Welcome to Iloilo, my Mom’s beloved hometown!
It’s incredibly hot and humid today—dry season has definitely arrived again here in the Philippines. Thankfully, I’ll be working from home for the next three weeks, which gives me the perfect opportunity to start another blog.
But before I get into that, it’s hard to ignore the negative things happening around us. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are affecting everyone—fuel prices are rising, transport strikes are happening here and there, and inflation continues to weigh heavily on people. You can feel the growing anxiety everywhere. I just hope this all comes to an end soon, as economies around the world continue to struggle.
Stairway to Heaven
Now, let’s talk about childhood memories. Which moments from your childhood have you found yourself wishing you could experience again? Maybe it’s riding a bike with your childhood friends, or visiting your grandparents during school breaks. There are so many memories to look back on—and chances are, they’re some of the happiest thoughts you carry with you.
Heaven's Viewpoint
Well, I already gave you a hint. One childhood memory I’ve always wanted to relive is visiting my mother’s hometown in Iloilo. Thankfully, I had the chance to experience it again almost three years ago—such a blessing. I still remember the very first time I went there. I was in first grade, and it was during our school break.
Miagao Church
As they say, better late than never. I had been planning to visit Iloilo again for a long time, but with work and other responsibilities, I never quite found the time to make it happen. What really pushed me to finally go through with it was having the budget at the time—and the idea of making it a special gift for my mom’s birthday. It was only in the middle of the pandemic that I had the chance to organize everything—from booking tickets to creating our itinerary—and turn that long-time plan into reality.
Like my previous local and international trips, this was another short vacation—but I made sure to make the most out of our six days. I was traveling with my mom, and since Iloilo has a neighboring province with breathtaking beaches—Guimaras—we didn’t want to miss the chance to visit. We were also excited to experience the Mango Festival, so I decided to include a day tour there in our itinerary.
Special thanks to Yan Ticketing Services – Lakbay Pilipinas and International Tours, which I discovered on Facebook, for arranging our day tours. Without them, this trip wouldn’t have been possible. They were incredibly accommodating, with great service and genuinely kind staff.
Guimbal Church
Curious to learn more about the geography and history of Iloilo? Let me share a quick overview based on reliable sources. Iloilo is a province in the Philippines located at the heart of the archipelago. It occupies the southeastern portion of Panay Island, with the island province of Guimaras just off its coast. Its capital, Iloilo City, is one of the country’s key urban centers and is fondly known as the “Heart of the Philippines.”
Iloilo takes its name from “Irong-Irong,” the old name of Iloilo City, referring to a strip of land shaped like a nose along the Iloilo River. According to the Maragtas legend, in the 13th century, Datu Puti and other datus fled Borneo to escape Sultan Makatunao and landed in present-day San Joaquin. They encountered the Ati people, led by King Marikudo and Queen Maniwangtiwang, and bartered for the lowlands of Panay using gold and gifts, while the Atis moved to the mountains. Datu Paiburong was assigned to Irong-Irong. The island was later said to be governed under the Code of Kalantiao, enjoying long periods of peace until Spanish colonization began.
Molo Mansion
We arrived in Iloilo early in the morning and had breakfast at a small place near the airport, where I got to try my first batch of Batchoy, a popular noodle soup in the province and across the country. Since our tours were scheduled to start on the second day, we spent our first day visiting my mom’s siblings and meeting our relatives. I was amazed that my mother still remembered how to commute to their home. It made me feel really happy and grateful. Along the way, we saw rice fields and mountains again, and I felt at ease being surrounded by rural life. By noon, we had to leave and head back to the main city proper.
On our second day, we explored the “City of Love” through an Iloilo City day tour, which also included Garin Farm. It already felt like a private tour since it was just the two of us and our driver. Our first stop was Garin Farm, a place that became very famous online because of its “Stairway to Heaven” and its depiction of heaven, featuring a huge cross and other sculptures set in immaculate white. I was a bit worried that my mom might not make it to the top since the climb can be quite challenging. Thankfully, the atmosphere that morning was solemn and not crowded with tourists, so we were able to take our time going up, pausing at several spots to take photos along the way.
One of the main highlights of Garin Farm is its Pilgrimage Hill, a symbolic journey from creation to ascension. Commonly known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” it features a 480-step staircase where visitors pass through key biblical scenes, including the Birth and Baptism of Christ, the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Ascension.
Molo Church
Garin Farm is not just an inland resort but a working farm that blends agriculture, recreation, and spirituality in one place. Visitors can explore its farm features, take part in leisure activities, and experience its well-known pilgrimage site.
Aside from its agricultural setting, the farm also offers a range of activities to enjoy, including ziplining over the lagoon, driving a buggy, paddling a boat, fishing, and swimming.
Guimaras' Smallest Plaza
From visiting a pilgrimage site, we continued on to explore several historic Catholic churches. Among them, I can say that our visit to Miagao Church was the most memorable. Also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, it stands as one of the most iconic and well-preserved churches in the country. Completed in the late 18th century, the church is especially admired for its intricate façade, featuring detailed sculptural carvings that reflect both religious and local cultural influences.
Welcome to Guimaras!
Recognized in 1993 as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, the church is more than just a historical landmark—it is a testament to the enduring faith and heritage of the people of Miagao. Its massive structure, unique design, and rich symbolism make it one of the country’s true architectural treasures. Though my mom was originally from Iloilo, it was both our first time visiting the church, which made the experience even more special.
