The pages of history could attest how colorful the events that trussed the heritage and culture of the city of Iloilo. Long before foreign fleets discovered the land, there were already local settlers living or staying in Iloilo curving their own version of civilization.
To know what the city of Iloilo is all about, tourists and visitors should witness the feast called Dinagyang. The festivity of Dinagyang is a cultural and religious feast in Iloilo City. It is being held annually after the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan (this is celebrated every fourth (4th) Sunday of the month of January. Dinagyang Festival is celebrated and commemorated in honor of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) and the arrival of Malay settlers on Panay.
The said feast was just introduced in the late 1960's by a local Catholic Priest Reverend Father Ambrosio Galindez. It started as a simple parish devotion until the Condradia tried to outline the devotion to the Aklan's Ati-Atihan Festival. This local annual celebration became famous for the neighboring locals and with some international tourists. For that reason, in the late 1970's President Marcos initiated several regions to come up with festivities or merriments to bolster development and tourism. Since then Dinagyang Festival had been the trademark of the city of Iloilo. This festival is parted into three (3) main events, the Miss Dinagyang, Kasadyahan Street Dancing and Ati-Atihan Street Dancing.
The richness of its cultural and historical heritage in the Dinagyang Festival's theme, the said event was chosen and voted several times as the best tourism event by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines. This annual occasion is also recognized by international organization such as the United Nations.
Tourism, particularly of the Dinagyang Festival, had been the main reason why the influx of tourists, visitors and possible business entrepreneur or investors are steadily growing. The next big task of the local government has something to do with using the power a worldwide network which is the internet or the World Wide Web. The local administration of Iloilo City official website (http://iloilocity.gov.ph/) contains a lot of information about history, culture, tourism and even business related details of the place. As potential visitor or financier, it is definitely a must to check and visit Iloilo City's website for real-time updates.
The province of Iloilo is said to be the “City of Smiles” and it is located in the western part of Visayas. It is bordered by Antique and Capiz and its capital is called Iloilo City. Iloilo can be reached by plane from Manila or from Angeles. From Clark, Angeles to Iloilo, the air fare would be less than US $150 and upon alighting from the plane in Caticlan, there is a bus that will take one directly to Iloilo City. There are several Iloilo festivals that are celebrated every year and from these we learn so much more about the Ilonggos and we find out how truly hospitable they are.
Pasundayag Festival is an Iloilo festival participated in by all the 42 towns that comprise of the province. The Pasundayag Festival is held every month of April and with every year that passes, this Iloilo festival promises to be bigger than the previous one. The local government units are the ones responsible for organizing the Pasundayag Festival within their respective municipalities and the result is a display of tribal clothing from tribes that have existed for centuries, traditional dances, parades, singing and dancing, and of course who will forget the great food served at this event. The Pasundayag Festival gives one an opportunity to learn about the history of this province and it is an opportunity for the locals to remember their roots.
Another Iloilo festival aside from the Pasundayag Festival is the Masskara Festival which is celebrated in Bacolod. This Iloilo festival starts on the third Saturday of October and it is a 2 day affair. The Masskara Festival starts off with a food fair and for those who don’t know, the Ilonggos cook very well. There is then a mask making contest, beauty pageants, a talent search, competition for brass bands, art exhibits, drinking contest and a windsurfing regatta. The Masskara Festival’s atmosphere is similar to that of the Mardi Gras where there are elaborate costumes and dance rhythms so everyone can join in the fun. Iloilo festivals such as the Masskara Festival help us understand why this province and in particular Bacolod City is called the “City of Smiles.”
Aside from the Iloilo festivals such as the Masskara Festival and the Pasundayag Festival, there are also many tourist attractions here such as the antique houses, cultural sites and very old churches that date back to the Spanish times.
This Iloilo sightseeing guide can show you some of the best tourist spots to drop by when in the province. Although there are scores of places you can check out, these landmarks are among the sites you shouldn’t miss out on.
