Travelers guide to Molo and Villa, Iloilo City

Heritage, culture and gastronomy makes most of the attractions of the districts of Molo and Villa. Known as the Athens of the Philippines, the district of Molo has produced quite a number of distinguished sons that became chief justice, senators, justices, governors, congressman and many more. It is also an education center during the Spanish and American periods. It had four colleges during the reign of Spain and when the Americans took over it had the first elementary school in the country. Today, it is home to several colleges and universities, among them one of the best maritime schools in the world. It is also home to the gothic church dedicated to St. Anne, the famous Panaderia de Molo and the sumptous pancit molo.

Villa-Arevalo on the other hand has quite a number of titles too. Take your pick from "The Flower Capital of Iloilo City" with it's numerous cut flower industries or "Firecrackers Capital of Iloilo" which makes a big bang during the New Year. How about "Seafood Capital" with the enumerable food places lining its seaside. Better yet, "Lechon Capital" whether it's pig or chicken you'll find the best of both in the district. But what makes Villa stand out is that it's the only district blessed with a beachfront that, for years, made Villa the center stage of the oldest native sailboat race in Asia - the Paraw Regatta!

Places to Visit/ Things to Do

VILLA
Camiña Balay Balay nga Bato for Tsokolate and Souvenir Items
Sinamay House for Sinamay Products and Mama's Kitchen Goodies
Kutsinta from Dac's
Bingka from Mohon
Villa Beach especially during Paraw Regatta (February)
Dine at Breakthrough or Tatoy's
Plaza and Church of Arevalo
Sio pao from Nang Pat's and Dinagyang

MOLO
Molo Church and Plaza
Panaderia de Molo
Casa Rizaliana (Arcenas-Lazaro Ancestral House) and other ancestral houses along San Jose Street
Pancit Molo from Kapitan Ising (also by special arrangement at Camiña Balay Balay nga Bato)
Rosendo Mejica Museum
Dominican Sisters Mother House and Museum
Molo Mansion
Jo-Ann's Fishballs at Plaza Molo
* 10-minute walk to the Iloilo River Esplanade from Plaza Molo

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ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

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