Home is where the heart is
Many people dream of big city life. Growing up just 15 minutes from New York City, I was lucky to feel its pull firsthand. But in November 2024, I chose a different path, leaving New Jersey to start a new chapter in the Philippines. This series is a visual diary of Iloilo, the City of Love, and my new home.
I’ll be the first to admit that moving from Bergen County, New Jersey to Iloilo, Philippines was a big adjustment. The biggest and most obvious difference was the scenery, but I’m not complaining. It’s a truly stunning place, and I quickly fell in love with the rice fields, the carabao, and the mountain peaks. What once felt overwhelming or unfamiliar soon gave way to a deep sense of peace.
The old world influence
The truth is, the Philippines is much more than the stereotypes of a developing country suggest. Iloilo City is a fast-paced, vibrant hub shaped by centuries of Old World influence. With a blend of Spanish and native heritage, it’s a place where people from many different walks of life come together. As a history buff, I’m fascinated by the contrast between Spanish colonial architecture, modern development, and traditional ways of living.
The Street’s Quiet Companions
Some of the most familiar faces here aren’t people at all. The dogs stole my heart first. They wander the streets like they belong to everyone, tails wagging at strangers and friends alike. Cats claim the rooftops and warm patches of pavement. Roosters call out before the sun crests the horizon. Together, they move through the city’s days like they’ve always been part of its story.
The sights i’ve come to know
It’s funny how landmarks have changed since moving to the Philippines. In New Jersey, what might have been a street sign is now just a tire on the side of the road. Nobody has moved it in months, and in a way, it has become a guiding light for me. As an outsider, you almost create your own map, looking for that small, familiar thing to help you find your way.
Days have turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Along the way, some places have become familiar to me. I try not to take them for granted, knowing I may not always be here to appreciate them. From small sari-sari stores and bustling street corners to quiet alleys and neighborhood parks, there are certain sights that now feel like home.
The moments you remember most
All of these moments and memories are special, but I’ll never forget what first brought me to the
City of Love — love itself. It’s easy to get swept up in the sightseeing, the hustle and bustle, and, as a creative, the endless photo opportunities. But the truth is, I came to Iloilo City for something far greater than a change of scenery: to stand beside the love of my life, marry her, and begin weaving our life together, thread by thread, no matter how rough the first stitches might be. And that is why Iloilo City will forever be the home where my heart is.
