Iloilo City continues to impress not only visitors but even locals, who have grown to be proud of the improvements their city has experienced in recent years. Iloilo City is, truly, becoming a model for sustainable urban development in the Philippines.

One lazy afternoon, yours truly, and a fellow Ilonggo travel blogger, had the chance to spend a leisurely stroll along the Iloilo Esplanade. Here are photo updates of developments in the area taken during our walk from Carpenter’s Bridge to Diversion Road:

Carpenter’s Bridge.

View of Iloilo River from Carpenter’s Bridge.

A couple enjoying the view of the Iloilo River.

Mid-rise cluster of hotels, office buildings, and an upcoming hospital at Smallville and Diversion Road.

Mangroves thriving along the Iloilo River.

Esplanade Two

The Esplanade two is an ongoing project that will pave the way for a second riverside promenade that will be built across and parallel to the first one.

The Medical City Iloilo

Start of construction on Esplanade Two.

Closer view of the viewing platform at Esplanade 2.

One Esplanade

Esplanade One.

Esplanade One.

“I am Iloilo” signage.

Iloilo Esplanade

Construction of Esplanade two from across the river.

Sunset at the Iloilo River Esplanade.

Ayala Technohub (left) and Medicus Medical Center (right)

Beside the Riverside Boulevard

Medicus Medical Center

Diversion road entrance of the Iloilo Esplanade

Diversion Road Expansion

Diversion Road Bridge Widening. UPDATE: Construction works of the widening project is already complete.

Pruned Acacia tree along newly widened Diversion Road.

Ilonggos enjoying the newly paved bike and pedestrian lane.