Cherry @ Run for Iloilo River Presscon on April 9

For thousands of years, the Iloilo River has been the vital source of livelihood and cultural symbol of Ilonggos. From the very of heart of this beautiful and serene river, the Ilonggo’s way of life intertwined with their past glories and future visions. It has been the meek witness and instrumental to the emergence of Iloilo’s claim as the former queen city of the south and international trading port in Asia. But for several decades, this magnificent estuary has been threatened by dreadful conditions and negligence that rapidly leading to the lost of its pristine beauty. Reconsidering Iloilo River’s ecological significance and cultural value, JCI Metro Iloilo Dinagyang Jaycees, a non-profit socio-civic organization of young Ilonggo professionals and future leaders banded together for a worthy cause to help preserve it for generations to come.

On Saturday, April 9, 2011, 9 a.m. at Book Latte along Quezon Street, Iloilo City (at the back of Robinson’s Place Iloilo) JCI Metro Iloilo Dinagyang Jaycees will held a media press conference and project launch of “Run for Iloilo River” scheduled on May 7. The press conference will gather and inform Iloilo’s tri-media to support this significant cultural and environmental advocacy to save, preserve and protect Iloilo River. The project’s main event is the “Run for Iloilo River 5K, 10K and 20K Marathon” that invite runners all over the region to take part for this worthy cause. The press con will also introduce the “Piso Para sa Iloilo River,” a 1-million signature fund-raising campaign for Iloilo River that will gather advocacy commitment from Ilonggos to put up a landmark mural this year. Another supporting project and the first-of-its-kind for Ilonggo pop culture is the unveiling of the theme song for Iloilo River originally-composed, performed and recorded by some of Iloilo’s new generation of music artists. The Ilonggo song entitled “Aton Manggad” (Our Wealth) will be released in FM stations to promote the campaign for Iloilo River protection and will soon have a music video for online release. JCI Metro Iloilo Dinagyang will also launch “Vista Magachure,” its very own monthly newsletter.

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Ilonggo music artists who performed the project theme song "Aton Manggad" (Our Wealth) are Sheila Barrios, Irish D., Cherry Callao, Zpinx Angel with Mix Ilonggo Crew, Mz. JT with All Out Kingz, SYK Unit's Vhouyeng King, Conyo Boy and Ezzy. Orignal lyrics was written by RSLPhoenix Music production, song arrangement and instrumental produced by Zpinx Angel and Mix Ilonggo Crew. It will be the first single from the upcoming EP album with all-original songs entitled "Aton Manggad" set to be released on May 2011.