Let's Travel and Discover the Secrets of ILOILO

WELCOME to Iloilo, A Province that dances with the rhythm of the past and the promise of the future. HALA BIRA!!!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Guisi Clearwater Resort

Welcome to Guimaras! A paradise Island overlooking the city of Iloilo. If you're a tourist who wants to spend a peaceful day at the beach without spending much time and money, then the island of Guimaras is definitely for you. 
Nueva Valencia, is a town in Guimaras which is known for its great beaches. One of these is the beach in Dolores, the Guisi Clearwater Beach Resort. This resort is proud of its pinkish white sand, crystal clear waters and a nearby Historical Watchtower. The rooms and cottages are simply affordable whether if you want to visit for just a day or stay for the entire night. There are also facilities around and food is no problem for they will simply catch the freshest fish there is in the sea. Roomrates vary from 400 pesos to 2500 pesos per night. For me, This is the best beach resort there is in Guimaras; clean, serene and simply beautiful.

For more information, contact: 0919-5636-688

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Cabatuan Church: Grand and Massive

Built larger than the usual town church, the people in the early days thought that Cabatuan church in Central Iloilo appeared like a Basilica. The church was then known during the Hispanic Era for its three domes and three facades. It was even dubbed by local publications as 'The Model of Temples'. Today, only two of the three domes survived the 1948 Earthquake but the three facades are still intact.
The whole structure emphasizes simplicity and massiveness, yet the overall use of red bricks add up a sense of sophistication. Now, I wonder how many bricks were baked to built a church this huge?
The architectural style fuses Neoclassicism and Baroque, perhaps influenced by Latin American Colonial Art. The Retablo inside the church is also considered to be the tallest retablo there is in all of Iloilo. It is built of yellowish stone, a feature that churches in Iloilo is known for because retablos in other regions are built of wood.
Cabatuan Church is considered the largest red brick Hispanic structure in all of the Visayas, and perhaps, the entire Philippines. It's size and beauty make it one of the architectural wonders of the country.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The People's Park in La Paz

Looking for a place teeming with activities? If the weekend brings boredom, why not visit The freedom park at La paz? It is perhaps the busiest park there is in the city. The park is considered the widest public leisure park in Iloilo City. It can host sports events like soccer and badminton.
If you want to have a good afternoon stroll, you might want to look at the cool scene of the man-made lagoon at the left corner of the park; play some ball games with friends in the nearby courts or have a good excercise to stay fit and healthy.

Monday, October 6, 2008

The Artistic Lapaz Church

There are three notable Red brick structures in the province of Iloilo; the historical San Jose Church, the gargantuan Cabatuan Church and the Lapaz Church. These three churches are very similar in the fact that all of them have twin domed belfries and neoclassic facades. The Lapaz Church however is more on Greek inspired architecture which makes it artistic in its very own way.
It's construction was initiated during the late nineteenth century. Compared to San Jose and Cabatuan churches, The one in Lapaz has the most decorated facade. The Domes of the belfry are also very interesting because they resemble slight Russo-Byzantine styles, a pleasing deviation from the usual onion or bell shaped domes.
Amongst the many churches of Iloilo, this one in Lapaz, may not be as popular but surely, it is one sight that is equally pleasing to the eyes, a fine structure that showcases fine Ilonggo artistry.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The Elegant Locsin Mansion

Jaro is known for its numerous collections of Heritage Buildings from the 18th and the 19th centuries. Jaro was once the center of Hispanic rule in the the Province of Iloilo. It was where wealthy Ilonggos lived and built Mansions of Elegance and Prestige. One of the most photographed mansions in Jaro is the Locsin House which peacefully lies just outside the Metropolitan Cathedral. The Mansion is like any typical Hispanio-Filipino Colonial House... simple yet elegant. With continuous restoration and preservation, the mansion remained as one of the most attractive sights in the town of Jaro.
Tuscanic Pilasters flank the three entrance doors which are of varied architectural styles and a continuous Capiz-shell window dominated the upper level. The interior is reinforced by stained glasses, antique furnitures and wares that provides a timeless and classic atmosphere.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

The Intricate Facade of Miagao Church

What makes Miagao Church Iloilo's most visited historical site?

Undeniably, this sandstone church has the most artistic sculptured facade there is in Iloilo, or perhaps in all of the Philippines. It is a distinct and grand description of what we call Filipino Baroque.
The entire facade that must have been inspired by Churrisguresque Architecture appears more like an intricate Retablo and is overwhelmed with carvings of local botanicals, Rococo curves, and Classical pilasters. These curves generate an eternal movement which further creates an imaginative array of fansy and enchantment. Local botanicals of the tropical archipelago dominate the pediment of the facade. Here, there is an explosion of floral fantasy where San Cristobal, with the Child Jesus on his shoulder holds a coconut tree while being flanked by more tropical plants with some still on intricate vases. All these features and details make the church's facade extraordinary... something very magical...something very unusual.

Friday, September 12, 2008

The Masonic Temple

Designed in New World Neoclassic Architecture that was popularized in the Philippines by the Americans in the 20th century, the Masonic Temple is one of the most historical Sites found in the old square of Plaza Libertad. It is beautiful example of a 20th century building that gives emphasis to balance and simplicity. The Details of the Temple are highly inspired by Greek and Renaissance Art which makes it blend well with the neighboring historic structures that is of Hispanic and American Influences.
The Temple is a religious icon that is almost facing another religious wonder, the San Jose Church. The Masonic Temple is a beautiful structure that cradles a tapestry of belief and tradition that beholds the essences of Faith and Hope.