At last, after two days of spending time in its neighboring municipalities, we finally got to visit one of the highlights of our trip which was the City of Iloilo.
A major commercial and business district in the Western Visayas region, Iloilo City is the center and capital of the province located in the southeastern part of Panay Island. The city is made up of six districts where most of the province’s well-known tourist spots are found and where the central government is seated. It was also here where our Airbnb is located and where we stayed during our whole trip.
There was a change in plan on the day itself as my companions were able to hire a tour driver that will take them to Southern Iloilo and to the city tourist spots. Hence, I decided to move all my city destinations on the latter part of the day to join them and pack my things instead in the morning so we can check out from our Airbnb. After ticking out the latter from my to-do list, I found myself in a cab en route to Iloilo Business Park where I had my last breakfast in the province.
Locally known as Megaworld–the prime developer of the area– Iloilo Business Park is a 72-hectare commercial and business hub located in the district of Mandurriao and is popularly known for its upscale shopping mall, Festive Walk Mall, and dining and retail strip, Festive Walk Parade. Its area used to be home of the former Iloilo Airport until it was decommissioned after the inaguration of the new Iloilo International Airport.
After having breakfast in a coffee shop in Festive Mall, I found myself in my second destination for the day which was the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art located in Festive Walk Parade’s Casa Emperador.
A three-level privately-owned art museum, the ILOMOCA, as locals call it, houses a handful number of Visayan and Mindanaoan contemporary art that ranges from paintings, sketches, sculptures and digital art. Aside from the exhibits, another attraction in the place is the museum’s exterior that boasts of a classic European design reminiscent of some of the city’s notable architecture. An entrance fee of PhP100 is required for visitors who would like to get a glimpse of the entire building.
Upon entering, I was personally impressed with the museum’s modernness with its high ceiling walls and minimal design. At the ticket counter, entrance passes are worn around the wrists like concert tickets instead of the usual stub. Escalators are also present for visitors who would like to see the second and third-level exhibits.
Honestly, I wasn’t that amused with the exhibits found in the place most especially when I realized that not all artworks were created by locals and natives. Aside from the traditonal paintings and sculptures, there aren’t much pieces of art that can be expected as compared to my recent experience in MOCA Taipei. I also think that the fee was not worth it as there aren’t much things to see in place.
After strolling around Festive Walk Mall and dropping by at SM City Iloilo to grab lunch at The Pitstop Restaurant, my companions and I reunited once again at my third stop for the day at Molo Mansion.
One of the many heritage houses found in the city, Molo Mansion is an early 20th century building located in the district of Molo and is known for its neoclassical architecture. The mansion was originally owned by the prominent Consing family until it was acquired by a private company after its restoration. Today, it operates as a museum and a souvenir shop and serves as an important heritage site in the city.
One of the things that persuaded me to go to Iloilo, Molo Mansion did not disappoint when I’ve seen its exterior in person and realize how beautiful its architecture is. In fact, I was so amused with its design that it took me a time to go inside and appreciate its wooden high ceiling construction, grand staircase and grilled windows. From its balcony, visitors get to see the nearby Molo Church located across the street. During my visit, there’s also an art exhibit found in the second level which was free for viewing.
After minutes of exploring and bidding goodbye to the mansion, we then proceeded to our next destination which was Molo Church.
Popularly known for being a ‘feminist’ church, Molo Church is a neo-Gothic Roman Catholic place of worship comprised of 16 female saints found in its area with Sta. Ana occupying the main altar. The place also prides itself with its white coral composition and importance to the Ilonggo culture.
I wasn’t really expecting much from Molo Church before our visit so I was caught off guard when I was struck by the church’s architecture and realized how beautiful it was in person. Main thing that interested me were the gothic details of the belfries that made me feel like I was in a medieval period.
Minutes away from our last stop was another famous Iloilo tourist spot that I was looking forward to see because of its architecture (again).
JM Basa Street or more popular as Calle Real is another commercial district located in Iloilo City Proper that is notably known for its Spanish and American colonial architecture and being the “Escolta of Iloilo” during its heyday. Making up the street are the historic and well-known Eusebio Villanueva, Javellana and Regent buildings located at the sides of the road.
I was in awe when I saw the buildings in Calle Real in person as I felt like I was watching and was instantly transported in an era of Neoclassical, Beaux-Arts and Art Deco. I also love the fact that we visited the place in a car as we were able to have a good view and look at the buildings’ details. Along the way, we also stopped by at Roberto’s to have a taste of its famous jumbo siopao.
Our city road tour continued by passing by some of the other tourist attractions in the city such as the Iloilo City Hall, Bureau of Customs Building, Casa Real and the Arroyo Fountain (Iloilo’s Kilometer Zero) while our driver narrated some interesting facts upon reaching each place. We were also supposed to drop by at the Prison of Iloilo but wasn’t able to make it as the museum was already closed when we arrived. Instead, our tour guide brought us to the nearby Iloilo Provincial Capitol where we watched the daily flocking of birds in front of the area. Adjacent to the place was the Museo Iloilo which was also already closed during that time.
After watching the sunset’s glow disappear, we then headed to our next destination located in Jaro District. On the way, we passed by the popular La Paz Market where the famous la paz batchoy (noodle soup with pork, chicken and beef) is served before spotting the “original” Original Biscocho Haus and decided to stop by to buy its famous biscocho (butter-coated twice-baked bread) and butterscotch.
As recommended by our tour guide, we also stopped by at Margec’s to buy their well-known cream horn which is a popular cone-shaped pastry stuffed with sweet cream filling.
After several delays, we’ve finally reached Lizares Mansion which is one of the city’s heritage sites originally belonging to the Lizares family. This three-level mansion boasts of Spanish and American colonial architecture that is now being used as part of a private Catholic school that runs it.
After our failed visit at Casa Mariquit, we finally headed to our last destination for our trip which was the majestic Jaro Cathedral.
A 19th century Roman Catholic church notable for its Romanesque Revival architecture, Jaro Cathedral is known for its separate belfry located across the street. The cathedral is also the seat of the Archdiocese of Jaro and is also known for its all-male saint ensemble with the exception of the Virgin Mary.
With the exception of Casa Mariquit, I was disappointed upon reaching Lizares Mansion and Jaro Cathedral as both place were already closed during our visit and I wasn’t able see its details due to lack of light. We also weren’t able to drop by at Nelly’s Garden which is one of my most sought tourist spot in the city. Nonetheless, I just made up for the loss by taking pictures of what I got of the places.
After a heartbreaking and slightly disappointing tour, we found ourselves in front of SM City Iloilo where we bid goodbye to our guide and deposited our luggage in the Traveler’s Lounge afterwards.
Not wanting to end our trip without having a taste of its famous la paz batchoy, we headed to Ted’s Old Timer La Paz Batchoy located inside SM Iloilo and tried a bowl of their Extra Super (PhP110).
Aside from the pieces of chicharon and the noodles used, I wasn’t able to find anything surprising from the dish itself as its taste was similar to the other non-Iloilo batchoy I’ve tasted before. The meal also comes with a bowl of hot soup in case the batchoy‘s is not enough.
After a satisfying meal and a last-minute shopping for a souvenir magnet, we traced our way back to the Traveler’s Lounge where we prepped our things before finally heading to the airport.
Certain that it wouldn’t be my last visit in Iloilo, I looked at the place one last time thinking that I would definitely come back in the future and see the things I’ve missed during my first travel.
Any thoughts?