The Origin Of Visayan Islands

This legend is not only prevalent in Cabatuan, Lambunao and Maasin but in the entire Visayas. Even the students in schools are very enthusiastic to tell the legend of a powerful queen that lives in a place that consists of the islands of the Visayas.

The name of the queen is Langit (Heaven) and her beautiful daughter named Kabugwason (Morning Star). Of all the many suitors who pay homage to the lovely maiden, two were heavily favored: Dagoob (Thunder) and Kilat (Lightning). The queen outlined a plan for the two brothers to create two artful rafts and the one who created a more superior and artful raft will get to marry Kabugwason. Kilat created the most artistic raft so the queen handed him Kabugwason. This event proved hurtful to Dagoob that he committed suicide. The next day there's a turmoil because the spirit of Dagoob destroyed and crushed the raft of Kilat. The pieces were separated in a big area. According to the myth of the islands of the Visayas, included in the small peninsulas were the pieces or remains of the destroyed raft in a violent rage of the unfortunate brother. 


Photo Sources:

www.fcarehmo.com.ph
Wikipedia

Iloilo Folk Literature

Aswang 

Binukot Princess

Tamawo 

Iloilo is a legendary province. Almost all of the towns here has some origins to tell.

The values that were passed through generations left some followers to the creepy rocky surfaces of the forests, mysterious caves, of the conceiving blink of an eye, of the steep mountains, of huge nocturnal birds, of different mythical creatures that were feared and other supernatural phenomenon and creatures unexplained and yet to be discovered and researched by science.

In the depths of our ocean, in the womb of our volcanoes, on the sides and hollow gaps of the rocks of our caves, on the edge of our ridges, on the navel of our mounds or anthills and to the wilderness of our forests and jungles are secrets and mystery left by our yesterday's past that if patiently researched and studied will be great topics for our legendary myth of origins.

One of the things that must be considered are the events for which the myths or legends is a kind of reading that interests the nationalistic spirit of a particular race. Thus the legends or myths are inculcating the minds with preserved and protected wealth of literature of a nation and race most especially the countries of the Far East. In literature of other languages, myths or legends has less significant values; however in our Philippine literature it is considered a branch with its own characteristics since we belong to the countries of the Far East. It should not be forgotten in the minds of whoever will write that a legend or myth is a literary composition that reminisce to the readers the memories of the past.

The legends and myths in any races and in any parts of the world are the first glimmer of thinking and imagination, the spark of senses that invites the people to create dangles of idea which are often a blink of an eye that is confronting our imagination and magnifies to indulge in an omen that cannot contain one's self; thus it is stated through a narration that continuously traversing taking turns in time until it reached the generations of clans of people. Nevertheless, the notion and sentiments of the citizens of any towns can be found in the myths or legends. The jewel of the race that should be inculcated or imprinted in the minds of everyone throughout the years.

The province of Iloilo never runs out of featured myths and legends - myths that straightens the origins of names of different places, municipalities, mythical creatures, plants, mountains and caves. Some of these were exploded with fragrance of subtlety and mystery. Some of them were lightly touched with history and facts. Mysterious or not, symbolic or truthful, these legends are already a part of everyday lives of Ilonggos. The legends that bring entertainment and pleasure, retrospect and omen; myths that continuously attracts our senses and notion. 




Photo Sources:


Ricardo Pustanio -  https://smokebear.wordpress.com

World Nomads Adventures - https://journals.worldnomads.com

Iloilo City Places Of Interests

International Hotel As Part of the Heritage Buildings in Casa Real, Iloilo City Proper 

Iloilo River Esplanade 

Plaza Libertad fronting Iloilo City Hall

CITY PROPER

The capital of Iloilo, the city of Iloilo is situated between Iloilo and Batiano river is forming in a shape of a nose hence the old name of Iloilo, "Ilong-ilong," which means looks like a nose. The city, considered as noble city of Western Visayas is modern and cosmopolitan.

One of the safest port in the country is the Muelle Loney  named after Nicholas Loney, a British businessman and known as the "Father of the Sugar Industry in Western Visayas". The island of Guimaras protects the port from harsh winds. The port is opened to world trade in 1855.

