Iloilo is a perfect place to live. It has everything that you need: a modern city, beautiful beaches and lovely nature. It’s unbelievably a beautiful mix of urban and rural atmosphere that provides an excellent balance between the bustling metropolitan life and the calm countryside environment.
Popular Neighborhoods
Iloilo has been growing steadily in terms of population and economy. The city has been experiencing a lot of development projects, which will further improve its infrastructure and tourism industry. It is expected that more people will be coming to Iloilo for business or vacation purposes, which will increase demand for housing units and commercial spaces.
Iloilo has a lot of potential for real estate investors because it has many projects that cater to the different needs of people looking for either residential or commercial properties. There are several popular neighborhoods like Oton, San Miguel, and Pavia where you can buy houses or condos at affordable prices with good amenities nearby such as restaurants, shops, and malls.
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The Province of Iloilo
The Province of Iloilo is in the Western Visayas region and is the center of the Philippine archipelago. Its capital city is the City of Iloilo, and it is situated in a major southeast portion of the Visayan island of Panay. The island of Panay is a beautiful place that borders the province of Antique to its west, Capiz in the north and northeast as well- Bordering Jintotolo Channel; Guimaras Strait which it shares with Iloilo Strait southwest across from where Negros Island lies.
The province of Iloilo is divided into two geographic regions: the highlands of the Central Panay Mountain Range on the western border and the valley fields which are the larger portion of the province.
The province has small islands located on the east of its northernmost tip. Some known islands in the province are Gigantes Island, Pan de Azucar or Tampisaw Island, and Sicogon Island. Aside from islands, the province is also rich in mountain ranges. Some known peaks in Iloilo are Mount Baloy the highest mountain in Iloilo, Mount Llorente, Mount Sansanan, Mount Napulak, and Mount Balabag.
Fishponds and mangrove wetlands can be seen along the coasts and rivers of Iloilo City and the town of Oton, Leganes, Zarraga, Dumangas, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Barotac Nuevo, Ajuy, Balasan, and Carles.
Iloilo City
Iloilo City is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines and the capital of Iloilo Province. Located along the shores of the Villaverde River on the northwestern side of Panay island, it is one of a number of cities dubbed as “Metro Iloilo”, an area with a population of around 2 million people. The city lies within Metro Iloilo, which includes Molo, Oton, and Pavia—and forms part of the Metro Iloilo-Manila metropolitan area.
The city’s main attractions are its Spanish-influenced architecture and its abundance of historical sites such as museums, century-old churches, fortresses, ruins, and heritage houses. There are also plenty of parks where you can enjoy nature without leaving town— some of these parks have been designed specifically for children!
The Ilonggos
People from Iloilo are called Ilonggos. With a total population of around 2,000,000, they are known for being charming and sweet (since Iloilo is also known as noble, ciudad). They are soft-spoken and genuine and their voice is soothing to the ears. These characteristics of Ilonggos were one of the reasons why their province is dubbed as the heart of the Philippines.
Ilonggos use three languages in the province- Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Kinaray-a, or language used by people from Antique and Capiznon or the language used in the province of Capiz.
Economy
Strong Local Economy
Before, the major economic sectors of the province consist of agriculture, fishery, and tourism. The central agricultural products of the province are rice which is their main crop, corn, legume, mango banana, and pineapple. Fishery concentrates on catching fish and other marine produce. The fishery is considered the main source of livelihood in southern and northern Iloilo. Aside from this, Iloilo also has cola canning, sugar manufacturing, leaf oil processing, and handicraft such as gift and furniture processing.
To date, Iloilo marked a diversified economy with the entry of business process outsourcing or BPO companies. Along with this Iloilo has also produced a good number of overseas Filipino worker community of seafarers and nurses because of the universities and colleges that were built in the province, particularly in the city.
With these changes, Iloilo’s economy is now being driven by a broader array of industries, which include agribusiness, tourism, BPOs, trading activities, and service-driven firms, like banks, colleges, and universities, and hospitals.
Tourism
Another contributing industry to the booming economy of Iloilo is tourism, as the province is known for its rich culture, delicacies, historical buildings, cultural traditions, natural sceneries, and festivals.
A bustling economy also makes this province perfect for tourists looking for an adventure in paradise. Don’t forget about all those delicious foods either: Ilonggos know how best to recreate popular Filipino dishes using locally sourced ingredients while preserving their own distinct flavor profiles at every turn possible
Iloilo Tourist Spots
Iloilo has a lot to offer to its visitors. It is not only the gateway to some of the most beautiful islands in the country but also a place where you can feel the culture and tradition of the place.
