Randomness is what makes some trips special and amazing. Last December 28, 2011, I decided to cross over again to Iloilo City and thinking of joining a family reunion in Nabas, Aklan to which I cancelled going to for a pre-arranged matter. Instead of going to Aklan, I decided to take a walking tour of the city. At roughly 78 sq. km or approx 30 sq. miles, Iloilo City is a small city that can be toured in just a day. This city is less than an hour across the sea via fast sea vessels like Weesam which I took from my hometown Bacólod City. Instead of taking the usual pedicab from the Port area to the Freedom Grandstand, I decided to stretch my muscles a bit and explore the city.
Being the major port city of the Visayas in the late Spanish era to the middle of American rule, Iloilo City has a number of remnants to that era being the Queen City of the South as decreed by the Queen Regent of Spain. A walk on the streets transports you back to the time and one can imagine the vibrancy of port life that the city has seen. Today, the city is seeing a renewed but more modern vibrance but nevertheless, the classical feel is the touch that will uniquely be Iloilo City’s. Having not eaten breakfast, I decided to go find a place to rest and eat. I did not have to think or walk that long since my classic favorite is just within walk.
Bluejay Coffee at Amigo Terrace Hotel is my personal favorite in Iloilo City and I always to do not miss a chance to pass by here. Amidst the hustle and bustle of jeepneys passing by the streets of the city, Bluejay Coffee offers a welcome respite with a relaxing ambience and a very accommodating staff to serve me. Because I am very thirsty and it is hot outside, I decided to order a cold Café Mocha to soothe my dry throat. I chose to have whipped cream on my cold drink and the crew was kind enough to add a bit of extra, just the way I like it. Asking directions to Wild FM Iloilo’s Station, they gave me a very detailed information on how to get there which is an added extra points for me. Nothing is better than a good cold drink and a cool staff.
As I have observed, this café is a great place for family and friends to hang out. Having the comfort of being situated in the city center, Bluejay enjoys a loyal customer range especially from the consistent travelers like me. For those non-coffee people, their deli selections for one to enjoy and some fruit juices too. Not to mention, they have a good cake selection too but unfortunately though, you have to wait for a day in order for you to order a whole cake. Remembering that I would be meeting DJ Maggie latter at Wild FM Iloilo, I decided to grabe a small cake as a gift. If you spent a long walk around the city and feel tired, be sure to drop by Bluejay Coffee for that sweet tooth fix. Since it was past 11am, I decided to head over to Wild FM Iloilo following the detailed instructions of the café staff which was very helpful.
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More photos available for the curious eyes at the Photo Blog.
