"Waxing nostalgic..." Top 5 Page for this destination Iloilo City by Tijavi

Iloilo City Travel Guide: 244 reviews and 546 photos

Colorful jeepneys are the major transport mode

...and a rediscovery of roots

I can't help but feel nostalgic while doing a travelogue on my hometown - Iloilo City. Traipsing through the streets of this old and genteel city (2nd oldest in the Philippines founded by the Spaniards, after Cebu), I was greeted by familiar sights, sounds, scents and smiles of people known to be the most gentle and soft spoken of Filipinos.

It felt great to relive the days when I shopped at the old downtown area, entered Iloilo's grand churces for the first time (I'm not Catholic, in case you're interested), and enjoyed the treats of my childhood years - Iloilo-style burgers (read: lots of ketchup and a slice of pickle) and hotdog waffles - and rediscovered the town, which will always be my home.

Brief background

Downtown old Iloilo

Iloilo City is the capital of the province of Iloilo - so named because of its nose-like shape - nose in local language, Ilonggo or Hiligaynon, is "ilong."

Besides being the provincial capital, Iloilo City is also the capital of the Western Visayas region, an agglomeration of six provinces - Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental - in the Visayan group of islands in central Philippines. Thus, Iloilo City occupies a pre-eminent position among the many cities in Western Visayas serving as the economic, industrial, cultural, and educational hub of the region. Nationally, its importance equals that of other tier two cities like Davao, and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao, and Bacolod, the capital of neigboring Negros Occidental.

Given its importance, Iloilo City does generate a substantial economic pull that lures migrants, mostly from neighboring provinces, to work and live in the city. As of 2000 census, Iloilo City's population was about 366,000. The people, called Ilonggos, speak the local dialect Hiligaynon (also known as Ilonggo) as well as English and Tagalog, which are the country's offical languages for business and government.

As a major entrepot, Iloilo City is easily accessible from Manila by air (Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific) and sea (WG&A, Negros Navigation). And from Iloilo City, nearby cities of Bacolod (capital of Negros Occidental, and oftentimes regarded as Iloilo's more flamboyant twin city), Roxas (seafood capital of the Philippines), and the paradise island of Boracay are within easy reach.

Ever genteel, ever graceful

Living showcase of old world charm and gentility

As the Spaniards' second urban settlement in the Philippines, Iloilo City is endowed with an old-world charm and elegance that is reflected in the many facets of the Ilonggo culture - from the heavily Spanish-influenced local dialect, the delicate pastries, the palatial homes of the old rich, the imposing cathedrals, to the gracefulness and modesty of the Ilonggo lasses, the Ilonggas.

Indeed, grace and gentility have been deeply embedded in the Ilonggos' psyche and character, and the city remains a living showcase of the best of the Phillipines' colonial era.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Old world charm, small town values
Cons:Eroding physical heritage, congestion
In a nutshell:A living showcase of old world charm and gentility

Last visit to Iloilo City: Jan 2007
Intro Updated Oct 10, 2008
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Reviews (32)

Penoys have pencil markings - Iloilo City

Balut and penoy Restaurants (10)

If you missed that balut in Manila, fret not, Ilonggos love their balut, too! This is perhaps for the most adventurous,... more travel advice

Fried peanuts! Restaurants (10)

Who says peanuts cannot be deep-fried? They are greasy but delicious! What makes them more tasty are the toasted bits of... more travel advice

Smell and hear the kernels popping! - Iloilo City

Grilled corn on the cob Restaurants (10)

A more local offering would be grilled corn on the cob sans the greasy butter. Best eaten on its own and warm and fresh... more travel advice

Cakes and pastries Restaurants (10)

Another safe bet would be cakes and pastries on offer from the various bake shops scattered all over the city. There are... more travel advice

Things to Do (13)
See All Jaro District: Our Lady of Candles
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All The city's most beautiful public park
Shopping (4)
See All Iloilo's crusty secret

Comments (33)

mircaskirca Jul 30, 2011 at 9:49 AM Report Abuse

Iloilo Museo seems to be a good place to learn about Iloilo's art, culture and history! As for the street food, my choice would be sweet and juicy fruits. Love custard apple too! But will mostly visit your hometown for the colourful Dinagyang Festival :)
jayjayc May 8, 2011 at 2:49 PM Report Abuse

Very helpful tips about Leoning's!!!! thanks
kemisteryoso Sep 7, 2010 at 7:34 AM Report Abuse

How about nightlife tips in Iloilo City?
jumpingnorman Aug 25, 2010 at 9:37 AM Report Abuse

haha...I also like those waffle hotdogs....great pages indeed on Iloilo :)
icunme Oct 13, 2009 at 9:57 AM Report Abuse

Outstanding tour of Iloilo here with you. Grazie for lovely photos and detail. Ciao, Carol
Yaqui Sep 17, 2009 at 10:44 AM Report Abuse

I most certainly enjoyed the tour of this lovely historical and beautiful city. Hats off to you for the great trivia information. I like that a lot! Your tips are detailed and the photos are wonderful. Thanks for the tour!
Pinat Aug 21, 2009 at 3:29 AM Report Abuse

I am really thankful to you for the great virtual tour in a city I have never heard of before. Great page and pics. Greetings from Ankara, Pinar
monina_c Jan 11, 2009 at 9:56 PM Report Abuse

i missed eating la paz batchoy at the palengke by a heartbeat! we were supposed to have some after visiting miag-ao but somebody suggested dinner at breakthrough. :( hay... maybe next time...
toonsarah Oct 5, 2008 at 11:48 AM Report Abuse

I've enjoyed "visiting" your home town with you :-) I liked your account of Our Lady of Candles, and the sound of mango chewies (not sure about bacon in my fave pesto sauce though!). What a shame that buildings are being allowed to fall into disrepair.
missyaerok Aug 24, 2008 at 1:45 AM Report Abuse

can u send the number to this email add....missyaerok@yahoo.com