ILOILO City is one of the sought-after destinations among tourists. In fact, I am one of those who dream of visiting the place one day.
For so many years, it had been my desire to tour the city because of the exciting things I heard about it. Last week, I finally had the chance to enjoy the so-called City of Love of the Western Visayas Region.
Despite being just a short trip and the constant heavy downpour, I still was able to experience some of the Ilonggos’ must-visit places and must-try delicacies. Thank God!
Here are a few stuff that I am recommending for you to try as well when visiting Iloilo City for the first time:
1. Tatoy’s native lechon manok and talaba. No one in the city who never knows the multi-decade-old restaurant that offers the best roasted native chicken around town.
Thanks to DTI for arranging a gastronomic feast for us at the highly-famous nook! I am so blessed, too, to meet its 87-year-old owner, Tiyo Tatoy (as how a lot of people call him), while having our dinner there. Of course, I requested him for a selfie.
2. Pancit molo and La Paz batchoy. With the cold weather, these two mouth-watering soup-based dishes are perfect to try.
3.Say a prayer at Molo Church. As a Catholic, I promised myself that I should never leave Iloilo City without saying a prayer inside this historical structure built in 1863.
4. Special bibingka at the Molo Park. Those who are dear to me know that I am a bibingka-lover. So, when I saw three girls preparing something to be cooked in a conventional oven, I got curious and asked them what it is. Molo’s special bibingka has a distinct taste compared to what I have tried from Comval, Davao del Sur and Davao City. For P20, my colleagues and I were given five pieces of thin, sticky, and creamy rice cake.
5. Biscocho, butterscotch, and barquillos. Aside from pancit Molo and La Paz batchoy, these three are the among the must-try delicacies of Iloilo as well. Branches of Biscocho House and other pasalubong centers are all over the city, so, it would never be difficult to find these popular Ilonggo offerings.
6. Get fit at Esplanade. If you are a fitness buff, Esplanade would be a great spot for you. You can jog around the place and enjoy fresh air while stretching your muscles.
7. Take a jeepney. We strolled around the city via a jeepney. Since it is just a small city, you can already see a lot of amazing spots with your P7. Yes, you do not have to spend so much to experience the beauty of Iloilo City.
Honestly, I really would have wanted to visit and take more photos of other places in the city, such as the Jaro Church, Calle Real, and a lot more. Anyway, I am surely going back to Iloilo one day and experience more of its sights and sounds.
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If you have special events and fashion tips to share, or just want to discuss about any fashion-related concerns with me, you are always free to reach me at mendoza.jennygrace@gmail.com.