Guimaras « Valerie Caulin

Posts Tagged ‘Guimaras’

Tatlong Pulo: Guimaras’ “Secret” Beach

Sunday, March 31st, 2013

Guimaras is slowly creeping to every traveler’s list with its white sandy beaches. Some have captivated frequent visitors while others are now labeled as tourist traps, but with its topographical nature, it is easy to temporarily own a beach in the island.

Tatlong Pulo (“Three Islands”) is one of them, named after the three krast formations fronting the coves, some privately owned. A seclusion and a place for any child of the sun to find peace and harmony.

Your freelance writer has heard this from a friend and finally saw it for myself while on assignment for Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Magazine. A perfect spot for glamping but this is a far cry from materializing your travel writer’s dream of glamping in Guimaras.

A raw beauty. Not a trace of commercialism. Just the way we all like it.

So how do you get here?

Tatlong Pulo is one of the beaches in Guimaras located in Jordan, the province’s capital. From the pier, you can get a tricycle. Ask the assistance from their tourism desk for the right fare rates. Tell them that you are going to Tatlong Pulo, Brgy. Sinapsapan.

The tricycle will stop because the terrain is unbearable for the vehicle and you will walk for 1.5 kilometers. The adventure begins!

Guimaras is a biker’s destination especially Tatlong Pulo, you might meet them during your visit. The walk is just part of the fun.

Just follow the road..

We felt like college students again bearing bulky camera gears. Greeting locals along the way. And finally, a lovely sight to behold!

Amenities and facilities?

Sorry, no first-class accommodation here. This is a place for the vagabonds but everyone is welcome. Your host will be the Ohana family. Remember Lilo and Stich? “Ohana means family and family means…”

Before going to Tatlong Pulo, contact the Manong Bert or Manang Janet Ohana ( +63 0928-337-5687) so they can prepare your food ahead of time. They have been serving bikers who make Tatlong Pulo as their final stop. Dining while enjoying this view..

For a small fee, you can rent a beach hut with little “attic” if you wish to rest or sleep.

Lunch. We had native chicken adobo and tinola. Yuumm..!

Manang Janet. Thank you for accommodating us! Very sweet lady.

Nonoy, one of the 3 Ohana children. Very shy at first. He was a little tour guide. Pogi!

Go boating ( rent the fishing boats), read a book, take a gazillion photos, breathe the salty air and observe and enjoy the company of the fisherfolks. Imagine Leonardo DiCaprio choosing this beach. Or envision the hunky casts of Game of Thrones wading in the waters.

If you wish to stay overnight, bear in mind that there is no electricity and please do not disturb the family. I suggest you stay in Zemkamps Chalet in Jordan and have Tatlong Pulo as your day tour. Don’t forget to bring some treats for the kids!

What do you think of this beach? Feel free to leave a comment. Would love to hear from you!

Where to Go this Summer?

Friday, February 22nd, 2013

It is always summer in the Philippines but the months of April and May is the official season if I will base it to the “more or less 60 days” school break and the dog days of summer.

When the days turn muggy, nothing can cool us off better than the beach.

Boracay will always be our got-to-go beach and seldom you’ll meet a local that has not been there yet. If you haven’t, then visit this summer.

Just across the city of Iloilo is Guimaras Island. If you want the opposite of Boracay, Guimaras is one option.

There are beaches that I get dreamy about because I’m not sure if I’ll have the chance to visit them again like Ilocos and Zambales. If you are from Luzon, then this must be your common weekend escape but for me and those in Visayas and Mindanao, Zambales is great for some change of scenery.

It’s very nice that local tourism is highlighting the wonders of the southern region not just among bloggers and travel writers featuring them.

Here is Dakak for those who want a very exclusive and private vacation.

Samal Island which is very accessible from Davao City is another must-visit. A clean and pristine cluster of islands but not too far from the city.

The list goes on with Coron, Palawan, Siargao and other local secrets.

But hey, summer is not just about going to the beach right? Your travel writer is personally thinking of revamping our summer plan and head to a mountain destination.

When we need some altitude, there is Tagaytay.

I’ve been there once and I think it serves urbanistas a good places for a cooler temperature. And speaking of cooler temperature, The Summer Capital of the Philippines – Baguio.

Mambukal Resort in Negros Occidental (few minutes away from Bacolod City) is not just a wonderful place but impressive noting that it is a government-run resort ( sorry if I’m mean). Complete facilities while enjoying nature. I’m thinking of bringing my kids here and trek to its falls ( safe for kids). The green foliage will be therapeutic for their eyes.

If you want green, head to Mindanao. Yeah, a shame that it has gained a dangerous reputation but my trips to Mindanao are one of the most memorable. From visiting my in-laws to my first solo trip in 6 years in Sultan Kudarat. Bukidnon is one, Davao’s Mt. Apo is literally heaven. Hoyohoy in Misamis Occidental deserves a try.

