On the Dot
By Helen J. Camarista

¿COMO?

¿Como? is a Spanish _expression which means “How's that?”. This and many other such terms and expressions punctuate Iloilo City residents' conversations as the provincial and city governments of Iloilo, Department of Tourism, University of San Agustin lead other local organizers in the preparations to celebrate the Philippine-Spain Friendship Week (Fil-Hispanic Week) on June 29-June 30, 2005.

Just two weeks, Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order No. 19 Series of 2005 as an _expression of the desire of the City of Iloilo to celebrate the Fil-Hispanic Week in Iloilo City. This executive order is based on the fact that the historical and cultural legacies of Spain as manifested in architecture, cuisine, dances and songs of Iloilo permeate every aspect of Ilonggo lifestyle. The celebration will be an appropriate occasion to trace Iloilo's Spanish legacy and strengthen Ilonggo-Spanish connection that could be both an inspiring and educational experience for the visitors and the local residents.

Mayor Treñas organized the working committee that will assume the responsibility of planning and implementing a program of activity in celebration of the Phillippine-Spain Friendship Week as follows:

Honorary Chairmen:     Gov. Niel D. Tupas
.................................... Mayor Jerry P. Treñas

            Chairperson:    Mrs. Elena J. Golez

Vice –Chairpersons:    Rev. Fr. Manuel Vergara, OSA
................................... President, University of San Agustin

..................................  Mr. Edwin G. Trompeta
................................... Regional Director, DOT Region VI

                                    Hon. Merci Drilon-Garcia
................................... Chairman, Sangguniang Panglunsod
....................................of Iloilo Committee Tourism

               .................... Members:

                                    Mr. Manuel Mejorada, Iloilo Provincial Administrator

                                    Mr. Gilbert Marin, Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer

                                    Teresa Sarabia, PhD, President,
................................... Iloilo City Convention Bureau
................................... Archt. Antonio Sangrador, Chairman,
................................... Iloilo City Cultural Heritage

                                   Conservation Council

                 Mr. Eugene Jamerlan, ICCHCC

                 Eric Divinagracia, University of San Agustin

                 Arne Lubasan,            “                 “       “

                 Mrs. Gina Espinosa, Presiden, Museo Iloilo

                 Atty. Helen J. Camarista, Department of Tourism Region VI

                 Mrs. Heloise Javellana, Iloilio City Tourism Office

                 Iloilo Designers Guild

                 University of San Agustin

                 Iloilo National High School

                 Iloilo Hotels, Restaurants and Resorts Association

                 Iloilo City Convention Bureau

                 Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council

                 United Architects association of the Philippines-Iloilo  

     The working committee has met three times already to plan the activities for the Fili-Hispanis Friendship Week. This coming Monday a representative each from the Spanish embassy in Manila and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce will join the local organizers in their meeting at the DOT Region VI Conference Room, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City. The 2 guests will discuss about the Feria Español on June 29-30, 2005 which will be an important activity of the Fil-Hispanic Week in Iloilo City.

     Hasta la vista.