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7/24/2017 Iloilo City: Your complete weekend itinerary

#SHAREILOILO

Iloilo City: Your complete weekend itinerary


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

Regine Garcia
Published 12:05 AM, November 17, 2014
Updated 3:40 PM, November 17, 2014

Spend a weekend and go back in time in Iloilo City. Immerse yourself in its rich historical past, its days when it was
once called the “Queen City of the South.” Experience the well-kept heritage of the city's illustrious and charming
years. Awaken your taste buds to savor the bold and rich avors of authentic Ilonggo cuisine.

BUSTLING CITYSCAPE. View of Iloilo City from Balaan Bukid, Guimaras. All photos by Regine Garcia unless otherwise speci ed

Here's a suggested itinerary:

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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
Maridel’s 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 Carpenter’s Bridge, the 1.2 kilometer
esplanade overlooking the Iloilo River is perfect for an evening stroll. Intentionally designed to be a linear park, the
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Esplanade is lined with palms, vibrant owers, 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 CITY’S 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 Church’s artistry and history

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TIMELESS BEAUTY. The magni cent 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 Senñora 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
you’re 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

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NATIONAL CULTURAL TREASURE. San Joaquin Church’s 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.

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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 you’ll 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

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RUSTIC CHARM. Guimbal Church’s 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 Church’s carvings


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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 orals 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. Niño in the Philippines in Villa

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ONE OF THE OLDEST. This Sto. Niño 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. Niño 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 Church’s 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.
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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

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

Iloilo and Panay’s rich culture and history are well-preserved in Museo de Iloilo. Built in 1971, the museum is home
to Panay’s cultural artifacts like weapons and armors used in the 1800s.

Located along Bonifacio Drive, sandwiched between the Region VI Department of Tourism O ce 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

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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 Jaro’s rich culture and history.

The humble stone and wood mansion is now a museum for everyone to experience Iloilo’s 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.
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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 Andok’s 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


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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 nd 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
Manila’s Escolta. Dubbed the “Royal Street,” Calle Real stretches from Plaza Libertad going to the Plazoleta Gay
and Iloilo Provincial Capitol, and going to the city’s 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 ag of the rst 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.
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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.

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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 rst 3 hours. You can also hire a tricycle to take you from
Alubijod to Guisi.

Don’t forget: Savor the original La Paz Batchoy inside La Paz Market

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MADE IN ILOILO. Netong’s 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 lls 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 avor 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: Ted’s Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy and Deco’s Original
Batchoy are found in stalls outside the market, while Netong’s 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.

So, one of these weekends, why not come and immerse yourself in Iloilo’s rich and charming past and indulge on
its popular cuisine?

Regine Garcia is a registered nurse and a web and graphic designer who frequently goes island-
hopping around the Philippines. She is the author of Between Coordinates, a travel collection of
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her essays on the road. When not designing or traveling, she spends most of her time painting
and volunteering in Medical Surgical Missions.

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#ShareIloilo: Iconic eats

#SHAREILOILO

Rundown: La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, and the iconic Iloilo eats
Barquillos, queen siopao, the best butterscotch – the list of amazing food you can get in Iloilo goes on and on

Antoine Greg Flores


Published 12:04 AM, November 17, 2014
Updated 12:36 PM, December 10, 2014

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All photos by Antoine Greg Flores

Aside from centuries-old churches, well-preserved ancestral houses, and colorful festivals, Iloilo is also best
known for its numerous classic food offerings. Here’s a list of all-time satisfying food trips and pasalubong
goodies that are truly Ilonggo and will make you say “namit!” (delicious) (READ: Iloilo City: Your complete weekend
itinerary)

Fresh and affordable seafood

For decades, Villa Beach in Arevalo has been the go-to place for fresh and delicious seafood. Tatoy’s and
Breakthrough are the most popular among the restaurants along the beach.

In many seafood restaurants along the beach, a plate of steamed fresh oysters are as cheap as P35 (US $.78).
Crabs in chili sauce or simply steamed with its juices and with eggs still intact, grilled squid with stu ng, baked
scallops, grilled managat or red snapper sh are typical seafood dishes here as well. Buttered prawns, aligue (crab
fat) mixed with rice or cooked with imbao shells, boneless bangus, Kilawin (raw sh in vinegar) and grilled blue
marlin (tangigue) belly should also be on your list.

