Iloilo City Photo Walk with the Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro

Sunset at Jordan Wharf
Sunset at Jordan Wharf
Sunset at Jordan Wharf

Driving out from one of the country’s fanciest airport, the Iloilo International Airport, the transformation of Iloilo City is already evident. Nine years since my last visit and I was just stunned on how urbanized the city has become. It felt like Metro Manila with easier traffic. The Spanish and American influence which took hold of the city for a time still lingers along with modern commercial establishments and high rise residential towers. Before, the city was a mere transit point for me to visit Guimaras, UNESCO listed Miag-ao church and nearby waterfalls. But my recent visit with Asus Philippines showed me a different Iloilo. Armed with an Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro, we visited interesting spots in the city while lending our time to help out for Operation Smile.

The first Zenfone concept store in Visayas at SM City Iloilo cyberzone
The first Zenfone concept store in Visayas at SM City Iloilo cyberzone

Iloilo Zenfone Concept Store

Part of our visit in Iloilo is the opening of the first Zenfone Concept store in the Visayas region. The 6th in the country and the company hopes to target around 30 in the coming months. The local distributor found the wide range of prices in relation to the feature phones accessible to the Iloilo market. The Zenfone Concept Store is located at the Cyberzone of SM City Iloilo.

The Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro
The Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro

Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro

The millenial-inclined and selfie-centric Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro was the weapon handed to me for our photowalk. I actually wanted to try the Zenfone 4 since it’s more photography built but this made do as it has a 16MP Sony IMX351 sensor on the rear. That’s far better than the Zenfone 4 Max I’m using. The selfie pro also shares the dual-camera technology of the Zenfone 4 line except that it is utilized for the front camera. Not a surprise since it’s a selfie smartphone. There’s a 12MP Sony IMX362 sensor and 5MP wide angle at the front. Operation is refined with the much improved ZenUI 4.0 and more capable 2.0 GHz octa-core CPU. All photos in our Iloilo City photo walk were taken by the Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro.

Museo Iloilo
Museo Iloilo

Iloilo City Photo Walk

Our first stop in the city was the Museo Iloilo at Bonifacio Drive. Just beside the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and the Department of Tourism Regional Office. The modern building designed by Ilonggo architect Sergio Penasales houses an arry of cultural collections from artefacts, pottery, Spanish-era sculptures and a space for contemporary Ilonggo artist.

Deep in prayer at Jaro Cathedral
Deep in prayer at Jaro Cathedral

The National Historical Institute of the Philippines declared Jaro Cathedral, was our next stop. Built in 1874 by the first Bishop of Jaro, Mariano Cuartero, O.P, the church was heavily damaged by a 1948 earthquake. The belfry was left hence it remains across the street, opposite where the new cathedral stands. The cathedral has a unique feature of having an all-male ensemble of saints at the pillars.

Girl playing at the tree at the Molo Plaza
Girl playing at the tree at the Molo Plaza

Molo Church, Mansion and Plaza

On the other spectrum, the Molo Church has an all female line up of saints at its pillars. This attractive gothic church was built in 1831 using white corals. It has a lively plaza in front. A great place to observe the locals. Also in the area is the restored Yusay-Consing Mansion, popularly known as Molo Mansion. A beautiful heritage house turned into a museum conveniently just across the plaza.

Enjoying Tsokolate and Molo soup
Enjoying Tsokolate and Molo soup

Speaking of heritage houses, we dropped by the Camiña Balay nga Bato. This charming house not only has a wonderful collection of antiquities but served the best Molo Soup I’ve tasted. Together, it has one of the richest tsokolate batirol I had.

A street side sewer at China Town
A street side tailor in China Town

La Paz Batchoy Hunting in China Town

On another day, our photowalk took us to Iloilo’s version of China Town. The street was as bustling as in Manila. We walked the stretch of Iznart St where I got amused looking at the micro-businesses still thriving here. The street side shoe makers and tailors. The line of shops selling cure-all mixes and other curious items. But my highlight in China Town is finding one of the tastiest la paz batchoy in Iloilo City. Inside the Iloilo Central Market are Deco’s and Popoy’s canteens where locals flock to satisfy their cravings for this favorite local noodle soup.

Sunset at Jordan Wharf
Sunset at Jordan Wharf

Jordan Wharf Sunset

Last stop in our walk was the Guimaras Jordan Wharf. It was refreshing to feel the salty air and breeze from the sea. What’s more interesting is watching the activity here. The fishermen by the breakwaters and the Ilonggos promenading the area. All blanketed under the sunset hues spreading across the sky. What a way to end the Day.

Watching the sunset
Watching the sunset

Essential Info

The Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro is available at Lazada for Php 18,399.

Museo Iloilo
Bonifacio Drive in Iloilo City Proper, between the new Iloilo Provincial Capitol Building and the Region VI Office of the Department of Tourism
Admission Fees: Student – P15.00, Adult – P50.00
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (except Holidays) 8:00 am to 11:00 am, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Camiña Balay Nga Bato
20 Osmeña Street, Villa de Arevalo
Iloilo City
Contact numbers: (033) 336.3858, (033) 396.4700

Where to stay in IloloDays Hotel Iloilo

Days hotel Iloilo
Days hotel Iloilo
Flower vendor at Jaro Cathedral
Flower vendor at Jaro Cathedral
Jaro flower vendor details
Jaro flower vendor details
Longanisa stringers
Longanisa stringers
Earth at Molo Mansion
Earth at Molo Mansion
Patience and waiting
Patience and waiting
Polishing the wheel
Polishing the wheel
China town scene
China town scene
Molo plaza
Molo plaza