Iloilo Getaway with the gang! (Day 1)

December 26 to 29, 2014 became one of the highlights of my 2014. During these days, I, together with my boyfriend and friends, experienced a spectacular and wonderful stay in the province of Iloilo. We got to witness the many scenic spots there. We also got the chance to have a taste of their specialty which is the authentic La Paz Batchoy and the fresh seafoods and delicacies as well. Without further ado, here is our Day 1 tour around Iloilo (plus, many many pictures! :D). Enjoy!

December 26, 2014 - Day 1:

Upon arriving at the airport at around 12:30 in the afternoon, our friend, who is an Ilonggo, and their family friend, fetched us (For our whole stay in Iloilo, our friend offered their van specially for our trips). For our first stop, they brought us to Tatoy's Manokan and Seafoods to have our lunch. 

       Here is our first photo in Iloilo! :D

We ordered their specialty chicken, the binisayang manok, which costs at around 480 PhP. FYI, the prices of their food are already in dollar rate, meaning, much more expensive than their prices before.

   Tatoy's One Whole Chicken @ 480 PhP

We also ordered their Baked Scallops. Oh. Em. The scallops are soooo fresh and soooo delicious! It bursts in your mouth, really. Thumbs up! You should try this when you've got the chance to visit Iloilo.

           Baked Scallops @ 180 PhP

We also ordered their Garlic Rice. This is soooo yummy! Not only it has fried garlic bits sprinkled on top, their rice is also a bit sticky, somewhat similar to Japanese rice. I think this is also a buttered rice.

                       Garlic Rice

We also ordered Mangagat (Fried Fish, somewhat similar to Daing na Bangus). Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture this because my friends already attacked on this one. :P

       Here we are while having our first       sumptuous lunch in Iloilo! Ay abaw! Pwerte! (Ilonggo's expressions :D)

From Tatoy's, we proceeded to Molo Church, one of the tourist spots in Iloilo. 

There is a stand nearby where bibingka is 

being sold. 6 small, thin, round pieces for 20 PhP. Their bibingka here is different from the one in Manila. The taste and content are so unique which make it even yummier! It is creamier and has buko strips which give the bibingka a unique and delicious taste.

    A shot of their bibingka and the Molo Church.

From Molo Church, we visited the house of Iloilo City's Mayor.

We then visited and strolled around Plazuela de Iloilo. 

    Here's a picture of me with my boyfriend. :)

      And a group jumpshot right here!

As soon as the darkness came, our Ilonggo friend brought us to Central Philippine University (CPU) and Angelicum Lizares Mansion to witness the beautiful display of christmas lights.

          The CPU's church from afar. 

      The shining Lizares Mansion in Angelicum.

After appreciating and taking pictures of these beautiful sceneries, we passed by the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, wherein there are also beautiful christmas lights displayed all around the place.

After a tiring but fun-filled day, we had our sumptuous dinner buffet at Freska, Hometown Buffet, one of the famous restaurants here in Iloilo which is located at the Ayala Technohub in Smallville Business and Leisure Park, Mandurriao. They serve fresh seafoods and vegetables and also Ilonggo delicacies. Rate for Friday to Sunday buffet is 349 PhP/person.

For my first plate, I had Kansi Ng Negros, Crispy Crablets, Grilled Stuffed Squid, Shrimps with Aligue Sauce and Crispy Kangkong. 

I also had Scallops, Oysters, Kilawin na Tanigue, Aligue Rice and the desserts which are kakanin, bukayo and ube and buko pandan flavored shaved ice cream! Ohh, THIS.IS.HEAVEN.

And for our last groupie for the day (kinda blurred though), 

What we can say at the end of our Day 1 in Iloilo is: Ay abaw pwerte! Namit gid! (Very delicious!) Very excited for tomorrow's tour and of course, food trips! :D

*Days 2 and 3 are in separate blogs 'cause those can't fit in one blog! :P