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Mambukal Resort, Negros Occidental

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

This year, summer seemed to have come early with the occurrence of the El Niño that left many places in the country not just with a very hot temperature but shortage in water. And it was a relief when we decided to spend some family time in Mambukal Resort a day after my brother’s wedding in Negros.

Mambukal's relaxing Lagoon

This government-run resort in the town of Murcia was literally our oasis as it was filled with water with lush and virgin forest. Frankly speaking, this resort doesn’t seem like a government-run resort as it is well maintained and clean (sorry but I’m just being honest ). And as a freelance writer, this is a great place to feature in this blog. This place is something that we should be proud of even to international tourists; we saw some American family who can be on their family holidays packages enjoying the scenic beauty of this resort.

My boys having fun in the Dipping Pool

The resort has many pools like the children’s pool but my favorite was the dipping pool filled with its relaxing hot water from one of its hot springs. The water was hotter than the ones in Camiguin and it was sad that I can’t dip my whole body due to my pregnancy. I just have to settle dipping my legs and watching my boys having fun in the pool.

Pool Entrance fee- 50 for adults and 20 for kids...

The dipping pool reminds of the Japanese onsen or hot baths as it is placed in a natural setting of tall tress with bats flying above. Yes, Mambukal resort is home to some endangered species of Philippine bats also known as the flying foxes.

they are not fruits but bats hanging...

Not far from the dipping pool is the sulfur spring which we failed to visit since we arrived a little bit late. But my sister who came early said it was really hot with some parts of the pool boiling and sulfur was a little bit pungent. Too bad, it could have been a chance to naturally treat some skin problems of mine.lol!

I still need to visit Mambukal Resort again to fully visit and experience this lovely natural attraction in Negros. I wish to fully dip in that hot dipping pool, check out the sulfur spring and climb all the way to the waterfalls. So for your summer destination, travel to Bacolod which is the gateway to Mambukal Resort.

Here are some photos from our Mambukal trip:

Ishiwata Bath House. Newly renovated but first built in 1920s

Don't know if there are really butterflies in there..

Massage, facial, pedicure and manicure...

so relaxing

Tags: Mambukal, Mambukal Resort, Negros
Posted in Negros Occidental | No Comments »

3 days/2 nights Itinerary for Guimaras Island

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Readers of this blog often ask me about room rates for some resorts I have featured here while some asks for sample itinerary.

This post is for one reader who emailed me asking if I can help her craft their itinerary in Guimaras Island. True to my promise and to promote this island as a freelance writer, here it is. Take note that this IT is for those bound for Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

Day 1

* arrival in Iloilo City

*transport from Iloilo Airport to Ortiz port ( where you can take a boat to Guimaras; travel time is 45 minutes -1 hour)

* arrival in Jordan port then proceed to the resort of your choice ( you can take some photos along the way which will make the trip a little bit longer)

*swimming

* after lunch..boating ( visit Bat Caves and SEAFDEC fish sanctuary, Turtle Island)

Day 2

* rent a motorcycle to Guisi (about 400php back and forth; driver will wait for 5 hours)

*Guisi Beach and Lighthouse

Day 3

* Trappist Monastery for pasalubong

* if you still have time, you can explore the city of Iloilo

For accommodation, I suggest Villa Igang Resort.

I hope this helps..just follow the link to the posts I wrote for more information..and forgive me if this is not as good or organized as those prepared by travel agents, I’m quite in a rush to finish some tasks as a freelance writer..enjoy!

Tags: Guimaras Island, Guimaras itinerary, things to do in Guimaras
Posted in Guimaras, beaches, things to do | No Comments »

Religious Sad-Sad: Tracing the Origin of the Dinagyang Festival

Monday, January 25th, 2010

The city of Iloilo’s Dinagyang 2010 finally came to a successful end yesterday. Like any other Visayan festival, this celebration is marked with street dancing with elaborate costumes. But amidst those merry-making activities is the religious affiliation of these festivals – the devotion to the Infant Child Jesus, Senyor Santo Niño.

