Iloilo – Heritage Haven of Panay

Iloilo, one of the provinces found in the Panay Island is rich with cultural and historical treasures. These include the Jaro Cathedral, Miagao Church, San Joaquin Church, Casa Real de Iloilo, Panay Liberation Marker, and more.

Its other treasures are not found on the streets but on the dining table, The Illongo’s prowess in the kitchen manifests in their array of mouthwatering dishes, the most famous of which is the La Paz Batchoy

Demographics

1. Population – 1,691, 878 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 5,324 sq. km
3. Capital – Iloilo City
4. Language/Dialect –, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (2)

• Iloilo City
• Passi City

Municipalities (42)

• Ajuy
• Alimodian
• Anilao
• Badiangan
• Balasan
• Banate
• Barotac
• Nuevo
• Barotac
• Viejo
• Batad
• Bingawan
• Cabatuan
• Calinog
• Carles
• Concepcion
• Dingle
• Duenas
• Dumangas
• Estancia
• Guimbal
• Igbaras
• Janiuay
• Lambunao (known for Tinagong Dagat)
• Leganes
• Lemery
• Leon
• Miagao
• Maasin
• Mina
• New Lucena
• Oton
• Pavia
• Pototan
• San Dionisio
• San Enrique
• San Joaquin
• San Miguel
• San Rafael
• Santa Barbara
• Sara
• Tigbauan
• Tubungan
• Zarragga

Jaro Cathedral
Built in 1864, it is the seat of the Archdiocese of Western Visayas.

Miag-ao Church
This national landmark boasts of a Filipino native façade and a unique explosion of botanical motif reminiscent of Aztec Art.

Dinagyang Festival
Dinagyang is Iloilo's counterpart of the famous Ati-atihan Festival of Aklan. It is highlighted with locals in blackk soot dancing to the beat of the drums

Paraw Regatta
A race among swift and colorful native outriggers in the Iloilo strait with participants from Iloilo and the nearby province of Guimaras.

Sta. Barbara Golf Course
This 18-hole 37-hectare of golf course is the oldest in the country.

La Paz Batchoy
Savor the taste of the famous La Paz Batchoy, a noodle soup with pig’s entrails, liver, and fried skin, locally called chicaron.

Cultural

Magdalena Jalandoni Residence
Location: Commission Civil St., Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo
It contains collections of Magdalena Jalandoni's works, the first Republic Cultural Heritage awardee in Literature in 1969.

Rosendo Mejica Museum
Location: 251 Lopez Jaena St., Baluarte Molo, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Tour Days: Monday – Friday
Tour Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
He founded the Makinaugalingon Press in Iloilo City that stresses the awareness and educates Filipino of the Hiligaynon Literature. The museum was built to display valuable memorabilia, facts about the social and cultural literature of the Hiligaynon and the English & Spanish literature dating from the last quarter of the 19th century up to the 6th decade of the 20th century.

Museo Iloilo
Location: Bonifacio Drive, Jaro, Iloilo
Entrance Fee: P5.00
Museo Iloilo, the first gov’t sponsored museum outside Metro Manila, was designed by Ilongo architect Sergio Penasales. Inside are artifact dating as far as the pre-Spanish era like burial jars, trade pottery from China, fossils, jewelery, weapons of the Mondos (descendants of pre-Malay Indonesians), and more.

Calle Real de Iloilo
Location: JM Basa St. - Iznart St., Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Iloilo
The Calle Real is referred as the “Escolta” of Iloilo City. It spans from Plaza Alfonso XII (now known as Plaza Libertad) all the way to Plazoleta Gay and the location of commercial establishments, the Casa Real (Iloilo Provincial Capitol) as well as the residences of the Ilonggo elite. The building in the area were all built during the Spanish occupation. In order to preserve them, they are well taken care of and were re-used as commercial establishments.

Tigbauan Church
Location: Tigbauan, Iloilo
Constructed in 1575, it is unique due to its Latin American architecture. It has one of the most beautiful modern-type interiors made up of colorful stone murals.

San Joaquin Church
Location: San Joaquin, Iloilo
Highlighting the church’s façade it an intricate sculptural relief depicting the Spanish victory over Moroccan forces in the Battle of Tetuan. Entitiled “Rendicion de Tetuan”, the low relief mural captures the drama of victory where cavalry and infantry are tearing down Moorish defense. The National Historical Institute and National Commission have declared it for Culture and the Arts as a National Cultural Treasure.