The Fort San Pedro near port of Iloilo was built by the Spaniards in 1619 to protect the city from the raids of the Dutch pirates who blocked all the entrances and exits of the city for three days. Aside from the Dutch, the fort was also attacked by the British, Americans and Japanese. It was in this fort that the first commercial plane, the Iloilo-Negros Air Express Co. was born on February 3, 1933 by the Lopez brothers.

The beautiful and green Plaza Libertad was formerly known as Plaza Alfonso XII is full of history. It was here where the flag of the first Filipino republic was raised on December 26, 1898 after the Spanish forces surrender in Iloilo, Spain's last capital in Asia, to the revolutionaries headed by General Martin Delgado.

Calle Real, the often called Escolta of Iloilo during the Spanish colonial period, is the today's Jose Ma. Basa (J.M. Basa) St.  is the liveliest street in the commercial district of the city. It was even mentioned by Dr. Jose Rizal in his diary on August 4, 1896 when he visited Iloilo on board the ship "España" from Dapitan stating: "The memory of the liveliness and attractiveness of Escolta brings forth the joy in me." Rizal bought a buri hat at a Lebanese-owned bazaar on the location of the present-day Cine Palace aka Regent Theater fronting Freedom Grandstand. Calle Real or JM Basa is home to the colonial era heritage buildings built during the American colonial period and other contemporary buildings.

Central Market is located at the junction of Aldeguer and Guanco Sts.  Ledesma Street, on the other hand, is the longest commercial street in the city and is often called Avenida Rizal due to its length. It starts from Plazoleta Gay where the four streets intersects - Iznart, J.M. Basa, Arroyo and Ledesma. The old and new provincial capitol of Iloilo is at the northern end of Iznart Street known as the Bonifacio Drive.

The iconic Museo Iloilo at the Bonifacio Drive located besides the Iloilo Provincial Capitol built by the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry (today's Department of Tourism) is a repository of Iloilo's colorful past of inherited culture. Carbon 14 which approximate or foretells the date and age of the shell fossils and stones indicates the age of Panay Island; pieces of tools and equipment of early men during the Stone age, native potteries, decorated jeweled teeth, jewelries excavated from the burial sites before the arrival of the Spaniards, potteries and porcelains imported from China, Annam and Siam that were found at the tombs of the natives, tombs discovered in caves prohibited from public entry, images and memories of revolutions against Spain and America, World War II relics like the famous radio transmitters that established the first communication connection in the Philippines with the United States and Australia after the soldiers surrender to the Japanese. relics recovered from the remains of the capsized British ships near Guimaras, Filipino sculptures during the Spanish colonial period, gallery of old and modern visual arts created by Ilonggo artists. The cultural wealth is artfully arranged and exhibited. Museo Iloilo is a noble building which honors and glorifies the visual environment of Iloilo city just like a modern Parthenon, an art that reflects a Scandinavian architecture, standing at the imposing podium at the compound of the Provincial Capitol. The museum is a joint project of the provincial government and the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry which is now the Department of Tourism.


MOLO

Known as the "Athens of the Philippines," the district produced a lot of great Ilonggos, including seven (7) senators of the Philippine republic, seven (7) governors of Iloilo and four (4) justices of the Supreme Court aside from cabinet secretaries who served different administrations. The senators wee Francisco Villanueva, Esteban de la Rama, Esperidion Guanco, Jose Ma. Arroyo, Francisco C. Zulueta, Jose C. Zulueta and Rodolfo T. Ganzon. The governors were Raymundo Melliza, Amando Avanceña, Gregorio Yulo, Mariano Arroyo, Jose Yulo-Delgado, Timoteo Consing and Jose Zulueta. The justices were Raymundo Melliza, Gregorio Araneta, Felicisimo Feria and Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña.

Birthplace of the delicious Pancit Molo and also home of the sweetmeats, Panaderia de Molo.

The feminist church of St. Anne is a Gothic-Renaissance in style visited by Dr. Jose Rizal on August 4, 1896. The impressive church captured the poetic vision of Dr. Rizal when he chance upon it for his visit to his dear classmate and friend, Raymundo Melliza (his classmate in University of Santo Tomas in Manila and in Spain). Rizal is on his way to Manila from Dapitan and made a short trip to Iloilo. The unique church features several columns of statues of female saints thus the nickname "Feminist Church."