The history of Dinagyang can be traced way back in 1969 when the image of the Santo Niño ( Holy Child) of Cebu was brought to Iloilo in San Jose Parish Church, which is located very close to the center of Iloilo City. As they welcomed the Holy Child in their city, merry making started and as years go by, they have added their own tribal history of how the Malays settled in the island with the Aetas. The result is the present-day Dingayang of tribal dancing while giving homage to the Santo Niño.

The highlight of the festival is the street dancing and tribe competition but we preferred to witness and participate in the religious sad-sad last Saturday, January 23. The religious sad-sad is more solemn as you cannot expect any rowdy tourist or dancer in this event. After all, as a freelance writer, I am more interested in the real essence of Dinagyang. The word “sad-sad” is a Hiligaynon word for “street dancing” and with the term “religious” added to ther activity, it is obviously a dance with a religious purpose.

Though it was hard to reach San Jose Parish Church from our place in Jaro when many roads closed for the main event the day later, we finally arrived in the church. There were TV crews and some writers from local newspapers covering the event and as a humble freelance writer, I was thrilled to share the event in this blog. The sad-sad reminds me of Sinulog, prior to the mass commercialization -how people dance their petitions as well as their loved ones’ to the Holy Child. From good health to a boyfriend or girlfriend, devotees danced, praised and asked for their sincere intentions to the Holy Child Jesus.

It was nostalgic for me as the crowd shouted the familiar phrases like “Pit Senyor, kang Mama kini” ( Pit Senyor, this is for Mama) and the likes which was the same when I was growing up in Cebu. And how little children were carried in their father’s shoulders as they danced for health and prosperity. With some music in Hiligaynon even the most classic Sinulog music was played to accompany the dancing. And no Cebuano can’t recall that music or help but to jive to that joyous beat.

Here is the video of the Religious Sad-sad. Enjoy!

Related Article

Miag-ao Church, Iloilo

Tags: freelance writer, Iloilo, Iloilo Dingayang, Religious dancing
Posted in Iloilo, philippine festivals | No Comments »

Miag-ao Church: Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Miag-ao Church or Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church is one of the Baroque Churches in the Philippines that belong to the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Along with the baroque churches of Intramuros, Paoay (Ilocos Norte) and Santa Maria (Ilocos Sur), Miag-ao Church is something that we should be proud of.

I first learned about this “yellowish” church ( due to its silt and clay material) when I was processing my college admission for University of the Philippines that has a campus in Miag-ao. And for four years, this church has been my place of worship as I stayed and studied in Miag-ao for my four-year college education. And through my class in Humanities, I learned more about how brilliant its designs and architecture are as European Baroque elements were impressively interpreted by local craftsmen.

Well decorated facade of Miag-ao Church

One of the striking feature of Miag-ao Church is its facade of a man carrying a child in the middle of a forest. As explained to me and to the rest of my classmate, it was St. Christopher carrying the Infant Jesus in the midst of local trees like papaya, coconut and guava.

Statue of the Spanish King

Pope's Statue

There are also three statues in its facade, namely that of St. Thomas de Villanueva, the Pope and a Spanish king who was then the ruling monarch of Spain during its construction in the 18th century.

Left tower showing its buttresses

Like Paoay Church, it also has buttresses which defends the church from earthquakes, making these type of churches as “Earthquake baroques”. Also if you are keen enough, its two towers are not of the same proportion.

Four-storey right tower

three-storey left tower

Its right tower has four storeys while the left only has three. The towers were built under two different parish priests with the other having his own preference on how many storeys the tower should have. Before, visitors can climb its belltower but lately it is now prohibited when one Korean tourist rang the bell and caused a commotion in the whole town. Keep in mind that ringing the church’s bell still means something from mourning, weddings even to alert the people of a disaster like fire, earthquake or flood.

Church's interior

Miag-ao Church is not plainly a place of worship but served military purpose as a fortress. It sits on a hill, and you can see a nice angle of this church as you cross the bridge going Miag-ao. The church served as a watchtower against raiding Muslims or Moros who attacked coastal towns in Panay and make the captured people as slaves. Hence, the Salakayan Festival of Miag-ao.

