As part of the 123rd Semana sang Iloilo and the 12th anniversary of the Old Iloilo Facebook Group, ‘PA-AMBIT’ offered a captivating afternoon of short talks exploring the vibrant tapestry of Iloilo’s history and culture.
With a thriving community of over 57,000 members (and counting!), the Old Iloilo Facebook Group hosted a diverse gathering for “PA-AMBIT.” Ilonggos from all walks of life – students, professionals, history and culture buffs, bloggers, government officials, and private citizens alike – came together to celebrate their heritage.
The event fostered a spirit of community with a “Timo-Timo” table. Participants generously brought dishes to share, creating a delightful spread of local favorites. From classic bingka and serafina to savory fishballs and lumpia, and from the sweet crunch of botong-botong to the delicate layers of barquillos, the variety was a testament to Iloilo’s rich culinary heritage. The Iloilo Provincial Government also contributed to the bounty with sponsored snacks.
The PA-AMBIT talks kicked off with a heartfelt introduction by co-founder Tara Illenberger. She shared the group’s whimsical origins, born from a documentary dream (still in the making!) and a playful mission to unearth hidden treasures (“tinago”) from old family (“bauls”) chests. Capitalizing on the rise of Facebook and social media, the Old Iloilo Facebook Group has blossomed into a vibrant online community. To celebrate their 12th year, a dedicated team of cultural workers, volunteers, sponsors, and friends came together to make this landmark event a reality.
