Republic of the Philippines

Governor Andres Pascual College

Navotas City

Subject: Seminar in Philippine Culture

Subject Code: COG 106
Discussant: Cassandra Kaye L. Casidsid
Professor: Dr. Florabel F. Santos

REGION VI – ILOILO

“The Heart of the Philippines”. Iloilo is home to

historical landmarks, quaint beaches, and islands,
heritage homes, plus tasty and unique cuisine. The
province's picturesque natural wonders and the
friendly locals will make this a destination that will
feel like a second home.

Iloilo (locally [ɪlo.ˈilo]), officially the

Province of Iloilo (Hiligaynon: Kapuoran
sang Iloilo; Kinaray-a: Kapuoran kang Iloilo;
Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Iloilo), is a province
in the Philippines located in the Western
Visayas region. Its capital is the City of
Iloilo. Iloilo occupies a major southeast
portion of the Visayan Island of Panay and
is bordered by the province of Antique to
the west, Aklan, and Capiz to the north, the
Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the
Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo
Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest.

Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is the island province of Guimaras, once part of Iloilo but
now an independent province. Across the Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait is Negros
Occidental, occupying the northwestern half of the larger island of Negros. Iloilo City, its
capital, is geographically located in the province and is grouped under the province by the
Philippine Statistics Authority but remains politically independent from the provincial
government. According to the 2020 census, the population of the province (excluding Iloilo
City) is 2,051,899. If Iloilo City is included, the population is 2,509,525 in total.
ETYMOLOGY

The name of the province is derived from Iloilo City, which in turn is derived from the older
name "Ilong-ilong" (Philippine Spanish "Ilong̃-ílong̃") meaning "nose-like", referring to
the promontory between two rivers (Iloilo and Batiano) where the Fort San Pedro and the
17th-century Spanish port was located.

HISTORY

The Maragtas Legend tells the story of Iloilo way back in the 13th century, when Datu
Puti and his fellow Datus, fled from the tyranny of Sultan Makatunao of Borneo and landed
at the mouth of the Siwaragan River, now known as the town of San Joaquin, and
eventually settled there.

At that time, people called the "Atis", who were ruled by King Marikudo and Queen
Maniwangtiwang, inhabited Panay. King Marikudo bartered the lowlands of Panay Island for
a golden hat, "saduk", and a long gold necklace, "manangyad", and other assorted gifts to
the Bornean Datus. The latter then took complete control of the island with the "Atis" retiring
to the mountains. It was Datu Paiburong who was assigned in Irong-Irong. Panay Island
was ruled under the Code of Kalantiao, where peace and prosperity reigned for 300 years.
But this was disrupted when the Spaniards came and established the provincial
government.

EARLY SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD

In 1566, as the Spanish conquest of the Philippines was underway and moving north
toward Manila, the Spaniards under Miguel López de Legazpi came to Panay and
established a settlement in Ogtong (now Oton). He appointed Gonzalo Ronquillo as deputy
encomiendero, a position that would later become governor in later years.

In 1581 Ronquillo moved the town center approximately 12 km east due to recurrent
raids by Moro pirates and Dutch and English privateers and renamed the area La Villa de
Arevalo in honor of his hometown in Ávila, Spain.

In 1700, due to ever-increasing raids especially from the Dutch and the Moros, the
Spaniards again moved their seat of power some 25 km eastward to the village of Irong-
Irong, which had a natural and strategic defense against raids and where, at the mouth of
the river that snakes through Panay, they built Fort San Pedro to better guard against the
raids which were now the only threat to the Spaniards' hold on the islands. Irong-Irong or
Ilong-Ilong was shortened to Iloilo and with its natural port quickly became the capital of the
province.

THE SUGAR BOOM ERA AND THE LATE SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD

In the late 18th century, the development of the large-

scale weaving industry started the movement of Iloilo's
surge in trade and economy in the Visayas. Sometimes
referred to as the "Textile Capital of the Philippines", the
products were exported to Manila and other foreign
places. Sinamay, piña, and jusi are examples of the
products produced by the looms of Iloilo. Because of the
rise of the textile industry, there was also a rise in the
upper-middle class. However, with the introduction of cheap textile from UK and the
emergence of the sugar economy, the industry waned in the mid-19th century. Museo Iloilo
is the repository of Iloilo's past.

The waning textile industry was replaced however by the opening of Iloilo's port to the
world market in 1855. Because of this, Iloilo's industry and agriculture were put on direct
access to foreign markets. But what triggered the economic boom of Iloilo in the 19th
century was the development of the sugar industry in Iloilo and its neighboring island of
Negros. Sugar during the 19th century was in high demand. Nicholas Loney, the British
vice-consul in Iloilo developed the industry by giving loans, constructing warehouses in the
port, and introduced new technologies in sugar farming. The rich families of Iloilo developed
large areas of Negros, which were later called haciendas because of the sugar's high
demand in the world market. Because of the increase in commercial activity, infrastructures,
recreational facilities, educational institutions, banks, foreign consulates, commercial firms,
and much more sprouted in Iloilo.

On 5 October 1889, due to the economic development that was

happening in Iloilo, the Queen Regent of Spain raised the status of
the town into the Royal City (Queen's City) of the South, and in
1890, the city government was established.

In 1896, the initial reaction of Ilonggo’s in the outbreak of the

Revolution in Manila was hesitant. However, the Capital City of
Iloilo was the first to aid the Spanish Crown in quelling the
insurrection, owing allegiance to no other Country than Spain
before the Philippine Independence. Because of this, the Queen
Regent Maria Cristina honored the City (in the name of her son
King Alfonso III) with the title "La Muy Noble", in appreciation of the most noble virtue of
Ilonggo chivalry. Due to the Spanish blow by blow defeat by, at first, the Katipunan, and
later by the Americans, the Spaniards left Manila and established the last Spanish Capital
in the Orient in Iloilo City. Sooner, however, through the leadership of General Martin
Delgado, the towns of Iloilo got involved in the struggle for independence, except for Iloilo
City, Molo, and Jaro.

