‘Kadto kita sa Iloilo’ (let’s go to Iloilo)

Iloilo, a nose-shaped island (hence, its original name ‘Ilong-Ilong’ which means ‘nose-like’) in the Western Visayas region set between Iloilo and Balinao rivers, is blessed with elements that make it a tourist destination. Beyond the Dinagyang Festival, La Paz batchoy, pancit Molo and friendly, ‘malambing’ Ilongos are cultural features that abound in this province. Indeed, centuries old churches, ancestral homes, museums and historical markers add to the attractions of Iloilo.

Ergo, a two-day heritage tour of the island was organized for media members by the Iloilo City Convention Bureau led by Narzalina Lim and the Department of Tourism Region VI, in cooperation with Cebu Pacific.

First stop was the Jaro Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Iloilo. Its construction started in 1864 by the first bishop of Jaro, Fray Mariano Cuartero.

People come here to pray to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, the patroness of Western Visayas.

Enthroned in a glass case in front of the church facing the magnificent Jaro belfry, this image comes with interesting legend to tell, according to our guide Bernardine A. Palacios.

"A long time ago after the Spaniards set foot on the shores of Iloilo, some fishermen stumbled upon a hard object in the Iloilo River, which turned out to be a statue of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Ten fishermen tried to lift the statue, but were not able to do so. However, when they decided to bring the image to Jaro, the image instantly allowed itself to be carried by ONE fisherman and since then has been enthroned at the Jaro Cathedral," narrated Palacios.

Even more amazing is the fact that the image which originally was only a foot tall appears to have grown into a life-size statue over the years. To this day, no one can explain how such thing happened.

Next, the tour moved to the Mariquit ancestral house, a 200-year-old house in Sta. Isabel St.

Built by banker Ramon Javellana, the house was named after his granddaughter Maria "Mariquit" Javellana-Lopez who was born and raised in this house until she eloped with then–to–beVice President Fernando Lopez Sr. at the age of 16.

This two-storey structure is a typical 17th-18th century wood-and-stone house.

The ground floor, which interestingly served as the bank of the house complete with a vault, is made of cut stone or firebricks while the second floor, where the antesala (receiving are), the living room, the comedor (dining room), the kitchen and the bedroom are located is made of molave.

Then we proceeded to the Nelly Gardens, a famous landmark in Jaro for a late afternoon merienda and a tour of the Lopez’ mansion–cum-museum.

This mansion was named after the favorite daughter, Nelly, of Don Vicente Lopez and Elena Hofileña.

Elena Golez, the granddaughter of Don Vicente, took us through the two-storey mansion and gave us a little background on Nelly Gardens.

"World War II nearly destroyed the mansion….while other family members fled the city, my mother Lilia Lopez and my father Francisco Jison chose to stay in Nelly Gardens. One day, an order came from a Filipino guerrilla leader to burn all the houses in the city because the Japanese were coming," related Golez.

"The guerrillas came to Nelly Gardens but were so engrossed with looting the house that the Japanese Army came upon them before they had the chance to burn the house. In short, the Japanese Army saved the house while the Jisons with the guerrillas fled to the mountains. My family eventually returned to Nelly Gardens during the American colonization," she continued.

After the war, Lilia and Frank began restoring the mansion. They had to replace all the furniture and artworks that had been lost. Now, Nelly Gardens, the bedrooms and living rooms are fully furnished with antique beds, drawers, cabinets, dining tables, chairs and furnishings that the couple (Lilia and Frank) purchased from their travels around the world.

Next, we visited Museo Iloilo which showcases Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage through tableaus that take visitors back in history, scientificallydated fossils, shells, rocks, stoneage flake tools, native pottery and ornamented teeth among others.

The museum houses a mini art gallery where Iloilo’s budding artists hold exhibits.

Finally, we were taken to Miag-ao Catholic Church, one of the most beautiful churches in Iloilo tagged as "the most Filipino among the Philippine Catholic churches."

First completed in 1797, the church was restored in the 1990s (it had been damaged in a strong earthquake that struck the province in 1948). The church’ facade is a composite of medieval, baroque and local elements.

The church’ 24-karat gold leaf plated altar reportedly cost a whopping five million pesos according to the church caretaker. Also interesting are the white-gold stands found on both sides of the altar. .

"We get all our funds from private donors, who are mostly balikbayans. In fact, one donor gave us half a million for the church’ renovation," informed the caretaker.

Undoubtedly, two days is not enough to explore all the interesting and beautiful places in Iloilo including its gorgeous resorts and beaches, not to mention its clean and lush mountains.

But of course, our tour included a sumptuous feast at Tatoy’s Restaurant by the beach, which serves a wide selection of fresh sea foods and Ilonggo-style ‘native lechon manok’ as well as Ted’s, which is well-known for their delicious La Paz batchoy.

"Any visit in Iloilo won’t be complete without eating at these restaurants," said DOTs Bernardine Palacios who was our guide in Iloilo.

[ Jaro Wiki ]