Exploring Iloilo for 2D/1N - The home of Dinagyang Festival
I've clearly miscalculated the time that should be allotted for our day tour in Iloilo (this was just last week), as I didn't put in any time to research on all of the towns and tourist spots that we wanted to visit. Other than the fact that it was raining most of the time in Iloilo city, we we're basically left to just visit the nearby towns. But since we booked our stay at Ong Bun Pension House, Rubel and I were able to visit 4 out of 7 districts that were close by: Mandurriao, La Paz, Jaro and Molo.
How to leave Iloilo airport
There are 2 modes of transportation at the airport that leave every few minutes -- via cab or shuttle van. You can choose to ride the cab at your convenience. But prepare to pay a hefty price for it (P500 for a fixed price!). But if you have time to spare, you can always choose the latter. Plenty of shuttle vans can be seen just across the parking lot. A ride to SM Mandurriao (the van's last stop) will only cost you P50. As soon as you reach SM Mandurriao, you can now ride any cab that you want since these will run on normal meters now.
How to leave Iloilo airport
There are 2 modes of transportation at the airport that leave every few minutes -- via cab or shuttle van. You can choose to ride the cab at your convenience. But prepare to pay a hefty price for it (P500 for a fixed price!). But if you have time to spare, you can always choose the latter. Plenty of shuttle vans can be seen just across the parking lot. A ride to SM Mandurriao (the van's last stop) will only cost you P50. As soon as you reach SM Mandurriao, you can now ride any cab that you want since these will run on normal meters now.
Must-see in La Paz: Netong's and St. Clement's Church
We met up with an Ilongga friend on our first official stay in Iloilo. So after checking-in at Ong Bun Pension House, we started our tour towards La Paz. La Paz is home to Iloilo's famous Batchoy. So what better way to welcome that sun shiny morning than to eat some authentic La Paz Batchoy, right? I know Deco's and Ted's are one of the few famous ones. But we opted for another famous name -- Netong's!
Netong's can be located inside the La Paz Market, and is literally in the middle of the palengke. From there, you will be able to see how one prepares a special bowl of batchoy.
Other than Netong's, Iloilo is also best known for its wonderful churches. We had our first church visit at St. Clement's. Sadly, the parish was closed when we got there. We were only left but to view the exteriors of it.
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| St. Clement's Church, Jaro |
Must-see in Jaro: Jaro Plaza, Jaro Belfry Tower, Jaro Cathedral and Biscocho Haus
After visiting St. Clement's Church, we took a cab going towards Jaro. We got down by Jaro Plaza (presently called the Graciano Lopez Jaena Park), and then walked towards the Jaro Belfry Tower and the Jaro Cathedral. Both structures were an exquisite sight!
After visiting St. Clement's Church, we took a cab going towards Jaro. We got down by Jaro Plaza (presently called the Graciano Lopez Jaena Park), and then walked towards the Jaro Belfry Tower and the Jaro Cathedral. Both structures were an exquisite sight!
Jaro Belfry Tower would have to be one of the few belfries in the Philippines that still stands apart from the church.
The Jaro Cathedral, also known as the National Shrine of our Lady of the Candles, is Baroque in style. It also had a few Gothic elements that were eventually added throughout its renovation (especially after getting hit by the 1948 earthquake).
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| Jaro Cathedral - National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles |
The famous Biscocho Haus is also a household name in Iloilo. You can buy your biscocho, otap, mamon and other kinds of sweet pasalubong goods here. It's just a short walk from the Jaro Plaza.
Must-see in Molo: Simbahan ng Molo, Molo Plaza and Athens of the Philippines
From Biscocho Haus, we took a cab going towards the Molo area. Our Ilongga friend took us to St. Anne Parish, also known as 'Simbahan ng Molo', to visit one of Molo's most beautiful structures. St. Anne has also been dubbed as the 'Feminist church of the Philippines' because of the 16 female saints that are placed on top of several pedestals.
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| Simbahan ng Molo - The Feminist Church of the Philippines |
The famed 'Athens of the Philippines' on the other hand, can also be found just a few walks from St. Anne Parish. You surely won't miss this white edifice since it's already a part of the Molo Plaza, and since the statues are hard not to miss. If you look closely, you will be able to recognize them as Greek goddesses (Demeter, Artemis, etc.).
