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Exploring the Countryside of Iloilo



One destination I crossed out on my list is Iloilo. I was dreaming of trying the La Paz Batchoy and Molo Soup, which both were named after places in Iloilo. Aside from Iloilo, a side trip to Guimaras is also recommended. We also squeezed a visit to Bacolod. I wished we had stayed longer, nevertheless, I enjoyed this trip and I'm looking forward to revisiting these places again.

We arrived at the Iloilo airport around 5.40am. Iloilo International Airport is located outside Iloilo City. The airport is quite new and can be likened to the NAIA Terminal 3 in terms of architecture. We rode a taxi to Iloilo City proper for Php 350 fixed fare. Not bad, since we have no other choice in the morning.

We dropped our bags at Ong Bun Pension House, then walked to La Paz Public Market for La Paz Batchoy. There are lots of  La Paz Batchoy restos around the city, but the ones in La Paz Public Market are open early in the morning. You can ride a jeep to La Paz from Ong Bun, but we chose to walk and did some sightseeing.


Iloilo Provincial Capitol
Museo Iloilo

On our way to La Paz, we passed by the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and Museo Iloilo.

Iloilo is predominantly Catholic and is known for its old churches. The churches are greatly influenced by European architecture. It was impressive how the Ilonggos were able to preserve these churches.


After our breakfast at the La Paz Market, we rode a jeep to Villa (fare: Php 7.50) We decided to start our countryside tour from the farthest point, which is San Joaquin. San Joaquin is 50+ km away from Iloilo City. A jeepney ride from Villa to San  Joaquin is Php 60. The ride takes from one and a half to two hours.

1. San Joaquin Church


San Joaquin Church

- San Joaquin Church is located near the seafront. It was beautiful (except for the photobomb poster in front). It was closed when we arrived, so after we had some refreshments we rode a trike to our next stop.

2. San Joaquin Cemetery


San Joaquin Cemetery

From San Joaquin Church, a trike to the cemetery costs Php 30 for 4 pax. It is located along the road. So what's special about this cemetery? The architecture. If I didn't see the tombs, I wouldn't even think that it's a cemetery.

3. Miag-ao Church


Miag-ao Church

- From San Joaquin, we rode a jeep to Miag-ao (fare: Php 8 per pax). Among all the churches we visited, Miag-ao is the most impressive in my opinion. The church was open but we didn't bother taking photos inside as there was a funeral mass when we arrived.

4. Molo Church
- From Miag-ao, we rode a jeep back to Villa (fare: Php 40 per pax). Since it was already lunchtime, we stopped at Tatoy's for lunch. From Villa, we rode a trike to Tatoy's at Php 30. From Tatoy's, we rode a jeepney to Molo Church at Php 8 per pax.

outside Molo Church
Molo Church altar

Molo Church is called a feminist church for having statues of women saints inside the church. Aside from the church itself, I was fixated on the statues of Greek goddesses outside the church. 
We missed visiting Tigbauan Church, Guimbal Church and Jaro Cathedral (which is within the city), after our stop at Molo Church, we were too exhausted (and I'm getting too sunburnt) that we rode a cab back to Ong Bun. We spent around Php 80 for the cab ride.


Tips for DIY Travellers:

1. Wear comfortable but decent clothes - This is a general rule, but I have to emphasize this. Remember that you're visiting churches and not going to a resort.
2. Bring sunglasses or umbrella - It was a hot day when we arrived at Iloilo. My back was sunburnt after our countryside trip since I left my sunglasses and umbrella at the pension house.
3. Prepare coins - DIY trips require you to do a lot of jeepneys, trike, or even padyak rides. Have the heart and prepare change to avoid the hassle.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for directions - When in doubt, ask. Repeat if necessary.
5. Bring water - Be a boy/girl scout. It wouldn't hurt.

Fares indicated in full amounts on this trip are for 4 persons.

More about our Iloilo-Guimaras-Bacolod trip in my future posts!

Comments

  1. in fairness ang layo ng miag-ao pero i must agree, very impressive talaga :)

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  2. Nice photos. Kaya pala maikli yung stay nyo, nag-visayas tour pala kayo. :)

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  3. Awesome photos of the churches, great post mich!

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  4. undeniably, ang gaganda ng facades nung mga napuntahan mong church! sana I'd be able to get there someday also :)

    lavinajampit.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. I hope you'll get to visit Iloilo soon, Lavina. :)

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  5. Pangarap kong marating ang Iloilo, lalo na sa Barotac.

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  6. My sis-in-law's from Iloilo. When we went there last 2008, we weren't able to go around as much as we'd like since we were preparing for the bro and her wedding. Maybe next time we'd be able to sight see more. =)

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  7. I love the churches! :)

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  8. Nice churches! You know what's great about the countryside? They get to preserve these heritage sites and even build architecture to match it :) And it gets people really appreciative of our hsitory

    Nostalgia is a very powerful emotion :)

    - Ray
    for
    Lynne-Enroute.com

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    Replies
    1. That's the beauty of Iloilo: the old churches. Each town has its own that's why a countryside tour around Iloilo is highly recommended. :)

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  9. Miag-ao Church is really far but one worthy long jeepney trip! I admire its beauty and architecture. One of the most beautiful church I saw in our country.
    What more is San Joaquin Church which is farther? Jaro Cathedral on the other hand is a masculine church opposite of Molo Church as it contains male saints.

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