Historical

Plaza Libertad
Location: J.M. Basa – Dela Rama – Zamora St., Downtown, Iloilo City, Iloilo
This is where the flag of the First Philippine Republic was raised in triumph after Spain surrendered Iloilo, her last capital in the islands, to the revolutionaries led by Gen. Martin Delgado on December 25, 1898

Fort San Pedro
Location: General Hughes Highway, iloilo City, Iloilo
Also known as Fort Nuestra Senora del Rosario, it was built between 1603 and 1616 and measured 60 by 60 meters. The walls were composed of cut outs of Guimaras rocks afort sannd coral stonesfrom along the Panay Coast. It is approximately 12 feet high from low tide of the sea and 30 feet thick.

Kota Watchtower
Location: Brgy. Baybay Norte, Poblacion, Miagao, Iloilo
Constructed using the same materials as the Roman Catholic church of Miagao, the tower was used to detect Moro invaders during the Pre-hispanic and Hispanic perdio. Now, is is being used as a Barangay Hall of Baybay Norte.

Guimbal Moro Watchtowers
Location: Guimbal, Iloilo
Locally called as Bantayan, each of the five 17thcentury watchtowers located in different sites along the shoreline area of the poblacion were used to guard the coast and look out for marauding Moro pirates. As the years passed by, only three of these bantayans survived the forces of nature.

Balantang Memorial Cemetery
Location: Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo
This place witnessed of the bloodiest battle of the guerrilla forces led by Col. Macario Peralta, Jr., from Feb.6 until March 20, 1945 until the liberation of Iloilo. It is also the only military cemetery established outside Metro Manila.

Panay Liberation Marker
Location: Tigbauan, Iloilo
The marker commemorates the Liberation of Panay and Romblon Island from the Japanese Imperial Army on March 18, 1945 by the joint American Forces and the Filipino guerrillas led by Col. Macario Peralta, Jr.

Religious

Chruch of Santo Tomas de Villanueva (Miagao Church)
Location: Miagao, Iloilo
This declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1797, features a uniquely Filipino façade. It is decorated with a relief sculpture of St. Christopher carrying the Christ Child amidst coconut, papaya, and guava shrubs. The church sinks six (6) meters deep into the ground because of its walls which measures one and a half (1 ½) meters thick and buttresses thrice thicker.

Church of St. Anne (Molo Church)
Location: Molo District, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Built in 1831, the church houses 16 images of female saints, including St. Anne, thus earning the nickname “women’s church’. It is a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with Gothic dominant in the interiors of the church.

Sto. Nino de Arevalo Church
Location: Arevalo District, Iloilo City, Iloilo
The church is the keeper of the third oldest Santo Nino image in the Philippines, dating back to 1581.

Man-made

Sta. Barbara Golf Course
Location: Sta. Barbara, Iloilo
Established in 1907, it is considered as the oldest existing golf course in the Philippines. British Engineers of the Philippine Railway Corporation built the 18-hole golf course. It was used as a barracks of the American forces during World War II.

Sta. Barbara Dam
Location: Brgy. Tungay, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo
Built in 1921 during the Commonwealth period, this serves as the first gravity irrigation dam in Iloilo. It supplies water to the rice fields in Barangay Miraga, Agutayan-Lupa, Lanag, and Cabugao as well as other barangays in Pavia and Leganes, Iloilo.

Yamato International School
Location: Lambunao, Iloilo
The school’s main building displays a striking resemblance to the National Diet Building in Tokyo, Japan. Thus, it is considered as its little or “mini” version. The school sits regally atop a hill, where a great view of Lambunao’s highlands can be seen.

Guimbal Steel Bridge
Location: Guimbal, Iloilo
US President Roosevelt ordered the construction during the American Occupation. It is approximately 0.350 kilometers long and made of Pittsburgh Steel, which were imported from Virginia, USA. It is the longest steel bridge in Western Visayas.

Jaro Belfry
Location: Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo
It is one of the few belfries in the country that stands apart from the church. It was ruined by an earthquake in 1948 but was restored by the Iloilo City Government during the last decade of the 1900s.

Natural

Nadsadjan Falls
Location: Igbaras, Iloilo
Its cool and fresh blue waters attract foreign and local tourists every year. The Nadsadjan Falls measures 100 feet in length, spewing water on a giant cauldron-like natural swimming pool. A compelling grotto located under an old Balete tree near the falls is also worth a visit.

