Iloilo and Guimaras are probably two of the provinces you have never visited yet. Or even worse not even heard of. Well this two twin provinces are definitely one of the jewels of the Visayas region.  These two provinces are equally rich in cultural heritage to begin with and splendid beaches to enjoy with.

Miag-ao Church of Iloilo

Iloilo is a province in the Western Visayas region in the Southeast portion of Panay Island. And just off Iloilo’s Southeast portion is the Guimaras island that used to be part of Iloilo.  One cannot just enjoy Iloilo without passing to Guimaras.  And across Guimaras Strait and Panay Gulf is Negros Occidental.  Hiligaynon or Ilonggo is the language spoken in this area.

Things to see and do

Iloilo is rich in Spanish architecture evident in the old buildings of downtown Iloilo.

As a leading province during the Spanish Colonial Era, the province of Iloilo is widely known for its beautiful old world architecture similar to that of Latin American Countries. Spanish colonial Churches are amongst the well knowned tourist sites in the province.

Miagao Church. is a World Heritage Site. This is an  Aztec-Baroque inspired church with Filipino botanicals used to carved on the facade. It is known for its intricate facade and pyramidal bell towers. The church was used as a fortress during the olden days. It is a massive structure built of yellowish Limestones.

Molo Church. The Gothic Renaissance Church of Molo was used as a watch tower to warn the people if there are any attackers on the shore of Iloilo City. It is a fine coral stone church with Classical and Gothic details. It is also known as the feminist church because of the beautiful female saints lining inside the church.

Cabatuan Church. This Neoclassic Church, known to be the most massive Hispanic structure in Iloilo is built of red bricks. It is believed to be the largest red brick structure in the Visayas and it was given the title “Model of Temples” by the ‘El Eco de Panay’. The Cabatuan Church is known to be the only extant Spanish colonial church with three facades.

San Jose Church. The beautiful church in front of plaza Libertad is considered the most historic amongst the churches in Iloilo City. It is a Byzantine-Neoclassic Church planned to look like the Spanish Church of Valencia del Cid. The Church is known for its collection of priceless Catholic treasures.

The Historic province of Iloilo is also known for ‘Calle Real’; a street of old buildings with their classical designs. During January, the city heats up for Dinagyang, the festival dubbed as “The best tourism event in the Philippines” It is a collection of tribe warriors dancing in honor of the Child Jesus.

Guimaras on the other hand is known for its agricultural crops.  Be sure not to miss the Manggahan festival (Mango Festival), where the city boasts of its world renowned delicious mangoes.  The celebration normally last for a few days and various activities are organized.  Date changes yearly decided by the Fiesta committee.  To enjoy the beaches in Guimaras you can check out the following resorts; Isla Naburot, Costa Aguada resort.  You can also visit the Mambukal resort and Trapist Monastery.

Getting There

The fastest and the easiest way is getting to Iloilo is via an airplane from Manila.  Flight takes about an hour.  There are various affordable domestic plane servicing this route so finding a seat is always easy.  The other option is through “roro”, buses that crosses Luzon and ends up at ferry boat to reach Visayas.  This normally takes long about a day, but if you love beautiful scenery and does not mind being seated for a long time in a bus this is for you. From Iloilo you can go to Guimaras via ferry boat that brings you there, travel last for about an hour.

Things to taste and buy

Iloilo is famous for its Lapaz Batchoy.  This is a noodle soup specialty of Lapaz Iloilo.  Go to the market in the morning to enjoy this province specialty.  In guimaras do not fail to taste their mangoes and different products out of mangoes; dried mangos, fruit juice and candies.

Mambukal resort

Pasalubong

Sagada is one of the municipalities of Mountain Province.  It is adjacent to Bontoc, another interesting place to visit in Mountain Province.  You can’t go to Sagada without dropping by at Bontoc.  Sagada is located 275 Km north of Manila and 140 Km from Baguio.  Sagada is popular for its hanging coffins, an old tradition that is no longer practice nowadays.  Traditionally not anyone has the privillege to be buried this way, one has to be married, have children among others.

Things to do

Popular activities in Sagada includes trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal celebrations.  Upon arrival at Sagada, head on at the Tourism Office for registration at the Sagada Municipal Hall.  They have a complete listing of the things that you can do.  You can also hire a tourist guide, fee varies according to the activitiy you wish to do.  You can also arrange for transportation with the tourism office. Do not miss to check out these places:

Hanging Coffins

You can see near the entrance going to the famous Sumaging cave.  You can either see them from a far or walk closer and take some pictures.

Echo Valley

Kiltepan tower

Rice Terraces

Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves

Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls

Do not miss dropping by at Bontoc Museum, they have a magnificent collection of Bontoc’s traditional houses, clothes and utensils.  The mini-community displayed on the exterior of the Museum is also very impressive.

Getting there

You can go to Sagada by land from Baguio.  From Manila you can take air-conditioned buses plying to Baguio daily.  Once in Baguio, you can take regular buses going to Bontoc- Sagada.  Another option is to take a domestic flight from Manila to Baguio and arrange for a private vans going to Sagada.

Do not miss

Sagada Coffee

Sagada Blueberryjam

Sagada native bags

Getting there

The trip going to Capones Island takes about 4 to five hours drive from Manila passing through city of Olongapo and heading towards north to San Antonio following directions to Barangay Pundaquit.

Things to do

Upon arrival at the village you will notice the magnificent scenery of beach behind a mountain, perfect to watch the sun set. The island is accessible for day picnics, swimming and even over-night swimming just be sure to pre-arrange with your boatmen for them to pick you up. Snorkelling and kayaking are also possible on the beach so be sure to bring all your necessary equipments.

Surfing Capones Island

Capones Island is popular for its easy and manageable surfing waves. During the best season the beach offers well formed breaks for advanced surfers. During the season beginners can enjoy 3-9 feet waves perfect practicing. It is advisable to come from July to December to enjoy such adventure but the best one is just right after a storm when water is still agitated.