Dingle River Cruise

photo by Bombette G. Marin

Embarking on a river cruise in Dingle is an alternate way to see its scenic interior. A perfect blend of beauty and grace, every gentle bend of the river reveals interesting sights.

Moroboro Dam, photo by Bombette G. Marin

The 7-kilometer cruise starts in Barangay Licu-an (approximately 3 kilometers away from the town center). Its base is at the upper portion of the Jalaur Irrigation Dam, popularly known as Moroboro Dam. The dam, built in 1955, provides irrigation to this town’s agricultural lands and nearby towns. Perfectly blending with the river’s serene atmosphere is a ruined post-World War II suspension bridge that traverses the Jalaur River.

This cruise is more intimate that takes place on smaller-scale motorized boat and winds its way through passing the barangays of Moroboro, Lincud and Tinocuan where beautiful white limestone cliffs and other limestone rock formations are seen. Views of small barangays along the river banks are one of the best ways to explore this town’s simple, yet absorbing lifestyle.  This nearly to an hour leisurely cruise ends in Barangay Tinocuan.

When venturing for the river cruise, tourists can also drop a fishing line and have a catch of tilapias, carps and mudfish. Visitors can also enjoy eco-bird watching river cruise.

The municipal government is in all-out support to this innovative tourism project planned to harness potential of this river as one of its major tourism attractions. It also plays an active role in developing the river as a venue for various tourism activities. In fact, in the last two years, the municipality mounted the LANTAY Festival. Lantay is a Hiligaynon term for a float or plane made of bamboo used long time ago for travel on water or for fishing. Celebrated every last week of April till the 1^st week of May as part of their Summer Pagdihon festivity, it is a 1-kilometer river race for single, double or for a group of six.

Efforts are on to introduce a much larger vessel for the cruise that can carry more people. Presently, it has two motorized pump-boats that can load 8-10 persons and a Catamaran (a geometry-stabilized multi-hulled vessel consisting of two parallel hulls propelled by a giant fan) that can carry eight (8) persons. Individual tourists are given life vests during the cruise.

the WWII suspended bridge

Dingle has successfully marketed itself as an Eco-cultural destination of the province and continues to attract eco-tourists.  It is known for a number of tourist attractions, such as the Filipino-Baroque architecture of ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH CHURCH that was finished in 1886; BULABOG PUTI-AN, designated a National Park through Congressional Bill No. 1651,  occupies an area of 834.033 hectares and covers five of this town’s 33 barangays boasts its 33 caves; the NAUTOD WALL, one of the major rock-climbing destinations in the Philippines, and; MOUNT MANYAKIYA known for its natural viewing deck that provides a panoramic view of the island of Negros.

A good for 6 persons air-conditioned room at ISCOF Guest House, Dingle Campus

Affordable accommodation establishments open their doors to tourists wishing to participate in field activities, sports or simply relax in contact with nature. The Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) Guest House, Dingle Campus in Barangay San Matias has two (2) air-conditioned rooms ready to cater to a group of four (4) and six (6) persons with communal toilet and bath, dining hall and mini-sala with a minimal overnight fee of P300 per person. The area is a P7.00 tricycle ride from the town center. For more information, please call 3510085.

a fully-furnished air-conditioned room good for 3 persons at ZAMARLI Building

For those who can afford to pay extra, two (2) air-conditioned furnished rooms are available in Zamarli Building at Muyco Street in Barangay Poblacion. The rooms can accommodate a group of 3 and offers one (1) single bed and one (1) family-size bed, with private toilet and bath, refrigerator and cable TV.  An overnight stay will cost P1,500 for every room. For more information, please contact Mr. Jimmy Diaz at 09184546994.

From Tagbak terminal in Jaro, Iloilo City, one can take a Dingle bound jeepney and from the town proper you can take a tricycle ride going to the different historical and natural sites in the area. For more information, please contact Mr. Dane Dizon-Municipal Tourism Officer at 09477424341.

