Welcome to Iloilo City, one of today’s most livable cities in the Philippines rising up with steadfast developments and investment potentials. Its vibrating pulse for change, lifestyle elevation and tourism attractions makes the city truly inspiring as the original “Queen City of the South.” Beyond the grandeur of its world-famous Dinagyang Festival, warm people and bright opportunities propping up, there are still many places and sites to see in this spectacular city where nature, culture and developments harmonizes to create a vision of a perfect destination.
Join us for a trip and know the 5 must-see places and destinations in Iloilo City that would inspire you to come back with passion…
Jaro Cathedral. Photo from eilanna.deviantart.com
Jaor Belfry. Photo by Mark Anthony Maranga
Jaro Cathedral: A Symbol of Spiritual Devotion
Considered as one of Iloilo’s most treasured old churches located in the Jaro District and the site of the biggest Catholic pilgrimage of Western Visayas in devotion to the miraculous Nuestra Senora dela Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) every second day of February, the Jaro Cathedral is Iloilo City’s symbol of religious faith for centuries. The first and only cathedral in Panay built in 1864, the Church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, or commonly known as Jaro Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles, is one of the oldest churches in Iloilo. The Jaro Cathedral was once destroyed by a quake in January 1948 and was only restored in 1956 under the order of the first archbishop of Jaro, His Excellency Jose Ma. Cuenco. It came to be known as the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Metropolitan Cathedral in 1951 after the patroness of the Diocese of Jaro. The Jaro belfry stands apart from the main church and can be seen just in front of the cathedral. The Jaro Cathedral is the first and only cathedral in the province. On February 21, 1981, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral and conducted a Mass. He declared the Lady of Candles as the Patroness of Western Visayas after he set the crown upon the Marian image. The Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria or the Lady of the Candles is the only female among the all-male collection of the images that line the cathedral's interior walls. The Lady of Candles is protected by a glass case which can be found at the front wall of the cathedral. Over the years, the Madonna and Child image is believed to have grown and could no longer fit its original casing. It's said that the limestone kept on growing. Thus, the Marian image was removed and transferred to its present location.The Marian image, which is over 400 years old, is the center of Jaro’s annual festival held every February 2. Her shrine is visited by devotees who believe it to be miraculous.
Camina Balay na Bato. Photos from Iloilo.net.ph
Camina Balay Na Bato: A Vision of Cultural Heritage
A proud history and prestigious family traditions mark the 1865 Avanceña House, now called Camiña Balay nga Bato at Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City. From afar, one can clearly see how beautifully this house was preserved for almost a century and a half now. A time-capsule in its own right, the house still serves as the dwelling place of the 4th generation of Melocoton-Avanceña clan. The house takes pride of Ilonggos culture and heritage with reflections of the old lifestyle featured in every corner of the house. It is also the site where the world-famous “hablon” and “sinamay” weaving business started, and was handed over from generation to generation of Ilonggos. Present owners Gerard and Luth Camiña continue to live in the house and have transformed the lower level into the Lola Rufina Heritage Curio Shop. Descriptions of the original structure said it was patterned after the bahay kubo and had batten and board walls, which can still be seen today in the main salon, and a plaited bamboo ceiling and used nipa and bamboo for the roof. To distinguish the family’s status in the community, they were allowed to use 24 posts of rough-hewn tree trunks for posts and proudly displayed them in an exposed camarin configuration. The base of the posts or haligis, only a few of which remain, was protected by palitada of lime plaster. This ancestral home is also home to a Sto. Niño image whose ownership can be traced back to Fr. Anselmo, novena books painstakingly handwritten by the priest, and a de luna wall clock with the profile of the moon on its face. A visit is also not complete without the house’s trademark hot tsokolate (chocolate drink) made from tableya paired with biscocho, cuchinta, or fried banana slices. A house tour complete with snacks only costs P150 per guest for a minimum of five persons per group.
Iloilo River Esplanade. Photo by Felipe Uygongco
Iloilo River Esplanade: A Destination of Harmony, Nature and Pleasure
Iloilo River Espalanade is a magnificent attraction along Iloilo River in Mandurriao, Iloilo City that was opened on August 18, 2012. It stretches 1.2 Kilometers from Diversion Road to Carpenter’s Bridge. The project cost P58.7 million and was designed by Paolo Alcazaren, who also designed the Singapore quay and river esplanade. This year, the proposal to extend the Esplanade was started to create an new face for Iloilo City as a Metropolis of many wonders. “Iloilo’s Time has Come” with Iloilo River Espalande by giving Iloilo City a world-class destination where nature and progress converged beautifully.
Calle Real. Photo from tintinwebresume.wordpress.com
Calle Real: A Road Back in Time
Time stood still amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown traffic of modernity. Decades old establishments still stand against the test of time, reflecting the glorious days of commerce and trade of what was then, the Queen City of the South. From its humble beginnings as a fishing community along the swampy riverside, Iloilo grew up to be one of Philippine's premier cities when in 1855, the Spanish colonial government opened the sea port of Iloilo to international trade, and with the introduction of modern sugar farming by the British Vice-Consul Nicolas Loney. Calle Real is the manifestation of Iloilo's glorious past. The street itself is a museum of old edifices that survived the onslaught of war, elements and time.
Calle Real (Royal Street in Spanish), officially named as J.M. Basa Street, is a historic street located in the old downtown district Iloilo City Proper of Iloilo City. The street often referred to as the "Escolta of Iloilo". It is home to several fine examples of historic luxury American era neoclassical, beaux-arts, and art deco buildings. The street has been famous since the Spanish Era. There have been efforts to revitalize the street which includes the restoration of the historic buildings along the street and beautification projects.
Iloilo Business Park: The Vibrant Township of Business and Lifestyle
Iloilo Business Park is the 72-hectare business township developed by Megaworld worth P35 billion in Mandurriao District. The township is envisioned to become the center point of commerce, trade, leisure, lifestyle and tourism. Premier destinations and establishments in the township is the 3,700-seater Iloilo Convention Center, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Courtyard by Marriot, Festive Walk Mall, 1.1 kilometer Street of Festive Walk and IBP Sales and Information Center, the region’s biggest showroom. The township will have the biggest IT Park in the region expected to build a total of 10 BPO buildings and open 30,000 call center jobs in the next 10 years. IBP is poised to become Visayas’ biggest Central Business District (CBD) with an 80% sold-out of commercial lots from premier bank institutions and local entrepreneurs. Prestigious condominium towers are rising soon in the township such as the modern contemporary-designed One Madison Place, Chataeu-inspired Lafayette Park Square and the tallenst tower in the region featuring “sky garden lifestyle” The Palladium. Megaworld Boulevard, the township’s main thoroughfare which retained 30% of the old Iloilo airport runway is now the center of movements in the township, and it will become the biggest lifestyle hub by having its own bike lanes perfect for biking, jogging and other physical activities while overlooking the scenic views and eco-friendly ambiance.
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