Ms FOUND IN MY TOWN FOR FRIDAY- MY TOWN SHOOT OUT

Iloilo is rich in historical & cultural attractions. It has majestic-century old churches such as Molo church, Miag-ao church; mansions, museum and more. There are numerous accommodation facilities, restaurants and malls.

Molo church

Miag-ao church

MONUMENTS

The main streets in Iloilo City are named after the Philippines' heroes. There is Rizal monument in the heart of the down town area in Plaza Libertad. It can be found in the middle of the plaza where the flag of the first Philippine Republic was raised in triumph after the Spanish troops surrendered Iloilo.



While the Rizal monument along Rizal Street is located in front of the University of Iloilo (my Alma Mater from high school to college) near Gaisano.


Not far from it is the Maria Clara monument, dedicated to the leading lady character in the hero's controversial novel, Noli Me Tangere.


There is also a monument of Mabini in Mabini Street near Robinsons Place.



MANSIONS

The Lizares Mansion in Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City was built by sugar barons of the yesteryears, the Lizares-Gamboa Family. That was used as headquarters with reputed torture chambers where some nuns and prominent Ilonggo Family members were killed during Japanese occupation in Iloilo. For many years, the place remained unoccupied and rumored to be haunted. Stories of dangling chains and queer sound heard during the night. For a short while in 1960's, it was rented by Manila gambling lords who operated & Monte joint until it was "help up" and robbed by a group of thrill seeking Ilonggos.

In early 1980's, this majestic Iloilo landmark was purchased ny the ominican Fathers who renovated the place and established the Angelicum School of Iloilo (ASIL) chapel is located. Every Christmas season, the main building is full of Christmas lights that attracts passers by and onlookers especially the kids.

this photo was taken last Christmas 2008

Another mansion is located in Ortiz Street, Iloilo City is the Celso Ledesma Ancestral Mansion. It is one of the most beautiful heritage houses in Iloilo. It is noticeable that the gate pillars are conquered by a demanding array of medieval inspired eagles.


MALL

Marymart Center is ne of the popular malls in Iloilo City. It is located in Valeria-Delgado Streets. It is compised of three buildings connected by elevated walkways.
One wing of Marymart Center is a strip of fast-food chains which includes Mc Donalds, Mang Inasal, etc.


Mercury drug is the leading chain of drugstores in the Philippines. The company begun in 1945 with a single store owned by Mariano Que. He named it after Mercury, the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology and whose staff, the Caduceus, is sometimes used as a symbol of medicine.


The Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company, commonly known as Metrobank was established by a group of business men on September 5, 1962 at the Wellington building in Binondo, Manila. It is the largest Philippine Bank.


MUSEUM

Museo Iloilo is a community-owned socio-cultural & tourism establishment that is presently managed by the Iloilo Cultural Research Foundation, Inc. It has a vast collection of priceless cultural materials including the unique religious images and relics, silver pieces and church vessels that illustrate the Panayanon religious spirits, tradewares salvaged from the British shipwreck discovered off the Island of Guimaras, memorabilia of historical personages, a narration in text of the civilian and military resistance movements during World War II, a tableau depicting the Ati indigenous lifestyle, textile industry, an exhibit of selected Mondi weaponry and a photo mortgage of various historical places, people and events that marked the rich history of Western Visayas.


Speaking of Guimaras Island, it is the neighboring island of Iloilo. Iloilo City is actually a gateway to Guimaras. Guimaras is known for its mango plantation.
Mango is the Philippines' national fruit and the Guimaras mango is the sweetest mango in the world. It is reportedly served at the White House & Buckingham Palace.


MONASTERY

The Our Lady of the Philippines Monastery is the only one in the country and it is located in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras. It was founded in 1972 ny American monks. True to the Benedictine tradition, the monks engage in farming (not the Farm Town), growing guava, cashew and other tropical fruits and preparing jams and preserves, which are sold in the monastery's souvenir shop. Proceeds from the shop support the monastery. The monastery also welcomes guests who want to spend a silent retreat in the premises.


You read it, the Ms found in my town/city for FRIDAY- MY TOWN SHOOT OUT.

HAPPY PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL FILIPINOS AROUND THE WORLD!