mybeautifulILOILO: Mountain Getaway around Iloilo

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Mountain Getaway around Iloilo

rice terraces, Leon, Iloilo, photo by Ramon Ramirez

Iloilo does not only boast of its rich historical heritage, it also takes pride of its lush mountains, white-sand beaches, and thick virgin forests. There are places in the province of Iloilo that showcase the beauty and grandeur of nature. And because of these, the province has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts as much of the land is available for many types of activities.

This summer is an exceptional escape that will have you hooked on its rarely explored wilderness. Most people love the natural beauty and fresh air that outdoor spaces and destinations offer. The province of Iloilo is blessed with an abundance of these places and luckily many are very accessible.

So if you are a nature and wildlife fan or just fed up with cities and beaches here are some of the best natural outdoor vacations in Iloilo Province.

Over the central part of Iloilo province are pieces of land filled with natural wonders, such as caves, waterfalls, forests and mystical hills and mountains. Take a break from the sweltering heat of summer. Try something new for a change. Take a tour and experience all the wonderful attractions on the way. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

photo by Ramon Ramirez

If you are looking for a fun family weekend destination, head over to Leon. It is an old town that is full of fun located approximately 28.2 kilometers from the city. It is known to be one of Iloilo’s most scenic and adventurous summer cool spot. With its cool temperature, Bucari attracts the summer folks to its mountainous terrain for some quality site-seeing during the typical summer months. Leon has a plethora of activities including trekking, bike touring, rock climbing, cave exploration and swimming to its falls. These activities are at your disposal when visiting Leon. Not only do the verdant mountains lure the tourists in, but also embedded in this cozy town is an inland resort where you can pay a room for an overnight stay at the newly-opened PINERIDGE in Barangay Bacolod. This is not your typical campground. Pineridge provides rooms at reasonable prices. The site is shaded with beautiful trees, and a slight breeze to cool off the day. Experience the beautiful outdoors that Bucari in Leon offers. This authentic, natural vacation will have you enjoying life away from the cell phone ringers. If exploring is in your itinerary, embark on Leon, a relaxing jeepney or air-conditioned van ride from the terminal in Jaro market, Iloilo City. For more information, please contact Mr. Nonel Gemora at 09082276719.

photo by Ramon Ramirez

Looking for some adventure, drive 37 kilometers down the road going to Dingle and you will find the Bulabog Puti-an National Park in Barangay Moroboro. You will have fun pretending to be in the jungles of the Amazon on a real adventure. Bulabog Puti-an National Park is a great spot to develop a genuine understanding for the great outdoors and to visit a national landmark. Excluding the island-province of Guimaras, Bulabog Puti-an is the only limestone rock formation in Panay. It was designated as a National Park through Congressional Bill No. 1651, and such is considered a "nationally significant area." It has a land area of 834.033 hectares covering five of Dingle’s 33 barangays. It offers superb hiking where one can marvel to some of its unique caves. The park contains 13 known caves (Lungib, Hapu-Hapo, Ma-arhong, Guiso, Mistranza, Linganero, Lapus-Lapus, Ticondal, Butac, Tuco, San Roque, Pitong Liko and Nautod). Each cave is unique with a mixture of different shapes and sizes of passage. Some are tight and narrow, while others can be very low and wide. Most of these caves are undeveloped, so there are no lights, stairs, nor walkways. Hike up and go cave exploration while enjoying the gorgeous view of the park over its wild and luscious forests. Whatever your interest may be, this subtle yet relaxing getaway will help you appreciate the fresh air in the summer months without the exhausting heat. For more information, please contact Mr. Dane Dizon, the municipal tourism officer at 09477424341To get to Dingle, take a jeepney or van at Tagbak Terminal in Jaro, Iloilo City.

