8 Places to Enjoy in Iloilo

Say you're on a business trip to Iloilo, or maybe you're just there for a quick vacation. Are you browsing the web for ways to enjoy your Iloilo vacation? Do you want to see some of Iloilo's tourist spots?

Here are just some of the places to visit when travelling to Iloilo.

"I am Iloilo" sign in the Iloilo Esplanade

Just so we're clear, there are a lot of great places to visit in Iloilo, especially now that Iloilo is preparing for the Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC) Summit.

1. Iloilo Esplanade

Iloilo Esplanade Entrance Sign

Post Script:

This 1.2 kilometer esplanade celebrates Iloilo citizens' love for their river. It provides a functional, as well as beautiful venue that accommodates varied leisure activities open for all to use and appreciate. It also brings everyone closer to the water's edge, reconnects people back to nature and increases awareness of the environmental balance necessary for the city to sustain those who live within its borders.

A closer look at the newly paved pathway inside the esplanade.

The Iloilo Esplanade was created alongside the Iloilo River. It's a known shortcut from the highway to Molo. It's also a safer walking route to the Boardwalk which leads the path to Smallville, Iloilo's nightlife central.

Iloilo Esplanade's Beauty at Night

The Iloilo Esplanade is a great place for joggers and exercise buffs. At one end of the Esplanade (the one near  Zyron's), group exercise programs like Taebo and Zumba are being held on a daily basis.

The path to Molo and the entrance of the Riverside Boardwalk

2. JD at Huervana St., La Paz

Whenever someone mentions JD, they often refer to the famous JD Roadhouse. Unfortunately, their food quality has begun to decline. The last time I ate there, I was so disappointed with the Palabok (too little sauce) and their famous Baked Mac (too dry).

This JD Bakeshop is located in Huervana St., La Paz, Iloilo City

Then, I was able to eat breakfast at JD La Paz. Boy was my disheartening experience erased.

I just love eating at the place early in the morning. It's virtually empty.

For me, the best JD (in terms of food preparation) is located in La Paz, in front of the La Paz public market, along Huervana Street.

At the top portion of a picture is their new sandwich. I love it. It's way better than their JD Clubhouse Sandwich.

3. Plazuela de Iloilo

Sorry for the sucky picture. Hahaha. I took this shot with a Samsung Galaxy Y.

I've been gone for such a long time that last June, when I visited Plazuela, I was so amazed by the new additions in the place. There were enlarged colorful flower fixtures accompanied by bees and butterflies.

4. Teds at Iloilo

Teds is just Teds. It's famous for its batchoy. I personally don't like eating batchoy, but I'm sure the adventurous palate would beg to differ.

5. Sharetea in Smallville

Okay, so it's not all about local restos. I know Sharetea isn't from the Philippines, but I'd be damned if I don't include them in this list. I would rather drink in Sharetea than in Iloilo's damned Starbucks anytime.

Sharetea is located inside the Smallville Complex. My favorite drink is the Ice Blended Cocoa with Ice Cream. 

Yes, bitter ako because we've had multiple undesirable experiences with them, ranging from a Frappuccino with too much sugar to an over-charged "dagdagan mo ng cream" request.

Ooops! Sorry, wrong tea. Although, my usual Sharetea order does remind me of my favorite Chatime Mousse drink. Mmm...Chocolate...

And besides, at least Sharetea was not responsible for mass food poisoning Iloilo citizens, Dakasi is.

6. Roberto's

Of course, there are other places worth mentioning. This restaurant is particularly amazing as the owners don't allow franchising.

Roberto's is relatively small compared to the massive number of customers that buy their burgers, siopaos, meatballs, shanghais, and fried rice on a daily basis.

Roberto's with their amazing Lumpia Shanghai and Queen Siopao. 

7. Coffee Break

Coffee Break because it's a local cafe

This last picture was taken YEARS ago. I just love Coffee Break's Baked Mac and Tuna Casserole.

As for their Frappes? Let's just say that it has been a struggle for them to maintain their old standard in coffee drink quality, especially when it comes blended iced beverages or frappes.

8. Love & Kisses Pizza Pies

Love and Kisses is a late addition because I've completely forgotten about it. I do have two sucky pictures of my favorite pizza choices.

Love & Kisses is the only pizza place that lets you order Seduction.

Love and Kisses has always been one of my favorite pizza place ever since time immortal. To be more prices, that's two decades ago.  I have enjoyed Love & Kisses' pizzas even back when their tiny pizzeria was located in narrow street within Iloilo Central Market.

And if all else fails, there's always Fantasy, right?

Sure, they're no Afrique's. Then again, Love & Kisses creates a nostalgic atmosphere that Ilonggos have learned to enjoy throughout the years.

There you have it. 8 Places to Go to When in Iloilo

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8 Places to Go to in Iloilo
8 Iloilo Tourist Spots
8 Iloilo Spots to Enjoy
8 Places to Visit in Iloilo