On December 25, 1898, the Spanish government surrendered to the Ilonggo

revolutionaries in Plaza Alfonso XIII (Plaza Libertad today), and in that place, the Filipinos
and Spaniards parted ways as friends. In the name of the last Spanish Governor-General,
Don Diego de los Ríos, Brig. General and Military Provincial Governor Ricardo Monet,
together with Lt. Col. Agustín Solís, formally handed over Plaza Alfonso XIII to the Republic
of the Philippines through the person of the Filipino General Martin Delgado, who
represented President Emilio Aguinaldo in Iloilo. Martin Delgado was named Governor of
the Province afterward.

The newly found freedom of Ilonggos was short-lived, the American forces arrived in
Iloilo in late December 1898. By February 1899, the North Americans started to mobilize for
colonizing anew the City and Province. Resistance was the reaction of Ilonggos upon the
invasion which lasted up to 1901.

AMERICAN COLONIAL ERA AND JAPANESE OCCUPATION

In 1900, the Americans reverted the city's status

into a township again. Yet because of its continuous
commercial activities and because it was an important
port of call in the Visayas-Mindanao area, it regained
the cityhood status on July 16, 1937, through
Commonwealth Act 158. Incorporated as part of Iloilo City were the towns of Molo, Jaro,
Mandurriao, La Paz and Villa de Arevalo.

In the very early start of American colonial era, Protestant American Missionaries came
to Iloilo as a backlash against Catholicism in the Philippines. The first Protestants to came
was the Presbyterians and they established the first Protestant and American hospital in
country, Iloilo Mission Hospital; and supposedly it came also that Silliman University (the
first Protestant and private American university in Asia and the country) was originally a
location for its foundation, but due to Catholic opposition, the founder, David S, Hibbard
moved to Dumaguete City, where the university is now presently found. Along with the
Presbyterians, Baptists came and established Central Philippine University (the first Baptist
university in the country), Jaro Evangelical Church (the first Baptist church in the
Philippines), and the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (the oldest Baptist
organizational body in the Philippines)

Sometime after its re-establishment, the City adopted a seal with the title given to it by
the Queen Regent María Cristina, together with another title: "Muy Leal". Thus, the City's
title became "La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloílo", which remains inscribed on its seal
until the present. However, prosperity did not continue as the sugar demand was declining,
labor unrests were happening in the port area that scared the investors away and the
opening of the sub-port of Pulupandan in Negros Occidental, has moved the sugar
importation closer to the sugar farms. By 1942, the Japanese invaded Panay and the
economy moved to a standstill.

During World War II, Iloilo was controlled by several Japanese Battalions, Japan's
ultimate goal was to entrench itself deeply into the Philippines so that at the close of the war
they could occupy it just as the Spanish and the Americans had years before. However,
when Filipino & American forces liberated Iloilo from Japanese military occupation on
March 25, 1945 the remnants of these battalions were held in Jaro Plaza as a makeshift
detention facility.

POST-WAR PERIOD

By the end of the war, Iloilo's economy, life, and infrastructure were damaged. However,
the continuing conflict between the labor unions in the port area, the declining sugar
economy, the deteriorating peace, and order situation in the countryside, and the exodus of
Ilonggos to other cities and islands that offered better opportunities and businessmen
moved to other cities such as Bacolod and Cebu led to Iloilo's demise in economic
importance in the southern Philippines.

By the 1960s towards 1990s, Iloilo's economy progressed at a moderate pace. The
construction of the fish port, international seaport, and other commercial firms that invested
in Iloilo marked the movement of the city making it the regional center of Western Visayas.

MODERN PERIOD

The next three decades saw the moderate growth of Iloilo City with the establishment of fish
ports, an international seaport, and other commercial firms. Iloilo City also became the
Regional Center of Western Visayas.

In 1977, a Comprehensive Urban Development Plan for Iloilo City was approved and was
adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance was
the implementing tool. However, the 1977 Plan was unable to cope with the demands of
rapid urbanization.
By the end of 1993, a multi-sectoral group prepared the 1994-2010 Comprehensive
Development Plan of Iloilo City to amend the old plan and address the present and future
challenges of urban development. The plan, however, was not carried out pending the
approval of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB).

GEOGRAPHY

The province covers a total area of 5,000.83 square kilometres (1,930.83 sq mi) occupying
the central and eastern sections of Panay island in the Western Visayas region. If Iloilo City
is included for geographical purposes, Iloilo has an area of 5,079.17 square kilometres
(1,961.08 sq mi). The province is bordered by province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the
north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Visayan Sea and Guimaras Strait to the
east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest.

The province is divided into two distinct geographic regions; the highlands of the Central
Panay Mountain Range on the western border and the lowland plains which account for a
larger portion of the province. Small islands east of its northernmost tip also dot the Visayan
Sea - of these, Pan de Azucar and Sicogon are well-known. Mount Baloy is the highest
mountain in Iloilo with an elevation of 6,424 feet (1,958 m) above sea level, located on the
triple border of Iloilo, Capiz, and Antique. Other peaks are Mount Llorente 4,409 ft.
(1,344m), Mount Sansanan 4,219 ft. (1,286m), Mount Napulak 4,095 ft. (1,248 m), Mount
Balabag 3,728 ft. (1,136m).

