Welcome signage at Iloilo Business Park in front of IBP McDonald’s
“Maayong adlaw” [Good day], as Ilonggos used to say when greeting someone and expressing their daily passion. It is heartwarming to enjoy a tranquil life in Iloilo. The city is a hodge-podge of both old-world charm, rich history and trailblazing progress, which slowly creates an inspiring impression among tourists and visitors when they come to immerse in Iloilo’s “welcoming warmth.” Looking around, the bustling metropolis is often filled with friendly faces, a deluge of pleasing energy and passion as Ilonggos were known to have such high regard for hospitality.
Moving further into the city, Iloilo unveils a strong balance between the past and the present, its old “queenly” glory and its recent swift developments are forming a feeling of pride and dynamism in the heart of its people. To guide your way in finding love, excitement and fun in Iloilo, here are ways to appreciate the “original queen city of the south” in a brand new light:
Calle Real is a reminder that Iloilo used to be a cosmopolitan city hosting international gatherings of leaders, center of trade and business outside of Manila.
Calle Real, A walk in the Past
Known as one of the oldest business districts in the Philippines, Calle Real still hold the remnants of the city’s glory as the center of trade, business and textile industry with the presence of textile stores, shopping centers, old bistros and shops that defines the reason why Ilonggos love to make business. A pleasant walk in Calle Real will give you a glimpse of breathtaking architectural designs of heritage buildings now being restored by the city government in its full glory.
You can also look around the street for some great items to buy and do the “ayo” [Ilonggo term for asking discount].
There’s only one branch of Roberto’s and their variety of siopao’s are all best-sellers.
Queen Siopao, a heavenly gastronomy
In the far end of Calle Real, one restaurant stands out among the rest is Roberto’s known for its delicious “Siopao.” With only one branch in the city and a long list of old and young Ilonggo customers, people are lining up every day to buy their favorite Siopao. Their most popular gastronomy is “Queen Siopao” known for its humungous fillings of meat, bacon strips, egg and secret ingredients that’s truly mouth-watering and addicting. In fact, it has become the favorite “pasalubong” [keepsakes] of visitors and OFWs when visiting the city. Amidst the popularity of the resto, the family-owned business believes in their passion to serve delicious food and satisfying their customers with one branch than venture in franchising to expand their business. They believe that people would really come if they love what you cook and serve them.
When Ilonggos enjoy the food, they often say “namit” [delicious], signifying that they are indeed food lovers.
The new Iloilo Capitol is now a perfect destination for pictorials and video shoots among art lovers who enjoy a classic facade of architectural designs.
Newly restored Iloilo Capitol
Back in its old glory and form, the Iloilo Provincial Capitol was recently restored by the Provincial Government of Iloilo to preserve the province cultural heritage. Iloilo Provincial Capitol now houses a mini museum inside where visitors and onlookers can look back on the rich history of both the province and the city. In the evening, it is transformed into an astonishing destination where the lights and the building create a nostalgic feeling for Ilonggos. Right across it is the Arroyo Fountain, a symbol of Iloilo’s strong dominance and economic glory from the past. Also, it is used in the past to measure distances of other landmarks and locations in the city.
“Balik ‘ta diri bala” [let’s come back again here], these are usually the expression of Ilonggos when they enjoy the place and couldn’t get enough of it.
Iloilo River Esplanade is a life-sustaining body of water, giving the city a breath of fresh air, beautiful scenery and a place to unwind.
Iloilo River Esplanade, nature and modernity converge
Iloilo City is slowly claiming the reputation as a model metropolis for beautifully sustaining a balance between nature and modern progress through the Iloilo River Esplanade. The nose-shaped river sanctuary that passes through the heart of the city is an ecological wonder and the lifeblood of the people where Iloilo got its name from an Ilonggo term “Irong-irong” [means nose in shape] which was later called Iloilo. It stretches 1.2 Kilometers from Diversion Road (officially Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue) to Carpenter Bridge. The project cost P58.7 million and was designed by Paolo Alcazaren, who also designed the Singapore quay and river esplanade. The project now extends from Diversion Road to Jalandoni Bridge. Also, the proposal is underway to extend from Carpenter’s Bridge going to Brgy. Sooc in Arevalo. Today, it is the center of leisure, recreation, healthy lifestyle and one of the most photographed tourism destinations in the city.
Impressed with the scenery? Ilonggos would usually say “katahum” [beautiful] to express their praise for a certain place.
Are you visiting Jaro Cathedral? Just ride a jeepney with signage of Jaro CPU, Jaro Ungka or Jaro Liko and tell the driver to drop your off at Jaro Plaza where the old Church can be found.
Jaro Cathedral, Faith come alive in Iloilo
The center of Catholic faith and devotion in the city is unquestionably the Jaro Cathedral where the annual “Nuestra Senora dela Candelaria” [Our Lady of Candles] is celebrated together with the Jaro district’s fiesta every first week of February. The Virgin Mary image is said to be miraculous that every year it grows and the church expands its protective casing. Devotees flock the church every day to pray and meditate for good health and protection, reflecting the Ilonggos’ heart for Catholic faith. Jaro Cathedral is a breathtaking tourism destination where people enjoy the place and converge with their faith in God.
