BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO CITY lights up as the Calle Real Night Market debuts in celebration of the city’s 87th Charter Day.
This August, Iloilo City takes its nightlife to the next level with the inauguration of the Calle Real Night Market — a vibrant celebration of food, music, and culture. The event, organized as part of the Charter Day festivities, promises to transform downtown streets into a lively hub of activity.
Set over two weekends, from August 16 to 18 and 23 to 25, the night market runs from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight, offering a unique blend of culinary delights and artistic performances at Sunburst Park and along JM Basa to Guanco streets.
The Iloilo City Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) Center has spearheaded this initiative, with the center’s director, Lea Lara, expressing enthusiasm for the event’s potential to showcase Ilonggo culture.
“The Calle Real Night Market is more than just a food festival,” Lara explained. “It’s a celebration of our rich culinary heritage, featuring a variety of Ilonggo cuisines from local vendors, city-agri vendors, and the local food market. Food lovers will be able to indulge in an array of authentic dishes, each kiosk offering a unique taste of Iloilo.”
The event has attracted participation from over 75 stalls, each adding to the night market’s dynamic atmosphere. But the market is not just about food — it’s an artistic and cultural showcase as well.
Homegrown artists, drag performers, and buskers will entertain the crowds, creating a festive environment that captures the essence of Iloilo’s vibrant nightlife.
Rito “Judgee” Peña, chairman of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., emphasized the city’s top-tier culinary reputation during his speech at the launch.
“Iloilo City is number one in the Philippines when it comes to food. No other city can compete with us — not Cebu, Bacolod, or Manila. We have our own authentic cuisine here, our own flavor,” Peña proudly stated.
He also hinted at plans to make the Calle Real Night Market a recurring event, citing its overwhelming success: “I’ve already discussed with Ma’am Lara, Mayor Treñas, and Ma’am Leny the possibility of making this a regular event — perhaps twice a month. I’ve seen how much the people of Iloilo are enjoying it, and we’ll work hard to make the Calle Real Night Market an official monthly event.”
The night market is themed “Celebrating the 87th Charter Day Through an Ilonggo Feast,” and promises to offer both locals and visitors a full taste of why Iloilo City has earned the prestigious designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Leny Ledesma, Executive Assistant for Special Projects, highlighted the broader implications of the event, noting that it not only showcases everything Iloilo City has to offer but also aims to revive the city’s streets at night.
“Tanan kita maka-try gid, maka-kaon sang food halin sa local food vendors naton. I am happy to say we are all contributing to a thriving industry in the city, the food industry. I love the vibe tonight here in Calle Real. This is our street market, it’s unique to the Ilonggos,” Ledesma expressed.
As the sun sets over Iloilo City, the Calle Real Night Market comes alive — an unmissable fusion of flavors, sounds, and sights that celebrate the city’s rich heritage and promising future./PN