Expansive fishponds and mangrove wetlands are found along the coasts and rivers of Iloilo
City and the towns of Oton, Leganes, Zarraga, Dumangas, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Viejo,
Barotac Nuevo, Ajuy, Balasan and Carles.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

22. Ajuy 1. Lambunao Iloilo has 42 municipalities and

23. Alimodian 2. Leganes 1 city.
24. Anilao 3. Lemery
25. Badiangan 4. Leon
26. Balasan 5. Maasin The total number of barangays in
27. Banate 6. Miagao the province is 1,721. The City
28. Barotac Nuevo 7. Mina of Iloilo serves as the provincial
29. Barotac Viejo 8. New Lucena capital, although it is
30. Batad 9. Oton administratively independent due
31. Bingawan 10. Pavia to its distinction as a highly
32. Cabatuan 11. Pototan urbanized city.
33. Calinog 12. San Dionisio
34. Carles 13. San Enrique
35. Concepcion 14. San Joaquin
36. Dingle 15. San Miguel 1. Paasi- City
37. Dueñas 16. San Rafael
38. Dumangas 17. Santa Barbara
39. Estancia 18. Sara
40. Guimbal 19. Tigbauan
41. Igbaras 20. Tubungan
42. Janiuay 21. Zarraga
DEMOGRAPHICS

The population of Iloilo in the 2020 census was 2,051,899 people, with a density of 410
inhabitants per square kilometer or 1,100 inhabitants per square mile. If the highly
urbanized city of Iloilo is included for statistical purposes, the province's total population is
2,361,042 people, with a density of 465/km2 (1,204/sq mi).

PEOPLE IN ILOILO

People from Iloilo are called Ilonggos.

LANGUAGE

There are three local languages used in the province: Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), Kinaray-a
and Capiznon.
Hiligaynon and dialects/variants of it are spoken in Iloilo City and in some towns of
the province, especially to the northeast. Tagalog and English are widely used as
administrative, educational, and commercial languages.

RELIGION

Iloilo is a Roman Catholic-predominated province comprising about 87% of the

population. Protestant churches also exist such as members of Iglesia Filipina
Independiente or Aglipayan Church, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Adventists, and
other Evangelical Christians; There are also non-Protestant and other Christian sects such
as Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church of Christ of Latter day Saints (Mormons) and Jehovah's
Witnesses while non-Christians are usually represented by Muslims, and to a lesser extent,
Buddhists and Hindus.

ECONOMY

Iloilo's economy is vibrant, because of good political will and the cooperation of the
Ilonggos. Iloilo's "economic boom" made thousands of jobs and made the province one of
the most competitive in the country. Iloilo City is the center for real estate, accommodation,
medical centers, education, shopping centers, business centers, IT/BPO centers and many
more. Iloilo's northern part consists of a strong fishing industry and a booming tourism
industry. It is near the Visayan Sea, which makes that part of province one of the leading
areas in fisheries in the nation. The central part is an agri-industrial center producing a wide
array of agricultural products such as corn, rice, bananas, pineapples, and sugar among
others as well as high-end crops in the Bucari Area in Leon and in the highlands of
Alimodian, as well as inland resorts and trekking sites. The sugar industries are centered in
Passi City and its neighboring towns like Lambunao, Duenas, San Enrique and Bingawan.
Southern Iloilo's economy is mostly based on tourism because of the century-old churches
and colonial buildings and its beaches and marine reserves especially in Guimbal, Miagao
and San Joaquin towns.
CULTURE

Iloilo City prides itself on having a vibrant cultural and artistic ecosystem.

LITERATURE

The most known literature related to Ilonggos is the Maragtas, a folk history on the
coming of the ten Bornean datus and their families to Panay. Hurubaton, Paktakon,
Sugidanon (epics), Lowa, and others, many of which have survived up to the present time.

SONGS

Ilonggo songs are mainly composos or ballads about love and adventure, lullaby
melodies (ILI-ILI TULOG ANAY is the best example), and other folk songs, usually
accompanied by either percussion, wind or string instruments.

ENTERTAINMENT

Ilonggo zarzuela, the most popular form of vernacular entertainment in Western

Visayas in the first half of the 20th century. The zarzuela is a musical stage play depicting
the everyday life and aspirations of the Ilonggos that made famous a number of local
writers. It also catapulted into prominence the Iloilo-Bacolod Troupe (ILOBAC) that
performed before capacity audiences in the cities and municipalities of Iloilo and Negros
Occidental.

TRADITIONAL DANCES

Traditional dances that have been recorded by the Spaniards are the harito, balitaw,
liay, lalong kalong, imbong, inay-inay, and binanog. Some of these dances are still being
performed today

FESTIVALS

Dinagyang Festival: Merriment, Spectacle and more!

Hailed as the “Mother Festival of the Philippines” and the

most awarded of all, nationally and internationally, Iloilo
City’s Dinagyang Festival continues to enthrall and
captivate visitors and tourists throughout the years. The
Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival in
Iloilo City held every fourth Sunday of January, or right
after the Sinulog in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan Festival in
Kalibo, Aklan. The festival is the source of pride for Iloilo
City by showcasing impressive drumbeats, spectacular
and energetic dance choreography, and bright-colored
costumes. The remarkable tribe performances tell about
cultural myths, stories and history, all rolled into one
mammoth cultural event that put the city in the map of
global celebration and never fails to mesmerize that
audience. But the heart of the festival is centered on the
devotion to Santo Nino (Baby Jesus), showcasing the
Ilonggos’ deep spiritual faith. Throughout the city during
the festival, there are merrymakings, parades and other side events that gather thousands
of people, witnessing and taking part in the massively-attractive cultural festivity with
fantastic vision.

Jaro Candelaria: Spiritual Tradition comes alive

Right after Dinagyang Festival is the feast of Nuestra

Senora dela Candelaria (our Lady of Candles) or simply
Jaro Candelaria simultaneous with the annual fiesta of
Jaro District, the center of Western Visayas’ Catholic
faith and the largest annual procession among Catholic
devotees held every 2nd day of February. The Marian
image is said to be miraculous and uplifted the faith of
the locals with her presence. Stories foretold that the
image was found by a fisherman along the banks of Iloilo
River and it was brought to Jaro Cathedral. Many
believed that the image miraculously had grown and
gained a lot of devotees throughout the centuries. Jaro
Cathedral, an impressive heritage church in Iloilo City
and one of the city’s architectural wonders is the seat of power for the Archbishop of Jaro,
is the spiritual destination of devotees to participate in the religious celebration that is often
describe as colorful and inspiring. Across the church is the Jaro Belfry, an important
structure during the Spanish era that served as watchtower.

