Skip to main content

Posts

Take a HERITAGE WALK down historic Santa Barbara

There is so much for you to discover in Santa Barbara. From its pivotal role in the quest for freedom for the Ilonggos - as retold in history books, to its heritage as manifested in centuries-old structures, surviving customs, traditional ways of life and gastronomy. No other town has contributed this much to the Iloilo’s history, economy and tourism than Santa Barbara. In this regard, the Municipal Tourism Office is spearheading a Heritage Walk/Trail designed for locals and tourist alike to discover, experience and enjoy what the historic town has to offer. Marvel in the beauty of the newly restored CHURCH and CONVENT (A) built in 1849 and declared as a National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure. Discover the town’s rich culture and historic past at the CENTENNIAL MUSEUM (B) . See one of the biggest Philippine flags atop one of the tallest flagpoles in the country displayed 24/7 at the FLAGPOLE PARK (C) . A monument dedicated to GEN. MARTIN TEOFILO DEL...
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

Belgian lace making and embroidery at WUTHLE

Originated in Belgium by the ICM Sisters’ Apostolate, this is the only one of its kind in the Philippines.WUTHLE stands for Women United Through Handcrafted Lace & Embroidery. This is a non-profit organization which seeks to uplift the lives of women through embroidery and lace-making. Their workplace can be found inside the compound of the Western Visayas Sanitarium, where one can actually see the lace-making and embroidery under the nimble and creative hands of the workers.
1 comment
Read more

The Catmon tree

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.
Post a Comment
Read more

The "Cakehouse"

 The Sornito residence located at the corner of Hingco and Burgos Streets  has been fascinating a lot of Sta. Barbaranhons. For one, it looks like a giant cake because of the design and and color motif. Built in the 1950's this three storey edifice can be among the town's tourist attractions if it is converted into a sort of museum showcasing the family's lifestyle almost 60 years ago.  The lattice work on the second floor is the most striking as simple it may seem it looks a very intricate work of art. It protects stained glass windows of varying colors that makes the house glow inside out. The third floor has a balcony that overlooks the two streets and it's the family library that has windows in almost every part of the thus giving the third floor and the whole house a sort of airconditioning system.  A closer look gives the onlookers an idea how the owner gave much importance to the simple details that makes it even more pleasant to look at. the slen...
Post a Comment
Read more

Plaza Ilokal: Megaworld's leisure and commercial grounds at Santa Barbara Heights

Property giant Megaworld has formally broken ground for Plaza Ilokal, its latest development inside the 173-hectare Sta. Barbara Heights Village of its subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI) in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo near the Iloilo International Airport. Shown in photo during the groundbreaking ceremony are (from left) Ar. John Regania, landscape architect, GERI; Ar. Kristine Valenzuela, project development manager, GERI; Megaworld; Jennifer Palmares-Fong, head of sales and marketing for Sta. Barbara Heights, Megaworld Global-Estate, Inc.; Engr. El Zed Lepon, head of project management for Visayas and Mindanao; and Engr. Reginaldo Pelayo, project development manager, GERI. The nearly 3,000-square meter commercial and leisure area, being constructed on the corner of the Iloilo Airport Access Road and the Sta. Barbara Heights spine road, will be surrounded by lush, mature trees and will feature a jogging area, bike park, an open-air events space, sunken lawn, food trucks, and an al...
Post a Comment
Read more

SM Foundation launches Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan Program for Ilonggo farmers in Santa Barbara, Pavia towns

SM Foundation officially launched the 156, 157 and 158 batch of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) on Sustainable Agriculture Program at the Centre for Agriskills and Livelihoods Inc at Sta. Barbara, Iloilo last June 14, 2023. A total of 75 farmers from the towns of Santa Barbara and Pavia will be trained in order to be equipped with modern farming techniques that will enable them to have quality produce—which they may consume at home or sell for additional source of income. This Corporate Social Responsibility Project of SM Foundation Inc. is in partnership with SM Supermalls, SM Markets, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and local government units. SM’s Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) aims to bring modern and sustainable farming skills in both rural and urban communitie...
Post a Comment
Read more

Poso - Our drinking water that "burns"

While most towns and places take pride on native delicacies and dishes, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo has a drink that can actually do more than quench one's thirst. Sta. Barbara's drinking water since time immemorial is known as "poso" . It doesn't stop flowing even during summer, it is colored like tea and it "burns". But before you take out your white hankies and start waving it; or line up, bathe or take a sip in the hopes of curing physical pains, it's not actually that "miraculous" in that sense. Read More
Post a Comment
Read more