Iloilo’s Finest - Events, Food, Places

When I was little I used to remember the whole family (i mean the whole family — a throng of cousins, uncles and aunties, our yayas, even our dogs) going to this very relaxing and fun place. My father (tatay) would announce to the whole clan that we’re going to “Fort” (”Pa-port ta”… I actually used to think it’s called “Port”) and all of us would jump with excitement.

Along the Fort San Pedro Iloilo

We would bring food, blankets, and for my father, his fishing rod. I had no idea idea then what the place was really called, all I remembered was how we enjoyed so much running along the cemented ways and the slippery rocks, laughing and smelling the fresh and salty air of the sea. And when we got tired we would sit along the cement steps and look out to the sea; waiting for a fish to bite my Tatay’s bait and watch the sun set.

Ahh… good memories. Of course, when I grew up, I found out that the place was actually called Fort San Pedro.

History

Fort San Pedro is located along San Pedro Drive. The fort no longer exists, what remains are a few large stones facing the sea which were once part of a bastion of the quadrilateral fort. It was built in 1616 to guard the island against the Dutch and other invaders the place. The fort was already in disrepair in the turn of the 20th century. It deteriorated further due to neglect, and was totally damaged during World War II. Whatever remained was torn down to make way for a park (the one I was referring to earlier). A lighthouse and the image of the Christ marks the spot where the fort stood. The park is a favorite spot for taking in the evening air. Food stalls serve barbecue to park goers.

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