Smack right in the middle of the tropical Philippine Islands is a quaint and at the same time progressive city called Iloilo. Considered the heart of the Philippines because of its geographical location, it is fondly called “The City of Love”. Staying true to its moniker, Iloilo is home to the most loving, friendly, kind-hearted, and soft-spoken Filipinos otherwise known as the Ilonggos.

Unlike the nation’s capital, Manila, Iloilo is more laid-back. It is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just relax. Driving around the city is a pleasure since the traffic is not horrible; you can even roll down your window for a whiff of clean, fresh air that your lungs can thank you for, while enjoying a scenic view of the city.

The city boasts of modern infrastructures such as malls, bars, hotels, and likewise well-preserved old buildings, churches, and houses from the Spanish era. It is also surrounded by numerous beaches and resorts that will satisfy your wanderlust.

Here are some things that may interest you..

 

Iloilo – is a province located in the region of Western Visayas in the Philippines. Iloilo occupies a major southeast portion of the Visayan island of Panay and is bordered by the province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest.

Just off Iloilo’s southeast coast is the island province of Guimaras, once part of Iloilo but now an independent province. Across the Panay Gulf and Guimaras Strait is Negros Occidental, occupying the northwestern half of the larger island of Negros. Iloilo’s capital is Iloilo City, though the city itself is independent and not governed by the provincial government itself. According to the 2015 census, the population of the province (excluding Iloilo City) is 1,936,423. If Iloilo City is included, the population is 2,361,042 in total.

Geography

The province covers a total area of 5,000.83 square kilometres (1,930.83 sq mi) occupying the central and eastern section of Panay island in the Western Visayas region. If Iloilo City is included for geographical purposes, Iloilo has an area of 5,079.17 square kilometres (1,961.08 sq mi). The province is bordered by province of Antique to the west, Capiz to the north, the Jintotolo Channel to the northeast, the Visayan Sea and Guimaras Strait to the east, and the Iloilo Strait and Panay Gulf to the southwest.

The province is divided into two distinct geographic regions; the highlands of the Central Panay Mountain Range on the western border and the lowland plains which account for a larger portion of the province. Small islands east of its northernmost tip also dot the Visayan Sea – of these, Pan de Azucar and Sicogon are well-known. Mount Baloy is the highest mountain in Iloilo with an elevation of 6,261 feet (1,908 m) above sea level, located on the triple border of Iloilo, Capiz, and Antique. Other peaks are Mount Llorente 4,409 ft. (1,344m), Mount Sansanan 4,219 ft. (1,286m), Mount Napulak 4,095 ft. (1,248 m), Mount Balabag 3,728 ft. (1,136m).

Expansive fishponds and mangrove wetlands are found along the coasts and rivers of Iloilo City and the towns of Oton, Leganes, Zarraga, Dumangas, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Barotac Nuevo, Ajuy, Balasan and Carles.

 

Religion

Iloilo is Catholic predominated province comprising about 60% of the population. Protestant churches also exist such as members of Philippine Independent Church or Aglipayan Church with 35% of the population, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Adventist, and other Evangelical Christians; There are also non Protestant and other Christian sects such as Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church of Christ of Latter day Saints (Mormon) and Jehovah’s Witnesses while non Christians are usually represented by Muslims, and to a lesser extent, Buddhists and Hindus.