Monday, December 8, 2014
5 Distinct Retail Shops and Restos in Calle Real
Retails shops and restaurants are mushrooming in Iloilo City these days as it embraces its rise as a premier city in the Visayas. But my childhood is overflowing with affinity for old retail shops and restaurants that used be called “Iloilo’s Best” in Calle Real, one of the oldest business districts in the Philippines. Here’s the list that would surely entice you…
1. Diamond’s Shopping Center
Known as one of the most visited retail shops for clothing and apparels is Diamond Shopping Center located in J.M. Baza Street in the heart of Calle Real. I think it is owned by an Indian entrepreneur family from the way I see it with their small altar located inside their shop. My aunt, who is a teacher, would often bring me there to buy clothes and other stuff. I love the ambiance of the shop because they are constantly creating raffle promos and offer endless discounts. For one, their regular prices are much lower compare to big malls in the city. Also, they are giving away discounts and constantly create promos for customers, this is one big reason not to forget this awesome clothing shop if savings is on your mind.
2. Kong Kee Restaurant
If Roberto’s is the reigning “Queen Resto of Siopaos,” Kong Kee holds the first runner-up title. Seriously, the restaurant is distinct with their unique recipe of delicious siopao. I used to remember my Aunt bringing me here to savor not only their siopaos but other mouth-watering Chinese food. The ambiance is cozy, the staff never forgets to smile and everything I saw back then remains the same until today.
3. Elsan’s
Honestly, I haven’t spent a lot of time shopping in this popular clothing shop in Calle Real. But I’ve been there for a few times in the past and I heard so much about the store when I was a kid when my Aunts used to talk about it. Elsan’s provides the best clothing and apparels for meticulous clients. Back in the old days, Iloilo City used to be known as the center of textile industry and it is no wonder why Calle Real, the old business district of Iloilo City is a nostalgic line up of clothing and textile stores. When made-to-order clothes were an “in” thing in the past (since signature imported branded clothes were too expensive back then), people keep coming back to this lovely store to make sure their clothes – corporate or uniforms suits them best.
4. Roberto’s
For true-bloodied Ilonggos, you can’t get away with the addicting taste of Roberto’s Siopao. The restaurant has been around for decades and captivated the palate of most Ilonggos, and even visitors. When I was young, Roberto’s is one of the sought-after restos in the city that could cure a kid’s hunger for good food (even until now). Before the mega-fast-food-chain invasion of McDonald’s or Jollibee, this resto with only one branch in the city is dominant in attracting customers. Roberto’s doesn’t only serve delicious variety of siopaos but also serves a wide-range of Chinese food and various kinds of hamburgers. My lola who used to fetch me every day to school never forget to grab me a burger for me. Until today, those “burger” memories still linger in my consciousness. So for those trying to re-discover this awesome restaurant, you have another reason to visit aside from their luscious siopaos … their yummy burgers!
5. Iloilo Shanghai Bazaar
Another retail shop in Calle Real that seems to be legendary is Iloilo Shanghai Bazaar. The store is an all-in-one supplier and source for items related to fashion, design and everything nice. From colored beads, buttons, threads, zippers, needles, pins and many others, you can find it here in Shanghai. This most-talk about store among designers, artists and tailors, has been around for decades and served many people with passionate service. It is also one of the remnants of the traditional culture and reputation that Iloilo City is still the center of textile and fashion industry in the Visayas. Every item is reasonably-priced and will get you amuse with a massive influx of people buying in this store every day.
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