Blue Jay Coffee: A Premier Cafe in the Heart of Iloilo City

They say that a cup of warm coffee in the morning can liven you up for the entire day and a dose of caffeine in the afternoon can take away all the stress that's tiring you out. No matter which time of the day you prefer to have a cup of espresso or macchiato, it's always perfect when you're in a relaxing place where there's nothing else to stir you senses but the smell of brewed coffee and the sweet taste of chocolate cakes.

Bluejay Cofee is an established cafe that has been quite popular to coffee enthusiasts for the past few years. It is not only known for its delicious blends of coffees but its menu offers a variety of delicacies from sweets to pizzas, pastas, steaks and sausages and other meals making it not only a good place to unwind but a haven for food lovers as well. It is both classy and down-to-earth which makes it very 'Ilonggo' in every sense. There are two branches that can be found in premier locations in the city. The Iznart branch at Amigo Mall and the Ayala Technohub Branch at Smallville.

One thing I love about BlueJay is the ambiance of their cafes. Being an artist myself, the use of contemporary art is something that takes me to a different world, perhaps a different era. It is both relaxing and soulspriring which makes it a perfect hideaway from the city's hustle and bustle.

For reservations visit: BlueJay Coffee Reservations

The Beautiful Iloilo River: The very Life-vein of the City

Named after its peculiar nose-like shape or 'Ilong', the river of Iloilo is one of the most important rivers there is in the country not only for the fact that it runs through the heart of Iloilo City itself but for it also hosts one of the most busiest ports in the Philippines; El Puerto de Muelle Loney.

Before the Spaniards came in the Island, the marshland surrounding the river of Iloilo has been known as a rich trading settlement between local and foreign merchants. Here, traders from China, India and other countries flock to exchange goods with the locals. This is the very reason why the Spaniards built a port in the mouth of the river which will serve as a gateway between Panay and its neighboring islands. In 1855, El Puerto de Muelle Loney, one of the first international sea ports in the country was opened and spurred the economy of the city making it the second most richest city after Manila.

Today Iloilo River serves as a major tourist attraction. The river bank is home to 22 species out of the countries 35 known species of Mangrove trees. Hotels such as Hotel del Rio, The Castle Hotel, River Queen Hotel and Sarabia Manor are located facing Iloilo River as well. Aside from that Marina, Barbeque Village, Tijuana and many more famous Ilonggo restaurants runs along the riverside and so as the famous Iloilo River Boulevard which is Iloilo's version of Dumaguete's Rizal Boulevard and Manila Bay.

Valeria Street; Iloilo's Restaurant Avenue

Looking for a good place to eat or celebrate some important occasion? Then Valeria Street in Iloilo City is a perfect destination. Here, tourists and locals can get one of the best Ilonggo cuisines without spending too much. La Sallete Building, in front of SM Delgado is known for its restaurants like Ted's and Nandings both proud of their famed La Paz Batchoy. If Noodles and Soup doesn't fit you, then try Mang Inasal, a famous restaurant for the grilled chicken lovers.
Another breakthrough restaurant located in Valeria Street is Green Mango known for their desserts and a variety of mouth watery delicacies that will surely give you a reason to come back again and again and again.

Iloilo's Biscocho Haus

A tourist's stay in Iloilo will never be complete if he missed the savoury delights of Biscocho Haus that is one of the most popular bakeshop and pasalubong stores in the entire province. The main branch is located near Jaro Plaza and is known for its delicious 'Biscochos' or toasted bread with milk and sugar. 

Biscocho Haus has been a popular destination for tourists and locals looking for some good snacks and sweets. The enterprise was started on 1975 and soon after, branches began to spread out all over Iloilo where tourists and guests could easily buy some of Biscocho Haus' famous pastries. Biscocho Haus is also known for their butterscotch and piyaya which are also famous Ilonggo delicacies.

Tourists can also buy Biscocho Haus products at the city's major malls like SM City, Robinson's Place and Gaisano. A new branch was also opened in Pavia  where travelers from or going to the New Iloilo Airport can stop over and buy some pastries which they could bring home.

For more information about Biscocho Haus, pls. contact

Biscocho Haus, Main Branch

Lopez Jaena St, Jaro, Iloilo City

(033) 329-0864, (033) 329-0862, (033) 336-4751

The Andoks Mansion

An old Mansion turned into a restuarant, well that's not a first but I guess you'd still love the thought that your dining in one of most historical places in the city. Andoks is a popular Chicken Fastfood Restaurant which was established a few years ago. One of it's first branches in Iloilo City was at Jaro when the old orange mansion in front of the public park was turned into a restaurant which everyone knew as 'Ihaw-ihaw republic'. 'Ihaw-ihaw' is another way of roasting meat and is also known as 'inasal' that is a popular delicacy in the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod. 

The Old mansion is mexican inspired perhaps because of it's festive colors and overwhelming arched details. The mansion is known for its lovely intricate portal which is neoclassic and the rest of the house is detailed using the styles of Art Deco.

If you're simply looking for place to nibble on some good food, or simply give your feet some rest or refresh yourself with coolers then try visiting Andoks, a dining center that is tinged with a spice of history.

The Promenade

It was not really intentional but my friend said it would be nice for us to eat at the 'Promenade', a restaurant in Days Hotel. What I like about the restaurant is that it has a very nice view of the provincial capitol and of course, the food was 'perfecto'. The price was definitely reasonable and you will surely love and savor the food that will be served before you.
The food is great, the ambiance is warm, the view is magnificent... what else would a hungry traveler wish for? It was indeed unintentional for us to drop by at the Promenade, but for sure, we will hop in again for this fine restaurant defines the word 'Splendid'!

Afrique's: The Italian Way

... the taste that will make you say... "Bene!"

When in Iloilo, a tourist might be given a chance to taste the province's savoury pieces of heaven. The province is noted to have been the origin of some oriental filipino delicacies, which are being sought by millions. In case a tourist might crave for something western, then he must try Afrique's...
An Italian inspired menu will surely liven up everybody's tastebuds. Oriental Supreme Pizza, Sicilian Pasta, Special Pizza... ahhh.. sounds Yummy? well, the taste is even better! these are just few of the restaurants numerous tasty delicacies. A date, family day dining, a birthday treat... every event suits Afrique's restaurant. And every tongue will surely love what's Afrique's can offer.
Afrique has about four branches in the entire city of Iloilo, one is in Jaro, the other is in Smallville in Manduriao, next is in Molo near Hotel del Rio and the last is near Plaza Libertad in the downtown area. Afriques also offers a menu of varied meals and delicacies that will definitely make travelers enjoy a dining experience that is like no other.