ILOILO CITY — Iloilo’s story is told in many ways: through food shared around the table, art that challenges and inspires, stories passed from one generation to another, and communities coming together to celebrate their shared identity.
This Charter Day season, these different expressions of what it means to be Ilonggo converge at the most-loved SM City Iloilo, which has become a vibrant venue for the 89th Iloilo City Charter Day celebration.
Running until August 25, the lineup brings together food, art, learning, public service, entertainment, and community activities, offering Ilonggos and visitors different ways to experience and celebrate the city.
Food takes center stage through the Iloilo Batchoy Festival, happening August 17–25 at the Event Center.
The festival puts one of Iloilo’s most beloved culinary icons in the spotlight, bringing together food, culture, and community in a celebration of the Ilonggo love for batchoy.
The event was graced by Ms. Leny Ledesma, Executive Assistant representing Mayor Raisa Treñas and focal person for Iloilo City of Gastronomy to UCCN, underscoring the important role of food in Iloilo’s identity as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
From the flavors of Iloilo, the celebration moves into the world of contemporary art through HÁNAG: Emergent Perspectives at the North Point Event Center.
Running August 17–25, the exhibition forms part of the 89th Iloilo City Charter Day celebration and brings together diverse artistic perspectives through the works of visual artists, filmmakers, and designers.
HÁNAG is presented by SM City Iloilo, TAOHAY NCCA Cultural Center and Regional Hub, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., and the City of Iloilo.
Curated by Director Elvert Bañares, the exhibition marks his first curatorial project in Iloilo in more than a decade.
The exhibit features works by John Francis Babiera, Margaux Blas, Daniel De La Cruz, Peter John De La Vega, Kyle Francis Dile, Guijo Dueñas, Joshua Gabayeran, Peach Garde, Kyle Fermindoza, Martin Genodepa, Patrick Jamora, Carlo Juntado, Manny Librodo, Joemel Mirabuena, Renwil Portodo, Al Provido, Sabrec, and Edgardo Lopez Suelo.
Together, their works demonstrate the breadth of Iloilo’s creative community, bringing different artistic voices and perspectives into one space.
The Charter Day lineup also moves beyond traditional cultural celebrations.
Beyond the Bowl, held last August 19, encouraged audiences to look beyond the familiar. The event was co-presented by the University of the Philippines in the Visayas and the College of Management Student Council, adding an academic and student-driven dimension to the Charter Day celebration.
Meanwhile, Brain Bowl – A Quiz Bowl Competition, held August 20, challenged participants to put their knowledge and quick thinking to the test.
Also on August 20, the Legal Aid Clinic at the Government Service Express provided an important public-service component to the festivities, connecting members of the community with essential legal assistance.
On August 21, the Iloilo Paw Parade brought a fun and playful dimension to the celebration, highlighting Iloilo’s growing community of pet lovers.
Communication and confidence took center stage through Voices That Matter: The Art of Public Speaking, held August 22. The event emphasized the importance of honing communication skills, particularly among young people, and empowering them to speak with confidence, be heard, and make a difference.
The event was organized by the Office of Vice Mayor Love Baronda.
On August 23, Banaag: From Folklore to the Future adds another cultural dimension to the celebration, inviting audiences to rediscover Iloilo’s stories through movement, tradition, and imagination.
From folklore to the future, let Iloilo’s stories move you.
The special dance performance brings the rich traditions and Visayan folklore to life through the talents of the Iloilo Bereber Dance Theater Company and ECD Dance Company of the Philippines.
Through Banaag: From Folklore to the Future, culture, movement, and imagination come together in a performance that celebrates Iloilo’s heritage while looking toward the future.
Adding to the festive atmosphere is the Big Iloilo Sale, running August 21–25 across participating stores, giving shoppers another reason to visit SM City Iloilo and be part of the Charter Day festivities.
As Iloilo marks its Charter Day, SM City Iloilo offers more than a place to celebrate. It becomes a space where Ilonggos can experience their city’s culture, share their stories, support local talent, and celebrate the many things that make Iloilo uniquely Ilonggo, and where
Iloilo’s food, art, stories, and community come together—celebrated to the max.