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| The white edifice on the left is the "Athens of the Philippines" |
Must-see in Mandurriao: SM City and Plazuela
Out of 3 districts, Mandurriao is considered to be one of the major commercial areas in the city of Iloilo. SM City actually gave us a hangout place from when we started to get tired from all touring and walking. The first ever Starbucks in Iloilo city is just beside the mall and is accessible along the Diversion Road. But other than SM, another busy hub can also be accessed just across the mall -- Plazuela.
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| The Plazuela at night |
Also, if you're staying for just a few hours in Iloilo and would love to go around without your luggages or backpacks in tow, you can always leave your stuff at SM's Traveller's Lounge. It will only cost you P30/compartment. You can also take a shower there, if you'd like.
What/Where To Eat
Try dining at Dive Rock. Their Tom Yam, matched with their inihaw na liempo and manok are such sumptuous combinations!
And if you find yourself awake at 8 am and by the Ledesma area (where Ong Bun is), and scurrying for some breakfast meals, you can always head out to Robinsons Place. The only place that you can dine in at 9 am would have to be Fiesta (the only food establishment that's open around that time). But if you don't feel like exploring, you can always try Mcdonald's or Jollibee nearby.
Of course, never miss a La Paz Batchoy food trip. You can try Netong's. They'll surely serve some extra bowls of hot soup and garnishes!
Trivia-Trivia!
Before Cebu City got it's nickname, Iloilo city was the first province that was named the 'Queen City of the South'. Other than that, Iloilo city also takes pride in being recognized as the 'Food basket and Rice granary of Western Visayas'.
Street-smart Tips
*According to an Ilongga friend, if you're taking a cab from SM Mandurriao and is bound for any point in Jaro, Molo or La Paz, your usual cab fare should not go beyond P100-120.
**Crossing the street from the Jaro Belfry Tower to Jaro Cathedral proves to be quite a challenge. There are no stoplights to warn neither pedestrian or driver -- so make sure to pay close attention to all kinds of passing vehicles.
**Crossing the street from the Jaro Belfry Tower to Jaro Cathedral proves to be quite a challenge. There are no stoplights to warn neither pedestrian or driver -- so make sure to pay close attention to all kinds of passing vehicles.
Anyway, here's our TRAVEL EXPENSE SHEET to help you budget your finances, especially if you're planning a trip to Iloilo soon.
How about you? Have you been to Iloilo city? I'm thinking about going back and doing more church-hopping. :) Care to join me next time?
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
47 comments
You know what, I will visit this place next year kahit pa mag isa ako. Kaya naman pala 3D/2N or 2D/1N e ...
ReplyDeleteThere's so much historical Churces in the area. I get to receive Biscocho pasalubongs from my friends in Iloilo, unfortunately, I personally haven't set foot in Iloilo.
ReplyDeleteIloilo is a perfect venue to have your gustatory trip with a lots of local delicacies such as La Paz Batchoy and Piaya and to spend our Holy Week via Visita Iglesia to the beautiful and magnificent Spanish Baroque Churches.
ReplyDeleteI had been to Ilo-Ilo twice for a stop over before proceeding to Caticlan. We did a little exploring and the church that I've been to was only Molo Church. I will explore more next time I go back there =)
ReplyDeleteI was part of the development of the new Iloilo airport (PABX/telephone system), and that was way back in 2007, but I haven't explored the place. I didn't even know that they have these churches in there. But yes the food is great, lalo na ang batchoy... :D
ReplyDeleteAng tagal ko ng gustong maka-ateend ng Dinayang Festival. Uy so many nice places pala sa Iloilo
ReplyDeletejust knew that Iloilo got the name of Cebu first being "QCS"
ReplyDeleteNami-namit gid sang pagkaon ba! haha :D pangayo bi!
Mai, this is good intro for Ilo-Ilo.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom's side were from Ilo-Ilo, but I never had a chance to step on Panay soil. She remind me to visit the place and should stay with my relative's place so I'll get acquainted with them. We'll definitely plan to stay like 1-2 weeks to enjoy much of Ilo-Ilo and rest of Panay including Boracay. :)
These religious structures in the Philippines really attract not only foreigners, but also citizens. They just make everything nice and solemn.
ReplyDeleteThe Lechon Manok and Liempo are really nice! Made my mouth water. LOL
This blog will be really helpful because my family and I are going on a trip to Iloilo. So I am also sharing this on my wall to remind me to take down notes on places to go once we are in Iloilo.
