FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

One of the most awaited events during the Dinagyang 2010 Festival was the fireworks competion dubbed as Luces in the Sky. The Iloilo night sky is set ablazed by amazing pyrotechnique displays from around 20 teams from different parts the country. For more than an hour for two days during the Dinagyang festival weekend, thousands gather around SM City Iloilo to witness this 3 year old fireworks competion. Each year brings bigger and better fireworks display and more competitors to the delight of the Ilonggos and tourists. From ExploreIloilo 2010 Luces in the Sky Winners 2nd place (P50,000) : Shooter #20 Supreme Fireworks from Iloilo City 1st place (P60,000) : Shooter #18 DSS Fireworks from Dumaguete City Champion (P80,000) : Shooter #10 Shin Tang Fireworks from Bulacan

We were halfway with our lunch last Sunday when matinee idol Dingdong Dantes arrived at Uncle Tom's restaurant. Yup we know he'll be at the restaurant, seeing that banner in front of of the restaurant but not during lunch time. So it was an added treat for our group since our lunch was also a treat from a generous co-forum member from Skyscrapercity forums. Ilonggo fans who were also enjoying their lunch at Uncle Tom's were accomodated by the actor as they line up to get some photo ops before and after the actor had his lunch. By the way that's our group at the upper right at the back of the guy in red. Thanks to Ken07 of SSC for the photo.

Despite the variety of foods during the festival (and without realizing it), I've been a voracious chicken eater during the 3-day Dinagyang "weekend". Fried chicken at Uncle Tom's is always a treat. Perfectly fried whether a two piece combo order or this chicken platter that can served half a dozen hungry mouths, this restaurant still serves one of the best fried chicken in Iloilo City. Buto't Balat is an under rated restaurant in my opinion for doesn't get the raves it deserve. But who cares when they rake in customers who love their specialties and discover new loves like this litsong native chicken . Not as famous a Tatoy's but almost tastes the same. I used to consider Mang Inasal over rated but it's success rate (growing by 100 stores per year to the envy of some people) is overwhelming that I tried it again (and again) and now became a fan. Looking at this inasal nga pecho makes me want to say "extra rice please!" And finally chic...

While waiting for the sights and sounds of the final days of the 2010 Dinagyang festival, locals and visitors will enjoy the delectable aromas and flavors of local delicacies as the food festival starts today. The food festival initiated by the Iloilo Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association (IHRRA) is also considered an attraction of the Dinagyang festival. The food festival is located at Delgado Street, City Proper. Some 28-30 IHRRA members will offer their best menus during the four-day food festival. The food festival is only limited to hotels and restaurants. The association is strictly observing the procedures in the conduct of food festival, said Happy Abenir, IHRRA president. The food festival will formally start after a cutting of ribbon to be led by Mayor Jerry Treñas. The short program will begin 5:30 in the afternoon. Abenir said they have made innovations by adding additional forms of entertainment to attract customers. Bands coming from Manila and raffles will be held at ...

A week from now tourists and locals alike will dance to the drumbeats, make merry along the city streets, indulge in gastronomic delights and shout "Hala Bira" as Iloilo City celebrates it annual festival - Dinagyang ! I've made this special map/guide to make everybody's visit to Dinagyang 2010 hassle free. Where to go, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and just about everything to do while here in Iloilo during the this festival weekend. Hala bira! Check out the bigger and complete map below. Dinagyang 2010 Quick Guide Dinagyang 2010 Schedule

Dinagyang 2010 fever is starting to heat up. Today is the "Opening Salvo" that officially opens up Iloilo City's biggest festival. Despite the gloomy weather, it fails to dampen the spirit of the Ilonggos who in a week's time will again have a 3-day street party in most parts of Iloilo City. Food, drinks and fun-fun-fun all over the festivities await locals and tourists alike in celebration of Dinagyang 2010 Dagoy, the official mascot of the Dinagyang festival shares the limelight with another pride of Iloilo, Mnag Inasal - the fastest growing fastfood chain in the country today. Being one of the partners of the festival Mang Inasal got this ad to appear and will continue to appear in all national broadsheets as the festival nears.

Okay it's just an exaggeration. I'm sleepy, I'm hungry yet I find it fitting to blog first before having breakfast and going home to catch some sleep. Yup I'm in an internet cafe now in the city blogging about this experience (few hours ago). I've got few more errands to do but this got to come first. Anyway, I woke up around 5am and was already lining up for the tickets around 715am at the Freedom Grandstand. The moment I arrived there was this guy listing how many tickets everyone in line was going to purchase for a much better flow. Then the line picked up and it was already in the bleachers of the Freedom Grandstand. A lady from the Dinagyang Foundation suddenly appeared together with guy who made the list appeared and said they already got their quota for the Dinagyang 2010 tickets based on the list and guess who was last in line: ME! Then chaos broke out among those at my backwho also like me was lining up to get tickets for Dinagyang 2010. These weren't o...