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Sunday, June 21, 2015

Exploring Philippines: Eight Things I Did in Iloilo

  January Zelene       8:48 AM       Exploring Philippines , Food , Food and Travel , Iloilo , Philippine Wonders , Travel , Travel Destination       25 comments    

On June 15, 2015 on board Cebu Pacific 16:40 flight, my boss and I flew to Iloilo City from Laguindingan Airport to attend a work related meeting. We arrived at the Iloilo Airport 30 minutes ahead of schedule, but had to stay about an hour waiting for the service vehicle assigned to fetch us who unfortunately was stuck in the traffic. We arrived at the booked hotel at 7:30PM, had our dinner and called it a day.



The following day, it was all about work. One whole day of meeting and discussions,after all, that’s the very reason why we are in the city. But the good part was, we still had a chance to explore places and eat interesting foods while in the city.


So here’s the summary of what I did (sometimes with companions) in the city;


1. Stayed at Diversion 21 Hotel

We were booked in one of the best hotels in town located at the Diversion Road, Mandurriao Iloilo City just a walking distance from SM City. The hotel offers the best amenities so far, I occupied an air-conditioned matrimonial room with 40” LCD Cable TV, free internet (which I haven’t used because of my mobile data), hot & shower, private phone, fridge and a safety deposit box. Because it was an all-expenses paid by the company, I did not bother about the price. You can check it out at their FB page, if you want to.



2. Explored Calle Real

On June 16, after our whole day meeting (around 7:45PM), Mam Edith and I went to explore the historic business district of the city, the Calle Real also known as the JM Basa Street. The old business center way back in the Spanish colonial and the American period was declared as the Heritage Zone of the city in 2014. Along the street, you’ll find old buildings constructed in the 19th and 20th century that were preserved and restored. 


The picture above is the Villanueva Building, also known as the International Hotel.


We took a cab from the hotel to Villanueva Building, too afraid to get lost, hence the activated GPS to track down our location. From there, we started taking pictures with care, considering it’s already night time with only a few pedestrians passing by.


We walked, going back to where we came from and reached the Provincial Capitol of Iloilo.


We continued walking to the right to take a look of the St. Agustin Church our last stop in that area, but unfortunately we weren’t able to take photos because the lights were already out.

With no SM City route jeepney in sight, we decided to take a cab going back to the hotel. 



3. Experienced the Original La Paz Batchoy at Teds

While inside the taxi, Ma’am Edith and I started talking about the La Paz batchoy, when the taxi driver told us that there is a place near the hotel that serves the original dish. Mr. Kind Taxi Driver dropped us at Ted’s Batchoy along Diversion Road.

We ordered an “extra special batchoy “at P85.00 per serve + P12 for additional egg. Very affordable.



I have tasted La Paz batchoy in other parts of the Philippines but nothing beats the original. It was indeed delicious. 

From Ted’s we walked to Diversion 21 Hotel which is about 50 meters away, went to our individual room and rested. The next day was another set of activities..

4. Sailed to Guimaras

After breakfast, on board a 44 seaters pumpboat, the group headed to Guimaras Province to visit the newly installed Wind Farm. A separate write up to be posted soon.


At past 1PM we’re back in the mainland. Some of our colleagues already went to the airport for their afternoon flights to Manila and Cebu, leaving my boss and I behind because our flight was scheduled the next day. That means, I still have a half day left to explore the city. 


5. Visited the Jaro Cathedral and Belfry

Iloilo is really full of historic architectures and one of them is the Jaro Metropolitan Catherdal also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles. The Cathedral was originally built in 1874 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1928. Eight years later in 1956 it was repaired by Jose Maria Cuenco, the first Archbishop of Jaro.




Finding the church from the hotel is quite easy, I took a Leganes line jeepney to Jaro Plaza and from there, walked my way to the church which is on the other side of the plaza. Took photos of the church from across the street, went in to light candles and say my prayers.



Right across the church is the 29 meters high Jaro Belfry originally built in 1744. Belfry or bell towers usually built next to church, but the Belfry in Jaro is one of the few belfries in the Philippines that was built separate from the church. 

6. Took a Peek at the Grandiose Lopez Heritage House


Also known as the Nelly’s Garden, a national heritage house built in 1928 is also a must see architecture in the city. Because the gates were closed, I settled by taking photos from the fence. 

7. Tasted the Best Siopao in Town

From Nelly’s Garden, my next destination is the Calle Real. Aside from wanting to see the historic business center at day time, I had to put my hands on the best siopao in town. Thus, I took a cab to JM Basa Street, and asked Manong Driver to drop me at Roberto’s. It was a wise decision to hop in a taxi because it started to rain.


Looking at the long queue at Roberto’s, I think that the siopao there, is indeed a must eat food in the city. I joined the crowd and patiently waited for my turn and took with me 3 Queens and 3 King Siopaos, one I am planning to eat at the hotel while the remaining 5 will be taken home.



The rain restrained me from going to my next destination in my checklist, the Molo Church and the River Esplanande. I have no choice but to head straight to the hotel and ate one of the Queen siopao paired with a cup of steaming hot coffee. Enjoying the soft bun with bacon, Chinese sausage,  chicken-pork abodo with egg was indeed one sold out experience in a rainy Iloilo.

