Takuri Cafe: Feel At Home

Hidden amongst the maze-like streets in Brgy. Cuartero, Jaro is a homey cafe which serves Malaysian coffee, home-cooked oriental dishes I assumed that were collected from the owners' travels, and local desserts that are just so yummy. The name's Takuri Cafe.

THE SHOPS at Atria: Part I

The Shops at Atria by the Ayala Land Inc. officially opened five months ago. Located at Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, it features local and established restaurants, retail, and service shops. Some of these shops include BPI, Salon de Rose, Mercury Drug, and 7-Eleven.

Overlooking the mini plaza. Atria at its early stages.

The concept of the place is that of an open garden (like Bonifacio Global City in Manila and Ayala Northpoint in Bacolod) with a mini plaza at its center where some events are held. The place is located few minutes away from SM City Iloilo, Plazuela de Iloilo, and Smallville Complex.

Shops at Atria

Yusay-Consing Mansion

Thank you for APEC 2015 because it has brought some good changes in the city. Roads were wider and more presentable, more business and leisure opportunities for the Ilonggos, and more ways to showcase our heritage. One of such ways is the opening of the preserved Yusay-Consing Mansion in Molo, Iloilo City.

FOODTRIPPIN: Birthmonth Celebration

I've been busy lately with work, but not busy enough to celebrate my birthday for one whole month! It took a lot of planning to meet everybody's schedule, but it was worth it. The bond and love, and of course, good food just made it extra special. Below are glimpses of where we had been for the past month. Some places may be old, most are new. Hope you could get some ideas for your next food destination! (You may check out Everything Iloilo's Facebook page here because I regularly post photos or updates there. Thank You!)

Paella Negra

FOODTRIPPIN: ASIAN SPOON Flavors of Southeast Asia

One of the first to open at The Shops at Atria by Ayala Land Inc. Donato Pison Avenue is Asian Spoon. I heard that it is also under the same management as Cilantro Vietnamese Restaurant. The restaurant offers flavors from Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam (these are the only countries that I can remember listed on their menu).

interiors of Asian Spoon

PATH OF FAITH: A Summary

This is just a summary of my Church Visit in Southern Iloilo. Also I've included a link for the Visita Iglesia prayer (click here), for those who are planning to do their journey in Holy Weeks to come.

9AM - 945AM: Travel from my house to Molo (near Molo Iloilo Supermart), Php20, and waiting of Miag-ao bound-jeepney

945AM-11AM: Molo to Miag-ao, Php45, by jeepney  (travel time usually varies because of jeepney stops)

SOUTH PARK GRILL, Guimbal Iloilo

South Park Grill

I am familiar with the name South Park Grill because we used to frequent the southern part of Iloilo (for its beaches and some business) and can see the restaurant as the jeepney zooms by. But since it has opened some years ago I never did got a chance to experience it. And so this day came.

A PATH OF FAITH: Church Visit in Southern Iloilo

It was originally planned that we do a Visita Iglesia last Holy Week. I was excited not because of the trip but because I really, really need to talk to Him and strengthen my faith once again. But due to some circumstances it didn't push through. And one early morning while I had an insomnia attack, this thought came through. I will embark on a solo commute journey (since I was fairly familiar in commuting to the South), on a post-Holy Week church visit, to continue my purpose of seeking His presence. And so I did just that one bright and hot summer day.

Stained glass image of Jesus, Villa Church

EASY MALL HOPPING!

For a cheap, fun-filled activity, one could choose from several malls within the city...with just one or two rides you can easily go mall-hopping without the hassle of maze-like streets and jeepneys...

SM City Iloilo

CILANTRO VIETNAMESE COFFEE: As promised, and more

cà phê sữa đá, Php45.00

Yes, as promised we came back to Cilantro to experience their much-talked about Vietnamese iced coffee or cà phê sữa đá. And as we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by the smell of cilantro, beckoning us once more for a tasteful experience.

MARIA PAZ HILLSIDE RESORT: A Hidden Paradise

This is a long overdue post. I thought I have already written about this place. Wala pa gali. Heheheh. So here it goes....