Asilo de Molo orphanage where the noble garments used on rare occasions by church leaders and dignitaries were handmade crafted, designed and embroidered by the young orphans under the guidance and supervision of the nuns.

Formerly called Parian in the old days because it is the home of the largest community of Chinese of La Villa de Arevalo.

Collections of Filipino sculptures during the period of colonialism and artifacts in the tombs owned by lawyer Jose Tiongco.

Shell craft factory in Lopez-Jaena owned by the Soriano family.

Molo also produced several other leaders of the revolution in Panay more than any other towns and districts with this size and population even the town of Jaro. Almost all of the members of the Comite Conspirador, the secret junta who plans a revolutions were natives of Molo. They are Perfecto Salas, Jovito Jusay, Ramon Avanceña, Angel Corteza, Francisco Villanueva, and Raymundo Melliza.

The three citizens of Molo, Angel Corteza, Raymundo Melliza and Pablo Araneta are outstanding generals of the revolution.

Cornelio Melliza, father of Raymundo and Isidro de la Rama, father of Esteban de la Rama, became shipping tycoons who managed the first passenger shipping lines in the Visayas.

The families of Yulo, Lacson, Locsin, Yusay, Araneta, de la Rama, Corteza, Conlu, Consing, Montelibano and Segovia searched for vassal lands in Negros and created the province into a vast emporium of sugar.

In field of arts and literature, Angel Magahum Sr. and Gimeno Damaso wrote some music and sarsuela that is widely recognized by many.



AREVALO

- 6 kilometers southwest of the city proper
- seat of the alcaldia in the early days of Spanish occupation of Iloilo
- center of weaving and embroidery of jusi, pineapples and hablon
- established in 1581 by Governor-General Gonzalo Ronquillo who gave the name "La Villa de
  Arevalo" in memory of his hometown and birthplace in Avila, Spain becoming one of the first places in the Philippines to be named in Spanish. The town became the capital of politics, religion and military in Panay. It became the financier of the Spanish expedition against the Moors in Mindanao and in Moluccas.
- It is also the first Spanish community attacked by an English pirate, Sir Thomas Cavendish considered to be the third person to circumnavigate the world. He raided Arevalo in 1588.
- Flower capital of Iloilo, where potted plants, flowers, bouquets and wreaths can be bought and even brought to other provinces.
- Pyrotechnics and firecracker capital of Iloilo because the district is known for its firecrackers and fireworks
- Its prominent attraction is the Villa Beach along the coast which boasts several resorts and an outdoor nightlife such as open air restaurants and bars and also the starting venue of the popular and
oldest sailing competition in Asia, Paraw Regatta.
- It is also home to the 3rd oldest image of Sto. Niño or Holy Child Jesus in the Philippines after the images in Cebu and in Tondo, Manila, respectively.

It was called by the Augustinians, "Patria de Varios Hombres Celebres" or town featuring various personalities and figures;

  * Melecio Figueroa, a friend and acquaintance of Rizal in Spain and known in Europe as the greatest Filipino engraving artist is a native of Arevalo. Figueroa designed or engraved the Conant coins (named after monetary expert Charles Arthur Conant), national coin during those times. The figure of a woman in the silver coin is a picture or image of her daughter Blanca.

   * Francisco Varona, journalist, labor union leader, statesman who served twice as a Congressman was born in Arevalo.

   * The patriot, social worker, feminist and woman suffragist Sofia Reyes de Veyra is from Villa.

  * Some of the outstanding Villanon includes former governor Amado Avanceña who served during the American occupation.

  * Father Anselmo Avanceña, one of the founders of the famous Colegio de Sta. Ana of Molo, one of the most honored priest, also a writer, translator, editor, creator and social worker.

  * Councilors Crispino Melocoton and Joaquin Abadilla, bishop Felipe Molina and former Iloilo City Mayor, Reinario J. Ticao.


