Iloilo

Everybody's seeking for love. Some found it instantly. Some even went to places but ended up desperately. Some already gave up. As for me, I'm not in a rush but I know there's something great to expect from the City of Love, Iloilo!

Feb 2010

The trip was sponsored by my boss. He sent me for a 2-week training after I took the researcher post. Of course, I was happy then and excited. Actually, a little bit worried. Although I'm used into travelling places but this time, nobody's with me. Well, I know I can handle...I always know.

The very day I arrived, I went directly to the company's headquarter. There I met personally the managers and some leaders of different departments. It was a warm welcome. I already know some of them, I have seen their pictures from the DTR and even talked to them at times over the phone. But being acquainted with them in person was totally different. You see their smiles and hear their sweet voices---a distinct Ilonggo trait.

My accommodation was just a few ride away from the office. It's a 2-storey apartment complex where the owners stay whenever they're in the city. At that time, they were travelling somewhere else, so the whole place was mine, weeh! But it was not fun as I expected. Rather, a creepy experience. It was so quiet that I could even hear the tick of the clock or the single drop of water from the kitchen's faucet. And what was more disturbing was the other room left slightly opened and seemed someone's inside. I tried to entertain myself but the TV's not working and the computer was password-protected, haha. Anyway, no other thing could else be done but to explore the centuries-old city and enjoy its wide range of local delicacies!

True enough, Ilonggos offer a lot of food choices. Everytime I eat, I ordered at least two viands, yet for the whole two weeks, I wasn't able to try them all. I like their pancit molo, La Paz batchoy, KBL(kadyos-baboy-langka), ibos, dulong and valenciana, to name a few. Talaba (oyster) is also a personal favorite and you can eat as much as you can without hurting your pocket.

Although some of the research and marketing people were nice enough to accompany me during breakfasts, most of the time I went around the city on my own. Especially when I can't sleep, I spent my time at malls playing or singing in booths or shopping some souvenir items.

One time, when I was totally bored, I walked down the streets to look for something interesting. I rode jeepneys without having an exact destination in mind. Then I passed a public cemetery and decided to go inside. This time, I was never afraid. I even took some pictures of tombs.

When my stay was almost over, and I'm also almost done exploring the streets downtown, Scherry invited me to go to Guimbal, a coastal municipality about 30km away from the city. We went to Racso's Wildlife Resort, Bantayan Beach and Garin Farm. The whole day was spent travelling and getting in touch with nature.

By sundown, we went to Fort San Pedro for a drink. They said the place is not safe but I guess it's just okay as long as you don't do anything wrong and remain cautious. What I like in there were the sunset, the sea breeze and the many food stands around.

All in all, my Iloilo experience was totally great. Have I found love? Yes but not the kind of love you might be thinking.

Sep 2010

Here I come again to the City of Love! This time, I'm not travelling alone. We're in a group because we'll be attending the Leaders' Summit. Of course, "the many-er, the happier!"

This trip was memorable for me especially at the Gala where I was named as the best-dressed man of the night, ganahan ka?

With regard to city tour, I didn't pay much attention at this time. I just spent my time at the hotel sleeping. I was not feeling well then, that's why.

June 2012

I'm back again for the 3rd time. Actually, it's my 4th but the first visit was just a short Superferry stop on our way to Manila. Anyway, this year's visit is again because of the Leaders' Summit. Last year was held in Davao.

We stayed at Highway 21 Hotel. The facade of the building has Spanish touch. In fact, many structures in the city date back to colonial period. 

At the concluding night on the Summit, we had a Cocktail Party. It was very challenging because we have to stand all throughout the event. I wonder how the girls survived with their stilletos.

After the summit, the company gave us a travel treat---to Garin Farm! No, not the farm I visited last time. This is their newly-opened facility, a bit farther but definitely better.

The following day, we headed back to Davao. As we flew atop, I wonder when will be our next visit? Could there be more surprises the next time we visit the City of Love?

EXTRA

Hiligaynon is one of the major languages in the Philippines. On top of the 7M native speakers, there are around 4M more who can speak and understand it. Because it's a member of the Visayan language family, many words are actually common in Cebuano. Learn some basic terminologies from the print of my souvenir shirt.

Photo credits:  Joe, Glochi, Ally et al.