Introducing the City of Love
ILOILO
ILOILO
is a province located in the region of Western Visayas in the Philippines. Iloilo occupies a major southeast portion of the island of Panay and is bordered by the province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest. Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is the island province of Guimaras, once part of Iloilo but now an independent province. Across the Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait is Negros Occidental, occupying the northeastern half of the island of Negros.
Miag-ao Church
The Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova, commonly known as the Miagao Church, is the Roman Catholic parish church of the town of Miagao in Iloilo Province. Completed in 1797, the church is famous for the artistic sculptural relief carved on its facade. In 1993, the church was designated as one best examples of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines and included in the list of World Heritage
La Paz Batchoy
Is one of Iloilo’s best-known signature dishes and a must-try delicacy served in restaurants all over Iloilo City. This noodle soup is made with miki, (round noodles), pork organs (liver, spleen, kidneys and heart), chicken stock, beef loin, shrimp stock, and garnished with chicharon (pork cracklings).
Molo Church
Is a famous Spanish-colonial church and heritage site in Molo District. It known for the prominent red spires that crown its tall bell towers and as “the feminist church” because of the all-women ensemble of saints represented in 16 statues perched on the aisle pillars. Built in neogothic style, the church is one of the Iloilo City’s most familiar landmarks and top tourist attractions.
Iloilo River Esplanade
esplanade” as locals call it, is a peaceful promenade that runs alongside the Iloilo River. It showcases the city’s efforts to rehabilitate and protect the Iloilo River and promote active lifestyles. It is also a popular tourist spot where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll and enjoy the serene views along the river.
Source: http://www.exploreiloilo.com/guide/iloilo-best-tourist-spots/
Dinagyang Festival
The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines held on the fourth Sunday of January, or right after the Sinulog in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan. It is held both to honor the Santo Niño and to celebrate the arrival on Panay of Malay settlers and the subsequent selling of the island to them by the Atis.
Tourist Attractions
SICOGON ISLAND
Brgy. Buaya, Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo
Is one of the many beautiful attractions that grace the waters of Northern Iloilo. Sicogon became a popular tourist destination during the 70s and 80s because of the high-end resort suitably named “Sicogon Island Resort” operating in the island.
PAWIKAN CAVE
Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carles, Iloilo
There are numerous cave chambers further inside the cave that are aptly lit by atriums (or openings) at the cave ceiling. The unique subterranean views evoke an other-worldly feeling. A talk with the local guides would reveal how their elders would often tell them not to go inside as not to disturb the “spirits” living in Pawikan Cave.
MOUNT MANAPHAG
Pan de Azucar Island, Concepcion, Iloilo, Philippines
Is the biggest and most popular among Concepcion’s 16 islands because of the enchantingly tall and steep mountain, called Mt. Pan de Azucar or Mt. Manaphag, standing like a towering sentinel in the center of the island.
NADSADJAN FALLS
Igbaras, Iloilo, Philippines
Is a famous tourist destination in Igbaras. Its cool and fresh Prussians blue waters attracts foreign and local tourists every year. The Nadsadjan Falls measures 100 feet in height, spewing water on a giant cauldron-like natural swimming pool.
TANGKE SALT WATER LAGOON
Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carles 5019, Philippines
Is a natural saltwater pool located in a hidden spot behind the steep cliffs of Isla de Gigantes Sur in Carles, Iloilo. Travelers and locals of Carles visit tangke to swim in its refreshing shallow waters and gaze at the beautiful rock formations.
LIZARES MANSION
Villa Lizares, R4, Jaro, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines
Is one of Iloilo City’s most beautiful heritage mansions. It was built in the 1937 by Don Emiliano Lizares, a Jaro-born sugar baron, and stands in testimony of Iloilo’s booming sugar industry during its heydey. The Lizares compound along with the mansion was sold to the Domincans in 1962 and became home of Angelicum School Iloilo from 1978. The mansion now serves as the school’s chapel.
