Owner: ILOILO ON FOOT URL:http://www.iloiloonfoot.blogspot.com Join Date: Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:18:13 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Travel to Iloilo, a beautiful Historical province in the Philippines where Spanish and Asian culture merges.
Here, we have the best of what the Philippines can offe; culture, life and people, so come hop with me as we travel to the heart of the Philippin Site statistics:Click here
Hotel Del Rio 2008-03-08 03:04:00 Situated along the Iloilo River, Hotel
del Rio in Del Pilar Street, Molo is one of the premiere hotels there is in the city. Its most spectacular feature that no other hotel in Iloilo can offer is the view of the magnificent and tranquil Iloilo River. It is a recommended place for jam packed travelers who need a peaceful place to stay.If you are searching for great food, comfortable rooms, friendly and hospitable staffs, then Hotel del Rio is your stop. You don't need to travel far to find malls, schools, historic and touristy sites in the city. Hotel del Rio is so accessible to the public that you can reach your preferred destination in no time.
Remembering Old Jaro 2008-03-02 09:23:00 If Ilocos Sur has Vigan and Manila has Intramuros, here in Iloilo, we have Jaro. Many would agree that there is no other town in Iloilo that might surpass Jaro's colonial era atmosphere. Why? It is because that when you are in Jaro, you would notice that an 18th to an early 20th century building is standing beside another historical edifice or is a few meters away from a known heritage site. This means that almost every street has one or more historical site to be proud of and that when you are along the public square or commonly known as plazas, then, you might realize that almost everything in front of you is a gift of history. When you speak of the languages of architecture, you will surely be mesmerized of Jaro's varied classical 18th and 19th century Hispanio-Filipino houses as they m Read more:Remembering
The Magic of San Jose Church 2008-02-24 00:47:00 If there is any tourist destination in Iloilo that never fails to satisfy me whenever I visit, it would be the Parish Church
of San Jose
in Plaza Libertad. The Church of San Jose is the queen of old Iloilo or the downtown city. It may not be as popular as the magnificent St. Anne Church in Molo or the miraculous St. Elizabeth of Hungary Cathedral in Jaro, but it is undoubtedly the most historical religious structure built in the entire city.The beauty of San Jose Church looms unmindful of its time frame, it is as perfect as it has always been whether it is sunrise or sunset. It's artistic neoclassic facade with few details of greek, byzantine and tuscan architecture speaks of what a perfect Spanish Colonial Era structure is.According to history, the church was about to be bombed in the sec Read more:Magic
Historic Calle Real In Dinagyang Season 2008-01-29 06:35:00 Have you ever imagined historic Calle
Real without the hustling vehicles?Iloilo's Heritage Street appeared like a touristy destination when foreign and local tourists flocked to witness the Dinagyang Street dancing competition. Traffic was closed and the main roads of downtown Iloilo was only opened to those who are willing to beat the heat and stroll around the city's historic corner.Many of the buildings in Calle Real matched the festive mood of Dinagyang as colorful rays of banderitas showered the street with fun-filled colors. With a single look, a tourist may appreciate the beauty of Colonial architecture where Asian and European architectures are merged in one place. If further restorations will be push through, Calle Real may become one of Asia's Historic Business Centers just like Read more:Season
Dinagyang Festival: A Celebration of Life 2008-01-27 05:31:00 January is considered as the Philippines' Festival
Season. Three notable festivals from three cities showcase the extravagance of their lively cultures... The Sinulog of Cebu, the Ati-atihan of Aklan and the Dinagyang of Iloilo.Dinagyang Festival, like Sinulog and Ati-atihan commemorates the Christianization of the natives. Dancing warriors in full regalia, accompanied by lively drums, shows how the native Filipinos glorify the child Jesus or the 'Santo Niño'. Noted as the 'Best Tourism Event in the Philippines' Dinagyang is an explosion of colors, reinvention of culture and an evolution of a tradition. It is a collection of different tribes competing in the 'Ati Contest', which is the very highlight of the Festival. Here, we don't see warriors battling but instead, we'll find them dancin
