The Beautiful Iloilo River: The very Life-vein of the City

Named after its peculiar nose-like shape or 'Ilong', the river of Iloilo is one of the most important rivers there is in the country not only for the fact that it runs through the heart of Iloilo City itself but for it also hosts one of the most busiest ports in the Philippines; El Puerto de Muelle Loney.

Before the Spaniards came in the Island, the marshland surrounding the river of Iloilo has been known as a rich trading settlement between local and foreign merchants. Here, traders from China, India and other countries flock to exchange goods with the locals. This is the very reason why the Spaniards built a port in the mouth of the river which will serve as a gateway between Panay and its neighboring islands. In 1855, El Puerto de Muelle Loney, one of the first international sea ports in the country was opened and spurred the economy of the city making it the second most richest city after Manila.

Today Iloilo River serves as a major tourist attraction. The river bank is home to 22 species out of the countries 35 known species of Mangrove trees. Hotels such as Hotel del Rio, The Castle Hotel, River Queen Hotel and Sarabia Manor are located facing Iloilo River as well. Aside from that Marina, Barbeque Village, Tijuana and many more famous Ilonggo restaurants runs along the riverside and so as the famous Iloilo River Boulevard which is Iloilo's version of Dumaguete's Rizal Boulevard and Manila Bay.

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.

Krystalville Inland Resort at Janiuay

Ilonggos, like most filipinos, love celebrating special occasions at beaches, restaurants or inland resorts where they could have fun at pools or simply socialize with other people. However, to those who want to spend a relaxing day out all by themselves or with the company of their closest friends then why not travel up the town of Janiuay in the central part of the province, to a resort called 'Krystalville', which is simply 10-15 minutes away from the town itself. With a fully furnished bean-shaped pool, some well built thatched sheds where visitors could gather up and have their meals, and a social gathering area where friends can enjoy a good karaoke experience, tourists will simply have fun making good memories that they'll surely never forget.

Iloilo Paintings for Donations

Iloilo on Foot us currently looking for donors and advertisers who are supportive of the cause to promote Iloilo as one of the Philippines' best tourism destinations. To help promote Iloilo to the world, the webmaster encourages Ilonggos, Filipinos and other avid readers of this blog to help by donating.
BUT WAIT! There's a twist!
For every $50 or P2500 Donation, the management will send back a painting of Iloilo (since the webmaster is a well trained visual artist and painter as well) as a thanksgiving. The donor may also request what theme or subject of the painting he would love to recieve. The bigger the Donation, the bigger the painting. Your donations will help Iloilo Onfoot be on track and updated and so your donations, in exchange for a painting as a thanksgiving souvenir will remind you that you have been a vital part of this travel program.

If you are interested, leave a comment to this post or send an email at pacificleopard@yahoo.com...

Explore Iloilo On The Philippine Blog Awards '09

Explore Iloilo, the premier travel blog of Iloilo, is on it's way to the Philippine Blog Awards '09, an anual award giving body recognizing Filipino bloggers arround the world. Explore Iloilo has done so much in promoting Iloilo as travel destination and for such I will vote the blog for the category: "Blogger's Choice" special award. The manager and owner of Explore Iloilo is my good friend, Mr. Marcos Caratao Jr., who is also a known travel photographer in the entire province. He has worked well to promote Iloilo and blogging to Ilonggos. In fact, I believe that he is amongst the most successful Ilonggo bloggers in the country.
So if you're a blogger and if you're asking why vote ExploreIloilo, then go visit Explore Iloilo yourself and be captivated for this one travel blog showcases the artistic talents of one great blogger that has inspired Ilonggos to fly out into the blogosphere.
Vamos Marcos!!!
Vamos Explore Iloilo!!!