ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

Mangroves are a highly valued resource in the province of Iloilo. They are found along much of Iloilo’s coastline. The most extensive mangroves are found in the northern district with the town of Ajuy having one of the most luxuriant mangrove covers. Ajuy is home to a diversity of marine organisms. One of the most valuable features of its biodiversity is the presence of a mangrove ecosystem. The town is an ecotourism excursion destination that visitors should include in their itineraries when making plans to explore Iloilo. Barangay Silagon, situated 10 kilometers from the town proper, is a destination you can consider as an itinerary if you have enough time visit to Ajuy. The area offers lush mangrove forests worth visiting with family and friends who seek a unique experience. The barangay Opened last December 23, 2019, the Silagon Mangrove Eco-Park is a 240-meter bamboo boardwalk extends beyond the existing mangroves and has become a special feature for visitors to the barangay. Take...

DID YOU KNOW that your favorite adobo has become one of the must-visit stops in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington? Locals have come to love Filipino food, thanks to the Oriental Mart which has been a mainstay of the market since the 1970s. This three-generation, family-owned business offers a wide selection of traditional Asian spices, sauces and grocery products. At the back of this grocery store, there is an 18-seat lunch counter serving authentic Filipino dishes and other novelties. Yes, the world-famous adobo in a world-famous market that attracts millions of tourists every year with unique and unforgettable experiences on food, culture and history. Here are top three interesting and inspiring milestones about Pike Place Market. From a fisher’s village to commerce and creative hub        The market was established in 1907 to provide a central location for farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers. Since then, it has widely grown with more new sta...

More than just a place for shopping for daily essentials, public markets are the windows of a city’s soul. It is a shared space for the community and a living connection between the past, present, and future reflecting how the city and its people continue to evolve.  A visit to the markets gives one a close view of everyday life and a taste of cultural heritage through the food, crafts, produce, and commodities offered to shoppers. These retail spaces are also a hub for small businesses as well as homegrown brands and local products. Countries around the world are leveraging their local markets as destinations as part of their tourism strategy. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul Turkey, for example, is often cited as one of the oldest enclosed markets in the world, dating to the 15th century. The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey   Stock photo from Dreamstime.com It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and remains to be a must-see attraction in Istanbul, drawing ...

Calinog, Iloilo  is an underrated gem, and as you will see there is always something new to discover. The town  boasts a wealth of exciting destinations. Clean townscapes and natural wonders, architectural highlights and lovely man-made attractions, there is something for everyone to discover here. The town center is a historic streetscape and a walk through its streets is a must when visiting Calinog.  History is there to see, touch and experience, practically everywhere in the area. Walking along the main streets, or exploring other areas around, you will encounter a variety of historic sites from different eras, each one adding an individual piece to a historical mosaic that spans the centuries. The Calinog Municipal Building in Quezon street was completed in 1937 under the leadership of Municipal President Geronimo Celo and Javier Celo as Vice President. It is the only municipal building in the entire province designed with a watchtower. The histor...