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This city in Metro Cebu has had its shares of high and lows. It hugged the news last year after water from its main river wreaked havoc downstream that toppled down communities and claimed lives. This is also where the first lechoneros of Cebu were believed to have originated. This was not the first time that I took notice of this city and after visiting the city thrice for its attractions and its lechon, I can say that I have actually experienced Talisay’s high!  Talisay City was a treat for the mind and tummy. Talisay City is the most populous component city in the Visayas. It was founded as an Augustinian estate in 1648 and was later declared a municipality in 1849. Its role in Philippine history came in during World War 2 when it became the center of the guerrilla movement. It played a pivotal role in the liberation of Cebu when liberation forces landed along its shores in March 26, 1945. It was in 2000 that it was declared a component city and has since then experienced rapid economic growth. But behind these developments, Talisay has stories and hidden wonders to explore and enjoy. Manipis Viewing Deck / Isay - The Sleeping Dinosaur The mountain road connecting the cities of Talisay and Toledo is a favorite rid that you just been outvoted by the board e route of both bicycle and motorcycle riders. The road snakes po through the central mountains of the island giving you a rugged and relaxing ride through its rustic landscape. A quick stop at Manipis View Deck is a must for those traversing this road. Manipis View Deck is a viewing spot along Cebu’s central mountain ranges.
The spot offers a view of “Isay The Sleeping Dinosaur”. The mountain ranges, when viewed from a certain angle, is said to form a dinosaur sleeping in its belly with its head tucked on the its side. They have a cartoon rendition to help you visualize it. I really tried to get my creativity around but I was not able to visualize it. Nevertheless, the views of the mountains and Mananga River was a real beauty to enjoy. Igutan Cave and Falls A small barangay downstream holds another Talisay natural wonder - the Igutan Cave and Waterfalls. Tucked along the rocky cliffs of Barangay Jaclupan, you can reach the site by crossing the Mananga River to its entrance. It would be a short walk from there as you scramble over boulders and rocks to get to its base pool.  A view of the cascade of Igutan Falls.
The rock face of the cliff and its stacked boulders create a hollow cave area where water cascades into a shallow pool. The water then runs downstream joining the Mananga River. This spot may not be as grand as the more famous waterfall attractions in Cebu BUT it does have its own rustic charm. The serene vibe of the falls will make you enjoy communing with nature as you feel the cold water run over your feet.
There are remnants of facilities in the area like stairs that lead to an area at the top of the cliff. There are rest area structures that will give you an idea that it was once a popular spot in the area. There is a small cave opening at the second level where you can find a waterfalls inside. Unfortunately, the gate at the entrance was locked. Mananga River and Dam The Mananga River is a prominent water resource that snakes through the mountains of Talisay to its coast. I caught a glimpse of the river at the Manipis View Deck as its snaked along the base of Cebu’s mountain ranges. Mananga River made its presence felt as we drove down the mountain roads of Talisay with views of its calm river flow.
