A Jewel in the Center of the Philippine Archipelago By Peter Garant At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Iloilo was once named Irong-Irong or Ilong-Ilong because of the repose between the Iloilo River and Batiano River that seemingly forms an angle of the nose, thus the name that means nose-like. Iloilo City used to be known as the Queen City of the South because of its beauty and flourishing economy. It was historically one of the major producers of sugar, copra, bananas and sugar. Currently, rice is the major crop in Iloilo.

Iloilo City has a very strategic location right in the center of the country’s archipelago. Because of its accessibility, Iloilo allows for trade and commerce provisions from both ends of the country. It is approximately 288 miles from Manila. By plane it takes about 45 minutes and 18 hours by boat from Manila. Its total land area is approximately 56 sq. km with mountain ranges that peak at almost 7,000 feet between Iloilo and Antique on the west and Capiz on the north. It has two main seasons with the rainy season from June to September and the dry season from October to May. Its main language is Hiligaynon or Ilonggo.

Iloilo is also best known for their native delicacies such as pinasugbo, piaya, their dried fishes, pancit Molo from the Molo district, and La Paz Batchoy from the La Paz district. For souvenir items, Iloilo offers a wide range of antiques, handicrafts, art pieces and some of the finest embroideries. For outdoor escapades, visit Iloilo’s various landmarks. Molo Church is just 3 kilometers from the city proper and known as the church that Jose Rizal visited on his way to his exile in Dapitan. The Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral is the seat of the Jaro Archbishopric for Western Visaya. It also houses Lady of Candles, whom the Ilonggos consider miraculous. Distrito Jaro showcases old colonial houses of sugar barons and other Hispano-Filipino elites. Calle Real in downtown Iloilo is a part of the old city. Walk along the streets and take in the architecture of old buildings constructed during the Commonwealth era. The Museo Iloilo houses many of Iloilo’s cultural heritages. Muelle Loney is the river port of Iloilo, which is considered to be the safest harbor in the province.

Iloilo City is also known for its Dinagyang Festival that is celebrated annually during the fourth week of January. It was in 1521 that the roots of the Dinagyang Festival may be traced. The people of Iloilo celebrate this festival because of their devotion to Señor Santo Niño. Historically, the image of Santo Niño was given to Queen Juana, wife of King Humabon of Cebu, as a gift when she was baptized by the Spaniards. From then on, the Catholic faith and devotion to the Child Jesus flourished in the area. The festival itself was officially launched in 1977, with the term Dinagyang coined by Ilonggo writer and radio broadcaster Pacifico Sumagpao Sudario. Dinagyang is celebrated with street dancing where audience participation is encouraged. The street revelry represents offerings and prayers to Señor Santo Niño, with the quick beating of the drums and thundering shouts of, “Viva Señor Santo Niño” and, “hala bira” from the different tribe members.

The Paraw Regatta Festival is yet another reason for visiting Iloilo City. This annual boat race is a tribute to the legend of the early Bornean settlers in the area, which officially started in 1973 by the Department of Tourism. The Paraw Regatta festival is usually celebrated during the summer month of April. This festival commemorates the coming of the ten Bornean datus who fled the dictatorial rule of Sultan Makatu¬naw and became the first settlers in the area. During the Para Regatta, the Iloilo Strait becomes a muti-color sea of sailboats. The sailboats are expected to travel a total of 36 kilometers with 5 points in Iloilo City and Guimaras island.

The city is now moving towards revitalizing socio-economic growth with the coming of new investment and industries in the area with the aim of regaining its title as the Queen City of the South.

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