Iloilo, Philippines

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Iloilo, Philippines

Region: Iloilo Province


Geographic Coordinates: 10.716700, 122.567000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Iloilo has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The wet season runs from May to October, while the dry season is from November to April. The city experiences heavy rainfall during the wet season, with typhoons and floods occurring occasionally. Temperatures are generally high throughout the year, averaging around 27°C (81°F).
Population: 457626
Language: Filipino

Iloilo City, Located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, Is a bustling metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, Delicious cuisine, And vibrant festivals. With a population of over 400, 000 people, It’s considered one of the most progressive cities in the country. One of the top tourist destinations in Iloilo City is its historic district. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along Calle Real to see numerous Spanish colonial-era buildings that have been beautifully preserved. Jaro Cathedral is another must-visit destination; built-in 1864, It features an impressive bell tower that stands at 45 meters tall.

Foodies will love Iloilo City’s cuisine scene with dishes like La Paz Batchoy (a noodle soup made with pork liver), Pancit Molo (dumplings filled with ground pork), And Kadyos Baboy Langka (a stew made with pigeon peas, Pork belly, And jackfruit). For those interested in local culture and traditions, Iloilo City hosts several festivals throughout the year including Dinagyang Festival held every January to honor Santo Niño de Cebu. During this festival locals dress up in colorful costumes while dancing to traditional music on streets lined with food vendors selling local delicacies.

Aside from its cultural attractions and festivities Guimaras Island located just off its coastlines offering pristine beaches perfect for swimming or sunbathing. Overall Iloilo City offers visitors an unforgettable experience filled with history culture and delicious food whether you’re a history buff foodie or nature lover this city has something to offer everyone!



Important Landmarks

  1. Miagao Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Iloilo.
  2. Molo Church is a neogothic church known for its unique architecture and impressive interior.
  3. Jaro Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Jaro and home to the miraculous image of Our Lady of Candles.
  4. Calle Real is a historic street lined with Spanish colonial-era buildings, shops, and restaurants.
  5. Iloilo Esplanade is a scenic riverfront park that offers stunning views of Iloilo City’s skyline.
  6. Museo Iloilo is an ethnographic museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage and history of Iloilo.
  7. Guimaras Island is an island paradise known for its pristine beaches, mango plantations, and natural attractions such as caves and waterfalls.
  8. Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort is a popular religious destination featuring replicas from biblical scenes.
  9. The Ruins in Talisay City are a historical landmark dating back to 1900s.
  10. Panay Church is one of the oldest churches in Western Visayas built by Augustinians during Spanish colonization period.

Primary Industries

Major Industries and Businesses in Iloilo, Philippines

  1. Agriculture
    • Rice
    • Corn
    • Sugarcane
    • Coconut
    • Fruits
  2. Fishing
  3. Tourism
    • Beaches
    • Historical landmarks
    • Festivals
    • Food destinations
  4. Real estate
  5. Business process outsourcing (BPO)
  6. Manufacturing
    • Food items
    • Garments
    • Furniture
    • Electronics
  7. Education
  8. Healthcare
  9. Retail
    • Small shops
    • Large shopping malls

Noteable History

  1. Battle of Jaro – a significant battle between the Spanish colonial forces and Filipino revolutionaries in 1898.
  2. Graciano Lopez Jaena – a prominent journalist, writer, and revolutionary who played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain.
  3. Queen Juana – one of the last rulers of pre-colonial Iloilo who resisted Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
  4. Dinagyang Festival – an annual festival held every January in Iloilo City to honor Santo Niño (the Holy Child) and celebrate Ilonggo culture.
  5. Gregorio Y. Zara – a renowned physicist and inventor who made significant contributions to Philippine science including developing the first videophone.
  6. Lapu-Lapu – although not from Iloilo itself, Lapu-Lapu is known for defeating Ferdinand Magellan at the Battle of Mactan in 1521, which is considered an important event in Philippine history.
  7. Jose Rizal – although he was born in Calamba, Laguna, Rizal spent some time studying medicine at Central Philippine University (formerly Jaro Industrial School) before continuing his studies abroad.
  8. La Paz Batchoy – a popular noodle soup dish that originated from La Paz district in Iloilo City and has become synonymous with Ilonggo cuisine worldwide.
  9. Antonio Luna- Born on October 29th 1866 , he was known as one of the fiercest generals during Philppine-American War where he led battles against American forces.
  10. Maria Clara Araneta Roxas- She was known for being an activist during Martial Law era where she advocated for human rights , democracy , peace among other things.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Museo Iloilo is a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Iloilo.
  2. Miagao Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the Philippines.
  3. Jaro Cathedral, also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles, is one of the oldest churches in Iloilo.
  4. Casa Mariquit is an ancestral house turned into a museum that features antique furniture and household items from the Spanish colonial period.
  5. Molo Mansion is another ancestral house turned into a museum that showcases the lifestyle and culture during the 19th century.
  6. Iloilo Esplanade is a scenic waterfront park where locals and tourists can jog, bike, or simply enjoy the view of Iloilo River.
  7. Calle Real Heritage District is a historic street lined with old buildings that reflect Iloilo’s rich architectural heritage.
  8. Guimaras Island, located just off the coast of Iloilo, is known for its sweet mangoes, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling or diving.
  9. The Ayala Technohub – A modern tech hub with various restaurants to choose from
  10. The Festive Walk Mall – A mall with various restaurants to choose from


