Iloilo, the "Jewel of the South" is located on the southeastern side of Panay Island. Surrounded by Capiz on the north, Guimaras Strait on the south, Panay Gulf and Iloilo Strait on the east and Antique on the west. The province was originally known as Irong-Irong meaning "nose like", and then the Spanish shortened it and became Iloilo.
Iloilo's main economic industry is agriculture and is dubbed as the "Food Basket and Rice Granary of the Philippines" for being one of the leading producers of rice and other crops like legumes and root crops and fruits like mangoes, pineapple and citrus. Fishing is also an important industry, with Panay Gulf and Iloilo Strait as major fishing grounds that produce grouper, sea bass, tuna, blue marlin, prawn, milkfish and shrimps.
The cottage industry is Iloilo’s second source of income. The town of Jaro is known for their loom weaving and hand embroidery of piña and jusi, fabrics used for making Filipino costumes such as barong tagalog, shirts, shawls, table cloth and place mats. Shell crafts, bamboo craft and mosquito nets are also some of the province’s products. Capiz shells that are created into chandeliers, wind chimes, fruit trays and other decors are made in the town of Molo.
The Ilonggos celebrate various festivities throughout the year. The famous Dinagyang Festival is Iloilo’s version of celebrating the feast of Sto. Niño, held every 4th weekend of January. The festivity is a colorful whirl of thousands of people dressed in unique costumes, dancing and merry-making all day and night. Another festivity called the Paraw Regatta features a race of sailboats along the Strait of Iloilo City and Guimaras Island, celebrated every 3rd Sunday of February. Pasungay or the Bull Festival coincides with San Joaquin’s town fiesta, where bullfights are held on a hillside. It is celebrated every 2nd Saturday of January.
Some of Iloilo’s natural attractions include Sicogon Island, Isla de Gigantes, where the 15th century burial caves can be found, Onisan Isle, Nagpana Falls and Nasadjan Falls. Bucari in Leon features waterfalls, springs and streams. Several springs like Moroboro and Daliran and the Tiniguiban Pulang Pasayan Beach are good for swimming and relaxation.
Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific provide direct flights daily from Manila to Iloilo. Several shipping lines also give daily trips except Saturday direct to Iloilo City.
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