How to get there

You can take a jeepney going to Miag-ao from the Super Market in Iloilo City ( close to Robinson’s Place) or in Mohon Terminal in Villa.

Related Articles

Santa Barbara Parish Church and Convent

Paoay Church of Ilocos Norte

Santa Barbara Golf Course

El Dorado Water Park

Tags: Baroque churches, Iloilo, Miag-ao, Miag-ao Church, Miag-ao Parish Church, Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church
Posted in Churches, Iloilo, landmarks | 3 Comments »

El Dorado Water Park

Monday, January 18th, 2010

For those who wish to stay in a hotel in Iloilo that has a decent pool or a weekend swimming with your kids, El Dorado Water Park is the best choice. It is located in Smallville, a district that is more synonymous for parties, clubbing and dining. But a little bit inside Smallville adjacent to Westown Hotel is this haven for families tagging their kids along during a short stop in Iloilo City.

El Dorado Water Park is part of the MO2 Complex which is consist of their hotel (Westown Hotel) and a club MO2. And it is suprising that this waterpark caters to kids. I say, it is really a kiddie place particularly in terms of the depth of the water which is safe for children even for the little ones.

What I love best about El Dorado Water Park is that they have a shaded pool that is only 2 feet deep. It was great for me who has a little kid who still wants to swim at 2pm when the sun shines the brightest. Its shaded, saving your child from the harmful rays of the sun and the depth is very safe for little kids.

Entrance fee is 100 per person and you can surely bring your own food. There also have their own restaurant to serve affordable and sumptuous dishes. If you are staying in Westown Hotel, entrance is free.

Related Articles

Santa Barbara Church and Convent

Santa Barbara Golf Course: Philippine’s Oldest

IWAG 2010

The Visayan Festival Month of January

Tags: El Dorado Water Park, hotels in Iloilo, Hotels with swimming pool in Iloilo, pools in Iloilo
Posted in Iloilo, resorts | No Comments »

The Visayan Festival Month of January

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

photo by: Rio Calle

After the festive month of December, the central part of the Philippines roars more with their festivals. The Visayas celebrates many festivals during January and there are three famous festivals during this month from different provinces namely the Sinulog of Cebu, the Ati Atihan of Kalibo, Aklan and the Dinagyang of Iloilo.

photo by: roybuloy

Sinulog of Cebu

Among the three festivals, the Sinulog is perhaps the most colorful and most famous topped with massive commercialization. Celebrated every third Sunday of January, this festival is held in honor of the Child Jesus or the Santo Nino and how the natives then were baptism as Christians by Magellan himself. Millions of people flock Cebu for the Sinulog from tourists, devotees and even photographers with all those picturesque costumes during the street dancing.

For this year, Sinulog 2010 is celebrated officially from January 8th till 17th which is the highlight with all those street dancing. The third Sunday of the January is all the fiesta of the Queen City of the South but Sinulog -related activities like trade fairs, opening salvo, photo exhibits and even beauty pageants have been held earlier some as early as December.

photo by: Flipped Out

Ati-Atihan of Aklan

If you want a less commercialized and more solemn festival, then opt to experience the Ati- Atihan festival. Known as the “Mother of all Philippine Festivals”, the people of Aklan have been celebrating the Ati Atihan for hundreds of years. The main distiction of the Ati Atihan is how the dancers were covered in soot and dark pigment to mimic the Atis which are the original settlers of Panay island before the Malays came.

The first Ati Atihan festival is tribal in nature and just in a few centuries that Christianity spread, they have incorporated the Child Jesus in the Ati Atihan. Like the Sinulog, it is also celebrated every third Sunday of January and for Ati Atihan 2010, the celebration is from January 11-17, 2010.

I have written a more in depth article about the Ati Atihan festival in an online travel magazine. To read my article about the Ati Atihan, click here.

