DO you want your soul awakened? Do you want that positive palpitation for something exciting? Do you want to fall in love? Come to the City of Love, Iloilo City!
Iloilo City is thriving with beauty and vigor that anyone can fall in love with.
Aside from architectural landscapes, beautiful district plazas, and welcoming open spaces like the Iloilo River Esplanade and Sunburst Park, the city can make your heart full with its proud culture and heritage, including its food, historical places, and iconic landmarks.
A place where the past is always present, Iloilo City is where tradition and modernity coexist and complement each other.
The city is home to several heritage buildings and ancestral houses, exuding timeless elegance and depicting rich cultural history.
Among these are Molo Mansion, Casa Mariquit, Nelly’s Garden, Celso Ledesma Mansion, Sanson Montinola Mansion, and Camiña Balay na Bato.
One’s visit to Iloilo City is incomplete without visiting the famous Jaro Cathedral and Jaro Belfry and stopping by Museo Iloilo and the new and old provincial capitols.
Molo Church, across Molo Mansion in Molo district, is also a must-visit.
One must also experience sightseeing at the Central Business District in City Proper for century-old heritage buildings and take time to buy pasalubong at the famous Roberto’s Original Siopao.
But of course, you should treat yourselves to Ilonggo’s sumptuous cuisine at sought-after homegrown restaurants such as Tatoy’s Manokan and Breakthrough Restaurants.
While Iloilo City is rich in history, culture, and heritage, development is inevitable, especially since it is one of the country’s investment hubs. It is no wonder that modern infrastructure developments have sprouted everywhere in the city, including the likes of SM City Iloilo, Iloilo Business Park, and Atria Park District.
Of course, what makes your visit extra special are its people, the malambing (sweet) and hospitable Ilonggos.
And there’s more! Iloilo City’s world-class and historical Dinagyang Festival, celebrated every third week of January, can make your heart throb to the max with its iconic drumbeats, music rhythm, and dance choreography.
Indeed, one’s heart beats and falls in love in the City of Love.
This is where the Iloilo City Government pulled inspiration for its new tourism tagline, “My Heart Beats in Iloilo City,” promoting a sense of pride, love, and appreciation for the city.
The campaign seeks to engage the community, highlight the city’s unique heritage and culture, and create a strong emotional connection between the residents and their beloved city.
The ultimate goal is to foster a deep sense of belonging and unity among the people of Iloilo City.
“My Heart Beats in Iloilo City” replaces the former tagline, “Bringing Iloilo City to the Next Level.”
Three events have been introduced to popularize the new branding: My Heart Beats Heritage Tour, My Heart Beats in Iloilo Tik Tok Dance Contest, and My Heart Beats in Iloilo Photo Contest.
The “My Heart Beats in Iloilo Heritage Tour” is designed to offer residents and visitors unique and immersive landmarks and cultural centers. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with Iloilo’s past and understand the significance of these places in shaping the city’s identity.
Meanwhile, by incorporating social media platforms like TikTok, the campaign aims to reach a broader and younger audience.
The “My Heart Beats in Iloilo TikTok Dance Contest” invites participants to create and share dance videos inspired by the campaign’s theme. By participating in this fun and creative activity, individuals become active advocates for their city, entertainingly expressing their love for Iloilo.
On the other hand, the “My Heart Beats in Iloilo Photo Contest” encourages residents and visitors to capture the essence of Iloilo through photography. Participants are invited to submit pictures that reflect their emotional connection to the city, showcasing its beauty, culture, landmarks, and everyday life.
This strategy stimulates artistic expression and serves as a platform for individuals to share their perspectives on Iloilo. The photo contest enables participants to see their city through different lenses, discovering new facets of Iloilo that they might not have appreciated before./PN
