It’s confusing and disappointing to see that there seems to be no National Arts Month 2025 celebration in Iloilo. The silence from the local government unit, as well as institutions such as the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) and the Iloilo City Local Culture and Arts Council, raises critical questions
February 27, 2025
Have you heard about the new reading and literacy initiative launched by the National Museum of the Philippines – Western Visayas (NMP-WV)? Basa Ta! A Reading Program for Pre-School Learners of Iloilo was introduced last year in collaboration with the Iloilo Provincial Library and Archives, with the explicit aim of
February 26, 2025
The widespread proliferation of pirated books in online marketplaces across the country is a growing crisis that threatens the integrity of the Philippine publishing industry. I first observed this alarming trend during the pandemic while searching for books online, and it remains pervasive today. Just last week, while attempting to
February 25, 2025
Reading is often seen as the foundation of a knowledgeable and engaged society, but its true value comes from consistent effort and support. Yet, despite the steady expansion of the publishing industry, many communities in the Philippines continue to struggle with fundamental barriers to accessing books and other essential reading
February 24, 2025
I was in Bali when I heard about what Decathlon Philippines did to Jecko, a well-established visual artist in Iloilo and a reputable figure in the local art scene in Western Visayas. According to Jecko, someone from Iloilo approached him in a rush, requesting a design for the launch of
December 18, 2024
After the announcement and granting of Iloilo as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy under the latest UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) on October 31, 2023, Iloilo has become the first city in the Philippines to receive this recognition. What, then, has the city achieved to uphold this honor, and how
November 4, 2024
The 2024 Iloilo Arts Festival (IAF), happening from October 12 to 26, presents an opportunity for the city to showcase its cultural and creative vibrancy, with its theme Creative Collaborations in the Community. While the festival is poised to bring together over 2,000 participants, encompassing nine diverse activities from architecture
October 14, 2024