Iloilo Chinese New Year: Prosperity and Unity

After the spiritual passion of Ilonggos with the

Jaro Candelaria, they celebrate another event
that highlights their friendship and brotherhood
with the Filipino-Chinese community of the city
with the annual Iloilo Chinese New Year held
every second week of February. The celebration
is an impressive display of spectacular Chinese
dances, dragon dance, food festival and city-
wide parade participated in by prominent
Chinese schools of Iloilo City such as Sun Yat
High School, Hua Siong College of Iloilo, Ateneo
de Iloilo and many others. The Filipino-Chinese community gather in this annual celebration
to pay tribute to their rich Chinese tradition and heritage that symbolizes their unity with
their Ilonggo brothers.

Paraw Regatta Festival: Embracing the Sailing

Tradition

The Iloilo Paraw Regatta is the oldest traditional craft

event in Asia, and the largest sailing event in the
Philippines held every third week of February. The Iloilo
Paraw Regatta Foundation currently organizes the
activities, with leading support from the Iloilo City and
Provincial Governments and the Department of Tourism,
along with private sector donations.
The objective of the Regatta is to celebrate the skills of
the paraw sailors and bring a fiesta spirit into their lives.
And with the colorful painted sails, this spirit is brought into the lives of participants and
tourists as well. In these times of high fuel costs, and polluting oil spills, one can appreciate
the simple ecology of the traditional paraw. Nevertheless, the skills needed to sail are far
more complex. Other notable activities of the festival are the food festival, the regional
beauty pageant of Miss Paraw Regatta and Samba de Regatta.

Iloilo Bike Festival: Healthy and Bike Safety Culture

The country’s largest gathering of bikers and bike

enthusiasts unfolds in the annual Iloilo Bike
Festival every second week of March in Iloilo City.
The main venue of the event is Iloilo Business
Park, Megaworld’s prestigious 72-hectare business
township in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The Iloilo Bike
Festival is an annual sports event organized by the
City Government of Iloilo in partnership with
Megaworld Corporation with a vision to establish
Iloilo City as the country’s biggest assembly of
bikers, promoting bike-friendly culture, healthy
lifestyle, and ecologically inspired event. Iloilo
Business Park and the whole Iloilo City aims to promote the share-a-road movement and
raise the awareness of Ilonggos about the benefits of biking on health, safety, and
environmental concerns. The festival aspires to promote health and wellness among
Ilonggos with new side events and innovations including the Ronda Pilipinas Criterion and
“Bikes on Lights” contest. The project goes hand-in-hand with the city’s transition into an
environment-friendly and healthy highly urbanized city.

Hablon Festival: Art of weaving

Every first week of September. The four-day festivity

commemorates the heritage and economic succor that
the Hablon industry has given to our community since
centuries ago. The celebration accentuates the
uniqueness, uses and significance of the renowned
fabric thru exhibit- demonstration, pageant
competition, and parades.

Iloilo Dragon Boat Festival

Every 3rd Week of August. The rival of the Iloilo river

championed the birth of the Iloilo Dragon Boat
Festival. The event is celebrated to showcase the
cleanliness of the Iloilo River.

THE ILONGGOS CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

The Ilonggos observed certain customs and traditions about birth, baptism, courtship and
marriage, death, and burial.

ABOUT THE BIRTH

The coming of a child in an Ilonggo family is usually an important and welcome event.
Certain precautions are followed to insure the safe delivery of the child. Among these are
as follows;

1. The members of the family see to it that all the wishes of an expectant mother are
granted. They are careful not to displace the mother for fear that she might give birth
prematurely.

2. The mother is cautioned not to make fun nor look at people with certain physical
handicaps because this might happen to her unborn child.

3. The mother-to-be is not allowed to eat foods with black color to avoid having a child
who is dark complexioned.

4. The newly born child should be rocked to and form so he will grow-up to be brave.

5. The placenta should also be buried together with a book on music arithmetic and
readings so that the child will be well versed in all these subjects.

6. The placenta should be placed inside as earthen jar and buried with it. This will curb
the child's adventurous spirit. He will not go to faraway places and will surely return
to his hometown in his old age.

7. When a child is being delivered at the height of lightning and thunder, it is believed
that the child will grow up to be brave, courageous, and intelligent.

8. A child born at daybreak will be cool-headed patient, hardworking but will possess a
weak spirit and cowardice.

9. A child born between seven or eight o'clock in the evening will be brave and
domineering.

ABOUT THE BAPTISM

Baptism is a catholic religious ritual observed by the catholic parents of a newborn child.
The following are some practices the Ilonggos follow in connection with baptism

1. The parents select the godparents very carefully so that child will take after the good
character traits of the godparents.

2. The parents choose the priest or the minister to baptize the child.

3. It is the parental privilege to give the name to their child.

4. The child should be baptized after the first week or not later than the third month
after birth. If a child dies without the benefit of baptism his soul will go to purgatory.
This is according to catholic belief.

5. Baptismal parties are held after the baptism to ensure the child's success in any
future undertaking.
 6. It is common practice by godparents to give a certain amount of money to the child
for his financial security. The money must either be invested in business or spent for
the child's welfare.

7. The parents and godparents of the child develop an almost brotherly relationship.
They fondly call each other as compadre and comadre.

ABOUT THE COURTSHIP

The man courts the girl of his choice by visiting her at home and sending love letter.
When the girl accepts the man. they became engaged. Before their marriage, the man must
observe the pabagbati and the paregalo. The pabagti refers to required servitude of the
man is the house of the girl while the paregalo is the formal announcement by the parents
of the intention of their son to marry their daughter. On this occasion, the boy's parents
bring food and drinks while both parties are making arrangements for the coming wedding.
If the man is accepted by the girl's parents, a dowry is agreed upon. The man is also
required to stay in the girl's house prior to the wedding day. The behavior of the man is
carefully observed while rendering service to the girl's family.