The Ruins of Leon Church 2008-01-05 19:07:00 The Church
St. Catherine of Alexandria in the town of Leon was planned to become the largest temple in Panay Island. It is a three nave church of Byzantine architecture which is built of limestones possibly quarried from the nearby mountains.The facade of Leon church is decorated by doors and windows with multi layered arches, typical of a byzantine and Romanesque structure. Two angels guarding an Augustinian symbol of the transfixed heart, possibly inspired by the Spanish Coat of Arms, is carved on the triangular pediment.The church was never finished and some parts remained in Ruins
. The apse, with few 'retablos' left unfinished have neoclassic elements with intricate Corinthian carvings. Though unfinished, the essence of its massiveness can still be seen through the facade and its capac
A Mansion in Calle Mabini 2008-01-03 05:48:00 A tour of Iloilo will definitely showcase a calvacade of majestic churches and grandiose mansions. But what makes these houses more than the usual? Why are they priced so much even if they look aged and worn out? Well, for an old world province like Iloilo, antiques are considered priceless.A number of mansions possibly built before or in the early 1900's are scattered all over the city and the province. these are remnants of a colonial past, of a city that is loyal to the Spanish Crown.There is a hidden treasure along Mabini Street in the city. There lies a medieval inspired mansion that has a 'castle-like' appearance. The Classical wholeness of the mansion is reimposed by the renaissance arch windows and the lofty terrace of Neoclassic artistry. Like a medieval castle, battlements are Read more:Calle
, Mansion
Lambunao Church 2008-01-01 03:00:00 The town of Lambunao is said to be Iloilo's little Bagiuo since it is located in the highlands approaching the mountainous north. It is known as the haven of majestic waterfalls and the mysterious lake "Tinagong Dagat". However, the town is also known for a beautiful 18th century Spanish Colonial Era Church
that looks more like it was built of chocolate and caramel rather than limestones. With ornate decorations such as intricate finials, balusters, and massive ionic columns, a light baroque essence grows out of the Neoclassic wholeness of the structure. It was completely finished in 1890 and appeared just like a colonial church in Latin America. In the 1900's the church suffered heavily from the second world war and the 1948 earthquake.With belfries towering in front of the town plaza, St
Christmas Around the World 2007-12-30 07:42:00 This post is quite late for Christmas
but when you're in the Philippines , Christmas season is longer than the usual, thus, this Christmas post ain't very late at all.The Robinson's Place, probably one of the top shopping destinations in the city shared a different twist of Christmas Decorations. Move the Christmas Lanterns and welcome the colorful icons of popular cities around the world.The Eiffel Tower of Paris , The Sydney Opera House, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, New York's Statue of Liberty, Roman Colosseum, Russia's Saint Basil's Cathedral and more wonders merged in one setting to showcase Christmas as the world sees it.Wherever you may be, may it be in the Philippines or somewhere out there on the other side of the globe. The real meaning of Christmas isn't just about presents, Santa Read more:World
The Promenade 2007-12-28 06:20:00 It was not really intentional but my friend said it would be nice for us to eat at the 'Promenade', a restaurant in Days Hotel. What I like about the restaurant is that it has a very nice view of the provincial capitol and of course, the food was 'perfecto'. The price was definitely reasonable and you will surely love and savor the food that will be served before you.The food is great, the ambiance is warm, the view is magnificent... what else would a hungry traveler wish for? It was indeed unintentional for us to drop by at the Promenade, but for sure, we will hop in again for this fine restaurant defines the word 'Splendid'!
