Folk Dance of Western Visayas Region: Urukay

In the Philippines, it is customary to have a wedding feast no matter how poor or humble the bride and groom are. This feast is usually held at the bride's house or at the newly-build house of the couple. In this celebration, there is much fun and good-natured teasing. 

In Anini-y, Antique, where this dance originated, the parents of both parties perform the Urukay dance at the wedding feast. 

The Urukay dance is first performed by the father of the groom and the mother of the bride. Then another couple, the father of the bride and the mother of the groom dance the same dance or improvise their own steps.

The Urukay dance is a spirited dance with the male dancer showing off his power and superiority over his female partner by ordering the girl to crawl and pass between his legs in figure IV. The girl retaliates by elbowing the boy. All the time the onlookers cheer and encourage them to show off. 

COSTUME. Girl wears patadyong, camisa or kimona, soft kerchief around neck, and corcho, or chinelas/slippers.

MUSIC. is composed of two parts: A and B

COUNT one, two; one, and two; or one, and, two, and to a measure.

FORMATION. Partners face each other about six feet apart. When facing audience, girl stands at the right side of the boy. This is best danced by only one pair. (Second pair repeats the dance after the first pair) 

DANCE OF FATHER OF GROOM AND MOTHER OF BRIDE.

I

Music A.

       Partners face each other.

       (a) Rock R forward (ct. 1), and rock L backward (ct. 2) alternately six times (6 counts). Step R close to L (ct. 1), pause (ct. 2). Girl holds patadyong, boy places hands on waist. _______________ 4M

        (b) Raise L knee in front, L arm bent forward at chest level, sway body slightly backward, R hand holding patadyong, (ct. 1), tap L foot in front, trunk erect. L hand down at side, R hand of girl holding patadyong that of boy is placed on waist (ct. 2) __________________________________________ 1M

        (c) Starting with L foot, take four steps forward to partner's place, passing by L shoulders (cts. 1, 2, 1, 2). Take two steps in place turning left about to face each other. (cts. 1, 2) ___________________ 3M

        (d) Repeat all (a-c), starting with L foot. Reverse position of hands in (b). Finish in proper places, passing by R shoulders in (c). ________________________________________________________ 8M

II

Music B.

      Partners face each other.

      (a) With R foot leading, take eight mincing steps sideward right (cts. 1, and, 2, and, 2 and 1). Girl holds patadyong, Boy places hands on waist. ___________________________________________ 2M

      (b) Bend body slightly to right side, R arm in reverse "T" position and kumintang, L hand on waist (cts. 1, 2). _______________________________________________________________________1M

      (c) Repeat (b), reverse position of hands, bend body to left side. _________________________1M

      (d) Repeat (a-c), L foot leading. Reverse direction and position of hands in (b). _____________4M

      (e) Repeat all (a-d) _____________________________________________________________8M

III

Music A.

      Partners face each other. Boy and Girl do their movements simultaneously.

      Boy. Hold two opposite corners of kerchief diagonally.

      (a). Starting with R foot, take eight change steps forward going around girl clockwise. Start with R hand up, L hand down. Reverse position of hands every measure. __________________________ 8M

      (b) Repeat movements of Girl in (a) below. Hands on waist ____________________________8M

  

    Girl.

      (a) Rock R forward (ct. 1), and rock L backward (ct. 2) alternatively, sixteen times. L hand on waist, R holding patadyong and swinging forward and backward alternately. ______________________8M

      (b) Repeat movements of Boy in (a) above.) Hold kerchief in the same manner ____________8M

IV

Music B. First time.

       Partners face each other.

      (a) Boy stands with feet apart sideward, holding kerchief in front at two opposite corners, and says aloud to Girl, "Suhot, Balaye!" (Pass through, Balaye!) pointing to his open legs at the same time. Upon hearing this, the onlookers also shout, "Suhot, Balaye!" __________________________________8M

      Girl hesitatingly assumes four's base position and crawls between the legs of partner. While she is doing this the onlookers, shout, clap hands and tease girl. ________________________________8M

V

Music B. Second Time

       Partners face each other.

