Superstarxtala Production #10: My Very First Solo Travel Experience (2/3)

💃Yolo Iloilo, hala bira!!💃

I stayed in Iloilo for transit when I was headed to Islas de Gigantes, my very first solo travel experience. As I mentioned in my previous post, this transit turned out to be very surprising as I was able to visit quite a lot of places than I expected.

Here's a list of those places. Enjoy!🤗

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Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy

First order of business was of course Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy. Who would ever go to Iloilo without trying the acclaimed best and original La Paz Batchoy maker in town? You’d be missing a lot if you don’t.

Netong’s is located right at the heart of La Paz Market and is very known among locals. You wouldn’t really miss it as you will always be pointed to the right direction by just saying the magic word, “Netongs”.

Since it is my first time here, I ordered Mega Bowl Batchoy, which was their best seller and was only priced at Php120.00 ($2.25). It is a noodle soup with the pork organs (mostly liver, kidneys, heart, and bone marrow) and topped with chicharon and toasted garlic. I was informed that it is best paired with their puto (rice cake), but I didn’t order because I wasn’t too hungry that time.

And the verdict? It didn’t disappoint, namit gid (very delicious)!

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Molo Church

One of the most beautiful gothic churches in the Philippines which was built in the 1800s. It is also known as the Feminist Church because of the 16-female saint statues found inside.

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Molo Mansion

Molo Mansion is just right across the Molo Church, so I decided to take a look. It was built around 1920s and was previously owned by the Yusay-Consing family. Why it was neglected, I don’t know the story, but it now houses SM’s Kultura shop for souvenirs.

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Iloilo Esplanade

A few steps away from the Molo Mansion and Molo Church is already an access to Iloilo’s famed Esplanade. I was able to have a few minute walk along the esplanade and I was amused when I saw a couple of locals fishing just right along the bridge! I mean, where on earth have you seen anything like this recently? Me? That was a first time. Haha

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So these were the places that I was able to visit on the day before heading to Islas de Gigantes.

I also mentioned in the first part of this series that I was only in Gigantes overnight. My entire tour was a 4 days and 3 nights. First night was in Iloilo, second in Gigantes, then 3 was again in Iloilo. I will try to post my entire itinerary on Part 3.

My last day in Iloilo was somehow my favorite as I was no longer scared as much as I was during my first day, except for one time. Harhar 💃

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Madge Café

First order of business on my last day of stay in Iloilo was in the iconic Madge Café. Aside from Netong’s, Madge Café is also a must-see. It is located right across Netong’s, so you wouldn’t have a hard time finding it as well. They are already 70+ years in business and a favorite among the locals and tourists because they use the same prewar recipe in making their coffee.

I’m not so much of a coffee enthusiast, but I just couldn’t leave without trying both Iced and Hot Coffee. I paired them with their highly recommended bibingka (another variant of rice cake) and their famous Pan de Ciosa (toasted bread with margarine). All these only for Php125 ($2.25)! And most importantly, again, it did not disappoint. Namit, namit gid!!! (I don’t know if I got that right, but what I want to say is that it was very very delicious, worth the visit!)

Aside from the food, my favorite part in visiting is the warm welcome of the locals and the family-like ambiance inside the café. As soon as you enter, they greet you with good morning as if you're a family.

Another reason why it’s a favorite is because of this corner. You see those cups behind? Yes, they are named and they all belong to their local patrons. Every time these patrons visit the café, their coffees would be served in their personalized cups! Isn’t that just wonderful?!

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Jaro Cathedral and Bell Tower

Another one of Iloilo’s old churches that was built in the 1800s. Similar to Molo Church, this also boasts a beautiful gothic element. Up to this time, I don’t know why I no longer went inside, but I am thinking maybe because I’ve been passing by this church a plenty of times to and from my hotel.

To be honest, I was more amazed or interested in seeing the Bell Tower. Again, it’s my first time to see one like this. Located just right across Jaro Cathedral.

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Casa Mariquit

Claimed to be the oldest heritage house in Iloilo and was also built around the 1800s. It was named after the granddaughter of Mr. Ramon Javellana, Mariquit, who happened to be married to the Philippines Vice President in the 50s, VP Fernando Lopez. The house was very well maintained and the caretaker claims that the furniture were originally from the old owners. I don’t know if it’s true, but yeah, they were pretty old already. The only surprising thing is that they are still functional. You are even allowed to touch some items and sit on some of the old chairs!

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Iloilo Museum

My visit here was only out of whim. I decided to drop by since I have plenty of time to explore. This is a sponsored museum of the Government which mainly exhibits Iloilo’s heritage. Some items that will be seen are some urns, war uniforms, war weapons, human bones and some local crafts.

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Lizares Mansion (Angelicum School)

Going here was also a whim, but it actually completes not only my Iloilo Trip, but mainly my entire First Solo Travel Experience. Why, you ask? It is because I got lost at one point and thought I was going to get seriously mugged in another. Both instances were my fault. First because I was reading the map wrong, and the second was because I mistakenly thought of Angelicum School as St. Agustin University, which was located in a very opposite direction from Angelicum.

I asked for the right direction from the staff in Iloilo Museum, rode the correct jeep, but my mind was fixated in St. Agustin's location. At this point I really thought I was going to get mugged because the jeep was heading the opposite direction far from the center and there was only one other lady passenger aside from me and I was afraid she might get off the jeep anytime soon! I was already discreetly checking google maps and waze, but my data was failing me (darn Smart). Maybe the panic I was trying to hide was already felt by the lady, she was right behind me and I was seated beside the driver, because she tapped my back and told me that Angelicum was already near. She was also kind enough to tell me that it's my stop already. Whew, imagine my relief!

Please don't ask me why or how about mistaking St. Agustin to be Angelicum School. I still don't know how!

Oh by the way, would you believe this was used to be a home to Don Emiliano Lizares? I mean yeah, there were rich people before, but this was in the 1930s. How rich could you be to be able to afford a home like this? I guess he’s just really,really,really rich!

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The Original Biscocho Haus

My last stop before heading back to the airport. Aside from trying Netong’s and Madge Café, your trip to Iloilo will not be complete without dropping by the oldest pasalubong(souvenir) shop in Iloilo! Yep, I just can’t go without grabbing some of those Biscochos!

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Before I forget, this was my lovely abode during my stay here for transit.

Casa Tentay

An ancestral home turned into a hotel right in the middle of Jaro, loved the location as it is a walking distance to Jaro Plaza, Bell Tower, Jaro Cathedral, Casa Mariquit and Biscocho Haus!

Didn’t I tell you that my transit trip to Iloilo is kinda more exciting than my “main event.” Haha I was pretty much surprised as well.

Once again, thank you for dropping by. Yolo Iloilo! Hala Bira!!💃💃

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xoxo

Tala😘

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