ABOUT THE MARRIAGE

The marriage is solemnized by a minister of the church or by the justice of the peace
court. On the eve of the wedding day, a dance is held at the house of the bride-to-be. The
expenses for the wedding dress, church rites and wedding reception are shouldered by the
groom and his family. After the wedding, the married couple kiss the hands of the elders to
receive their blessings. The wedding ceremony is later followed by the wedding party. The
parents and visitors present such as furniture, utensils, dishes, and beddings to the
newlyweds. During the party, the bride and the bridegroom are asked to dance on the mat.
While dancing, the guest throw money to the bride and groom. The money the couple picks
up serves as additional fits. After the wedding, some parents allow the newlyweds to stay
with them until they can save and stand on their own.

ABOUT THE DEATH AND BURIAL

The death and burial of a person is a community affair. Relatives and friends offer help
to the relatives of the dead person in the form of money and service. Friends and relatives
attend the wake and offer prayers for the dead man's soul. During the wake, the family
refrains from bathing and sweeping the floor for fear that another person will die. The family
wears lack for one year as a sign of mourning. The family and friends of the deceases
accompany the dead during the funeral. Some carry the coffin while others stay behind to
prepare food. After the burial, the family invites those who joined the funeral partake of
foods then prepared. After the burial the family offers prayers to the dead or a nine-day
novena. The host provided a big feast on the third and ninth day of novena. This is a
catholic belief.

SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS

The Ilonggos are also influenced by many superstitious beliefs as follows.

 Bananas should be planted after eating a full meal so that the fruits will become big
and full.

 They offer prayers to the saint to give them rain after the prayers, the image is
brought to the beach and dipped in the water.
  Before they harvest crops in the farm, they offer foods and prayer.

BELIEFS RELATED TO HOUSE BUILDING

1. It is a bad luck for a house to have 13 posts.

2. Stairs of houses should face the east to bring in good luck.

3. Move into a new either on a Wednesday or Saturday.

4. Bring first salt, rice before moving into the house.

TRADITIONAL FOLK BELIEF

o When there is a sick person at your home, especially when he is very ill, you will find
that when you are alone, you can hear all the sounds that will make your hair stand.

o Sometimes, you could hear sounds as “tik-tik” , of the so-called aswang, “wilik-wilik,”
“tiw-tiw,,” etc., the howling of the dogs which according to old folks is the sign that
there are devils (panulays) roaming around.

LOCAL FOOD AND DELICACIES

The “Heart of the Philippines” made us love absolutely everything about Iloilo. From its
breathtaking natural wonders and cultural landmarks to its spectacular man-made
attractions, Iloilo absolutely ensured that we had an action-packed experience during our
visit.
Another thing that made our vacation extra-special was, of course, the legendary, ever
delicious, and irresistible Ilonggo Cuisine

Laswa Vegetable Soup

The first on the list is no other than Laswa. This simple Ilonggo
vegetable soup which is particularly rich in fiber, is similar to the
famous Dinengdeng of Ilokano Cuisine. The only difference is
that Laswa is usually seasoned with salt while Dinengdeng
recipes use bagoong. The usual ingredients of Laswa consist of
squash, sitaw, eggplant, Okra, ampalaya, patola, and made
extra special by shrimp!

Authentic Ilonggo Cansi

Popular and fan-favorite Ilonggo dish for everyone
craving a unique combination of beef and soup. Kansi
or Cansi is like a collaboration between two famous
Filipino dishes: Bulalo and Sinigang. Kansi usually
uses tender and delicious beef shanks flavored with a
type of sour fruit called the Batwan. And instead of
using usual Sinigang Vegetables such as kangkong,
Okra, and gabi, Kansi uses a unique alternative,
jackfruit.
 KBL Ilonggo Dish
Were you also intrigued by the name? Well, KBL or Kadyos,
Baboy at Langka also captured my attention when I first
heard of it. It’s also a popular Ilonggo soup dish with a tasty
and sour flavor. Like the name suggests, KBL uses Kadyos
or Pigeon Peas, Pork, and Langka, a Tagalog term for
jackfruit. It also has a huge similarity with Cansi because it
uses the Batwan fruit to produce a natural sour flavor.

La Paz Batchoy
Considered one of the most iconic dishes in Iloilo and
the whole country. This exquisitely delicious noodle soup
consists of pork meat, chicharon, egg noodles, flavorful
broth, and raw egg as the main ingredients. This
extraordinary dish originated from the small town of La
Paz, Iloilo, and is characterized by an oozing savory and
delicious “liquid gold” soup.

Pancit Molo

Another traditional Ilonggo soup dish that originated

from the town of Molo in Iloilo, where several Chinese
immigrants lived in the past. It’s a soup highly like the
famous Wonton Soup of the Chinese. These Molo
Dumplings, usually made of ground pork and a
combination of different herbs and spices, are made
heartier and more exquisite with shredded chicken and
toasted garlic. Yum!

Chicken Binakol
Another iconic Ilonggo chicken dish but this time in the form of a hearty soup. This one’s
highly like Chicken Tinola, but what makes it unique is coconut meat water and coconut
water as soup bases. Chicken Binakol is also best cooked using native chicken, simmered
for several hours.

Pinamalhan na Isda

An all-time favorite Ilonggo dish which is basically a “Fish

Stew.” Usually, the fishes used are Bangus, salmonite,
bilong-bilong, sap-sap, abo, and many more. This dish’s rich
and overflowing flavors come from the combination of
vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, salt, peppers, oil, and many more
spices cooked over low heat for several hours.
Apan-Apan
Another blockbuster Ilonggo dish that we’ve tried is the
Apan-Apan, a delicious version of the popular Adobong
Kangkong. The richness of the flavor bonds well with the
kangkong and is made extra special by adding crispy fried
pork toppings called Tulapho. Overwhelming combination
of flavors brought by the coconut vinegar, soy sauce, and
bagoong is truly irresistible!

Adobo Nga Takway

Takway is what the Ilonggos
refer to as the parts of a Gabi plant that grows sideways. Cooking
Adobo Nga Takway follows the same process as those of the
other adobo recipes; you just have to substitute the major
ingredients with Takway. This delicious dish overflows with
different flavors and presents a unique texture thanks to the
Takway, and it’s really a must-try Ilonggo dish!

