Reconnecting with old friends and discovering new places is one of life's greatest joys. When I invited my longtime media buddies Leony, Armi, and Rodel to join me on a trip to Iloilo, I knew we were in for a treat. With our diverse writing, blogging, and entertainment backgrounds, we were ready to explore the vibrant city known for its rich history, delectable cuisine, and warm-hearted locals.
A Warm Welcome and Cultural Dive: Leony and Armi touched down in Iloilo on the 16th of May, eager to begin our adventure. After picking them up from the airport, our first stop was the Opinyon Panay office in Sta. Barbara is conveniently close to the Iloilo International Airport. We were greeted warmly and quickly whisked away to the Santa Barbara Centennial Museum. There, the ever-accommodating tourism officer, Ms. Irene Magallon, captivated us with tales of the town's cultural heritage. Her passion and knowledge made the museum come alive, offering a perfect introduction to Iloilo's rich history.
A Gastronomic Journey Begins: Our stomachs rumbling, so we headed to Breakthrough Restaurant in Villa for lunch. Mia, the owner's daughter, welcomed us with open arms and shared the fascinating story behind this beloved eatery. The freshness and flavor of the food were nothing short of spectacular. The lechon was, without a doubt, some of the best I've ever tasted, and the buko halo-halo was a refreshing dessert that perfectly capped off our meal. Breakthrough's dedication to authenticity, with cooks as the stars of their kitchen, truly shone through.
Coffee, Heritage, and Souvenirs: After lunch, we made our way to 3rd Gen Glory's Cafe, another gem in Villa. Michael Chua, the owner, graciously introduced us to the art of Sala-Sala coffee brewing. Housed in the historic Avanceña Mansion, the cafe exuded charm and history. Next door, the Pasalubong Center offered a delightful array of local products, from Hablon weaves to Guimaras Tultol Asin. We couldn't resist buying a few items to remember our visit by.
A Mixed Bag at Molo Mansion: Our next stop, Molo Mansion, was a bit of a letdown. Now owned by SM, the mansion was filled with Kultura products, which, while interesting, were different from the local crafts and foods we had hoped to find. Nevertheless, it was still a beautiful spot for photos.
A Glimpse of Iloilo's Future: We then visited the construction site of the Iloilo Central Market. Mayor Jerry Treñas was on hand, assuring former vendors that their rental rates would remain the same once the market reopens in December. It was heartening to see the city investing in its future while maintaining a commitment to its community.
Dinner Delights in Jaro: For dinner, we headed to Bebot's and Mila's Talabahan in Jaro. The food spread was a testament to why Iloilo is dubbed the City of Gastronomy. Armi, who isn't usually a fan of oysters, loved the baked talaba with cheese. From adobo pusit to native chicken lechon manok, every dish was a celebration of Ilonggo cuisine. It was the perfect end to our first day, leaving us eager for more.
Day Two: Hometown Pride and Coffee Breaks: Our second day began with a hearty breakfast at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, after which we transferred to Seda Hotel. We then journeyed to my hometown, Bololacao, New Lucena, for my cultural mapping project with Panay Guimaras. Leony and Armi joined me in documenting the origins of New Lucena, guided by the knowledgeable Catherine Pueyo, the town's tourism officer designate. After a morning of mapping, we took a well-deserved break at 60:40 Coffee, enjoying a perfect blend of coffee paired with turon and pastas.
A Festive Finale: Our third day was highlighted by a visit to the Manggahan Festival in Guimaras. A courtesy call to Governor JC Rahman Nava provided us with fascinating insights into the island's culture and history. Lunch at Makarios Restaurant introduced us to the unique mango pizza, a must-try for any visitor. By the time we returned to Iloilo City, Rodel had joined us, and we enjoyed a delightful tea time with Nathalie Lim, the fashionista manager of Richmond Hotel, and Mr. Allan Tan the hardworking president of the Iloilo Festival Foundation Inc. (IFFI). Their passion for Iloilo was infectious, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the city's charm and potential.
Reflections on a City of Love: As our trip drew to a close, we realized that we had only scratched the surface of what Iloilo had to offer. From its vibrant festivals and delicious food to its rich cultural heritage and warm-hearted people, Iloilo truly lives up to its tagline, "City of Love." The #VisitIloilo campaign encapsulates this spirit perfectly, inviting everyone to discover the heartbeats of Iloilo and experience its fun, food, and friendly atmosphere.
So, whether you're a first-time visitor like Armi and Rodel or a returning friend like Leony, Iloilo welcomes you with open arms and endless reasons to fall in love with this enchanting city.
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