ILOILO CITY, May 21 -- Iloilo City has launched a legacy book celebrating the fortitude and optimism of its people as it transforms from a sleepy town into a vibrant metropolis.

The "Iloilo City Rises: Padayon sa Pag-uswag (Onward to Progress)," a seven-chapter 256-page book authored by five Ilonggo writers, five photographers and two contributors, was launched at the Iloilo Convention Center on Monday evening.

"The book is testament to the indomitable spirit of Ilonggos. It tells stories from the point of view of the Ilonggos themselves, how the dramatic - and I daresay, miraculous transformation of the city took place and continues to unfold," said former Tourism secretary Narzalina Lim, the editorial and production director of the bo...