First Iloilo Eyeball during Dinagyang last January 2006...

photo by: Visayas 6 Online Community

Dinagyang of Iloilo

The word Dinagyang comes from the Hiligaynon word, “dagyang” which means “to be happy” and it is celebrated every fourth Sunday of January, a week after the Sinulog and the Ati- Atihan. Among the three festivals, the Dinagyang of Iloilo is the youngest and its origin can be traced back in 1969 when the image of the Santo Nino of Cebu was welcomed in the city.

The Dingayang is more the same of the Ati Atihan if you based it on the prominence of the “artificial” black colored skintone of the dancers. Like the other festivals, it has combined both tribal and religious aspects of the celebrations in honor of the Child Jesus and the coming of the Malay settlers to the island of Panay.

For this year, the Dinagyang is from January 22-24 with activities like street dancing, concerts, food festivals and many more.

Tags: Ati Atihan, Dinagyang, philippine festivals, Sinulog
Posted in Aklan, Cebu, Iloilo, philippine festivals | 1 Comment »

Where have you been in 2009?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Revamping this site to feature destinations and travel in general as much as possible, I looked back for this year in terms of where I have set foot in. Turns out that I have traveled so much this year! Yipee! Take the fact that my son has become older that I can leave him for a night or two for some “me time” traveling. Likewise, he is bigger to bring along to further destinations.

I excluded Roxas City and the rest of Capiz province as well as Kalibo and Aklan since we always go there. So here are the places that I have been too this year:

1. Zamboanga del Norte

Dakak

I have been to Mindanao a thousand times ( my mom is from Lanao del Norte), it is still a path unknown to me. And to visit and explore the peaceful Zamboanga del Norte was amazing. We’ve been to Dakak ( I just love it), Dipolog and Dapitan. I love the unspoiled scenery of Zamboanga.

2. Misamis Occidental

Aki having fun with the monkey in Cotta

My husband hails from Ozamiz City and we visited their place during the Holy Week. I have been to Ozamiz City before I even met him and last Holy Week, we went to different places in the province like Jimenez with their old church and passed different municipalities along the way.

It was my first time to see real dolphins..haha!

For my baby who loves the water so much ( just like me), we visited the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP) in the town of Sinabacan which is just 25 minutes away from Ozamiz City. I found this blog which has complete information about MOAP. Click here!

3. Guimaras

Alubijod, Guimaras

Oh, the romantic and tranquil island of Guimaras. I visited the island once again this year with my high school barkadas last June. And an interesting fact that one of the women I admire, Daphne Osena-Paez worked and lived in Guimaras for a year. We stayed in Villa Igang Resort and visited Guisi Beach, Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins, Trappist Monastery, etc..

4. Cebu

Aki swimming with his cousin, Boodie in Shangrila Mactan

Should I include this? I’m from Cebu and of course, Iloilo is just an hour away by plane. But this year is different since I came home many times, 4 times to be exact. Even as a local of Cebu it was my first time to visit Shangrila Mactan, the Parola in Lilo-an and the Museum of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu.

5. Manila

"Can I feed them Ma?"

Manila as the capital city serves as the stoppver for many our trips and sometimes we stay for one night to check out this vibrant city. When we went to Mindanao last Holy Week, we treated our son to the Manila Ocean Park but it was not as impressive since we came from MOAP where we really touched sea animals in their own habitant.

When my husband went to Ilocos, we stayed for one night in Manila before going home. And a creepy thing happened, my husband saw a vision of a child burning in pain while we slept in our hotel room. Creepy! I won’t share what hotel it was..I don’t want to ruin their business..haha!

6. Ilocos Norte and Sur

Where is Simon Ibarra?

Our Ilocos trip was the best for this year. I have been dreaming of Ilocos in years and if I remember it right, I once said that I will marry the man that will take me to Ilocos. haha!

There was a storm, Santi hitting Luzon when we went there with some flights cancelled but we conquered them all and had a wonderful time in Ilocos. When we were in Vigan, we missed our son so much that we didn’t have much fun as we should have.

7. Boracay

ahh..unwind and relax..

