Iloilo City: Your complete weekend itinerary

Your Iloilo itinerary is jam-packed with culture, art, history, and great eats

BUSTLING CITYSCAPE. View of Iloilo City from Balaan Bukid, Guimaras. All photos by Regine
Garcia unless otherwise specified
Here's a suggested itinerary:
Day 1 (Friday night): Unwind and indulge
Feast on big meals at the restaurants in Plazuela
Have your pick among Steps of Rome, Red Corner, Hamada Japanese Restaurant, Ponsyon by
Breakthrough, and Maridels Cake Shop, which are conveniently located inside a Spanish-Italian
inspired building. With its number of food options, beautiful architecture and colorful gardens, Plazuela
De Iloilo is a great place to begin your experience of the city.
Getting There: Plazuela is situated beside SM Mandurriao. You can easily hail a cab and ask them to
take you to Plazuela. Another alternative is to take the jeepney (fare is P8 or US $.18). Look for those
with the signage SM City Mandurriao and tell the driver to drop you off at Plazuela
FOOD AND ARCHITECTURE. Enjoy Ilonggo food in this Spanish-Italian-inspired building
Stroll along the Iloilo Esplanade
Stretching from Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road) to the Carpenters Bridge, the 1.2
kilometer esplanade overlooking the Iloilo River is perfect for an evening stroll. Intentionally designed
to be a linear park, the Esplanade is lined with palms, vibrant flowers, shrubs, and vines.
Getting There: You can ride a jeepney marked SM City Mandurriao and tell the driver to drop you
at Iloilo Esplanade. If coming from Tabucan side, take a Molo Mandurriao jeepney and head over to
the opposite end of Esplanade, in front of Zyron's.

THE CITYS PROMENADE. The relaxing ambiance of Iloilo Esplanade after sunset
Day 2: Tour the beautiful city and admire the beautiful architecture
Be amazed by Miag-ao Churchs artistry and history
TIMELESS BEAUTY. The magnificent Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church after sunrise
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church
(Miag-ao Church) is known for its very visible and artistically carved sculptures on its facade.
Completed in 1797, the Roman Catholic parish once served as a fortress against Muslim raiders.
The church is one of the only four UNESCO World Heritage-recognized Baroque Spanish-era
Churches in the country. The others are San Agustin Church in Manila, Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion
Church in Ilocos Sur, and San Agustin Church in Ilocos Norte.
Getting There: The town of Miag-ao is a few kilometers away from San Joaquin, the last municipality
of Iloilo Province. From San Joaquin, you can take a San Joaquin jeepney (going back to the city)
and tell the driver that youre headed to Miag-ao Church. Fare is P15 (US $.33). You will be dropped
off at the church grounds. Alternatively, if coming from the city, you can ride a Miag-ao jeepney
from the Mohon Terminal.
Tip: To make the south countryside trip worth your while, you have the option to go to the farthest
municipality (San Joaquin) and make a few stops on the churches on your way back to Iloilo City. San
Joaquin, Miag-ao, Guimbal, Tigbauan, Oton, Villa, and Molo, respectively.
Marvel at San Joaquin Church and Campo Santo de San Joaquin

NATIONAL CULTURAL TREASURE. San Joaquin Churchs intricate carvings

Intricately carved on the facade of the Church of San Joaquin (1869) is a military-themed sculpture
depicting the victory of the Spaniards over the Moroccans during the Battle of Tetuan. The main church
in the small town of San Joaquin is listed by the National Historical Institute as a National Cultural
Treasure.
Meanwhile, the San Joaquin Cemetery is just along the main highway. It is famous for its Baroque-
designed mortuary chapel standing in the middle of the cemetery.
SOLITUDE. At the center of the cemetery, the Campo Santo de San Joaquin sits peacefully
Getting There: The town of San Joaquin is around 45 minutes away from the city. You can take a San
Joaquin jeepney from the Mohon Terminal. Tell the conductor that youll be dropped off at the Campo
Santo. From there, you can walk to the San Joaquin Church which is just a block away. Jeepney fare is
P50 (US $1.11). Alternatively, you can ride a van or bus from Molo Terminal. Fare ranges from P50-70
(US $1.56).
Stand in awe at the Church of Guimbal

