2012 Travel Series No. 4: Part 2 - Guimaras and Iloilo

Part 2 - Exploring Iloilo City and the Famous Miag-ao church

After a little more frolicking in the beach, we head to the cafeteria for our last taste of the good cuisine that Raymen Beach Resort has to offer.

We left the resort few minutes before 12 noon on our way back to Iloilo City.  Luckily, yesterday's multi cab driver was waiting for us as I couldn't find his number on my phone.

We stopped along the hi-way to buy "the best" mangoes this country has to offer.  It wasn't cheap though considering that we were right in the heart of the mango capital of the country.  A kilo ranges from 70 to 90pesos depending on the size.  We opted for the 90pesos a kilo variety.  Overall, we bought 10 kilos separately packed into two boxes.  I was shocked to find out the box cost the same as a kilo of mangoes.  But what the heck, as long as it can contain the mangoes until tomorrow's departure back to Manila.

Posing with Nica and Ela with Guimaras' famous mangoes

The most famous mango stall in the island, that is according to the driver.  Well, their stall is indeed in the picture of the expensive mango box :-)

It was a little past 2pm when we reached the Sarabia Manor, our home for the night in Iloilo City.  Sarabia Manor is one of the more famous hotels in Iloilo.  It had always been a desire of mine to check out this hotel because of the good reviews I've heard in the past.  Boy, was I disappointed.  Check out my entry at trip advisor.com for the detailed review of our horrible experience in this hotel - Sarabia Hotel, Iloilo City.

Forced the kids to pose in the hotel's sort of grand staircase 

I was so tired and knew that the kids were too.  So we headed to SM City to have dinner.  When out of town, SM malls always provide a haven to the tired tourists.  After dinner, took the kids to buy some grocery items, picking up whatever they fancy - I ended up paying almost 1000pesos for candies, biscuits, cookies, drinks, etc. , kids! :-)

Alexa wanted the same shirt as that of her ate Ela and ate Nica

Following morning, we were ready to explore the city.  After a not so hearty breakfast, we were off to see  the sights I remember from my previous trips.  Ultimately, mom wanted to visit the UNESCO Heritage site - Miag-ao Church.

Breakfast...from the looks of it no one seemed to be happy with it :-(

Good thing I managed to negotiate with the taxi driver who gave us a ride from the ferry to the hotel.  It was an Innova so we had more space.  Richard, the driver, was so generous at accepting my offer of 2000 pesos to drive us to Miag-ao (with stops in between) and take us straight to the airport to catch our flight back to Manila.

Molo Church

First stop - Molo Church.  We went in for a while to utter a prayer of thanks.  The plaza in front was under renovation.  The Molo church has somehow managed to retain its rustic facade but the restoration was very much evident specially inside.

Racso's Woodland

Second stop - Racso's Woodland.  My first and last visit to this place was more than ten years ago when it was only a few months old.  The place boasted of one of the best collection of animals and a well tended mini-theme pool park.  However, I was appalled to see the deterioration of the place.  There were only a handful of the animals left.  The stink was unbearable in several portions of the resort.  The only thing beautiful about the place is the entrance with a canopy of flowering vines.

Inside the Water World section - just old dirty aquariums

I learned that the owner has a new "baby", a farm in Guimbal town.  Hence, the neglect of Racso's.  I wish that they would bring back the beauty of this place.  I pity the animals in their current state.  Or better yet just let the animals loose in the wild.  I think they will survive better in the open.

An ostrich couple in the background

The facade of the Guimbal church

En route to Miag-ao, we passed by a church in the town of Guimbal that caught my attention.  When in Iloilo, the attraction are mostly the old churches.  And the Guimbal church is just a beauty.

The facade of the Miag-ao church

A little over two hours, at past 10am (which felt like noon already) we arrived at our ultimate destination - the Miag-ao church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Amid the scorching sun, I forced the kids for a photo op in front of the church.

The famous carving - newly restored

It seemed that the facade was just recently cleaned.  It did not have its rustic effect, instead it was a glimmering ivory color.  I was very much happy that it being a UNESCO site has helped the intricate limestone carving survive the test of time.  We stayed for 15 minutes then hopped on to the car back to Iloilo.  But since it was nearly noon, I just had one last stop to make.