Iloilo sightseeing guide: historical sites
One of the most popular locations is the Japanese Fortification, which was built by the Japanese during the war. The remains are still visible and can give one insights into the situation during the war era. Another landmark is the Plaza Libertad, located in the capital city. It is the place where the flag of the Republic was raised following the surrender of the Spaniards.
When in the city you might also want to visit other famed landmarks such as the Spanish Bailiwick, a fortress, the Andonna Creek (landing location of the datus), the Molo District and Fort San Pedro. This was an edifice developed by the Spaniards sometime in the 1600s and the site of numerous battles against the US forces and also the Dutch.
Iloilo sightseeing guide: cultural locations
The Guimbal Watchtowers, located some 30 km off the capital, was established as a warning beacon against pirates and invaders headed to the city. Although very old enough remains to give one the idea of the important role the structure played in olden times.
The residence of Magdalena Jalandoni is another cultural highlight of Iloilo. A well known and respected artist, the venue has now become the place where her priceless works are presented.
The Rosendo Mejica Museum hosts several important historical documents in Spanish, English and Hiligayon, as well as other relics, while downtown Iloilo has several old style buildings from the American and Spanish periods. Another cultural landmark not to be missed is Jaro, where several colonial houses of the Spaniards remain standing.
Iloilo sightseeing guide: nature spots
The Isla de Higantes (the Isle of the Giants) is renowned for the presence of human remains that have been dated from the 15th century. Besides the cave, the naturally formed pool is another popular landmark. The Cataan Cave, situated off San Joaquin, is popular among diving enthusiasts.
Other natural hotspots are the Darangkulan Waterfall, Nagpana Falls, Tinagong Dagat, and Sicogon Island, where exquisite white sand surrounds the shores.
Iloilo sightseeing guide: religious shrines
There are several churches in the province that not only highlight the importance of religion but also give insights into the history of the province. Among the sites that tourists often go to are the Santa Barbara Church, Tigbauan Church, the Church of Cabatuan and the Pavia Church.
An Iloilo sightseeing guide can only provide a sampling of the delectable sights that await you in the island. With its mix of natural, cultural and historical landmarks, you’ll definitely want to make this island province a part of your itinerary.
Iloilo City is one of the most compact and safe areas in the Philippines where one can walk downtown no matter what time of day and it has an excellent array of Iloilo hotels and restaurants. Iloilo is also an ideal location because of its proximity to Boracay via Guimaras. Finding a good Iloilo hotel where we can unwind and relax at the end of the day is a must to fully maximize our vacation.
Found right in the center of where it all happens in General Luna corner Bonifacio Drive, Days Hotel Iloilo has not only established a reputation in hospitality, this Iloilo hotel remains dedicated to exceeding its guests expectations. The interiors of the Days Hotel Iloilo are elegant and incredibly well maintained complemented with the Iloilo hospitality. This is a 4-star hotel and most of its guests are small families or businessmen who are in Iloilo for a purpose. The Days Hotel Iloilo is relatively large as compared to the other branches of this conglomerate in the Philippines with 70 rooms, 2 restaurants, a spa and a gym as well as a business center. Each room at the Days Hotel Iloilo is fully air conditioned and all the beds are orthopedic beds with its own private bathroom. The suites at this Iloilo hotel even have a Jacuzzi, a microwave oven, a kitchenette and an in-house oven. Days Hotel Iloilo also has a big parking area where guests who have brought their cars can be assured of their vehicle’s safety around the clock.
If proximity to the airport aside from the business district is what one is after, the Amigo Terrace Hotel is a good option. The 4 storey building of this Iloilo hotel has a shopping complex on the ground floor making it a one stop place for anybody visiting Iloilo. The restaurant at the Amigo Terrace Hotel serve fine Asian and International dishes, they have an adequately equipped business center and they offer massage services to help one unwind at the end of a busy day. All rooms at the Amigo Terrace Hotel have air conditioning, hot and cold shower, an IDD telephone and it is conveniently located on Iznart Delgado Street. Airport transfers are never a problem at the Amigo Terrace Hotel since it’s only 10 minutes away from the airport and this Iloilo hotel offers this service for free to its guests. The Amigo Terrace Hotel has 99 rooms all in all.