Hidden amidst the hills of Alimodian, Iloilo is one serene paradise that will surely let you escape your problems and soothe you back to calmness (yes, it did that to me ^_^).

MADGE CAFE ILOILO: Great conversations over a cup

I am a certified non-lover of coffee. I try to drink once in a while, but I can't really stand the bitter after-taste of it. They say coffee has some health benefits, but I don't get it when people get so crazy about coffee shops that lets you pay a hundred bucks just for a tea-cup sized coffee, when you could get it for under twenty pesos. So pardon me for being a critic, and pardon me if I could not distinguish the better taste of Guatemalan or Kenyan beans from the native ones. ^_^ (Yes, I know that the most expensive coffee beans are from civet poop).

SHERIDAN BOUTIQUE RESORT: Experience luxury

Sheridan Boutique Resort

"Soothe in by dining at the Ayanna Garden Restaurant, taking a dip at the Azure Infinity Pool, unwinding in one of the Casitas or sprawling around the swath of grasses and flowers of Wilfredo’s Event Place." (sheridanboutiqueresort website)

KABABS AND RIBS "PERSIAN KITCHEN"

I just heard this from a friend, and looking for something new to try after being away from Iloilo, I treated  a friend for a Persian dinner. We are both first timers when it comes to eating anything Persian, so I braced myself for the worst. At first glance I thought the restaurant would be a formal experience, but I was surprised it was like a fast food one. A good one though. 

Persian Kitchen at night

PEPPY THAI DELI

I have never liked Thai foods :).. But PEPPY THAI DELI has been making some reputation among Ilonggos for their affordable and savory Thai dishes. Their new branch at Plazuela de Iloilo makes it more accessible and relaxing to more Ilonggos and tourists. 

MARIDEL'S: SUGAR, SPICE, EVERYTHING NICE

Maridel's at Plazuela de Iloilo is making some news.. It's the newest resto/cafe that's going to give the Ilonggo's something sweet and everything nice...Many dubbed it as having the best cakes in town...

The Island Paradise: Boracay

Willy's Rock with Groto

      

Much has been said about this beautiful white sand beach just off the waters of Aklan. Many dubbed this piece of island as the Island Paradise. And once you have set foot and experience its breathtaking views, you may say you have been enchanted and would never want to leave such beauty. This is true to most local and foreign alike that have taken permanent residence in this island called BORACAY.

PAVIA TOWN: Regional Agro-Industrial Center

Just a few minutes from Iloilo City, Pavia has been considered as the Regional Agro-Industrial Center (RAIC) of Iloilo Province because its lands combine the agriculture (which mainly produces palay) and industrial (manufacturing plants like Coca-Cola and its very own Love Feeds) sectors. It is also home to some of the most sought-after housing subdivisions (Parc Regency and Savannah). Once a part of neighboring town Sta. Barbara, this town which is subdivided into 18 barangay has now its own set of culture that has been made famous through the years. And because of the construction of the International Airport of Iloilo, there's no stopping this once sleepy town for more progress.

CABUGAO SEAFOODS HAUS

Along the National Hi-way in Cabugao Sur, Pavia going to the Iloilo International Airport you'll see a native seafood restaurant that has been flocked by Ilonggos and visitors alike. 

ILOILO CITY HOTELS

Amigo Terrace Hotel       Iznart-Delgado Sts.,Iloilo City,Philippines,5000       Tel. No.: (63 33) 3350908       Fax No.: (63 33) 3350610 / 3370144       E-mail: amigohtl@mozcom.com

                            Sarabia Manor Hotel & Convention Center
                            101 Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City,Philippines, 5000
             Tel. No.: (63 33) 3351021 to 32
             Fax No.: (63 33) 3379127
             E-mail: reservation@smxhotel.com

Days Hotel Iloilo    Cor. Gen. Luna - Bonifacio Drive,         Iloilo City, P{hilippines 5000    Tel. No.: (63 33) 337-3297, (63 33) 336-8801 to 10    Fax No.: (63 33) 336-8000    Mobile : (0917) 700-3297 or (0918) 933-3297    E-mail: reservation@dayshotel.com