Molo Plaza 2007-12-21 19:37:00 A friend once said that the trees in Molo Plaza is definitely enchanting in a way that they look mysterious and aged. Branches, curving into indefinite shapes, add up a fairy-tale-like essence to the real picture. With The Famous St. Anne Church as a background, Molo Plaza is indeed a haven of Photographers and tourists.In most pictures St. Anne Church is always accompanied by the neoclassic Gazebo which is in the center of the square. Though many tall trees dominate the Plaza, they cannot outgrow the majestic twin spires of St. Anne.Molo is considered as the Athens of the Philippines, since it produced many Political leaders of the country. It is the home of many old houses, may it be a grandiose mansion or a quiet Bahay na Bato. One of the oldest bakeries in the country is also located
The Castle Hotel 2007-12-18 01:21:00 A Mansion for a Hotel
? Yes.The Castle
Hotel located in Bonifacio Drive isn't just a beautiful old house. Restored to the nines it is a perfect place to stay as it exudes an old world vibrance as manifested by its Medieval inspired architecture. Each room is well furnished, air conditioned and equipped with facilities of comfort, warmth, and privacy.It is located near the Provincial Capitol, The Atrium Mall, The Gaisano City Mall and the Days Hotel. For more information and for reservation please contact Tel No: (033) 338-1021/338-3280/338-3281 or Fax No: 338-1021.
The Jaro Belfry 2007-12-16 20:34:00 The Jaro Cathedral is one of the few churches in the Philippines with a Bell tower not attached to the church itself. The belfry which was built a few meters in front of the cathedral also functioned as a clock tower. It was primarily built of Brick overlain with fossil stones in Neoclassic Architecture.The Jaro Belfry remained an astonishing sight in the City of Iloilo years thereafter. It captured the eyes of onlooker, travelers, and photographers of the 19th century. In 1948, a great earthquake destroyed the belfry leaving only the base intact. It was then rebuilt but in a remodeled sense that the new structure was given less Neoclassic details. Unused for years, the belltower remained an icon and a marker of a great Religious Era.
Tienda Antigua: History For Sale 2007-12-15 23:27:00 What's a historical city without an antique shop?Tienda
Antigua on the corner of Benedicto Street, Jaro, might offer you interesting finds like, furnitures, lamps, religious art sculptures and more. The name itself, "Tienda Antigua" is a Spanish translation of "Antique Shop". There are artifacts inspired by Biblical and Religious Characters. Others have oriental features, like for instance, a Chinese Medicine Safe or an old Chinese vase. Furnitures of classical styles preserved or restored are also available inside.It is not a rarity to find old wooden saints possibly of the golden years of Spanish Religious Art in the Philippines. There are also stone sculptures similar to those carved on stone churches and houses typical of the region.For antique dealers, Tienda Antigua is a haven of go Read more:History
Fortresses of Guimbal 2007-12-11 06:52:00 In the olden days, the coastal village of Guimbal was occasionally raided by Moro pirates from the Southern Islands. Three watchtowers were built near the shores to help warn the people if the Moros were approaching. These watchtowers are called 'Bantayan', an Ilonggo word which literally means a "Place to Watch". Until these days the Bantayan towers are still standing in their posts not as watchtowers against the invaders but as icons of a historic town.
Manduriao Church 2007-12-08 20:32:00 Manduraio is one of Iloilo City's booming commercial and residential centers. Like the other districts of the city, Manduriao was once a seperate town. In the olden days, Manduriao as a town, thrived with it's agricultural and salt making industry.The Manduriao church might not be as historic as the other churches of the city but it is worth a visit. It is located in front of the town plaza and was probably built in the 19th century. Built to complement Iloilo's old world distinction, the exterior is somewhat a combination of modern and classical architecture and the idea of having twin belfries could have been possibly inspired by the usual Hispanic Era Church
es in the region.
