Much of Iloilo and Negros' charms are mostly evident in its unique people...laid-back...sweet and gentle-speaking...lovers of good food and extravagant lifestyles. These two islands neighbors are very close...share the same Ilongo dialect (although with small variations), have the same basic characters, many of it's peoples have inter-married and have inter-mingled bloodlines, and although separated by a quite big body of water, both places are bridged by fast watercrafts. I have great affection for this area where my family originally hails from and where I feel very comfortable in and speak the dialect.
Iloilo - boasts of numerous old and historic churches dating back to Spanish colonial times. The most famous of which are those found in Molo, Miagao, Tigbauan, Guimbal, San Joaquin and Dingle. Around Iloilo city and nearby Jaro, are also found many beautiful old ancestral homes. To see more history and past relics, there is the Museo Iloilo. Still in the city is Fort Sand Pedro, a waterfront promenade and Plaza Libertad.
Driving around the countryside is a nice way to spend the day. Most towns are centered on the Spanish concept of beautiful and grand plazas with townhall, church and other town institutions surrounding it. Residential houses are spread throughout. There are may old ancestral houses of Spanish design around Iloilo. Other places to visit, although quite a bit of distance away include Guimaras Island, Roxas City, and Sicogon Island.
Bacolod - Less than two hours away from Iloilo by modern hydrofoil is Bacolod in the island of Negros, sugarcane producing capital of the country. Sugar has been the lifeblood of the island for many generations now...with fields and plantations seen just about everywhere. Some city sights include the Capitol, Plaza and San Sebastian Church.
To understand the aristocratic culture and extravagant lifestyle unique to this island, visit the Balay Negrense in nearby Silay, an ancestral home turned lifestyle museum shocasing life of the typical plantation owner as it was decades ago. Silay itself, known in the past as "Paris of Negros" being the center of culture and arts, is definitely worth visiting. It boasts numerous old antique houses like the Hofilena and Dimacali houses.
In nearby Victorias is the unique Chapel of St. Joseph the Worker, with its psychedelic mural; and closeby is the interesting Chapel of the Cartwheels at Hacienda Rosalia.