Walking the Streets of Iloilo City (1 of 3)

It is not good to remain as "tourist" in your own city.

But surprisingly sometimes, it is. Be a day-tripper. 

Actually, it was an unplanned plan of mine. 

The night I flew back to Iloilo City for summer vacation, the idea of walking around the city the next morning kept running on my mind for all reasons yet unknown to me. Maybe, I just missed the city too much. I have been away for months to study in Manila. I thought it might be a good thing to do because I have been hearing about these several restoration projects going on in the city quite a lot lately, perhaps go see how they are now going or something. Also, I heard there is this new city gallery that has been put up inside the newly-built city hall as well. I have been dying to see it. 

I admit, sometimes, despite feeling Ilonggo by heart and feeling it to the bones, I feel like I still need to get to know the city I live in even more and much deeper. And so, without itinerary the next morning, I just went down the streets and walked them.  

Rizal Monument in Plaza Libertad

It was a hot morning at Plaza Libertad in the City Proper District. To visit the new City Gallery was at the top of my list so I decided to start my day there. It was a good choice, and it is mostly suggested by the city government when starting city tours anyway so it was just right.  

The gallery is open daily during official city hall hours. There was still no one else there but me and the lady attendant when I came. Inside, the very first thing I noticed was the mini Lin-ay statue on display. "Lin-ay" is Hiligaynon for "lady". It is a nice piece, sculpted with lots of meaning and detail. The original and the actual one is right on top of the city hall, stands about fifteen feet tall.  

A lot is inside the city gallery, all informative and very interesting stuff. On one side, there is this long row of busts of the city's present as well as its long-gone honorable mayors. On the other side is a showcase of the city's authentic festival costumes, e.g Iloilo Chinese New Year, Paraw Regatta, and Dinagyang. 

Fun fact: the city's long winding river, the Iloilo River, forms a nose-like outline when viewed up high, hence the origin of the word "irong-irong" (in English, "nose-like") and later the word "iloilo". 

That is really some added knowledge to me. I learned a lot already, thanks. 

From a book guide (that sadly was not for sale) inside the city gallery, I got quite a few ideas of where to go around next in the city.  

Loney Monument in Muelle Loney

Walking just one or two small blocks away from the city hall, along the nearest river bank that in history was once a very busy international port of sugar world trade during the nineteenth century, I found myself standing, in complete wonder, in front of an authoritative statue of a skinny man in a suit. At first look, I was surprised to see such a statue erected there. I did not even know such existed! Sadly, it seemed to be under-appreciated by the people around the place, almost always unnoticed. Also, the monument has no nameplate nor any engraved work on it which is just odd for me. 

But anyway, the statue is of British mister Nicholas Loney, who was very great man. According to information, as I did some readings, during his time, he was the one who brought the sugar trade and industry in the city to unprecedented heights. Because of his efforts, the city progressed greatly, even became the most prosperous city outside Manila, and gained its title "Queen City of the South" from the monarchy of Spain. Amazing thing.

I came to realize soon after why the place is called "Muelle Loney".

After that, the sun was already getting high and the day was getting hotter, so I decided to get some shade under the concrete buildings nearby. Then I went back to the city streets again. 

If you'd like to know more about the streets I walked and explored, continue reading the next page here.

Miniature model of Plaza Libertad in the City Proper District of Iloilo City