Nothing like Christmas in Iloilo

Christmas Park in Oton

Christmas in the Philippines is a rich mix of cultures and traditions.  From our Spanish ancestry, we got the Misa de Gallo, the Noche Buena and Media Noche, the Belen, and the parol.  The Americans introduced us to Sta. Claus, Christmas tree, candy canes, snow, reindeers, Christmas cards and Christmas carols. 

Filipinos probably observe the longest Christmas season in the world as we have been known to get into the Christmas mood as early as the month of September (the first of the so-called “ber months” or months ending in “ber”) where shopping malls and a number of radio stations play Christmas carols as shoppers start on a spree for the December holidays.

lighted trees in New Lucena

In the province of Iloilo, the tradition of the yuletide season is celebrated and felt in the towns with lots of fun. Ilonggos decorate their houses and even streets with the traditional Christmas symbols to commemorate and give a holiday spirit around the community. Christmas lights are strung and shaped like stars or Christmas trees or in a large variety of other ways.  Homes are adorned with multi-colored star lanterns locally known as parol made from simple materials like bamboo sticks with rice papers, cellophanes or plastic. Others use a more expensive material like ropes or capiz shell.

Janiuay municipal plaza

Many towns have their own ways of showing that it is the holidays. The most popular is creating Christmas parks which had been the forefront for many years as everyone enjoys walking around the park and seeing the different Christmas lights and decorations. It is an amazing local tradition that helps bring much a much needed sense of community to many Ilonggos. Many are happy that some towns were able to afford the Christmas in the Park concept for many years. Ilonggos have been visiting these holiday attractions almost every year and for them, it is more than just a park with decorated trees, it is all about the holiday experience and cherished memories.

The festive lighting of the municipal park of Pototan is a long standing tradition for the last 16 years. Not only known as the leading rice producer in Western Visayas but also the region’s Christmas Capital. The town will celebrate its annual “IWAG Festival of Lights” from the 16^th of December till January 2. This longest-running Christmas event in Iloilo draws tremendous community support. Since then, illuminated park trees grew with mounting enthusiasm in the neighboring towns and elsewhere around Iloilo. The celebration is accompanied nightly holiday entertainment and food festival.

Janiuay Municipal Hall

The annual “FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS” of the municipality of Janiuay is celebrated every December 16-31. Park trees are decorated with hundreds of thousands of spectacular animated and stationary holiday lights that twinkle along to Christmas music, illuminating the roadway. This festive yuletide celebration started in 2010.

Belen made of sand in Oton

Christmas belen masterpieces in all shapes, sizes, materials and colors are displayed around the municipal park of Oton, a beautiful and a great way to share the magic and joy of the season with its annual “LIGHT A TREE” program that started in 1999 and opens every December 15-20.

The municipality of Dingle on its 5^th year this year will hold the “12 NIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS” where it features the magnificent brightly-lit Christmas Floats parading around the poblacion area where all the lights on the float after dusk are turned on in order to give viewers an unexpected treat. Other activities include the drum, bugle and lyre competition and the inter-provincial fireworks display. Event runs every December 16-30.

The town of Mina has its week-long Christmas event celebration entitled, “Paskwa Halad sa Banwa” that opens every December 14-23. The spirit to serve the community is a core value of the local government of this town which gives all the opportunity to give back to the community through this event which started in 2011. However, in 1994-2010 the town had been celebrating Christmas with series of activities that include street dancing, ceremonial lighting, fireworks display and food fair.

trees with blinking Christmas lights in New Lucena

The Christmas displays, albeit the majority of them have been reused and abused, many still look forward to the creative themes that many of these towns and the city come up with to decorate their trees. Over a period of time, strings of Christmas lights found their way into use in the municipality of New Lucena with their annual “KASADYAHAN SA PASKWA” celebrated every December 16-31 and caps with a countdown and fireworks display on the eve of December 31st.

