I was born abroad but I consider Iloilo to be my beloved hometown since I basically grew up here.
Our family moved several times when I was really young but most of my earliest memories were developed in a little town called Villa. At the age of 10, we settled in another area in the province of Iloilo.
Iloilo City got quite a lot of praise for how our mayor handles the CoVid-19 situation. The generosity of the Ilonggos is also truly commendable. Everyone is willing to help!
That’s one of the best things here in Iloilo; the friendly atmosphere and the people’s willingness to help.
Iloilo is definitely far from perfect but I love it with all my heart. Sometimes while roaming around town, I can’t help but whisper, “Lord, I am grateful that I live here.”
As I’ve mentioned, I spent most of my childhood years in Villa. Our house was located in what I’d like to call a “secret place” because of the narrow path you had to pass through to get to our neighborhood.
It was a very simple house made of wood and hardiflex, surrounded by a garden that wasn’t even ours. As I am writing, it is raining outside. That reminds me of how cozy and happy I felt inside that house whenever it rained. It would get dark and cold outside, while my heart would light up and warm itself.
I live far away from that town now, but I am so grateful for the memories I made there.
The neighborhood where we transferred is also a lovely one. The people here are so nice that sometimes in my daily walk, I would get free rides from tricycle drivers or a handful of fruits from a kind old man.
Iloilo is not perfectly safe as no place is but I do feel safe here (for most of the time), the streets are clean, and the people are the sweetest. There’s more to Iloilo than meets the eye. With all my heart I am proud to say: I love Iloilo, my home.
What do you love most about your hometown?
Life With Rachel 