VENDORS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MODERN MARKET'S BUSINESS BOOST

The Iloilo Central Market otherwise known as ‘Tienda Mayor’, home to the sought-after Popoy’s Batchoy, remains a popular destination for tourists and visitors despite its temporary closure for redevelopment.

Visitors continue to flock to adjacent temporary stalls to enjoy Popoy’s famous batchoy.

Ruby Serrano, co-owner of the Central Market branch of Popoy’s, noted that visitors come looking for Popoy’s almost daily. Most of their other patrons are students and workers, highlighting Popoy’s Batchoy’s reputation as pang-masa.

Despite operating from a temporary stall, Serrano emphasized that they maintain the same high level of customer service and warm hospitality—an Ilonggo tradition known as "pag-amona." She added that this service is expected to further improve once they return to the redeveloped market.

Serrano expressed her excitement for the market's reopening, sharing that their customers are also eagerly anticipating it.

“Ang akon gid number one nga ginakalangkagan amo nga mangin matawhay, manami kag malimpyo na ang Central Market. Almost every day may mga bisita ukon turista nga nagakaon diri sang Popoy’s Batchoy, ti kon maka-sulod na kita sa bag-o nga Central Market, mas mapabugal gid naton ang Syudad sang Iloilo kay luwas nga manamit na ang aton batchoy, matahum kag malimpyo pa gid ang aton merkado kag mapabatyag ta ang maayo nga pag-amoma sa mga bisita,” said Serrano.

Serrano believes that the modern market will attract more visitors and tourists. Local products, such as quality handicrafts, dried goods, and other Ilonggo food like batchoy, will help promote Iloilo to visitors.

Serrano is also looking forward to increased customers and improved income once they return to the market.

Aside from the Central Market, the Iloilo Terminal Market or “Super” is also undergoing redevelopment through a public-private partnership between the Iloilo City Government and SM. These projects are expected to revitalize the downtown area by bringing more businesses, jobs, and tourists.

The city government is also empowering market vendors through the Uswag Negosyo Academy.

Market vendors, including those from other district public markets, undergo training related to business operations and market management to foster the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

This program is facilitated by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) Office, in collaboration with the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) and BDO Foundation. This initiative is part of the preparation for the opening of modern markets. Under the program, completers receive P5,000 from BDO Foundation as additional capital for their businesses, deposited in their accounts 

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Arca South Estate Redefines Urban Connectivity with TCITX Groundbreaking

 

A game-changer for urban mobility! The Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange (TCITx) has officially broken ground today at Arca South, this marks a significant milestone in Arca South’s growth, setting the stage for improved mobility and connectivity across Metro Manila. Spanning 5 hectares, this premier transport hub is designed to accommodate 160,000 passengers and 5,200 vehicles daily, with direct links to the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), and access via Skyway Stage 4 (SEMME).

Expected to be fully operational by 2028, TCITx will position Arca South as a key gateway, enhancing accessibility and transforming it into a vital convergence point for public and private transport. This development reinforces Ayala Land’s commitment to building vibrant, connected, and sustainable urban communities.

Read more: https://www.ayalaland.com.ph/news/arca-south-estate-redefines-urban-connectivity-with-tcitx-groundbreaking/

Arca South

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Iloilo City and SM Prime Drive Sustainability in Market Development

 

Iloilo City Government and SM Prime Holdings are pushing for sustainability in developing the Central and Terminal (Super) public markets.

Iloilo City continues to make headway toward becoming the country’s most livable city by implementing comprehensive and back-to-back projects advancing economic and social development, and environmental and cultural preservation.

                                 ILOILO CENTRAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

Tying everything together is the City Government’s WHEELS for Sustainable Development Agenda, focusing on Welfare, Health, Environment, Education, Livelihood, and Sustainability.

From building more infrastructure and road networks for efficient delivery of services to beautification and expansion of greener public spaces, and the near full operation of Iloilo City Action and Response (ICARE) command center, are part of vast effort to realize the Ilonggos’ dream and goal of creating a more resilient and sustainable future for the city and its people.

The rehabilitation of markets, a public and private project between the City Government and SM Prime, is another testament to the city’s sustainable development agenda.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan said the redeveloped markets will be the first of their kind in Western Visayas as they will carry sustainable principles applied in SM Prime’s malls, residences, hotels, and commercial spaces.

                                    ILOILO TERMINAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

“Our vision for the redevelopment of the markets is to elevate the overall experience of those who will use them – vendors, people who work there, residents, and tourists,” said Tan.

“Using sustainable design and construction principles will help ensure that these infrastructures will serve public interest and stand the test of time,” Tan added.

The commitment can be expected from SM Prime as it collaborates with the City Government in transforming the markets into resilient and sustainable infrastructures that can positively impact the future of the Ilonggo people and communities.

Weekend Market at Molo Mansion: A Celebration of Heritage and Local Commerce

 The iconic Molo Mansion in Iloilo City transforms into a vibrant hub of activity every weekend this December, hosting the highly anticipated Weekend Market. This event seamlessly blends history, culture, and commerce, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

 

Situated adjacent to Molo Plaza and Molo Church, the Molo Mansion is more than just a historic site. Its stunning architecture and cultural significance make it a perfect backdrop for showcasing local  craftsmanship. Known as the Home of Iloilo’s Arts, Crafts, and Home-Grown Businesses, it provides an ideal platform to celebrate Iloilo's rich heritage while supporting  micro,small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

 

The Weekend Market offers a treasure trove of handcrafted items, artisanal goods, and one-of-a-kind products. From intricate local crafts to eco-friendly creations, every stall tells a story of creativity and innovation. It’s an opportunity to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs while supporting local artisans.

