Tara, Lagaw ta!
A dazzling night of lights, fireworks, and street dance marked the grand opening of the Semirara Festival 2025 in Barangay Semirara, Caluya, Antique โ a celebration that reminds residents tourism is the islandโs next big opportunity.
Thousands of Ilonggos filled the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds on December 5, 2025, for the official switch-on of the โCandyland Christmasโ lights and an evening fireworks display that launched the provinceโs month-long holiday program.
Cebu Pacific doubles IloiloโCebu flights this December from 14 to 25 weekly, expanding capacity and offering more travel options; other Iloilo routes also see frequency increases.
Cebu Pacific announced plans to increase Iloilo flights in December 2025, adding new aircraft and capacity for rising travel demand during the holiday season, while keeping fares budget-friendly for Ilonggo travelers eager to go home.
Russian carrier IrAero will launch weekly winter flights from Siberia to the Philippines in 2025/26. Starting October 2025, new routes from Irkutsk and Khabarovsk (Russia) to Kalibo (Boracay) โ via Guilin or Ningbo โ will use Sukhoi Superjet 100 jets to tap Russiaโs winter tourism market.
Philippine Airlines will upgrade five weekly ManilaโIloilo flights to Airbus A330 service from Dec. 8, 2025, to Mar. 28, 2026 to meet holiday travel demand. This is part of a broader domestic expansion โ 1,154 weekly Manila flights (7% more) and 14,000+ extra seats โ to boost capacity and connectivity for the peak season.
Mang Inasalโs first Iloilo branch at Robinsons Place Iloilo has been redesigned with a modern 5G store concept. The revamped store โ officially reopened on Sept. 1, 2025 โ features an efficient layout, a Takeout Express counter, a self-order Cashless Express Kiosk, and an Iloilo heritage wall.
On Sept. 1, 2025, the Bureau of Immigration at Iloilo International Airport intercepted a couple allegedly recruited into a Thailand-based job scam. IACAT is investigating.
Vice Gov. Lee Ann Debuque partners with Big Bad Wolf to boost book donations and literacy programs as the Robinsons Pavia book sale runs through Sept 8 , 2025
AirAsia Philippines reopens Cebu hub and launches direct CebuโIloilo flights starting Nov. 15, 2025. Bookings begin Sept. 3 on the MOVE app and airasia.com โ a timely boost for Iloilo tourism during the BER months.
Carles Mayor has issued Executive Order No. 94, temporarily closing the famous Tangke Saltwater Lagoon in Barangay Gabi (Gigantes Sur) from Sept. 1โ30, 2025. The move โ timed with the southwest monsoon โ is aimed at environmental rehabilitation and tourist safety. Tangke
Mactan-Cebu Airportโs main runway was closed Tuesday evening for inspections, disrupting dozens of flights. The airport quickly opened its secondary runway and coordinated with airlines to reroute or delay affected flights. International and domestic routes saw widespread delays, diversions, and cancellations.
Aug 24, 2025 โ PayPal transfers to PH banks and e-wallets disrupted. Some users can still cash in via GCash; PayPal's transfer function remains down.
Cebu Pacific will launch Airbus A330-900neo service on the ManilaโIloilo route from Oct. 26, 2025, operating 7x weekly. The 459-seat wide-body flights will boost capacity at Iloilo International Airport โ the first airport in Western Visayas built to international standards โ and are expected to lower fares and stimulate tourism.
A Cebu Pacific flight from Cebu to Davao aborted its landing on August 15, 2025, after zero visibility forced the pilots to climb out just 30 feet above the runway. The aircraft safely returned to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, with passengers unharmed.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has started a 45-day runway rehabilitation at Iloilo International Airport, focusing on edge strip, slope correction, and drainage improvements to enhance safety and efficiency.
India will grant free e-visas to Filipino tourists starting August 2025, with direct flights resuming in October to boost tourism and bilateral ties.
Confirmed flight cancellations at Iloilo Airport (ILO) on July 24, 2025 due to Tropical Storm Dante. Full list of affected flights and advisory details.
Confirmed flight cancellations at Iloilo Airport (ILO) on July 23, 2025: PR2140, 5J456, 5J470 outbound; PR2139, 5J455, 5J469 inbound.
Concepcion, Iloilo officials move to ban destructive 'Sinsoro' fishing, citing environmental damage and legal violations, after fishermen breached a sustainability agreement.
Cebu Pacific welcomes its 100th aircraft โ a new Airbus A330neo โ expanding its fleet and long-haul reach across Asia and the Middle East.
Updated PAGASA bulletin warns of persistent monsoon rain in Iloilo. Flood and landslide risk high due to LPA Crising.
Recent fatal crashes on Iloiloโs highways โ from Pavia to Oton โ have alarmed motorists. In July 2025 multiple riders and drivers were killed in collisions caused by speeding and risky maneuvers. Local police data show dozens of traffic deaths so far this year. Authorities are now urging stricter enforcement (helmets, speed limits, crosswalks) and better road upkeep to prevent more loss of life on Iloiloโs roads.
Palawan beats Bali and the Maldives to claim the top spot in Asia's Best Islands 2025 list. Discover why this Filipino paradise leads the pack.
