New Iloilo City Hall construction at Plaza Libertad

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As 2010 draws to a close, a new chapter of Iloilo’s progress and development beckons. Much needed infrastructure projects were completed, which has prompted a construction boom of sorts all over the city and province. Many of them, like the New Iloilo City Hall is rapidly shaping up and is already due for completion next year.

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Balaan Bukid in Jordan, Guimaras is known for providing visitors and residents a nice overview of Iloilo’s growing skyline. There’s a lot of daytime views from Balaan Bukid posted online already but none taken during nighttime. For those who are curious to see what Iloilo City looks like at night, here’s a photo collection the city’s skyline nightshots taken from Balaan Bukid:

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Some of you might recall that Iloilo was already a city even during the Spanish colonial Period. Back in the 19th century, the present day City Proper or Downtown district solely comprised the Municipality of Iloilo (also call “Punta” back in the day). The Districts of Jaro, La Paz, Arevalo, Molo, and Mandurriao were all separate towns alongside Iloilo. Governor General Don Valeriano Wayler created the Ayuntamiento or City Council of Iloilo on January 31, 1890, the date adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod as “Araw ng Lungsod ng Iloilo” or the Iloilo City Foundation Day.

Former Jaro City Hall, presently occupied by the PNP Regional Office

A week after, the Becerra Law of 1889 was approved and established Iloilo’s cityhood together with Jaro, Cebu, Batangas, Albay, Nueva Caceres, and Vigan. By virtue of the Royal Decree of 1896, Iloilo City was given the coat of arms with the inscription: “La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo” in recognition of the people’s loyalty to the Spanish crown.

Former Iloilo Municipal Hall, donated to and now occupied by University of the Philippines in the Visayas (Iloilo City Campus)

Iloilo (including Jaro) was, however, reverted back to being a municipality sometime in 1901 when the American’s took over the Philippines. In July 16, 1937, Iloilo (Punta) was merged with the towns of Jaro, La Paz, Arevalo, Molo, and Mandurriao to form present day Iloilo City on July 16, 1937 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 158. The parade and celebration was postponed 40 days later pending the formal inauguration of the City Government of Iloilo on August 25, 1937.

73rd Iloilo City Charter Day – Schedule of Activities

• July 16, 2010 – Thanksgiving Mass (Fountain Area, Robinson)
• August 11 – 25, 2010 – Iloilo City Charter Day Exhibit (SM City Iloilo)
• August 20, 2010 – Iloilo City Hymn Writing Contest
• August 21, 2010 – Goodwill Basketball Games (University of San Agustin Gym)
• August 21, 2010 – Iloilo River Clean-up (Whole stretch of Iloilo River, Station 2 to 3; 6:00AM)
• August 23, 2010 – Dagoy Dolls Auction Sale (SM City Iloilo)
• August 23, 2010 – Bloodletting (Robinsons Fountain Area)
• August 23, 2010 – Mass Wedding (Robinsons Foodcourt; 2:00PM)
• August 24, 2010 – Mangrove Planting (Treñas Boulevard; 6:00AM)
• August 24, 2010 – Sport Fishing/ Swimming
• August 24, 2010 – Boat Rowing and Kayak Exhibition
• August 24, 2010 – Search for Mr & Ms. Iloilo City (Freedom Grandstand; 6:00PM)
• August 25, 2010 – Mass Assembly (La Paz Church, La Paz Plaza; 7:00AM)
• August 25, 2010 – Civic Military Parade (La Paz Plaza to Freedom Grandstand)
• August 25, 2010 – Oratorical Contest (SM City Activity Center)
• August 25, 2010 – Medical Mission (Robinsons Place Iloilo; 7:30AM)
• August 25, 2010 – Dance to the Max Iloilo! (Robinsons Place Iloilo)
• August 25, 2010 – Dungog sang Dakbanwa sang Iloilo (Nelly’s Garden or Punta Villa or Plaza Libertad)
• August 25, 2010 – Job Fair
• August 25, 2010 – Iloilo City Tours
• August 27 to 28, 2010 – Food Festivals of Ilonggo Dishes (Delgado St.)
• August 28, 2010 – Iloilo Got Talent
• August 28, 2010 – SM City Night Run (SM City Iloilo Carpark)
• August 28, 2010 – SM Food Festival (SM City Iloilo)

The New Iloilo Airport is of International Standards and is one of the most advanced and best looking airports in the Country.

