2014 Jan: Philippines: 5 Churches to Visit in Iloilo

Jaro Cathedral (Our Lady of the Candles National Shrine)

Take a jeepney with “Jaro Ikot” as a signboard, drop by the corner of E Lopez St, before the jeepney takes right turn at Graciano Lopez Jaena Park and walk to the church’s entrance gates.  Otherwise the “Ikot” means it will still go to other areas before returning to the park, and passing the front area of the church.

I would say, “where modern meets the old architecture”.  The 2 bell towers are newly constructed and the front walls of the church are being restored with cements.

The walls and good looking ceilings in the church are newly painted with green, blue and yellow.

2014 Jan: Philippines: Iloilo: In My Eyes

Airport

From Manila it is about an hour and 15 minutes away to reach Iloilo International Airport.  Yes, you read it right “international” and it speaks for itself.  Part of Region 6 (Western Visayas), it looks better than other local airport terminal in other provinces. No need to walk in tarmacs but instead has a decent connecting bridge.  Rotating belt is powered and working well.  The transport going to the city is organized too.

Airport Transfer

Two options are available, take metered taxi (flag down rate is 40php) or take a van going to city proper (SM City Iloilo terminal) for an affordable fare of 50php.  From the mall, you can take jeepney going to different areas in the city.

In your return to the airport, you can take the same van for higher fare of 70php.  There is also SM Traveler's Lounge where you can leave your luggage at the Baggage Counter for only 30ph, then, spend your remaining hours buying pasalubong (returning presents).