Aside from improving the experience of vendors and consumers, the redevelopment of the Iloilo Terminal and Central Markets has helped transform these public markets into tourist attractions, drawing celebrities and other notable personalities similar to famous market destinations in other countries.

The latest to visit was actress and social media personality BB Gandanghari, who stopped by the Iloilo Terminal Market to have dinner at Betty’s BBQ with friends during her recent vacation in Iloilo City and Guimaras.

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Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas welcomed BB Gandanghari to her office, where the actress shared positive remarks about the city and its tourist attractions, such as the Esplanade, Sunset Boulevard, and Iloilo Business District.

“We are grateful to BB Gandanghari for promoting Iloilo City through her social media posts and for sharing her positive experiences with her followers,” Trenas said.

As a token of appreciation, Trenas gifted BB Gandanghari a copy of Iloilo City’s Gastronomy Book and an Ilonggo-made hablon, which reflect the rich culture, craftsmanship, and heritage of Iloilo City.

In recent years, several notable personalities have also visited the Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets, including actresses Jean Garcia, Arra San Agustin, and Jennica Garcia, and award winning broadcast journalist Ces Oreña Drilon.

The Iloilo Terminal Public Market was selected as one of the key filming locations for the full-length feature film “Kusinerang Bulag,” starring veteran actress Jean Garcia, Arra San Agustin, and Jennica Garcia, and directed by Hugo “Boboy” Yonzon III.

Shot primarily in Iloilo City, the film tells the story of three sisters who rise above tragedy and adversity to rebuild their family’s restaurant, redefining resilience, unity, and legacy. The film also stars Victor Neri, Samantha Samarita, and Madeleine Nicolas.

Drilon, for her part, praised the partnership between SM and the Iloilo City Government in the redevelopment of the city’s Terminal Market and Central Market, calling it a strong example of how collaboration between the private sector and local government can deliver meaningful results for communities.

The renowned journalist also expressed admiration for the transformation and the overall cleanliness and organization of the facilities, noting that these reflect both political will and the strategic use of private sector capital to improve public spaces.

Drilon added that the redevelopment enhances and elevates the markets by improving the overall experience for visitors and vendors alike.

Under the administration of former Mayor Jerry Treñas, the Iloilo City LGU entered into a 25-year lease agreement with SM Prime Holdings, which invested approximately P3 billion in the Central and Terminal Markets to modernize the facilities, transforming them into clean, safe, and efficient commercial hubs.

Continued under the leadership of Mayor Raisa Treñas, the redeveloped markets now house around 2,000 stalls, providing improved facilities for vendors and a more comfortable and organized shopping experience for consumers.

The Iloilo Central Public Market operates from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the Iloilo Terminal Public Market is open from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The market redevelopment aligns with the local government’s “My Heart Beats in Iloilo City” campaign, which aims to showcase the city’s unique heritage and culture while fostering a strong emotional connection between residents and their city.