Baked Talaba
Talaba or oysters are incredibly abundant in the
Western Visayas region, and obviously, there’s no
reason I wouldn’t indulge with these tasty
seashells now that I’m in Iloilo! One of the best
ways to cook Talaba is by baking it with butter,
garlic, and cheese.

Chicken Tinuom

Another iconic Ilonggo dish that promises delicious combination

flavors and texture. This yummy chicken recipe is made with
native chicken seasoned with onions, tomatoes, and tanglad
wrapped by a banana leaf. It’s really a unique, flavorful dish and
is one of the famous “Binalot Recipes” of the Ilonggo cuisine.

Pangat
Pangat is famously known as the Ilonggo-Style Laing,
which uses the flavorful combination of coconut milk and
laing or Taro leaves. Well, everyone knows that Laing is
best-served extra spicy and savory, right? Like what the
Bicolanos love. Well, what makes Pangat unique and special is the addition of the Ilonggos’
very-own Batwan, adding extra layers of flavor and texture to this already irresistible dish.

Ramboys Liempo
Stories say that you will never look at any Liempo dishes the same way anymore once you
try the legendary Ramboys Liempo of Iloilo. The tender, juicy, and flavorful meat of their
liempo, combined with the sinful crispy-licious skin and delicious sawsawan, are truly
addicting. Trust me, you would regret not trying Ramboys Liempo and their other flavorful
dishes!

Fried Ibos

is one of the most heavenly and delicious creations of the

Ilonggos, and it’s absolutely a must-try. Ibos is actually a rice cake
and highly similar to the Suman of the Tagalogs. Ilonggos made it
extra special by frying the Ibos and serving them with Mango Jelly
Dip or rich Tsokolate Tablea. Ah, what a perfect way to end our
gastronomic adventure, huh?

Tambo / Utan na puti

sabaw
Bamboo Shoots boiled with Okra, shrimps, and
coconut milk. One of the favorite Ilonggo dishes
cooked with Tambo has gata (coconut milk)
tugabang (Jutes leaves), Okra, Corn, and crabs or
shrimps. This dish is sometimes referred to as “utan
na puti sabaw” (white soup with vegetables).

Biscocho Haus – If there’s any pasalubong to buy in Iloilo, then the many desserts and
snacks Biscocho House offers is the best place to go. If you don’t know what to get, our top
main picks are the Biscocho, a crispy buttered toast sprinkled with sugar; Barquillos, thin
and crispy wafer rolls; Pinasugbo, thin slices of caramelized native banana sprinkled with
sesame seeds; and, of course, their famous butterscotch treat.

TOURISM

As a leading province during the Spanish Colonial Era, the province of Iloilo is widely
known for its beautiful old-world architecture like that of Latin American Countries. Spanish
colonial Churches are amongst the well-known tourist sites in the province. Some natural
sites are also in here as well as mixed-use parks that sprawl around the province.

Miag-ao Church. A World Heritage Site.

The Aztec-Baroque inspired church with
Filipino botanicals used to carved on the
facade. It is known for its intricate facade
and pyramidal bell towers. The church was
used as a fortress during the olden days. It
is a massive structure built of yellowish
Limestones.

Molo Church. The Gothic Renaissance

Church of Molo was used as a watch tower to warn the people if there are any
attackers on the shore of Iloilo City. It is a fine coral stone church with Classical and
Gothic details. It is also known as the feminist church because of the beautiful
female saints lining inside the church.

Cabatuan Church. This Neoclassic Church, known to be the most massive Hispanic
structure in Iloilo is built of red bricks. It is believed to be the largest red brick
structure in the Visayas, and it was given the title "Model of Temples" by the 'El Eco
de Panay'. The Cabatuan Church is known to be the only extant Spanish colonial
church with three facades.

San Jose Church. The beautiful church in front of plaza Libertad is considered the
most historic amongst the churches in Iloilo City. It is a Byzantine-Neoclassic Church
planned to look like the Spanish Church of Valencia del Cid. The Church is known
for its collection of priceless Catholic treasures.

Passi City Church. This is considered a militaristic church in that it was planned as
a ‘fortress church’ and the proof of this can be seen in the massive buttresses which
support the front and back walls of the church. The church was built to replace
churches that had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1612 and subsequent
churches that had been destroyed by fires.

Old Capitol building of the Province of

Iloilo. A National Historical Site. The building
was built with wood stone during the Spanish
colonization. It served as the capitol when
the civil government of Iloilo was founded in
1901. The National Historical Institute (NHI)
formally recognized the Old Capitol as a
historical landmark through a marker
installed on its walls on April 11, 2010.

Bucari Area. Bucari Area is an area with mountainous terrain situated in the
highlands of Leon and Alimodian. It is known as the "Summer Capital of Iloilo" and
declared as a special economic zone for tourism and ecological enterprise due to its
cool climate, topography, highland
attractions, and scenery.

Bulabog Putian National Park. Bulabog

Puti-an National Park is a protected rain
forest area known for being a living
museum of flora and fauna. Hundreds of
 local and foreign tourists visit the 847 eco-tourism parks to immerse in the area's
natural attractions such as its various forms of wildlife and more than 30 caves. It is
located within the municipalities of San Enrique and Dingle.[27]

Islas de Gigantes. The Islas de Gigantes is an island group found in the offshores
of the municipality of Carles. The place is known for its numerous caves, white sand
beaches, emerald-like shores and lagoon, and rock formations.

Santa Barbara Church. The Santa Barbara Parish Church and Convent is the
"Cradle of Independence" in Panay and in the Visayas. In 1991, the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines declared Santa Barbara Church and
Convent as a National Landmark. The church was the site where General Martin
Delgado of the Visayan Revolutionary Government started the junta that resulted to
the first Cry of Revolution against the Spaniards outside Luzon. It was also used as
the general headquarters and military hospital of the revolutionary forces.

