Iloilo City

The City of Iloilo  is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines and the capital city of Iloilo province. It is the regional center of the Western Visayas. It is bordered by the towns of Oton in the east, Pavia in the north, Leganes in the northeast and the Iloilo Strait in its eastern and southern coastline. 

Iloilo City is located in the southern shores of Panay. The city faces Iloilo Strait and Guimaras Island across it, making it a natural harbor and a safe anchorage for ships. The city lies on a flat alluvial plain, reclaimed mostly from the swampy areas due to urbanization and industrialization in the late 19th century until the present. Traversing the city are the rivers of Iloilo, Batiano, Jaro and Dungon Creek. Iloilo River is an estuary that separates the districts of City Proper, Molo and Villa Arevalo from the rest of the city. On the other hand, Jaro River is fed by its tributary rivers, Aganan and Tigum and passes by the flood plains of the Jaro and La Paz districts. Iloilo City is 337.6 nautical miles from Manila. The city has a total land area of 70.3 square kilometers and is divided into 180 barangays with seven aggregate districts.

(Source: Wikipedia.com)

I went to Iloilo City in 2008 and 2010 with my friends Daisy Villegas, Ryan Carrasca and Jaja Sumalacay (a native Ilonggo). We fell in love with the city that's why we keep on coming back.The people of Iloilo are so nice and easy to deal with, not to mention that they speak so gentle and sweet even if they're mad (I don't know why).

Thank you to Sumalacay Family of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo for being so accommodating, I really felt that I was at home with you guys. 

What fascinates me about the city is that they do have this place called "Smallville" wherein you can find all the bars and resto for all ages.

At the Iloilo City International Airport

The best "batchoy" soup can only be found in Iloilo City

Iloilo City is also known for it's native "pasalubong" treats like the Biscocho products

Jaro Belfry

Jaro Cathedral

SM City Iloilo

Flow Bar (Smallville)

Pirates Bar & Resto (Smallville)

Starbucks Coffee doesn't exist in Iloilo, Coffee Break was their alternative.

Local jeepneys found in the city

Sta. Barbara Church

Old house in Iloilo City

HOW I GOT THERE

By AIR
Airline: Cebu Pacific Air MNL - ILO - MNL
Terminal: NAIA Terminal 3
Fare: P2,400 - P3,000 (round trip airfare)
Travel time: 45 mins (by air) plus 30 to 45 mins (by land) from the Airport to the city proper.