JARO

  - 3 kilometers from city proper
  - birthplace of the greatest Filipino orator and journalist, Graciano Lopez-Jaena.
  - site of Jaro Archbishopric which covers the entire  Western Visayas region
  - home to a number of colonial sculptures and structures, heritage colonial houses (images of saints
  - made of wood, stone and ivory), Chinese porcelains and other artifacts collections in the houses of Mrs. Lourdes Dellota and Mrs. Leticia Jesena.
 - Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral also known as the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Cathedral
 - elegant mansions of sugar barons and Antillean houses with Spanish motif owned by the Montinola.

  - Elegant Jaro Municipal Hall that became a police station but is now undergoing restoration and renovation to serve as the main office of National Museum Western Visayas regional branch.

  - Central Philippine University

  Children of Jaro includes:
    *Former Vice President of the Philippines, Fernando Lopez
    *Don Aurelio Montinola established Amon Trading Corporation
    *Senator Ruperto Montinola known as Colossus of the South
    *Senator and Governor Jose B. Ledesma;
    *Senator Ramon Lopez, philanthropist and hero Gil Lopez, revolutionary leader, grandfather of world class musicians and artists Kabayao
    *Secretary of Finance, Rufino G. Hechanova
    *General Rafael Jalandoni, Staff Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines


LA PAZ

   - established in 1867 and home to the world famous La Paz batchoy
    - St. Clement's Redemptorist Church equivalent to the Baclaran church because of its devotion. The first church in the country to have a devotion to the Mother of Perpetual Help which was started in 1946.


MANDURRIAO

     Iloilo Business Park, mixed use, master-planned development by Megaworld Corporation in the former old Mandurriao airport.

     the beautiful and very clean Iloilo River Esplanade






Photo Sources:

https://sugarwithaspice.wordpress.com

https://www.iloilo.net.ph

Province Of Iloilo Places Of Interests Part 3

Agho Island, Concepcion, Iloilo

Bulubadiangan Sandbar, Concepcion, Iloilo

The most iconic travel photo nowadays and most frequented place in Iloilo - Isla de Gigantes, Carles, Iloilo

Sicogon Island, Concepcion, Iloilo

Bato Dungok, Alimodian, Iloilo

Sara - 90 kilometers from Iloilo City
       - beautiful town plaza
       - San Juan falls 100 feet in height
       - Ardemil valley in Barangay Ardemil, beautiful valley on top of a mountain; a beautiful farm panorama, trees, hills and mountains most especially during dusk or dawn.


Estancia - 135 kilometers from Iloilo City
             - known as the Alaska of the Philippines because of its tonnes of seafood produce
             - nicknamed Jewel of the North by some writers.
             - known as the fishing industry capital of central Philippines


Carles - 139 kilometers from Iloilo City
          - northernmost tip of Iloilo province
          - Isla de Gigantes the ever popular tourist destination in Iloilo consists of several different isles. It is in one of these islands where a cave is used to be a burial sites in the 15th century. One cave has elephant like stones and area for swimming. One of the most iconic and most photographed islands in social media nowadays.
          - Sicogon Islands another white sand beach competition to Isla de Gigantes being developed by Ayala Land, Inc. to become a world class tourist destination. Location of the 1974 Celso Ad Castillo's film "Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat Ng Lupa" starring Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz.
          - Balbagon, island with palm fringes, white sand beach near Gigantes
          - Molupulo or Seagulls Point near Sicogon Island, thousands of seagulls flock to the island to escape winter from its natural habitat


Alimodian - 24 kilometers from Iloilo City
               - The beautiful poblacion town center was once awarded as the most beautiful town center in the Philippines

               - Agony Hill, a popular destination for pilgrims and devotees all over Western Visayas during Holy Week for the Stations of the Cross as it resembles the Calvary.

               - Bundolan Shrine located at the summit of Bundolan hill. People pray the rosary here morning or afternoon and every first Friday and Saturday of the month.

               - old church of Alimodian, built in 1787 by the Augustinian friars and partially damaged during the earthquake of 1948 and was beautifully improved in recent years.

              - Seven Cities, of Alimodian composed the seven barangays or villages located in the upland hinterlands of the town of Alimodian and is linked to the Bucari mountain ranges of Leon. It is composed of the barangays Cabacanan (Proper and Rizal), Dao, Lico, Manasa, Tabug, Tarug and Umingan. It is called the "Little Baguio of Iloilo" because of its cool climate. They produce high yielding crops such as cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and even 
strawberries. It is also known for its lush vegetation, thick jungle forest, diverse wildlife and plants such as wild berries and fruits, caves, steep cliffs and boulders, waterfalls and rice terraces. It needs revitalization and that it is hoped that it would be turned into a mountain resort and a botanical park and garden producing more flowers and orchards.


