It’s that time again for the annual Dinagyang Festival!
One of the most anticipated festivals in the country, Dinagyang is not only a time for street dance and tribal parade but also a time for festival goers to discover what Iloilo City has to offer. Known for its heritage mansions, historical streets and oldest churches, the city prides itself in reviving and preserving its own cultural identities.
Some of the best destinations anyone can easily reach are the one located within the heart of the city. If you want to have a cultural experience while enjoying the Dinagyang Festival, these are few of the ones you need to visit:
Landmarks
- Iloilo Esplanade
Formally opened in 2012, the Iloilo esplanade is promenade built along the Iloilo River. It is the longest linear park in the Philippines, which measures up to 1.2 kilometers.
The best time to visit the “esplanade,” as what locals commonly call it, is during the early morning or the late afternoon when you can enjoy the scenic views during the sunset. It is also a sanctuary for people who love to jog or take a relaxing stroll. It’s pavement is installed with pavers that cushion the feet and gives the park its rustic look.
Iloilo Esplanade can be reached through its two main entrances: the eastern located along Diversion Road in Mandurriao District, and the west end located on the boundary of Molo and Mandurriao. It can be found easily, you can’t miss it!
- Sunburst Park
Only recently, Iloilo has renovated and reopened another historic landmark: the Sunburst Park. On December 14, the park was officially opened to the public once again after undergoing some rigorous make over.
In the hopes of boosting the tourism in the city, Sunburst Park will follow the likes of Iloilo Esplanade to become one of the defining destinations in the city. Rightly so, the park was opened just in time to host the opening salvo of the Dinagyang Festival 2019.
It is located in front of Iloilo Customs House, and was named after the US Army 40th Infantry “Sunburst” Division that helped liberate Panay from Japanese occupation in World War II.
Enjoy the features the park has to offer: from walkway, chess playground to park benches fit for leisure and exercise (maybe a little photoshoot on the side, too).
Churches
- Jaro Cathedral
Formally known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, the Jaro Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro. It is the second national shrine in the Visayas, the first being Basilica del Santo Nino in Cebu.
The cathedral was built in 1864, the year when the district was named a diocese by Pope Pius the IX, by order of His Grace Mariano Cuartero, the first bishop of Jaro. But in January 1948, the majestic cathedral of Jaro was destroyed in an earthquake and was restored in 1956. Styled as baroque with the addition of gothic elements, the Jaro Cathedral not only stands as an edifice of the Ilonggos’ faith but also became a destination for tourists looking to glimpse its elegant architecture.
With its rich history, it is only right that the cathedral should remain standing strong for several coming years as the symbol of the catholic faith of Ilonggos. And with this idea in mind, the walkway leading up to the cathedral was fortified with Primax pavers that will help the church endure the test of time. The paved area, in its own way, had contributed to preserving the history of one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
- Molo Church
In recent years, the Molo Plaza have undergone renovation. Today it stands as another boost for tourism of Iloilo City with its new and classy look. A distinct landmark of the plaza is the gazebo that houses the six Greek Goddesses. They are Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Demeter, Hera and Hestia. There is a playground for children to enjoy. Park benches are also built for people wanting to relax and savor the surroundings.
Built in 1863, the church is an imposing edifice designed with a combination of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It is dubbed as a “Feminist Church,” because of the sixteen female saints that line the main aisle.
*Information source on Sunburst Park: https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/sunburst-park-to-boost-iloilo-citys-tourism/