DiscoverPassi City
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Passi City.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Passi City
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Passi City
- In case you are going on a holidays to Passi (Iloilo), you will find a combination of the old and the new that makes the city look friendly and interesting at the same time.
- These passi (Iloilo) holidays will see you off to peaceful riverside boardwalks, where people sit and have tea, and bustling street stands, where coconut water and freshy mangoes are sold.
- The urban structure is characterised by a grid of small streets that bring to the historic churches, each with its legend of perseverance and religious beliefs.
- Tourists will discover that the small town of Passi promotes good interactions with the store owners who can suggest the most enjoyable walks in the town.
- This is a deliberately slow paced lifestyle, which gives the visitor time to explore local arts and leisurely dine.
- When you are done exploring the landmarks of the city you will be longing to the natural beauty which is only hiding at the outskirts, which is there ready to be experienced.
- Capital: Passi is a component city in Iloilo province, Western Visayas
- International airport: Iloilo International Airport about 45 kilometers away
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official languages: Filipino and English; Hiligaynon what locals speak
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The most important sites in the city are a vibrant plaza, a splendid cathedral, an eco-park situated nearby and a satellite campus of a famous university, and they all represent a unique experience.
- These holidays to Passi (Iloilo) are ideal with the families who want adventure, culture, and would like to relax in an environment full of greenery.
- To make sure that your entry into the Philippines is easy, you can do your booking by using the world pinoy flights so that you can start your adventure in the Philippines with a hassle free entry.
- Its transportation system is also welcoming as tricycles and jeepneys transport one to major destinations so it is not difficult to get into and out of an attraction.
- Visitors are usually accompanied to some of the less known places by local guides and this provides them with a behind the scenes experience of the life in Passi.
- River light shows in the evenings are a lovely way of making the skyline of the city romantic to couples and photo-lovers alike.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- October to January would be the most favoured weather of the year to spend the holidays to Passi (Iloilo) as the weather is normally between 25o C and 28o C and the rainfall is minimal.
- Spring is associated with a bloom of local orchids and a light level of humidity, which makes outdoor markets a nice experience.
- When you want it cool, you should visit the dry season, when it is clear and the air is crisp following a light breeze at sea.
- The monsoon season, which occurs mostly in May to June can be characterised by temporary showers yet the city is filled with colourful forms of celebrations during the time.
- To beach lovers, July and August are the months of warm sea water although rain showers may occasionally interrupt the scheduled excursions.
- No matter what time of the year, Passi is such a small place that you can easily adjust to any type of weather change by just changing a light jacket to a raincoat.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Passi City Plaza
- The plaza is the central part of the city with buildings that reflect the past and are colonial in nature.
- There are children playing on the open grass and the aged residents on the benches talking about local news.
- Local merchants will establish booths that will sell mango ice cream, fresh fish, and handmade jewellery.
- The main fountain is a bronze sculpture of a bird which is used as a meeting point by the families.
- Traditional Filipino songs are another aspect that is often heard as the street musicians perform their songs.
- The architecture of the plaza is illuminated by evening lights, a popular place among night photographers.
Passi City Cathedral
- The exterior of the cathedral is one of the brightest examples of the Baroque style, the colour palette of which is made of light pastels.
- Staircase high vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows produce a calm and almost heavenly feeling inside.
- There is a glass case on which the relics of local saints are displayed, attracting pilgrims in the nearby villages.
- The church organ is a large aged organ that plays some resonant melodies in Sunday masses.
- Tours are led to understand the history of the cathedral and its contribution in the faith of the community.
- Thousands of visitors come to see the cathedral in special feast days that are accompanied by processions.
Badiangan Eco Park (nearby)
- The park is a mangrove forest that can be used as a good escape after being in the city.
- Boardwalks can be used by visitors to stroll along the river and see native fish and birds.
- Educational signs show how mangroves play an ecological role in the coastal protection.
- Eco-guides are providing boat trips which uncover concealed lagoons and aquatic bio diversity.
- There are picnic areas with trees that give family members comfortable resting areas.
- Local artists frequently take photographs of the sunset view of the park where the sky intersects with the water.
Philippine University–Satellite Campus
- The college resembles a small university town, complete with student dorms, lecture halls and a library.
- The architecture incorporates the modern design and the traditional Filipino motives, which provides an inspiring learning atmosphere.
- Cultural shows are also commonly held by students and provide visitors with an insight into modern Filipino arts.
- The garden on campus comprises native plants and it is a good environment to study or meditate.
- The science centre of the university has interactive exhibition on marine life and environmental science.
- Professors and students on campus will be available to share knowledge on the future and history of the region.
Reason 05
Discover More
Barasanan River
- The flowing water of the river is a natural playground to the kayaking and paddle-board lovers.
- There are bamboo huts along the beach, which can serve drinks and have an opportunity to communicate with the locals.
- Banks of the river are covered with orchards with fresh fruit directly off the tree.
- In the evening the water will reflect on the gold colours of the sky, which will pose the photographers with a peaceful view.
- The river hosts many migratory species which are visible to the birdwatchers during rainy season.
- In the morning fishermen are out fishing in their nets, and this gives a touch of country living to your pilgrimage.