The agricultural town of Alimodian will also open its Christmas event entitled “PAGHILIUSA PARA KAY KRISTO,” an annual Christmas Festival that started in 2007 and celebrated every December 6-29 as Barangay districts of the area take turns in the nightly holiday showcase featuring the talented people of this town.

Celebrate the holiday season with a drive or a stroll through many of Iloilo’s spectacle of Christmas lights display where many towns become big-time destinations at Christmas, and a family destination with theme parks, a favorite holiday tradition of so many Ilonggos.

A Whole Bunch of Fun for Oton’s Annual Sandiya Festival

In Iloilo, one good way of keeping track of time passing is keeping an eye on which fruits are bursting at the seams on the tables of roadside stalls. And during the month of December, in the southern portion of the province, watermelons start to come into their season.

Watermelon. Everyone loves it. Watermelon had always been well-recognized not only for its healthy properties but most importantly its contribution to the local economy where it is grown.

The Municipal Government of Oton in cooperation with Oton Watermelon Growers Association (OWGA) and East-West Seed annually celebrates its Sandiya (Watermelon) Festival. This year, the event is scheduled on December 5, 2013, 1 p.m. at the Oton Amphitheater Green.

A family event for all ages, the Sandiya Festival celebrates one of Iloilo’s favorite fruits.  The celebration is a great opportunity to not only discover more about this delicious fruit, but have a whole lot of fun doing it.

Each year the Sandiya Festival committee works hard to improve the festival and its activities. The watermelons are always provided from local growers and given to the festival goers for FREE. Most of the favorite festival activities started eight years ago are still continued today which include fruit relays, PINAKA (biggest and heaviest) and fruit carving contests. 

Watermelon is a very popular fruit enjoyed by people all over the world. This spotted, striped and solid green-colored fruit grows on vines on the ground and shares some relationship with cantaloupe and honeydew. It comes with varieties in rind or in flesh colors. Most popular variety is of red or yellow. Watermelons grow in various shapes such as round, oblong or spherical.

Watermelons can quench your thirst as it mostly consists of water. However, it is very rich in nutrients and offers numerous health benefits as well. The nutritional value and health benefits of the fruit are not limited to its flesh, even the seeds and the rind are very good sources of vitamins and minerals.

Watermelon is very popular for its health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants beneficial in preventing some forms of cancer, like, breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancers. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in watermelon, protects the genetic material of white blood cells and also prevents oxygen damage in cells which has been found to be linked to the occurrence of cancer in humans.

Many farmers in Oton have discovered watermelon to be usually more profitable to grow than many other crops because the fruit yields high and do not take a long time to grow. The fruits are also well liked by consumers and so the market is big. The East-West Seed, a long time and loyal partner of the municipal government in coming up with this festival has also been largely responsible for the popularity of watermelons as well as melons in Oton today.

Sandiya Festival is a great family-fun event that entertains all ages.  People get into the spirit by participating in competitions.  What is even better is that all of them are free to attend.

Dueńas’ Forgotten Historical Secrets

one of the many historical wells, photo by Bombette G. Marin

The documented historical account of the municipality of Dueñas started when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi sent his men to Panay 1569 and made the island as the second Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Legaspi then assigned an encomienda to Diego Lopez de Valdepenas covering Sibucao, a district of Dueñas in 1571. Dueñas was founded in 1590 with the name of Sumandig. Remarks of this settlement are still remarkable in various barangays of this town. With its historical background and sustainable social and cultural evolution, Dueńas has a lot of diverse worth seeing sites that can satisfy tourist. The existing historical monuments in this ancient center of Ilonggo civilization are incentives enough for visiting this town. 

You can take on a tour of history's forgotten secrets, from mysterious ruins to nature walks. Interested in history? We have centuries-old monuments and crumbling ruins. The historical tourist may find many spectacular places in the area.

