Ilonggo Greetings

English Greetings

Let’s Travel to the city where the past meets the present

ILOILO CITY

HISTORY

13th Century

In 13th century 10 Bornean Datus came to the island of Panay and bartered a golden “salakot” and
a long golden necklace for the plains and valleys of the island of Panay to the Ati.

December 25, 1898

Ilonggo revolutionaries under the leadership of General Martin Delgado succeeded in the attempt
to overthrow the Spanish Government.

July 16, 1937

Iloilo was inaugurated and was dubbed as the “Queen City of the South”

1960 onwards

Investment of Commercial Firms in Iloilo marked the movement of the city making it as the
regional center of Western Visayas.

TOURIST SPOTS

ISLANDS

Gigantes Island

The Gigantes Islands, also known as Islas de Gigantes or the islands of giants, is a remote group of
islands located off the coast of Carles and Estancia towns in northeastern Iloilo, Philippines.

Tangke Lagoon

Tangke is a natural saltwater pool located in a hidden spot behind the steep cliffs of Isla de
Gigantes Sur in Carles, Iloilo. Travelers and locals of Carles visit tangke to swim in its refreshing shallow
waters and gaze at the beautiful rock formations.
 Bantique Sanndbar

Bantigue Sandbar is the longest, about 3-5 minute-walk, and the thinnest among the sandbars in
the gigantes. They say that the sandbar can stretch even farther to form an S-shape during low tide, as
well as expand wider.

Cabugao Gamay

Cabugao Gamay is a small island located two kilometers off the coast of Isla de Gigantes Sur in
Carles, Iloilo. Seen from afar, its peculiar shape and inherent beauty is sure to attract curiosity of most
travelers. A large chunk of the island consists of a rock hill covered by thick vegetation.

Antonia’s Beach

Among the hidden gems of Iloilo is Antonia Beach located in Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carles. Most
tourists, even some locals, are unaware that Iloilo Province is blessed with white sand beaches sprinkled
across its northern coasts.

Concepcion Island

The town of Concepcion is blessed with one of the most scenic seascapes in the whole Province
of Iloilo. Forming a safe natural harbor for Concepcion Bay are 16 islands connected by azure waters and
rich marine life.

Bulubadiangan Island

Bulubadiangan Island is a privately-owned island in northeastern Iloilo. The Sandbar Island Beach
Resort on Bulubadiangan is moderately known within the Philippines.

Malangabang Island

It has a rich marine life that serves as the residents’ main livelihood. If you’re a seafood lover,
Malangabang provides varieties of seafood either fresh or dried.

Agho Island

Agho Island is a small parcel of paradise located 7 nautical miles northeast of Concepcion town
proper. The privately owned eight-hectare island has an extensive white sand beach area and a sprawling
coral garden.

MANSIONS

Villa Lizares

One of the most beautiful mansions in Iloilo, it was once the mansion and villa of the Lizares
Family and was sold to the Dominican Order in the Philippines in the late 1970s. Today it houses the
Angelicum School, a private Catholic School.
Locsin Mansion

The Mansion is like a typical Hispano- Filipino Colonial House, simple yet elegant. With the
continuous restoration and preservation, the mansion remained as one of the most attractive sights in
the town of Jaro.

CHURCHES

Miag- ao Church

A prime example of Philippine Earthquake Baroque, built in 1797, and a mixture of Hispano-
American, Medieval Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino influences. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Molo Church

Built in 1831, it features twin Gothic red spires complemented by Romanesque details. The light
color of the building is due to the coral rocks and limestone building materials.

TRADITIONS

Dinagyang Festival

The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City held on the 4th Sunday of
January, or right after the Sinulog in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.

Paraw Regatta Festival

The Iloilo Paraw Regatta is the oldest traditional craft event in Asia, and the largest sailing event
in the Philippines. It is an annual festival in Iloilo held in the 3rd week of February.

FOODS

Pancit Molo

Pancit Molo or Filipino pork dumpling soup is a type of soup using wonton wrappers which
originated from Molo district in Iloilo City. This dish resembles the Chinese wonton soup but the wide
variety of ingredients and flavor makes this dish noteworthy.

La Paz Batchoy

La Paz Batchoy Recipe came from the town of La Paz in Iloilo province. It is served with a
crunchy crushed Chicharon at the top.