The kids posing in front of the Tatoy's signage

Enjoying the food at Tatoy's Restaurant..tuna belly, grilled pla-pla, lechon manok,  clam soup, grilled squids, and more.

Once visit to Iloilo will not be complete without sampling the cuisine of "Tatoy's Restaurant" in Villa.  Tatoy's is famous for its lechon manok and -of course - seafood.  The old huts along the beach still stands but it now has a bigger restaurant space with ample parking just across the road.  It's a must for any visitor to Iloilo to drop by and sample the good food at Tatoy's.

We reached the airport around 2pm for the 330pm flight back to Manila.  As expected the flight was delayed due to traffic above NAIA.  When will this problem fixed?  Your guess is as good as mine.

NEXT ADVENTURE: Solitary Travel to Malapascua, Island in Cebu

2012 Travel Series No. 4: Part 1 - Guimaras and Iloilo

Travel Date: 13-15 April 2012
With: Tatay, Nanay, Daniel, Nica, Ella, and Alexa
Destinations: Guimaras Province and Iloilo City

I started bringing my family to trips (which requires flying) in 2008 in Cebu.  Bohol was for 2009, 2010 was Boracay, last year it was in Davao with this year in Guimaras and Iloilo.  I usually schedule the trips either in August to coincide with my father's birthday, or in September to coincide with my birthday, or in October for my mom's birthday.  Well, the real reason is that it's low season during this time of the year.

However, we would more often than not endure either very cloudy skies or heavy downpours, especially in 2009 when we got stranded in Bohol (and we needed to ferry to Cebu) because of typhoon Ondoy.  So,   this year I decided to let them experience a good summer trip without having to worry about any downpour.  Here's an account of our sojourn to the provinces of Guimaras and Iloilo.


PART 1 - Guimaras Province

The kids were all excited for the trip (as they always are).  They were already in the airport a little past 8am, too early for the 10:50am flight, while I was still at home packing my stuff.  In 2008, I had 9 companions (since my sister was unmarried at that time and I only had a nephew and 2 nieces).  The following year and until last year I travelled with my parents and the same 3 kids back in 2008 (even though I already have 8 little angels).  However, this year, Alexa tagged along so I had to baby sit two adults and 4 active kids.  I should consider putting up a day care center maybe I'll make more money.

NAIA Terminal 3 - Nanay, Tatay, and the kids all set to go

The kids showing off their plane tickets.

As always the flight was delayed.  Luckily I brought my Galaxy tab to keep the kids busy while waiting for the flight.  I should be getting another iPhone and bring my MacBook for the next trip so that they can play Angry Birds to their hearts content without fighting over for their turn on the Tab :-(

I need 3 more Tablets :-(

Alexa's first flight...she insisted on sitting beside me...she dozed off the entire flight.

We arrived in Iloilo a little past 12nn.  The new Iloilo Airport looks like the new Davao Airport.  I guess we now have the same contractor for all airport construction in the country.  The airport is way better than the old one.  However, I was not prepared for the news that the airport is now more than 30kms. from the city (the old airport was a stone throw away from SM City Iloilo) passing through 4 towns with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes by cab at Php500.00.  Yep, taxi from the airport to the city and vice versa is 500pesos and they have all the right to charge that much - no complain there.

Arriving in Iloilo

The cab took us straight to the jetty for a ferry ride to the island province of Guimaras.  If I remember it right the jetty was located in downtown Sta. Barbara.  The ferry ride is about 15 minutes and cost 14pesos per person and each boat can accommodate up to 50 passengers.  The ferry in Guimaras is located in Jordan wharf.  Note that there is another wharf in Buenavista which serves the other side of the island and is a much longer route.

A Department of Tourism (DoT) booth will greet you at the entrance (or more of the exit) of the termini where you will need to register and pay a minimal fee of 10pesos per head (not sure if I did pay, can't remember anymore, just assume that there is, for better budgeting).  From the DOT booth one can rent an aircon van for 1000pesos, a multi cab for 450pesos, or take the public jeepney for 20pesos each.  Rates are set and are non-negotiable.  We opted for the multi cab to Raymen Resort at Alubihod Beach in Nueva Valencia.  The ride from Jordan to Alubihod is about 45 minutes traversing on 3 towns with beautiful landscape and scenery of mango orchards as far as the eyes can see.