By Air – airlines at the Iloilo Airport

Air Philippines

Office in Iloilo City: General Luna St., City Proper (Near Tijuana Restaurant and Bar)
Contact No.: (+63)(33)3208048 / (+63)(33)3208049 / (+63)(33)5085513

Cebu Pacific

Office in Iloilo City: SM City Iloilo, Diversion Road, Mandurriao District
Contact No.: (+63)(33)3208017 / (+63)(33)3206889 / (+63)(33)3206582 / (+63)(33)3294660

Philippine Airlines

Office in Iloilo City: Diversion Road, Mandurriao District (Beside SM City)
Contact No.: (+63)(33)3203030 / (+63)(33)3203131 / (+63)(33)3207151

Zest Air

Office in Iloilo City: Martmart Mall and the New Iloilo Airport
Contact No.: Mobile: (+63)9178911049 / (+63)9173051038

How to get to and from the Iloilo Airport:

There is a shuttle service to and from the airport with the drop-off and pick-up points at SM City Iloilo.
There are also taxis, which can be hired to take you to any point in Iloilo/Panay or to the Airport if you’re from the City.

By Sea

By boat, it takes 20 hours at most from Iloilo to Manila. From Zamboanga, 16 hours; Cagayan de Oro, 14 hours; Cebu, 12 hours. Bacolod City is a one-hour trip many times daily. To Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, it takes 38 hours, three times a month. Iloilo can also be reached by Roll-on roll-off (RORO) vessels via through President Arroyo’s Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

Shipping Lines in Iloilo City:

• Negros Navigation
  Destinations: Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamis, Iligan, Zamboanga
  Office in Iloilo: Muelle Loney St., Iloilo City
  Contact No.: (+63)(033)3379882/ (+63)(033)3379759 / (+63)(033)3203430
  Website: www.negrosnavigation.ph
• Cokaliong
  Destinations: Cebu
  Office in Iloilo: Cor. De la Rama, Muelle Loney St., Iloilo City
  Contact No.: (+63)(033)3363322 / (+63)(033)3361122
  Website: http://www.cokaliongshipping.com/
• W G & A Superferry
  Destinations: Manila, General Santos, Davao, Ozamis, Zamboanga, Cotabao, Cagayan de Oro
  Office in Iloilo: De la Rama & Melliza Sts., Iloilo City
  Contact No.: (+63)(033)3372567 / (+63)(033)3350375
  Website: http://www.superferry.com.ph/

Iloilo River Wharf or popularly called “Muelle Loney”

Fastcrafts operated by the Phil. Fast Ferry Corp., Weesam Express, Bullet Express, and Royal Ferry Services serve the connection between Iloilo and Bacolod City on a daily basis.

Fastcrafts servicing the Iloilo – Bacolod route at Muelle Loney

Fastcrafts and RORO vessels servicing the Iloilo City – Bacolod Route:

• Bullet Express Corp
  Office in Iloilo: Domescon Bldg., Muelle Loney St., Iloilo City
  Contact No.: (+63)(033)3380618 / (+63)(033)3380619 / (+63)(033)3380620
• Weesam Express
  Office in Iloilo: Muelle Loney St., Iloilo City
  Contact No.: (+63)(033)3351572/ (+63)(033)3373282
• Montenegro Shipping (RORO)
  Office in Iloilo: Muelle Loney St., Iloilo City
  Contact No.: (+63)(034)7081322 (Bacolod)

RO-RO vessels at the Dumangas Port

There are also daily RO-RO vessels plying the Dumangas-Bacolod route. Dumangas, is a coastal town approx 30 minutes from Iloilo City. The Dumangas port can be accessed from Iloilo City by van at La Granja Terminal, in La Paz District.

It also takes less than 20 min. by pumpboat or 30 min. by ferry ride or RO-RO from Guimaras Island. Terminals to and from Guimaras from the City is at Parola Port (at the Mouth of the Iloilo River), Muelle Loney (Iloilo River Wharf), and Ortiz Port (Ortiz St., City Proper).

By Land

Iloilo is also accessible by land transportation to and from Aklan, Capiz, and Antique. it takes at most 3 hours to reach Iloilo from Kalibo in Aklan, Roxas City in Roxas, or San Jose in Antique.How to Get to Iloilo

The busy City of Iloilo with the Island of Guimaras off its Coast.

Iloilo has always been one of the country’s most important provinces. Merchants from China and India have long traded with the Ilonggos even before the Spaniards came; evidences of this flourishing civilization are displayed in Museums and Private Galleries.

Museo Iloilo serves as a repository of Iloilo’s cultural heritage.

Even during the Spanish and American colonial period, Iloilo still proved to be an important trading post. Iloilo has a beautiful harbor with serene and calm waters, safe for navigation because it is protected from the open sea by scenic Guimaras Island. This excellent port facility made Iloilo the center of trade at the turn of the century, with the whole world doing business in this port especially during the heyday of the sugar industry. In fact, Iloilo was given the title of “Queen City of the South” for being the Philippine’s second city, after Manila.