The scenic views of the river is relaxing. A dam was built along the river to help control the flow its water. The gentle flow over the dam was a beauty to see BUT do not be deceived by its serene flow. It can easily turn its fury into a ravaging flow. And topped with a very poor flood control project of this government, the river can easily damage properties and claim lives. Archdiocesan Shrine Sta. Teresa de Avila (Simbahan ng Talisay) At the heart of the town poblacion, you will find the Sta. Teresa de Avila Church or the Simbahan ng Talisay. The parish was established as independent congregation in 1836 and the stone church structure was completed in 1848. Its proximity to the coast of Talisay brought heavy damage to its structure during the liberation of Cebu during World War 2.  The Talisay Church was a mute witness to the centuries of Talisay history. The church was built under the Graeco-Roman architecture. Its two belfries are connected by a portico that is supported by two columns at the entrance. It was built using coral stones. The Talisay Church was heavily damaged during World War 2 and only the facade and its stone walls remain from its original structure. Side wings were added when it was remodeled but its arched side windows were kept intact.  The original foundation, with its arched windows (now passages), are part of the old church structure. The inside of the church was simple with a gold-colored altar as its highlight. An image of the Crucified Christ is the altar’s main centerpiece. Two side altars sits adjacent to the main altar. The arched windows were now side entrances leading to its side wings where more pews are located. It was declared an archdiocesian shrine in 2007. Talisay Japanese Pillbox Talisay City is one of the few locations in the country where you can still catch a glimpse of the Japanese Pillbox. These wartime structures were made from concrete and served as a line defense by the Japanese during World War 2. It is usually built low on strategic terrains like coastlines, rivers, and airfields. These structures were built to survive heavy artillery fighting.  Tucked in a small coastal barangay, this pillbox is a World War 2 artifact. The Japanese Pillbox in Talisay City is located in Kalubihan, one of the coastal communities of the poblacion. It is just a short walk from the church along V.H. Graces Street and then continue walking through a dirt road beside the Ruthy’s Lechon stall until you reach the basketball court. The pillbox sits adjacent to the court. It looks like a slab of cement but, upon closer inspection, you would be able to see the round-shaped pillbox. It was built imbedded into the ground with concrete. A small opening serves as its entrance and exit point. Unfortunately, this WW2 relic was used as a dumping ground of garbage. I hope that they would be able to restore it and give it the proper recognition for its historical value. The 1945 Talisay Landing Site and Liberation Park The events of World War 2 in Cebu grounded Talisay in Philippine history. It was the center of the guerrilla intelligence operations during the Japanese Occupation and played a pivotal role in the liberation of Cebu. The coast of Talisay City was the site of the amphibious landing of liberation troops that led to the surrender of the Japanese in August of 1945.  The 1945 Talisay Landing Site is now getting a much-needed rehabilitation. This beach spot was where liberation forces set foot after it was bombarded to clear the coast of landmines. The bombardment was a result of intelligence reports that Japanese forces planted landmines along the beach. The landing in Talisay was part of the military campaign to liberate Cebu, Bohol, and Negros from the hands of the Japanese. A monument and historical marker were installed on the site to commemorate the historical significance of the event in the province and in the country.
Adjacent to the site is the Liberation Park. This spot is an open-space park that is part of the tourism project of the city to make history more appealing to the masses. It was designed to feature sports venues, playgrounds, retail areas, and a boardwalk that will showcase the beauty and stories of the city. It has also been a venue of community activities of the city. Talisay Lechon Cebu will always be a lechon heaven for me. Although I first fell in love with the lechon of Carcar, I have read accounts that it was from this city where the first lechoneros of Cebu originated. I’ve also been told that Talisay’s lechon is more flavorful even without the “sarsa”. And the best way to confirm this was to have a taste test in Talisay.  Talisay City is one of the two cities on Cebu that is popular for THE Cebu Litson! For the record, yes… Talisay Lechon is yummy, tasty, and flavorful without any sarsa. It may look dry but it is juicy and the flavors just burst in your mouth. It goes best with puso and dugo-dugo (pig’s blood stew). I love the lechon from Carcar and Talisay but my personal preference would be that of latter. I enjoyed how Talisay lechon satisfied my palate for its unadulterated taste. The most popular spot to get to enjoy a lechon meal is to head up to the Talisay Litson Food Park, just across the Liberation Park. You can enjoy your lechon meal as you enjoy the beach view and breeze of the poblacion’s beach spot. If you are visiting on a Sunday, do not fret because the streets of the poblacion are lined up with lechon stalls and you can easily enjoy a satisfying Talisay lechon meal. POST TRAVEL NOTES Some destinations become popular for their attractions while others for their stories. Talisay City falls under the latter. While the popular Cebu destinations showcases the beauty of nature, Talisay City puts forward its history and culture. This city proves that stories over a meal is enough to get people interested to explore Talisay.  San nga ba nagsimula ang Syudad ng Iloilo? Tara... alamin natin sa susunod na byahe natin! Most travelers harp on the beauty of what their eyes can see. They tend to compare destinations based on the usual definition of what is beautiful, i.e. white sand vs black sand beach spots. But each destination has its own story and culture that makes it stand out from the usual. It can be in a form of a quick bite that shares a slice of the town or city’s history. All it takes is just a heart to explore and a brief stop to enjoy. Watch out for my Talisay City travel video on my Youtube Travel Channel: #ByahengOffTheGrid Getting there: There are regular flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport from major local and international airports. You can then take a bus to SM City Cebu and then take a jeep to IT Park where you can take the Mango bus to the poblacion of Talisay City. Alternatively, you can take the aircon jeeps to Minglanilia or Naga. You can ask the driver to drop you off to Tabunok. Habal-habal and Tricycle is the mode of transportation around Talisay City. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels. Get 5% off on your Hull & Stern dry bag purchase on the Hull & Stern website when you use the code - marc7del.
