Iloilo City Shopping Tips by Tijavi Top 5 Page for this destination

Iloilo Sinamay Dealer: Exquisite local fabrics

Iloilo boasts of a grand tradition of producing handloomed fabrics made from fibers of banana (locally called "jusi" pronounced HUSI), pineapple ("piña"), and sinamay.

And this grand tradition lives on in Iloilo's most popular dealer for such fibers - the Iloilo Sinamay Dealer.

Jusi and piña fabrics are usually sewn into local dresses - barong Tagalog for men, gowns for women - which are traditional clothes for weddings and formal occasions. The fabrics are further enhanced by intricate embroidery handsewn by skilled artisans.

What to buy: Jusi and piña fabric with intricate handmade embroidery.

What to pay: Starting from about US$10

Address: Osmeña St., Arevalo District

Directions: It is a few meters away from the Arevalo Public Plaza

Other Contact: Mrs. Cecilia G. Villanueva

Phone: +(6333) 337-4221

Theme: Local Craft

Mama's Kitchen Cookies: Iloilo's crusty secret

I am a true blue Ilonggo, having been born and bred in the city, but it took me so many years to discover that we have some of the world's best cookies right in our own "backyard!"

I only discovered them in December 2004, when a friend took me to Iloilo Sinamay Dealer (please see "Exquisite local fabrics" tip above). Right at the ground floor of the old Spanish home, which doubles as a shop, is Mama's Kitchen offering the most scrumptious and chewy cookies this side of the planet.

Mama's Kitchen prepare their cookies ala-home-made, right inside the compound. The mango chewies are simply divine - the creamy, chewy, not-so-sweet dough spiked by the tropical flavor of what is arguably the best-tasting mangoes in the world, melts in your mouth!

What to buy: The mango chewies are a must-take home goodie. They offer other cookie varieties - chocolate chip, cashews, etc., but it's the mango chewies that have captivated my taste buds!

What to pay: 180 pesos per box (about US$3.50)

Address: Osmeña St., Arevalo, Iloilo City

Directions: At the ground floor of the Iloilo Sinamay Dealer shop, a few meters from the Arevalo public plaza.

Phone: (+6333) 337-4221

Theme: Food and Drink

Iloilo Central Market: More local crafts in a more local setting

Another good place to get those souvenirs (and even bigger ticket items) is the city's Central Market. The local handicraft section there is a every souvenir hunter's paradise - baskets, bamboo craft, local fabric, etc. - all at very reasonable prices (and don't be afraid to bargain!). Plus, it's location - the city's major (wet) market - affords you a glimpse into the everyday life of ordinary Ilonggos.

What to buy: While at the Central Market, you might as well explore it, and sample its other offerings - fresh fruits and vegetables, the freshest seafood, local cuisine, dried fish and seafood (great takehome ideas, too) and lots more!

What to pay: Very reasonable prices, and don't be afraid to bargain!

Address: Along Iznart St, old downtown area

Directions: In front of University of Iloilo campus

Theme: Local Craft

Ilonggo Producers Association (IPA) Trade Center: Showcase of Ilonggo artistry and ingenuity

This is a one-stop shop for quality local crafts. The shop offers a wide variety of products, for which Iloilo has been famous for, from delicate pastries to exquisite shell and wood crafts to intricately embroidered pineapple and abaca fabrics.

Clearly, a showcase of Ilonggo ingenuity and artistry

What to buy: You name it, they are most likely to have it - bags and baskets, gifts and houseware, bamboo/wikcer furniture, ceramics, native delicacies, herbal medicines, woodcraft, shellcraft, bamboocraft, handmade paper products, handwoven fabrics, crochet dresses, paintings and artwork, T-shirt souvenirs, and lots more!

What to pay: Depends on your budget

Address: G/F DTI Bldg, JM Basa St.

Directions: Beside Freedom Grandstand. Chances are, taxi drivers would still remember the place by its former name, NACIDA.

Other Contact: ilonggoproducers@skyinet.net

Phone: (+6333) 3370823 / 3362360

Theme: Local Craft