Iloilo, Provincial capital in Western Visayas, Philippines
Iloilo is a province that stretches across much of Panay Island and consists of coastal towns, rice fields, and hilly inland areas. Settlements are located along bays and river courses, interrupted by sugarcane plantations and fish ponds.
The archipelago became a base for Spanish traders in the 16th century, who established ports in sheltered bays. The economy grew through sugar exports and textile trade, which flowed through Manila and later directly to Europe.
Coastal villages celebrate their patron saints with multi-day processions, where brightly decorated boats sail through the waters. Long-established artisans still weave textiles from piña fibers extracted from pineapple leaves.
Visitors reach the different towns mostly via country roads that pass through rice fields and smaller settlements. Along the coast, it is worthwhile to be out early in the morning to watch fishermen returning.
The island is home to a rare species of small flying fox found only in this part of the Philippines. Some villages still keep traditional bamboo looms in use, passed down through generations.
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