The multi cab can accommodate up to 11 people.

Raymen Resort

The new wing...nice rooms

The last time I was in Guimaras, in Raymen Resort, was in 2002 and there was only one other resort at that time.  Now there are four and one will be opening soon.  The entire stretch of beach, which is roughly 500 meters long is said to be owned by one family with ownership divided among the children.  Raymen is the most developed (in terms of number of rooms and amenities), room rates ranges from 1000pesos to 3000pesos with huts from 400-800pesos, and is the most popular resort on this side of Guimaras.  Good thing we did not extend our stay since it was fully booked for the Guimaras Mango Man triathlon event happening the following day.

All set and excited to plunge

Raymen's hospitality can't be rivaled even by the most expensive 5 star hotels in the city.  The staff treats guests like family with everyone always ready to help and look after your needs.  Another best thing about the resort is the canteen/cafeteria that offers snacks and meals that will satisfy even the most discerning palette.  We had a feast for lunch for only 1000 pesos (serving of fish soup, grilled fish, pansit, rice, drinks, tortang talong, and the sweetest mangoes on this side of the world).  I paid a total of 3500pesos only for 2 lunch, 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast which included a plateful of lobster, which I bought , fresh and alive, from a fisherman along the beach for the best bargain ever - 600pesos a kilo.

600 pesos a kilo of lobster...the best bargain

The resort also offers island hopping tour at a price of 450pesos for the first hour with an additional 150 pesos for any hour in excess.

Off to island hopping

The nearest island is about 10 minutes away from the resort where one can go snorkeling and fish feeding.  There are not many varieties of fish in this area as corals, sadly, are mostly dead.  We did get to see lots of territorial fish and other varieties of small fishes, including a school of bisugo :-)

Ave Maria Island

A captured "pawikan" for photo op rental.  Give a tip to the local kids who takes care of the turtle.

In Summary:
1/ To reach Guimaras Island from Manila, book a flight to Iloilo thru Cebu Pacific, Air Phil Express, Zest Air, or Philippine Airlines
2/ From the airport take a taxi to Sta. Barbara jetty in Iloiloi city, fare is 500pesos (no meter)
3/ Take the ferry ride to cross from Iloilo to Jordan wharf in Guimaras, 14 pesos per head
4/ Take a multi cab for 450pesos or an air-conditioned van for 1000pesos from Jordan wharf to Alubihod (fares for farther distances varies, check with the DoT booth).  Make sure to get the number of the driver so that you can be picked up from the resort back to Jordan since there are not many multi cabs within the island.
5/ If you took the public jeepney, at 20pesos, from Jordan wharf to Alubihod you will need to take a tricycle or a single motorbike from Nueva Valencia crossing to Alubihod beach (not sure about the fare but maybe not more than 20pesos)
6/ Island hopping cost 450 for the first hour and an additional 150pesos for each hour thereafter

2012 Travel Series No. 3: Part 1 - Bicol: Legazpi, Donsol, and Masbate

DAY 1 - Bicol Express Adventure (Legazpi, Cagsawa, and Daraga in Albay & Pilar and Donsol in Sorsogon)

Unlike my previous travels, I was more prepared for this one since it was my first time visiting Bicolandia and this time around I was determined not to burn my ticket.  I arrived in the airport almost 1 and 1/2 hours before schedule - too excited.

Upon checkin, I requested (coupled with my sweetest devilish smile) for a window seat.  I was given 1F - 1st row, Wow!  Zest Air was unusually on time.  Flight was 11:40, by 11am boarding was already complete.  To my surprise, the flight was nearly full but I was the only one sitting in the front row, so I had 6 seats all to my disposal.  I took advantage of my extreme luck as I did a photo shoot 25K above sea level.

