Iloilo City Tourist Spots and Things to Do

Iloilo City and Its Famous Tourist Spots and Things To Do

If Europe has Paris, France, then Asia has Iloilo, Philippines. The place got the nickname “City of Love” due to its friendly, kind-hearted, and loving people. Filipinos are known for their hospitality, but the Ilonggos take it up a notch. Everyone is like a close friend or family to them. Feel the love when you visit the attractions listed below.

Iloilo City List of Tourist Spots

 | Iloilo City Tourist Spot  and Things to Do

San Jose de Placer Parish Church

 | Iloilo City Tourist Spot  and Things to Do

Jaro Cathedral

The Spaniards built the structure in a Romanesque Revival style reminiscent of churches back in their homeland. It is home to Our Lady of Candles, the only Marian figure in the Philippines canonically crowned by a pope and a saint (John Paul II). She also stands out as the sole female figure among the ensemble of male saints in the cathedral. Devotees flock to her limestone shrine every February 2 in hopes of receiving a miracle.

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Molo Church (Saint Anne’s Parish)

It is the considered the counterpart to the Jaro Cathedral with its repertoire of all-female saints. It is quite a progressive act for the time (around 1830s) for the Spaniards to dedicate a church to the so-called “fairer gender.” They also built the church in a Gothic style, a surprising fact taking into account that Spain’s rivals used the technique. Locals recommend visiting during sunrise or sunset as the light reflects on the church’s coral façade.

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Miagao Church

It is one of the Philippine’s UNESCO Heritage Sites and among the oldest in the country. The church served not only as a place of worship but also as the town fortress. Its belfries were designed to resemble towers where musketeers can safely fire upon opponents. What brought it UNESCO’s attention is its intricate sculptures and reliefs. A bas-relief of St. Christopher carrying the Baby Jesus can be seen above the entrance. Carvings depicting everyday Ilonggo life during Spanish times and native produce decorate the rest of its façade. The statues of St. Henry of Bavaria and Pope Pius VI beside the entrance welcome visitors inside the church. Time and time again, it withstood pirate attacks and never stopped looking magnificent doing so.

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San Joaquin Campo Santo

This catholic cemetery in San Joaquin, Iloilo, is named as National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. Constructed in 1892, by an Augustinian priest, Mariano Vamba.

Museum of Philippine Economic History

Once home to the famous distillery, Tanduay, it now showcases the development of trade and commerce in the Philippines. The exhibit began in the barter and fishing economy of the pre-colonial natives and followed by looms from the Spanish era textile industry. The next gallery depicts American modernization and the scarcity of the Japanese occupation. It ends with the postwar boom and the current economic situation of the country. A tribute is given to the previous owners with the final exhibit showcasing the history of Tanduay and Iloilo’s prominent industries. Economics is not an exciting subject, but this museum makes it one.

 | Iloilo City Tourist Spot  and Things to Do

Iloilo Esplanade

In a bid to preserve the Iloilo River and promote a healthy lifestyle, the local government converted the riverbank into a fitness park. Visitors and locals often jog along its length from Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue to Carpenter Bridge. Zumba sessions and other calisthenics are held for those preferring more stationary methods of exercise. Nearby restaurants serve hearty and nutritious meals to those done with their workout. Events are also held in the esplanade, and plans are in the works to extend it.

 | Iloilo City Tourist Spot  and Things to Do

Camina Balay Nga Bato (Stone House By the River)

It is one of the stone houses built for the Spanish elite residing in Iloilo. What sets it apart from the rest is its conversion to a full-course restaurant. Experience the life of a peninsulares and mestizos through their meals. Visitors can then take a look at the antique furniture, paintings, statues of saints, and other relics found throughout the home. Replicas of some of these artifacts along with tablea (native chocolate) and handwoven textiles are sold in the first-floor gift shop.

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Molo Mansion

The building previously belonged to one of the most powerful families in the Visayas. The Yusay-Consing, a clan of judges, once entertained dignitaries and commoners alike in its splendid halls. Later abandoned, the mansion teetered on the verge of collapse when a combined effort of the local government and SMDC restored it to its former glory. Now, visitors can view Ilonggo history through the artworks, artifacts, and documents found within the mansion. If you want to experience being an aristocrat, this is the perfect opportunity.

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Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA)

Moving on to modern attractions, we have the University of the Philippines Visayas managed ILOMOCA. This art museum hosts rotating exhibits featuring the best works of local and international artists. ILOMOCA, despite the name, also houses a permanent display of native arts and crafts. It even has its own auditorium, known as “The Box,” where amateurs showcase their craft or learn from the masters.

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Calle Real

Travel back in time and see the face of Iloilo in its heyday. Americans built the first shopping malls and modern concrete buildings in the Philippines on this street. Some of the establishments are still active to this day. The local government is renovating the rest as of the time of writing this article. They’re so sturdy and well-preserved that they withstood World War II artillery strikes with barely any damage.