RUSTIC CHARM. Guimbal Churchs facade. Photo by Paula Anntoneth O

Over a century-old Spanish colonial church made of yellow-colored limestone blocks and coral stones,
the St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish (Guimbal Church) is one of the oldest churches in the country.
Getting There: Take the Miag-ao to Guimbal jeepney and get off at Guimbal Plaza.
Check out Tigbauan Churchs carvings

STILL AT PEACE. Beautiful Tigbauan Church. Photo by Paula Anntoneth O

Built in 1575, the San Juan Sahagun Parish (Tigbauan Church) is known for its elaborate stone carvings
on its facade, decorated with florals and cherubs facing the plaza.
Getting There: Follow the Guimbal to Tigbauan jeepney route and get off at the plaza.
Visit the third oldest Sto. Nio in the Philippines in Villa

ONE OF THE OLDEST. This Sto. Nio in Iloilo is the third oldest in the country. Photo by Claire
Madarang
Said to have been brought by the Augustinians during the establishment of La Villa Rica de Arevalo in
1581, the image of Sto. Nio de Arevalo is considered the third oldest in the Philippines.
Getting There: Take the Tigbauan-Villa route and go to the Arevalo Plaza
Admire Molo Churchs beauty
The St. Anne Parish Church in Molo is the only Gothic church in the country that is outside Manila.
Built in 1831, Molo Church is considered to be one of the most attractive churches in the whole
Philippines because of its impressive design and interiors. In 1992, the National Historical Institute
declared the church a national landmark.
Getting There: From the city proper, you can hail a cab going to St. Anne Parish Church or take a
Molo or Villa jeepney. Request to be dropped off at the plaza of Molo.

AS OLD AS TIME. The Splendor of St. Anne Parish Church

Discover Ilonggo roots at Museo de Iloilo

MEMORIES OF THE PAST. Hablon weaving exhibit in Museo de Iloilo

Iloilo and Panays rich culture and history are well-preserved in Museo de Iloilo. Built in 1971, the
museum is home to Panays cultural artifacts like weapons and armors used in the 1800s.
Located along Bonifacio Drive, sandwiched between the Region VI Department of Tourism Office and
the new Iloilo Provincial Capitol Building, Museo de Iloilo is open every day (Monday to Saturday at
9am-5pm and Sunday at 10am-6pm). Admission fee is P15 (US $.33) for students and P50 (US $1.11)
for adults.
Getting There: Jaro CPU and Jaro Liko jeepneys pass by Museo de Iloilo.
Jaro Cathedral and Belfry

QUIET LIGHT. Jaro Cathedral at dawn

The Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria church (Jaro Cathedral) is a historical landmark declared in 1976
by the National Historical Institute. Built in 1874, the church now holds the image of the Lady of
Candles, known to be the Western Visayas Patroness carrying a child in her left hand and a candle on
her right, in its facade.
The cathedral is where Filipino journalist, Graciano Lopez Jaena, known as the editor of La
Solidaridad, was baptized.
Getting There: Ride a Jaro CPU or Jaro Liko jeepney and request to be dropped off at Jaro Plaza
or in front of the cathedral.
Visit Casa Mariquit
A 200-year-old red brick house behind the huge balete tree brings back that Spanish charm as Casa
Mariquit remains an epitome of Jaros rich culture and history.
The humble stone and wood mansion is now a museum for everyone to experience Iloilos heritage.
Entrance fee is at P50 (US $1.11).
Getting There: Casa Mariquit in Democracia, Jaro, is situated behind the Shell gasoline station across
the PRC building. From the Jaro Plaza, you may consider walking as it is only a block away.
Lizares Mansion
A blend of American and Spanish architecture, the Lizares Mansion is still considered to be one of the
most elegant structures in the city of Iloilo. The mansion was built in 1937 and during the Second
World War, the place became a Japanese army headquarter.
Getting There: From Jaro Plaza, ride a Tabuc Suba jeepney along Andoks and get off at Angelicum
School.
Saturday night life at Smallville
PARTY CENTRAL. Typical night scene at Smallville Complex
Whether to relax or to party, the Smallville complex is the place to be during weekends. An array of
restaurant options to choose from, coffee shops, and dance clubs will liven up your night after a full
day of Iloilo history and architecture immersion.
Getting There: Ride any SM Mandurriao jeepney and get off at Smallville Complex.
Day 3 (Sunday): WALK AND TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
Be captivated by Calle Real

