An extra Sunday in Iloilo

In Iloilo these past days. Lots of things to be said about this beautiful, charming city: the wide roads, clean streets, safe bike lanes, and bustling community beside the river. It bears an uncanny resemblance to my home. The food, the surnames, the language. Like most people in my hometown, I trace my roots here.

Had an extra day to spend. Met Tito Bert and Auntie Hearty who took me to Baptist Central Church in La Paz district. Lunch was in a quiet restaurant in Mandurriao. 

Took a nap in my hotel room. Sunday naps are refreshing, wherever you are in the world. Joined Ahmad, Brylle, and Cy—new, promising medical oncologists—on a DIY walking tour in the late afternoon, when the sun was less harsh.

First stop: Jaro Cathedral. 

Couple hanging around the courtyard. 

A family doing a tour. 

My companions were Brylle, practicing in Tacloban City. He was my intern when I was training in Internal Medicine. 



Ahmad, from Marawi City, was also this year's Mr. PSMO, an award reserved for the select few who were coerced to don an extravagant costume, parade on-stage, participate in a Q and A. Who gets to join the pageant reminds me of Shirley Jackson's morbid short story, "The Lottery."

Cy is based in Cagayan de Oro. I told him to submit a piece for a writing workshop. 

Across the street was Molo Mansion. Had coffee al fresco—satisfying. Save for Brylle, whom I had known years ago, I hadn't had much opportunity to get to know Ahmad and Cy until that afternoon. Their struggles about starting a new practice and discovering the real world outside the safety of medical training resonated with me deeply.

Walked towards the Esplanade, a celebration of the possibilities of wide open spaces. People looked happy, sweaty, and healthy.







Level Up Iloilo!

Twilight found us hungry. Dinner was at Punot, which was packed with joyful families and friends celebrating.

Had KBL (kadios - baboy - langka), pansit molo, chicken wings, grilled seafood. Capped the meal with buko halo-halo.

Then it was a Grab ride back to the hotel. Grateful for the afternoon to spend with these young cancer specialists in a city that's full of possibilities. I pray for their success and happiness.