Sports Teams

  1. Iloilo United Royals is a professional basketball team that was established in 2019 and competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
  2. FC Iloilo is a professional football club founded in 2018 that participates in the Philippines Football League (PFL).
  3. The University of the Philippines Visayas has an impressive volleyball program that has produced several notable players who have represented both the region and country.
  4. Westbridge Football Club is a local football club that has been active for several years and participates in various tournaments and leagues.
  5. The Central Philippine University has a strong sports tradition with their basketball team, known as the Golden Lions, winning multiple championships at both regional and national levels.
  6. The JB Lacson Maritime University also fields competitive sports teams including their basketball team called Sailors.
  7. St. Robert’s International Academy from Lapaz district is renowned for its track and field prowess but also fields teams to compete on other sports like basketball.

These are just some of the notable sports teams with histories in Iloilo, Philippines as there are many more clubs catering to different sporting disciplines all over town at various levels of competition from grassroots to professional leagues like MPBL or PFL.



Cultural Events

  1. The Dinagyang Festival is a cultural and religious festival that takes place every fourth Sunday of January in honor of the Sto. Niño.
  2. In February, the Paraw Regatta Festival showcases traditional sailboats called paraws in a sailing event.
  3. Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival is a colorful and lively celebration held every October, featuring street dancing and mask-making competitions.
  4. The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is an annual cultural event held during the third week of June, celebrating the rich history and culture of Leyte and Samar islands through dance performances, music, and street parades.
  5. Iloilo’s Chinese New Year Celebration occurs during February or March with traditional Chinese rituals like dragon dances, fireworks display, food fairs among others to welcome the lunar new year.
  6. Kahirup Christmas Village is an annual Christmas-themed park located at Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park featuring light displays, food bazaars carnival rides for children among others.
  7. La Semana Santa de Iloilo (Holy Week) – A week-long religious observance in April where people take part in processions depicting biblical scenes throughout various neighborhoods around town.
  8. Kasadyahan Cultural Parade – A parade showcasing different tribes from all over Western Visayas region with their respective costumes and dances celebrating their unique culture.

Cuisine

  • La Paz Batchoy – a noodle soup dish with pork innards and meat, crushed chicharon (pork rinds), and egg.
  • Pancit Molo – a dumpling soup dish filled with ground pork and shrimp.
  • KBL (Kadyos, Baboy, Langka) – a stew made with pigeon peas, pork hocks or ribs, and jackfruit.
  • Inasal – grilled chicken marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, lemongrass and annatto oil.
  • Biscocho – crunchy toasted bread coated with butter or margarine and sugar.

Some popular restaurants in Iloilo that serve these dishes are:

  1. Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy
  2. Deco’s La Paz Batchoy
  3. Tatoy’s Manokan & Seafoods
  4. Breakthrough Restaurant
  5. Roberto’s Siopao & Barbecue

Parks and Recreation

  1. Iloilo Esplanade
  2. Plaza Libertad
  3. Jaro Plaza
  4. Guimaras Island Hopping Tour
  5. Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort
  6. Bulabog Putian National Park
  7. Bucari Pine Forest
  8. Gigantes Islands Tour
  9. Casa Real de Iloilo Museum
  10. Museo Iloilo

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