Iloilo City: From Old Towns to New Districts

The core of largest metropolitan area in Western Visayas, Iloilo City traced its roots as a major port in old times. The Iloilo River dissecting the city snakes within in a shape of a nose (ilong in Filipino). Hence, it used to be called “Irong-Irong” and later for convenience: Iloilo. 

Historically, Iloilo City is the last stronghold of the Spaniards. It was given the royal title La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad (The Most Loyal and Noble City) because it remained loyal to the Spanish crown and resisted during Revolutionary Period. Only in 1898, after the Treaty of Paris, where Philippines was freed by the Spaniards, the city became free of colonial rule.

The city is a conglomeration of former towns, which are now the geographical districts consisting of: Jaro (an independent city before), Molo, La Paz, Mandurriao, Villa Arevalo and Iloilo City Proper. The district of Lapuz, a former part of La Paz, was declared a separate district in 2008.

Jaro district is the largest among the seven present districts. Referred to as Ilaya or "mountain/dry land", antillan (Filipino-Hispanic) mansions dot the planned streets surrounding the main plaza. Known as "The Mestizo District of Iloilo”, Jaro has a concentration of affluent Spanish-Filipino families where they built their residences with wide lawns and proximate to the cathedral. Religious centers of Catholic, Protestant, Baptist and other denominations are found here. Notable landmarks are the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and Jaro Belfry. I made a separate blog post for this: Jaro District's Old Neighbourhood

 

Molo district is located at the southern side of Iloilo River and west of city proper. The feminist church of Saint Anne is reminiscent of Gothic architecture. Complete with manicured gardens of the plaza and an elegant gazebo, Molo retained its old charm beauty so as the Yusay-Consing Mansion, popularly known as the Molo Mansion across it. The name is synonymous to a dumpling soup originating here: Pancit Molo. Too bad I haven’t tried it here.

 Yusay-Consing Mansion (Molo Mansion)

Molo Plaza

La Paz district is located north of city proper. The busy old market is the birthplace of famous batchoy: a savory noodle soup of pork innards and other spices. Formerly known as Ilawod or "sea/wet land", the district's Catholic church is Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, located at one side of La Paz plaza.

 

Mandurriao is where the malls and other major infrastructure projects are located. The site of old airport was developed into a business district. This is where my friend and I walked by the new riverside park: the Iloilo River Esplanade. The Donato M. Pison Monument can be seen at a rotunda of the business district. It was erected in the form of muscovado chimney to commemorate his legacy as a pioneer entrepreneur in sugar and salt-making industry of Iloilo. SM City Iloilo is located along national highway, where jeeps stop over to ply to other parts of the city.

Pison Monument

Villa Arevalo district is at the southwestern part of the city. Used to be known as the garden district due to presence of quaint homes with abloom front yards, it attracts tourist with beachfront huts and homegrown restaurants like Tatoy’s and Breakthrough. In the heart of the district lies the Holy Child church where an antique statue of Santo Niño is kept. Camiña Balay Nga Bato is located nearby which is a museum famous also for its by-reservation gastronomic offerings.

Camiña Balay Nga Bato

Iloilo City Proper is the administrative, educational and commercial center where modern infrastructures harmonize with old world buildings. Starting from Fuente Arroyo where Casa Real or Modern-day Provincial capitol building is located, the main street leading to city hall is surrounded by old commercial buildings where different imported and local products are still sold. Established restaurants by some old Chinese families are still in operation. Hence, the colorful pre-war buildings along J.M. Basa (formely Calle Real) were included in the Iloilo City Commercial Heritage District.

San Jose Placer Parish Church

Casa Lacson and the Botica Lacson ruins

Kudos to people of Iloilo who promote heritage conservation and love for their city. Hoping I could have a visit soon to explore more of city's must-eats and antillan museums.

Palangga ta gid Iloilo! :)