ReplyDeletethe batchoy plus some other foods looks adorns and yummy!!
ReplyDeleteMy dad's side of the family is from IloIlo. Such a beautiful place! I never get tired of visiting there. :)
ReplyDeleteIloilo is definitely a beautiful city, the former Queen City of the South. Food's not bad either.
ReplyDeleteGood thing nagenjoy kayo maski 2D/1N lang stay nio. For me, a 4D/3N may not be enough.
ReplyDeleteDi pa ako nakakapunta sa Iloilo. Hope I could visit this place someday <3
ReplyDeleteI was here during the Dinagyang Festival 2012. Wow! That was the best street festival ever!
ReplyDeleteKaya Kathy kaso parang bitin lang for us. :)
ReplyDeleteOk lang Franc.. alam ko naman mapupuntahan mo din both cities. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Jonathan! :) Have you been to Iloilo na?
ReplyDeleteYes, you should Ricky! Go church-hopping! Yan ang diko na-kompleto. =(
ReplyDeleteAstig naman Myk! :) And talaga? Di bale, when you go home.. baka pwede kang mag-side trip to Iloilo for their churches -- and more of their La Paz Batchoy. :)
ReplyDeleteAko po di pa nakaka-attend. :(
ReplyDeleteNamit Gid!!!! Hahaha.. natutunan ko din yan sa sister ng Ilongga friend namin. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sky Summer! :) And wow.. astig yan! Backpacking trip.. saya! dati gusto ko talagang magikot ng Panay.. pero naging paisa-isa na lang muna. :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha.. masarap yung mga pagkain in actual. :P
ReplyDeleteGo church-hopping, Ia! :) Promise.. you'll be awe-stricken! Kahit konti pa lang nabisita ko.. na-impress pa din ako. :)
ReplyDeleteThey were indeed! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! When was the last time you visited Iloilo? :)
ReplyDeleteYes, you're right about everything, Doc! :)
ReplyDeletehahaha.. actually, bitin kami dahil gusto pa namin mag-church-hopping sa ibang towns..
ReplyDeleteYou should visit Iloilo soon, Algene! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Inggit ako.. Heheh! :)
ReplyDeleteTruly they have beautiful churches and the food - I have heard so many delicious foods there.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Jem. :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband had been to Iloilo City last year. All expenses paid by the company for an audit job. He was with his office mates so, he enjoyed the stay even without me by his side.
ReplyDeleteYou have great shots on the cathedral especially St. Clement... so purely white.
Oh, you should go church-hopping in Iloilo, if you visit the city soon. You'll like it there. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so informative. We'll be going to Iloilo this weekend. This is really helpful. Thanks! ;)
ReplyDeleteHope it helps with your upcoming trip. :)
ReplyDeletethe best place to church hop is in Bohol. Iloilo City is okay but there is not much to do in the evenings. If you want to have fun but still get that laid back ambience, cross over to Bacolod :)))
ReplyDeleteI've been to Bohol twice but have only seen the Baclayon Church. I hope to meet you Ms. Maritel when I finally find myself traveling to Bacolod. :)
ReplyDeleteOne thing I love about Iloilo apart from the food is its churches. They look more gothic than the usual baroque. Oh, and you're right, there's no stoplight from Jaro Church to the belfry. Cross the street at your own risk! :)
ReplyDeleteBtw, have fun in HCMC! My posts are not heavy on tips. I hope you at least got inspiration from it, hehe.
HI AJ! So glad to see you drop-by! :) And true, cross the street at your own risk talaga ang eksena! Hahaha!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you! :) Nagka-inspiration naman ako. =P Will be leaving in November na.. sana walang bagyo! :)
Tc always. :)
maganda talaga ang Iloilo...lalo na ang mga simbahan..... at syempre masasarap din ang mga foods...
ReplyDeleteButi napadpad ako dito... nice blog ^^
Hello Jon! I agree.. ok sa Iloilo.. wish i had more time to spend though. and SALAMAT po sa compliment. :)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, LOVE the idea of the traveler's lounge! Wish there are more of those around.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep these places in mind for our trip to Iloilo in a couple of weeks from now. It seems that there are a lot of old churches worth a look in Iloilo.
ReplyDelete-Wanderer Juan
I hear ya! Super convenient niya for travelers like us! :)
ReplyDelete