Try these:

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MUST-TRY SEAFOOD. Topped with cheese, garlic and some milk, baked oysters are always a hit. All photos by Antoine Greg Flores

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A LITTLE PRICEY BUT YUMMY. Abalones at Breakthrough Seafood Restaurant. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

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KAMAYAN NA! Succulent crab. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

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MANANGAT FISH. One of the most-ordered kinds of seafood in Iloilo City. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

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PERFECT COMBINATION. Internationally renowned Chef Pauline Banusing of Freska combines the aligue (fat) from crabs and imbao
shells (mangrove clams) Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

CLASSIC AND POPULAR. Seafood can never be complete without prawns. This version topped with butter and garlic is widely
available in most seafood restaurants here. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

Try to ask the staff too if they have the seasonal angel wings shell (diwal) and the abalone. Villa is just a 15- to 20-
minute jeepney ride from the city proper. Other places to have seafood in the city are at Ponsyon (Plazuela de
Iloilo), Merkado, Punot (Riverside Boardwalk), Ocean City (Gen. Luna st.), Buto’t Balat (Jaro), Griller’s Oyster House,
Freska Hometown Buffets (Smallville Complex), and Chika-an (Robinson’s Place).

La Paz Batchoy

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MADE IN ILOILO. Netong’s La Paz Batchoy offers a bowl of delectable batchoy in its unassuming but air-conditioned setting inside the
market. Sip all the soup right rst like a true Ilonggo and ask for more free 'kaldo.' Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

A visit to Iloilo would not be complete without eating batchoy. This local dish that was rst served at La Paz
Market has become synonymous to the city itself.

The rst two known brands that served batchoy for decades and have opened up branches in malls, around the
city, and in other parts of the country. Try Ted’s (1945) and Deco’s (early 1940s).

The rst batchoy, according to Mr. Remy Guillergan (son of Federico “Deco” Guillergan, the “Father of Batchoy”),
was made of miki (native noodles) submerged in a hot clear soup of boiled meat, guinamos (local shrimp paste),
bone marrow, and garlic topped with pork meat. Eventually, pork innards like chopped intestines and sliced liver
were added.

Then came the addition of chicharon. Tourists who wish to try this famed dish also troop to Netong’s inside the
market to savor the taste of batchoy.

Pancit Molo

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NOT NOODLES. Instead of noodles, Pancit Molo is made of rice our wonton wrappers. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

Pancit Molo is named after the old Chinese district of the city, which is Molo. This dumpling soup with pork or
chicken lling wrapped in wonton wrapper is always present at many culinary occasions.

Places known to prepare this perfectly include Punot (Riverside Boardwalk), KapIsing (South San Jose, Molo),
Carlo's (Mandurriao), Panaderia de Molo, Wawa Heritage restaurant (Jaro) and Hotel del Rio.

Legendary Siopao

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YOUR HIGHNESS, QUEEN SIOPAO. You don’t see it every day, unless you order 30 or more. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

Iloilo's most famous siopao, Queen Siopao, can only be bought at Roberto's, in the heart of the city's old business
district called Calle Real.

With a diameter of about 7 inches, it’s the biggest of its kind in the restaurant. It’s lled with Chinese sausage,
boiled egg, bacon, chicken and pork adobo. But unlike its smaller versions which are called King and Jumbo
Siopaos, the Queen is not available every day.

The management just announces the Queen Siopao’s availability on their walls before the selling dates, which
usually lasts for 4-5 days.

It's no wonder that customers who buy to take out may have to fall in line. Try their lumpia and meatballs, too!
Dinagyang Siopao in Arevalo and Deocampo's in Jaro are also worth trying.

The thickest, tastiest tsokolate

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TSOKOLATE LIKE NO OTHER. Thick, hot tsokolate being poured from the steel batirol at Camiña Bahay na Bato. Photo by Antoine
Greg Flores

Camiña Bahay na Bato in Arevalo serves the thickest and tastiest native chocolate in the city of love. Have
merienda of this tsokolate slowly cooked with milk in a batirol and sliced bread with fruit jam, just like in the old
days.

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PLAIN OR SWEET? Kinihad and mamon tostado to pair with the tsokolate. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

They also sell tableas for pasalubong or take-out so that guests can enjoy this cup of heaven at home. Also
available in Cafe Panay at Rizal St., Iloilo City.

Native coffee

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MADGE’S MUGS. Loyal customers have their own mugs with their rst names on it. Iced coffee may be served in a tin can. Photo by
Antoine Greg Flores

Madge Cafe is a must-visit coffee shop that brews coffee using the traditional way of ltering and adding
evaporated milk.

Located inside the La Paz Market, it has been serving customers with affordable but quality coffee for more than
ve decades already. Customers can choose to have it hot or iced, and mild, regular, or strong.

They can also pair it with buttered pandeciosa, long toasted bread with margarine. Another perfect partner for
their coffee is a slice or two of the Ube Brazos de Mercedes sold at La Paz Bakeshop located just outside the
market.

