Passion for Fashion

Student-Designer Jeffy Ticao

Iloilo is making a strong step forward towards becoming a leading fashion battlefield in the country. The country’s fashion industry’s growth is not coming from Manila or big cities such as Cebu and Davao anymore. Everyone is embracing the rise of Ilonggo designers and faces on the local and international runways.

The annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair remains a platform for creative ability and offers top up-and-coming designers a chance to be discovered as such and to gain the attention of the fashion industry and the general public. It brings together Ilonggo individualities of such diverse, original stylistic expressions. The event also provides individual, professional support to up-and-coming designers.

Student-Designer Jo Nino Damasco

On its 9th year on August 3-7, 2016, the event will introduce nine new young students from the Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Merchandising of ISAT University who are passionate about their work and willing to share their expertise in fashion design. As testament to their versatility and creativity, they will showcase their designs using our hand-loomed fabrics on August 5 (Friday), 5 p.m. at the Event Center of SM City Iloilo.

These students studied fashion also learned about all aspects of the local fashion industry, including technical skills in drawing, apparel construction, tailoring processes, pattern cutting, crafting and fashion photography. The knowledge they have acquired in school and the exposure such as annual fashion shows and design competitions have equipped them with the understanding of the industry itself.

Student-Designer John Larlar

Creativity is a gift to be nurtured, nourished and stimulated continuously, with passion and dedication. Introducing Iloilo’s future in fashion design:  JEFFY TICAO, JO NINO DAMASCO, ELON DELGADO, JOHN EDWARD SALES, JOHN ASDOLO, MELVIN ARANGA, MARIA ERICKA CELIZ, CLOE ANN SERUE and JOHN LARLAR.

The student-designers will be joined by other established designers starting on August 3 (Wednesday) at 5 p.m. will feature LGU-DUENAS with HABOL DUENASANON; August 4 (Thursday) at 5 p.m. will showcase LGU-OTON on Spotlight and 6 p.m. will feature MARGRET ESTELLE BLAS for ANYAG; August 5 (Friday) at 5 p.m. will make way for the graduating students of the Fashion Design and Merchandising Department of ISAT University and 6 p.m. will feature LEXTER BADANA for PRECIOSA; August 6 (Saturday) at 5 p.m. will spotlight LGU-MIAGAO on Centerstage and 6 p.m. will have International Lifestyle Designer PJ ARANADOR for PATADYONG ACCESORIOS; August 7 (Sunday) at 5 p.m. will present the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association, Inc. on the Ramp and 6 p.m. will be highlighted by the ILOILO FASHION DESIGNERS COUNCIL featuring JOHN MONTINOLA, IAN JORDA, HELLO HELLO, JUN-G CANDELARIO, PAUL CONTE, LEXTER BADANA, BINKY PITOGO and AUDREY ROSE ALBASON.

Student-Designer Edward Sales

The 9th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair on August 3-7, 2016 is brought to you by the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo in partnership with the Department or Trade and Industry, the Department of Tourism Regional Office, LGU-Miagao, LGU-Oton, LGU-Duenas, LGU-Badiangan, Tinukib and the Daily Guardian.

Hidden Adventures in Tubungan

the scenic view of Barangay Igtuble, Tubungan, Iloilo

The most popular destinations in the province are getting to be more crowded than ever. Fortunately for you, there are still a lot of ‘hidden gems‘ in Iloilo that can give you exactly what you want. The province is filled with off-the-beaten-track, out of the ordinary destinations that offer the same excitement with a fewer number of visitors abound. Whether it is due to geographical location or turbulent military history, the town of Tubungan has amazing sights and cultures to offer but have stayed under the radar.

Tubungan, Iloilo is an isolated agricultural town with a mountainous location and offers a taste of pre-tourist-boom life, connecting itself with the rest of the towns in the First Congressional District of the Province of Iloilo. 

the trail going to Bato Sumpit Falls

Getting around could be politely called a challenge. For some, the town is the last place one would go for a fun time. But in reality it has charming sceneries dominated by verdant mountains where locals and visitors alike can spend the day wandering on elevated trails and soaking in its natural atmosphere.

There are areas that offer a break from the city environment, a chance to get out into nature for a day. For some city dwellers, the best thing about these slopes is that they feature challenging hiking trails and stunning scenic views. Hiking enthusiasts will surely enjoy hike along cliff-top trails.

