By Filipino standards Iloilo is a medium-sized city; still packed and supercharged by European standards, but small enough to be easily navigable and retain a certain charm. Formely something of boom town, it has a smattering of colonial-era architecture throughout the city centre - fading yet still attractive. Over the last few decades Iloili has seen a lot more bust than boom, but is now back on an upward curve, a prospect reflected in the cheery attitude of the local Ilonggo people. Iloilo is a good base for exploring the nearby rural Guimares island, and a jumping off point for tours further north through Panay to Boracay. It is also widely-known throughout the country for it's wild and exuberant Dinagyang Fiesta, an extremely colourful festival which is held on the fourth Sunday of every January.