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NOT YOUR USUAL SWEET. This ube avor of Brazos de Mercedes at La Paz Bakeshop is truly the best. Try it! Photo by Antoine Greg
Flores

Iloilo City too has its own homegrown chain of cafe called Coffeebreak. It has grown over the years becoming the
Ilonggo's favorite coffee shop with branches all around the city and in some parts of Metro Manila. Aside from
their welcoming Ilonggo hospitality and coffee, it serves mu ns sourced from local ingredients.

The best bakeries

The city too is home to a few century-old bakeries. Panaderia de Molo and Panaderiani Pa-a are located in Molo
and Jaro districts, respectively. Panaderia Ni Pa-a, formerly called Jaro Bakery, has been serving pandesal that are
crusty on the outside and soft on the inside for decades.

Until now, they still bake their bread on the rewood-fueled brick oven used when the bakeshop rst opened in
1896. Situated in an alley between Mapa and Ortiz streets is the bakery called “Buho” or hole.

Owned by a conservative Chinese family, it used to be nameless. When the war broke out, businesses were closed
most of the time and transactions were done through the hole. Patrons who come to buy their famous pancho can
still see the “buho” present there.

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WORTH THE FIND. These soft, hot and tasty panchos are available at Buho bakery. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

The new kind of pandesal that became a hit in the ‘70s is sweeter compared to the original ones made with salt.
At Los Filipinos bakery, pre-war pandesal are smaller and more compact in contrast to the usual ones sold today.
Deco’s La Paz Batchoy also made this famous when it made the bread an optional pair with the batchoy in lieu of
puto.

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PRE-WAR PANDESAL. These treats from Los Filipinos Bakery appear smaller and more compact inside, but you’ll love it, big time.
Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

Balbi’s ensaymada topped with guava jelly is also a must-try, a perfect pairing with the famous palabok, a classic
favorite for many Ilonggos.

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ENSAYMADA WITH A TWIST. Balbi’s Snack house in Valeria St. has perfected the Grilled Ensaymada with guava jelly. Photo by
Antoine Greg Flores

A new generation of cupcakes, cookies, cakes and other desserts are available at Tinapayan, Dulgies, Heavenly, JD
and Daily Buns. Maridel’s award-winning ourless cake, the Potato Praline, bibingka and other cakes are available
at Plazuela de Iloilo.

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PREMIUM CAKES. Maridel’s at Plazuela de Iloilo offers some of Iloilo City’s best cakes that come in unique and tasty avors. Photo
by Antoine Greg Flores

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TINAPAYAN, ILONGGO PRIDE. Found in almost all districts of the city, Tinapayan serves many Ilonggos and visitors every day. Photo
by Antoine Greg Flores

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THIN BISCUIT. Panaderia de Molo makes the perfectly-crunchy galletas. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

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Biscocho, butterscotch, and other famous pasalubong Ilonggos are undeniably sweet-lovers, with the
city having has its own signature products to bring home such as the Barquillos, Butterscotch and Pinasugbo.
Iloilo’s Original Biscocho Haus has branches all over Western Visayas, offering tourists the best of Ilonggo
delicacies.

BISCOCHO. Sold all over Western Visayas, this is truly one of the classic take-home products. Try to soften it when you dip it into a
hot cup of chocolate or milk. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

Baked to perfection, butterscotch is a chewy delight that comes in colorful wrappers with a variety of avors to
choose from, such as mango, cashew, chocolate and others. Bring home the assorted packs. Rgies and Tinapayan
also have these goodies.

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WORLD CLASS. Iloilo’s butterscotch, known as one of the best, was recently used as a featured ice cream avor. Photo by Antoine
Greg Flores

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PERFECT WITH ICE CREAM. Barquillos are thin wafers rolled into long cylindrical forms that also come in shorter and thicker
versions. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

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BRING BACK OLD MEMORIES. Pinasugbo is a native confection made from thinly-sliced carmelized banana sprinkled with sesame
seeds. Deocampo’s and BiscochoHaus offer the best of these treats. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

A variety of pasalubongs from different producers all over Iloilo and Guimaras are also available at Deco’s
Pasalubong shop in Delgado St., Iloilo City and Panay Tours Specialists Inc. One of these products is from the
Trappist Monastery in the nearby paradise island Province of Guimaras.

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SWEETEST OF THEM ALL. Export-quality mangoes from Guimaras sold all over Iloilo City. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

Jams made from “the sweetest mangoes in the world” and other products from other fruits are also best-sellers.
Items made from the fresh and ripe mangoes from Leon town and Guimaras are available in markets and other
pasalubong shops around Iloilo City.