The Ornate Guimbal Church 2007-11-26 08:12:00 San Nicholas of Tolentino Church
in Guimbal is one of the most ornate churches found in Iloilo. Many Baroque churches in the Philippines emphasize massiveness, hugeness and sturdiness but Guimbal Church is different, here, art is given more attention. The edifice is an explosion of ornate designs combining Oriental and European art. Twinned Corinthian pillars, ornamental rosettes of Asiatic styles, Moorish spires and classic finials are the most imposing facets of the facade.The church has been reconstructed many times after calamities and war tested the strength of its stone walls. It has been enlarged and restored so well that it appeared to have never been tainted by time. The tall belfry was recently reconstructed years after the original one was destroyed. The new belfry which is po
Ruins of Janiuay Church: A Hanging Garden 2007-11-17 19:49:00 I lived almost half of my childhood life in Janiuay, a town North of Iloilo City. I can still remember playing at the very ruins of this old brick church when I was still in grade school. It is one of the most mysterious places that remained magnificent even if it was ruined by seasons and war.Janiuay church was said to be a very beautiful edifice that gave pride to its creators. It was one of the largest churches built in the region with an architecture so fine that it deviated from the usual 'Earthquake Baroque' Styles of the other neighboring churches since it used wooden elements and emphasized lightness through large windows instead of heaviness with thick walls of stone. In the second world war, it was burned down but the solid parts of the church still remained. The whole church was Read more:Church
, Garden
, Hanging
, Ruins
San Joaquin Church: A Gem of History 2007-11-13 15:02:00 Observing the facade of San JoaquinChurch
, a traveler might find it interesting like the other baroque churches found in Iloilo's Southwestern coastal towns. Like Miagao and Tigbauan, the facade of San Joaquin Church is burgeoned with decorative designs that either depict the beauty of Christian Art or abstract stories with faith driven meanings. The Bas Relief carved in the pediment of San Joaquin Church, known as the 'Rendicion Tetuan', is not just a mere ornament but a carved illustration that tells the story about the victory of the Christians against the Moors in Morroco.The style used in this edifice is so oriental that even the saints settling in their rosette framed niches look very Chinese, so as the warriors and their horses carved in the pediment.The carved mural on the pedimen Read more:History
Dingle Church: Something Different 2007-11-12 05:22:00 Dingle Church
was built in 1874 using yellowish limestone in Neoclassic Architecture. The details of the facade share some similarities with the facades of Lambunao and Duenas Churches. The sole belfry seems to be a mere example of 'Vulgar Gothic' which is somewhat a pleasant departure from the Neoclassic wholeness brought by the facade.Dingle, which was then called Baong was once a visita of Pototan and became an independent parish in 1611. Though the church is not as large as compared to the huge churches of Molo and Cabatuan, it boasts a clean and preserved elegance which matches the calmness and tranquility of the town.
Tejido Ilongga 2007-11-10 09:00:00 Aside from the huge churches, lavish mansions and mouthwatering delicacies, Iloilo also boasts the fact that during the Spanish Colonial Era, the province was called the "Textile center of the Philippines" wherein the coastal towns from Oton to Miagao became the major producers of quality textiles.During the American regime, the fabric-textile industry began to decline when cheap cotton was used instead pineapple fabrics. However, in the late decades of the 1900's, the textile industry began to rise as pineapple fabric was recognized not only because of its durability but also because of its intricacy and beauty.
The Cemetery of San Joaquin 2007-11-05 07:16:00 Legends say that there was once a mythical beast, half horse- half man, who goes to the shore to drink. The sight of this legendary creature frightens the people and thus, a shrine was built to ward off this magical spirit. This shrine is the 'Campo Santo' or the cemetery chapel of San Joaquin
, an intricate oriental baroque structure that was built in the late 1800's trough hewn fossil stones and baked bricks.Oriental art can be distinguished by the intricate use of floral motifs and curves, pointed finials that have Hindu influences all enhanced by the alternating colors of white and red.Before reaching the town, a traveler might notice the crown like chapel looming over the cemetery. Delicate like a freed soul, the 'Campo Santo' is truly a heritage treasure that should be preserved for Read more:Cemetery