Pinihakan Daraga serving as backdrop of Barangay Igtuble

Approximately 11.1 kilometers away, passing through seven barangays from the town center is the scenic and peaceful upland barangay of Igtuble, a boundary barangay of the towns of Igbaras, Tubungan and Leon. It is home to the Bukidnon Tribe comprising of 236 families with a population of 1,249.  They annually celebrate their Religious Festival in April 30 in honor of San Vicente Ferrer where activities such as boxing, cock-fight, Paupas Kabayo and Motor Trail are observed. The tribe is headed by a chieftain, a Barangay Kagawad in the area, the very accommodating Hon. Recto Tacaisan Taghap. He manages a homestay, ang Kamalig with two rooms good for 10 persons each and charges them with a very minimal fee of P50 for an overnight stay that includes beddings.

The barangay takes pride of their rich organic produce such as corn, banana, coconut, sweet potato, carrots, peanuts and papaya. But real charm of this barangay is its cave, rock formations and waterfalls. Most visited is the 45-minuter medium hike trail to Bato Sumpit Falls, the centerpiece of this barangay’s natural attractions.

There are also some intriguing historic sites in Tubungan. The Cruz sa Balabago in Barangay Batga around 7.50 kilometers away from the town center. On Holy Thursday, the Panait ritual is re-enacted near the Cross sa Balabago where Babaylans from neighboring towns and provinces gather on the site they call the holy well or El Pozo Santo which still exists even up to this day. Rituals are performed to ask for good weather, rain or to thank the ancestral spirit for good harvest and energized themselves.

The St Anthony the Abbot Parish Church at the town center is of Romanesque architectural style. The old church was built in 1844 and the materials used were adobe stones that were found in the rivers and hills around the area. It was however destroyed during World War II. The belfry was constructed in 1958 and completed in 1960. The parish was turned over by Mill Hill missionaries to the seculars In Aril 23, 1962.

The Eco-Park in Barangay Bacan, 3 kilometers away from the town center is a living classroom and laboratory for environmental education and aims to be a center for biodiversity conservation in Iloilo. It has nurseries for indigenous trees and vegetable seedlings, screen houses for vegetables, goatery/ piggery, clonal chambers, Farmer’s Learning Center, Bio Control Laboratory and Vermi Composting Areas.

Coconut is this town’s One-Town-One-Product and through its Coconut Industry Development Project in Barangay San Jose, 5 kilometers from the town center, the town had been a pioneer producer of Geonet in the province of Iloilo. The process involved collecting the husk, decorticating or processing the husk into fiber or peat, twining and weaving. A roll of Geonet costs P3,000 – P4,000 with a regular size of 1meter in width and 50 meters long. Geonet serves as drainage liners designed to complement or replace sand, stone and gravel. They are used for erosion control, foundation wall drainage, landfill leachate collection in landfill liners, leak detection, caps and closures, methane gas collection, pond leak detection, roadway and pavement drainage and other subsurface drainage system applications.

So, if you wish to go places where you have not been and regale your friends with your backpacking tales of far off barangays when you get back, definitely, Tubungan is it.

To get to the town, one can take a Tubungan jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary in Barangay Mohon, Oton or when in the city, at the market situated at the back of Robinsons Place Iloilo. To get to Barangay Igtuble, two jeepney trips at 9 and 9:30 a.m. are available at the market terminal at the back of Robinsons Place Iloilo Mall. From Barangay Igtuble to Iloilo City, one jeepney trip at 4:30 is available daily. For homestay at the barangay, Please contact Hon. Recto Tacaisan Taghap at 0995670068.  For more information, please contact Mrs. Marlyn Tagudar at 09152893395 or at 3960754.

Weaving Icon PJ Arañador for Patadyong Accesorios

Phiippines Supermodel, Ilongga Ria Bolivar

Iloilo is considered as one of the promising major runways outside of Manila producing famous fashion models and fashion designers that has taken major venues here and abroad by storm. We have seen a lot of noticeable names come up in the fashion game.

International Lifestyle Designer Percy J Arañador, popularly known as PJ has established himself as an exceptionally talented designer. His eclectic style is, in part, a result of his diverse experiences in Europe, Latin America and Asia in combination with his background as a Stylist, Trend  Presentor,  Industry Scanner, Academe Professor, Trainor and Mentor, Industrial Designer, Product Development, Merchandise and Branding Consultant, Curator, Blogger, Cultural Worker and Environmentalist.