photo by Vincent Angelo Gefes

Breathtaking mountain views, hiking trails that will take your through spell binding scenery and an inland resort await you at MARIA PAZ HILLSIDE RESORT in Alimodian along corner T. Algallar Street, poblacion area. It offers 5 big rooms perfect for a group of 10 and more at a very reasonable rate. It has a pool to cater to children and adults alike. It is perfect for everyone seeking a relaxing time full of fun and adventure in the area. Be it a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a group trip, Alimodian will offer you something that will make your vacation an unforgettable one. For more information, please contact Dr. Marylou Alipao at 09088741929 or Miss Marysol Amarillo, the officer-in-charge, municipal tourism office at 09205674507 or visit their website, www.ma.pazhillsideresort.com. Alimodian is 24.6 kilometers away from the city. It is home to historical and natural attractions such as the St. Thomas of Villanueva Parish, Tinagong Danao, Agua Colonia,Umingan Plateau, Ibagat Spring, Maslog Falls, Bato Dungok, and Oyang Cave. To get there, one can take a jeepney or van at the terminal in Jaro market, Iloilo City.

Stunning Igbaras is another popular vacation area in Iloilo. Explore trails that will take you through magnificent waterfalls and striking sceneries. Spice up your trip by indulging in various activities such as hiking, rappelling, cave exploration and swimming in the falls. Enjoy your stay in LOUVELLE LOUNGE at the poblacion area. Your Igbaras vacation will surely be remembered for a lifetime. Igbaras is 40 kilometers away from the city. It is home to nature’s wonders such as Mt. Napulak, Nadsadjan Falls, Guiritsan Falls, Igcabugao Cave, Passi Cave and rafflesia Gardens in Barangay Igcabugao. The town also prides itself with the annual celebration of the Tangyan Festival every May. For more information, please contact Engr. Wilfredo “Boy” Delgado, municipal tourism officer at 09173080855.

Whether you are a family vacationer or a city slicker seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Iloilo is perfect for all. Enjoy the beaches in the southern and northern portion of the province. The central part of the province keeps you exploring enchanting trails taking you through diverse landscape.

So this summer, it is time to head out to these offbeat destinations and discover the undiscovered.

No comments:

ILOILO: the Heart of the Philippines

Known as the heart of the Philippines, Iloilo stands at the crossroads of the orient and the developed Western world. Iloilo prides itself as the center of education, trade, commerce and tourism in the region. It occupies the southern and northeastern portion of Panay Island; to the north of it is the bountiful province of Capiz and the Jintotolo Channel; Guimaras Strait washes its southern shores; to the eastern side are the calm waters of Panay Gulf and Iloilo Strait; and the progressive province of Antique is its western neighbor. It lies in the midst of both; air and sea traffic.

Stretching 4,663 square kilometers, Iloilo is composed of 42 municipalities and a component city. It is sub-divided into five (5) congressional districts with topography varying from flat lands and rolling hills to mountain peaks and ranges, and roll down into flat plains towards the coastal towns. Iloilo City; the vibrant provincial capital, is a booming financial center.

It has a population of 2,110,588 Ilonggos (2007 NSO survey) for both province and city combined.

Hiligaynon is its local dialect. Filipino is the national language. English, the business language, is spoken widely.

Buses, jeepneys, public utility vans (PUV’s) ply the province while taxis and jeepneys ply the city’s well-developed system of road network. Fares are fixed except for taxicabs which have metered fare.

HISTORY

Iloilo is a junction over which Malay, Spanish, Chinese, American cultures met in the course of centuries. It has a colorful history that stretches back to a rich pre-colonial culture. According to oral tradition, 10 Datus from the kingdom of Bornay (now Borneo), escaped from the wrath of an oppressive regime of Sultan Makatunao in 1225 A.D. Finding a place where they can live in peace and harmony, the 10 Datus or chieftains namely Datu Puti (the leader), Datu Bangkaya, Datu Dumalugdog, Datu Sumakwel, Datu Lubay, Datu Paiburong, Datu Dumangsil, Datu Balensusa, Datu Paduhinog and Datu Dumangsol, along with their followers boarded on their balangays (vintas or boats) without knowing where to go, sailed across the Sulu Sea on their quest for the Promise Land. The group skirted to the southern tip of the island of Panay, towards the Siwaragan River in San Joaquin and proceeded to navigate inward to Andona creek just within the settlement of Sinugbuhan.