8. Souvenir and Pasalubong Shopping

After devouring one whole siopao, I am energized to go shopping for souvenirs and pasalubong. I went to SM City to look for Iloilo souvenir ref magnets which I picked up two at Kultura. Later, went to a nearby Starbucks Coffee Shop to get an addition to my collection, the SB city mug.

One more stop before returning to the hotel was at the Biscocho Haus located at Plazuela de Iloilo for delicacies pasalubong for my family and friends back home. 

My two days stay in Iloilo City was indeed a very pleasant one. Iloilo City is truly a place with great value of history, delicious foods and friendly people. I am looking forward to visit the city again, and by that time, I’ll make sure to visit the rest of the historical places that the Iloilo is known for. 
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25 comments :

  1. Sarah TanJune 22, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Heard about Ilo Ilo as it is the title of a renowned Singapore movie. I didn't know it is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. UnknownJune 23, 2015 at 3:46 PM

    There are many places to see in Iloilo. I always visit Molo Church everytime I am there. I haven't been to Nelly's Garden!

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  3. Mrs. ChubsJune 24, 2015 at 8:03 AM

    love the butter scotch there! last month, asa iloilo din ako though balikan din from bacolod.

    www.chubs10182014.blogspot.com

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  4. Elizabeth O.June 30, 2015 at 11:54 PM

    I have been to Iloilo once and i regret that it was a very short visit. I didn't get to explore the city. I hope to come back and finally see what the city has to offer.

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  5. ceemeeJuly 1, 2015 at 2:56 AM

    I got hungry at your post! It's cool that you got to explore the city. The streets look clean!

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  6. MichiJuly 2, 2015 at 8:27 PM

    The heritage house looks nice. I have visited Iloilo few years ago. Church hopping and day tour in Guimaras is my itinerary. I missed the butterscotch in Iloilo and mango/mango pizza in Guimaras. :)

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  7. Dominique GohJuly 3, 2015 at 1:20 AM

    Must have been fun exploring the city..so many things to see and eat :)

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  8. UnknownJuly 3, 2015 at 7:01 AM

    I like la paz batchoy in iloilo. I never heard about nellys garden but it seems a nice place to visit . Ilove philippines

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  9. tondo girlJuly 3, 2015 at 11:55 AM

    Yayyyyy something caught my eye aside from the beauty of Iloilo! Your Starbucks city mug makes my heart skipped a bit!

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  10. AnonymousJuly 5, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    I've been to Iloilo before but I never got to explore it the way you did in such a limited time. Great job!

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  11. VeraJuly 5, 2015 at 8:20 PM

    I didn't do as much as you did when I visited Iloilo more than 10 years ago. I would love to checkout Calle Real, and Nelly's Garden too. And of course, journey back to Guimaras and the pink beach!

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  12. Katrina CentenoJuly 5, 2015 at 10:27 PM

    I want La Paz Batchoy! Your night shots are great. Ganda nung Villanueva bldg.

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  13. AnonymousJuly 5, 2015 at 10:48 PM

    Not sure if my first comment went through (but just awaiting moderation) so to be sure, i'm sending it back, lol! i've been to Iloilo before but never got to explore it the way you did in such a brief stay.

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  14. Mommy AnnaJuly 6, 2015 at 12:55 AM

    I never been to Ilo Ilo, I want to visit the church and the heritage house and want to taste the best siopao :-)

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  15. Ron LeybaJuly 6, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    Haven't visited ILOILO. Hopefully soon,we can. It's such a lovely place to stay for a week or two for a good relaxing vacation.

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  16. NilynJuly 6, 2015 at 4:35 PM

    I hope I could also visit Iloilo soon. My virtual colleague works there and is very proud of their city. :)

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  17. michelle coJuly 6, 2015 at 8:39 PM

    Never been there but your photos are nice, which makes me want to visit the place.

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  18. Peachy @ The Peach KitchenJuly 7, 2015 at 8:21 PM

    My grandmother is from Iloilo but I haven't been there. I hope I can visit it one of these days.

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  19. Allan DJuly 7, 2015 at 11:37 PM

    Is that the church were Senator Grace Poe found?
    Visit in Iloilo is not complete without tasting the La Paz batchoy.

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  20. MarieJuly 8, 2015 at 8:34 PM

    I would love to visit the place. I have heard beautiful things about it

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  21. theresaJuly 8, 2015 at 9:34 PM

    Iloilo will be soon on my list I swear!

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  22. Mommy MayeJuly 8, 2015 at 10:01 PM

    Your photos showed how beautiful Iloilo is. Hopefully, we can visit Iloilo too. I just wonder when hehe.

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  23. Melgie CampbellJuly 9, 2015 at 7:58 AM

    Love your Iloilo adventure Sis, the place looks amazing, the food and of course your beautiful escapades. Thanks for sharing, para nasa iloilo na din ako.
    www.sweetcuisinera.com

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  24. AnonymousJuly 10, 2015 at 7:04 AM

    It's really more fun in the Philippines! Looking forward to visit here soon!

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  25. MariaJuly 20, 2015 at 4:03 PM

    Iloilo is one of my faves. I would love to do a real food trip soon!

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