ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

Sta. Barbara is a colorful, romantic town with rich history and culture. Visitors should check out its historic center , the town’s most eye-catching architecture , the  Baroque-Renaissance architectural style of  the Sta. Barbara Parish Church and Convent. Constructed in 1849 and finished in 1878. The convent was built the same time as the church. Materials used in the construction of the church and convent were of adobe and coral stones quarried from Alimodian and red bricks used for the flooring, walls and posts. Materials were transported to the town through carts drawn by carabaos.  Connected to the side door of the church is its L-shaped convent of Antillan architectural style. The church served as the headquarters for the Ilonggo Revolutionary Forces in Western Visayas under General Martin Delgado in 1898. It was untouched during World War II and had withstood the 1948 earthquake. It was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Inst...

In the flourishing heart of Iloilo City, where heritage meets forward-thinking innovation, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo stands as the premier destination for business, events, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re hosting a large-scale conference, an exclusive workshop, or sealing a deal over coffee, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo offers thoughtfully designed spaces that elevate the way we meet, work, and celebrate. At the core of its offerings is the Iloilo Grand Ballroom —a majestic, pillarless space tailored for elegance and scale. With high ceilings, sophisticated lighting, and flexible configurations, the ballroom transforms effortlessly from corporate summit to social soirée. It’s where major moments are staged, and lasting impressions made. For more focused gatherings, the Arevalo Function Room presents an ideal setting. With modern amenities and an intimate ambiance, it’s perfect for strategic meetings, seminars, and private events. Personalized layouts and dedicated suppor...

This serene and picturesque view is one of the many reasons why Roca Encantada is among the top tourist attractions in Guimaras. The summer house of the illustrious Lopez clan of Iloilo is built on a rock that juts out into the sea earning its nickname - the Enchanted Rock.  More than 100 years old now, it  was built in 1910 in honor of Dona Presentacion Hofilena Lopez.  It was declared a “Heritage House” in 2002 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (formerly National Heritage Institute.) The stairs not only serve as entry way to the house but a perfect backdrop for countless selfies and photo-ops. But it's the grand balcony of the heritage house that offers the most photogenic views - so better get your cameras and batteries ready. A perfect place not only to relax after that climb but also to get that picture perfect snapshot. It offers a  picturesque view of the sea (Iloilo Strait) and beach front (Navala...

The biggest fire in Iloilo City’s history erupted on February 7, 1966.  I was in my third grade at San Agustin and as we were bundled out of school I could see the plumes of black smoke beyond the school’s walls.  Fire engines wailed and people rushed about.  News reports say it started somewhere along Iznart, rapidly engulfing Ledesma, Quezon, Valeria, Delgado and Mabini streets, devouring 12 blocks of the city’s stores, theaters, schools, and hundreds of houses.  Photos from that time have an apocalyptic feel. It should have been a major blow, since Iloilo city was slowly recovering from the damage of WW2, had labor troubles at the port and was mired in petty local politics. Its “Queen City of the South” title was relinquished to Cebu.  However, in the conflagration’s aftermath, the city arose, phoenix-like, from the ashes.   Shanties and hovels that used to be in Delgado were relocated; small businesses arose, movie houses rebuilt—some ...