International Lifestyle Designer, PJ Aranador

He draws inspiration from the East and the West; the traditional and the ultra-modern. He is known for his eclectic yet exquisite taste. His clothes are easily wearable, and play around with notions of fabric and print. He had gained a following from both men and women who want great resort wear that fit, drapey silhouettes and well-made basics that can be worn pretty much with anything and had been on point. He takes easily wearable wardrobe staples like jackets, hoodies and t-shirts and regularly adds his own design twist to items, making them seem unique without being over-designed, which is not an easy thing to do.

Arañador is taking menswear in a decidedly more fashion-forward direction. His silhouettes geared towards athletic gear, but slightly tailored and constructed from luxurious fabrics. Playful in his designs, incorporating extra pockets and contrast buttons, to make us clothes not just well-crafted pieces, but actually give them a unique aesthetic.

His in-house label Nautilus exudes a contemporary marine vibe, featuring nature prints and head-turning color combinations. His Design Studio One is located in Corner Arguelles and Fajardo Streets, Barangay Fajardo, Jaro, Iloilo City and in Boracay Island at Stall 99-100 D’Mall Plaza Station 2, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan furthers his noticeably neon aesthetic, deftly combining his love for color.

Arañador also heads the Escuela de Artesanias da las Filipinas Fashion Academy located in Corner General Hughes, Iloilo City where he lectures on short-term courses in Colorscoping and Craft Classes such as Bamboo Weaving, Surface Finishing, Jewelry Design and Product Development. He is also the proprietor of WAWA Heritage Café and Restaurant located in Montinola Mansion, Calle Lopez Jaena, Jaro, Iloilo City.

International Lifestyle Designer PJ ARAÑADOR will showcase his latest accessory designs highlighting our local fabric, the Patadyong, hand-woven by the women of Salngan Livelihood Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Barangay Salngan, Oton, Iloilo. He will present big beach bags, footwear, umbrellas, costume textile-based jewelries for his show entitled PATADYONG ACCESORIOS on August 6 (Saturday) at 6 p.m., Event Center of SM City Iloilo.

Arañador will be joined by other designers starting on August 3 (Wednesday) at 5 p.m. will feature LGU-DUENAS with HABOL DUENASANON; August 4 (Thursday) at 5 p.m. will showcase LGU-OTON on Spotlight and 6 p.m. will feature MARGRET ESTELLE BLAS for ANYAG; August 5 (Friday) at 5 p.m. will make way for the graduating students of the Fashion Design and Merchandising Department of ISAT University featuring JEFFY TICAO, JO NINO DAMASCO, ELON DELGADO, JOHN EDWARD SALES, JOHN ASDOLO, MELVIN ARANGA, MARIA ERICKA CELIZ, CLOE ANN SERUE and JOHN LARLAR and 6 p.m. will feature LEXTER BADANA for PRECIOSA; August 6 (Saturday) at 5 p.m. will spotlight LGU-MIAGAO on Centerstage and 6 p.m. will have International Lifestyle Designer PJ ARANADOR for PATADYONG ACCESORIOS; August 7 (Sunday) at 5 p.m. will present the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association, Inc. on the Ramp and 6 p.m. will be highlighted by the ILOILO FASHION DESIGNERS COUNCIL featuring JOHN MONTINOLA, IAN JORDA, HELLO HELLO, JUN-G CANDELARIO, PAUL CONTE, LEXTER BADANA, BINKY PITOGO and AUDREY ROSE ALBASON.

The 9th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair on August 3-7, 2016 is brought to you by the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo in partnership with the Department or Trade and Industry, the Department of Tourism Regional Office, LGU-Miagao, LGU-Oton, LGU-Duenas, LGU-Badiangan, Tinukib and the Daily Guardian.

Daryl Amar Highlights Hablon Moda

From 2008, the annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair did not fail to present talented young Ilonggo designers. The Event Center in SM City Iloilo is crowded with supporters, buyers, and designers. The event is designed to give those local talents a platform, upon which they can build. It gave them an opportunity to go up or participate in major local fashion shows and show Ilonggos what they can do. The event had done it eight times and young fashion designer Daryl Campanero Amar is the latest.

The Leon, Iloilo born fashion designer graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science major in Fashion and Apparel Technology at ISAT University in 2014 and with Merit Honor.

As a student, young designer Amar had been joining school competitions and had won awards such as Best Designer-Craftsman Fashion Runway 2013; 1st Runner-Up in Modern Filipiniana 2010. His most memorable was when he won as Runner-up for the Robinson's Design Lab in 2014.

