mybeautifulILOILO: Enjoying the Shores to the Max in Concepcion

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Enjoying the Shores to the Max in Concepcion

Agho Island, Concepcion, Iloilo, photo by Bombette G.Marin

A huge percentage of Iloilo Province’s tourists go to the beaches because it provides a place for relaxation and with assortment of activities, including water sports, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing, among others.

The northern district of Iloilo’s extensive northern coastline opens up to different bodies of water and there are beautiful beaches you can find in the area, all offering different pleasures. One of the most popular beaches in the area lies in Concepcion.

The municipality of Concepcion is located on the northern portion of Iloilo, and although the town has several beautiful island beaches, they often get overlooked by many Ilonggos. This could be a great reason to visit the area as you will get a great spot to relax in your Iloilo vacation while at the same time spend just a fraction of the money that you would anywhere else.

Lumpatan Concepcion, Iloilo, photo by Bombette G. Marin

When visiting the island beaches in the area one of the biggest decisions that you will have to make is which island beach you should visit. There are 11 island and are approximately a 30-minutes motorized boat-ride apart and have great reasons to visit them.

Lumpatan, Concepcion, Iloilo, photo by Bombette G. Marin

LUMPATAN is one of the nicer island beach stop in Concepcion. This side of the Island is mainly made up of granite rocks. The first thing visitors will probably want to do when in the area is to walk to its 300-meter trail that frames almost half of the island. The beach, however, is rocky, with corals and pebbles, but is a place for a gentle swim capped by happy hours of sunbathing. It is a great spot to relax where its turquoise waves crash upon its huge rocks.

Agho Island, Concepcion, Iloilo, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Agho is more secluded and private that is why it offers a more tranquil beach holiday, as this destination is typically less developed and less well-known. This 9-hectare beach has white powdery, soft sands and is a great place for those looking to spend some relaxing time. This is also a great beach to go for a swim because it has clear blue waters—an ideal escape for anyone looking for a beach vacation to get away from everyday life. The water is calm so the snorkeling condition is excellent here. The island provides its visitors with ample beach space and access to as volleyball and basketball. It also provides visitors with sweeping views of the islands of Igbon, Mangalabang and Tambaliza. And if you are looking for a place to get some sun at one of the hottest Iloilo beaches, Agho Island is definitely a spot you should consider. It has five native open cottages good for 4 persons at P100 each cottage; 1 open cottage good for 6-7 persons at P700; 1 Open cottage good for 8-10 persons at P800; another cottage good for 10-12 persons at P1,000 and a tree-house for an overnight stay at P1,500 good for 6 persons. A minimal entrance fee of P25 is charged to every visitor to the island. It is only accessible by a motorized boat from the Municipal Fish Port.

Bulubadiangan Island, Concepcion, Iloilo, photo by Norman Posecion (USA-PALI)

Bulubadiangan is a 21-hectare private owned island famous for its beautiful 200-meter stretch of sandbar. It is a beautiful place to walk through and view the waters from up close. It is simply a must for every incoming tourist to Concepcion since it is actually considered as its main island beach destination. It is renowned for its backpacker outlook. If you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet, Bulubadiangan Island is probably the place for you. It has 3 native cottages perfect for an overnight stay. Entrance fee is at P25 per person.

The best time to go to the beaches of Concepcion is generally from March to May. Holidays also attract a lot of tourists. So when it comes to swimming, sunbathing and relaxing, especially if you are trying to travel on a budget, Concepcion is the place to be.

Lumpatan, Concepcion, Iloilo, photo by BombetteG. Marin

The municipality of Concepcion is located 111.4km from the city of Iloilo. It is possible to take a bus or van from Tagbak Terminal in Jaro. The trip from Iloilo City takes close to 2 hours. For more information, please contact Mr. Jim Pendon – Municipal Tourism Officer at 09997710086 or at the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism, Province of Iloilo at telefax (033) 3384910.

1 comment:

StevenJuly 23, 2013 at 2:15 AM
I come from Taiwan and will visit Iloilo in September. When I read your site, the terrace in Leon attracts me so much! I have a few questions to ask, hope you can help me, thanks!
(1) I live next to Robinson’s Mall, is there a jeepney going to Jaro market, so that I can take a jeepney to Leon?
(2) Is there a direct jeepney from Iloilo city to Leon directly?
(3) I know there is jeepney in Leon going uphill to Bucari, ***my biggest question here*** If I take this uphill jeepney to Bucari, will I see the rice terraces on my way? or I have to leave the jeepney and walk for 1-2 hours? (P.S. I am not interested in the waterfall)
(4) If I can see the rice terrraces during the journey, can I take the jeepney from Leon to the end point, and sit back the same jeepney returning Leon, so that I do not have to wait and guess the coming time of next jeepney?

Thanks so much for your help and I hope you can understand my English.
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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

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Enjoying the Shores to the Max in Concepcion

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