MORE PASALUBONG. Marge’s cream corn in Jaro and Angelina’s buttered toast are becoming popular to both tourists and locals.
Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

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Savory Ilonggo dishes

LASWA. Healthy vegetable soup that makes use of available vegetables from the backyard. Photo by Antoine Greg Flores

A mighty fortress once stood at Fort San Pedro. Today, it is still known for its charm and the magni cent view of
Guimaras Island as well as the native lechon manok that can be eaten there or at Esca’s Garden restaurant.

The famous Mang Inasal was also founded in this city at Robinson’s Place. Now with more than 400 branches
nationwide, it serves many Filipinos every day.

Other Ilonggo favorite dishes to indulge in are chicken binakol (with coconut water), kadios, baboy at langka (KBL)
and laswa (classic Ilonggo vegetable dish) at Bauhinia Filipino Cuisine in Smallville Complex.

Kansi is the sour version of the bulalo, which you can try at Patpat’s Kansi House (Jaro), Luis Nilaga-an, The Bulalo
Haus, and Royzonbie grill at Villa Beach.

To make the most of your trip here, enjoy not just the sights and sounds but also the namit avors that are truly
Ilonggo. Happy eating! – Rappler.com

Antoine Greg Flores of Café Ilonggo advocates the promotion of Iloilo City and Western Visayas
tourism through blogs and social media. He has appeared on local and national TV programs
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featuring Iloilo City and was invited several times to tour other provinces. He is currently
a liated with Iloilo Bloggers Inc. and works for the City Government of Iloilo

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#ShareIloilo: Miag-ao church | #SharePH

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#SHAREILOILO

#ShareIloilo: Miag-ao Church


Explore Iloilo's UNESCO Heritage Site, Miag-ao church

Rappler.com
Published 4:27 PM, December 06, 2014
Updated 12:30 PM, December 10, 2014

ILOILO, Philippines – Nestled in the province of Iloilo, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church built in 1786,
survived wars, res, earthquakes and revolutions.

Better known as Miag-ao Church, it is also called the Baroque fortress church because its thick walls served as
haven against invaders.

Its one of 4 Baroque churches in the Philippines declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the centuries old church with artist and advocate, Nikki Luna. Watch more on Iloilo on Rappler's travel
show #SharePH #ShareIloilo. Share your own Iloilo memories on Rappler. – Rappler.com

 Start Conversation

Life #BeforeUBER

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BRANDRAP
BrandRap

WATCH: Life #BeforeUBER


Beyond convenience, the ride-sharing app has offered life-changing opportunities for these Filipinos.

Rappler.com
Published 11:00 AM, July 16, 2017
Updated 12:22 PM, July 17, 2017

In Partnership with

MANILA, Philippines – Can you still imagine life without Uber?

The ride sharing app gave passengers an alternative solution against tra c. But beyond convenience, it also
offered life-changing opportunities. The stories below are some examples.

On his own terms

Edgardo Rovillos is a single father. Day and night, he drives along the roads of Manila as an Uber partner.

"Nag-start ako noong December, kasi yung yung time na yon critical na sakin. Di ko na alam saan hahanap ng
pang-gastos, kasi graduating na anak ko. Pagmamaneho lang talaga kasi yung alam ko. Yun lang siguro ang talent

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ko na hindi mawawala sa akin.”

(I became an Uber partner last December, as it was a critical time in my life. I didn't know how I could earn enough
for expenses because my son was also graduating. Driving was the only thing I know how to do well. It’s the only
talent I have that nobody can take away from me.)

Despite having to work odd hours, Uber also gave Edgardo the power to manage his own time. He built his driving
routine around his son. He says that his son is his inspiration and motivation to drive until the wee hours of the
morning.

Edgardo is happy that he has more time to bond with his son while earning enough money to put him through
school.

No time wasted

Rayzy Nufable is a busy mother of two. Uber, she says, has helped her juggle all of her responsibilities.

Her time with her kids is the most important part of her day, but she struggles with getting home early because of
tra c.

“Magmula noong nagkaroon ng Uber, sobrang nakatulong sakin. I'm sure na makaka-uwi kaagad ako sa mga anak
ko, which is very important to me."

(Uber has been a great help to me ever since. I’m certain that I can always get home to my kids on time.)

She recalls a particular incident when her 10-year-old, Niccolo, got into an accident at school while she was at
work. Thanks to the reliability – and compassion – of her Uber driver, she reached her son at the fastest possible
time.

Read about other people’s experiences with Uber here.

How did Uber change your life? Share your journey with Uber at #BeforeUBER and have a compelling change to
other people’s lives. – Rappler.com

A stressful Monday drive, a long wait in the rain, a scary journey late at night – Uber has made these a thing of the past and changed
the way Filipinos move through the city. What your life was like #BeforeUBER?
Visit the #BeforeUBER microsite

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