       (a) Starting with R foot, partners execute change steps forward going to any direction. Boy dances nimbly, trying to avoid girl who on her part tries to dig her elbow into him several times as they dance around ________________________________________________________________________8M

NOTE: To end the dance, girl takes her kerchief and puts it around the neck of the other girl (the mother of the groom) and boy puts his kerchief around the neck of the other boy (the father of the bride). The next couple may repeat the same dance or may improvise their own steps and movements. 

Folk Dance of Western Visayas Region: Lanceros de Negros

LANCEROS DE NEGROS

During the Spanish times, Lanceros was one of the most popular quadrille dances in the Philippines. It is similar to Rigodon and is danced in important social affairs to formally open a big ball. Unlike the Lanceros as danced in Luzon and in some regions in the Visayas, this version from Silay, Negros Occidental is in longways formation. It is a very lively and colorful dance. 

COSTUME. Girl wears Maria Clara style costume. Boy wears barong tagalog and black trousers. 

MUSIC is divided into four parts A, B, C, and Finale.

COUNT one, two; one, and two; or one, and two, and to a measure

FORMATION. Partners face each other about six feet apart. When facing audience, Girl is at right side of partner. Four to any number of pairs may participate. 

If desired, a square formation may be used, each pair occupying a corner of an imaginary square. 

NEW STEPS USED:

      Brincos Con Puntillas - Jump and land with R (L) foot across the L (R)  in front, both feet flat on the floor (ct. 1), hop on L (R) and foot circle outward in the air with R (L) foot (ct. and), step lightly on ball of R (L) foot in rear L (R) and raise heel of L (R) (ct. 2), spring on  R (L) and land on L (R) and at the same time point R (L) toe in front of L (R) with R (L) knee slightly bent (ct. and).

      Brincos Con Vueltas - Same as brincos con puntillas but make a quarter turn right (left) when hopping on L (R) on the first ct. and. Make another quarter turn right (left) before stepping on the ball of R (L) foot in rear of L (R) on ct. 2. There are two brincos con vueltas to a complete turn (2 M).

                                                                        I

Music A.

      Partners face each other. Throughout this figure, Girl's L hand is placed on waist, R hand holding skirt, Boy's arms swinging naturally down at sides.

     (a) Starting with R foot, take four small steps forward to meet at center (cts. 1, 2, 1, 2) ________________________ 2 M

     (b) Repeat (a) moving backward to proper places ________________________ 2 M

      Face left so that Girl's back is toward audience, Boy faces audience.

     (c) Repeat (a) and (b) _______________________ 4 M

      Face each other.

      (d) Starting with R foot, take four steps obliquely left forward, passing by R shoulders _______________________ 2 M

       (e) Repeat (d), moving obliquely right backward to proper places ________________ 2 M

        (f) Repeat (d), moving obliquely right forward, passing by L shoulders (2 M), and in (e) moving obliquely left backward. Take smaller steps backward so that partners finish near each other (2 M). _____________ 4 M

   II

Music B.

         Face partner and join R hands, free hand of Girl holding skirt and that of Boy is placed on waist.

         (a) Starting with R foot, take eight small change steps forward moving once around clockwise. Bend trunk slightly to right and left side alternately. ---------------------------------------------------- 8 M

         Drop R hands, turn right about join L hands free hands as above.
         (b) Repeat (a), moving counterclockwise -------------------8 M

 III

Music C.

       Partners face each other

       (a) Take four galop steps sideward right. Arms in lateral position, sideward left, shoulder level. Do not put weight on L foot at the fourth galop step _________________________________ 2 M

       (b) Repeat (a) moving to sideward left. Reverse position of arms. _____________________ 2 M

       (c) Execute four brincos con vueltas, turning right and making two turns. Girl holding skirt. Boy places hands on waist _____ 4 M

        Face left so that Girl's back is toward audience. Boy faces audience.

       (d) Repeat all (a-c). Partners pass front to front when doing the galop steps. _____________8 M

   IV

Music B.