After that, invitations to events started pouring in, among them is the Masskara Fashion Week, Sinulog Fashion Week, Robinson's Campus Fashionista (dress-up modeling competition)   Green Fashion Runway and  Aesthetic Runway  Guest Designer for a project at                       ISAT-University.

He is known for his with timeless, sophisticated and incredibly well-made women’s wear. His designs emphasize classic forms, chic details, color blocking and clean-cut necklines, ensuring the pieces are far from average. At times, his designs are filled with a medley of experiments, ranging from architectural, ornately patterned tunics to sexy, smart cocktail dresses with geometric cut-outs, mesh details and asymmetrical hems.

Amar will have his debut for the annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair with a solo show entitled Hablon Moda on the opening day on August 3, 2016 at 6 p.m., Event Center, SM City Iloilo. The designer will be using hablon textiles woven from Barangay Indag-an in Miagao, Iloilo.

Daryl Amar will be joined by other designers starting on August 3 (Wednesday) at 5 p.m. will feature LGU-DUENAS with HABOL DUENASANON; August 4 (Thursday) at 5 p.m. will showcase LGU-OTON on Spotlight and 6 p.m. will feature MARGRET ESTELLE BLAS for ANYAG; August 5 (Friday) at 5 p.m. will make way for the graduating students of the Fashion Design and Merchandising Department of ISAT University featuring JEFFY TICAO, JO NINO DAMASCO, ELON DELGADO, JOHN EDWARD SALES, JOHN ASDOLO, MELVIN ARANGA, MARIA ERICKA CELIZ, CLOE ANN SERUE and JOHN LARLAR and 6 p.m. will feature LEXTER BADANA for PRECIOSA; August 6 (Saturday) at 5 p.m. will spotlight LGU-MIAGAO on Centerstage and 6 p.m. will have International Lifestyle Designer PJ ARANADOR for PATADYONG ACCESORIOS; August 7 (Sunday) at 5 p.m. will present the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association, Inc. on the Ramp and 6 p.m. will be highlighted by the ILOILO FASHION DESIGNERS COUNCIL featuring JOHN MONTINOLA, IAN JORDA, HELLO HELLO, JUN-G CANDELARIO, PAUL CONTE, LEXTER BADANA, BINKY PITOGO and AUDREY ROSE ALBASON.

The 9th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair on August 3-7, 2016 is brought to you by the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo in partnership with the Department or Trade and Industry, the Department of Tourism Regional Office, LGU-Miagao, LGU-Oton, LGU-Duenas, LGU-Badiangan, Tinukib and the Daily Guardian.

Fashion Forward for the Iloilo Fashion Designers Council

The Iloilo Fashion Designer Council is an Iloilo-based non-profit organization established just this year.  It was conceived with the aim to help facilitate Ilonggo designers and to work for the development and growth of the fashion industry adhering to socially responsible practices and promoting the beautiful image of Iloilo.

The council’s corporate social responsibility is in support of Iloilo’s weaving industry particularly in the towns of Miagao, Oton, Badiangan, Duenas and Igbaras.  The group would like to initiate a project to help local weavers in terms of producing new design patterns and color matching. By joining the upcoming Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair on August 7, 2016 where they will showcase their fashion forecasts using hablon and patadyong, the IFDC has taken its initial steps to transform its vision to reality.

Presently, the council has seven members namely, John Montinola, Ian Jorda, Jun-G Candelario, Paul Conte, Binky Pitogo, Lexter Badana, Hello Hello and Audrey Rose Albason.

JOHN MONTINOLA launched his first hablon and patadyong pieces in Tumandok Fashion Show in 2004. With much enthusiasm and acclaim, his all-female collection reflected his uncompromising dedication to creating innovative designs using the paintings of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo as his inspiration. A fashion and accessory designer, hair and make-up artist, chef, Montinola is currently the image consultant of IMG (Iloilo Models Guild).

JUN-G CANDELARIO is one of the mainstays of the annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair. He started out in the fashion industry as a festival costume designer in his hometown in Lemery, Iloilo and presently one of Iloilo’s most-sought after full-fledged fashion designer. He learned basic dress-making as an elective during his high school days at Lemery National High School and showcased his very first gowns and festival attires in local pageants. He has a degree in BS Architecture at the University of San Agustin.

IAN JORDA is a fashion designer, foodie, teacher and an event specialist. His interests spans from art, fashion, travel and wellness. A graduate of BS Hotel and Restaurant Management at Central Philippine University in 2004, Jorda had a comprehensive career as a hotelier-seafarer with Costa in Europe and a Professor. His fashion portfolio includes corporate attire, bridal design, resort wear development and visual merchandising.  Presently, he is working as a Creative Director for TMX Travel and Marketing Experts at the ground floor of Amigo Mall.

