The People of Iloilo

Ilonggos are known across the Philippines as some of the gentlest, most hospitable people in the country. Visitors often say the people are what make them want to come back.

Who the Ilonggos are

The people of Iloilo are the Ilonggos, also called Hiligaynon. They are one of the largest Visayan peoples, and their homeland is the eastern coastal plain of Panay. Over the centuries, Ilonggos have also settled in Guimaras, Negros Occidental and parts of Mindanao, carrying their language and food with them.

About 457,000 people live in Iloilo City, and about 2 million more in the rest of Iloilo province (2020 census). In the province's western uplands live the Karay-a, a closely related people with their own language, Kinaray-a.

A people of many roots

• The Ati. Panay's first inhabitants. Legend tells of ten Bornean datus who bought the lowlands from the Ati chief, a story honored every year in the Dinagyang Festival. Ati communities still live in Iloilo today.
• Malay settlers. The datus' descendants built the coastal villages and trading towns that became Iloilo's districts.
• Chinese traders. Settled in Molo's parian during the Spanish era. Their descendants helped build Iloilo's commerce, and Chinese New Year is still one of the city's big celebrations.
• Spanish and mestizo families. Shaped the churches, plazas and sugar estates. Many of the old mansions belonged to these clans.

The language

Hiligaynon is one of the most widely spoken languages in the Philippines, with around 9 million speakers. It's famous for its soft, singsong lilt, so much so that people joke that Ilonggos sound sweet even when they're angry. Most Ilonggos also speak English and Filipino, so visitors rarely have trouble being understood. See Travel Tips for a few useful phrases.

Character and values

• Malambing (gentle and affectionate). Ilonggos are known for their soft-spoken manner and courtesy.
• Hospitality. Guests are fed generously; expect to be offered food wherever you go.
• Love of food. Family life revolves around the table, and recipes are handed down for generations.
• Faith. Most Ilonggos are Roman Catholic, and church fiestas anchor the calendar. Iloilo also has a long Protestant tradition, introduced by American missionaries in the early 1900s.
• Unhurried pace. Life moves a little slower here than in Manila or Cebu, and Ilonggos like it that way.

A city of learning

Iloilo City is a major education center for the Visayas. Students come from across the region to study at schools such as the University of the Philippines Visayas, Central Philippine University, West Visayas State University, the University of San Agustin and the University of Iloilo. Many campuses have historic buildings worth a look.

Notable Ilonggos