SM City Iloilo is proudly celebrating the rich culture and culinary gems of Iloilo City in celebration of Iloilo City’s Charter Day. The mall not only highlights the unique flavors of the region but also aligns with Iloilo City’s various advocacies in the aim of making the city a gratifying place for its residents and visitors.
The mall showcases a variety of local food tenants, offering visitors a chance to indulge in the best of Iloilo’s culinary scene. Complementing the city’s celebration of food, SM City Iloilo is home to restaurants offering diverse cuisines that bring the flavors of Iloilo at the forefront, living up to Iloilo City’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy title.
Every visitor can have a taste of Iloilo as well as Western Visayas’ cuisine’s through homegrown tenants like Blue Jay, a coffeeshop with delicious food offerings, the signature dishes of Bourbon Street, Bread Basket’s fresh breads and wide selection of mouthwatering menu, the unique take on Ilonggo homecooked food of Grumpy Cat, Kap Ising’s iconic Pancit Molo, Kucho Cafe’s best tasting coffee, the minimalist ambience and the essence of native coffee at Kurukape, the rich flavors and delighful menu of Nicolette, Ocean City’s food that are well-loved across generations, a taste of Iloilo’s famous noodle soup at Popoy’s Batchoy and Ted’s Batchoy, Ramboy’s signature liempo, Sabor Ilonggo’s wide selection of Ilonggo snacks, Theo’s upscale dining experience, and U-Frappe House’s unique offerings. These establishments bring the flavors of Iloilo to the forefront, allowing everyone to experience the rich gastronomic culture of the city.
To make the celebration more exciting, SM City Iloilo is also hosting the Big Iloilo Sale from August 19-26, offering up to 70% off on selected items. This sale provides a fantastic opportunity for shoppers to enjoy great discounts while participating in the city’s festive atmosphere.
SM City Iloilo also hosted events in support of youth development in Iloilo City. The Mr. and Ms. Philippine Youth Iloilo as a platform for youth empowerment, was held last August 14, while sports events of the Iloilo City Government such as Pencak Silat Inter-School Championship & Open Silat Festival Contest last August 17 and 18, Taekwondo runs until August 26, and Arnis Tournament on August 24-25, are flatforms to showcase Ilonggo young talents.
The Art Market at SM City Iloilo launch last August 5-18, 2024, was a showcase of Ilonggo creativity. As the Iloilo City government has been supportive of the art community, SM Supermalls continues to champion local artists and for people to experience the vibrance of Filipino art nationwide.
Mr. Ted Ong, art writer and member of Iloilo Critics Circle who chronicles the Iloilo art scene, said through Iloiloartlife.com, “The well-curated SM City Iloilo Art Market 2024 shows the combined creations of independent artists, artists operating commercial art enterprises, and members of collectives like the Himbon Contemporary Ilonggo Artists Group—a longstanding partner of SM City Iloilo renowned for its monthly exhibitions at the mall and at the Molo Mansion gallery. This event not only underscores the group’s ongoing contribution to the local art scene but also introduces a broader audience to Iloilo’s creative legacy.”
“The Art Market 2024 is a testament to SM City Iloilo’s role in the flourishing of Iloilo’s arts scene, contributing significantly to the establishment of the annual Iloilo Arts Festival and as venue of arts events. This initiative has catalyzed a more collaborative arts sector and a robust creative economy in the region.” Ong added.
SM City Iloilo remains dedicated to celebrating and elevating the spirit of Iloilo through its ongoing commitment to food, culture, and community. With each event, the mall continues to serve as a vibrant hub where the rich traditions of Iloilo are not only preserved but also celebrated and shared with the world.
