Wednesday Walk - Dropping by at Esplanade - Iloilo

Lead image was edited using Canva

After I explored Molo Mansion at Iloilo and had a delicious snack; *Ilonggo's original dish pancit Molo I took a ride going to diversion road. I was planning to visit the Esplanade since it was just a near in the vicinity. As I checked google, just twelve minutes ride.

Screenshot from google map

What is Esplanade?

It was also known as Senator Efrain Trenas Boulevard and was approximately eight kilometers long. It started way back in 2012 when the local government initiated the rehabilitation of the Iloilo River. Then added a liner park, the longest in the Philippines. This is to serve as a tourist attraction aside from encouraging people to have a healthy lifestyle. Why? The place is ideal for physical activities like jogging and other exercises.

Source

What I am going to explore is only a portion along diversion Mandruariao as I don't think I can manage to walk that far.

From the unloading area of the Jeep, I decided to walk rather than take another ride. I wanted to lose some calories while trying to figure out the changes in the area since the last time I was here.
Several restaurants sold different barbeques at the end of this bridge a few years ago. One of them is Barbeque Park where I used to work when I was seventeen. Yeah, I was still underage based on the labor code in my country. I was thankful the manager accepted me—the advantage when you know the job hiring from someone who can help. Though I only earned $2 daily, it was fine with me as the company provided food and a place to stay. I worked there for a year, and perhaps you had an idea of what I usually eat 🤣.
When the Esplanade Project started, the restaurant I was working stopped operating as the space where it was built was needed. Just perfect timing for me as I filed a resignation at that time to pursue my studies.
Since then, this is my second time visiting this place. I can't help but notice how wide the road is now, plus a lamp post was added along the streets. You would no longer feel the fear passing by even at night. I remembered those days, when I was walking here at dawn and little bit dark. Still not minding it as I was usually drunk😂. Ahhh, teenage days, when you think drinking liquors is cool😂.

From afar, I already saw some residents fishing at the river. The traditional type uses rods and earthworms as bait. ( I asked them and stayed there for a while).

Before entering this park, I saw signage reminding everyone of what to avoid, such as; bicycles, roller coaster blades & skates, carrying deadly weapons, no smoking, spitting, vandalism, and many more.
On the left, you will see the statue of Datu Paiburong. He was one of the Dinagyang warriors, an iconic leader that ruled Iloilo or was known as Irong-irong before for a long time. He is part of the Philippine's history, especially in Panay during those times, it was still ruled by Datu.

*It was conceptualized and designed by a local artist Boy Masculino. Source

Since Iloilo was known for the Dinagyang Festival, you can see a mural designed as Dinagyang on the right side.

If you haven't experienced joining the festival, this is your chance to take photos of yourself as a souvenir. You may sit on that rock at the center. Some residents are taking some pictures. Usually, they are couples or in groups. Thus, I am alone, so never mind. Naaa, I am not sourgraping. Gone are the days I would love to take a photo of myself where ever I go.

The area was spacious enough for some physical activities, either alone or with a group. As I was roaming around, I saw a few people running around, others were just sitting on a beach with their dates or friends, and some seemed to be practicing maybe a presentation.

We are already in Ber-months, and since Filipinos are one of those with month-long celebrations, there are already some Christmas lights and décor in palm trees.

While was sitting on the bench, I saw them. The one I am telling earlier that are into fishing.

I opted to go outside the park and passed by in this alley going down into the fishing area.

I was intrigued if they had caught one. Yet I was surprised as it took only a few minutes; the fish took the bait and gotcha! What they got was Tilapia or also called St. Peter's. Yes, it was edible, as per them.

They are the ones I am talking with.

After a few minutes of chit chats, I decided to go home as the sky was getting darker. Rain might pour, aside from it was near twilight. I still need to catch a ferry trip going back home.

Hello Hivers, since today is Wednesday this is my entry in Sir @tattoodjay wednesday walk.

That's all for today, and thank you for dropping by as I explored Iloilo.

Pinmapple code:
[//]:# (!pinmapple 10.70272 lat 122.54842 long Dropping by at Esplanade d3scr)

Date published: 10/05/2022
Place: Manila- Phillipines.