You can still see the old buildings that surprisingly are European and American inspired such as stately mansions, majestic century-old churches, and heritage commercial buildings.

The Iloilo Customs House watches over Iloilo’s River Wharf. The building is a remnant of Iloilo’s glorious past

The Miagao Church is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

Iloilo’s rich heritage is showcased in multifarious festivals celebrated in the city and various towns of the province. Dubbed as the “Province of Festivals“, Iloilo is proud of its nationally acclaimed Dinagyang Festival, together with smaller but similarly riveting festivities in the province, blends the pagan and the Christian in a street dance masquerade honoring Sto. Nino.

The famous Dinagyang Festival is held every 4th week of January

Iloilo is endowed with natural wonders. Highland attractions from the cascades and waterfalls of the mountains of Iloilo to rice terraces and heights in its hinderlands. Worth visiting are various islands and islets of Iloilo that abound with white sand beaches and ornamented with tropical palms. Experience breezy fun while on an island hopping getaway. Explorations in Iloilo’s northern coast such as the myterious caves of Gigantes island and the sea charms of Sicogon and nearby islets, as well as the splendid silhouette of Pan de Azucar in Concepcion town herald quaint stories and enchanting folklores.

Agho Island, one of Concepcion town’s 16 islands, with the towering Pan de Azucar in the background

Rice terraces and lush mountains of Bucari, Leon

Iloilo takes pride in being the Food basket and Rice Granary of the Region owing to its fertile lands and seas that yield plentiful harvest. Rice is the major crop in the province of Iloilo. Fish and marine products are considered the main source of livelihood in the southern and northern Iloilo. Tourists will find many restaurants offering a gastronomic treat of fresh sea foods and famous Ilonggo dishes such as La Paz Batchoy, Chicken Inasal, and Pancit Molo.

The La Paz Batchoy, which originated from La Paz District of Iloilo City, is an Ilonggo dish that has achieved nation-wide popularity.

Iloilo is a fast-growing modern city but has kept its old charm and unspoiled environment. Today, Iloilo is a popular convention and meeting destination, with its many first class accommodations and New Airport of International standards. Tourists will find sprawling malls scattered across the city wherein they can replenish supplies as well as their energies for the hectic sand-and-water environment that are soon to follow. Hotels and restaurants abound; a world-class golf course is located just outside the city proper in Sta. Barbara.

Bars, Restaurants, Clubs, Hotels, and Coffee Shops line “Smallville“, Iloilo’s most popular night spot

The Santa Barbara Golf Course located 30 minutes from the city is the oldest Golf Course in South East Asia

Iloilo serves as the gateway to the region. It is a stopover for tourists heading to the beaches of Boracay and Palawan and the nearby provinces of Guimaras, Antique, Capiz, and Aklan.

Iloilo boasts of a new airport, considered as one of the most beautiful and modern in the country

Ilonggos travel daily to Guimaras as if it was next door, and so with Guimarasnons to Iloilo. The trip across the strait taken only 15 minutes on a smooth sailing pumpboat, or 25 minutes by barge if you are bringing your vehicle.

Guimaras is a popular weekend destination because of its white sand beaches, tranquil waters, and peaceful countrysides

People from Iloilo are called Ilonggos. They are known for their charm and sweetness that comes from the musical tonation of their dialect, Hiligaynon. You would not be able to tell if an Ilonggo is mad at you by the way they speak, which always sounds like some one crooning a love song to you. Kiniray-a, which is a dialect very similar to Hiligaynon is used in Iloilo’s countrysides. English and Tagalog are also widely spoken and understood especially in urban areas.

A nightshot of General Luna St., one of Iloilo’s major roads

Metro Iloilo-Guimaras or MIG is a metropolitan area encompassing the highly urbanized city of Iloilo City, nearby towns, island of Guimaras. Guimaras Province assumes the role of agri-eco-tourism center; Pavia as the agro-industrial center, Leganes as the center for light industries, San Miguel as the agricultural basket, Oton as the dormitory and Sta. Barbara as the international air travel gateway. Iloilo City will remain as the residential, financial, commercial, governance and educational hub not only for Guimaras Island and the five satellite municipalities but also for the entire Region VI.

A busy sunset rush hour with Iloilo City’s old structures “woven” into a modern lifestyle.

Source: Department of Tourism – Western Visayas, Wikipedia, Iloilo Province Official Website, Iloilo City Official Website
Iloilo Province Brochure by Bombette Marin, Iloilo Provincial Tourism Officer.

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Amigo Mall Iznart St., City Proper