Cebu Pacific invites Ilonggos to join its one-day cabin crew recruitment event on July 13, 2025, at Zuri Hotel in Iloilo City. Applicants must meet qualifications and are encouraged to apply early.
AirAsia Philippines opens โThe Red Horizonโ headquarters in Pasay and announces a PHP77 base fare Mid-Year Sale to 19 destinations.
Top 10 safest cities in the Philippines for 2025, according to the World Travel Index.
Dumaguete City has been ranked the safest city in the Philippines for 2025 by the World Travel Index. With direct flights now available from Iloilo International Airport, Ilonggos can easily explore Negros Orientalโs peaceful charm and top tourist destinations.
Iloilo International Airport is expanding its reach with revived international flights to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. Backed by infrastructure upgrades and rising passenger demand, the airport is positioning itself as a key international gateway for Western Visayas.
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is set to begin construction on a new Boracay airport terminal in July 2025, boosting annual capacity to 7 million passengers.
Discover the inspiring story of Maria Gracias Samgyupsal, a successful Filipino-Korean fusion restaurant born from a passion for food and community.
The residents of Barangay Lico in Alimodian, Iloilo, plead for a better road. The road burdens them when bringing their products to market.
Iloilo Province honors 20 top taxpayers for fueling local development. Their significant real property tax payments fund vital infrastructure, healthcare, & education across Iloilo.
Cebu Pacific warns travelers: Bomb jokes at Philippine airports risk โฑ40K fines or 5-year jail terms under PD 1727.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) warns travelers about taxi overcharging scams and urges using the free NAIA shuttle between terminals.
Antiqueโs Blessie Villablanca triumphs as Best in National Costume at Binibining Pilipinas 2025 with a fiery Rafflesia speciosa-inspired gown.The design highlights Antiqueโs endangered floral emblem, merging pageantry with environmental advocacy to spotlight conservation efforts for Western Visayasโ rare biodiversity.
In an exciting shift for travel enthusiasts, Iloilo International Airport has recently welcomed a wave of international routes, sparking enthusiasm among locals and tourists. Cebu Pacific revived the Iloilo to Hong Kong route in October 2024, marking the beginning of this upward trend. Shortly after, the airline added direct flights to Singapore in November 2024... Continue Reading →
The town of Maasin in Iloilo has garnered national attention through its Tultugan Festival, a dynamic celebration centered on bamboo. This festival consistently excels in regional and national competitions.
The intent to protect the cityโs cultural pride is understandable, elevating a personal opinion to the level of a formal sanctionย risks undermining free expressionย and the very values of openness that a UNESCO Creative City should champion.
Social media personality Yobab has publicly addressed the backlash over her critical remarks about a local coffeeshop, clarifying that her comments were not intended to harm the business or its staff.
The rhythmic beats of bamboo drums and the vibrant energy of Iloiloโs cultural traditions triumphed at Thursdayโs Parada ng Kalayaan (Independence Parade) in Manila, with the province securing two top spots in the Festival Performance Competition.
The Provincial Government of Iloiloโs historical float, Cry of Santa Barbara, earned 1st Runner Up honors at the Parada ng Kalayaan (Independence Parade) on 12 June 2025.
Jetstar Asia (3K), Singaporeโs budget airline, will permanently cease operations by July 31, 2025, due to unsustainable costs and regional market overcapacity.
Philippian aviation regulators clamp down on AirAsia Move after travelers report โฑ39K one-way fares amid Tacloban's transport crisis.
Major PHP 190M upgrades planned for Iloilo International Airport include terminal rehab & new chillers. Passenger capacity to increase significantly. Runway works planned for 2025.
Igbaras Trail Runner Joebert Elmaguin Set for World Trail Championship in Spain
Hubon Sadsaran of Nueva Valencia triumphs at Manggahan Festival 2025, reclaiming the cultural dance championship after 9 years.
Discover Guimarasโ Manggahan Festivalโa vibrant celebration of the worldโs sweetest mangoes! Explore street dances, mango challenges, agri-tours, and tropical island adventures.
The Iloilo provincial government is spearheading efforts to transform Pan de Azucar Island and Mt. Manaphag into premier eco-tourism destinations. Under Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.โs "Turista sa Barangay" program, the initiative addresses infrastructure gaps, community engagement, and environmental protection to boost sustainable tourism. Learn how barangays Tambaliza, Talo-toan, and Macatunao are collaborating to preserve the islandโs biodiversity, combat past mining concerns, and develop eco-friendly attractions like hiking trails and marine sanctuaries.
The breathtaking island province of Palawan, Philippines, has clinched the #1 spot in U.S. News & World Reportโs โ24 Best Islands to Visit in 2025โ
The Dinagsa Festival in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental is one of the standout cultural events in the region, offering a unique and exciting experience similar to Iloilo Cityโs famous Dinagyang Festival.
This year's Manggahan Festival also emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Several activities were organized to promote eco-friendly practices and raise awareness about preserving Guimaras' natural resources.
Mas maging madali na ngayon ang byahe mula sa Central part ng Iloilo at Probinsiya ng Capiz papuntang Probinsiya ng Antique sa pamamagitan nga Panay East-West Lateral Road na kasalukuyang ginagawa mula sa bayan ng Valderrama, Probinsiya ng Antique hanggang sa bayan ng Lambunao, Probinsiya ng Iloilo.
Ilonggo Traveler 