Visayas Traverse: Iloilo City

Day1: Iloilo City

Date of Travel: 13 October 2013

Super Special Batchoy from Ted's Old Timer

 We started our trip with a batchoy feast by heading to the La Paz Public Market. I was looking to sample three brands but we didn't find Netong's so we just had Ted's and Deco's. Both offered slightly different tastes -- Ted's with better prepared noodles and Deco's with a more flavorful soup. The toppings differ whether you choose "special", "super special", or "extra super".

A "KEEP LEFT" sign at the Iloilo Coliseum

 In Jaro, we headed to the Iloilo Coliseum to try to watch a live cockfight. Unfortunately, tickets were at P400/person -- a hefty price for something we're not fond of. We did get to watch local blade-less cockfight in Guimaras the next day though.

St. Anne Parish in Molo District

 After dropping our bags at Lola Corazon Pension House, we headed to Molo to see the feminist church and get some Pancit Molo.

Sunset from Fort San Pedro

An hour before sunset, we rode the wrong jeep and found ourselves heading back to the Town Proper. We were supposed to go to Baybay before dark for some talaba but rerouted instead to Fort San Pedro for the sunset. A lot of locals were hanging out by the area and the orange sky coupled with the crashing of the waves was really pretty.

Where we Stayed

Lola Corazon Pension House

This is the best value accommodation I have experienced so far. For P550 we got a spacious room with a spacious bathroom, cable TV, AC, closet, tables, and chairs. The pension house also has a spacious receiving and dining area. The only cons I can think of (which are not much of a big deal) are the 11pm curfew and the location -- only one multicab route passes by the area which is a short walking distance from General Luna St.
SMART 0999 880 1229
PHONE (033) 300 6466

How We Did It

Iloilo Airport to La Paz Public Market:

From the Iloilo International Airport, we rode a shuttle to SM City Iloilo (P50). We followed the crowd to the main public entrance of the mall where we took a multicab to Iloilo Town Proper. Almost all routes go through the town proper but just ask to be sure. At the town proper, we transferred to a La Paz multicab and enjoyed the ride until we got to the La Paz Public Market. The market is very easy to spot.

La Paz Public Market to Jaro Cathedral:

From outside the market, we hailed a multicab to Jaro. There are a lot of multicabs passing by so be careful.

Jaro Cathedral to Iloilo Coliseum:

The road encircling the Graciano Lopez Jaena Park is a one-way road so we were not sure which one is headed back to the town proper and which one isn't. We tried asking but people kept giving us different directions. We've been crossing the park a number of times already so we just decided to walk a few blocks until the end of the one-way road. We went to the direction of Biscocho House, which can be seen from the park, and walked a few meters until we could get on a Jaro-CPU multicab to the Iloilo Coliseum.

Iloilo Coliseum to Calle Real:

We hailed a multicab outside the Iloilo Coliseum and got off when we saw the SOCORRO bldg on our right. This is Calle Real. You can also choose to wait for Roberto's Siopao on the right side of the road before getting off.

Iloilo Town Proper to Fort San Pedro:

Ride a Jaro-CPU multicab. Get off when you see a clear view of the sunset.

Iloilo Town Proper to Breakthrough:

At the Iloilo Town Proper, look for the multicabs that go to Arevalo(P10). They have a terminal near one of the department stores. Just ask around. You might pass by Merci which sells just-cooked Piaya along the streets.

Iloilo Town Proper to Port(Parola):

Get on a Jaro-CPU multicab until you see the outrigger boats loading passengers along Muelle Loney St. If there is not a lot of passengers, the multicab might drop you off just after Fort San Pedro. Don't be annoyed or discouraged and enjoy the short walk. You'll pass by the Port Terminal of the big Superferry ships and the terminal for multicabs.

The Hardworking Traveller is a collection of travel guides and travel accounts that aim to help the DIY tourist with travel planning. The author is a generation-y kid struggling between her reality of needing a corporate job and her dream of becoming a hermit.

For questions, reactions and itinerary requests, please contact her here. She will also gladly customize a trip for you in exchange for coffee (or milk tea).