They say you can’t go home again—but maybe that’s only true if you expect everything to stay the same. I returned to Iloilo after nearly 15 years, heart full and schedule packed, ready to rediscover the city that shaped the early days of my journey in medicine and in life.
We had planned a whirlwind of activities—climbing Mt. Napulak, catching the Dinagyang Festival, and visiting every meaningful spot we could within six days. Ridiculous? Absolutely. But excitement has a way of making the illogical seem necessary.
Old Friends, New Memories
Even before we landed at Iloilo’s Santa Barbara Airport, a close friend and former classmate stepped in to make everything smoother. Sheila Alcazar-Java, a high school teacher at CPU and an avid mountaineer, surprised us with a ride from the airport. She was our compass, our coordinator, and our constant companion through the city’s twists, turns, and food stops.
She even arranged our Mt. Napulak climb with Jay Platinos and tagged along for most of our laags and binge-eating marathons. I suspect she missed a few classes just to be with us (sorry, CPU students!).
Then there was Joselito “Joelits” Trandio Mendoza—a dear friend from my UP Visayas days. Joelits, a fellow biology teacher, helped us find lodging near a church (though we barely stayed in long enough to hear a single mass—sorry again!). His signature wit was, as always, disarming. We laughed so much it was practically abdominal exercise.
He brought buko juice all the way from Maasin and even gifted a handmade Maasin bag to us. That’s Joelits for you—living proof that simple living and a happy heart never go out of style.
A Return to My Roots: UP Visayas, Miag-ao
On our final day, we traveled south to Miag-ao to revisit my alma mater, the University of the Philippines in the Visayas. The moment we entered campus grounds, memories started flooding back.
We were the first batch of Biology majors to graduate from the Miag-ao campus, transferring from UP Iloilo City in our junior year. The CAS building—now called Fonacier Hall—was still standing proud, albeit a little weathered. The cafeteria, once shiny and new, now wore its age with grace. The library, the ATM corner, and even that cabinet full of biological shells we moved from the city campus? Still there.
I had the chance to meet some of my former mentors—Mam Diana Corda (Plant Biology), Mam Jane Katalbas (Genetics/Molecular Biology), and Mam Tayo (Zoology). I even managed to coax them into a souvenir photo! One of them said, “You look nostalgic, Rem,” and honestly—I was. How could I not be?
Those halls once echoed with our all-nighters and our laughter. It was here I made lifelong friends, learned from some of the best minds in the field, and found joy in every extracurricular pursuit that came my way.
Revisiting a Second Home
We also passed by the Nicolasura home in Miag-ao, my second home during college. It was quiet—no one answered when we knocked. The structure hadn’t changed much. I wish I could’ve spoken with whoever lives there now. I heard my former foster parents had passed on. Regret tugged at me—I didn’t get the chance to visit their resting place.
Miag-ao Church and the Echoes of Time
No trip to Miag-ao is complete without visiting its iconic centuries-old church—arguably one of the most beautiful in the Philippines. Restoration was underway when we arrived, and though the church was closed (the priests were reportedly in Manila), we took countless photos of its intricately carved façade and colorful bishop’s balcony.
I told my companions how, at 6 PM every day, the church bells ring—and people, wherever they are, stop and pray. It always fascinated me how a liberal university like UP coexisted in a town that observed such tradition. Sometimes we’d even be mentioned in sermons. Did it bother me? Not really. I rarely went to church anyway—though I knew if I did, all eyes would be on the UP student.
Iloilo City Campus: Where It All Began
On our way home, we made a brief stop at the old UPV Iloilo City campus. Once the city hall, this American-period building had always intrigued me. With its Greek-inspired columns and rumored underground tunnels (used by the Japanese or Americans during the war, depending on whom you asked), it was a place wrapped in mystery and academic pride.
Last Supper with Lifelong Friends
Our last dinner in Iloilo was spent with Sheila, Joelits, and my nephew Paul, who was studying there at the time. We shared stories, updates, and lots of laughter. These people—more than the places—were the heartbeat of my return. Their kindness, their constancy, their shared memories… they reminded me that time may pass, but true friendships stay rooted.
Final Reflection
Coming back to Iloilo wasn’t just a homecoming—it was a reawakening. The city may have changed, and I have too. But the joy of rediscovery, the kindness of old friends, and the comfort of memory stitched everything into something beautiful.
To those who welcomed me back with open arms—you know who you are—thank you. You made my return not just fantastic, but unforgettable.
I will forever be grateful to u for taking me there n for sharing w me a part of ur history. As ur eyes shimmered, my heart rejoiced silently. I too was nostalgic.That trip was one of the loveliest thing u've given me. Thanks! Ligaya