Traversing Iloilo and Guimaras Island

"Just as we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, the city God founded forever. We meditate on your unfailing love, O God, inside your temple."

Psalm 48:9-10

Iloilo is known for its famed annual festival, the Dinagyang Festival. On this day, the streets of Iloilo will come alive with colorful costumes of Ati-Atihan, the loud thumping of drums and the people dancing along the loud music while shouting "Viva Señor Santo Niño" and "Hala Bira!".


However, I didn't go to Iloilo to witness the festivities. I went to Iloilo last March 2009. Iloilo being the Gateway of Western Visayas, I have to pass through this old beautiful city so I can tour around Guimaras. So while in Iloilo, I made sure to visit the must see my friends' recommend.

My first stop; Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood located along Villa Beach, Arevalo. They serve the most sumptuous native chicken inasal, fresh seafood and a lot more. I was not able to take pictures of all the yummy foods they served. Thanks to my Ilonggo friend for recommending this local favorite.

Viva La Candelaria de Jaro
Jaro and Nuestra Sra. de Candelaria go hand in hand. One may say that Jaro is known because of the Señora, but some may also say that the Señora is already owned by Jaro. The building of Jaro Cathedral was headed by Bishop Mariano Cuartero and Don Manuel Argüelles. Instead of asking money for donations to the people of Jaro, the parish asked for the churchgoers to bring construction materials like stone, sand and eggs as mass-offerings.

 Nuestra Sra. de Candelaria
The Señora is believed to be miraculous by the locals. It is believed that the Señora was found by a fisherman along the Iloilo riverbanks, she was then one foot tall. Until today, the devotees believe that the Señora continues to grow. This cathedral is one of my personal favorite. During my visit, I was able to witness the locals' devotion to the Señora. When I climbed up the stairs to be closer with the Señora, I saw devotees praying the rosary at 6:00PM. I felt the solemnity of the place as well as the people. By the way, the Señora is the only image canonically crowned by Pope JPII during his 1981 parish visit.

 Jaro Belfry
 This belfry is oddly situated across the cathedral. This belfry is a remnant of another church that was located beside it. The church collapsed because of an earthquake in 1700's but the belfry stood tall although damaged. After a decade, the construction of the cathedral started which was followed by the restoration of the belfry. Until now, this belfry stood tall and strong in Jaro Plaza.

 Bauhinia and Buto't Balat
 For my first dinner in Iloilo, I asked around for a good local restaurant that can satisfy my curiosity for more Ilonggo dishes. I came across Bauhinia at The Avenue Complex. I sampled their specialties: Sizzling Bulalo Steak and an Ilonggo dish called Tinuom. That's just for my first dinner in Iloilo, and my last & second dinner was at Buto't Balat - always save the best for last. Like most of the restaurant in Iloilo, their specialty is of course chicken inasal and fresh seafood. However this restaurant may seem as a typical Ilonggo restaurant, the location and ambiance sets it apart.  

 Miagao Church.
A UNESCO world heritage site in Iloilo that should never be missed. Although its site is 45 minutes away from the city proper, Miagao church is a sight. Built more than 200 years ago, Miagao is a living legacy of the culture, the faith and the way of life that Spain has given Filipinos. This church is one of the oldest in the Philippines and one of the architectural gems because of the peculiar sculpture that is decorated in the church's facade.  

 Molo Church
 If Paris has Notre Dame Cathedral, here in Iloilo, they have Molo Cathedral. This Gothic - Renaissance structure is also considered to be a feminist church. It has 16 images of women saints inside. The only Gothic church outside Manila has a larger than life image of Sta. Ana (BVM's mother), patron saint of Molo.

 The Trappist Monastery
Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Abbey is located at Jordan, Guimaras is ran by monks of the Cisterian Order. They are monks who follow St. Benedict's rule. These monks opened their door of solace to tourists to promote their way of living which is selling souvenir items and processed foods that they make and grow themselves. They also share the monastery grounds to those seeking a contemplative place for retreat and prayer.

Guimaras
 Aside from mangoes, Guimaras offers one of the scenic over and under water experience in our country. There are caves where the boat would fit in so you won't have to climb down to witness its beauty. The natural coral formations will keep you interested, its marine life and the hidden troves of beaches.

Lawi Marine Turtle Rescue Center
 The turtle rescue center is accredited by the local government of Brgy. Lawi. Its main objective is to rescue the now endangered sea turtles. Here, the turtles are protected and bred in their natural habitat. The biggest turtle that was rescued weighs more than 50 kilos.

Ave Maria Beach

A white sand beach that the boatman boast about Guimaras, besides their mangoes, of course.

Isla Naburot and Baras Beach Resort 

Isla Naburot is a back to basics resort. When the owners conceptualize for this resort, they only have relaxation in mind. This private resort that highlights the gastronomical experience they offer. Baras Beach on the other hand is an Indonesian inspired resort with complete amenities.

Unfinished boat

 I saw this work of art in Baras Beach. They build boats for the resorts own use that can also be enjoyed by their guests.

Navalas Church, Buenavista
A quaint old church that is located in Guimaras. It has a fascinating garden in the front yard that is surrounded by an old stone fence. The belfry which also used to be a watchtower from the Moro intruders serves as the entrance gate to the church. It adds certain charm to this 1800's church.

Iloilo is the gateway to Guimaras. Surely, Iloilo will lure you in to have a taste of its own beauty before you wander off to Guimaras. So if ever your wanderlust goes off and you are planning to hit two birds in one stone, for budget purposes of course, then I suggest you visit Iloilo and Guimaras for both God given and man-made attractions.