking paths going all the way up. The winding path is dotted with the Stations of the Cross for simple pilgrimage along the way making devotees and tourists as well experience Via Crucis all year round. At first it may seem so near but as you follow the path, you feel like treading the path Jesus took along the road to Calvary. But it only takes around 15-20 minutes to complete the whole trek, even under the scorching heat of the sun. A brisk walk or a few jogs would make it even faster. The hill is photogenic from almost all angles but the best spot is marked with a selfie or posing deck which captures th
The living symbol of Santa Barbara is the only Catmon Tree growing in the entire town. Before the town was renamed after the saint, it used to be called catmon , as this variety of trees were landmarks in the route up Central Panay. Katmon (Family: Dilleniaceae , Synonyms: Dilenia speciosa , other names: Bihis, kulammbug, palali ) has thick foliage and distinctly big white flowers that eventually becomes round fruits. The fruit is sour but refreshing - my tastebuds likened the taste to kamias with hints of green apple and like the pomelo it becomes sweet at some certain points. The only surviving in the whole town which was previously named after it is right next to the police station - safely guarding it like a treasure. After all it is the only living symbol of the town of Santa Barbara. Read more.
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