My Dad’s from Iloilo and I have been near Sicogon as well though I havent been there yet. I also heard about Balbagon Island as well. Is Sicogon near Pan de Azucar? My friend tells me Halong Bay in Vietnam is nothing compared to this island. By the way my Dad was born in Carles and raised in Balasan.I have been as far south as San Joaquin to as far north as Estancia..

Ryan

I wished I could help but I am not based in Iloilo. She’s based there. I will be waiting for your article on Isla Naburot. I also want to know more about the mango orchards and the Trappist Monastery. Hope you can include it.

Cheers!

Ryan

p.s. As my own personal advocacy, I will always talk to the locals wherever I go to especially take care of their natural resources and I also likewise encourage fellow travelers to be more environmentally conscious. :)

Your sister really did some good work for the local community! What about you Ryan :P

That is quite sad… how is Isla Naburot doing? There is a German-owned resort there as far as I can remember. My sister helped in the cleanup of the spill.

Ryan

What’s most heartbreaking for me, is the effects of the spill have on the environment – the marine life is still suffering much, as too the mangroves.

I think when in Iloilo, one should not miss checking out San Joaquin Church (San Joaquin town after Miagao). It is a very beautiful church that reminds me of Paoay Church in Ilocos, and it’s near the ocean as well! Very stately and elegant with its wonderful bas-reliefs.

I heard there are nice white sand beaches in Northern Iloilo (Balbagon island is it?).
Estancia, Iloilo also is a major fish port and its dried fish market is a treasure trove for the fish gourmand.

Igbaras, meanwhile has nice spelunking if my memory serves me right (although, apparently, Communist rebels are frequently chanced upon in the area.)

Passi has the nice Pintados Festival and wide sugarcane fields.

Oh and you missed out on the famous Antillan House in La Paz (?) now owned by the Sanson Family and the Lizares Mansion in Jaro which partly houses Angelicum School. Fine examples of colonial architecture.

The old colonial houses along Molo and Jaro districts have been well preserved – they were once part of Iloilo’s famous families!

Jaro Cathedral (Church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary) in region 6 if you are on a religious tour! The Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria (Lady of the Candles) is housed in a special area in the cathedral and distinct from the all male statues. If you are there early year, mark down Feb 2, as it is the annual Jaro Fiesta which draws thousands for Pilgrims all over Philippines!!

Outside Iloilo city, 2 places not to be missed:
Santa Barbara – 1st place outside Manila where the Philippines flag was raised
Miag-ao (mentioned by roz) – for the amazing Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO Heritage site.

Food – Famous local Iloilo munchies such as Bisotcho, Butterscotch, Pinasugbo & my personal favourite, the Barquilos are not to be missed! try it at Panaderio De Iloilo which is the oldest bakery around, or the Biscotcho House in Jaro.

Guimaras Island is an amazing place if you are in Iloilo. It has one of the nicest beaches in Philippines, and of course do try the mangoes from the region if they are in season.

Igbaras Town is a decent place for something close to the nature. The Nadsajan Falls make a good day trip – for swimming & and even a good picnic location!

All in all, Iloilo can really be a fun place.