      

     Partners face audience. Join inside hands, free hands as in figure II.

     (a) Starting with outside foot, take four change steps forward. Swing the joined hands backward and forward at the same time looking at partner and away from partner, alternately four times ______4 M

     Drop inside hands, turn outward to face about. Join inside hands, free hands as in (a). 

     (b) Repeat (a), starting with inside foot. Start swinging joined hands forward and looking away from partner.____________ 4 M

     

     Drop inside hands. Face each other and join R hands, free hands as in (a).

     (c) Starting with R foot, take four change steps forward, turning once around clockwise _____ 4 M

     Drop R hands, join L hands, free hands as in (a).

     (d) Repeat (c), moving counterclockwise. Drop L hands and finish in proper places _________ 4 M

 V

Music C.

       Partners face each other. Partners do their movements simultaneously.

       (a) Girl. Execute two brincos con vueltas making a complete turn right once (2 M)

            Boy. Clap hands five times on cts. 1, 2, 1, and 2______ 2 M

       (b) Repeat (a), Boy dancing and Girl clapping hands____ 2 M

       Partners face each other and assume crossed-arm position, R over L.

       (c) Take four brincos con puntillas moving toward audience - Jump and land with foot away from audience across in front and hopping on foot toward audience.  ______________________ 4 M

       Drop hands.

       (d) Repeat (a) and (b) __________________________________________________ 4 M

       (e) Repeat (c), starting with other foot and moving away from audience. __________________ 4 M

SALUDO

(Bowing)

Music Finale.

        Partner faces each other.

        (a) Pause_______________________________________1 M

        (b) Execute a three-step turn right in place (cts. 1, 2, 1), pause (ct. 2) Arms in fourth position, R arm high. __________________________________________________ 2 M

        (c) Repeat (b), turning left. Reverse position of arms. ________________________________ 2 M

        (d) Join R hands, free hand of Girl holding skirt, that of Boy is placed on waist. Girl whirls making right turns under the arch of arms. Boy stands in place. ___________________________________ 2 M

        (e) Face each other. In crossed-arm position, R over L, pull away from each other. __________ 1M

        (f) Girl passes under R arm of Boy and finish in front and a little bit to the left side of Boy. Partners look at each other. ___________________________________________________1 M

Music of Lanceros de Negros

Folk Dance Of Western Visayas Region: Kuradang

 KURADANG

The Kuradang is an upbeat dance from Tuburan, Pototan, Iloilo. The people in this barrio are lighthearted and has an intense passion for singing and dancing. The social gathering is not complete without dancing. One of the dances performed during the fiesta or a celebration in Tuburan is the Kuradang. The name of the dance was probably taken from the word "Kudangdang" which means posh, showy, overdressed, extravagant, lavish or luxuriously epicurean. 

COSTUME. The girl is wearing a patadyong, camisa or a kimona with a soft pañuelo over one shoulder. The boy is wearing barong tagalog and colorful trousers. The dancers are all barefooted. 

MUSIC. is composed of two parts: A and B. 

COUNT one, two, or one, and, two to a measure in 2/4 time; one, two, three, or one, two, and three in 3/4 time.

FORMATION. Two couples facing each other,  about six feet apart, form a set. The girls stand on the right side of their respective partners. When facing audience, couple at the left, No. 1, is called mayor and couple at the right, No. 2 is called menor  (see diagram below). Any number of sets may participate in this dance.

Audience

    X                     O

      1   →                    ← 2    

       O                    X  

Kuradang Step (Iloilo) - Music 2/4 time     Count 1, and, 2, 1, 2 to two measures

Change step sideward right (left), R (L) forearm turn to reverse "T" position, L (R) hand down at side. Twist body slightly to right (left) (cts. 1 and 2). Hop on R (L), swing the L (R) foot across the R (L) knee in front obliquely backward right (left), bend arms forward at shoulder level (ct. 1), hop on R (L) and swing L (R) foot obliquely forward left (right). Turn forearms to assume reverse "T" position (ct. 2). This step may be done in all directions. 

