Calle Real: Downtown Iloilo's Heritage Street

In the olden days, before malls and other shopping centres were established in the city of Iloilo, there thrived Calle Real, what is now known as the downtown heritage street. Being strategically located in an area adjacent to one of the country's most busiest waterfronts, Calle Real became one of the most important trading communities in the region. In fact, the National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal had once admired the life that bloomed in these streets during the late colonial reign. Who wouldn't? It's beautiful old world charm eludes a classic atmosphere quite similar with that of Macau's Portuguese district. In fact it is only in this certain part of the city where one can find the most intact collection of Heritage Buildings in the entire province.

Though modernization has taken its toll on these beautiful treasures, many organizations had been working hand and hand with government to revive what was once the glory of the old Queen City. Today,  tourists and locals alike will appreciate the efforts of those who had worked hard in restoring the beautiful buildings of Calle Real. Now, what had been a forgotten piece of the city is slowly taking in a new breath of life and though the street is still as busy as it had been, one will truly feel that once a upon a time, there was a strange and beautiful world that existed in this very place and that it was more magical than anyone of us could ever imagine.

Buenavista, Guimaras: On the Other Side

Guimaras is known as the most accessible white sand beach tourist destination from Iloilo City. The island -province is famous for its serene cliff side beaches and for its sweet mangoes (said to be the sweetest in the country).

Though most tourists would agree that the white sand beaches of Nueva Valencia are pretty much like that of Boracay, not so many are familiar with the beaches in the district of Buenavista. The sand on the beaches on these parts of the island is distinctive for its unique color, creamy and almost pinkish when soaked. The town is also known for the 7 Sister Islands, locally known as 'Siete Picados'. Legends say that these islands were once beautiful sisters who ran away from home and drowned in the sea. On the village of Navalas lies, a small church (The Navalas Church) that was built in during the late years of the Spanish Colonial Era. It appears to be like a miniature version of the grand white stone Cathedral of Candelaria in the district of Jaro.

Paraw Regatta: The Colors of The Sea

Paraw Regatta is one of Iloilo city's most popular tourism events along with Dinagyang, Kasadyahan and the Iloilo Chinese New Year. Every February, the festival would lighten up the beaches of Villa Arevalo with colorful 'paraws' or wind blown sailboats, Mardi Gras inspired street performances, beach sports and so much more.Local tourists from all over the city would gather to witness the  spectacular  sailboat race from Villa beach to Guimaras and of course, the Samba Regatta where ladies in their festive costumes would dance in the tune of Latin American music.

Paraw Regatta started out a simple boat racing competition, during its earlier years, the sailboats weren't as artistic and as colorful as the ones we see today. Mardi Gras, Beach Sports and other activities were just recent additions. The festival does not only showcase fun, music and colors but it also emanate a part of our diverse culture.

The Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral's restored elegance

When one speaks of a town called Jaro, known in the hispanic era as Xaro, he might as well mention of magnificent mansions and of Hispanic ancestral stone houses, of a beautiful 19th century belltower and of a religious Catholic fiesta that would last for more than a month or two. Yes! Jaro is indeed Iloilo City’s very own folklore town.
But if Jaro is known for one thing aside from its antiques, then it would be the Metropolitan Cathedral which is also the highest seat of Roman Catholicism in the Region. The Cathedral of Candelaria-which it is fondly called by the townspeople- is known as largest house worship in the entire province.The walls are built of white and cream colored fossil rock and coral stones. It’s exterior is baroque in its simplest form though recent additions to the 19th century structure include some neogothic and neoclassic elements. The terrace before the facade holds the miraculous Virgin of Candelaria that is believed to have outgrown its former niche. The archwindows are wide and tall and there is a minimal usage of rose windows, unlike its neighboring churches. The main entrance is flanked by flights of stairs leading to the miraculous Virgin's terrace where Pope John Paul II stood and faced hundreds or perhaps thousands of devotees from all over the region, when he visited the Philippines in 1981.
Though war and calamities took away the cathedral’s once magnificent beauty, it is currently being restored at least to bring back its former glory as an icon of art and architecture. The interior, once critiqued by many, is now amongst the most beautiful in the country. The paintings on its vaulted ceiling would remind you of artistically decorated churches in latin america and Spain and its baroque retablos are definitely the most well decorated just like the ones at the Feminist Neogothic church of Santa Ana in Molo.

