iArea code: (35)
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TRIVIA Ilonggos are known for their charm, and the sweet, musical intonation of their dialect. You can never tell when an Ilonggo is mad at you from the way they speak. Visit Iloilo and hear it for yourself!
TOUCHDOWN There are taxi services available. Prices range from PHP300 upwards. There are also metered cabs right outside the airport. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to get to the city
BY DAY Indulge in a merienda of La Paz Batchoy, steaming noodles in broth flavored with pork, pork cracklings, vegetables, chicken or beef at the La Paz Public Market
BY NIGHT Spend a fun evening in Smallville in the Pison Complex, which is a row of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Benigno Aquino Ave, Mandurriao District
SLEEP The Amigo Terrace Hotel is a good choice with amenities including a lobby shopping center. Iznart cor Delgado Sts, tel: (33) 335 0908 to 17
LOCAL LIFE
Ayla Betita
municipal employee
Best breakfast
Enjoy local brews at Blue Jay’s alongside their corn bread and French-style waffles
Best night out
You can book cottages at Casitas on Jaime Street in Jaro. Enjoy the pillows and reggae!
Best dinner
Jo’s Inato, where the local chicken inasal is extremely tasty and very affordable
Best buys
Cheap lomi, meatballs, and burgers from Roberto’s, an all-time fave merienda place
Best souvenirs
Homemade melt-in-your-mouth mango chewies from Mama’s Kitchen Cookies
Must-do experience
Drive three hours to Carles, the last town North of Panay, for exquisite beaches
Must learn…
“Tag-pila ini?” means “How much is this?” It’s great for shopping!
Insider’s tip
Soak in a bit of history and visit old churches like Jaro Cathedral and Molo Church
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