The Archives: Iloilo

I am republishing my post on our several trips to Iloilo starting last 2008, taken from my old blog. We were invited to go to Iloilo as my husband participated in an event for the Dinagyang Festival and a couple of other events. We are definitely looking forward to seeing more of the province and its neighboring provinces.

Some of the many faces at the Dinagyang Festival, honoring Sto. Niño

HOW WE GOT THERE

We got there by plane, landing at the Iloilo International Airport, which was very nice. Though one can take the bus from Cubao or Alabang, and the ro-ro from Batangas to Mindoro, then Caticlan, then road trip to Iloilo. Bus lines such as Philtranco, Alps, Ceres and Dimple Star regularly ply this route.

WHAT TO DO THERE

See and experience the Dinagyang Festival - Held on the fourth Sunday of January, various tribes dance and battle it out in a competition and parade around the city. We walked around the city while watching the parade. See genuine smiles! Photo op!

Schedule a side trip to Guimaras! - With the Island only 15 minutes away, who can resist?
                                         

The Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

WHAT TO SEE:

Churches - There is a church/Cathedral for almost every district in Iloilo, most of them having their own remarkable history. Also, if you have the time and budget, take the road trip to town of Miag-ao to see the Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The   Miag-ao Church is made of brick, put together with egg whites and limestones. Cool, huh? You'll also pass by a couple of nice churches and University of the Philippines Visayas campus en route to Miag-ao.

Jaro Belfry - the bell tower infront of the Jaro Cathedral. It is one of the few standalone bell towers in our country.

The Arroyo Fountain

J.M. Basa St. and "Old Downtown" - Very nice old buildings, reminiscent of the Spanish colonial era. We were told that the area used to be the commercial district, similar to what Escolta was in Manila. We were also told that the elite of Iloilo used to live in the area and first casino in Iloilo was there (not implying that's directly related information. Hehe!).

The Obelisk Marker and the Arroyo Fountain - Both are in the city, relatively walking distance from each other. The Obelisk Marker is situated in Plazoleta, which is where the Ilonggos stage rallies from the time of the People Power Revolution in 1986 until today. The Arroyo Fountain, named after Frmr. Sen. Jose Maria Arroyo, it serves as the zero marker for the city, like Manila's Rizal Park.

The Old Harbor - Just nice to see for its old-world feel.

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT:

Deco's and Ted's for the La Paz Batchoy - There are plenty of outlets around the city, and I strongly suggest you try both Deco's and Ted's to compare an find out which suits your taste better. Make sure you grab puto Manapla, too. But if you really want the authentic batchoy, go to the La Paz market and get a serving there. Try all three if you can, just for the sake of comparison. We did! Haha!

La Paz Batchoy and Puto manapla! Yum!

Breakthrough – Get your seafood fix! You can choose what you like and have it cooked the way you want, matched with the very relaxing breeze and ambience music that is the ocean.

Tatoy’s Manukan – They serve good native chicken inasal (barbecued chicken) and served seafood as well, at very affordable prices.
Allan's - Located in Oton, en route to Miag-ao. We had hito (catfish), kinilaw (ceviche) and bangus (milkfish) and ended up with a very small price to pay for all we ate. With a food trip this cheap, we don't complain and just take advantage!
Doming's - A favorite of regular travellers to Miag-ao and students at the University of the Philippines (case in point our friend Ana), they serve oysters at an insanely affordable price of just PhP20.00 for a small basin. You can have yours either blanched or grilled.

Fresh oysters by the basin!

Bourbon Street, Smallville - Good ribs, tapa, etc. and they also have a DJ playing every night so it's also a good place to hang-out.

Toping's, Leganes - One of the two good places where you can get a sumptuous feast of seafood. Leganes is about 30 minutes from the city proper, accessible by jeep and/or taxi.

Roberto's - This is located in the "Chinatown" of Iloilo, near Iznart. If you're lucky, you must try their Queen siopao - bacon, chinese sausage, chicken pork adobo and egg all in one platito-sized siopao.

WHAT TO BRING HOME:

What else but goodies from Biscocho House (butterscotch, biscocho, toasted mamon, etc.)! They have branches all over so no need to worry.

WHERE TO STAY:

We've stayed at The Summerhouse (Iloilo Midtown Hotel), Days Hotel, and Century 21 Hotel. All have pretty good rooms and rates. And all are walking distance from SM Delgado.

Taken at Leganes, Iloilo using Vivitar UWS plastic camera

Iloilo is a very interesting place for the mind, the heart and most of all for the tummy. Anyone who's a foodie must go to Iloilo and eat to his/her heart's content.