It was a fine day for cloud photography

Various cloud formations are such a delight to the eyes

I had my first glimpse of Mt. Mayon from my vantage point.  I was asked by the stewardess to move to the left side of the plane so that I could capture Mayon as we land.  Wow!  I was really feeling extremely lucky.  As the plane prepares its landing, my camera I began shooting.  It was exhilarating.  I ignored the "fasten seat belt" sign as I shifted from left to right of the front row (pasaway talaga) :-)  I could see other passengers staring and just glaring with envy :-)

First sight of Mt. Mayon in the horizon.  Luckily I had the entire first row .
 I had full vantage point from both directions - left and right side

TIP: Make sure you request for a seat on the left side of the plane to get the best vantage view of Mt. Mayon as the aircraft lands.

Mt. Mayon in its full glory.  It's such a joy to see God's wonderful creations.

I wasted no time, I had to shoot as many pictures as I can.  Outside the airport, one can take a taxi, a van, or a tricycle...I took a tricycle and asked the driver how much it would cost to get to the ViewPoint - Lignon Hill (I found out afterwards) - 50pesos.  And how about Cagsawa, I asked.  We closed the deal at 300pesos, city tour - tourist style.  Best deal - Airport to Lignon Hill, to Cagsawa, to St. Gregory Cathedral (all these in 1 hour and 30 minutes).  Taxi offered 2500 (city tour of Legazpi plus ride to Donsol).

First stop, Ligñon Hill, is just outside the gates of the airport near the run way.  This hill, has lush vegetation and offers a full view of Mayon and Legazpi city.  It's no easy climb so the tricycle driver suggested that I take a motorcycle ride up the top for 20pesos.  Entrance to Lignon Hill is 20pesos.  10 minutes and a few shots after, I was trekking down hill.  There are trails but I did not bother to check them.  The hanging bridge is also closed.

The runway, Ligñon Hill, and Mt. Mayon

Entrance to the Ligñon Hill.  Fee is 20pesos.  Make sure have a ride going up.  Going down is a breeze.

The view of Mt. Mayon from Ligñon Hill

The hanging bridge, the runway, Legazpi City, the sea, the mountains, the sky.

Next stop, Cagsawa ruins.  7kms. (about 15 minutes) from the airport is the infamous Cagsawa Church bell tower ruins.  The road leading to the site was washed away by recent rain and flooding.  Hence, only motorbikes and tricycles were allowed to enter until the gate of the ruins.  Too bad for the high class tourist in air-conditioned cars and vans as they have to walk a kilometer under the scorching heat of the sun.

Cagsawa Chull Bell Tower

Entrance to the ruins is 10pesos.  Inside is the famous bell tower, stone walls of the original church (used as picture frames) and in the background is Mt. Mayon.  High school kids help take pictures.  Just don't forget to tip them.  The kid who helped me even taught me a lesson in exposure.  My 50pesos tip was worth it.  Got me self some good shots.

Mt. Mayon from Cagsawa

Always covered by clouds whenever I attempt to take a picture

From the rear of the ruins

Native crafts - colorful hats- are sold outside the entrance of  the Cagsawa ruins

Some more colorful crafts for sale

TIPS:
- Take a tricycle ride, this is much cheaper and it allows one to have a feel of the place.
- Do not worry about having your picture taken in Cagsawa as there are high school kids who are willing to help get professional looking pictures for you.

Third stop, St. Gregory Church of Legazpi.  The church is pretty much restored in and out.  Gone is its rustic beauty.  I'll visit Daraga Church in my next visit.

The main church of Legazpi - St. Gregory's Cathedral

After 1.5 hours of city touring, I decided to head on to Donsol.  The only problem, no vans were travelling since it was Good Friday.  Luckily, I managed to catch the last jeepney ride from Daraga to Donsol.

TIPS:
- Legazpi City houses the Central Bus Terminal.  However, there are more jeepneys plying Donsol in Daraga, which is about 3 kilometers South of Legazpi.
- Don't make the mistake of hopping on a ride to Sorsogon if you intend to go to Donsol.  Sorsogon travels south while Donsol is on the West side.
- Jeepney ride will take about 3 hours (1.5 hours of stopping along the way).  Fare is 60 pesos.  Public vans go for the same price.  On my return from Donsol to Legazpi, I rode a motorbike for 500pesos that took only 45minutes (see Day 2).

En route to Donsol, we were stopped as there was an ongoing procession (since it was already 5pm).  It was an added treat as I took pictures from the top of the jeepney.  Got me self the vantage point again.

Images from the procession in Pilar Sorsogon, en route to Donsol