My November feature for Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Magazine…Islas de Gigantes.
Islas de Gigantes is one of the island barangays of Carles in Iloilo. It is a place that even locals of Iloilo dream of going.
From Iloilo City, the scenery was so good that we opted to just enjoy the road trip, passing for the first time towns like Sara, Ajuy, Concepcion and Estancia. Not a single photo taken along the road. After Yolanda hit the northern towns of Iloilo, I there is a little remorse of not taking photos.
This is a bittersweet moment for me because Carles was badly hit by Yolanda. I know we can all recover and one of the best ways to help the locals in rebuilding their lives is by visiting Islas de Gigantes.
And why not?
Isla de Gigantes’ saltwater lagoon, known as “Tangke” or tank.
I was amazed that it felt like visiting a very different place but it is only 3 hours away from my home. It was easy to put down my camera because the views and the sceneray can only be best captured through my eyes.
Definitely coming back..
Rustic and a place to temporarily detach yourself. No phone signal and limited hours for power but the enjoyment are not just of the physical beauty of the islands but the warmth of the people. Islas de Gigantes is one of the most memorable travel writing assignments I had.
My deepest gratitude to Mayor Arnold Betita for providing us with boat ( transportation) and for Joel Decano ( +63 0918-468-5006), Carles Tourism Officer for the accommodation and the guide.
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