Yes, I know – we should have visited the Iloilo Esplanade at dusk or evening and not midday. Well, we ran out of time. Our flight back to Manila was scheduled at 5PM and the only time left for us to the Iloilo River Esplanade was… well, midday.
It’s still beautiful though. I can imagine a lot of people walking along the majestic Iloilo River. Hopefully we’ll be able to see this place at dusk or evening – probably next year, during the Dinagyang Festival 2015.
According to Wikipedia, the Iloilo River Esplanade was built at a cost of P58.7 million and was opened to the public August 18, 2012. It was designed by Architect Paulo Alcazaren who designed the Singapore quay and river esplanade. Well, the Iloilo River Esplanade is fabulous.
The marker of the Iloilo River Esplanade reads:
This 1.2 kilometer esplanade celebrates Iloilo citizens’ love for their river. It provides a functional, as well as beautiful, venue that accommodates varied leisure activities open for all to use and appreciate. It also brings everyone closer to the water’s edge, reconnects people back to nature and increases awareness of the environmental balance necessary for the city to sustain those who live within its borders.
Inaugurated on this day, 1st of June 2012 by:
His Excellency Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, President, Republic of the Philippines
Hon. Franklin M. Drilon, Senator, Republic of the Philippines
Rep. Jerry P. Trenas, Lone District, Iloilo City
Hon. Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, Mayor, Iloilo City
I hope the City Government of Pasig would also hire such architect to develop the Pasig River.