Isla de Gigantes Norte and Sur
Location: Carles, Iloilo
Unexplored by the locals themselves, the island is a hidden paradise with white sand beaches, colorful marine life, and extraordinary land formations.

Tangke
Location: Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carles, Iloilo
This is a saltwater lagoon formed by a surrounding wall of monolithic cliffs. Tourists can take a dip and immerse themselves in the serenity of nature.

Pawikan Cave
Location: Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carles, Iloilo
The cave has caverns inside with unique rock formations. The cave is well ighted because of the openings on the cave’s roof. Which form an atrium of sorts.

Sicogon Island
Location: Brgy. Buaya, Carles, Iloilo
During the 1970’s to the early 1980’s, Sicogon Island was the country’s premier beach resort before the discovery of Boracay. Its white sand beach is lined up with coconut trees. Its waters are rich in aquatic treasures such as coral reefs and rare marine life. During its heyday, it has its own operational airstrip.

Mt. Opao
Location: Sicogon Island, Carles, Iloilo
Its summit gives a commanding view of the nearby islands. Its forested slopes are acclaimed to be the haven of wild boars, bald eagles, pitcher plants, and various species of flora and fauna.

Concepcion Island
Location: Concepcion, Iloilo
The town of Concepcion is blessed with one of the most scenic seascapes in the whole province. Forming a safe natural harbor for Concepcion Bay are 16 islands connected by azure waters and rich marine life.
1. Agho Island
2. Bag-o Abo Island
3. Bag-o Isi Island
4. Bag-o Sipol or Chico Island
5. Baliguian Island
6. Bocot Island
7. Botlog Island
8. Bulibadiangan Island
9. Colebra or Bago-alas Island
10. Danao-danao Island
11. Igbon Island
12. Malangabang Island
13. Pan de Azucar Island
14. Sombrero Island
15. Tago Island
16. Tagubanhan Island

Sandbar Island Resort
Location: Bulabudiangan Island, Concepcion, Iloilo
It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and just about any water recreation activity. A unique feature of the island is the shifting white sandbar, which would shift form left to right depending on the direction of the wind.

M.t Manaphag (Mt. Pan de Azucar)
Location: Pan de Azucar Island, Concepcion, Iloilo
It is the tallest peak in the islands and the second tallest in Panay. It has spectacular crags and a very steep incline, the reason why some consider it the steepest mountain in the country. It is also home to white-breasted hawks and a community of wild monkeys.

Dinagyang Festival
Place: Iloilo City, Iloilo
Date: Third to fourth week of January
Much like the Ati-atihan Festival, it is a celebration to honor the conversion of the natives to Christianity and to give respect to the Holy Child Jesus. Locals put on black soot and dance joyously in the streets. Dinagyang comes from the Illongo word dagyang meaning ‘happy’.

Salakayan Festival
Place: Miagao, Iloilo
Date: First week of February
The highlight of this celebration is the Salakayan Presentation – a street dance-drama depicting the victorious battle of May 7, 1754 waged by the local defenders against the Muslim marauders. Other activities include food fair, agro-industrial and trade fair, antique and photo exhibit, literary-musical contests, civic and float parade, evening socials, fashion shows, and the coronation of the Queen of Miagao.

Paraw Reggata
Place: Iloilo City, Iloilo
A festival that began in 1973, it is a race among seafarers on colorful sailboats called paraws in the straits between Guimaras Island and the city of Iloilo. Included in the yearly celebration is the Pinta Paraw, where professional and amateur artists paint the sails, a day before it actually take off. Another fascinating event is called Pintawo body-painting contest.

Hirinugyaw-Sugidadonay Festival
Place: Calinog, Iloilo
Date: Last Sunday of January
The festival aims to preserve the culture of the Panay Bukidnons, aborigines of the mountainous parts of Calinog, through the unique ethnic rituals and chants that they still practice to this date. Hirinugyaw is a Hiligaynon word meaning ‘merry making’ and Sugidadonay is a tern meaning ‘to engage in a conversation’ or sharing’.

Kahilwayan Festival
Place: Santa Barbara, Iloilo
Date: November 17
The festival celebrates the momentous event when the Philippine Flag was fists hoisted outside Luzon Island. Kahilwayan is a Hiligaynon word for ‘freedom’. The highlight of the event is the dance presentation re-enacting the “Cry of Sta. Barbara”, which happened on November 17, 1898 when the Spanish forces surrendered to the Filipino Revolucionarios led by General Martin Delgado.