By: Emme Rose Santiagudo
If you are an Ilonggo and you can’t feel the Christmas season yet because you are either too busy with your work or you are having some time off with everyone and preferred to have a staycation in your house, you will be overwhelmed by the number of Christmas destinations Iloilo has to offer.
Through the help of the local government and private sectors, visual presentations in public places have become a staple in the municipalities of Iloilo.
From towering Christmas trees to sparkling lights and designs, these top Christmas destinations in Iloilo province will surely get you into the holiday spirit.
TUBUNGAN
First on the list is the town of Tubungan in the first district of Iloilo. One cannot ignore the colorful 30-foot Christmas tree in the public plaza of Tubungan adorned with hundreds of Christmas parols.
The town also installed enticing Christmas lights in the palm trees and lined up lights in a long pathway perfect for couples and families who want to stroll in Tubungan’s public plaza. (Photos by Kervin Taladua)
SAN JOAQUIN
The humble town of San Joaquin also takes pride in its towering Christmas tree located in front of the town’s municipal hall.
The Christmas tree is a stand out in the well-lighted public plaza of San Joaquin alongside the municipal hall that is also adorned with bright and colorful Christmas lights. (Photos from Facebook page of Experience San Joaquin Iloilo)
MIAGAO
If you want to go abroad this Christmas but you are on a tight budget, you might want to take a side trip at the public plaza of Miagao, Iloilo.
For this year, the town opted for a Christmas all around the world theme in their lighting presentation.
Even adults will be amused to see versions of Hongkong Disneyland, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, huge buddha statue in Thailand and other key attractions in China and Puerto Rico all lighted in the town’s public plaza.
No need to spend for expensive plane tickets! (Photos by John Jerome Pando)
PASSI CITY
Iloilo’s sole component city also offers the top tourist destinations all around the world.
From the famous London bridge, pyramids of Egypt, Sydney Opera House, Disney Castle, and the Eiffel Tower, Passi City has it all – well-lighted and adorned with colorful Christmas lights. (Photos from Passi City Information Office)
POTOTAN
The Christmas Capital of Western Visayas has also so much to offer this Christmas season for visitors and guests.
Pototan, Iloilo famous for its “Iwag Festival” transformed its buildings to gifts and other famous Christmas decorations.
The town has also a towering Christmas tree and a line up of huge angels all glammed up with Christmas lights. (Photos from Pototan Facebook Page)
CAPITOL
One of the most colorful destinations this Christmas in Iloilo is probably the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
Recently, the provincial government unveiled a redeveloped capitol complex with historic landscaping of the front of Capitol building up to the Casa Real or the Old Provincial Capitol.
Thousands of Christmas lights were installed to adorn the outskirts and the inside of the building.
The capitol ground is also blinding with twinkling lights decorated in the trees planted all over the area.
Its only seven days left before Christmas and if I were you, I would spend the remaining days visiting the above-mentioned Christmas destinations in Iloilo.
P.S. Don’t forget to bring your loved ones or your family or friends with you! If you prefer to be alone don’t forget to bring Ilonggo food to keep you company.
(Photos by Bert Esposado)
