FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

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.

For almost 20 years now, the Iloilo Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association Food Festival along a portion of Delgado Street, has been the gastronomic event during Dinagyang. The foodfest has long established itself as an attraction wherein families, tourist and revelers gather together to enjoy and take pleasure in the culinary delights. With more than 30 members participating, it will be the one stop gastronomical “shop”. It showcases classic Ilonggo cuisine as well as well loved food items of famous restaurants in and around the city. From pork barbecue, lechon baboy and chicken inasal to grilled pantat, bangus and squid! And don’t forget lukon, kasag and of course talaba! Hotel member also bring their specialties to these event so you don’t have to travel far to these hotels and restaurants in the city as they come to you in this annual food fest. A stage with musical bands bring in entertainment to the area to set the street in an all day and night party mood. >>...

Eats Dinagyang 2009! Iloilo City again celebrates Dinagyang with a 3-day, city-wide, all-out party and merry making. Being “On Higher Ground”, theme for this year, it promises new concepts and innovations that will add more color and vibrancy to this year’s festivity and it’s numerous activities. This blog entry appeared on Click >>> scanned article But after the energetic performances in colorful costumes over the pulsating drumbeats have ended …… what now and where to? Don’t fret because Dinagyang is more than that … It’s also all about food, food and food . Hala Bira-bira! And this is what it’s all about: A (rough) guide of where and what to eat during this merry making season. Click here for bigger version IHRRA Food Festival For almost 20 years now, the Iloilo Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association Food Festival along a portion of Delgado Street, has been the gastronomic event during Dinagyang. The foodfest has long established itself as an attraction wherein f...