AMID the advent of a ‘new’ business district in the southern City of Iloilo, the ‘old’ Downtown Iloilo once a year every Dinagyang Festival is brimming with life.
Referred to as Calle Real (Royal Street in Spanish), the “Escolta of Iloilo,” is home to several fine historic buildings.
Calle Real as a district consists of Aldeguer, Guanco and Iznart, J. M. Basa, and Mapa streets, which was declared a Heritage Zone by the virtue of Iloilo City Ordinance No. 00-054, also known as the Local Cultural Heritage Conservation Ordinance.
On Aug. 8, 2014, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared Calle Real as a district and a heritage zone with the unveiling of a historical marker outside the Villanueva Building.
This Jan. 28, at 3 p.m., step into the rhythm of tradition at the Sadsad Sa Calle Real! Gather in the vibrant Downtown Iloilo as the streets come alive with the colorful and energetic performances of the different tribes./PN
(Photos by AJ PALCULLO/PN)