Iloilo River Cruise
- The cruise takes a trip through the historic Iloilo River with old mansions of the Spaniards that used to shelter the rich families.
- Passengers are given a historical tour of the area in terms of colonialism and the influence of the region on the culture.
- The deck of the boat provides the view of the beautiful mangroves and bright city flags that blow in the breeze.
- On board, there will be refreshments (local coconut water and grilled fish) that demonstrate the food delights of the area.
- The river is illuminated in the evening making the cruise a romantic night.
- The smooth movement of the cruise is suitable to those tourists who want to enjoy a slow process of navigating the waters of the city.
Local Street Food and Wet Markets
- Wet markets are full of traders who sell fresh fish, shrimp and various tropical fruits.
- They have stalls selling boiled quail eggs (kwek -kwek) and silken tofu (taho), which attract hungry locals.
- The markets are an olfactory delight of visual, aural and olfactory experiences that awaken the adventurous palate.
- Most of the street food vendors work with sourced ingredients in their stalls, which are also local, hence everything is an authentic taste.
- Tourists have the opportunity to interact with vendors in order to know how to make basic Filipino food at home.
- The night markets are opened after the night and they are cooler enabling a late night, relaxed shopping.
Small Barangay Festivals
- Every barangay has its festival, music, dance and traditional games.
- Celebrations normally involve a procession of decorated floats which display local folklore.
- You can taste local specialties by eating food stalls that offer both pancit (noodles) and buko pie.
- Most of the festivals are community based and the visitors have an opportunity to observe grassroots festivals.
- The children also engage in tumbang preso (broken pot game), which brings a sense of fun to the event.
- Tourists are invited to become participants, which leaves them with an unforgettable experience of meeting cordial residents.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The people of holidays to Passi cherish their family honour, and they usually have family meals during significant holidays.
- The Filipino tradition dances like the tinkling are common in the local celebrations and school events.
- The city also has a history that is worth celebrating with old churches and colonial houses being restored.
- The hand-weaving of textiles is a work done by local artisans sold in tourist and local markets.
- The elders tell tales about how the area was, and lessons on how to be strong and part of a community.
- During the festivals and other people gatherings, there is traditional music that is played using bamboo instruments in the streets.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Passi food is highly based on fresh seafood and the food includes grilled fish that is spiced with local herbs.
- Among the local and foreign visitors, the so-called La Paz Batchoy, a noodle soup, is well received.
- Sweet foods such as halo-halo are delicious refreshments that cool one down on hot afternoons.
- In the local markets, it is possible to find fast healthy food like tuyo (dried fish) and buko (young coconut).
- Vendors are operating in the streets selling sticky rice cakes (suman) with banana leaves, which are ideal to take a quick snack.
- Foods are usually accompanied by duman (hot coconut water), which makes them a culinary experience.
Fun
- Kite surfing can be attempted on the open bay by the adventure seekers taking advantage of the calm wind to have an exciting adventure.
- There are scuba-diving sites nearby in the form of islands, which have colourful coral reefs that appeal to novices and experienced divers.
- There are community centres, where game nights are organised, and tourists could play with locals sipa (kickball).
- Entertainment is offered during cultural festivals in terms of live music, dance performances and local art exhibitions.
- To have a relaxing day, the visitors may take a cruise on the river and take light drinks.
- Taking evening walks in the plaza enables you to enjoy the night life in the city and local discussions.
Fashion
- The Philippines is known to have traditional Filipino clothes, including barong in male and tapis in female, which are sold in the local boutiques.
- Modern street wear in Passi tends to have vivid colours and entertaining designs based on nature.
- Artisans create hand-made accessories with local products such as bamboo and shells, which can be taken as a unique souvenir.
- Embroidered skirts and shirts with a complex Filipino design are sold in the markets in the city.
- The modern style can be mixed with the traditional pieces to make a personalised appearance to the tourists.
- Fashion exhibitions in festivals will reveal the changing fashions in the region, which is a mixture of the traditional and modern styles.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The mangrove walk at Badiangan Eco-Park offers a secure habitat to numerous species of birds, and therefore, it is an ideal place to view birds.
- The river has overnight camping tents where one can hear the wildlife and starry skies at night.
- The countryside surrounding is characterised by rice paddy where one can get to see how the local crops are grown.
- The hidden natural caves and limestone karsts are brought out to view on guided tours, which make the trip more adventurous.
- The river has smooth water which facilitates an encounter with the turtles nesting in certain seasons giving a once in a lifetime experience.
- Holidays to Passi Nature park walks are accompanied with environmental conservation and local plant lectures.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The end of December annual event is the Simbang Gabi, which attracts masses of people to midnight masses and firework shows.
- The festival sa Passi is an event that shows off the founding of the city through parades, songs and local delicacies.
- Bai-Bai festival takes place in every May and celebrates the fishermen community in the neighbourhood of the festival with boat races and feasts.
- In August, Filipino artists, musicians, and chefs take part in a colourful cultural fair of Pista ng Pinoy.
- The rainy season is marked with the Chinese festivity of Tiwala which entails community prayers and narration of storeys.
- Every occasion provides a distinctive chance to the visitors to interact with the vibrant soul of holidays to Passi and social pride.