So, when you come to Iloilo with an Ilonggo friend, they would usually say to you on an early Sunday morning: “masimba ‘ta” [let’s go to church].
MO2 Bar and Restaurant is a complete entertainment complex connected to a disco bar called Ice, Westown Hotel and a Karaoke Bar.
The Avenue is a destination where the best and classy restaurants caters to the meticulous taste of Ilonggos.
Night life at Smallville, The Avenue and Boardwalk
Iloilo’s night life escapade is absolutely exciting along the Benigno Aquino Avenue where Smallville, The Avenue and Boardwalk can be found. This is where most of the city’s favorite restaurants, bistros, pubs and discos are located where people can hang-out, bond and have fun. Smallville Complex is the first to get popular in the early 2000s. The Avenue is a classy line-up of local and international bistros, pubs and disco club. Boardwalk located near the Iloilo River Esplanade showcases first-class restaurants and bars where its serene ambiance creates pleasurable moments for diners and visitors.
“Lakat ‘ta” or “lagaw ‘ta” [let’s go out or let’s travel], these are usually the expression of Ilonggos when they ask you for a night out or have a good time.
La Paz Batchoy is slowly becoming a global symbol of Ilonggos’ unique gastronomic creation.
Batchoy, the country’s most favorite noodle soup
The best noodle soup in the Philippines with extraordinary ingredients and condiments has always been claimed by Iloilo’s La Paz Batchoy, a unique delicacy created by Ilonggos after of World War 2. A combination of left-over meats, noodles, chicaron crackers, secret spices and tasteful hot soup originally served in the wet market of La Paz district, Batchoy became a world-famous specialty food by Ilonggos and visitors. In the city, there are various restaurants and signature batchoy eateries that cater to the palate of Ilonggos. From the well-known Ted’s Batchoy, Deco’s Batchoy and many others, visiting Iloilo will never be complete without a satisfying and hot bowl of Batchoy.
For Ilonggos, a bowl of Batchoy is “makabulusog” [fulfilling], enough for a perfect meal.
Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is a first-class business and luxury hotel that opened in 2015 at Iloilo Business Park.
The Courtyard by Marriot, 2016’s most anticipated luxurious hotel scheduled to open in Iloilo Business Park.
The long-stretching Megaworld Boulevard where most of Iloilo Business Park’s biggest establishments are connected in major highway road.
The impressive swimming pool amenity at One Madison Place, a contemporary chic residential tower in Iloilo Business Park.
The Palladium, the tallest residential tower in the region with 22 floors, infinity pool, sky gardens and loft units.
Iloilo Business Park, vision of new Ilonggo lifestyle
These days, Iloilo City is taking a progressive flight with its new found economic glory and developments presented by Megaworld Corporation, the country’s leading real estate developer with its most important and biggest single investment outside of Luzon for a total of P35 billion – the Iloilo Business Park. The 72-hectare old Iloilo Airport property located in Mandurriao District was transformed by Megaworld into a bustling commercial and business integrated township where some of the most prestigious establishments and attractions will be rising soon. Iloilo Business Park takes pride of the newly-finished Iloilo Convention Center that can accommodate not less than 3,700 audiences to see the biggest conventions and events in the country including the recent APEC ministerial meetings last September 21- October 6. Shopping and dining experience will be defined to another level with Festive Walk Mall and Street of Festive Walk set for 2016 opening. The newly-opened Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and upcoming Courtyard by Marriot are ready to provide world-class luxurious accommodation for visitors and Ilonggos. In the next 10 years, 10 BPO Buildings will open in the biggest IT Park in the region. Two of these BPO buildings are already functional which include One Global Center and Two Global Center. Before 2015 will end, two more BPO Buildings will open such as One Techno Place and Two Techno Place. The township will have the biggest commercial and business district where prestigious financial companies and local entrepreneurs will open regional headquarters and businesses. The biggest McDonald’s branch in Panay island is located at Iloilo Business Park near the Festive Walk Mall.
To define a new luxurious lifestyle and introduce “condo living,” Iloilo Business Park has three unique residential towers offering multi-faceted architectural designs and amenities. These three condo towers are One Madison Place, Lafayette Park Square and the highest tower in Western Visayas with 22 floors, The Palladium. Aside the vibrant developments, the township have its own wide roads and bike lanes as part of Megaworld Boulevard where residents and visitors can enjoy healthy physical activities while immersing themselves in the active lifestyle.
For Ilonggos who are coming home, they usually say “puli ‘ta” [let’s go home] because they always believe that their heart is often left at home. Iloilo Business Park is now presenting a new home for Ilonggos where their dream of a serene, exciting, luxurious and vibrant lifestyle awaits them.
ILOILO BUSINESS PARK 