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Although the city has grown in leaps and bounds, creating a huge urban sprawl, there are still some pockets in the city that offer some of that provincial, rustic ambiance.
An example is this serene picture of Iloilo River taken from Forbes Bridges (the main bridge connecting downtown area to the northern suburbs of La Paz and Jaro). And this is adjacent to a major shopping mall, Gaisano City.
I remember the time when the area beneath Forbes Bridge was occupied with informal settlers - when the place used to be "fondly" called Forbes Park - a parody of its more (no, make that the MOST) affluent namesake in Manila (Forbes Park in Manila is the exclusive enclave of ambassadors, taipans, and of the old rich Spanish families).
With the relocation of the informal settlers, the area has regained its rustic charm, right smack in the middle of this rapidly expanding city at that!
Updated Jan 18, 2005
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The plaza (as parks in the Philippines are called) in La Paz district (yes, that's the LA PAZ PLAZA - got it?) is arguably the city's most beautiful public park. Used to be known for its football field (yes, the Ilonggos are known to be the most skilled in this sport, quite a rarity in this basketball-crazy country) and tennis courts, the La Paz public plaza was transformed into a beautiful garden complete with a lagoon (in the picture), gazebos and informal tropical landscaping during the term of President Ramos (1992-98), whose wife Amelita, known for her "clean and green" campaigns hails from La Paz. In fact, the house which Amelita calls home in La Paz share the same block as ours (two houses apart to be exact).
As a child, I had fond memories of this park, which is a block away from home. I spent many afternoons running around its wide open fields, playing hide and seek with friends, and swimming(!!) in the flooded fields on rainy days.
How to get there: From downtown area (JM Basa/Iznart Sts.), take a the LaPaz-bound jeepney, which will take you directly to the park.
Updated Jun 6, 2007
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If you visit Iloilo between the months of November, December and January, there could be a high chance that you pass by the Angelicum School located at the McArthur Drive, Tabuc Suba at Jaro District. Not too many people probably realize its magnificent presence at night during these months.
The place exudes such a warm aura since it is meant to remind everyone of the Nativity in Bethlehem with its center mansion (now turned to a chapel and headquarters for the in-house priests) adorned with beautiful lights from the roof down to its balusters. It's a great venue for spending time with friends and family for picnic and short-time gatherings at night. It's also one of the most attractive places to be! If you are a shutterbug, you'll definitely get great shots to take home!
Updated Mar 25, 2011
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelicum_School_Iloilo
This will be a two part tip with pictures of both inside and outside the Church
The Miagao Roman Catholic Church in Miagao Town about 35 kilometers west of Iloilo City is one of the major highlights in going to Iloilo City and Province. The Church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Unique Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993. On the front facade of the Church, which is flanked by two watchtower belfries, one can see the unique blending of Spanish and native influences like the Coconut Tree and a bas relief of Saint Christopher. The church was made from limestone and local corals quarried from the sea. The church and its watchtowers were also built to defend the town and its people against raids by the Moros. It therefore has thick walls and, reportedly, secret passages. Indeed stretching along the Iloilo coast are defensive towers, but none that equal the size of the Miag-ao. It is because of this defensive purpose that it is sometimes referred to as the Miag-ao Fortress Church.
Admission is free
How to go there: Commuters can take a “Miagao” jeepney from Mohon Terminal in Molo District or from the Iloilo Terminal Market (better known as “super”) in Downtown Iloilo. Jeepney Fare is P38 at present or if you are renting a private van, ask the driver to get you to the Miagao Church.
Updated May 29, 2012
Website: www.miagao.gov.ph/
Part two of my Miagao Church tips with pictures inside the Church
The Miagao Roman Catholic Church in Miagao Town about 35 kilometers west of Iloilo City is one of the major highlights in going to Iloilo City and Province. The Church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Unique Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993. On the front facade of the Church, which is flanked by two watchtower belfries, one can see the unique blending of Spanish and native influences like the Coconut Tree and a bas relief of Saint Christopher. The church was made from limestone and local corals quarried from the sea. The church and its watchtowers were also built to defend the town and its people against raids by the Moros. It therefore has thick walls and, reportedly, secret passages. Indeed stretching along the Iloilo coast are defensive towers, but none that equal the size of the Miag-ao. It is because of this defensive purpose that it is sometimes referred to as the Miag-ao Fortress Church.
Admission is free
How to go there: Commuters can take a “Miagao” jeepney from Mohon Terminal in Molo District or from the Iloilo Terminal Market (better known as “super”) in Downtown Iloilo. Jeepney Fare is P38 at present or if you are renting a private van, ask the driver to get you to the Miagao Church.
Written May 29, 2012
Website: : http://www.miagao.gov.ph/
if you don't have the time for a 4 hour bus ride from Iloilo City to Boracay in aklan province up north or are having sea sickness when riding a ferry boat if you want to do beaches at nearby guimaras island, then the Basang Basa Beach in San Joaquin Town is up your alley. It is located along the coast of San Joaquin town, about 65 kilometers west of Iloilo City at the boundary of Antique Province and although the beach is not of white sand quality and is more of a pebble lined beach, the waters are crystal clear and the current is not strong even at high tide.