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Gigantes Island (Carles Island Chain)

Since Iloilo is an island, you might probably be looking for some beaches? Gigantes Island off the province’s northern coast has got you covered. Swim and boat in the island’s crystal-clear waters to your heart’s content. Walk from one side of the island to the other through the Bantigue Sandbar connecting the two halves. Go rock climbing in the north or cave spelunking in the south. There are also the nearby islands whose wonders you have to discover. Gigantes is a small island with big attractions.

Festival Walk Mall

One of the newest attractions on this guide only opens for around a year and a half as of writing. The Festival Walk Mall establishes many firsts in Iloilo and Visayas. To name a few “achievements” – it is the first mall in the region to have an outdoor park, a monument (to General Martin Delgado, an Ilonggo national hero), and VIP cinemas. As expected from one of the Philippine’s largest real estate developers, Megaworld Corporation spared no effort and expense in its construction and amenities.

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Garin Farm

The aim of taking a vacation is usually either to have fun or rest. However, it can also be used for meditation and other spiritual pursuits. The latter is the purpose behind the establishment of Garin Farm. Visitors embark on a “pilgrimage” through a dark tunnel (symbolizing humanity’s sins) emerging at a massive white hall decorated with statues of saints at the end (representing God’s salvation). A flashlight (or an eagle-eyed companion) is a must for the tunnel, while sunglasses are required for the blinding brightness of the white hall. After offering some prayers and a moment of silence, the “pilgrims” can enjoy worldly amusements in the form of swimming pools, zipline, golf, and spending time with the farm animals. Rooms are even offered for guests needing accommodations.

 Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite

Why not commune with nature for a change? Its pine forest is a rare sight outside of Baguio and perfect for either a stroll or a picnic. The park’s lake is clean and clear enough for a short dip. Visitors can even purchase fresh produce from the local farmers. The nearby town of Leon serves the best Ilonggo cuisine in the province, particularly linagpag na manok. It is delicious grilled chicken soup with basil and onions (linagpang is Ilonggo for grill or roasting). Other places in the province have their recipes of linagpang na manok worth tasting. Those who cannot get enough of the scenery can either rent accommodations in Leon or camp out in the park.

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Roberto’s Siopao

Siopao is a steamed meat-filled buns originating from China but has become widespread in the Philippines. So what makes Roberto’s different from the rest, including those found in Chinatown? Their fillings, of course! Other than the standard pork, Roberto’s Siopao also comes with eggs, ham, sausage, and even chicken fillings. They’re so good they can rival authentic Chinese Siopao.

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La Paz Batchoy

The famous noodle dish originated from La Paz, Iloilo, hence the name. Batchoy is believed to have come from either the Filipino derogatory word for fat (tabatchoy) or the Chinese word for shredded meat (bac qui). Both refer to pork, the main ingredient of the dish. La Paz Batchoy is prepared by adding boiled pork meat and organs, topped with egg and cracklings (known to natives as chicharon) to the noodles with savory broth. It is considered a tourist attraction since many visitors fly to Iloilo solely to eat the dish, particularly at Inggo’s Batchoy, its rumored birthplace.

 Biscocho

Ilonggos accidentally created this delicacy while preparing desserts for their Spanish masters. The biscocho was an attempt to emulate the Spanish dessert of the same name. As the latter cannot maintain its consistency and freshness in the tropical climate, the Spaniards ended up feeding the stale biscocho to their native slaves. In turn, they baked the old bread once more and added sugar for taste. Thus, the modern-day Filipino biscocho is born. It is a hard biscuit often covered in sugar or garlic, while the Spanish one (spelled as bizcocho to avoid confusion in the market) is a soft and moist sponge cake.

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Guimaras

While not part of Iloilo, it is within proximity of the island. Enjoy the best mangoes in the Philippines after a 15 – 20-minute ferry ride. Details of the province’s attractions are best discussed in their travel guide. To summarize the Guimaras experience though – beach galore and mango overload.

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Dinagyang Festival

Aptly-named (Dinagyang is Ilonggo for “celebration”), the festival is considered the best one in the Philippines (rivaled by Ati-atihan and Sinulog). Taking place on the fourth Sunday of July, Dinagyang celebrates the arrival of the Sto Nino on Iloilo. Some even call it as nothing more than an imitation of Ati-atihan (the locals do admit that the said festival served as an inspiration). Whatever its origin, Dinagyang is something that you should not miss. A statue of Sto Nino is paraded through the streets while dancers coated in all-black ash and soot, imitating the indigenous Ati natives, dance all around it. Consumption of meat is encouraged, and the festival is capped off by a glorious fireworks display.

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Calle Real

The official name of Calle Real is J.M. Basa Street, also referred to as the Escolta of Iloilo. This is a historic street located in the old downtown area of the city showcases art deco and neoclassical structures, which are still very functional up to this time. Recently, the street and the buildings were facelifted.

It is undeniable that Iloilo equals Paris in both attractions and reputation. The province is welcoming like its people. Visitors will feel the warmth of family and friendship in every corner. They might even decide to stay for good. There is a lot of love to go around here, and you’re more than welcome to have some. That’s how charming Iloilo and the Ilonggo are – you just can’t have enough of them.

 | Iloilo City Tourist Spot  and Things to Do

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