It was said that when Datu Puti along with his men landed in Sinugbuhan, they met an aeta who at that time was fishing along the riverbank. Through him the datus learned about Marikudo, his people and his territory. And through this fisherman, they sought an audience with the aeta chieftain. They sat down with the natives, negotiated and agreed to purchase the lowlands of Panay for their abode. According to the folk legend, they purchased the island from the Negritos led by their chieftain Marikudo and his wife Maniwantiwan, for a golden sadok or salakot (hat) and a manangyad (long golden necklace) that was said to have touched the ground. The datus then settled in the coastal areas of the island, while the natives agreed to live in the mountains and hinterlands.

Modern history of Iloilo began in 1566 when the Spaniards under Legaspi, established their first settlement in Oton. Christian doctrine was propagated, with the church as their house of worship and where Ilonggos acquired their first education. Spaniards under Miguel Lopez de Legaspi came to Panay and established a settlement in Ogtong (Oton) and later moved to La Villa de Arevalo (Arevalo) as the seat of Spanish power in 1581 with Gonzalo Ronquillo as deputy encomiendero. Because of rampant Moro attacks, the Spaniards moved to a village close to the mouth of the river. Irong-Irong or Ilong-Ilong, the name shortened to “Iloilo” later became the capital of the province.

With its rapid economic growth, the port of Iloilo opened to world trade in 1855 and soon became the center of commerce and trade in the whole Visayas and Mindanao. It was in 1890 under Becera Law of 1899, the Ayuntamiento of Iloilo (City Government) was established by virtue of a Royal Decree of 1896 and was given the honor of having a Coat of Arms with the Inscription: “La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo.”

Iloilo City is made up of many small neighborhoods, full of old-world character, linked by narrow, winding streets. Students, foreigners and artists thrive in this area, attracted by its sense of history and cosmopolitan feel along with its trendy bars and good restaurants.

Peaceful climate, dynamism of the local economy, a better quality of life, rich pool of skilled workforce, and excellent accessibility and linkages are factors that help maintained Iloilo’s competitive position among other provinces in attracting investments and penetrating new markets for its products.

Iloilo is place of perfect balance. It is fast-paced yet relaxed. It offers more than the usual; culture and arts, destinations, cuisine, people. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you will always enjoy the warmest and friendliest welcome in the heart of the Philippines.

HOW TO GET TO ILOILO

One can travel from other parts of the country in style through NAIA in Manila as its premier gateway. Major airlines have roundtrip flights that take about an hour. The new Iloilo Airport located in Cabatuan is built in a wider and panoramic place with state-of-the-art computerized facilities. It is 18 kilometers from the city and is accessible by van, jeepney and taxi. The city is the province’s port of entry for sea transport. Considered the third largest port in the country after Manila and Cebu, it is just five (5) minutes away from the city’s main commercial district. Shipping lines have regular trips taking about 20 hours, 12 times weekly; 14 hours boat trip from Zamboanga or Cagayan twice a week; daily 12- hour trip to Cebu. Fastcrafts from Bacolod City take 50 minutes. A relatively short trip and you are magically transported to a totally different environment. If ever a place could truly be called a melting pot of people and cultures, Iloilo is it.

Iloilo's FIRSTS

Perhaps, no other province in the Philippines has a record of so many FIRSTS as the province of Iloilo. The following list is by no means complete:

According to Maragtas Legend, Iloilo is site of the Malayan landing in the Philippines;

The first school for boys in the Philippines was founded in Tigbauan by Jesuit priest and historian, Pedro Chirino in 1592;

The first place to put up a Christian church in the Philippines was Jalaud (Dumangas) in what is now the barangay of Ermita, in 1566;

Iloilo is the first city outside Manila to have a foreign business house, the Loney & Co. and the first foreign vice-consul;

The first province to export sugar to Australia;

The only province to have two cities during the Spanish time: Iloilo City, chartered in 1890, and Jaro in 1891;

The biggest province in the Philippines in population, income and economic production during the 19^th century;

The best and biggest producer of textile during the Spanish era;