You can ride a jeepney to san joaquin from Iloilo City (Jeepneys bound for San Joaquin park at the Iloilo Super Market, a block away from Robinson's Mall. The fare going to San Joaquin costs around 90 Pesos) or just use your rented private van to go there.
Hours
Mon - Sun: 6:00 am - 7:00 pm
Entrance Fee is 50 pesos and 300 pesos for a whole day use of beach cottage and 500 pesos for the use of Beach Huts.
address is: Brgy. Amboyu-an San Joaquin, Iloilo, 5024 Iloilo City, Philippines
Written May 29, 2012
Phone: (033) 396 1808
This will be a three part tip on garin farms with assorted views inside the complex/
The Garin farm is located at the town of San Joaquin, about 65 kilometers west of Iloilo City and about a 1 1/2 drive if via a rented van or 2 1/2 hours if taking a jeepney from Iloilo City. The Garin Farm is an integrated organic farm, restaurant, bed and breakfast inn, mini zoo and pilgrimage center rolled into one and is located in a 14 hectare enclave in San Joaquin and is owned by the former Governor of Iloilo Province. Among the amenities there include, organically grown vegetables and fruit and meat like goat or sheep or chicken or pork from their farm. a 400 step Hilltop Cross, a big restaurant with a commanding view of San Joaquin Town and the sea, a zipline, a man made lagoon and more.
How to get there:
From SM City, Iloilo, take the SM Mandurriao jeepney and take a stop at the nearby intersection under the overpass and ride the Oton bound jeep going to the jeepney terminal located in Mohon, Oton.
- In Mohon Oton Terminal, there will be several San Joaquin jeepneys ready to take you to GarinFarm for 60 pesos only. Then Take a tricycle ride and tell the driver to take you to GarinFarm, Brgy. Huna. Brgy. Huna is a 2-minute ride from San Joaquin town proper.
Written May 29, 2012
Phone: +63 033 314 75 55; 916 667 6851
Website: www.garinfarm.com/
Part Two of My Three part tip on garin farms with assorted views inside the complex/
The Garin farm is located at the town of San Joaquin, about 65 kilometers west of Iloilo City and about a 1 1/2 drive if via a rented van or 2 1/2 hours if taking a jeepney from Iloilo City. The Garin Farm is an integrated organic farm, restaurant, bed and breakfast inn, mini zoo and pilgrimage center rolled into one and is located in a 14 hectare enclave in San Joaquin and is owned by the former Governor of Iloilo Province. Among the amenities there include, organically grown vegetables and fruit and meat like goat or sheep or chicken or pork from their farm. a 400 step Hilltop Cross, a big restaurant with a commanding view of San Joaquin Town and the sea, a zipline, a man made lagoon and more.
How to get there:
From SM City, Iloilo, take the SM Mandurriao jeepney and take a stop at the nearby intersection under the overpass and ride the Oton bound jeep going to the jeepney terminal located in Mohon, Oton.
- In Mohon Oton Terminal, there will be several San Joaquin jeepneys ready to take you to GarinFarm for 60 pesos only. Then Take a tricycle ride and tell the driver to take you to GarinFarm, Brgy. Huna. Brgy. Huna is a 2-minute ride from San Joaquin town proper.
Written May 29, 2012
Phone: +63 033 314 75 55; 916 667 6851
Website: http://www.garinfarm.com/
Final Part of My Three part tip on garin farms with assorted views inside the complex/
The Garin farm is located at the town of San Joaquin, about 65 kilometers west of Iloilo City and about a 1 1/2 drive if via a rented van or 2 1/2 hours if taking a jeepney from Iloilo City. The Garin Farm is an integrated organic farm, restaurant, bed and breakfast inn, mini zoo and pilgrimage center rolled into one and is located in a 14 hectare enclave in San Joaquin and is owned by the former Governor of Iloilo Province. Among the amenities there include, organically grown vegetables and fruit and meat like goat or sheep or chicken or pork from their farm. a 400 step Hilltop Cross, a big restaurant with a commanding view of San Joaquin Town and the sea, a zipline, a man made lagoon and more.
How to get there:
From SM City, Iloilo, take the SM Mandurriao jeepney and take a stop at the nearby intersection under the overpass and ride the Oton bound jeep going to the jeepney terminal located in Mohon, Oton.
- In Mohon Oton Terminal, there will be several San Joaquin jeepneys ready to take you to GarinFarm for 60 pesos only. Then Take a tricycle ride and tell the driver to take you to GarinFarm, Brgy. Huna. Brgy. Huna is a 2-minute ride from San Joaquin town proper.
Written May 29, 2012
Phone: +63 033 314 75 55; 916 667 6851
Website: http://www.garinfarm.com/
While doing some church visits, our cab dropped us off at Nang Palang's for its buko pie. I highly recommend it. It's located along the highway, with a very, very modest structure so it's usually hard to notice.
Written Oct 29, 2012
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