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The town’s church is the first thing that comes to mind when you mention the name of this Iloilo town. You really cannot help it since the UNESCO Heritage Church is a tourism icon of the town and the province. The usual Iloilo itinerary is not complete without swinging by the town to visit this Spanish-period structure. But here’s the thing… there’s more to see in this town, if you don’t rush, that would make you go… let’s Miagao!  Miagao is not just about faith. It has stories that run from its mountains to its seas. Located just 2 hours away from the city, it is believed that the name “Miag-ao” was derived from the flowering plant “Miagos” that once grew abundantly in the area. This town was initially a suburb of Oton (until 1580), Tigbauan (1580-1652), San Joaquin (1652-1703), and Guimbal (1703-1716). It was in 1731 that it gained its status as an independent town. Today, Miagao is a very popular tourism and pilgrimage town in the province of Iloilo and, beyond its majestic church, are natural attractions and stories that are often overlooked. Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church (Simbahan ng Miagao) At the heart of the town, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, or the Miagao Church, is the most popular tourist and pilgrimage attraction in Miagao. It was in 1731 that the parish was established by Augustinian friars and the first church was built in Ubos. A second church was built inland in 1787 after two Moro invasions. The present church is the third structure built after it was damaged during the 1898 Philippine Revolution.  I was in owe with Miagao Church's orange hues in the early morning. The church is one of the four Spanish-period Baroque Churches in the Philippines that was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church was built under baroque-romanesque architecture with thick walls and buttresses. Its massive walls served as a fortress against moro attacks. The church was built in lime, adobe, coral, and egg giving its unique orange hue. Its orange glow is best seen during sunrise.
The facade of the church depicts the tropical everyday life in Miagao with touches of biblical references. The two unequal watchtower belfries stand guard on each side of the facade. The church is popular for its intricate bas-relief that has a mix of Spanish, Chinese, and Muslim influences. The coconut tree is a depiction to the Tree of Life. St. Christopher who holds the coconut tree, with the Child Jesus, on his back is adorned in native clothing. The facade also has niches with carved images of St. Thomas of Villanueva (located on the niche above the door), St. Henry of Bavaria, and Pope Pius VI.
The single nave church interior is beautiful with its simplicity. It directs your attention towards its gold-plated altar, with the image of the Crucified Christ as its centerpiece. The massive walls give its visitors the feeling of comfort and security within its walls. The baptistry is located under on of its belfries. Parts of its walls were part of the original structure. Interestingly, locals marvel at some of the images imprinted on its walls through time. These images were believed to be a blessing for their faith. Miagao Municipal Hall and Plaza Standing beside the church, the Miagao Municipal Plaza serves as the center of the town’s community activities. It is complete with a sports facility, a multi-purpose hall, and a sprawling open park. The open park was a good spot to just enjoy a lazy day watching the town go by during early morning or late afternoons.
