As remote workers, we enjoy quite a number of benefits. No commute, lesser food expenses, more time for ourselves and our loved ones, and so on. It’s quite a refreshing routine.
But sometimes, you may want to change the routinary to something more exciting. And as remote workers, we can actually travel around the world and fund our expenses online.
With a reliable laptop and internet connection, we can even be digital nomads if you like. You can find remote jobs online to support your travels.
So where to go? Might I suggest Iloilo city?
Iloilo City, the City of Love
Iloilo is one of the best cities to explore in the Philippines. Dubbed the city of love, you definitely fall in love with the culture, the people, and the food!
They have a deep heritage of historical sites and delicacies that are unique to this city alone. There are a couple of nature spots also outside like the Gigantes islands. But for this article, let’s focus on what you can find in the metropolis itself.
If you’re in for a quick tour around Iloilo city. Here are 7 tourist spots you can visit for a break from remote working.
Jaro Cathedral
Let’s start with one of the oldest cathedrals in the Philippines, the Jaro Cathedral. Also known as Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, Jaro Cathedral is the second national shrine in Visayas and Mindanao. And also, it is the first one built in Panay City in 1864.
Marvel at the beauty of the staircase leading to its entrance. And watch the towering Belfry at its side reminiscent of those in Ilocos. Another distinct feature is its all-male ensemble of saints housed in its pillars. It’s certainly a site to behold.
Molo Church
Just a few minutes from Jaro cathedral lies another magnificent church with rich historical value. The Molo Church, also called the Saint Anne Parish Church, is dubbed a feminist or women’s church. It only displays female saints inside including Saint Anne, the patron saint of Molo.
Molo Church was built in 1831 with Gothic-renaissance elements on its structure. It is the only Gothic church outside Manila and history fill it’s towering walls.
Dr Jose Rizal, our national hero, visited the church for its biblical paintings back then. It was also an evacuation centre during World War II and was damaged during our resistance against the Japanese occupation.
It’s certainly a site to behold if you want to explore our rich history.
Molo Mansion
Formerly known as the Yusay-Consing Mansion, the Molo mansion is one of the most beautiful mansions you can see in Iloilo. It shows neoclassical aesthetics that paint an abundant past.
It was made in the 1920s and resided by Dona Petra Lacson with her husband Estanislao Yusay, Manila’s former Judge of the court during that period. They had 10 children raised in this picturesque structure.
After the family left, former Iloilo governor Timoteo Consing Sr. resided in this quaint mansion. And it even hosted 2 presidents, Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmena on their official trips to Iloilo.
There was a time that the Molo mansion was deserted, but it was later bought by the Consing family in 2014 and restored its grandeur once again.
Right now, it’s open for public viewing as a museum. And you can even stay at its on-site cafe to get some refreshments or shoot some emails for your remote working clients.
Camiña Balay Nga Bato
Another ancestral house to visit, the Camiña Balay Nga Bato or the “house by the river” is a tourist spot you must put on your itinerary. The beautiful ancestral house is inspired by a Bahay Kubo and stood the test of time when it was built between 1860 to 1865.
If you visit, there will be a guided house tour where you can learn about the history of the house. And afterwards, you can feast in the dining area with delectable dishes from its hometown. The Pancit Molo is tasteful with its broth and dumplings.
The hot chocolate is also a must-buy. Prepared the traditional way, the rich and thick chocolate is best paired with Biscocho.
Visit this place after a tiring remote working day. But take note, you must book in advance but it’s all worth it.
Calle Real
Now, let’s go to downtown Iloilo at Calle Real. Calle Real is a historical street that was once the main street of commerce in Iloilo. It’s decorated with several Spanish neoclassical buildings. It’s even dubbed the Escolta of Iloilo.
During the American occupation, Calle Real was lined up with high-end shopping items from Europe. No wonder the name literally means “Royal street in Spanish.
Get a glimpse back of this grandeur when you visit. Also, you can try out the esteemed Roberto’s Siopao on your walk on this beautiful road and thoroughfare.
Try Out La Paz Batchoy
What’s travelling without a little food escapade? Iloilo has one unique culinary dish that you should try. It’s their famous La Paz Batchoy.
La Paz Batchoy is invented in Iloilo’s La Paz market Federico Guillergan in 1938. It’s a hearty noodle soup made of chicken stock with beef loin and round noodles topped with pork offal and chicharon. The distinct sweet and salty taste can leave wanting more. In fact, you can even request extra soup for your feast.
Notable restaurants are Netong’s, Deco’s, Ted’s, and Inggo’. Of these, most can still be found in the La Paz market. Savour this authentic Filipino dish as a respite from all the stress of your work.
Madge Cafe
Another unique place situated in La Paz market si Madge Cafe. It’s a hole-in-the-wall cafe with a distinct offering for your craving palates.
Started in 1951, Madge Cafe prepares its Native Arabica coffee from Northern Iloilo in a traditional way — with a “takure” and “colador.” Regardless of social status, people meet in this area to chill from all their problems.
Madge is a gem of a find with its affordable and surprisingly relaxing offerings in the heart of Iloilo’s La Paz market.
River Esplanade
After a day’s tour or maybe you finished your online shift, you can visit the River Esplanade to unwind after a full day’s work. It boasts of the longest linear park in the country spanning roughly 9 kilometres. It’s brought by an initiative to rehabilitate the riverside. And what a site they had made.
See the lineup of trees and beautifully paved riverside while site seeing the Iloilo river. The sunset here is amazing to witness with your family, friends, or loved ones.
Conclusion
Are you excited about your trip to Iloilo? With remote work, you can explore numerous cities in the Philippines and other countries while earning enough money. Cheers to your new adventures!
