ILOILO-GUIMARAS: Religion, Culture and History at a Grasp

Iloilo presented a backdrop rich in religion, culture and history which was so willingly and generously presented to us in that two-day stay. Not far from Iloilo is the island of Guimaras, which  has its way too of giving us a taste of history, adding its natural wonders on the side.

Day 1-Iloilo

July 2011 via Airphil which we got on another discounted fare of P688. As did before, it was an unusual travel hour of 5AM on a Friday. And so it means we took a leave from work. I guess it was just fine since there was so much to work on to...and learn in the process in this Visayan province.

We visited churches; a botanical and wildlife garden, and on the way, saw houses of people from the past (and now).

House of Graciano Lopez Jaena

Jaro Cathedral

Molo Church

Tigbaun Church

Arevalo Church

Clements Church

Guimbal Church

Miagao Church

Biscocho House

Botanical Garden

Iloilo's Starbucks: Coffee Break

Tatoy's with Anne (third from right), your resident Ilongga

 Day 2-Guimaras

I know very little of this island province and visiting the place did all the help. Then, I didn’t knew that it has the same white sand beaches like the more popular tourist destinations in the country. Then, I didn’t knew that there, mangos grew like wild grass. Then, I never knew that it has more than beaches and mangos, it also has its own (hi)story intact.

Guisi Lighthouse

The ruins

SEAFDEC reminded me of waterworld

The surrounding islands of SEAFDEC

Not a destination

Rocks in Turtle Island

The classic jump

Turtle Island

Trappist Monastery gift shop

Camp Alfredo's

Flight

First: Zipline

Second: Hanging Bridge

Third: Rapel

Smallest Plaza

Ted's

My top 5 special interests:

1. Miagao Church (Iloilo) is no less than a UNESCO world heritage site. It really is world class – a defining structure. It left us all in awe watching its grace stand before us. It was a wonder how those intricate piece of art seem so perfectly seated on the church's facade. It was humbling to have witnessed its beauty.

2. Magdalena Jalandoni Mansion (Ilolio) was another beauty. I specially loved this former abode of a famous Ilonggo literary genius. It housed pieces of art – on its walls, the staircase, the doors, windows, etc. It could have been called a canvass concealed in a big mansion. 

3. Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins’ (Guimaras) could almost still reflect the past where it once was – resilient and standing strong in the hills of Guisi. Its old, rusty metal frame still remains a sight worth seeing aside from that perfect view that await after a careful climb on its slowly corroding stairs.

4. Smallville (Iloilo) is Iloilo’s Eastwood, I may say…a night life at its best. A Lifestyle hub and a hot spot to the young, the professionals and the adults. It has its party-feel all over and was almost like the more famous Metro Manila

 

5. Mangos (Guimaras) and Batchoy (Iloilo) are still best eaten in the province where they grow abundant or where they originate …and it won’t fail your taste buds. It didn’t failed mine. Thanks to Ted’s, I’m beginning to wonder: “does it really make any difference if batchoys are prepared in Manila because there, it was really heavenly”.

ILOILO-GUIMARAS Do-It-Yourself

Duration of Stay               :2 days

Travel time from MM       :app 1.5 hrs. by air (Airphil express)

Budget Hotel                   :Century 21 Hotel

Activities                         :Iloilo City tour, Island hopping in Guimaras

Means of Transpo           :Van for hire, tricycle, multicabs, ferry

Budget                            :4,000 more or less
Best Pasalubong             : Biscocho (Iloilo) and Dried Mangos (Guimaras)

ITINERARY for 3D2N

Day 1
6:30-7:00 - Arrival  and check-in at the hotel
7:00-8:00 - Breakfast in the city
8:00-5:00 - City Tour
5:30-6:30 - Back to the hotel and rest
7:00-8:00 - Dinner
8:00-10:00- Night life at Smallville

Day 2
6:30-7:00 -Breakfast
7:00-7:30 - To port
7:30-8:30 - Travel to Guimaras
9:00-10:00-Guisi Lighthouse
10:00:10:30-To resort
10:30-1:30-Island hopping
2:00-3:00-Late lunch and shower
3:00-4:00- Camp Alfredo Adventure Park
4:00-4:30-Pasalubong with stop over at Trappist Monastery and Smallest Plaza
4:30-5:30-Back to Iloilo
6:00-6:30-Hotel
6:30-8:00-Dinner at Ted's (the best la paz batchoy ever!!!)

Day 3
5:45 - Departure