Across the plaza stands the new Miagao Municipal Hall. It serves as the center of governance of the municipality where local government offices are located. A fountain stands at the entrance with a bas relief showcasing the products and livelihoods that the town is known for. Two Spanish-period cannons, a historic artifact from its colorful past, are also on display adjacent to the fountain. Tigmalaguit Peak After registering at the tourism office at Miagao, we met with our guides - Kuya Jobert, Kuya Rodel, and Kuya Dionisio of OMPZ Adventures for our quick and easy morning hike to explore the mountains of Miagao. The organizer is one of the groups recognized by the LGU to provide tours and hikes on the mountains of Miagao. In no time, we were already zooming along the Barangay roads of the town heading towards our first destination - Tigmalaguit Peak.  Enjoying the views of Miagao's Mountain Terraces from Tigmalaguit Peak. Tucked along the hinterlands of Miagao, Tigmalaguit Peak is one of the easy hiking destinations in Iloilo. We just parked the habal-habal on the side of the concrete road in Toog and took a 20-minute hike to the peak. We were treated to amazing views of the mountains guarding Miag-ao and it also gave us a sneak peek to the reason why we went here - to view the mountain terraces of Miagao. The hike was relatively easy with a steep ascent on the last stretch to the peak.
Tigmalaguit Peak offers a panoramic view of the mountains and the plains of Miagao. More importantly, it was one of spots that offer an amazing view of the terraces carved along the sides of its mountains of Iloilo. These terraces were carved, using minimal equipments, with mud walls that allow water to settle in from its irrigation system. It was a real beauty hidden along the mountainsides of Miagao. Little Batanes (Buklod) A short ride away from Tigmalaguit Peak is a spot that locals refer to as Little Batanes. I am often intrigued when I encounter local spots that is named after a popular Philippine destination because, more often than not, the beauty of the place can stand on its own. There is no need for the comparison.
After a quick snack break at the base of the peak, I headed up to the trail of Little Batanes. A small welcome arch stands at the jump-off point of the spot. I was able to reach its view deck in less than 5 minutes. The deck offered a panoramic view of its rolling hills, one of the terraces of Miagao, and the winding concrete roads of the area. It was a calm and relaxing view to enjoy. I guess you are wondering where Batanes comes into play. Well, it took a while for me to figure it out and the perimeter fence in the area gave it a similar vibe to that of Vayang Rolling Hills. From a personal standpoint, I think Buklod can stand in its own beauty and there is no need for the comparison. Dilaan Falls Dilaan Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls attraction in Miagao. The hike to the waterfalls is about an hour from the jump-off point. The trail will keep you amused with the its lush greens and mountain views. It is relatively an easy hike through and through with rest stops along the way. One of the rest stops has an amazing view of a limestone rock formation jutting out from its green landscape. Expect to get your feet wet along the way.  Dilaan Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls attraction in Miagao. Dilaan Falls is a two-tier waterfall hidden along the mountains of this town. It got its name for its tongue-shaped rock ledge along the cascades of the waterfalls. Its water cascades down into a base water pool and runs downstream along its rocky riverbed. You can also take a refreshing cold dip in its base pool to cool you down after the hour hike to catch its beauty.
This attraction is a refreshing break from the usual Miagao itinerary. The cold water, the fresh air, and the amazing views of its forest covers grounds you with nature. It was an amazing way to recharge with nature. It was both relaxing and refreshing to explore the hidden natural wonders of Miagao. Miagao Bat Trees Back in the Miagao Town Plaza, you would notice a swarm of dark figures fluttering around the branches of a barren tree. You would think that these are birds but they are actually fruit bats. The Bat Trees of Miagao is another natural phenomenon in the town where fruit bats has found a home in some of the trees near the plaza. Where these bats came from and how they thrived in Miagao remains to be a mystery. Interestingly, locals and bats have co-existed for more than 7 decades.