Easy to reach is Lake Sebu, fond memories guaranteed.

I know that you too are thinking of where to go this summer. It is great to revisit a destination and do something else or discover a new place. Wherever it is, relax and enjoy your break.

I’m writing this post because I’m still thinking of new places to go when my kids have their school vacation. If you have some suggestions feel free to share by leaving a comment.

Read more about these destinations..

Boracay

Guimaras

Zambales

Dakak

Samal

Tagaytay

Mambukal

Hoyohoy

Lake Sebu

Tags: bagiou, beaches, Boracay, Dakak, Guimaras, hoyohoy, Lake sebu, Mambukal, samal, summer ideas, tagaytay, where to go, zmbales
Posted in things to do | No Comments »

Behind the Pen and the Lens

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

I am a self-confessed “I-prefer-to-work-alone” type of person which can be justified in my chosen field as a freelance writer. But being a travel writer doesn’t mean that I am a one-man show. As much as I love working at my own pace, choose my own time, my work is not solely a product of my own efforts.

Take the case of my latest contribution for Mabuhay Magazine for this month’s issue entitled ” Guimaras Getaway” (read the article online, click here) . Never was I so stressed with a one-week notice from the editorial team, story angle was changed a day before my site visit and a stormy weather. Take note, it’s an island destination.

Everything worked out fine when I read my article and I owe it to my travel buddies.

Let me present to you my travel buddies. We are all college dormmates. When? Don’t ask.

Junalie was my first roomate. She is one friend I knew way back in college that I had a chance to go out more. She works for a non-government foundation.

The cameraman. It was actually our first time hanging out as we never had a chance in college but we often “talk” in Twitter and Facebook. He teaches Psychology at UP Visayas and ladies, he is single ( don’t shoot me Rev! hehe).

Pierra used to teach at UP Visayas too. She invited herself so she had to bear with our bullying. Haha! Seriously, it was great that she was with us or else Junalie would have been so bored as Johnrev and I were busy taking photos.

Together, we met with local officials..

and smiled with these young boys

Gave our eyes and senses a favor with a relaxing place like this

and I discovered my love for trekking and hiking..

In less than 48 hours, we were like college students again. Our minds felt light as we only cared about the scenery and quirky jokes in between.

but I got carried away and morphed into a daredevil, risking our lives when we sailed with this boat

We came home safe and I had a great time. I hope we all had a great time.

Junalie, Johnrev and Pierra – thank you so much. It was one hell of a working day for me! Hope we can do it again..promise, I won’t put your life in danger again! haha!

“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”

– Mark Twain

Scenic San Lorenzo of Guimaras

Saturday, August 4th, 2012

When Guimaras became a full-fledged province in 1992 ( it used to be part of Iloilo), two municipalities were added and one of these is the Municipality of San Lorenzo. Guimaras has been seen as one of the country’s untouched beauties and San Lorenzo is one of its living secrets. Just imagine what I’m saying.

It lies in the eastern part of the island facing Negros Occidental. In fact, a RoRo pier is built in San Lorenzo for those who want to travel to Negros. Great for me, we have another option when we travel to Cebu via Negros.

Going back to the main topic of this post, we were all appreciative of the hospitality that San Lorenzo gave us. Your travel writer visited the town along with my travel buddies for Guimaras while working on a travel feature. From Guimaras Wonder’s Farm, we took a tricycle to Brgy. Gaban in San Lorenzo.

Ms. Jennifer Laloy, San Lorenzo Development Officer whom I’ve been talking to along for days along with Manong driver, Elba Galve ( Municipal Agriculturist), April Rose Galfo (Tourism Staff) and a barangay kagawad waited for us. Seeing them even from afar in their San Lorenzo Tourism shirts plus a transportation was very heart warming.

So let me share with you our one-day tour in San Lorenzo, Guimaras

Our first stop was An-An’s Farm owned by Mr. Danilo Gaylan named after his eldest daughter.

His farm covers 5 hectares dividing it into a calamansi and mango farm. His calamansi is very lucrative supplying branches of Mang Inasal ( a famous local fastfood). During our visit, he shared that one company wished to get his products but he can no longer reach the demand. I suggested that he should expand his farm.

After a quick chat, photo op, we went to their house and had a snack. Remember we already had a full meal at Guimaras Wonder’s Farm. Still, the corn, buko juice and banana were irresistible. Just look at Junalie’s face. haha!

Shared some laughs, I thank my college friends for this. They are so jolly and made the whole group enjoy each other’s company.

Of course, freshly-squeezed calamansi. So good it tasted like Calamansi-Pineapple. Swear! They also told us that calamansi and buko juice are great combination. Will try!

After some thank yous and take homes of calamansi, saba ( plantain) and corn, off we went to our next destination.

