The bronze-made “Ilonggo Pride Statue” atop the dome of the new Iloilo City Hall building was officially unveiled during the celebration of Iloilo City’s 74th Charter Day on August 25, 2011.
The 19-feet-high statue of a female was designed by Prof. Eduardo Defensor of Mandurriao, Iloilo City who outlined the meaning, symbolism and history of the “Lin-ay Sang Iloilo.”
Defensor said he never hesitated in accepting the project when it was offered to him since he had been dreaming of a statue that would make history as the first of its kind in the country since 15 years ago.
The graceful figure of the ‘lin-ay’ holds on her right hand a bunch of harvested rice. Her left hand holds a scythe (garab) that has long been the traditional harvesting tool in the region.
She is wearing an embroidered blouse, symbolic of one of the popular traditional arts of the city and province. On top of it is a “sablay” of a “hablon,” the textile which contributed to Iloilo’s becoming the second city of the Philippines, next to Manila, at the onset of the 19th century.
Her skirt is a “patadyong,” our native hand-woven wrap-around skirt.
Also, the statue is wearing the traditional bandana usually worn by farm ladies to protect them from the heat of the sun. On her neck she wears an ethnic necklace, symbolic of her ancestry, as she comes from a rich mythic past, from the Maragtas, the “Barter of Panay,” and the long line of heroic datus that peopled the island of Panay.
The figure stands on a field of rice as Iloilo is known as the rice granary of Visayas.
The figure is situated on top of a pedestal that has four sides carved with the major assets of Iloilo. The front shows the rice-farming industry; right, sugarcane; left, fishing industry; and back, education because Iloilo is considered as the educational center of Visayas and Mindanao.
HONOR TO WOMEN
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said this statue will represent honor and respect to women who play a major role in the success of this city. He also mentioned that the initial 10-million worth of statue was donated by an Ilongga philanthropist who truly loves Iloilo but prefers to remain anonymous.
“We would like to extend our warmest thanks to our donor who donated this statue without any strings attached nor political ambition,” he stressed.
Mabilog said the donor never refused him when he asked her to sponsor the statue.
“It took me 10 seconds to convince our donor and I’m very thankful for her kind-heartedness,” he ended. by Montesa Griño-Caoyonan source: The News Today
A total of fifty-seven artists perform for the latest Department of Tourism's domestic travel campaign, "Pilipinas, Tara Na!" song which will be produce in three versions.
The artists and bands who performed the 3 "Pilipinas, Tara Na!" songs include: 6 Cycle Mind, Aiza Seguerra, Barbie Almalbis, Bayang Barrios, Billy Crawford, Bituin Escalante, Boboy Garovillo, Christian Bautista, Cookie Chua, Dolphy, Ebe Dancel, Gabby Alipe, Gail Blanco, Gloc 9, Itchyworms, Janno Gibbs, Jaya, Jay-R, Jed Madela, Jett Pangan, Jim Paredes, John Lesaca, Jong Cuenco, Karylle, Kevin Roy, Kitchie Nadal, Kris Lawrence, Kyla, Martin Nievera, Nikki Gil, Noel Cabangon, Ogie Alcasid, Pepe Smith, Raimund Marasigan, Regine Velasquez, Rico J. Puno, Rivermaya, Sam Concepcion, Spongecola, Yeng Constantino and Zsa Zsa Padilla.
The music video will highlight the country's different tourist attractions including food, festivals and historic places.
Here's the version one music video of Pilipinas, Tara Na! from Pilipinas, Tara Na facebook page.
Pilipinas, Tara Na! v.1 Words by: Rene Nieva Composed by: Mike Villegas and Rico Blanco Arranged by: Angelo Villegas
Ikaw ba'y nalulungkot Naiinip, nababagot Ikaw ba'y napapagod Araw gabi'y puro kayod? Buhay mo ba'y walang saysay Walang sigla, walang kulay? Bawa't araw ba'y pareho Parang walang pagbabago? Tara na, biyahe tayo Kasama ang pamilya Barkada at buong grupo Para mag-enjoy ng todo. Halika, biyahe tayo Nang ating makita Ang ganda ng Pilipinas Ang galing ng Pilipino. Nag-driving ka na ba Sa mga bayan sa baybay Ng buong Laguna de Bay Tuloy-tuloy sa Tagaytay? Nalasap mo na ba Ang Lanzones ng Camiguin Penoy balot ng Pateros Ensaymada ng Malolos? Tara na, biyahe tayo Upang ating matanto Tayo man ay iba-iba Diwa't puso ay iisa Halika, biyahe tayo Nang ating makita Ang ganda ng Pilipinas Ang galing ng Pilipino. RAP: Mga kababayan, ating puntahan, Dambana ng kadakilaan at kagitingan Fort Santiago, Kawit, Mactan Barasoain, Corregidor at Bataan. Nag-shopping ka na ba Sa malls ng Metro Manila Naka-bargain sa Baclaran Greenhills at Divisoria? Nakapag-uwi ka na ba Ng perlas mula Sulu World-class shoes from Marikina Abaca bags from Bicolandia? Tara na, biyahe tayo Nang makabili Ng maganda at murang-mura Gawa ng kapwa-Pilipino. Halika, biyahe tayo Nang ating makita Ang ganda ng Pilipinas Ang galing ng Pilipino. Nakisaya ka na ba Sa Pahiyas at Masskara Moriones at Ati-atihan Sinulog at Kadayawan? Namiesta ka na ba Sa Penafrancia sa Naga Umakyat sa Antipolo Nagsayaw sa Obando? Tara na, biyahe tayo Upang ating matamo Ligaya at pagkakaibigan Kaunlaran, kapayapaan. Halika, biyahe tayo Nang ating makita Ang ganda ng Pilipinas Ang galing ng Pilipino. Tara na, biyahe tayo Upang ating matamo Ligaya at pagkakaibigan Kaunlaran, kapayapaan. Halika, biyahe tayo Nang ating makita Ang ganda ng Pilipinas Ang galing ng Pilipino.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the the 28 global finalist of the new seven wonders of nature. It is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.
The official declaration of the new seven wonders of nature will be on November 11, 2011 (11.11.11).
Here's a short trailer for Puerto Princesa Underground River with the discovery of the 20 million year old Sirenia fossil.