It was not hard to miss these trees because the sound and the sight of these nocturnal creatures will catch your attention. Local folklore share that these trees are home to underworld creatures. It made me so curious that I tried to get near their dwelling trees. The noise and the smell of guano was overwhelming that I only stayed at a distance to admire these nocturnal creatures. Baybay Norte Kuta Miagao is a coastal town and, just like other old Spanish towns, it has its own collection of Spanish-period watchtowers. These baluartes were built as part of a defense system against Moro pirates. I have read that there is a watchtower ruins on the outskirts of the town but little did I know that there is also a baluarte within the poblacion. From the town plaza, I walked along Octaviano Street where you will find the Baybay Norte Kuta at the end of this street.  The Baybay Norte Kuta is one of the Spanish baluartes in Miagao. Built in 1760, the Spanish-period Kota was built as a watchtower and a fortress that guard the town from Muslim raiders. It was the baluarte that protected the poblacion. It was in 1994 that the Baybay Norte Kuta was renovated and re-purposed as the multi-purpose hall of Baybay Norte. The stone foundations remain standing to these day with the barangay hall built on top of the fortress. Although parts of the original fortress can still be seen, it would have been better if its repurposed closer to its original design. Miagao Campo Santo Ruins The Miagao Public Cemetery is another repository of Spanish history. Just like old Spanish towns, the cemetery was also designed to have a campo santo or a funerary chapel. It is in this chapel where masses for the dead are held and during All Saint’s Day. This town has its own mortuary chapel that was made of limestone and red bricks. It was octagonal in shape and had a dome - a distinct feature of the capillary.
Unfortunately, the once beautiful campo santo is now in ruins. Only a portion of its red walls and its altar remain standing. Plant covers have invaded the walls of the old cemetery church which probably contributed to its crumbling into ruins. You can still see its prominent red walls and its coral stones intact in some areas. I hope that the LGU of Miagao can take the initiative to restore the structure to its former glory to keep its story and legacy alive. Tay-tay Boni Standing adjacent to the main highway, this Spanish-period bridge is often overlooked by tourists who visit Miagao. The Puente de Boni was built in 1854 and was named after its foreman Boni Neular from Miagao. It was made from yellow coral stones mined from the mountains of Igbaras and Miagao. This small narrow bridge measuring 36 meter long was meant to be used by horse drawn carriages that travel between Miagao to Iloilo City.
Today, the bridge is on display along the outskirts of the town. A park was built around it where you can appreciate the coral stones and its elegant design. The massive posts with topped by pyramids are eye-catching and will make you appreciate the bridge’s Spanish-period design. Its massive stone works gives you that impression that it was designed to last, and it did. POST TRAVEL NOTES Majority of tourists or travellers often visit a destination for its most popular attractions. They visit the place and enjoy the spots that people have shared or marvelled about. Miagao falls under this category. The town’s tourism is defined by its church. Regular tourists visit the church and only church. But behind the shadows of the church, the town has more to offer whether you are a nature lover or a history buff. I think it is about time that we explore more of Miagao that will make you go… wow! Where in Cebu? The thing with iconic destinations is that most visitors fall into the trap of defining a destination by that single attraction. Everything else go unnoticed. But if we take the time off to take things slow and explore more, you get small surprises along the way. You end the trip with a better insight and understanding of the place and better stories to share that go beyond the usual. Check out for my Miagao, Iloilo travel video on my Youtube Travel Channel:
Getting there: Iloilo City is the main gateway of Miagao, Iloilo. Major airlines have regular flights to Iloilo International Airport from major international and domestic airports in the country. You can take a van from the airport to SM City Iloilo and then take an air-conditioned mini bus to Ceres Bus Terminal in Mohon. From here, you can take bus headed for Antique. Ask the driver to drop you off at Miagao. If you want to go on personalised day hike or join hiking activities in Miagao, you may contact OMPZ Adventures through their Facebook Page. Just a heads up, you need to coordinate with an organizer first and they will be the one to coordinate with the tourism office of Miagao. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels. Get 5% off on your Hull & Stern dry bag purchase on the Hull & Stern website when you use the code - marc7del.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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October 2026
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