The ruined Miller House

Discover the off-beat, strange, haunted attractions of Hacienda Jaguimit that showcases some of its most unique Ancestral ruins. Hajienda Jaguimit is another important destination. Few places afford the opportunity to explore this type of attraction which takes you back hundreds of years into the lives of the people living in the area. The RUINS OF THE MILLER HOUSE in Haciende Jaguimit is believed to have been the ancestral house of an American Family who lived in the area during the Second World War. All that remains of the house is a roofless, hollowed-out shell of the main house with walls, each about a foot thick. It sits quietly in the middle of a sugarcane field community. A few meters across the house is the famous remain of a Muscovado Sugar Mill.

The seven century-old natural spring wells locally called as PITONG BUBON is one of the many attractions included in their Calang Eco-Historical Trekking Adventure Circuit.  Calang is a barangay situated two (2) kilometers away from the poblacion and could be reached through a 15-minute hike from the town center and Barangay Capuling. Barangay Calang is also tagged by the locals as the Spring Paradise of the municipality where adventurers can spring-hop in this very historic location.

Pitong Bubon was said to have been dug by pre-colonial ancestors to serve their water needs for drinking and bathing. These spring wells are found I the middle of a forest. Tuscany Wells are also found in Barangay Calang. Situated around 20 meters away from Pitong Bubon, this eight (8) historical wells form part of this barangay’s adventure circuit.

These remnants are among the forgotten tourist sites in Iloilo. At present, the community pays special attention to developing the historical aspect of the town to make it a tourist attraction and areas could be interesting in tracing Dueńas’ history. The community welcomes friends who are prepared to maintain the splendors of the past to get the best of the present.

Dueńas is 46.1 kilometers away from the city. It is made up of 47 barangays in its 9,052 hectare land area. It is bounded in the north by the component city of Passi; in the east by the municipality of San Enrique; in the south by the municipality of Pototan; and by the town of Lambunao in the west. It annually celebrates its patronal fiesta on the 30th of September in honor of San Jeronimo. Market day is every Sunday.

Sara Living Large

Rodbon's Place, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Exotic mountain ranges and lush vegetation, genuine rural hospitality and scenic drives: the municipality of Sara has all the makings of a memorable holiday. The town welcomes travelers with happiness. The town of Sara is actually a fine mixture of sightseeing and to do activities: a swim at the Purungan Falls in Barangay Domingo and a trek to its 52-hectare watershed and reservoir, the Sampunong Bolo Bird Sactuary in Barangays Aposaga and Juaneza.

People coming here can get the promise of fun and enjoyment. In the same way the town can assure visitors a comfortable and convenient stay. The accommodation establishments in the area is perfect for the budget-conscious traveler, many of which accommodate no more than two dozen guests, feature simple Filipino dishes made from fresh local ingredients from the garden and sea. The establishments are similar in their casual style but their focus and amenities vary.

Rodbon's Place in Barangay Aspera, photo by Bombette G. Marin

The multi-colored RODBON’S PLACE is a convenient getaway to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Owned by Mrs. Evangeine Amado, the place is located in Barangay Aspera where the journey from the town center takes only about 5 minutes or a P10.00 tricycle ride. 

It is one of the two privately-owned accommodation establishments in Sara. The rooms look like apartment units of small rise buildings. There are 12 air-conditioned rooms; three (3) rooms with wi-fi television can accommodate two (2) persons; a suite room that can accommodate a group of four (4) persons for P1,400.00/ day; six (6) rooms that can accommodate a group of four at P1,200.00/ day. It also has a restaurant, a karaoke room that can accommodate a group of 15 persons at P100.oo/ hour. Food sell is relatively cheap and affordable. The best feature of the place is the friendly and helpful staff. For more information, please contact Mr. Kenneth Montinola at 09198667563.