This farm is owned by the Mendiola family who hails from Bulacan just like the owner of Guimaras Wonder’s Farm.

They now reside in Iloilo City. Over 600 mango trees are planted here. I love the farm, it’s your dream farm. Pierra and Junalie reminiscing childhood.

It was already past one o’clock so Ms. Jen instructed the driver to take us to Sebario for lunch. Brgy, Sebario is also where you can find their salt farms.

The best lunch we had at Sea Bar owned by their SB member.

It was a simple meal with home-cooked dishes but gosh, it was a feast. Like a buffet with all of us filling our plates twice. Love the laswa (vegetable soup) with bamboo shoots and coconut milk, the stir fried shrimps, crablets and chicken adobo. And the rice, the best. yum! yum! According to Ma’am Elba, San Lorenzo is the Rice Granary of Guimaras.

Fully satisfied with our lunch, we went to the salt farm. Typhoon Ferdie was blasting in northern Luzon and a day before our trip, Ms. Jen already told me that it might be impossible to visit the farm. The salt farm is converted into a fish pond during rainy season.

And it was a rainy day indeed. It was very obvious that they prepared for our visit. Here is their windmill which is used to draw salt water to the basin. They tried to have a demo and we get the whole picture. I will visit Sebario this summer so I can witness their salt-making and share it with you guys.

And then, Brgy Captain, invited us for a simple panyaga or snack. Oh my! hahaha! Thanks to Ms. Jen, she politely declined because we just had our lunch less than an hour ago. So another dogie bag for us. Suman!Which we ate with beer later that night at Zemkmaps Chalet who hosted our stay.

We stopped for a few minutes to their beaches.

Another reason to come back this summer. Untouched shore. I already envisioned some cold drinks and picnic food. Simple luxury.

And for our final stopped, we went to their Municipal Hall which was situated on a hill.

We went to their viewing deck with a panoramic view of San Lorenzo. It was strategically placed because right in front of you is Negros’ Mt. Kanlaon. Too bad the clouds hid its peak.

To Ms. Jen and April as well as to Ma’am Elba and all the local officials of San Lorenzo, we have no words other than appreciation and gratitude for your hospitality. We do hope to visit your quaint town in the future!

Tags: calamansi, farms, Guimaras, mango, san lorenzo, san lorenzo guimaras, sebario
Posted in Guimaras | 6 Comments »

Guimaras Wonder’s Farm

Sunday, July 29th, 2012

Nice beaches and sweet mangos – these equate to Guimaras. An island province sandwiched between Panay and Negros. Thought to be barren, it has become an agricultural island with mangos, cashews, calamansi planted in its land. Interested farmers ( global definition, not the Filipino impoverished picture) grabbed the opportunity to buy and develop their own farms. And with hectares of plantations most notably mango plantations, Agro-tourism in Guimaras is being promoted with visiting and engaging in farming as one of the activities and attractions of Guimaras.

One of these is Guimaras Wonder’s Farm in Aloguisoc, Jordan. Prior to our visit, I contacted the owner, Rose Griesser to accommodate your travel writer as well as my friends. There are many farms in Guimaras but the main distinction of Guimaras Wonder’s Farm is that they are into organic farming.

So join me as I recall our lovely organic farm tour in Guimaras..

Mrs. Rose welcomed us with a smile. One of the first things we saw in the farm. Naturally fed chickens. Outside their fence are sili plants (hot peppers) both local and Thai for deworming..Cool!

The whole property covers, 8 hectares – 7 hectares for plants and other fruit trees and 1 hectare for their forest. They have 600 mango trees. Organically grown. Pesticide-free.

Local berry plant that is common in Guimaras Island

My travel buddies..Junalie ( in green), Pierra and JohnRev ( visit his travel blog Lagaone)

I read one review about Guimaras Wonder’s Farm that it is poorly maintained. I thought about it, when we sat foot. They need some weeding but as we explored and learned that they are into organic farming, it all made sense. They collect the dry leaves for composting, natural fertilizers and balanced eco-systems -ig, worms and all. Visitors must be aware that this is a farm not a Guimaras attraction that resembles a farm.

So nice to see these creatures

We went downhill and saw these lovely lillies. They just had their tilapia pond.

Then going back, pineapples. They also produce pineapple jams

Squash!

All of us were in awe as Mrs. Rose walk us around their farm. You can feel her passion in farming that I asked her if she holds a degree in Agriculture or Biology. She just gave us a sweet laugh and told us that she just love farming. She wanted to study Agriculture but her parents disapproved. Lucky for her to meet a man who also grew in farms in his native Austria.

Mr. Griesser’s bonsai

And the best part of our trip. Haha!. Tea time! Ginger tea with honey. Locally called salabat but the ginger tea they served is not as hot as our salabat but I found it “mentholy”. Refreshing drink after an hour of walking.

