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Iloilo gears for Stockton delegates' visit

Iloilo is gearing up for the visit of the 30-man delegation from Stockton, California, U.S.A. on November 5-8, 2005 as it celebrates its 41st anniversary with its sister pact with Stockton City. Iloilo City Mayor, the Hon. Jerry P. Treñas with Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr. has merited their full support to the annual undertaking.

According to organizers, the Hon. Gary Giovanetti, Vice Mayor of Stockton City will head the delegation. Many activities have been lined-up including city and provincial tours.

The mission of the Iloilo-Stockton Sister City Association is simple: to strengthen cross-border relationship with the hope of building better futures for the Ilonggos. Thus, the association, headed by Mrs. Ruth T. Jarantilla as president is hopeful that the visit might just be the answer to the needs of times for the people of Iloilo. The association will have very little to look forward to except business opportunities, prior to this development. In the end, this will redound to the benefit of Ilonggos.

Events and activities for delegates will also receive support from the Municipality of Miag-ao headed by Mayor Gerardo N. Flores for their heritage tour and the Municipality of Guimbal under Mayor Oscar S. Garin, Jr. for their Garin Farm and MBC Hatchery visit. The local tour set for November 7, 2005 is the most anticipated activity of their stay in Iloilo---an opportunity to see Iloilo's rich history, the culture and arts that have enhanced the uniqueness of the Ilonggo race and the wonder that is Iloilo. The association is also collaborating with the Province of Guimaras under the leadership of their Governor, the Hon. JC Rahman A. Nava for their Agri-Tourism side trip. A trip to the different tourist destinations in the city and province would not be complete without the full support of Tours Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Girlie Ganzon.

Known for their intriguing mixture of the familiar and the exotic, Ilonggo cuisine will obviously be a lot to enjoy for our delegates. A welcome dinner on November 5 will be hosted by the Iloilo City Government thru the efforts of the City Mayor and Mrs. Eloise Javellana, City Tourism Officer at the Sta. Clarita International School. November 6 will be a very rare treat for our guests. Dr. Gil Lopez Kabayao and family---internationally renowned for their artistic talent in musical instruments such as piano and violin, will be hosting a dinner cum concierto in their residence. Their last dinner in Iloilo will be hosted by the Iloilo Provincial Government headed by Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr. at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby.

The organizers has been preparing their host families for an intensive advocacy of the 'Culture of Iloilo' as reflected through their warm smile and a cheery welcome and with their innate sense of having fun and of living life to the fullest.

(Bombette G. Marin)