Alexis & Alexa Pensionne, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Conveniently located in Barangay Damasco, ALEXIS & ALEXA PENSIONNE is a great base from which to explore the town. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that Sara has to offer. A haven of rest and relaxation, the pensionne offers total renewal just steps away from the market area. Owned by Dra. Reynaly Panes Alibogha, every effort is made to make guests feel comfortable. Accommodations have been carefully appointed to a considerable amount of comfort and convenience, with satellite/cable TV, air conditioning or fan in each room. The pensionne is an ideal place of stay for travelers seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Sara.

This modern budget inland resort, located in Barangay Damasco, is centrally located in the town. The resort offers a very reasonable accommodation options. It has nine (9) rooms for overnight stay with three (3) air-conditioned rooms good for two (2) persons at P1,000.00 / day; one (1) air-conditioned room good for four (4) persons at P1,200.00/ day; one (1) air-conditioned room good for five (5) persons at P1,500.00/ day; three (3) fan rooms good for four (4) persons maximum at P400.00/ day; and a fan room good for five (5) persons at P1,500.00.

Designed with a very modern architectural theme that is carried over to the room decoration and appointments. Alexis & Alexa Pensionne has a kiddie pool of 2-4 feet deep and the soon-to-be open adult pool of 7.5 feet deep blending perfectly with its chic atmosphere. It also has a function room that can accommodate a group of 50 persons for that intimate moment with friends and loved ones. It has a very reasonable rate of P4,500.00 for a 4-hour air-conditioned usage or P3,50000 for a fan use for the same number of hours. The pensionne house is perfect for guests who want comfortable accommodation in a fashionable area for a reasonable price. The resort opens daily from 8 a.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information, please call (033) 3920041/ 09999959156/ 09308440198.

The 2nd-class municipality of Sara is stretched in the 5t district of the province of Iloilo. It is 97 kilometers northeast from the city and is subdivided into 42 barangays of which 3 barangays compose the town center and the rest distributed in the outlying areas totaling to 18, 300 hectares. It is bounded on the north by the province of Capiz, on the east by the towns of San Dionisio and Concepcion, on the south by Ajuy, and on the west by Lemery. It annually celebrates its patronal Fiesta every 24th of June in honor of San Juan de Bautista. Market day is every Mondays and Saturdays.

The Scenic Acres of Batad

Alapasco Small Reservoir Irrigation Dam in Barangay Alapasco in Sitio Luy-a, Bulak, 

photo by Bombette G. Marin 

Looking for a weekend drive through into the countryside to a destination that will amuse you? The scenic municipality of Batad in the northern portion of Iloilo has some of the most beautiful natural sites to take in. It features deep valleys, vast farmlands, foothills and acres and acres of cornfields that provide an excuse for a stroll in the sunshine.

Watch corn grow as you drive through this quiet town where nearly half of its cropland grows corn. The town’s beautiful landscape enhances the drive. The cornfields make many appearances as they weave through the valleys.

corn harvest, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Corn had been important to Batad's citizens, livestock, wildlife, and general economy. Corn grains can be processed by either dry milling or wet milling for human consumption or for industrial use. The plants themselves can serve as forage for livestock and wildlife or can be consumed directly as a feed grain. Many animals, including poultry, cattle and swine depend on corn as their main feed source. 

removing the kernels from the cob, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Majority of the people of the town depended on corn grains to sustain life and trade. A high percentage of the population in the town consists of poor, rural, subsistence farmers who grow corn as their main food source and income. Every season, these families must shell or remove the kernels from, all the corn that they grow for storage and consumption. This traditional process is performed by hand, by women and children of every family.

Cornfields are the most noticeable attraction of the town. Located in very rural barangays that lack a steady stream of visitors, the municipal government is trying to raise the bar on this kind of attraction. 

