Iloilo City Trip: A Vacation at the Heart of the Philippines
The Sunset at the Iloilo Esplanade, Iloilo City
Last year, I was randomly checking Cebu Pacific flights when I came across a local flight for a very low price. Without hesitation, I booked the flight. And last month, I went to my first travel destination: Iloilo City.
At the busy Iloilo City Proper
Iloilo City is a city in the Panay Island of the Western Visayas region. It is also the capital of the province of Iloilo, which is dubbed the “Heart of the Philippines” since it is believed to be at the center of the Philippine archipelago. I say “believed” because the geographic center of the country, based on the coordinates, is the island of Marinduque. Oh well!
The city is also a fast-developing city, with wide roads, plenty of malls, and an abundance of land development. While I was there, I visited a development by Megaworld, a real estate giant, passed by a Marriott hotel, and sighted an S&R signage, a members-only shopping store similar to Costco.
At Festive Walk, Megaworld's development in Iloilo City
I stayed mostly in the city and, honestly, there’s not much activity to do. So if you’re not visiting during the Dinagyang Festival, doing a pilgrimage at the Garin Farm outside the city, or swimming at the nearby beaches or islands including Guimaras (which is another province), here are 4 things that you can do:
1. Learn Ilonggo History and Culture
If you want to learn Ilonggo history, head out to Museo Iloilo (Iloilo Museum), which showcases that rich cultural heritage not only of Iloilo but of the whole Panay Island. The museum features historical artifacts (such as potteries from China and Siam, and goods from a British sunken ship), religious images, and contemporary artworks by Ilonggo artists.
Museo Iloilo
Another place worth visiting for your Ilonggo culture fix is the Camiña Balay Nga Bato, an ancestral-house-turned-heritage-attraction located in the Villa Arevalo district. It features the heirloom of the Camiña family and serves Ilonggo delicacies. The entrance fee includes an A/V presentation, a quick tour of the house, and a snack of Ilonggo biscuits and tsokolate (hot cocoa).
Camiña Balay Nga Bato
If you coming to the Camiña house as a group of 10 or more, you can even avail of a heritage buffet that features Ilonggo dishes. Too bad I was alone!
2. Stroll (or Jog) and Catch the Sunset at the Iloilo Esplanade
The Iloilo Esplanade is an esplanade along the Iloilo River and stretches for 1.2 kilometers. It was also an effort to revive the once-dying river. Now, trees line up the whole stretch. In fact, for most part of my walk at the Esplanade, I couldn’t see the river because of the trees. But that’s okay. It’s what makes the river clean and the surroundings healthy.
At the Iloilo Esplanade
This is a perfect spot for a jog, barkada hangout, sunset-viewing with a loved one (see cover photo above), or even life reflection (wow!).
3. Visit Beautiful and Historic Churches
I’m not a Catholic but I’m always fascinated by the architecture of their churches. I visited 3 during my vacation, with one outside the city.
Miagao Church
The most beautiful of them all is the Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova at Miagao, a municipality south of Iloilo City. Commonly known as the Miagao Church, it was built in 1580 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
4. Do a Food Trip
Of course, I can’t visit a city and not do a food trip. Iloilo City is the birthplace of the La Paz Batchoy. Originating in La Paz district, it’s a noodle soup with pork, pig innards, and chicharon (fried pork rinds) bits. The noodles are usually egg noodles. But in Iloilo, you have the option of sotanghon (vermicelli) and misua. (Stay in touch for my La Paz Batchoy crawl.)
La Paz Batchoy at Deco's
But what I enjoyed the most are the fresh seafoods. Being near the sea, Iloilo City is full of seafood restaurants and talabahan (oyster joints--if there is such a term).
Seafood Feast at Breakthrough Restaurant
What else can I do in Iloilo City? Comment them below.