Manila: The Iloilo Business Park (IBP) has unveiled a landmark to celebrate its declaration last year as Iloilo City's Center of Arts and Culture. The cultural landmark standing at the Festive Walk Road Roundabout, dubbed "Pagsinapol," is a public art installation commissioned by Megaworld and created by renowned art collective AR Sculptura.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pagsinapol, from the Hiligaynon word meaning "coming together," rises 12 meters high with a spiraling architectural form surrounding a reflective pond, symbolizing unity, collaboration, resilience, and the convergence of people, ideas, and aspirations, the IBP said in a statement. At its center is a sculptural paraw (double-outrigger sailboat) gliding across the water, representing the forward journey of Iloilo's arts and culture community, while the torch-bearing figure crowning the sculpture embodies hope, progress, leadership, and the community's shared aspirations, it added.
'Throughout the years, several new pieces will be added to the masterpiece, each one representing the ideas, creativity, and artistry of Ilonggo people. That is why this monument is named Pagsinapol, a word that means coming together. This monument will represent the united vision, passion, and pride of the people of Iloilo,' Megaworld president and chief executive officer Lourdes Alfonso said in her message. She added that IBP has become a destination for tourism, with the iconic Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Arts (ILOMOCA), and the first Brandy Museum in the Philippines.
'Over the past years, we continue to see the community thrive, especially in different areas of creativity, intertwined with rich Ilonggo history and heritage. We have set the bar high with previous events showcasing the work of National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera or BenCab, as well as the craftsmanship of the grand dame of Philippine fashion Patis Tesoro,' she said. The IBP art trail, a curated public art experience, transforms the office lobbies within the township into interconnected open access galleries. Spanning about 500 meters, it has featured nearly 60 artists and six art groups, she added.
The unveiling of Pagsinapol on Friday night kicked off Iloilo Business Park's month-long cultural festivity dubbed Experience Iloilo City. On July 23, architecture and urban creativity will take center stage through the Pinta Ciudad Arts Competition, organized in partnership with the United Architects of the Philippines Hamili Chapter. The Haraya: An Ilonggo Cultural Show is set on July 27, the Iloilo Children's Book Fair on July 29 to 31, and the screening of Ilonggo screenwriter-director Kevin Piamonte's acclaimed film "With Love, Bridgit" at ILOMOCA's The Box on July 31.
Mayor Raisa Trenas said the milestone is a reminder that a truly progressive city isn't just built on a booming economy -- it is built on culture, creativity, and the heart of our people. 'As we lit Pagsinapol, the iconic spiral sculpture, and enjoyed inspiring performances by our local artists, we celebrated the stories and heritage that unite us as Ilonggos,' she said in a statement posted on her social media account. She added that as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the identity goes beyond the food being served but 'lives in our music, visual arts, dances, traditions, and the people who keep them alive.'