Though not quite established as a local destination in the province, Batad have had its share of community visitors in the past years.

corn trails leading to the dam, photo by Bombette G. Marin

One popular activity when in the area is the cornfield walk in Barangay Alapasco situated approximately five kilometers from the town center. Open to the public, it has pathways where visitors can submerse themselves deep wind through these mazes. The crown jewel of the trek is a beautiful man-made attraction amid the rolling plains of cornfields, the Alapasco Small Reservoir Irrigation Dam.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

Beauty is everywhere you look, the farms, trails, the lake and sightseeing is evident. The Alapasco Small Reservoir Irrigation Dam in Barangay Alapasco in Sitio Luy-a, Bulak Sur serve as a water storage reservoir in the low foothills of cornfields that forms a backdrop to this artificial lake. Besides being an educational site, it is also cheap entertainment, that is, there is no fee for enjoying the exhibits and scenery. The dam originated in 1993 and was finished in 1997. Its length measures 264.90 meters with a height of 21 meters. Near the dam you can visit the golden tilapia hatchery and ponds. Its hatchery allows visitors to view its rearing ponds as well as the ponds where they keep some of the adult fish just for visitors to see. Paddling boats are popular activities for visitors in the area. A trip to the dam is one fun activity that keeps visitors coming back.

As corn is by far the largest component of the local coarse-grain trade for this town, none of it is put to waste. While the kernels are traded is used for feed with smaller amounts traded for industrial and food uses, the corn husk, also called corn shuck are crafted to a variety of items for both practical and decorative use.

corn decorative item and bag, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Once the husks are dried, it is a strong, resilient piece of material that can be woven. When shaped while wet, the corn husk will retain that shape after it dries. Because they were so prominent and easily available, people have been making flowers, trays and other decorative items with them for some time now. They fashion them by using florist wire to wrap petals cut from husks around stamens made from several husks bunched together. Glue the corn onto a circle of construction paper and glue on top.

students make corn flowers, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Presently, an organization from Barangay Caw-I called Caw-i Rural Improvement Club involves 25 members who are in to this backyard industry. They use corn husks to fashion a variety of household decorative items.

Outstanding scenic attractions, recreational opportunities and rural community life are scattered throughout this town. If you have not been to Batad, you should, and if you have been here more than once, come again, as this quaint town is home to ecotourism surprises and activities galore. You will not be disappointed.

Batad is a 5th class municipality situated north in the province of Iloilo. Comprised of 24 barangays sprawling over its 4, 476 hectare and area.  It is 125 kilometers or a three-hour bus or van ride from North Central Iloilo Terminal in Tagbak, Jaro Iloilo City. For more information, please contact Hon. Ernesto Balida at 09193410068.

Luxurious Rural Rereats in Iloilo

Dr. Ulysses Valdez Farm, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Life in Iloilo is not confined to the malls, restaurants and bars as it also offers various activities for all types of vacationers all year round. If you are a bit of a luxury traveler who expects the finer things in life, Iloilo has a lot of different options for you. Enjoy the sites in a rural setting and partake the fun as these activities will surely entice guests to visit the province every year.

If you are a bit of a luxury traveler who expects the finer things in life, some towns has a lot of different options for you. And if you are seeking beautiful inland and island resorts, these are the perfect places for you.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

SHERIDAN Boutique Resort in Barangay Buray, Oton has 10 guest rooms that afford privacy while still providing complete hotel pampering services. Delight your palate at the Ayanna Restaurant. It has an elegant mini-convention hall that can accommodate a group of 200 persons. The beautiful swimming pool is the centerpiece of the resort. With Sheridan you will be close enough to the big city if you want to go shopping or go to a nightclub, while at the same time being far away enough to get some peace and quiet. For more information, go to www.sheridanboutiqueresort.com or email at inquiry@sheridanboutiqueresort.com or you may contact their Iloilo Sales Office at (033) 3960033 or mobile at (+63) 09173077638.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

ADHARA Resort in Barangay J.C. Zulueta St., Barangay Poblacion, Oton is known for fun family getaway and honeymoon with seclusion, peace and privacy. It offers guests amenities of a good-quality inland resort destination with the comfort and privacy of a resort vacation home. Guests of the resort also have exclusive access to the pool and can enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding, kayaking ad sailing. For ADHARA, you may contact their font office at (033) 3362247 or email at reservation@anhawanbeach.com.

