A trusted Philippine travel blog with detailed guides, hidden gems, and cultural stories from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s 82 provinces.
Jump to: About Iloilo | How to Get There | Things to Do in Iloilo | Sample Itinerary | Budget and Expenses | Where to Stay | Travel Tips
Iloilo is a province in Western Visayas known for its Spanish-era churches, heritage houses, vibrant festivals like Dinagyang, and world-class cuisine. Dubbed as the “City of Love,” Iloilo City is a gateway to both history and coastal escapes. Whether you're after architecture, food, or beaches — Iloilo has it all.
The San Jose Placer Parish Church in Iloilo City is one of the city’s oldest and most revered religious landmarks. Founded by the Jesuits in 1607 and later managed by the Augustinians, the church is known for housing the image of Nuestra Señora del Rosario de la Naval de Iloilo and the original image of the Santo Niño de Iloilo, the patron saint of the city. With its historic significance and role in the annual Dinagyang Festival, San Jose Church remains a vital center of faith and tradition in Iloilo.
The Tigbauan Church in Iloilo, also known as the St. John of Sahagun Parish Church, is one of the province’s most remarkable heritage sites. Built in the 16th century by the Spanish Augustinians, the church stands out for its unique Latin-American Churrigueresque architectural style and its beautifully crafted mosaics that depict biblical scenes. As a National Historical Landmark, it continues to be both a center of faith and a treasure of Iloilo’s colonial past.