Love the bread with soft cheese smeared with Guimaras Wonder’s Farm Orange Jam. Yum! yum!

Sweet Valencia oranges!

One of the products of Guimaras Wonder’s Farm. Organic Mango Jam, Mango Jam, Pineapple Jam, Mango-Pineapple Jam, Orange Jam, Eggplant Pickles, etc.

Thank you Mr and Mrs. Griesser! We had a great time in your farm and we learned a lot. It was nice to meet someone who is very passionate in what they do. Till then!

How to get there
From Jordan port, hire a tricycle and just tell them you are going to Guimaras Wonder’s Farm. Rate is 120php, one-way. Landmark is ABS-CBN control station.

Contact:Rose Griesser +63 0917 326 1142.
Entrance: 50Php for adults, 10Php for children.

Tags: agro-tourism, farm, farms in guimaras, Guimaras, guimaras wonders farm, travel writer
Posted in Guimaras | 4 Comments »

Zemkamps Chalet: The Place to Stay in Guimaras

Thursday, July 26th, 2012

With more travelers hoping to relax in a serene venue, the island of Guimaras which is just 10-15 minutes away by boat from Iloilo City is the answer to those who wants to unwind and to take a quick trip.

As Guimaras is still at its raw beauty and practically not commercialized ( as of now), some facilities are still absent. For one, are hotels in Guimaras – there are a couple but not that much. Travelers often stay in beach resorts in Guimaras in popular destinations or in private island resorts. I myself would love to get back when things are less complicated. A safe cottage as I hear the crashing of the waves as I doze off to sleep after a long day is perfect.

If you are one of those who are typing “where to stay in Guimaras” in Google that has ample amenities, Zemkamps Chalet is the best place for you. Unlike most beach resorts in the island, it is not located along the beach but within the center of Guimaras. Located in San Miguel, Jordan ( pronounced as the Spanish “j” and not as Michael Jordan), establishments from groceries to an ATM machine ( Landbank) is just a few minutes away.

I recommend Zemkamps Chalet for those who plan to visit Guimaras but still look forward for some comfort. Like those with kids or those business travelers. Last weekend, I revisited the island. As it is more of a work-related trip, I need an internet connection and an accommodation away from tourists. Zemkamps Chalet is equipped with Wi-Fi, Hot and Cold shower, cable TV, among others.

This was our room. The regular guestrooms have twin-sharing. I just requested for an extra bed.

Zemkamps Chalet was originally a vacation home for the Palmes family, so you will not be surprised why they don’t have a restaurant. The name is a combination of their names – according to one of their staff, RJ. They have this cozy dining area. Fronting Zemkamps is a small eatery where you can order. We ordered breakfast for only 50Php. Coffee is bottomless here.

I love the over-all ambiance of Zemkamps. Gated and very secure. Perfectly fits the demands of a control freak (read: ME). I was observing this accommodation in Guimaras when I come back with my two sons. And with kids, I want space..secured space for them to run around while I’m doing my own thing.

At night, the outdoor is a nice spot for some chitchat. We had a great time, with soothing lights. Here are shots from Johnrev who is behind the travel blog LagaOne .

Don’t worry, I washed up before hitting the sack. Haha.I was working that day ok? hahaha.

Another thing is Zemkamps Chalet is manned with people who used to work for the family. We love the staff, courteous and patient.

For those who are concerned about its distance from Guimaras beaches, you can just hire a tricycle from Zemkamps. I think it is best to spend the day touring around the island and then come back fully rested after a nice shower. Here we are about to visit a nice beach in Jordan..

As a mother and travel writer, Zemkamps Chalet is the best place to stay in Guimaras.

Rates start at 1,600Phpgood for 2 pax. I am not connected with Zemkamps Chalet; for further inquiries and reservations, contact: +63 09292085545 or email krystine.palmes@yahoo.com

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 beaches, Cebu, Churches, Guimaras, Ilocos Norte, Misamis Occidental, Zamboange del Norte | No Comments »

Rain, Rain Go Away..

Sunday, June 1st, 2008

Countdown …4 days more and my buddies and I will be lying on the beach just unwinding and chilling. But as that day approaches, rain keeps on pouring. Along with strong gusts of wind and thunders..I keep on praying that we will have a perfect day this weekend.

We will be in Guisi Beach in Guimaras Island – one of the most secluded beaches in the island. This beach is free from noisy tourists and located on the southernmost tip of the island. My friends are hoping and praying to have a sunny day to swim and take great photos.

We have everything set from my friends’ leave requests from work to our room. All we have to see is the weather that day– sunny and cloudless skies.

Few more days to go..let the rain pour, as long as we have the perfect weather in Guimaras!

Tags: beach holidays, Guimaras, perfect weather, summer holidays
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Valerie Caulin