Strollings and Meanderings: Morning Walk on Iloilo City Esplanade

Witness the calming riverside view as you stroll on Esplanade's riverside walk.

My early morning walk today brings me to the Iloilo Esplanade, an expansive leisure and fitness walkway-cum-ecotourism hub that never fails to amaze anyone who wants to enjoy the eco-friendly side of Iloilo City. I suggest that you come here either early in the morning (between 5:30 - 7 am) or early in the evening (6 - 7 pm). The 1.2-kilometer stretch stands beside the Iloilo City River and extends from the Benigno Aquino Avenue to the Carpenter Bridge. Vehicles are not allowed here, that’s why joggers and walkers have all the time and space to enjoy the Espanade.

Luscious flora thriva at the Esplanade.

A sight to behold, indeed.

The expansive space is home to numerous activities.
But not on a damp and rainy day like this.

Taking the road much traveled.

Beautifyl bird of paradise thrive lushly along the Esplanade's side walk.

The pristine, mangrove-lined river is a sight to behold. In fact, this fine stretch of waterway has earned international distinction for the city government's efforts of cleaning it from waste that once so dotted this now-serene spot. In fact, it was featured as the epitome of global river protection when the city hosted the first International River summit in 2012.

The Esplanade boasts of its well-landscaped and maintained ground. It’s really worth a nice early-morning, late-afternoon, or early-evening family bonding since there are a lot of areas and viewing decks to sit and behold the stunning, riverside views if you care to stop by from your brisk-walk or jogging and do a little inhale-exhale while meditating before the natural beauty that abounds here.

The "red, brick road"

From a short distance is the imposing Ayala Building.

The Efrain B. Trenas Memorial

A taibo session awaits the fitness-conscious early in the morning and in the evening, so if you think walking and jogging is not enough, feel free to join the dozens of people who converge at Esplanade’s entrance square to dance, bend and jump their fats out amidst a lively tune and a company of jolly individuals.

Construction of the Iloilo Esplanade began in November 2011. Senator Franklin Drilon allocated P70 mn from his Priority Development Fund to kickstart the project designed from renowned Filipino architect Paolo Alcazaren, who was also the creative genius behind the Singapore Quay. The Esplanade was inaugurated on August 18, 2012, with senators Franklin Drilon and Loren Legarda and boxing icon and Saranggani representative Manny Pacquaio present to do the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

The Iloilo River

Th Iloilo River, a majestic sight to behold!

White angels grow abundantly

The morning dawn welcomes me at the end of my walk.

The Carpenter Bridge marker

Iloilo City’s official website writes:

"The Esplanade has become a source of pride for the Ilonggos who are very much excited to witness the showcase of a wonderful transformation of a vibrant and livable city."

Meanwhile, in an interview with Department of Tourism regional director Helen Catalbas, Inquirer reports:

"The esplanades are expected to turn the river into a tourist attraction and complement other attractions and historic sites."

The 15-km Iloilo River is also a natural wonder that’s worth noting. A source of livelihood to hundreds of fisherfolks, the river is also home to 22 mangrove species. Historians, meanwhile, would point out the river’s significance in the local trade during pre-Hispanic era.