The Magic of Antique

Serene, Quiet and Peaceful. the homely atmosphere of Antique Province always shares a certain oneness with that of Iloilo. Though these two provinces are separated by the great northern mountains, their very culture are very similar in almost every sense.

Antique is known for it's historical centres like Hamtic and its magnificent beaches. It is a home of the great Ilonggo History. The birthplace of one of the most popular Ilonggo Epics. Tourists will adore Antique's great mountains where adventures quietly await thrillseekers while it's outlying islands are for those who are searching for peace and serenity. Antique is indeed a province of wonders, just like Iloilo, it's a place one tourist must visit and unravel!

Heritage Houses of Arevalo

Arevalo is known as Iloilo city's garden district and the province's flower capital. It's old Spanish name was 'Villa Rica de Arevalo' which means that it is amongst the most important Hispanic settlements in the country. Here also lies the third oldest Sto. Niño in the Philippines, one of the city's oldest traditional weaving centres and many of the city's last well preserved colonial houses.
These colonial houses are fine examples of a typical hispanic house or 'Bahay na Bato' wherein the lower half is built of hewn stone or baked bricks while the upper part is built of strong wood.
A trip to Arevalo will not only make you adore it's flower filled streets or it's notable seaside restaurants but in some way, it will make you realize that a 'Once a upon a time' drama did exist along it's peaceful and historic streets like the rest of the city themselves.

The Colonial Heritage of Molo

Molo, once a thriving colonial district in the coast of Iloilo City, is often referred as the 'Athens of the Region' for it is the hometown of many political leaders in our country. Molo holds a rich heritage that will interest tourist and travelers like for instance, the magnificent Molo Church, known to many as the church of women.
However, If you're in Molo, it is advisible that you visit the town's heritage street that is Calle San Pedro where one of the historical Locsin mansions can be found. One of the heritage houses which dates back from the early 1800's was said to have housed the builders of the famous gothic church of the town.
The Pison house, another Spanish Era brick mansion, which is located in the same street can be remembered as one of the settings of an episode of "Maala-ala Mo kaya", a famous television show in the Philippines.
San Pedro Street in the heart of Molo is an interesting place to visit for traveling photographers who would want to capture what Iloilo City would have looked like centuries ago.

The Tree of Bondage: A Monument of Pain

The historic province of Iloilo is known as the last Spanish territory in the Philippines and has been also considered as one if the most heavily hispanized regions in the country, like Manila and Cebu. The province boasts its majestic Spanish heritage like many of its centuries old colonial churches and mansions and so as its numerous traditions that has been preserved and still practiced for many generations.
In the Spanish regime, when the Hispanic government initiated the construction of roads, bridges, churches and other public buildings, a system called 'Polo Y Servicios' arose which stands for 'forced labor' and was practiced in almost every part of Spanish territory in the country. In the town of Cabatuan lies one of the few monuments of 'Polo Y Servicios' in the country. This monument is a centuries old calachuchi tree known to locals as the 'tree of Bondage'. The living monument was believed to have been where Indios (Native Filipinos) were tied and whipped as a punishment. This form of punishment was used during the construction of the great red brick Church and the town's public square in the early 1800's.
The tree of Bondage is indeed a unique monument, a tourist attraction that does not only represent a town but rather, a part of the great Filipino History that was untold for years.

The Beaches of Iloilo

Strategically located in the southern shores of Panay Island. Iloilo is not only blessed with magnificent heritage destinations but also with fine beaches that stretches from the northeastern to southern points of the island and this makes Iloilo one of the best beach capitals of the country.

Anhawan Resort is possibly the best beach resort near the city of Iloilo. It is one affordable destination where activities are not only meant for some summer fun but for every occassion as well. Anhawan is located in the town of Oton and is known for its huge party-ready cottages, a nice pool, good service crew and affordable food.A further trip south and you'll reach the towns of Tigbauan and Guimbal which is possibly the beach resort haven of the entire Iloilo province. The towns' most visited beach resorts would be Sol y Mar, Bantayan and Shamrock. Bantayan is known for A Historic Hispanic Watch Tower nearby.