I have been to Boracay six times and I shouldn’t put this on my list since I can always go here if I wanted to. But nevertheless, I include this since we spent our special Christmas day in Boracay and it turned out to be the best Boracay trip I ever had. Lessons learned- stay in Station 1 and avoid avoid the peak season during summer.

There is my list. How about you? Where were you in 2009?

Tags: Cebu, Guimaras, Ilocos, manila, philippine destinations, zamboange
Posted in Cebu, Churches, Guimaras, Ilocos Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboange del Norte, beaches | No Comments »

IWAG 2010

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

IWAG 009

One of the most anticipated Christmas affair in Iloilo is the IWAG of Pototan, a town 30 kilometers away from Iloilo City. One of my first posts in this blog is about IWAG last year and now, it has become bigger. This celebration started last December 16, 2009 and will end in January 6, 2010.

IWAG 026

Aside from being the rice granary of the province, the Christmas Festival of Lights of Pototan higlights this town. Declared as the “Christmas Capital of Westenr Visayas”, this year, they have declared to be the “Christmas Capital of the Visayas”.

Like other towns famous for their Christmas lights like Puerto Prinsesa of Palawan and Tangub City of Misamis Occidental, Pototan’s Iwag showcases brilliant display of Christmas lights and decorations.

IWAG 045

In Pototan, the city square or plaza and other neighboring structures like the Parish Church and some government offices are filled with lights. This year, some of the houses located close to the town square also participates in this occasion by decorating their homes with dazzling Christmas lights.

IWAG 038

This year marks our second year in a row to witness IWAG Festival and hopefully next year, if we are still in Iloilo will be another festive time to celebrate the Christmas Festival of Lights of Pototan.

Tags: Festival of Lights, IWAG Pototan, Pototan Christmas Festival of Lights
Posted in Iloilo, philippine festivals | No Comments »

Christmas Lights of Angelicum School

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

xmas 001

Living in the city with one of the highest power cost in the country means lesser lights during the Christmas season. And true to their situation, driving along Iloilo during the season is less festive in terms of Christmas lights compared to other neighboring cities and even towns.

To feel the spirit of Christmas with wonderful display of Christmas lights, people flock to the Angelicum School of Iloilo in Tabuc Suba, Jaro. Here, the mansion of the Lizares family is adorned with thousands of lights with Filipino Christmas songs played along providing that Christmas feeling.

xmas 008

Visitors can come from 6pm till midnight with no entrace fee collected. There is a small donation box which is obviously left “unseen” by visitors. The large lawn in front of the mansion serves as a nice spot for people to sit down and watch the lights while little kids can freely run around.

Tags: Angelicum School, christmas lights in Angelicum school, christmas lights in Iloilo, Lizares Mansion
Posted in Iloilo, ancestral and heritage homes | No Comments »

Northbound to Ilocos Norte

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol

Ilocos Norte is the perfect place for those seeking unique adventures as well as heritage tours for their holidays. With its picturesque coasts, well-preserved structures and awesome modern wonders – Ilocos Norte should be one of the destinations that you shouldn’t miss.

I have written 15 posts for the last mont about Ilocos Norte- that is how interesting this place is with many captivating sights to drop by. I have written this post to sort of give you a summary and quick links to those posts which are very helpful if you are planning to visit the province of Ilocos Norte.

Getting there

The fastest way to Ilocos Norte is taking an hour flight from Manila to the Laoag International Airport. If you want to save money, you can take a 12-hour bus trip from Metro Manila. We preferred to take the bus to see different provinces and views along the way like La Union and Tarlac. We took the Farinas bus going to Batac City where we began our trip and going back to Manila, we took the Partras bus in Vigan City.

Accommodation

Laoag City which is the capital of the province has plenty of accommodation choices while in Ilocos Norte. Based on our travel, I can only suggest two accommodations in Ilocos Northe which I have stayed and visited as well.

Balay da Blas Pensionne House

Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino

Sights and Attractions

Marcos Mausoleum

Paoay Church

Malacanang of the North

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation