Young stars discover Iloilo’s delicious charms
While they had already heard of Iloilo City’s famous La Paz Batchoy, young actors Jillian Ward and Michael Sager quickly discovered—in the week or so they spent working there—that there was more to love about the “City of Love” than its iconic noodle soup dish.
In between shoots for their romantic comedy series, “My Ilonggo Girl,” the screen partners made the rounds of some of the city’s most popular food spots, from stylish hotel cafés to humble street stalls and family-owned restaurants.
At Nora’s Eatery, a beloved carinderia that’s now a culinary institution in the city’s local dining scene, Ward and Sager feasted on a hearty spread of home-cooked Ilonggo dishes, kamayan style. For dessert, they indulged in cakes and pastries at Cafe del Prado, a coffee shop housed in Hotel del Rio, said to be the oldest operating hotel in the city.
“We had so much fun going around, mostly because the food was so good wherever we went. Even at carinderias, you’re sure to find something delicious. I think most Ilonggos are great cooks,” Ward told Lifestyle.
“We had an enjoyable time. I especially loved visiting eateries and eating with just our hands,” Sager added. “Of course, we couldn’t not have some authentic batchoy. I thought the ingredients were simple, but together they were just so good.”
Landmarks
Aside from food trips, Ward and Sager also toured the city’s historical landmarks, making stops—and even taping a couple of scenes—at Molo Church and Fort San Pedro. And just outside Jaro Belfry, a freestanding bell tower directly across Jaro Cathedral, the newly formed team held a meet-and-greet session with eager fans.
“It was my first time in the city, and I really got to discover the beauty of Iloilo. I loved looking at all the old buildings. Molo Church was my favorite because it’s so rich in history. And on my rest day, I went for a jog on the riverside (Iloilo River Esplanade) to get some fresh air,” Sager related.
But looking back, the experience probably wouldn’t have been as memorable, Ward and Sager agreed, if it weren’t for the people’s “warm hospitality” and “loving nature.” And that much was apparent when they took part in the Dinagyang Festival and regaled a crowd of revelers at Festive Walk Iloilo.
“Seeing how proud the people are of their culture … it was infectious,” Sager, 22, said.
“What I discovered is that it felt good to fall in love with Iloilo!” added Ward, who just turned 20 last Feb. 23.
Knowing what they know now about the city, the actors couldn’t be more grateful to star in a primetime soap that puts the spotlight on Iloilo. Tagged as a “regional television series,” “My Ilonggo Girl” is part of producer GMA Public Affairs’ advocacy to feature different provinces as staple sights in mainstream pop culture.
“Part of our direction is to make television viewing less Manila-centric,” said senior vice president for public affairs Nessa Valdellon, who had previously produced shows set in Cebu (“Inday Will Always Love You”) and Davao (“I Heart Davao.”)
Fantasy rom-com
Airing Monday to Thursday nights, “My Ilonggo Girl” adds a sprinkling of fantasy elements to the usual rom-com formula. The story tells of Tata (Ward), a batchoy seller in the province who discovers that she has an actress doppelganger in the city named Venice (initially played by Ward, and then by Myrtle Sarrosa). Things take a jarring turn, however, when Tata gets thrust into Venice’s glitzy world and lifestyle.
Sager plays Francis Palma, a rich businessman and Tata’s love interest.
For dialogues in Hiligaynon, Ward and Sager sought guidance from a local coach. And perhaps it was a stroke of serendipity that the two ended up working together on a show with such a theme, because they both have a parent who can speak the language. In the end, the sing-song tone and lambing that Hiligaynon speakers are known for naturally came out.
“I can say I’m fluent in Tagalog, but I’m still trying to learn more. Now, here I am, learning another,” said Sager, who grew up in Canada. “My father is from Romblon. He speaks Bisaya but it’s mixed with Hiligaynon. Hearing him talk with family members, I ended up picking up their being soft-spoken.”
Ward’s mother, on the other hand, hails from Bacolod, where Hiligaynon is also a primary language. “Though my mom didn’t teach me to speak it, I saw how her side of the family woud speak and act. And I think I adopted their calm way of talking. Even if they’re mad, they don’t sound like they are,” Ward observed.
While they have already finished shooting their Iloilo scenes, Ward and Sager definitely plan to come back—preferably, strictly for leisure. “I would love to return and explore more. No work, please! I would just go ride a bike around, on more food trips,” Ward said.