The Laguda Mansion Ruins 2007-11-02 22:50:00 General Hughes St. in Downtown, Iloilo City was once the city's Elite Avenue,where the rich and the famous once had their seaside villas. Though many mansions still existed, few did not to survive the tests of time; many were abandoned and some were completely devastated.The Laguda House, a beautiful neoclassic mansion was a beautiful edifice before the spark of the second world war. However, like Fort San Pedro, it was bombed and later left in ruins. Lost Memories and Forgotten treasures still haunt the very walls of this old mansion. Astonishing and Mysterious, the beauty of the mansion is still extant that even if it is left in ruins, it never fails to struck passersby with awe. Read more:Mansion
, Ruins
The old world charm of Calle Real 2007-09-23 11:40:00 Welcome to Calle
Real more popularly known in the 'modern world' as the JM Basa Street. This street is probably the oldest and busiest commercial district in the city. Before there were malls, Calle Real was said to be the city's shopping haven and it had been a commercial center since the Spanish Colonial Era. During the late Spanish Era and the Early American Occupation, Spanish was said to be the medium language used in this part of the city. The Old world charm of Iloilo is still preserved in these old buildings, but it seems that many of these heritage treasures are not very well maintained. Calle Real as envisioned by many critics as 'the next Macau' (if only everything will be restored perfectly), is worthy to be called a 'Historical Landmark', that if, every Ilonggo will participat
The Gargantuan Cabatuan Church 2008-03-11 19:49:00 Many people would agree that the most beautiful colonial churches in the Philippines are found in the Visayas. Indeed, this cluster of islands in the heart of the Philippines is the haven of historical shrines of faith. Using red to brownish bricks as the only medium to create a magnificent temple, the Cabatuan church became the largest red brick structure in the Visayas after it was completely finished in 1866.Cabatuan Church
is so large that many tourist are awed by it's massiveness and would ask of why early villagers built a gargantuan church like it. Tall, Artistic and Massive, it is an epitome of grand temples just like those in Latin American Countries since it appeared like it was inspired by Peruvian Classical ArchitectureThe twin belfries are unique and compelling that no one wi
The Celso Ledesma Mansion 2008-03-14 21:51:00 Located in Ortiz St., downtown Iloilo, the Celso Ledesma Ancestral Mansion
is one of the most beautiful heritage houses with a preserved elegance that is very appealing to a traveler's eye. It is a Neoclassic structure common in the early 20th century during the border of the late Spanish Colonization and Early American Occupation.Though Neoclassic architecture is the predominant style that is being encompassed by this mansion, it is noticeable that the gate pillars are conquered by a demanding array of medieval inspired eagles instead of the usual urns or finials that are used as classical ornaments. Almost every part of the mansion is preserved very well that someone may never think that it has been there already for many decades.
Leganes Church: The Mecca of Iloilo 2008-04-05 09:27:00 Iloilo is a known religious province and the number of pilgrim sites scattered all over the land testify the Ilonggo's strong faith and devotion to God. Amongst these shrines of faith, the church of San Vincente Ferrer in the town of Leganes is perhaps the most visited because people from all over the country would come to pay homage and display their acts of faith with hopes that the desires of their hearts might be fulfilled.Declared as a diocesan shrine, the imposing baroque structure stands facing the town plaza as it struck passersby with its captivating beauty. The facade is an elaborate example of the usual baroque church common in the Philippines and in other countries around Europe. Without the canopy, the facade would have shared a lot similarities with the Church
of Saint There Read more:Mecca
Molo Church: Grand and Gothic 2008-04-09 02:32:00 The magnificent towers, the dark gray coral stonewalls, and the grand battle between the elements of Romanesque and Gothic
features all contribute to make Molo Church
appear as if it was built in the time of Kings and Queens. The church is built by combining Gothic with Classic art dominantly proven by the complimenting effect of the Romanesque central dome and the Gothic twin towers. The Corinthian columns which flank the aisle to the altar each hoist a female saint, a unique aspect that makes the whole edifice not like the usual.Mistaken as a castle by many tourists, Molo Church is considered the tallest Historical structure in all of Panay Island. It is known by many as the women's church and a photographer's favorite.Once inside, everyone can feel the essence of solemnity by looking Read more:Grand
Hamtik Cemetery 2008-04-25 07:49:00 Hamtik is a historical town in a neighboring province of Antique. Here lies the oldest Spanish Filipino Church in the entire Antique province. Built by Spanish conquistadores, the Hamtik Church was completed using dark gray stones with simple baroque designs. After the construction of newer church, the church ground was turned into a cemetery and the small stone church was turned into a cemetery chapel. Read more:Cemetery
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