Calle Real Heritage District. Calle Real, or the J.M. Basa Street in Iloilo City, is
once the main commercial center of the city during the Imperial Spanish and
American periods. It houses numerous old colonial buildings.

Iloilo River Esplanade. The Esplanade is

Iloilo City's newest hub for dining, leisure,
and recreation. Poised to be one of the
longest linear parks in the country.

Iloilo Golf and Country Club. The Iloilo

Golf Course and Country Club is the oldest
golf course in South East Asia. It all began
in the 1850s when the British, led by Iloilo-
based Vice Consul Nicholas Loney known today as the “Father of the Philippine
Sugar Industry."

NOTABLE PERSON

List of famous persons from Iloilo

Beauty pageants
 Rabiya Occeña Sundall Mateo - Miss Universe Philippines 2020 winner
 Pura Villanueva Kalaw – first Manila Carnival queen in 1908
 Angelia Ong – Miss Earth 2015 winner
 Anjanette Abayari – Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1991 winner

Film
 Nick Deocampo – film director, film historian
 Peter Solis Nery – film director, actor, producer, writer; Gugma sa Panahon sang
Bakunawa (2012)

Literature
 Gilbert Luis R. Centina III – Palanca awardee
 Leoncio P. Deriada – Ilonggo Palanca awardee
 Magdalena Jalandoni – Hiligaynon poet, National Cultural awardee for Literature
 Ramon Muzones – National Artist for Literature.
 Stevan Javellana – Ilonggo writer
  Peter Solis Nery – Ilonggo Palanca Awards Hall of Fame awardee; first Filipino
author invited to the Sharjah International Book Fair
 Guillermo Gómez Rivera - Ilonggo writer
 Miguel Syjuco – winner of 2008 Man Asian Literary Prize

PERFORMING ARTS

Music
 Emman Abatayo – singer, songwriter, Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1 scholar
 Jose Mari Chan – singer, songwriter
 Vehnee Saturno – record producer
 Nina Girado – singer[citation needed]
 Jed Madela – singer, songwriter
 Randy Santiago – opm singer and comedian
 Ruben Tagalog – Kundiman singer
 Young JV – singer, actor, model, and dancer
 Jhett Tolentino - singer, Grammy and Tony-award winning theatrical producer
 Beabadoobee - indie-pop singer/songeriter (born in Iloilo, emigrated with her parents
to England at age 2)
.
TV and movie personalities
 Carla Abellana - actress, model, TV host and personality
 John Arcilla - actor
 Sharmaine Arnaiz - actress
 Claudine Barretto - actress
 Gretchen Barretto - actress
 Billy Crawford - actor, model, singer, TV host and personality
 Dingdong Dantes - actor, model
 Charlie Davao - actor
 Sunshine Dizon - actress, model
 Gabb Drilon - actor
 Anita Linda - actress
 Ike Lozada - actor
 Edu Manzano - TV host, actor
 Luis Manzano - actor, model, TV host and personality
 Pokwang - actress, comedian
 Delia Razon - actress
 Paul Salas - actor
 Myrtle Sarrosa - Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 4 Big Winner
 Arthur Solinap - actor
 Prince Stefan (actor) - actor, model, and dancer
 Joy Viado + - actress, comedian
 Marita Zobel - actress
 Dawn Zulueta - actress
 Mass communications
 Billy Balbastro - radio broadcaster
 Karen Davila - main news anchor on the ABS-CBN News Channel programmes
Bandila and Headstart with Karen Davila
 Visual arts
 Romeo Villalva Tabuena - Filipino painter and printmaker
 The Scottish artists, Iain Macnab and Chica Macnab were both born in Iloilo

Business
 Eugenio Lopez, Sr. - former Chairman of the Lopez Group of Companies
  Eugenio Lopez, Jr. - former Chairman Emeritus of ABS-CBN
 Eugenio Lopez III - the 3rd generation Eugenio of the Lopez family; present
Chairman of ABS-CBN
 Edgar Sia - founder of Mang Inasal
 Alfonso A. Uy – first President of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and
Industry from Visayas and Mindanao

Education
 Jose Cabalum, Sr. - educator
 William Valentine - American Protestant missionary and educator; founded Central
Philippine University, the second American university in Asia

GOVERNMENT SERVICE

Executive service
 Teofisto Guingona, Jr. - former Senator and Vice-President of the Philippines
 Fernando López - former Senator and Vice-President of the Philippines
 Amelita Ramos - former First Lady of the Philippines; wife of former President Fidel
Ramos

Judiciary
 Ramón Avanceña - former Chief Justice Supreme Court of the Philippines and Vice
President
 Carolina Griño-Aquino - former Associate Justice Supreme Court of the Philippines,
Rank 1st 1950 Philippine Bar Examinations
 Gregorio Perfecto - former Associate Justice Supreme Court of the Philippines
 Florenz Regalado - former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
and record holder for the highest average in the Philippine Bar Examinations, with
his 1954 mark of 96.7%

LEGISLATORS

Senators
 Tomas Confesor - Senator served in the 2nd Commonwealth Congress or 1st
Congress of the Philippines, elected ranked 6th in the 1946 national elections
 Nikki Coseteng - Senator, 8th Congress
 Miriam Defensor Santiago - Senator, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th Congress
 Franklin Drilon - Senator, 10th, 11th (Senate President), 12th (Senate President),
13th (Senate President), 15th, 16th (Senate President), and 17th (Senate President
pro tempore) Congress
 Teofisto Guingona, Sr. - Senator, 4th Philippine Legislature
 Grace Poe-Llamanzares - Senator, 16th Congress of the Philippines
 Manuel Villar - Senator, 12th, 13th (Senate President), 14th (Senate President), 15th
Congress
 Jose Zulueta - Senator and Senate President, 2nd Congress

Military service
 Vicente Piccio, Jr. - former chief of the Philippine Air Force
 Ramona Go - First Female Brigadier General

