Impressive Iloilo

Soaring high with relentless changes and developments, Iloilo City is carving a niche in the tourism industry as one of the most exciting destinations in the country. But Iloilo is more than just a destination, it is a city blessed with captivating culture, heritage and sense of history, a promising perspective reflected in the eyes of its people, the culture-loving Ilonggos.

Here’s a rundown of the most exciting things to see, experience and appreciate in Iloilo City these days:

Let’s go straight to the very of the city’s tourism appeal – it’s the recently concluded Dinagyang Festival, the world-class cultural event that was borne from religious, historical and artistic vision of Ilonggos. The festival draws thousands of visitors and crowd every year by combining the story of devotion to the Child Jesus (Senor Sto. Nino), the Barter of Panay epic – 10 Bornean Datus arrival and friendship with the local Aetas, the adaptation of Kalibo’s Ati-atihan made even more spectacular and innovative in terms of dance choreography and costumes. Plus, the non-stop, loud and endless party, merrymaking and explosive events, the festival is a globally-packaged annual tourism event for locals and foreigners. It takes place every third Sunday of January in Iloilo City.

One of the most oldest and authentic traditional textile weaving industries can be found in Villa de Arevalo in Iloilo City (Sinamay House). Passed from generation to generation, the Sinamay weaving tradition in Villa and the old textile stores in Calle Real still exists to remind that Iloilo City was once hailed as the Philippines’ and Asia’s weaving capital.

Iloilo City’s cultural and ecological treasure, the long-stretching Iloilo River is now the toasts of international travelers and visitors as the new Iloilo River Esplanade. It serves as a recreation park with close-to-nature ambiance and still thrives as one of the world’s cleanest rivers. Walking and jogging in this gorgeous destination is pleasurable and relaxing.

Batchoy, Biscocho, Pancit Molo, Roberto’s Queen Siopao, seafood and other trademark gastronomy makes Iloilo City a haven of excellent comfort food and delicacies in the country. Ilonggos love to eat and so, its popular list of luscious gastronomy is part of its global branding as a tourism destination.

The oldest sailing sports event in Southeast Asia – the Paraw Regatta Festival is a strong and vibrant annual event held every third weekend of February. The competition of Paraw Regatta (traditional Malay-Bornean sailboat) race is a reflection of the legendary “Barter of Panay.” The design of these traditional boats goes back thousands of years in history. Paraw Regatta features various activities based in Villa Beach in Arevalo District where most of these competitions takes place including a yearly “Sinamba” Mardi Gras Dance Competition with dancers donning colorful costumes.

After Dinagyang Festival and before Paraw Regatta Festival, Iloilo is one of the few cities in the Philippines to celebrate Chinese New Year every first week of February, paying tribute to the strong and active Chinese community that contributed in the steadfast economic prominence of the city throughout the centuries. There are grandiose performances of dragon dance, spectacular Chinese dances, food festival and fireworks display in Calle Real, the city’s oldest business district.

JARO_FIESTA. Devotees flock to Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City for the Feast of Our Lady of Candles last February 2. The Jaro Fiesta is considered to be the biggest religious fiesta in Western Visayas region. (Tara Yap)

The Jaro Fiesta and the miraculous feast of Our Lady of Candles in the district of Jaro held every first day of February is both a solemn religious celebration among the Catholic devotees and pompous showcase of tradition. A glamorous Jaro Queen, chosen to carry the traditional queenly reign and held a grandiose coronation in Jaro Plaza, is one of the most-awaited highlights of the celebration.

Iloilo City’s newest “claim-to-fame” when it comes to economic prominence and development is Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld Corporation’s biggest single investment outside of Luzon with over P35 billion investments. The 72-hectare old Iloilo airport was beautifully transformed into a bustling and promising business township where high-rise buildings and prestigious establishments including international hotels, modern convention center, BPO buildings, shopping mall, the country’s longest shop-and-dine strip, and residential towers converge to become the newest center point of progress and opportunities.

Iloilo is impressive as a highly-livable and progressive city where public and private partnership co-exists, the government and private companies work together in a dynamic synergy to create a bright future for its people. From economic foresight, tourism vision, sustainable developments and opening of promising opportunities, Iloilo City, the Philippines’ “city of love” has always been the “queen city of passion and progress” slowly carving a niche as modern city of great possibilities and opportunities, shaping a pathway for lasting advancement and timeless elevation.

Come to Iloilo City and rediscover the passion for life that you’re looking for!