  

BINKY PITOGO has a Certificate course in Clothing Technology at the very prestigious School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA), a design Institute in Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Manila that specializes in design education. The clothes she designed were then sold online through Multiply. Her clothes speak of elegance, confidence and dauntlessness without trying too hard. Her clothes make her clients look effortlessly chic. She loves experimenting with beautiful printed fabrics mixed and matched or with a combination of different textured details. Binky believes that what a woman wears says a lot about her.

PAUL CONTE was the Grand Winner in the 5th Robinson’s Place Iloilo Design Lab Competition in 2011. He actively participates in various mall and corporate shows in Iloilo City.  He takes pride in joining the annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair in 2012 and Iloilo Designers Week from 2012-15. His design aesthetic is feminine with alluring silhouettes. His growing collection epitomizes versatility and sartorial grace. Celebrities like Heart Evangelista, Lovie Poe, and Divine Lee have worn his pieces.

LEXTER BADANA took dressmaking and pattern making at Slim’s Fashion and Art School in Manila for the past years to improve his skills in this area. He was among those who were qualified for the Slim’s Annual Student Work Exhibit at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall in Manila last year. His design aesthetics include classic silhouettes, tailored menswear and evening wear for men women with emphasis on patterns and construction. He is also a risk-taker and loves experimenting with playful details. Among his favourites are designers Cristobal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, Oscar dela Renta. The designer was featured twice at the annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair.

HELLO HELLO is an independent clothing brand that conveys modernity in a relatable, yet creative style. Intermixing travel, art and culture as influences, the brand takes pride in its innovative and fresh take on ready-to-wear clothing. Resort wear is at the foundation of this label's design aesthetic but its effortless garments can be worn anytime and anywhere appropriately, may it be a night beach party or a brunch with friends in a stylish urban setting.

AUDREY DUSARAN-ALBASON studied Fashion Design and other fashion-related subjects from the note-worthy Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP) in Manila. She debuted her graduation collection at the SM Mega Fashion Hall in 2014. Her internship under renowned fashion designer Francis Libiran honed her skills in design and pattern-making. Describing her aesthetic as "feminine-eccentric", she loves mixing classic silhouettes with contemporary embellishment techniques and hand-crafted details. She was the featured designer in the 2016 ICONS fashion show by the Women Lawyers Association of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter.

  

See more of their designs in the 9th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair on August 7, 2016, a Sunday at 6 p.m., SM City Iloilo Event Center. The event is organized the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo in partnership with the Department or Trade and Industry, the Department of Tourism Regional Office, LGU-Miagao, LGU-Oton, LGU-Duenas, LGU-Badiangan, Tinukib and the Daily Guardian.

Romancing Preciosa with Lexter Badana

photo by Ian Van Cubing

Young people are creative and full of energy and they always look for ways to express themselves. This holds true to fashion designer Lexter Badana who once managed one of Iloilo City’s Fast Food and Restaurant chain. He also managed a family laundry business in Manila which led to his interest in garment construction.

The 31 year-old native of Roxas City, Capiz took dressmaking and pattern making at Slim’s Fashion and Art School in Manila for the past years to improve his skills in this area. He was among those who were qualified for the Slim’s Annual Student Work Exhibit at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall in Manila last year.

Badana, a member of the Iloilo Fashion Designers Council.  is enthusiastic and passionate with a love for beautiful prints and patterns. He loves all types of design especially from vintage fabrics. He believes that design is one of the most powerful arts in the world.

His design aesthetics include classic silhouettes, tailored menswear and evening wear for men women with emphasis on patterns and construction. He is also a risk-taker and loves experimenting with playful details. Among his favourites are designers Cristobal Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, Oscar dela Renta.

Though not anymore new in the fashion industry in Iloilo, Badana had joined twice in the annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair organized by the Provincial Tourism Office with SM City Iloilo. Not afraid of trying new techniques and setting trends, the designer is currently busy preparing for his third exposure for the 9th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair with Preciosa on August 5, 2016, a Friday at 6 p.m. at the Event Center of SM City Iloilo. His upcoming collections are very detailed and colourful.

He firmly believes that the key to success in the field of fashion designing is passion, dedication and time.  With his passion for fashion, he volunteered as a production staff during the Canada Philippine Fashion Week, Toronto in 2013 and in the Canada Philippine Fashion Week in Manila for 2014.

