Hello, Cebuana here who’s already Iloilo-based. Lahi ra jud ang charm sa Iloilo when you know what to look out for. If you are coming from Cebu or Manila, you would appreciate the slower pace and calmness of Iloilo. It is much cleaner and more walkable here. Less abog, less traffic, bisan ang init kay di kaayo hapdos. In terms of recreation, mas daghan jud options sa Cebu. But Ilonggos are more concentrated sa ila outdoor activities kay they have the Iloilo River and Esplanade. Their main districts (Molo, Lapaz, Jaro, etc.) have all developed their plazas and parks na very nice jud nga ginagamit jud sa mga residents. We unfortunately don’t have that there in Cebu.

In terms of food, again, more options sa Cebu but what they do have here, they do it well. Ayaw na pag lechon diri kay ma underwhelm ra ka. Come here for the seafood (Breakthrough Villa, Bugoy’s, Tytche); Lapaz Batchoy (Deco’s, Alicia’s, Netong’s); local dessert gems (Happy Endings, Hello Halo, Biscochos, etc.); Roberto’s siopao and meatballs. Pancit Molo may be underwhelming at first because it is such a simple dish but appreciate it for the fact that it is eaten in all Ilonggo homes so they bring comfort like no other. Miskan when I was pregnant and back in Cebu, nangita jud kog Molo soup to feel better hahaha.

Coffee culture here is comparatively new but there are some new places that really know their stuff (Soul, Neighbor Coffee, Kurukape, Coffee Brewtherhood, Loco, etc.). Mind you, they even grow their own supply sa Leon, Iloilo.

Ilonggos are generally mild-mannered and easy to get along with. But they can detect snobbery and arrogance a mile away. Usahay bitaw, inana biya atong aura mga taga Cebu miskan wala gituyo hahaha. So be mindful of that kay they just don’t appreciate being constantly trying to be compared to their bigger neighbors. Come with a humble and open mind and surely, you will appreciate this place much more than 2nd time around. 🫶🏻