Iloilo City, long known for its rich culinary heritage, was declared a Creative City for Gastronomy by Unesco (or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) on Oct. 31, 2023. To further promote Ilonggo cuisine worldwide, the city launched a book, “Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography,” last Dec. 14 at the...
Tag: Iloilo
Post
A fresh look at Graciano Lopez Jaena’s heroic legacy
ILOILO CITY—On Independence Day on Wednesday (June 12), our thoughts dwell on the valor and dedication of heroes who fought for our freedom. For Ilonggos, among those who stand out is Graciano Lopez Jaena, not just as a revolutionary figure but a beacon of eloquence and intellect as well. As a tribute to the propagandist’s...
Post
Ilonggos recall Freedom Day moments in ‘Cry of Santa Barbara’
ILOILO CITY—While the Cry of Pugad Lawin in Luzon often takes center stage in history books as the trigger event of the Filipinos’ open revolutionary struggle to gain independence from the Spanish colonial regime, another pivotal moment took place in the Visayas, specifically Panay Island. The first sparks of rebellion flew in Barangay Jelicuon in...
Post
‘Namit!’ highlights the tastes and aromas of Iloilo food
There are many reasons to travel to the beautiful province of Iloilo, from its rich history to its food. And adventurous foodies will surely enjoy each town’s traditional cuisine, which will be highlighted in the annual three-day celebration in April called “Namit!” April is Filipino Food Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 469, issued...
Post
Renewing faith and devotion to Our Lady of the Candles
ILOILO CITY—Years into her marriage, Maria Fe Villanueva Esquillo had been without a child. But her frustration and seeming endless waiting were eased somehow by her constant prayers and supplications to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of the Candles) at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral. “I asked for at least one child. Instead, the Lady...
Post
PPO wows audiences from all walks of life in Iloilo, Capiz
ILOILO CITY—The concert’s surprise came in mid-performance, sweeping through the audience, the spark lit when the musicians played the “Mission Impossible” theme song (Lalo Schifrin) and Voltes V (Kobayashi Aso). Then followed Mike Hanopol’s “Laki sa Layaw (Jeproks)” to start a medley of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs. By the time the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra...
Post
‘Kasadyahan’ vs ‘Dinagyang’: A Battle of Festivals in Iloilo
ILOILO CITY—Ilonggos and their guests can expect a double treat of weekend revelry when the “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” and “Dinagyang” go centerstage one after the other on Jan. 27 and 28 in this city, in what looms as a face-off of festivals reflecting the dynamism of local culture, faith and tradition. “This year’s Kasadyahan is...
Post
In Iloilo’s museums, you find pioneering photos and rock stars
ILOILO CITY—Surely there’s more to this city than molo, batchoy, biscocho and tablea tsokolate. The city’s gastronomic haunts are well-known and all over. But in between hopping into these pit stops, you can take leisurely strolls along its esplanade, in the old downtown, in plazas outside churches and, yes, in its museums—the better to get...
Post
PARAW Back on the high seas
ILOILO CITY—On the eve of the 50th Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival on March 18, artists were hard at work on the colorful sails that would power the native double-outrigger boats in competition. The Philippines’ biggest traditional boat sailing event—the oldest in Asia—returned after a three-year hiatus imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The 30-kilometer race on...