The City of Love shows how special Ilonggo families are. They have this particular charm around other people. You might ask what those particulars are. What’s so special about them, and what makes them unique?
Food and places are remarkable in Western Visayas, but what’s more unforgettable when you travel to the island is its people. They have a way of making their home your second home. Iloilo City, one of the provinces in Panay, ain’t called Heart of the Philippines for nothing. Here are eight reasons why Ilonggo families are loved by many:
As gentle as a turtle-dove
When you visit and immerse yourself in Iloilo, you’d see that Ilonggo families are one of the sweetest and most affectionate locals in the Philippines. Perhaps, it has something to do with their accent. Ilonggos use the Hiligaynon language, and when they speak, it’s as if they are delivering a lullaby with their intonation. And yes, it’s like crooning that you won’t even be able to tell when they’re mad.
But of course, it’s not limited to that. How they welcome people is also a factor. Ilonggos wear wide beautiful smiles and nakedly welcoming auras when they see other people, even outsiders. They are kind and inclusive. They are gentle with others — something that you don’t see from others every day. It’s one of the things that makes them stand out.
Nothing beats a quality time
If you’re a fan of quality time, you might as well meet an Ilonggo. Ilonggos enjoy good company, tasty meal, and a pleasant ambiance. They can last for hours during get-togethers, so having Ilonggos over can make hangouts even better. They can carry conversations with their good sense of humor. And they are good listeners also. You wouldn’t be overwhelmed when you talk to them.
Savory meals and mixed cuisines
Ilonggo families know their way around the kitchen. You’d be surprised how tasty their dishes are, even those which are adapted from other countries.
You get to enjoy the famous chicken inasal recipe, drizzled with chicken oil, complementary soy sauce with kalamansi, and sometimes spicy vinegar with garlic, pepper, and ginger. They have an extremely appetizing soup as well. It’s called kansi, and it’s made of beef shank and bone marrow.
Ilonggos in Panay island are known for their Chinese-influenced dishes such as siopao, pancit molo, and batchoy. But besides that, they serve other dishes as well, such as Spanish and Filipino cuisines. They make it equally delicious. Their paella, callos, and lengua won’t disappoint you, and neither do their pork lechon and lechon manok with lemongrass.
They can make their way to your heart through your stomach. It’s true. Never doubt what good food can do.
Desserts make moments sweeter
If you have a sweet tooth, you’d definitely get along with Ilonggo families. They have a penchant for desserts. When you visit their place, observe how they usually end their meal. It’s almost a hundred percent that they eat sweets every after a meal. This is actually something that makes them unique. Other Filipinos may fancy desserts, but you won’t see it now and then on their plates.
Sometimes, people jokingly ask. “Is dessert what makes Ilonggos the sweetest locals?” Well, what do you think?
Laid-back lifestyle
When people hear about Ilonggos, one thing comes to mind. They are known to have a laid-back lifestyle. In short, they are chill. These families are easygoing, which is why making friends with them is no sweat. That’s also why they give good company. They are not less nor too much of a companion.
Ain’t no party like a street party
Ilonggo families know how to enjoy themselves. This tells so much about how chill they are as people, as mentioned in their lifestyle. They have festive occasions such as the Dinagyang Festival. One of the highlights of this event would be the audience joining the dance performers.
If they can confidently join other people from dancing along the streets, that says a lot about how comfortable they are interacting socially.
Family tops the priority list
Since Spanish influence is still strong in their lives, you can observe how devout they are, not just to their religion but to their loved ones as well. Ilonggos are family-oriented. It is an attitude that is hard to see these days, which is why it’s astounding how they maintain the trait.
Having their family as their center makes them better individually. They hold onto the same drive; thus, they move forward together.
There’s no place like home
Naka kaon ka na? You’re definitely going to hear this when you go to an Ilonggo household. They are known to be very hospitable or welcoming. It doesn’t matter if you’re just an acquaintance or a new face in town. If you step foot on their island, it’s guaranteed that they’re going to take care of you. They make sure guests are pleased with their place, food, and community.
Ilonggos engraved themselves in the hearts of the tourists. They leave them sweet smiles and bright faces to remember. So if you go to Iloilo, expect to be moved. They know how to make people happy. They understand what home is and how essential it is. It makes them capable of showing other people too what it means.
Realization~
Often, people are deemed special because of the unique characteristics or behaviors that they possess and show. In the case of Ilonggo families, they have so much to be proud of. They’re not just great cooks, loving family members, and good companions, but they’re an impactful group of people as well.
They know how to interact with society, so it’s no wonder how other people grow fond of them. Their warm and all-embracing character is what contributes best to their exceptionality.