Iloilo has many old churches that were built during the Spanish era. These churches have been preserved and restored by various groups and organizations to keep their beauty intact. Some of these churches include Miagao Church, Molo Church, San Joaquin Church, and Jaro Cathedral.
The city’s Sunburst Park & Iloilo River Esplanade has landscaped gardens and views of the river, perfect for an early morning stroll. The infamous Calle Real runs through downtown Iloilo City near Plaza Libertad.
What to do in Iloilo?
Here are some of the activities that both locals and tourists enjoy in Iloilo:
City tours
Get the chance to visit the best restaurants, museums, cathedrals, hotels, shopping districts, Spanish-colonial era churches, and heritage homes (from World War II such as the Mansion De Lopez, Molo Mansion, Casa Mariquit, and Camiña Balay nga Bato).
Food tours
Get the chance to visit restaurants that offer Iloilo delicacies made by true-blooded Ilonngos. Going to Iloilo is never complete without savoring their La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo. Try the restaurants along the Iloilo River at JM Basa Street, or Plaza Libertad, and its neighboring towns.
Attend Dinagyang Festival
Dinagyang Festival is the largest religious and cultural festival in Iloilo. It is celebrated at Iloilo City Proper every 4th Sunday of January or after the celebration of Sinulog in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan. The festival is held to show respect to Santo Nino and mark the start of the arrival of Malay immigrants in the province. During the festival, Dinagyang Ati fills the streets and dances to the tune of fast-paced drumbeats.
Explore the Islands
Get a chance to visit Iloilo’s beautiful island and beaches such as the famous Islas de Gigantes, Concepcion, Ajuy, Cabugao Gamay, Agho, Gigantes Sur, and Norte.
Explore Iloilo’s Mountains
Get a chance to visit Iloilo’s central highland mountain and explore waterfalls and hiking trails. Discover the famous national landmark and historical landmark along the natural harbor of Iloilo.
Real Estate
Iloilo is considered one of the ideal provinces to live in or start a family as the province economy is growing, hence more opportunities will be given to the people residing in it, the quality of life is simple and healthy, the city is not polluted and there is peace and order.
As Iloilo becomes an ideal place to settle, study, and start a business, investors, traders, students, and families are moving into the province. The influx of people who want to move to the province resulted in high demand for house and lot for sale in Iloilo and real estate development or projects in partnership with the local government.
One reputable developer that made a master-planned community in Iloilo is Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. or commonly known as Vista Land. Vista Land is the largest homebuilder in the Philippines that offers a wide range of housing products that cater to the needs of every Filipino from luxurious houses, mid-income housing segments, affordable low-cost housing, and vertical residences. Vista Land is also known for its real estate brands such as Brittany, Crown Asia, Camella, Lessandra, and Vista Residences across the Philippines.
House and Lot For Sale in Iloilo
Vista Land’s projects in Iloilo have been at the forefront of transforming what used to be an average skyline. They are currently working on hundreds of residential homes for Lessandra and Camella, two brands specializing in master-planned communities.
Savannah
Savannah is the grand flagship residential development of Vista Land in Iloilo City. Savannah is composed of five enclaves- The Crest, The Trails, The Glades, The Orchard, and The Glen. Savannah has a house and lot for sale in Iloilo and has complete amenities for the whole family from the clubhouse with swimming pools, children’s playground, open and five basketball courts, football field, gazebo, tennis court, jogging, and biking paths.
Aside from this, Savannah residents have access through their needs as the city has its school, church, shopping malls, and business establishments.
Safety and security are also guaranteed in the city as it has guarded entrance gates equipped with CCTV, high perimeter fences, and round-the-clock roving security guards.
Savannah is accessible to major locations in the province as it is 15 minutes away from the Iloilo International Airport and 20 minutes away from Iloilo’s business and entertainment district.
Click here to view Savannah properties in Iloilo
Georgia by Vista Estates
Georgia is a grand master-planned city in the province that has Vista Land’s quality and beautiful condo and house and lot for sale with amenities such as community services and utility center, football field, shuttle terminal, clubhouse and swimming pool, basketball court, mini gardens, and playground, St. Pio Church,Vista Mall, space for commercial establishments and 24/7 security.
Why Buy Real Estate Properties in Iloilo?
Have you been to the “Heart of the Philippines”? If not, let us give you a glimpse of what to expect at the Heart of the Philippines, Iloilo.
With the expanding economy, rich culture and heritage, tourism, reasonable cost of living, and availability of houses and lot for sale in Iloilo, living and going to this province is worthwhile.
