Iloilo City Work Trip Vlog Part 1 | Jaro Cathedral, Jaro Belfry & Camiña-Avanceña Balay nga Bato

✨ Iloilo Work Trip Vlog Part 1 | Jaro Cathedral, Jaro Belfry, & Camiña-Avanceña Balay nga Bato | Iloilo City 2025 ✨

I visited Iloilo City again — this time for a work trip to visit our Iloilo site and meet the trainers! I stayed in Iloilo from October 2 to October 11, 2025, and brought my mama along for the weekend so she could explore this beautiful city too. 💛

I had an early morning flight from Manila and checked in early at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. After a long Thursday shift and a smooth Friday shift, it was finally weekend time — perfect for a quick Iloilo adventure!

Our first stop: Jaro, Iloilo.
We visited the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles) — one of Iloilo’s most historic churches, originally built in 1864. It’s known for its blend of Romanesque Revival architecture and its miraculous image of Our Lady of the Candles, the only Marian image in the Philippines crowned personally by a Pope.

Across the street stands the iconic Jaro Belfry, built in 1744 as both a bell tower and a watchtower. It’s one of the few freestanding belfries in the country and remains a symbol of Jaro’s faith and resilience.

Next, we explored the Camiña-Avanceña Balay nga Bato in Arevalo — one of Iloilo’s oldest heritage houses, built in the 1860s. The house showcases elegant Spanish-Filipino architecture and serves authentic Ilonggo treats. Their Tsokolate de Batirol was heavenly, and the Pancit Molo was so flavorful! Mama absolutely loved this stop. 🍫🍜

After the tour, we went back to the hotel to rest before meeting Mama’s cousin in the evening.

That’s it for Part 1 of my Iloilo work trip vlog!
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore more of Iloilo’s food, people, and culture. 🌆

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📍 Places Visited:
• Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
• Jaro Cathedral (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles)
• Jaro Belfry
• Jaro Plaza
• Camiña-Avanceña Balay nga Bato

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