NOTE:

1. The music is played continuously with each part played twice.

2. All Kuradang steps should be done with arm movements.

3. There is a slight jogging of the body throughout the dance.

INTRODUCTION    

Music Introduction.

    Face front

       Starting with R foot, take three steps forward, arms down at sides (cts. 1, 2, 3), close L to R (ct. 1), tap L close to R in rear three times and at the same time clap hands in front of chest three times (cts. 2, and 3) ______________________________________ 2M

 

I

    Partners face each other.

      (a) Starting with R foot, take four change steps forward to partner's place, passing by R shoulders. Forearm turn to reverse "T" position, R and L alternately, free hand down at side. Bend trunk slightly to the right and left side alternately _______________ 4M

      (b) Turn right about. Repeat (a), going to proper places. __ 4M

      (c) Girl 1 and Girl 2 face each other. Repeat (a) and (b). In the meantime, Boys clap hands on cts. 1, and, 2, 1, 2, for every two measures __________________________________________ 8M

      (d) Boy 1 and Boy 2 face each other. Repeat movements of Girls, and Girls clap hands as Boys did in (c) __________________  8M

II

Partner face each other. Couples 1 and 2 are doing their movements simultaneously.

Couple 1.

(a) Starting with R foot, take four kuradang steps forward to exchange places passing by R shoulders __________________ 8M

(b) Turn right about. Repeat (a), going to proper places ______ 8M

(c) Repeat movements of Couple 2 as in (a) below. _________16M

Couple 2.

(a) Take eight kuradang steps sideward, R and L alternately __16M

(b) Repeat movements of Couple 1 as in (a) and (b) above. ___16M

INTERMISSION

Partner face each other.

  Take eight kuradang steps sideward, R and L alternately ___16 M

III

  Couples 1 and 2 face each other. They do their movements simultaneously.

  (a) Couple 1. Starting with R foot, take three kuradang steps to front of Couple 2 __________________________________ 6 M

       Couple 2. Starting with R foot, take three kuradang steps turning around in place clockwise ___________________________ 6 M

  (b) Girl 1 and Boy 2. Starting with L foot, take one kuradang step to exchange places, passing by R shoulders. Take big steps. In the meantime, Girl 2 and Boy 1 execute one kuradang in place starting with L foot _______________________________________ 2 M

   At the end of the fourth kuradang step, the Girls are all on one side (right side) and the Boy are on the other side (left side).

  (c) Girls and Boys face each other. All execute four kuradang steps sideward, R and L alternately. _________________________ 8 M

  (d) Girl 1 and Boy 2. Starting with R foot, take four kuradang steps moving little by little forward to return back to their proper places. Take small steps ____________________________________ 8 M

In the meantime, Girl 2 and Boy 1, starting with R foot execute four kuradang steps turning around in place clockwise _________ 8 M

IV

Partners face each other.

  (a) Couples 1 and 2 takes two kuradang steps sideward, 

       R and L  _______________________________________ 4 M

  (b) Boy 1. Starting with R foot, take two kuradang steps forward to

 front of Couple 2. In the meantime, Couple 2 executes two kuradang steps, starting with R foot, turning around in place clockwise. Finish facing Boy 1. Girl 1 stay in place and clap hands on cts. 1, and 2, 1, 2, two times. _______________________________________ 4 M

  (c) Boy 1 and Couple 2. Starting with R foot, take six kuradang steps forward, moving around clockwise. Finish in starting place. Girl 1 clapping hands as in (b) _________________________ 12 M

  (d) Boy 1. Turn right about. Starting with R foot, take two kuradang steps forward to proper place. Girl 1 clapping hands as in (b) __ 4 M

 Couple 2. Starting with R foot, take two kuradang steps turning around in place clockwise ______________________________ 4 M

  (e) Repeat all (a-d) with Girl 2, starting in (b) going to front of Couple 1 while Boy 2 does the clapping _________________ 24 M

V

Repeat Figure I _____________________________________ 24 M

FINALE

All face front.

      Repeat Introduction  ______________________________ 2 M

Music Of Kuradang 

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.