If you take the other way north to the fishing capitals of Iloilo, then you'll not only find some good seafood restaurants but a list of white sand beach resorts in Concepcion, Carles and Ajuy. Marbuena Beach resort in Ajuy and SandBar Island Resort in Bulubadiangan, Concepcion offer a perfect place to spend a relaxing beach vacation where a tourist can indulge themselves in the serene crystal clear waters surrounding the islands.

Anhawan Beach Resort, Oton - (+63)(33)3358949, (+63)9209544138, (+63)9224866475
Sol y Mar Family Beach Resort, Tigbauan - (+63)(033) 511-8288
Shamrock Beach Resort, Guimbal - (+63)(33)5120199
Bantayan Beach Resort, Guimbal - (63)(33)3155009/5120014

Marbuena Island Resort - (+63)(33)8552875
Sandbar Beach Resort - (+63)9068197516

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.

Cabatuan: A Grand View

The sight of hills and of the colonial remnants of what was once a Hispanic Era town will surely amaze travelers as soon as they arrive in the peaceful town called Cabatuan. Settled peacefully between the great Tigum River and the magnificent array of hills of the northlands, the town started as a small village of Brave Warriors of 'Sinulog' or Death Dance. As the Spanish regime flourished towards the depth of the island, Cabatuan then became a town that was dedicated to the Patron Saint San Nicolas de Tolentino. The discovery of Cabatuan was preceded by planting a molave cross in the highest hill of the town and for almost three hundred years, that very site became a notable pilgrim destination. Cabatuan's most prominent tourist site is the grand neoclassic church that was built of red bricks. Being the largest red brick church there is in all of the Visayas, the church is indeed a sight to behold, a treasure of a glorious past.

A compliment to the massive church is the town square which is by every inch an example of a Spanish Plaza that is cornered by huge park markers resembling chess pawns. Cabatuan holds art and creativity in things we least expect of, it is a peaceful place that showcases wondrous destinations and delightful surprises.

Remembering Old Jaro

If Ilocos Sur has Vigan and Manila has Intramuros, here in Iloilo, we have Jaro. Many would agree that there is no other town in Iloilo that might surpass Jaro's colonial era atmosphere. Why? It is because that when you are in Jaro, you would notice that an 18th to an early 20th century building is standing beside another historical edifice or is a few meters away from a known heritage site. This means that almost every street has one or more historical site to be proud of and that when you are along the public square or commonly known as plazas, then, you might realize that almost everything in front of you is a gift of history. When you speak of the languages of architecture, you will surely be mesmerized of Jaro's varied classical 18th and 19th century Hispanio-Filipino houses as they mix along with the 20th century American inspired art deco buildings. Therefore, it is quite obvious that a walk within Jaro's old town area will surely fill your history notes and satisfy your camera films.

A Mansion in Calle Mabini

A tour of Iloilo will definitely showcase a calvacade of majestic churches and grandiose mansions. But what makes these houses more than the usual? Why are they priced so much even if they look aged and worn out? Well, for an old world province like Iloilo, antiques are considered priceless.
A number of mansions possibly built before or in the early 1900's are scattered all over the city and the province. these are remnants of a colonial past, of a city that is loyal to the Spanish Crown.There is a hidden treasure along Mabini Street in the city. There lies a medieval inspired mansion that has a 'castle-like' appearance. The Classical wholeness of the mansion is reimposed by the renaissance arch windows and the lofty terrace of Neoclassic artistry. Like a medieval castle, battlements are used to crown the walls of the house, thus, giving it a more massive appearance. A closer look and one can see the fine details like tiny rosettes and carved faces used to decorate the window frame. Though worn by time, the mansion still exudes a life in monochrome. Indeed, it is vintage and being one makes it very special.

