Discover Interesting Places in Iloilo Part 8

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INTERESTING PLACES IN ILOILO

Iloilo Province is filled with many natural and cultural spots worth exploring. Picturesque beaches are scattered across the seafood rich waters of Northern Iloilo where the islands of Gigantes and Sicogon in Carles, Concepcion, and Ajuy beckon. Head over to the Southern Iloilo to find well-preserved marine sanctuaries and heritage sites in San Joaquin and Miagao and peaceful grey sand beach havens in Guimbal, Tigbauan, and Oton. For nature lovers, there are many refreshing waterfalls, hiking trails, and highland areas in Central Iloilo just waiting to be discovered. You can find these cool spots in Bucari, Leon, Igbaras, Janiuay, Calinog, and Lambunao. Read More: http://www.exploreiloilo.com/do/place/iloilo-province/

Sinamay House

Photo from: http://localphilippines.com/attractions/iloilo-sinamay-house

Filipinos are fond of wearing their best clothing during special occasions: Wedding, christening, Christmas, parties, or Sunday masses. The style and design is as important as the fabric used. One of Filipinos finest fabric is in Iloilo’s weaving industry. These include woven textiles from abaca and pineapple, cotton and silk since the pre-Spanish period. It was in the 19th century when textile production in Iloilo reached a remarkable development that it was referred to as “the textile center” of the Philippines. Although towards the end of nineteenth century, it has lost its importance when it became a sugar entry point in the region. Many Ilonggo entrepreneurs shifted from weaving to sugar production. And the sale of cheaper English cotton materials increased and later eliminated the local market of Iloilo’s textile. Its dwindling industry discouraged most Ilonggos to engage on it but to this day, it has survived in the Arevalo Sinamay House.

The Arevalo Sinamay House is owned by Mrs. Cecilia Gison Villanueva. It was established in the late nineteenth century by her great grandfather, Captain Victorino Chavez, this “home industry” still operates today. The business and building were handed down by Captain Victorino to his son, Cornelio, and in turn was taken over by Cornelio’s daughter, Mrs. Rosario Chavez Gison. And in 1958, Cecilia Villanueva, the second child of Rosario, inherited the business and the house. During its early years, the weaving activity were done in the family’s house in Arevalo, Iloilo City. Now, known as the Sinamay House. However, in the 1990’s Cecilia decided that the weavers work in their respective houses. This too was an advantage for the workers because they could both tend their household as well as earn for a living. With the arrangement, Cecilia provides the fibers/thread and decides what items to weave. After which, the finished products will be sold back to her. Now, Mrs. Villanueva maintains ten weavers, some of them are the granddaughters of her mothers’ weavers. Read More: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2005/10/07/arevalo.sinamay.house.html

St. Barbara Church

Photo from: http://the11-11pages.blogspot.com/2009/04/historic-santa-barbara-church-in-iloilo.html

A church of great importance in our search for freedom, the Sta. Barbara Church in Iloilo testifies to Ilonggos’ contribution in our attainment of independence. In her beauty and uniqueness, this church also serves as a reminder of Ilonggo’s ingenuity and admirable masonry and craftsmanship skills, at par with their colonizers in their time.

The Church of Sta Barbara, completed in 1878 after almost 30 years of construction, is made of adobe, corals and red bricks. The architecture is chiefly Romanesque with its prominence of arcading or use of arches supported by pillars, arched windows, and its Latin cross floor plan. Recent additions of stained glass windows also add Romanesque characteristics in the church. At the same time, the church also is an excellent example of Filipino baroque colonial style. In contrast to other Iloilo churches, the Church of Sta Barbara has no belfry flanking any of its side; rather a belfry can be seen towering at the back of the right facade of the church. The belfry was only added in 1960s. Read More: http://iloiloilove.com/church-sta-barbara/

Tangke Lagoon

Photo from: http://kakulitan.com/news/iloilos-hidden-paradise-tangke-saltwater-lagoon

Protected by high limestone cliffs, the “Tangke” which means water tank/tank in English, is a swimming pool like scenery. The water came from the sea through the small openings in the limestone formation under the sea.

There is a hut with the care taker asking for 10-peso donation for the cleanliness of the place. They keep the place free from any form of trash brought by tourists like candy wrappers alike.

I was in awe when I saw this majestic scenery. The water was crystal clear and anyone cannot resist having a dip. Read More: http://www.bakingbyahera.com/2013/07/IslaGigantes.html