Thrilling Things to Do and Events to See in Iloilo this October 2017

Ilonggos who are members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) gather as one family and celebrate their liberation through a pride march. For the second time around, the Iloilo Pride Team will be holding the Iloilo Pride March this October 7 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The march will be led by their president, Justin Francis Bionat. Serving as marshal of the Iloilo Pride March 2017 is Marcel Milliam, a proud Ilonggo, multi-awarded poet, and advocate.

The Iloilo Pride Team commits to continually advocate for equality, acceptance, recognition, and anti-discrimination in the city.

How to get there: Participants of the Pride March will convene at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Chapel at R. Mapa Street, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. If riding a cab, just give this address to the driver. If taking a jeepney, look for those with Molo-Mandurriao or Mandurriao-Hibao-an signages. Ask the driver to drop you off at the venue.

Are you up for a trek this October? On October 22, rock climbers can brave the dirt and mud to see the view that only Mt. Napulak can offer in the Habagat 30K Mountain Rock Challenge.

The mountain rock challenge is open for both male and female participants. There are 15K and 30K categories with registration fees of PhP1,000.00 and PhP1,500.00. Cash prizes and goods await the top three finishers who took the 30K challenge, while medals will be given to all the finishers.

Interested trekkers may visit the office of Habagat at the 2nd level of Robinsons Place Jaro. Participants who are not from Iloilo may (+63929) 700-4833 and look for Daisy.

How to get there: Mt. Napulak is situated in Igbaras, Iloilo. If you have a car, take the main highway leading to Igbaras. In going to Brgy. Bagay, you have to leave your vehicle somewhere, the safest being the police station. You then take a habal-habal (modified motorcycle) to go to the jump-off point. If you are commuting, you may ride a jeepney at the Molo terminal.

Some 119 years ago, the first cry of the revolution in Iloilo happened in Jelicuon, now a barangay of New Lucena, Iloilo. Today, it has grown to a grand festivity where locals stage reenactments of suffrage, oneness, and heroism. This year’s celebration will happen on October 25 at the town amphitheater.

Mayor Christian Sorongon, the local chief executive of New Lucena, Iloilo, has turned this municipal milestone into a provincial tourism activity which gathers its townspeople and neighboring villagers.

How to get there: New Lucena is just a few minutes away from Iloilo International Airport. It can be reached by jeepney from Ungka Terminal in Pavia. You can also reach the place by riding a bus going to Passi City. Stop at Bangga Dawis, then ride a tricycle to see the heart of the town.

Before Christmas, the Tigkaralag Festival is one occasion which is a source of fun for Pavianhons. Every October 30, locals as well as balikbayans (returning or visiting Filipinos residing in other countries) gather to witness the creativity of the youth in their horror costumes.

The Tigkaralag Festival of Pavia, Iloilo is a manifestation of fun, fear, and fellowship. Every barangay (community) in Pavia is given the opportunity to perform a dance drama where the participants are dressed in Halloween costumes. It is timely for the remembrance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

More than just being a show, it is staged to turn the fearful image of evil spirits to a comical and fun one so that kids won’t live in fear of them. The purpose of the Pavia local government in doing this is not to impose fear among children but rather, to educate everyone, even adults, that death is inevitable.

How to get there: Pavia is just 10 to 15 minutes away from the Iloilo International Airport if you are coming straight from the airport. It is accessible by jeepneys with Pavia-La Paz and Sta. Barbara-Highway routes. Buses from Calinog Bus Line (CBL) and transport vans going to Lambunao and Calinog also pass by Pavia.

These four are just a few of the reasons why Iloilo is the best destination for travelers this October. If you want to take a break, spend some time in the City of Love where you can commune with culture and nature.