ABOUT ILOILO

Iloilo City is the capital of the province of Iloilo, which is located in the southern part of Panay island in Western Visayas. It faces the island of Guimaras thus making the Iloilo Strait a natural harbor and safe anchorage for ships. It is a highly urbanized city but still with a touch of rural life.



HISTORY
The rich history of Iloilo City dates back to the Spanish period. The weaving industry started the rise in trade and economy of the city but the sugar products, both from the island and the neighboring Negros, made the most impact thus making the city the second most important port of the colony. The title "Queen City of the South" was originally tagged to Iloilo City.

Iloilo City also played a main role during the Revolution against Spain. The Queen Regent of Spain Maria Christina gave the title of La Muy Noble Ciudad (The Most Noble City) because the city was the first to offer Spain its allegiance and assistance at the start of Philippine Revolution. The city also became the last Spanish Capital in the Orient. But through the leadership of General Martin Delgado, the towns got involved in the fight for independence thus forcing the Spanish to completely surrender. It was also in Iloilo, specifically in the town of Sta. Barbara that the Filipino flag was first raised outside Manila. The then town of Jaro also became the seat of Catholic church in Western Visayas.



(Must read: Ethnicity and the Revolution in Panay; The Struggle Against the Spaniards and the Americans in Western Visayas, 1897-1901)



During the Japanese Revolution, much of the city was left in ruins thus forcing majority of Ilonggo families to flee to nearby Negros and Cebu, leaving the city's economic in demise.



MY TAKE
Dubbed as the "City of Love" and the city with the "sweetest people" not because it is a place where you could readily find love, but because of the mild manner of Ilonggos. Almost everybody who has met an Ilonggo/Ilongga would comment that we don't seem angry, although we are, because of the mild way we speak. And there's a saying way back "Gina-piko kag gina-pala ang kwarta sa Iloilo" (Money is being shoveled and mined in Iloilo City) because we Ilonggos would rather save our money than spend it on luxury. And in my opinion, Ilonggos have just recently embraced the art of buying luxury items as many become more exposed to endless possibilities and opportunities.



As a true-blooded Ilongga I have seen the transformation of Iloilo City, from the ho-hum and quiet city with a rural aura some twenty years ago to the progressive and world-class city of today. When I was growing up the city's premiere destinations were Calle Real and Delgado Street, were local businesses and the only high-end mall (SM Delgado) are located. Establishments would close early and the handful transportations would only be until 8pm. It was as if the city is being left behind by neighboring islands, or is being shy, in terms of progress.



But some 15 years ago, the city has been constantly reviving itself. Buildings are restored to original glory, infrastructures were being put up, national and international brands are being introduced. Indeed Iloilo City is gaining some momentum to reclaim the title of "Queen City of the South". And with the help of the Dinagyang Festival, the city's most celebrated and famous festival, the goal may not be too far in the future.


SOME FAMOUS ILONGGO
Graciano Lopez Jaena - Revolutionary hero
Gen. Martin Delgado - Revolutionary hero
Magdalena Jalandoni - Ilonggo poet
Jose Mari Chan - singer
Gil Lopez Kabayao - renowned violinist
Jed Madela - singer
Lopez Family - business tycoons
Edgar Sia II - Mang Inasal founder
Fernando Lopez - former Vice President of the Philippines
Frank Drilon - senator
Miriam Defensor Santiago - senator
Amelita "Ming" Ramos - former First Lady (wife of former President Fidel Ramos)
Barretto sisters - actresses
Edu Manzano - actor
Rudy Fernandez - amputee triathlete
Emilio Caligdong - vice captain Philippine Azkals
Ronald Tubid - PBA player
Paulino Alcantara Riestra - football player, first Filipino and Asian player to play for a European club (FC Barcelona)