Day 3 Around Iloilo City – The Jaro Cathedral, Museo Iloilo, Molo Church and Esplanade

Before we retreated to our hotel to freshen up after our quick Guimaras Island trip, we passed by the sightings near the port – the San Jose Church, Iloilo City Hall and the Libertad Plaza.

Then after a short pep up at Iloilo Grand Hotel, we proceeded with our stroll.  First off was the Jaro Cathedral.  Its marker says it was first built in 1874 and reconstructed in 1956 after it was destroyed by an earthquake in January of 1946.

Like the St. William’s Cathedral of Laoag, the belfry of Jaro Cathedral was located across the street.  It used to be adjacent to the original church before it was destroyed.

After the Jaro Cathedral, we boarded a jeepney to Museo Iloilo. Among the museum’s collection are pots, china wares, burial sites, relics and a narration of possible origins and migrations of people in the Philippines.

At the back of the Museo Iloilo is the Iloilo Provincial Capitol but with the Capitol closed, we proceeded to Molo.

At Molo, we visited St. Anne’s Church commonly known as Molo Church.  It was dedicated to Santa Ana, the mother of Blessed Virgin Mary, and said to be a feminist church as most of the statues by the main aisle are female saints. Its marker says it was first built in 1831 but later developed in Gothic architecture in 1869.  The two belfries are said to house 30 bells of different sizes.  Not sure though if the one we saw beside the entrance is one of those.

After Molo Church, we proceeded to the newly built Esplanade.  We started at the Carpenter Bridge then we waddled to the main entrance.  The usual me was fascinated by the flowers along the walkway. 

Sunset was a bit shy but its shade as it bids goodbye was still beautiful.

Of course, an Iloilo visit is not complete without savouring original batchoy.  Just a short stride from Esplanade is Ted’s Lapaza Batchoy.  Can’t believe I devoured nearly two bowls of batchoy soup in one sitting. Lol… Indeed, an Iloilo trip at its best…

Iloilo City Map courtesy of Mappery:

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Travel Date: September 2013