photo by Vincent Angelo Gefes

Sol Y Mar Family Beach Resort in Barangay Namocon, Tigbauan is a family-owned business situated in a scenic cluster of beaches. It has a gym, private rooms, horseback-riding activity, a lovers’ cauldron, tree house, a restaurant/ bar and an open pavilion. This resort is not to be missed as it embraces the playground of the tanned and in high spirits. For more information, please. For more information, please contact Miss Denny S. Tenefrancia at 0919 8914555 or at 511 8288. You can email them at solymariloilo@yahoo.com.

photo by Vincent Angelo Gefes

Bearland Paradise Resort in Barangay Tan Pael, Tigbauan offers luxurious accommodations boasting inviting comfort to its beautiful cabanas with bedrooms good for two and good for four, each equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV, shower and bath and your very own private balcony awaits you too. The resort also features sophisticated pools for kids and adults. For more information please contact (033) 333-0748 or at 09174698512 and 09186297840 or visit their website at www.bearlandresort.com, facebook.com/bearlandresort admin@bearlandresort.com

photo by Bombette G. Marin

RACSO’S WOODLAND in Barangay Rizal-Tiguisan, Guimbal is an inland resort with wildlife and mini-hotel. The whole family will enjoy a variety of exotic animals in its wildlife zoo and aviary. They have 39 fully-air-conditioned rooms for overnight stay and a function room for special events. Its restaurant at the poolside area serves all kinds of dishes; from light snacks to heavy meals. Other amenities include a swimming pool, a river flowing pool, shooting range and a recreation center. General admission is at P50.00 consumable. For more information, please contact (033) 5120013.

photo by Vincent Angelo Gefes

IGBARAS HIGH MOUNTAIN VIEW RESORT in Sitio Pasong, Igbaras is a mountain resort-style lodge with outdoor swimming pools, rest houses for those who would wish to stay overnight. It has zip-line for those who are adventurous in spirit. For more information, please contact 09189795030.

photo by Vincent Angelo Gefes

Garinfarm in Purok 11, San Joaquin is also a perfect venue for programs for the youth and adults as well as a variety of activities for a wide range of groups. This inland resort has all the adventure you need­­: agriculture, leisure and pilgrimage. For those who would want to stay overnight, it has Family, Standard and Single rooms that are set on the higher part of the resort which gives guests more privacy and exclusivity. For more information, please contact 033 314 75 55 or 0916 667 6851 or email them at info@garinfarm.com bookings@garinfarm.com.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

CASA FIAMMETTA in Barangay Tabucan, Barotac Nuevo is a guest ranch and inland resort with riding, camping, swimming and kayaking activities.  It has a riding school that offers lessons on English Equitation with modules from basic, intermediate and advanced courses. Accommodations include six air-conditioned log cabins with bath suitable for singles and couples and family. For more information, please call 320 0977 or at 09207124912 and 09063994319 or email at casafiammetta@yahoo.com.

photo by Harold Zieghenon

Pineridge Bucari in Barangay Bacolod, Leon is set in the midst of mountain ranges and every room has its own special view of this splash of nature. The pine-clad area is also never far from the resort. For visitors, a minimum fee of P150.00 goes with a native coffee and dessert. For those who would want to stay overnight, rooms are available for a group of six (6) persons. Gourmet meals are on a reservation basis to a minimum of five (5) persons. For more information, please call (033) 320 0977 or mobile at 09063994319 or you can email them at info@pineridgebucari.com.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

Mila's Hill Inland Resort in Barangay Pasil, New Lucena is another family-friendly resort with various attractions. The whole family will surely love this place. It is also a perfect hideaway that offers complete privacy and good accommodations with air-conditioned rooms for couples, friends and family. For more information, please call 3969698 or at 09059347957.

