Name of Trip: Panay Island Adventures 2010
Date: June 13 - 16, 2010
Date: June 13 - 16, 2010
Destination: Iloilo City, Capiz, Aklan (Kalibo & Boracay) and Guimaras Island
Travel via: Air (Philippine Airlines & Airphil Express), Land (van, tricycle, multicab), Water (motor boat)
The Muscovado Chimney Rotunda
The moment we stepped in Iloilo, the first thing that comes into our mind was the food. Not just because we were hungry but that's our impression since Iloilo has rich in food resources. But on this blog, I featured on the things that a tourist visit within the city. Iloilo City is one of the major cities of the Philippines. It also has rich in cultures that contributed to the country.
Iloilo City. Source: Wikipedia
The city was merged from different towns in the province and became districts of the city. These composed of Jaro, Molo, La Paz, Mandurriao, Villa Arevalo and City Proper. The district of Lapuz, a former of part of La Paz was declared a district last 2008.
Source: Wikipedia
We started to travel around the city. Food trip will be written separately since it will be focused on what Iloilo has to offer, culturally and spiritually. Since most of us were Roman Catholic by faith, we went to church. Our driver suggested to be at Jaro and witnessed one of the oldest church in the city.
First Stop: Jaro Cathedral
The seat of Archdiocese of Jaro was here. It was also named Shrine of Our Lady of Candles or Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria in Spanish. The cathedral was also dedicated to St. Elizabeth of Hungary. This was constructed of Romanesque architecture. Since we went on Sunday. We heard mass but it was Hiligaynon (native dialect of Iloilo) but we still continued hearing mass. We were amazed the beauty of the structure as well as the Iloilo's strong faith.
Welcome to Jaro Cathedral
The signage
It was under renovation
the altar
church ceilings
another view of the ceilings
beside the altar
the other side
all male saints standing on each pillar
History Marker in Filipino language
The red dome
Next Stop: Jaro Belfry
Just across the cathedral and we easily noticed the bell tower. One of the few belfries in country that stands apart from the church. It
was constructed by the Spaniards to serve also as a watchtower to
monitor Muslim invasion from Mindanao. The colonial structure was ruined
by an earthquake in 1948, but was restored decades later, in the
mid-1990s. (Source: Iloilo City)
The Belfry
Picturesque
Next Stop: The Muscovado Chimney Rotunda
On our way to Molo, we passed this rotunda at Mandurriao district. It was a chimney monument and according to our driver, this was dedicated to the sugar industry of the province. It was located at Pison area.
The monument
group picture
the history
up close
photo shot
me and the monument
Next Stop: Molo Church
Once you head to Molo district, we already noticed a big Gothic style church. It is said to be Jose Rizal's short stop to Iloilo, on his way to Dapitan. This was made of coral rock. If Jaro Cathedral has male saints on each pillars, Molo Church is a "Church of Women" due women saints that decorate the pillars. It is also known as Shrine of St. Anne.
Molo Church
nice park
located infront of the church
church history written in Tagalog
array of women saints on each pillars
the main altar
church ceilings
another ceiling pic
white dome this time for Molo Church
We went back to city proper and we took our lunch at SM City Iloilo and after that we went to Highway 21 Hotel for our check-in. This hotel was situated beside Sarabia Manor Hotel. Rates was affordable. Rooms were clean.
The Hotel
The Main Lobby
Waiting to get into our rooms
More details here:
Highway 21 Hotel
Address: General Luna Street, Iloilo City 5000
Telephone Number: +63(33)335-1220 / 335-1221 / 335-1852
Mobile Number: +639177224321
Annex: +63(33)335-1839 / 335-1840
We took some rests and to prepare for our long trip to Caticlan for our Boracay adventure! :)
Continue to the next blog! :)
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