Guimaras Mango pasta! Fresh, sweet, tangy and zesty all at the same time.
Native Ilonggo coffee at Iloilo’s oldest hang-out, Madge Cafe
Deco’s La Paz batchoy is all sorts of win.
Blue crab galore at Camiña Balay nga Kawayan.
Fancy dinners at Bistro Carcosa.
3. The Food
If Iloilo’s largest export, mega fast food chain Mang Inasal, is any indication, Ilonggo cuisine is a must-experience. The idea of sitting down to a home-cooked meal is a dominant part of Ilonggo culture, so consider yourself lucky to share a table with this population who happen to be just as passionate about cooking as they are with everything they do. Visit Deco’s for a taste of Ilonggo’s signature La Paz batchoy, or enjoy a feast of meaty blue crabs, savory bino-ug nga baboy (smoked salted pork), and delectable mango pasta in Camiña Balay nga Kawayan’s rustic home-turned-restaurant with a breath-taking view of the countryside, then wash it all down with native iced coffee (in tin cans!) from Iloilo’s iconic Madge Café. And if you’re stuck in the metro, there’s always Mang Inasal.
A very colorful local biking around Calle Real.
2. The People
There is something about Ilonggos that I can’t put my finger on. It may be that they are a genuinely affectionate people whose warmth and kindness are infectious, or how they are very passionate about their region, and take pride in every little aspect it showcases. The Ilonggo people’s earnest efforts to preserve the numerous ancestral homes and historical landmarks in their area is also highly admirable, evidence of which is seen in ongoing restoration projects for numerous heritage houses and buildings around the city. Whether it may be their kind hearts, their homegrown pride or their laudable passion for their heritage, Ilonggo’s people will find their way to your heart, befitting the endearing moniker their city has been known for.
Check out our sweet digs during our stay in Iloilo after the jump!
