Though I already outgrown it (not sure if there is such thing as outgrowing a place), Iloilo will always be special in my heart. So before I proceed with all the tourist spots that we visited in Iloilo, please let me tell you a little about it. Iloilo was the place where I was born and so the rest of my siblings. My Mom was an Ilongga, she lived here, she grew up here and she never left until she had us. My parents love story started here and we left the City for good when I was six. My childhood memories was vague, remembered some cousins and a little of school and events and that's it. I can't even remember much of our home here or any places.
After almost 3 decades, I was back! This time with a family on my own. Though my parents had been visiting this place once in a while, I never got a chance to come with them. So even if I have a childhood here, and a single business related visit a year before this vacation, I considered this at my first time to really see Iloilo.
Iloilo from above.
Iloilo is part of the province in the region of Western Visayas in the Philippines. It occupies the Central and Eastern section of Panay Island. Seeing Iloilo, I found the City historic and rich in culture. Proof of it was a number of old Churches and Buildings that was preserved until this era. The Spanish architecture is still visible to the remaining structures and building at the downtown Iloilo.
Iloilo International Airport
LOCATION
Coming from Manila, we arrived at Iloilo International Airport. Mode of transport to the City from the airport is thru van shuttle or taxi. Shuttle was shared so you need to wait until the minimum number of passengers was reached. Going around the City, there will be jeepneys and taxis and a few trikes and pedicabs if not in the main roads.
TOURIST SPOTS
M u s e o I l o i l o
Museo Iloilo is located along Bonifacio Drive in the City Proper beside the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, easily noticeable because of its name printed on its wall. It caters collection of fossils, stone age pottery, Spanich era artifacts, modern art made by different artists and others.
Some artifacts and arts inside the Museo.
J a r o C a t h e d r a l
Jaro Cathedral also known as Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of our Lady of Candles is located in the district of Jaro in Iloilo City.
J a r o B e l f r y
Just across the Jaro Cathedral is the Jaro Belfry or the Bell Tower. Jaro belfry stands out because it was built outside the church property which is not the usual practice. The Belfry was located in the Jaro plaza. On the spanish era, belfry was used as a watch tower over the enemies.
Shot while we were at the Jaro church.
M o l o M a n s i o n
Molo Monsion was one of the nicest ancestral structure we visited. It was built around 1920 and now serves as a heritage museum, home of souvenirs and local delicacies and cafe house. It is located at Yusay-Consing Mansion, Locsin St., Molo, Iloilo City.
M o l o C h u r c h
Molo Church or St. Anne Parish is located at San Pedro St., Molo, Iloilo City. Completed on 1888, this Gothic design Church is also known as a Feminist Church because of some women saint images that can be found inside. The church has 30 bells of different sizes.
The Molo Church was also beside a park with kids play house in it.
M i a g a o C h u r c h
Miagao Church is one of my favorite churches that we visited at iloilo. The details of its facade was incredible, no wonder it was declared as UNESCO World Heritage site. This Baroque style Church is located at Zulueta Ave., Miagao Iloilo, a jeepney ride from Iloilo Terminal Market. It is also known as Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church.
F o r t S a n P e d r o
Also known as Fort Nuestra Señora del Rosario or much known as Fort San Pedro is located along San Pedro Drive in the domestic port area of Iloilo City. It was built as primary protection of the City against the invaders. It was said that its glorious days had passed and that it won't serve its main purpose if needed nowadays due to the weakening of its foundation due to the continuous crushing of waves. Today, the people flock in here due to its stunning view of the sea and the place was good to hang out and relax.
I know this will not be the last time that I will visit Iloilo so I'll update this post once in a while. I'll also link the Guimaras travel here once I am done with it so stay tuned. :)
You can also explore Guimaras Island in a day for a relaxing and fresher scenery.
To check where we stay, check my Urban Sands Hotel blog.
Comments