Concepcion -  96 kilometers from Iloilo City
                 - Azucar Island, has a beautifully shaped mountain like a volcano that always been passed by the clouds or looks like having a hat. This island serves as an indicator of the weather by the people because they look here if they want to go to the sea to fish or go to the town proper.
       
                 - has the breath taking Agho island and the popular Bulubadiangan sand bar and has a huge potential to be a world class destination.


Maasin - 27 kilometers from Iloilo City

           - Maasin watershed provides the source for drinking water in Iloilo City and for the most parts of central and southern Iloilo

           - bamboo and other wood crafts 
           - Tultugan Festival annual celebration in dances and merrymaking showing the bamboo crafts industry in the town


San Rafael - 71.5 kilometers from Iloilo City

                - Mount Lolo in Barangay Aripdip, ideal hunting ground due to plenty of wild animals, boars, monkeys, deer and mountain chicken.





Photo Sources:

Mike Laagan - www.mikelaagan.com

Cambodian Lifestyle Portal - www.khtoem.com

Manila Bulletin - www.mb.com.ph

Trover Travel Search Engine - www.trover.com

Province Of Iloilo Places Of Interests Part 2

Pototan Town Plaza is glaring with full bright colors and lights display during Christmas 

Lambunao Church 

Ajuy Municipal Town Hall 

Nasidman Island, Ajuy, Iloilo 

Tinagong Dagat, Lambunao, Iloilo

Janiuay - 33 kilometers from the city
- The famous Hispano-Filipino cemetery that was built in 1875 out of cut stones and fossils; located atop a hilly ground with three beautiful stairs and an imposing Gothic gate. Its chapel has six windows and two Gothic gates.
- Remains of a beautiful church which bells was made by J.D. Reyna Foundry in the 19th century.

Lambunao - 58. 3 kilometers northwest of Iloilo City.

- largest town in Iloilo in terms of land area

- West Visayas State University College of Agriculture and Forestry

- old church of Lambunao

- Tinagong Dagat (Hidden Sea), a mini lake found at the outskirts of Lambunao near the boundary of Iloilo and Antique and about 73 kilometers from Iloilo City proper. It is about 2000 feet above sea level and surrounded by 40 hectares of hills. This mini lake is rich in marine life like eels, snails, carps and many others.


Calinog - 61.6 kilometers from Iloilo City

- Calinog- Lambunao sugar mill

- Camping grounds for Boy Scouts Provincial Jamboree

- Camp Carreon, a military camp

- the beautiful Calinog was once awarded the Cleanest and Greenest 3rd Class Municipality in the Philippines

- Calinog is home to the Ati's Binukot princess and storytellers of the Hinilawod epic.


Passi - 50 kilometers from Iloilo City
        - became a component city in 1998
        - it is home to the two sugar central mills in Panay: Passi Sugar Central and New Frontier Sugar Central

Dingle - 45 kilometers from Iloilo City
          - church of Dingle made out of yellow sandstone and was built in 1880
          - Camp Pasica, 42 kilometers from the city, situated in three barangays: Pandan, Sinibaan and Calicuang, camping site for Girl Scouts Provincial Jamboree
          - Camp Higher Grounds, about 4 kilometers from Poblacion town center beautiful scenery overlooking Victorias City, Negros Occidental. Some facilities for seminar and convention and training centers for different government agencies and regional offices from the city and from nearby towns.

         - Jalaur River Dam
         - Maestranza cave
         - Moroboro Springs, 42 kilometers from the city, hot springs swimming area, pavilion for guests          

Pototan - 30 kilometers north of Iloilo City
            - known as the Christmas capital of Iloilo because during Christmas it is one wonderland place full of lights, decorations and happy visuals all around the town
            - old Neo-classical cemetery made from yellow and red sandstones
            - vast expanse of plains wherein planting and harvesting is non-stop all throughout the year because of Jalaur Irrigation Systems.


