Guimbal Municipal Hall: The Parthenon of Western Visayas

Guimbal Municipal Hall is a building that houses local and national government offices of the fourth-class coastal municipality of Guimbal in the province of Iloilo, Philippines.

I went here at 3 p.m. on August 30, 2013 with my old office mates, Aileen, Chenie, and Lindsay right after visiting Garin Farm. This was during my first time in Iloilo, the 25th province on my list.

Guimbal Municipal Hall

Understand

Guimbal Municipal Hall lies directly adjacent of the Athenian conceived open coliseum and an amphitheater where cultural shows, programs, sports, activities, and public gatherings are held. As one of the tourist attractions in the municipality, the locals considers it as the “Parthenon of Western Visayas.”

Various ornamental plants adorn its premises especially at the nearby Guimbal Plaza. On a clear and sunny day, one can see the contrast of green trees beneath and the blue sky above its imposing white structure. At night, it becomes an edifice of elegance and beauty as its fragility is highlighted.

How to get to Guimbal Municipal Hall

Guimbal is accessible from all points of Panay Island.

From Kalibo International Airport, take a five-hour bus or van ride going to Iloilo City then take a jeepney going to Miag-ao from the Mohon Terminal in Molo District or from the Iloilo Terminal Market (“super”). Tell the driver to drop you off at Guimbal Municipal Hall.

From San Jose Airport in the capital of the Province of Antique, take a one-hour bus or van ride going to Iloilo City and tell the driver to drop you off at Guimbal Municipal Hall. It is around 70 kilomenters from San Jose.

From Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, take a van going to Iloilo City. The van will drop you off at SM City Iloilo. From there, take a jeepney going to Miag-ao from the Mohon Terminal in Molo District or from the Iloilo Terminal Market (“super”). Tell the driver to drop you off at Guimbal Municipal Hall. It is roughly 29 kilometres (18 mi) and 30 minutes from Iloilo City.