The designer hopes to open his own Custom/Couture Women’s Wear and Bespoke Studio in Iloilo City and in Roxas. He also wants to launch his own Bridal Line, RTW Resort Wear, Accessories and Children’s Apparel in the near future. With special interest in hand-loomed fabrics, Badana will soon collaborate with local weavers to help them design new patterns and create new color combinations for their hablon and patadyong fabrics.

Witness this natural standout with his detailed and unique design style for the 9th Indigenous FIber Fashion Fair on August 3-7, 2016. August 3 (Wednesday) at 5 p.m. will feature LGU-DUENAS with HABOL DUENASANON and 6 p.m. will have DARYL AMAR for HABLON MODA; August 4 (Thursday) at 5 p.m. will showcase LGU-OTON on Spotlight and 6 p.m. will feature MARGRET ESTELLE BLAS for ANYAG; August 5 (Friday) at 5 p.m. will make way for the graduating students of the Fashion Design and Merchandising Department of ISAT University featuring JEFFY TICAO, JO NINO DAMASCO, ELON DELGADO, JOHN EDWARD SALES, JOHN ASDOLO, MELVIN ARANGA, MARIA ERICKA CELIZ, CLOE ANN SERUE and JOHN LARLAR and 6 p.m. will feature LEXTER BADANA for PRECIOSA; August 6 (Saturday) at 5 p.m. will spotlight LGU-MIAGAO on Centerstage and 6 p.m. will have International Lifestyle Designer PJ ARANADOR for PATADYONG ACCESORIOS; August 7 (Sunday) at 5 p.m. will present the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association, Inc. on the Ramp and 6 p.m. will be highlighted by the ILOILO FASHION DESIGNERS COUNCIL featuring JOHN MONTINOLA, IAN JORDA, HELLO HELLO, JUN-G CANDELARIO, PAUL CONTE, LEXTER BADANA, BINKY PITOGO and AUDREY ROSE ALBASON.

The event is organized the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City Iloilo in partnership with the Department of Tourism VI, the Department of Trade and Industry,  LGU-Miagao, LGU-Oton, LGU-Duenas, LGU-Badiangan, Tinukib, Iloilo Models Guild, John Montinola, Al Destacamento and the Daily Guardian.

Balasan’s Savory Lechon Festival Turns 8

Balasan, Iloilo will celebrate its 8th Lechon Festival on July 22, 2016 as an opening salvo for their annual Religious and Municipal Fiesta. The festival is considered to be one of the provinces’ ultimate fiesta experiences that one should not miss.

Early in the morning, the atmosphere in the poblacion streets are already filled with delight as passers-by can smell the tangy aroma from the suckling pig being roasted.  They line one after the other as its bright orange dip sauce with a sweet and sour taste is applied regularly. 

When Balasanons want a really special treat for their festival they go for the fun and exciting Boodle Fight during lunch. The entire community with their guests and visitors look forward to the annual Boodle fight, a military style of eating where long tables are prepared and arranged outside the poblacion street where the centrepiece, the lechon is placed on top of the banana leaves bordered with rice and ready to eat using your bare hands, jugs of water are prepared on the side to wash hands before the "eating combat" which symbolizes camaraderie, brotherhood and equality. The municipal mayor then signals to start the boodle fight as everyone aims for his or her position.

For the people of Balasan, roasting a suckling pig is more than just cooking a meal, it is an event. Stuffed with a combination of lemongrass, garlic, onions, tamarind leaves and local herbs, it is roasted over open low hot fire over a charcoal for hours. Balasan’s lechon is best known for its tasty, tender meat and crispy skin, probably among the best and most delicious in the entire province

Considered to be our national dish, roasted suckling pig popularly known as lechon is of Spanish origin.  And for former colonies of Spain it is a celebratory dish, a star in the table prepared especially on important occasions such as grand family events, birthdays and fiestas.

In the province of Iloilo, Balasan’s lechon is hailed as the best. That is why its Lechon Festival has grown to be an annual homecoming and celebration of what has made the Balasan bountiful. It had become not only an annual attraction, but a place where friends can gather for safe and fun visiting.

Balasan is a fourth class municipality in the province of Iloilo situated 134 kilometers north-east from City. It is politically subdivided into 23 barangays over a land area of 4,100 hectares. To get there is a two-hour and a half bus from the new Ceres Terminal in Barangay Lawa-an, Jaro, Iloilo City.