 

No Filipino market is complete without food, and the Molo Mansion’s Weekend Market delivers an array of culinary delights. Visitors can indulge in traditional Ilonggo dishes, freshly baked pastries, and a variety of other mouthwatering treats. It’s the perfect spot for foodies to savor authentic flavors while enjoying the mansion's picturesque surroundings.

 

This market isn’t just about shopping and dining—it’s a celebration of community. Families, friends, and couples can enjoy a relaxed ambiance as they explore the market. Whether you’re looking to spend quality time, discover hidden gems, or simply bask in the mansion's beauty, there’s something for everyone.

 

 

The Weekend Market exemplifies the importance of promoting MSMEs while preserving the city’s heritage. By bringing modern commerce into a historical setting, the event highlights how tradition and progress can go hand in hand.

 

The Molo Mansion Weekend Market is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering ample time to explore and enjoy. For inquiries, contact 09507491629 or send a message through their official social media page.

 

Whether you’re a history buff, a shopaholic, or a foodie, the Molo Mansion Weekend Market promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in Iloilo’s vibrant culture while supporting local businesses.

 

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Seeing Footprints of God’s Grace through SM Foundation

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Nile Kris Jan Banga aka Coach Nile grew up in a simple family, the youngest of three siblings, in a small city of Iloilo where survival was a daily battle for the marginalized.

 Nile shares his journey and tells us how SM Foundation helped him achieved his goals in life.

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My mother, a pillar of strength and resilience, worked tirelessly to keep us all alive. By day, she was employed at the Registrar’s Office at Western Institute of Technology. By night, she became a financial advisor and a tailor, squeezing every ounce of energy she had to provide for us. I can still picture her, slumped over the sewing machine, fighting sleep to finish all that needed to be done. She worked harder than anyone I knew, pushing herself to exhaustion. Her sickness came from those very sacrifices, and cancer claimed her life when I was just 13.

 Losing my mother at such a young age left me shattered. My father, who had been distant, stepped into the role of raising us, but it was a hard transition for all of us. Many people labeled our family as imperfect and dysfunctional. But now that I am older, I have come to realize my parents were simply doing the best they knew how. My mother especially, they gave all they could with the knowledge and tools they had at the time.

 As the last quarter of my senior year in high school approached, I found myself at a crossroads. My dream of going to college seemed impossible, overshadowed by the reality that we couldn’t afford it. It felt like a dead-end—until a glimmer of hope appeared in the form of SM Foundation.

 My aunt, my mother’s sister, heard about SM Foundation from a friend. She brought home a registration form from SM Delgado, the last one on that day, and I made the bold move to apply. My friend and I even photocopied the form so we could both try our luck. Miraculously, we both got in. That moment changed the course of my life. I am proud to be one of Tatang’s Isko, a scholar of the SM Foundation. I felt like a door had opened, offering me a chance to build something better for myself and my family.

 Looking back now, all I can see are the footprints of God’s grace, goodness, and love. And Tatang, together with SM Foundation, is one of those footprints.

There’s one memory from my days as a scholar that still sticks with me. During my second year at Central Philippine University in Iloilo, I found myself in a panic. I had scored an 84 in one of my subjects and was convinced that I had lost my scholarship. With my heart pounding, I rushed to Ma’am Jel Orian in SM City Iloilo, the program manager in Iloilo City, breathless and terrified. To my relief, she smiled and reassured me, "Don’t worry, your scholarship is safe." It turned out that the scholarship was based on my average mark, not individual subjects. Ma’am Jel, with her kind heart, didn’t stop there—she took the time to ask why I had received that grade when the rest of my marks were high. I poured out my struggles to her, and she offered comfort and encouragement, urging me to keep trying and never give up.

 That’s what I’ve come to understand—my life is a product of the kindness of God and the people He uses to extend that kindness. SM Foundation, Ma’am Jel, and countless others have been vessels of grace in my journey. Today, I have the privilege of serving businesses across Iloilo and the country, providing brand consultancy, marketing, and business development through my technical team, Identity Branding Team.

 In the competitive, dog-eat-dog world of business, Identity Branding takes a different approach. We don’t just help businesses grow—we help them align with their core values. We believe that when a business is true to its identity, success naturally follows. Our goal is to not only drive profits but also

create brands with heart, soul, and purpose. We help companies build genuine relationships with their customers, which leads to long-term success.

 On the side, I dedicate my time to mission trips as a life coach putting up Coach Nile International, where I help create safe spaces for God to touch communities both locally and abroad. It’s fulfilling work—watching families and individuals find hope, healing, and faith. Through these missions, I’ve seen firsthand how a community can be transformed when it comes together in love and purpose.

 One of the values Tatang and SM Foundation instilled in every isko is the responsibility to pass kindness forward. The kindness we’ve received is not meant to stop with us—it’s our duty to extend it to others whenever possible. Today, I have dedicated my life to service-based industries as my divine calling—brand consultancy, life coaching, and missionary work—to continue spreading that love of God, kindness and impact lives, just as it was done for me.

 My journey—starting from that small city, losing my mother, becoming a scholar, and now running a business and serving communities—is a testament to the power of faith, kindness, and perseverance. It’s a journey that wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support of God and the people He places on my path like Tatang and the SM Foundation, whose heart and soul are felt in everything they do. Salamat, Tatang! Salamat, SM Foundation Inc! Glory to God