It felt as though my mother, too, was quietly drifting down memory lane as we explored the historic Jaro Cathedral and Jaro Belfry, before continuing our journey to the centuries-old San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church and the nearby Guimbal Town Park—a place where history lingers, as the church, built in 1730, stands among the oldest in the municipality and has long been home to the Cofradia de la Nuestra Señora de la Consolación y Sagrada Correa, a religious brotherhood established in 1714 and considered one of the oldest in the Philippines.
Guimaras Mangoes!
It has been built and rebuilt over time under the care of local friars, a legacy that continues today through ongoing restoration efforts.
Its structure offers a glimpse into the past, having endured strong earthquakes since 1730 with only slight changes to its façade and belfry. While the current retablo is a replica, it faithfully reflects the beauty and spirit of the original.
We also visited the elegant Molo Mansion and the nearby Molo Church, where the refined atmosphere made it feel as though we had stepped into a charming corner of Latin America despite the warm weather. Inside the mansion, I was pleasantly surprised to find Kultura—one of my favorite places for unique souvenirs, stylish shirts, and beautiful pearls. Also known as the Yusay-Consing Mansion, this historic home stands out for its high ceilings, Neoclassical details, and intricate carvings; built in the 1920s, it once belonged to Doña Petra Lacson and her husband, Estanislao Yusay, a prominent judge of his time.
The St. Anne Parish Church, widely known as Molo Church, is a striking example of Spanish Neo-Gothic architecture in Iloilo City and falls under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Jaro. Often called the “women’s church,” it is uniquely adorned with images of female saints, including Saint Anne, its patron. In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, it was declared a national landmark in 1992 by the National Historical Institute.
Sun-kissed sands and tranquil oceanfront
By noon, we headed to Festive Walk Iloilo for lunch—a welcome break even though it wasn’t part of the tour. We only passed by spots like the Brandy Museum, Iloilo River Esplanade, and the I Love Iloilo City Signage without staying long, as fatigue had started to set in and the rich history of the places we had already explored felt more than enough for the day. On our second day, we set off for a Guimaras Island tour—finally, it was time for the beach.
Quiet rural life
Guimaras, a charming island province tucked between Iloilo and Negros Occidental, is best known for its exceptionally sweet mangoes—widely regarded among the finest in the world. But beyond its famed fruit, the island reveals a rich tapestry of natural beauty, from pristine beaches and vibrant marine sanctuaries to lush mango orchards and sweeping panoramic viewpoints. With its laid-back atmosphere and abundant offerings, Guimaras invites visitors to slow down and savor a truly refreshing island escape.
We arrived at Ortiz Wharf early in the morning and boarded a ferry bound for Jordan, the provincial capital of Guimaras. Upon arrival, we met our tour driver, but unfortunately, my mother felt dizzy after the boat ride. Because of this, we decided to skip visiting other tourist spots and kept our itinerary simple. If I remember correctly, we were able to visit the Trappist Monastery, the Smallest Plaza, and Raymen Beach Resort in Alubihod. We also made sure to stop by the venue of their Manggahan (Mango) Festival, where we picked up some souvenirs to take home.
The Smallest Plaza in the Philippines, located in Guimaras, once held recognition in the Guinness World Records for its remarkably compact size. Measuring only around 200 to 300 square meters, the plaza features a statue of José Rizal at its center and sits right beside a national highway, surrounded by nearby homes.
Despite its limited space, it becomes a lively gathering place during annual celebrations, with visitors and locals filling the tiny square. This humble plaza has quietly witnessed many of the province’s significant moments, proving that even the smallest spaces can hold a rich and meaningful history.
We were actually just there for a few minutes—funny to say, we stayed just long enough to confirm how small the plaza really is. Sitting right in the middle of the national road, it’s easy to miss if you don’t pay attention, but once you see it, it’s such a unique and memorable spot.
Looking back, what happened to us in Guimaras felt like a kind of divine protection—the heat was intense, and it honestly felt impossible to visit many tourist spots without ending up completely exhausted. Instead, I found myself drawn to what I truly love most: staying longer by the beach, swimming with my mother, getting sun-kissed, and simply enjoying the sun, the waves, and the peaceful vibes. I’m so grateful this province is so close and accessible, especially since many of Iloilo’s beautiful beaches are in the northern part and require more travel. Still, I’m holding onto the hope—and claiming it—that we’ll get to explore those places next time.
By the afternoon, we headed back to Iloilo, where my uncle and aunts were already waiting for us and drove us back to their place. So many things happened once we returned—we had more time to bond, visited our relatives, and even went to see my mother and her siblings’ old elementary school. A lot has improved over the more than two decades since my last visit, yet some things never change. I still find myself deeply drawn to the rural life—the laid-back, worry-free days, sipping coffee during siesta time, breathing in the clean air, and being surrounded by greenery, animals, and all of God’s creations. Life there just feels so simple and easy.
We will surely be coming back to these provinces—and this time, I’m claiming it will be for a much longer stay. And so, this marks the end of my blog. After this, we’ll be heading back to Cebu, which I can honestly say feels like a second home to me—I might as well be an unofficial Cebuano at this point, having visited so many times and fallen in love with everything it offers. A friend invited me to join me then, and luckily, I had the free time, plus flights back and forth were quite affordable compared to other destinations. That trip to Cebu actually happened almost three years ago, but it still holds a special place in my heart. This time, we were in Moalboal, Cebu. See you there in my next blog!
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” - Mark Twain
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