Civil service
 Resurreccion Borra - COMELEC Commissioner

Social sciences
  F. Landa Jocano - anthropologist and historian; documented the epic Hinilawod of
the Panay Bukidnon of Iloilo
 Alicia P. Magos - anthropologist and historian; published and documented the culture
of Western Visayas, especially the Panay Bukidnon

Innovators and scientists

 Alexis Belonio - engineer, inventor and winner of Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2008
 Josette Biyo - Intel Excellence for Teaching awardee in 2002; an asteroid was
named after her, 13241 Biyo

Religious service
 Fernando Capalla - present Archbishop of Davao
 Eduardo Hontiveros - Filipino Jesuit composer and musician
 Angel Lagdameo - 5th Archbishop of Jaro and former President of Catholic Bishops'
Conference of the Philippines
 Antonio Ledesma - Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro
 Jose S. Palma - present Archbishop of Cebu and President of Catholic Bishops'
Conference of the Philippines
 Alberto Jover Piamonte - 4th Archbishop of Jaro
 Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion - Servant of God, founder Dominican Sisters
of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines

Revolutionaries and war heroes

 Juan Araneta - led the Negros Revolution
 Ludovico Arroyo Bañas - World War II veteran, pioneer in Philippine
telecommunications
 Jose Calugas - World War II Medal of Honor awardee
 Martin Teofilo Delgado - revolutionary hero, soldier, politician
 Adriano Hernandez - leader of the "Cry of Lincud", the first armed uprising for
independence in the province of Iloilo
 Graciano Lopez Jaena - revolutionary hero, writer, editor, orator, and journalist,
founder of La Solidaridad
 Aniceto Lacson - led the Negros Revolution
 Teresa Magbanua - the Joan of Arc of the Visayas
 Patrocinio Gamboa - revolutionary heroine, brought the Philippine flag to Sta.
Barbara, where it was first raised outside the capital.

Sports
 Paulino Alcántara - international football player who played for FC Barcelona
 Angel Guirado Aldeguer - member of Philippine Azkals
 Ian Araneta - member of Philippine Azkals
 Kurt Bachmann - basketball player
 Ken Bono - PBA player
 Emelio Caligdong - Vice Captain of Philippine Azkals and 2012 The Outstanding
Young Men (TOYM) awardee
 Anjo Caram - PBA player, former NCAA basketball player for San Beda Red Lions
 Denver Cuello - current WBC International minimumweight champion
 Kenneth Duremdes - PBA player
 Rudy Fernandez - amputee triathlete
 Emmanuel "Emman" Monfort - PBA player, former UAAP basketball player for the
Ateneo Blue Eagles, former Ateneo de Iloilo-SMCS player Ateneo Blue Dragons
 Bong Ravena - PBA player
 Kiefer Ravena - UAAP basketball player for the Ateneo Blue Eagles
 Masunoyama Tomoharu - sumo wrestler
 Eugenio Torre - first Filipino and Asian Grandmaster
  Ronald Tubid - PBA player
 James Yap - PBA player, former ICCHS or Huasiong basketball player
 Wesley So - chess prodigy; youngest Filipino chess grandmaster

Others
 Francis Jardeleza - former Solictor General
 Nicholas Loney - 19th-century British diplomat and businessman who helped
develop Iloilo City
 Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. - former SEC Chairman; 2010 Philippine Vice-Presidential
candidate running alongside Eddie Villanueva along with John Gokongwei, Henry
Sy, Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Ramon S. Ang, Manny V. Pangilinan, Dennis Uy,
Dioceldo Sy, Emilio Yap, and Juan Miguel Zubiri and finally the death, David
Consunji.

ADDITIONAL

Iloilo City has many monikers

The “Heart of the Philippines” isn’t Iloilo’s only nickname, however! Its capital, Iloilo City,
goes by many monikers.

Before the capital of Cebu province was hailed “Queen City of the South”, Iloilo was the
original reigning monarch — so to speak. Historically speaking, Iloilo was given this title
because it was considered the country’s second-most influential city (after Manila) by the
end of Spanish rule in 1898. Being a harbour city, Iloilo was an important stop in trade
routes that reached China, India, and several parts of Europe. You see, Iloilo was already a
centre for trade and tourism by the turn of the 20th century and has maintained this status
to date! In 1986, a Royal Decree from Spain declared the place “La Muy Leal y Noble
Cuidad de Iloilo”, which means “the Most Loyal and Noble City of Iloilo”, cementing the
Spanish monarchy’s favour and deep affection.

A more modern take on Iloilo’s capital is the “City of Love”. This is a playful extension of the
province’s “Heart of the Philippines” tagline, and one that banks fully on the locals’
friendliness and ‘soft spokenness’. They say that it’s quite easy to find love in (or rather, fall
in love with) Iloilo, too, because of the locals’ sweet temperament.

On the other hand, Iloilo isn’t just all about warm fuzzy feelings that will make you want to
stay. The province is also home to Molo, a district that’s called the “Athens of the
Philippines” because it produced a number of the country’s great thinkers! Since Iloilo was
a center for business even from the time of the Spaniards, it only makes sense that it also
hosts several reputable universities and learning institutions. Looks, brains, and a heart.

Iloilo’s capital bagged the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2020–2022 in 2019 and was
officially awarded in a ceremony in January 2020, along with two other Philippine cities. The
award is pretty much self-explanatory — it honours cities that are clean and green, and that
have taken it upon themselves to push for more sustainable tourism efforts. In the past
decade, Iloilo City has rehabilitated a dying river and turned into a picturesque attraction,
built more infrastructures for business tourism, and even saved a decrepit heritage building
from being torn down by transforming it into a museum. To see the final products of these
pivotal tourism projects, you can include the Iloilo River Esplanade, the Iloilo Convention
Centre, and the Museum of Philippine Economic History.

Iloilo also won ‘Most Bike-Friendly City’ in a national competition in 2018. An exposition
held in Manila cited Iloilo City as a pedestrian-and-cyclist friendly destination, making it an
ideal and safe place for seeing the tourism centre even on foot!