Dubbed as the “City of Love”, Iloilo City is the capital of the province of Iloilo in Panay Island, Philippines. It is one of the country’s gem when it comes to heritage sites and the site of the Dinagyang Festival. It has an international airport with flights to and from Hong Kong and Singapore.
Iloilo City is also the gateway to various beautiful spots in Iloilo province and nearby provinces like Guimaras, Antique, Aklan and Capiz. It is also an hour and a half ferry ride to
1. Jaro Cathedral
The Jaro Cathedral or the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles dates back from 1874. After damaged by an earthquake in 1948, it was repaired in 1956. A detached belfry stands tall across the street. The shrine is found at the façade of the church where devotees can take the stairs to pay homage to the image of Our Lady of the Candles. The interiors are filled with artworks and paintings depicting the apostles and saints.
2. Molo Church
The Molo Church or St. Anne Parish Church is another religious landmark in Iloilo City. It was built in 1831 and is known for the female saints it features. The church is witness to the many events and occurrences in the city, including natural and man-made disasters. Now, the church is a heritage and art attraction in Iloilo City.
3. La Paz Market
If you want to taste authentic Ilonggo food with a touch of culture and heritage, then head over to La Paz Market. The place is clean and you can go around checking the dry goods, vegetables, and eateries. La Paz is the home of the original batchoy and there are many batchoy houses in the market – Netong’s, Ted’s, Deco’s. Batchoy is a local noodle dish filled with meat and local spices (READ: The World in Noodles). I have tried Netong’s, which is located inside the market. You can also find the famous Madge Café where you can taste locally brewed coffee, with a warm local ambiance.
4. Iloilo Business Park
One of the newest go-to places in Iloilo is the Iloilo Business Park, a Megaworld developmant, that has the Iloilo Convention Center, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and other hotels, Festive Walk Mall, Festive Wall Parade, Casa de Emperador, office buildings and residential projects.
5. Old Capitol Building of Iloilo
When you head towards the port or the downtown area, a structure that will catch your eye is the Old Capitol Building of Iloilo. The structure was renovated and renamed Casa Real De Iloilo in 2016. Since the construction of the new 6-storey Provincial Capitol Building beside it, Casa Real serves as a venue for important events and occasions.
6. Museum and Old Jail
Built in 1911, the old provincial jail has been refurbished and transformed into a regional extension of the National Museum. It stands beside the New Capitol Building, with its guard houses that stand atop the four corners of the structure providing a distinct visual to the overall look. We recently attended a talk and exhibit on weaving and textile industry in Western Visayas in celebration of Women’s Month.
7. Molo Mansion
The Yusay-Consing Mansion, known to many as the Molo Mansion, stands across the Molo Plaza, opposite the Molo Church. The two-storey house is one of the heritage houses that you can find in the city of Iloilo. After the mansion was renovated, it now opens its doors to the public, with a small souvenir shop at the ground floor. The semi-circle steps and porch and the front pillars provide an aesthetic site to the whole architecture.
8. Downtown area
Banks, stores, eateries and other business and commercial establishments housed in old restored buildings, this is the
Downtown Iloilo City Heritage District. There’s Calle Real or JM Basa Street with heritage buildings maintained for modern use. It’s nice to walk in this area where the old and new fuse together, providing a nostalgic feel of our childhood as well as a vision similar to how it was during our ancestors’ days.
9. Iloilo River Esplanade
A new attraction along the banks of Iloilo River is now gaining attention. The Iloilo River Esplanade from Diversion Road to Carpenter’s Bridge is a nice place to stroll, jog, bike and even just enjoy the ambiance by the river.
10. Lizares Mansion
The beautiful Lizares Mansion that was built in the early 20th century is a heritage structure that speaks of the classy architecture of olden days. Now, the compound is home of the Angelicum School in Iloilo.
There are plenty of other attractions around and outside Iloilo City. Old churches and other heritage sites can be found in the southern part of Iloilo province. You can even go farther from south of Iloilo towards the province of Antique to see a different side of Panay Island.