Molo Plaza

A friend once said that the trees in Molo Plaza is definitely enchanting in a way that they look mysterious and aged. Branches, curving into indefinite shapes, add up a fairy-tale-like essence to the real picture. With The Famous St. Anne Church as a background, Molo Plaza is indeed a haven of Photographers and tourists.In most pictures St. Anne Church is always accompanied by the neoclassic Gazebo which is in the center of the square. Though many tall trees dominate the Plaza, they cannot outgrow the majestic twin spires of St. Anne.
Molo is considered as the Athens of the Philippines, since it produced many Political leaders of the country. It is the home of many old houses, may it be a grandiose mansion or a quiet Bahay na Bato. One of the oldest bakeries in the country is also located near the Plaza.

Fortresses of Guimbal

In the olden days, the coastal village of Guimbal was occasionally raided by Moro pirates from the Southern Islands. Three watchtowers were built near the shores to help warn the people if the Moros were approaching. These watchtowers are called 'Bantayan', an Ilonggo word which literally means a "Place to Watch". Until these days the Bantayan towers are still standing in their posts not as watchtowers against the invaders but as icons of a historic town.

Manduriao Church

Manduraio is one of Iloilo City's booming commercial and residential centers. Like the other districts of the city, Manduriao was once a seperate town. In the olden days, Manduriao as a town, thrived with it's agricultural and salt making industry.
The Manduriao church might not be as historic as the other churches of the city but it is worth a visit. It is located in front of the town plaza and was probably built in the 19th century. Built to complement Iloilo's old world distinction, the exterior is somewhat a combination of modern and classical architecture and the idea of having twin belfries could have been possibly inspired by the usual Hispanic Era Churches in the region.

Tejido Ilongga

Aside from the huge churches, lavish mansions and mouthwatering delicacies, Iloilo also boasts the fact that during the Spanish Colonial Era, the province was called the "Textile center of the Philippines" wherein the coastal towns from Oton to Miagao became the major producers of quality textiles.
During the American regime, the fabric-textile industry began to decline when cheap cotton was used instead pineapple fabrics. However, in the late decades of the 1900's, the textile industry began to rise as pineapple fabric was recognized not only because of its durability but also because of its intricacy and beauty.

Cabatuan Church: Grandiose Elegance

Cabatuan church was built in 1734, a year after the town was established. The church was then built of light materials and the deficient source of stone quaries caused the delay of the construction of a larger temple. A hundred years later, Fr. Ramon Alquizar was assigned in Cabatuan as a parochial priest. He initiated the construction of a larger house of worship through baked bricks. Fr. Ramon Alquizar was the first one who introduced brick manufacturing in the province during the olden days, and his work of art, a masterpiece of varied architecture is our very own Cabatuan Church, or more commonly known as the church of San Nicolas de Tolentino. This church isn't just the first church to built of red bricks in the region, but it is the largest red brick structure in the Visayas as well. The later priest who undergone the finishing touches did fine work of transforming the church from a simple worship shrine to a grand basilica-like temple, thus the media reffered the church as 'the model of temples' since it was a mirror a majestic basilica inside and out. The church's structural architecture is similar with Latin American churches like that of Cuzco Cathedral in Peru and the church in Puebla, Mexico; however the design used on Facades are derived from Tuscanic architecture which is common in Southern Europe. Interiorly, the church is given a baroquial drift but still flowing with the balance of neoclacissm.

Miagao Cemetery Capilla

Indeed, Miagao Church is a popular tourist destination in the Province. It is one of the most photographed churches in the country and is one of the World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO. However, aside from this 17th century church, Miagao also holds another historical treasure, the town's Hispanio-Filipino Cemetery and It's Romanesque Chapel.

This is the only extant chapel in Western Visayas which still sports an 18th century brick dome. Built of baked bricks and yellowish coral stones, the chapel lies quietly on the foot of hill where the Poblacion of Miagao is located. Unlike the town's baroque church, the motiff of this chapel is simplicity, no intricate relief can be found on the facade except for a simple carving of the merged skull and crossbones.There are three entrances with roman arches each topped by circular windows. Ionic pilasters divide the facade into three and baroque finials crown the chapel's eight edges.

Upon aproaching the chapel, one may notice a ruined edifice on the left part of the cemetery. It is obvious that the edifice is a remnant from the 16th-17th century. Until this very day, no one knows what the structure was before it was ruined but it might be a church built before the present fortress church was finished.