The FIRST golf course in the Philippines, Sta. Barbara Golf and Country Club in Sta. Barbara, 1907;

The FIRST department store in the country, Hoskyn & Co., established in 1877;

The FIRST commercial airline in the country was the Iloilo Negros Air Express Co. (INAEC);

The FIRST Philippine airline established after World War II was organized by Ilonggos, the FEATI;

The FIRST Provincial High School in the Philippines, the Iloilo National High School;

The FIRST Elementary School established under the Americans, Baluarte Elemenetary School in Molo;

The FIRST protestant barrio in the country, Calvario in Janiuay;

The FIRST Baptist Church in the Philippines, Jaro Evangelical Church;

The FIRST luxury liner in the Philippines, S/S Don Esteban of the De la Rama Line;

The FIRST city to have double-decked buses in the country;

The FIRST concrete road in the country, from Forbes Bridge to Jaro Plaza;

The FIRST city to have a car assembly plant, Taller Visayas de Strachan & McMurray. The car assembled was the “Deiler” in the 1920’s;

The FIRST province to produce many millionaires and the first city to have a millionaire’s row;

The FIRST Filipino to launch the propaganda movement in Spain, Graciano Lopez Jaena of Jaro also known as the greatest orator the Philippines’ ever produced;

The ONLY Filipino nominated to the Supreme Court of Cuba, Raymundo Melliza;

The FIRST Filipino to fly a passenger airplane, Jose Tinsay in 1925;

The FIRST doctor of laws from Oxford University, Melquiades Gamboa;

The FIRST doctor of philosophy in Political Science, Victorino Diamonon;

The FIRST Filipino doctor of Education, Pedro E. Y Rio;

The FIRST Filipino woman doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, Josette Garcia Portigo;

The FIRST Filipino doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology F. Landa Jocano;

The FIRST Filipino to win the Congressional Medal of Honor during the WWII, Captain Jose Calugas of Leon;

The FIRST Filipino soldier in the American Army to win medals of Heroism and Courage from the governments of United States, Belgium and France during the WWII, Sgt. Ramon Subejano of New Lucena;

The FIRST Filipino girl to be called the fastest woman in Asia, Inocencia Solis of New Lucena;

The FIRST most-be-medaled Filipino girl swimmer, Nancy Deano of Dingle;

The FIRST Filipino International Chess Grandmaster, Eugene Torre of Lapaz;

The FIRST guerilla unit to contact Gen. Douglas MacArthur and President Quezon by radio during World War II;

The FIRST Filipino lady to win a cultural heritage award, Magdalena Jalandoni of Jaro;

The FIRST Filipino feminist, Pura Villanueva Kalaw;

The FIRST modern custom house in the country;

The FIRST government constructed museum building in the Philippines, Museo Iloilo;

The FIRST successful compact farm in the country, Tagsing Buyo, Sta. Barbara;

The ONLY province to have an anti-biotic drug named after it, Ilozone and Ilotycin which are brands of erythromycin, a wonder drug developed from a soil sample from Iloilo;

The FIRST province to be declared a model in development planning by NEC/ USAID;

The number one food-producing province of the Philippines today;

The FIRST and ONLY town in the Philippines to produce four justices of the Supreme Court, seven senators, seven governors, and seven Cabinet Members;

The site of the FIRST International Research Center in the fishing industry in the country, SEAFDEC in Tigbauan;

The BIGGEST public school division in the country is the Division of Iloilo;

The FIRST city that initiated a free education program is the elementary schools by eliminating the matriculation fees and providing free school supplies and the elimination of tuition fees in public secondary schools.

REFERENCES

IIoilo’s FIRST, The Visayan Tribune, January 31, 1977;

Iloilo’s Artistic Cemeteries, Sumagaysay, Joy R., Iloilo Preview, Vol. 4, 2008;

Pasana-aw: Vignettes on Bisayan History and Culture, Funtecha, Henry F., Vol. 1, 2004;

mybeautifulILOILO

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Mountain Getaway around Iloilo

No comments:

Post a Comment

An Unforgettable Farm Experience at Pallon Farm in San Enrique

Search This Blog