A Welcome Seduction

Alone. Consenting.

I, as a prey of the innocent “predator"  IloIlo City, upheld my being a rabasera on the second day of my self-guided tour on January 18, 2025. 

In the absence of a hired driver, I solely relied on Grab cars that Saturday. This convenient form of transportation was what I liked in Iloilo City. Searching for a ride and founding one was really swift! 

At 9:50am, I was on my way to Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (The National Shrine of the Our Lady of Candles) which is colloquially known as Jaro Cathedral. 

Facing this historical landmark is Jaro Plaza renamed to Graciano Lopez Jaena Park when this underwent a facelift in the 2020s. 

A prominent feature of this plaza is the Jaro Belfry. One would be mesmerized by its appearance but might wonder why this belfry tower is unattached to a church, most likely the Jaro Cathedral. 

Approaching the tower, I reveled in its exquisite beauty while comparing it with Cagsawa Ruins which is in Albay, my birthplace. 

If Cagsawa Ruins has the majestic Mount Mayon as its stunning backdrop, Jaro Belfry has Jaro Cathedral to give us one of the best sights in Albay and in Iloilo City respectively. 

Bicol Homecoming April 2015

I resumed going around the plaza and stopped at another monument for Ilonggo veterans during World War II. For the second time, I paid full homage to these great men. 

By the way, my day 2 DIY tour was partially guided by this tourist brochure which I took a picture of at the Museum of Philippine Economic History. 

Having mentally ticked off Jaro Plaza, I booked a Grab car anew and travelled toward the first museum which I would explore that day. 

Entrance is Php 150 for regular visitors. So far this is the second museum that I entered with admission charge. It's expected since its location, the Business Park Township, and the Casa Emperador Building that houses ILOMOCA (Iloilo  Museum of Contemporary Arts) require high care and maintenance. With its three-floor expansive exhibition hall, the fee is still relatively inexpensive. 

Welcoming me at the ground floor were a couple of paintings and an exhibit on Ilonggos' emblematic dishes. The latter had me reading further information about the unending development of their culinary artistry. I had already sampled Ilonggo cuisine, and I could vouch for its gastronomic appeal after my palette had fallen in love with it at first taste. 

In this moment, let me share the video clip and snapshots of the exhibit on the second floor. I hope this will let you experience a quantum teleportation. Gear up, dear readers!

 

Not to forget here is expressing my deepest gratitude to Mr. Ramelino B. Caberoy Jr., who was safeguarding the second floor gallery. His affability and photography skills turned me into an obliging "museum subject." Hehehe. 

Going up to the third floor, I feasted upon more avant-garde sculptures and paintings. 

The third floor gallery was looked after by Mr. Rogen M. Banehit. A big thank you as well, Sir Rogen, for being gracious in accommodating my request and queries! In fact when I saw SWAT personnel who were conducting a recon of the place, the curious feline or the gossipy tita in me knew whom to ask whether a VIP would be coming. Hahahahaha...

Having "forged" a quick camaraderie with one of these professional guards, I confirmed my hunch that it would be US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson. There were SWAT men outside Seda Hotel when I returned Friday afternoon, and this could mean a tight security for someone of importance (Uh-uh. Not me! 🤪). Moreover, she passed by my table when she finished her breakfast that Saturday morning. I could have stayed for a photo opportunity with one of the friendliest and charming US ambassadors; however, I had to exit the building and stroll along the Festive Walk at Megaworld Boulevard. 

At 1:54pm I was intending to leave the area when I discovered that Casa Emperador has the second museum - the Brandy Museum.

Frankly, I did anticipate a tasting opportunity. *sniffles* On the other hand, the omission of a free sample did me good! Ha-ha! If the brandy flavor varieties were enticing, I could have been intoxicated after rerunning the tour. *hics* *hics* *hics*

Without a doubt, it was another transformative independent tour for me. Thus, I felt it’s time to eat a scrumptious linner as a treat for myself. Rechecking the brochure, I booked Nelly’s Garden. I eagerly waited for my stop, only to be informed that it’s closed on a weekend when I arrived at the gate. Welp, I also learned late that this Lopez Heritage House isn't open to walk-in guests!

As a result, I checked out other nearby diners but decided to settle in Shops at Aria in case I exhaust myself and deplete my energy, which was reserved for the marathon. 

Hey, look what I got - baked oyster and sauteed scallops! Protein and carbo loading to the highest point!  

Wrapping up my itinerary, I returned to the hotel for a postprandial rest, but not after giving in to the lure of milk tea which led to a happenstance meeting with a “kin” from Felidae. 

Then, I ruminated on the shop’s slogan: Was I "brave as a tiger/tigress" too while “romancing with”  Iloilo City on my own? I suppose, it's certainly during moments of solitude when we undergo self-discovery where pride or shame may arise.