Barotac Nuevo - 31 kilometers from Iloilo City
                      - known as the Football Capital of the Philippines where the legendary football players,
                        coaches, managers, FC presidents came from
                      - church with neoclassic architecture, Roman arches, facade with Ionic columns or pillars, above are square shaped below are Doric columns


Dumangas - 25.9 kilometers north of Iloilo City
                - chief port of Northern Iloilo
                - site of one of the oldest Spanish community in Panay
                - old church built in 1887 made of bricks
                - Lacaran beach in Barangay Ermita, Roca Encantada and Siete Pecados of Guimaras can be seen here on a vantage point 

Barotac Viejo - 60.9 kilometers north of Iloilo City
                    - San Juan beach at Camp Higher Grounds, popular site for camping and religious
                      activities
                    - Balaring beach in Barangay San Francisco, colorful stones lying on the shores
                    - Nagpana falls near the Ati dwellings and community

Ajuy - 80.6 kilometers from Iloilo City
       - Darangkulan Falls in Sitio Bagongbong, Barangay Balabag - surrounded by trees, boulders,
         located at the foot hills of Mount Manyakiya, the highest summit in town.
       - Sta. Ana Falls, with a small cave
       - Barangay Dangula-an, Camping Hill in the national road fronting the ocean, ideal place for camping
       - Dumingding Cave has a spring located at Sitio Dumingding, Barangay Balabag
       - Nasidman and Calabasa Island, offers a peaceful relaxation and ideal site for fishing, recreation and other sports
       - Buri Point, Barangay Punta Buri, ideal place for swimming day and night
 


Photo Sources:


https://aldryanjadeechin.wordpress.com
https://www.rappler.com
https://www.exploreiloilo.com
https://www.youtube.com

Province Of Iloilo Places Of Interests Part 1

Pine Ridge Bucari Mountain Resort, Leon, Iloilo

Guimbal Plaza, the most beautiful town plaza in Iloilo

San Joaquin Cemetery

Town Profiles and Places of Interests

San Joaquin - 54 kilometers from Iloilo City; formerly called Siwaragan.

- beautiful beachfronts such as Talisayan, Tara and many other clean coastlines which has some colorful pebbles. The stone "chert" which was excavated from the Nagsipit river and was believed to be around 65 million to 2 billion years old is now under the custody
of the museum.

                 - Siwaragan river, became the landing site of the Malay settlers during the 13th century according to history.

                  - San Joaquin cemetery which was made of coral stones in 1892. The chapel inside is atop of a 20-step staircase which was supported by balustrades.
             
                  - Church of San Joaquin, this century old mossy church was built with Hispanic-Filipino traditions is one of the town's tourist attractions. This is one of a kind church which features in its facade the historical battle in 1859 of the Spanish Christians against the Moroccan Moors in the Battle of Tetouan. The famed house of worship is made out of brilliant white corals built by Father Tomas Santaren of the Augustinian orders in 1869, about 10 years after that battle. The design of the facade is one of the best examples of
traditional art in Filipino religious architecture. The relief sculpture of the battle has an embossed engraving that labels "Rendicion
d'Tetouan. It shows the cavalry and infantry of the Spanish Christians chasing the defensive Moors in the surrounding towers and date palms. The soldiers were engraved in a creative perspective to create an illusion of depth. The carving is spread in a mosaic of squared blocks of corals. The blocks were first carved before it was transferred. The sculpture is so complex that even the picture or expression of torment by the injured soldiers was showcased and the original colors of yellow, blue and red remained in the stones without fading with time.


Miag-ao - about 47.7 kilometers from the southwest of Iloilo City
            - University of the Philippines Visayas is a campus that occupies 1000 hectares of land.

            - Miag-ao Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site post card worthy church built in 1787 through forced labor under the supervision of Augustinian friar, Francisco Gonzales and Spanish gobernadorcillo Domingo Libo-on. A native from Igbaras named Matias is said to be the foreman who supervised the early construction of the church until he was replaced by a certain Aquino, a native from Alimodian, according to the church historical records. Notice the uneven, non-symmetrical twin towers of the church. The beautiful facade features a bas relief sculpture of Saint Christopher in the middle of native plants like papaya and holding the coconut tree while carrying the child Jesus on his back. The church was declared a historical site by the Philippines Historical Committee in 1953 and was given a national historical marker through a Presidential Decree No. 260 which was released on August 1, 1973 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos. 

