Iloilo & Bacolod

There were only 2 things that must be in my checklist before visiting these 2 cities. Number 1 was Batchoy, which is an all-time favorite flavor for a MSG-loaded instant noodle. Number 2 was Inasal which is commonly served around the metro. There is always excitement when you will be visiting places for the first time. This time around, I was booked to the land of the Ilonggos, a particular group of Visayas known for their “lambing” and definitely their food.

First stop was Iloilo. Arriving early before the day’s work, I asked the taxi driver to bring me to a church where I could start my adventure from there I walked along to see the majestic old houses that stood since the Spanish era.

As a UP graduate, I also took the opportunity to drop by UP Visayas and even took the façade of my UP Rural High School counterpart in the Visayas which students I only met once in a National High School Chemistry Competition. I asked the driver where the best place to eat that batchoy is and he gave instructions going to Netong’s eatery in the middle of La Paz Market. The name of the market place gave the authenticity to the best batchoy in town and I ddn’t need to pierce through the paper bowl or tear sachets of flavors for the wonderful noodle soup.

The next day, I rode a speed boat cutting across Iloilo and Guimaras straits arriving in Bacolod City port. I had a quick rest after work and ate dinner in one of the famous Japanese restaurants.

My flight back to Manila is the day after so I had to squeeze all picturesque sites in a half day waking up early and eating my Chicken Inasal for breakfast. I was the first customer in Manokan country and had the best Chicken served with atsara and a glass of cold softdrink.