ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines — A new coffee table book chronicling Iloilo’s rise as the former Queen City of the South and the business titans that shaped the province’s progress and current status has been launched.

“Ilonggo Initiatives: The Changing Face of Business in Iloilo” was recently launched by the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) to commemorate its 20th anniversary.

“This is our story and our version of Iloilo’s past, present and what is to come,” said IBC chairman Juan Jose Jamora III.

The IBC-published book is not only a purely historical account of the province’s business progress but also features stories of Ilonggo entrepreneurs and their successful endeavors.

“There have been many books and reference materials written about Iloilo’s rich history and culture,” Jamora said.

“This unprecedented special effort offers an alternative which features both familiar and untold stories behind Iloilo’s successful enterprises, people and places.”

Included in the publication are profiles of food titans Edgar Sia II of Mang Inasal, Larry Borro of Ted’s Old Timer La Paz Batchoy, Gerry Guadarrama of food souvenir chain Biscocho Haus, Raymundo Robles of seafood restaurant Breakthrough, Pauline Gorriceta-Banusing of Al Dente and Freska restaurants, Arnaldo Borres Jr. of Jumbo Fishing, Evelyn Que of Tinapayan bakery, and Johnny Que of Waffle Time and Coffebreak chain of restaurants.

Other personalities likewise featured in the book are former chief operation officer of Ortigas and Co. Rex Drilon II, Dr. Alfonso Uy of La Filipina Uygongco Corp., media magnate Dr. Rogelio Florete, Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Dr. Sandra Sarabia-Gomez of Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Ian Eric Pama of Valiant Bank, Angel De Leon Jr. of micro-financing company Taytay Sa Kauswagan Inc., Joseph Go of Light of Glory Taxi, Virginia Segovia of Nissan Iloilo, Arsenio Rafael of A.M. Builder’s Depot, and construction magnates Alfonso Tan and Pepe Layson.

The book also celebrates the harmonious relationship between government and the local business community in developing Iloilo province.