              - the town is also one of the cleanest, greenest, orderly and tidy town in the whole Philippines.

              - the recently discovered rice terraces of Miag-ao

Igbaras - 44.3 kilometers from the city

            - Mount Napulak 60 kilometers from the city. The thick forest is still untouched bounty with wild animals.

            - Nadsadjan Falls, 39 kilometers southwest of Iloilo City; drops water at 50 feet down below that serves like a giant pot of  swimming pool.

Guimbal - 32.1 kilometers from the city of Iloilo.

             - home to some of the sweetest mangoes in the world aside from Guimaras.

      

             - Garin  Racsos Farm, is a mini zoo and botanical garden owned by the Garin family for enthusiasts to enjoy. It features different kinds of animals domesticated, wild and foreign species as well as different kinds of plants.

             - Virginia bridge built during the American colonial period. This was made possible by the order of United States President Theodore Roosevelt. The bridge which was about a half kilometer in span is considered the longest bridge in Panay. It is made of steel imported from United States.

              - beautiful beachfront with Shamrock and Bantayan are just some of the beach resorts in the area.

              - Bantayan watchtowers located in Barangay Pescadores built during the Spanish colonial period that serves as a watchtower and first line of defense against the Muslim pirates.

             - old church of Guimbal which is yellow in color and made of adobe bricks. It was built by Father Campos and cemetery built by Father Agustin Llorente.

             - beautiful plaza of Guimbal, one of the most beautiful and cleanest in the province. It has so many flowers and plants and people spent their past time here most especially at dawn.

Tigbauan - 35.3 kilometers from the city of Iloilo
                - it was here that Father Pedro Chirino, the great Spanish chronicler, built the first Jesuit school for boys in 1592.
   
                - Baroque church of Tigbauan

                - Liberation of Panay historical marker to commemorate the liberation of Panay and Romblon by the American forces in the hands of the Japanese Imperial Forces to signal the end of World War II in 1945.

                - SEAFDEC (Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center) - the main center for fishery studies in Southeast Asia

Oton      - 16.1 kilometer from the city

              - People's Ampitheater, is a beautiful park for recreation and cultural performances

              - Plaza and children's playground

              - murals that depicts significant events in the history of the country.


Pavia  - about 10 kilometer north of the city
   
           - Santa Monica church, the red brick Romanesque - Byzantine church built by the Augustinian friar, Antonio Fermentino from 1864 - 1888 and completed by Father Lazaro Ramirez. Decorated with two Greek cross in front of the church. There is an apse at the back wall. The church served as the garrison of the Japanese imperial forces during World War II. During the liberation battle, the American military tank caused some holes at the facade of the church.


Santa Barbara - 19.9 kilometers north of Iloilo City

                        - Sta. Barbara church, historical church in Neo-classic art style. It was on this church that General Martin Delgado of the Visayan Revolutionary government convened the junta that initiated the first cry of the revolution against Spain in the Visayas.

                        - Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club - 18-hole, 37 hectares golf course which was the oldest golf course in Southeast Asia. Established in 1907 and opened to public in 1913.

                        - Cadagmayan Norte Camp, 65 hectares site for camping, verdant hills

                        - Sta. Barbara Heights, a mixed-use master-planned development project of Megaworld corporation. A township project it will see the rise of office buildings, condominiums, retail shops, dining, residential lots and other forms of recreation.


Cabatuan - 24 kilometers from Iloilo City

                - old Neo-classic church built in 1880. All sides of the church has beautiful facade. The main facade is adorned with papal crown supported with the symbol of the Augustinians a pierced heart with a bishop's hat surrounded by cords.

Leon        - 28 kilometers from the city.
                - St. Alexandria church, remains of a Romanesque church which was formerly known as largest temple of worship in the region

                - Bucari Mountain Range and Pineridge Forest, known as the Vegetable Garden of Iloilo and Summer Capital of Iloilo. It is a popular destination for nature loves and tourists                             because of its cool climate, beautiful scenery and attractive pine trees.