SPANISH ELEGANCE. The busy Calle Real where the Villanueva Building (International Hotel)
stands. Photo by Regine Garcia
Already declared a heritage site, the Downtown Iloilo City Heritage District is where you will find old
buildings that were built during the Commonwealth Era along J.M. Basa St., Iznart St., Aldeguer St.,
and Guanco St.
Calle Real (formerly known as J.M. Basa St.) is also called "Escolta," similar to the historic street of
commerce in Manilas Escolta. Dubbed the Royal Street, Calle Real stretches from Plaza Libertad
going to the Plazoleta Gay and Iloilo Provincial Capitol, and going to the citys elite residences.
Getting There: Ride any Jaro Liko or Jaro CPU jeepney and get off anywhere along J.M. Basa St.
Calle Real is best enjoyed by walking.
Unveil the secrets of Plaza Libertad
During the surrender of Gen. Diego de los Rios to the troops of Gen. Martin Delgado in 1898 marked
the end of the 333-year-old Spanish colonization of the country. Plaza Alfonso XII (Plaza Libertad) is
where the revolutionaries raised the flag of the first Philippine Republic in Iloilo City, the last citadel of
Spanish reign in the country.
Iloilo was made the last capital of Spain in the Philippines after being defeated in Manila in 1898.
Getting There: Ride any Jaro Liko or Jaro CPU jeepney and alight at Plaza Libertad. Also, the
plaza can be reached easily by walking a few blocks away from Calle Real.
Get to Know Muelle Loney

MUELLE LONEY. The place where sugar trading commenced in the 1850s is now peaceful, tranquil.
Photo by Regine Garcia
Iloilo was given the title Queen City of the South because she was the most prosperous province
outside the Philippine capital, Manila. Through Nicholas Loney, British businessman and Vice Consul
in the country, Iloilo encouraged trade in sugar between Negros and Panay by importing from Europe
modern machineries in 1855. The increase in development and trade in the wharf transformed Iloilo
port into a business seaport.
The river wharf was named after Loney for his contribution to the development of Iloilo. Recognized
as the Father of the Philippine Sugar Industry, his statue stands in Muelle Loney Street.
Getting There: Take a trisikad ride from Plaza Libertad (P10 or US $ .22). Muelle Loney is a block
away and can be reached by walking.
If you have more time
Guimaras is known for its sweetest mangoes and paradise beaches. If you have time to spare, you could
go island-hopping in Alubijod, sight-seeing in Guisi, Nueva Valencia, and visit the Trappist Monastery
before the day ends.

CREAMY SAND. Bask in serenity at Guimaras beaches. Photo by Regine Garcia

Getting There: Guimaras is only 15-20 minutes away from Iloilo City. Depart from the Parola Wharf
and arrive in Jordan Wharf. Boat fare is only P18. From there, ride an Alubijod jeepney and be
dropped off at the crossing of Alubijod (P25 or US $ .56). You can take a tricycle ride from the crossing
to the beach for P15 (US $.33). If you feel like island-hopping, they charge P450 (US $10.02) for the
first 3 hours. You can also hire a tricycle to take you from Alubijod to Guisi.
Dont forget: Savor the original La Paz Batchoy inside La Paz Market
MADE IN ILOILO. Netongs La Paz Batchoy offers a bowl of delectable batchoy in its unassuming
but air-conditioned setting inside the market. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores
The aroma of peppered broth from the popular noodle soup in a small district in Iloilo fills the
atmosphere of the quiet La Paz Market. Highly regarded as a famous Filipino noodle soup, the original
La Paz Batchoy, concocted in the early 1940s, is famous for its rich and delicious flavor made with
round noodles miki, beef loin, pork organs, chicken stock, and topped off with crushed pork
cracklings chicharon. (READ:
Rundown: La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, and the iconic Iloilo eats)
There are three well-known batchoy shops at La Paz Market: Teds Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy and
Decos Original Batchoy are found in stalls outside the market, while Netongs is located inside. Prices
range from P55 (US $1.23) - P85 (US $1.89).
Getting There: Take a La Paz, Jaro CPU, or Jaro Liko jeepney going to Lapaz Market.