photo by Ronnie Poblacion

DAMIRES HILLS, Tierra Verde in Barangay Damires, Janiuay, is a great getaway from the crowds and overcast of the city, whether for a day or a weekend. Reawaken your zest for life with simple sensory pleasures.. Against the backdrop of mountains, relaxation comes easily in this resort. It has cogon huts for groups; family rooms for an overnight stay; function rooms for trainings and seminars; and a stunning pool---the social epicenter for the resort for guests of every age. It offers a lot of activities for the whole family to enjoy. For more information please call 09096991390/ 09176325901 or email at damireshills_philippines@yahoo.com.ph.

photo by Vincent Angelo Gefes

VILLA TERESITA RESTHAUZ BAMBOO RESORT AND ADVENTURE PARK in Barangay Tubang, Maasin offers inland adventure such as swimming, horseback riding, fishing and zip-lining. It has an air-conditioned family rooms; a pavilion that can accommodate 300 persons perfect for important family occasions. Cottages are also available for that fun group outing. For more information please call 09095012398 or 09488700200.

photo by Bombette G. Marin 

DR. ULYSSES VALDEZ FARM in Barangay of Rizal, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo prides itself on being a family-friendly resort with many activities available for both parents and children. The resort presents an ambience that is in tune with the rural surroundings. The resort is equipped with three fully air-conditioned, functional cabin style rooms in a style that befits the environment of a farm. Fr more information, please contact Mrs. Merelyn P. Valdez at 09298366075/ 09228267231/ 09065556375 or at telefax (033) 3620208.

photo by Vincent Angelo Gefes

MARBUENA BEACH RESORT in Binongan-an Island, Ajuy is a beautiful island holiday destination. Activities include sailing, fishing and scuba diving and trekking. You can beach-hop your way down the Island situated seven kilometers from the poblacion.  It boasts of white sand and its clear blue water. The resort offer air-conditioned rooms as well fan rooms for couples and groups. For more information, please contact Marbuena Island Resort at 0929-6465415 or at (033)3291780 or email: marbuenaisland@yahoo.com and check their website: http://marbuenaisland.multiply.com.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

TERRA VERDE FARM AND FOREST PARK in Barangay San Antonio, Ajuy is an inland resort with facilities and the amenities blending perfectly with its natural environment. It is surrounded by lush trees with and an ever-so-peaceful environment. Visitors will find very clean rooms for very reasonable prices. The fan rooms with private bathroom in duplex style that can accommodate a group. A beautifully and intricately designed mini-convention hall that can host seminars, small conventions and special occasions camouflages the ambience of the resort. For more information, please contact them at 09177233324 or at (033) 392-0210.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

MARICHITA’S BED AND BREAKFAST in Barangay Pili, Ajuy is a charming, small privately-owned accommodation facility with a wonderful view of the sea and Ajuy’s coastline. This two-story accommodation facility is decorated with a tasteful inspirational blend of local art and contemporary comfort. It offers six comfortable air-conditioned rooms, a communal kitchen, a roof deck perfect for that intimate evening party. For more information, please contact Mr. Roy A. Latap at 09275226031.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

RODBON PLACE in Barangay Aspera, Sara offers 12 air-conditioned rooms for a group of two and four persons. It has a restaurant, a videoke room that can accommodate a group of 20 persons. For more information, please contact, Mr. Kenneth Montinola at 09198667563.

photo by Bombette G. Marin

ALEXIS AND ALEXA POOLSIDE PENSIONNE in Barangay Damasco, Sara has seven (7) air-rooms for those who would want to stay overnight; three (3) rooms have air-condition and four (4) are fan rooms good for couples and a group of five (5) participants. It also has a swimming pool that is open to the public from Mondays till Sundays. For more information, please call 09999959156 or 09308440198.

Enjoy elegant accommodations, fine dining, and thrilling recreation at these beautiful resorts where you will have the opportunity to experience the best rural Iloilo has to offer, whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure.