Day 1 – Heritage and History
🌅 Morning – Iloilo City Proper Walking Tour
1. Plaza Libertad
- Historic site where the Philippine flag was first raised outside Luzon.
- Great starting point to understand Iloilo’s role in Philippine history.
2. Iloilo City Hall & Museum of Philippine Economic History (Old Elizalde Building)
- Explore the city’s economic roots, sugar industry, and trade history.
- Elegant neoclassical architecture.
3. Calle Real (J.M. Basa Street)
- Walk through the historic downtown strip lined with restored colonial buildings.
- Great for architectural photos and old-timey vibes.
4. Roberto’s for Brunch or Merienda
- Try the legendary Queen Siopao.
🕰 Afternoon – Churches and Ancestral Houses
5. Molo Church (St. Anne Parish)
- All-female saint statues, neo-Gothic style, and a local legend hub.
- Across the street is the Molo Plaza with murals and chill spaces.
6. Panaderia de Molo (Merienda Stop)
- One of the oldest bakeries. Try the cookies and classic Molo soup.
7. Jaro Cathedral & Belfry
- Visit the seat of Catholicism in Iloilo; admire the grand staircase and candle vendors.
- Check out the Jaro Plaza and surrounding old houses.
8. Nelly Garden (By Appointment)
- A beautiful heritage mansion from the early 1900s with lush gardens.
- Book a guided tour to learn about Iloilo’s aristocratic past.
🌆 Evening – Cultural Dining Experience
9. Camina Balay nga Bato (Villa Arevalo)
- Dine in an ancestral home, walk through heirlooms and artifacts.
- Try their hot tablea chocolate and local kakanin after a heritage meal.
🎨 Day 2 – Art, Crafts, and Contemporary Culture
🌅 Morning – Art and Local Craft Scene
1. Museo Iloilo (Bonifacio Drive)
- Small but packed with ethnographic exhibits, pre-colonial artifacts, and war memorabilia.
2. ILOMOCA – Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (Megaworld)
- A modern cultural hub for local and international contemporary art.
- Enjoy the gallery stroll and museum café.
3. Hablon & Local Weaving Demo (Public Market or Oton Side Trip)
- Visit local shops or cooperatives selling hablon and patadyong.
- Some offer short demos or weaving displays (ex. in Arevalo or Oton).
🕰 Afternoon – Street Culture and Creative Spaces
4. Esplanade Walk + Urban Murals
- A stroll along the Iloilo River Esplanade gives you a look into eco-urban planning.
- Check out mural art along Diversion Road and skatepark areas.
5. Festive Walk Iloilo – Street Art & Crafts Market (if weekend)
- Pop-up stalls featuring Ilonggo crafts, music, and mini-exhibits.
- Great place for handmade souvenirs.
🌆 Evening – Performance or Cultural Chill
6. Iloilo Cultural Night (Seasonal)
- Look out for events at Cinematheque Centre Iloilo, UPV Cinematheque, or Casa Real.
- Cultural performances, indie film showings, or dance recitals are occasionally scheduled.
7. Nightcap at Smallville or Book Latte Café
- Grab coffee or drinks while enjoying an artistic ambiance.
- Book Latte sometimes hosts acoustic nights and poetry readings.
🛍 Bonus Pasalubong Ideas:
- Local crafts: Hablong shawls, pottery, wood carvings
- Books: Local history books at Iloilo bookstores or museums
- Cultural food: Barquillos, Biscocho, Tsokolate Tablea