mybeautifulILOILO: Eco-Friendly Experiences in the Sweet City of Passi

Monday, August 13, 2012

Eco-Friendly Experiences in the Sweet City of Passi

Passi City has carved out a name for itself as a destination for travelers seeking eco-friendly experiences in the province of Iloilo. The city provides travelers with an abundance of attractions about everything from organic restaurants to nature tourism and its cultural experiences. Its local government has gone further than just informing travelers about the variety of eco-friendly experiences available in the area, it has also helped raise awareness of Passi City as a visitor destination and eco-tourism experiences will increase visitors to its local eco-tourism attractions.

Come and visit Passi City and gain a greater appreciation for caves. It has 16 caves for those who wish to increase the depth of appreciation and understanding for visitors in the area. They offer both self exploring and guided opportunities. Whichever method of exploring the caves you choose, you are bound to be fascinated by this amazing underground world in the heart of Passi City.

the suspended bridge on the way to the cave with CPU tourism sophomore students
for Tumandok 2012-Passi City group

The most popular cave in the area is an adventure to Dila-Dila Cave in Barangay Bita-ogan, 13 kilometers tricycle ride from the poblacion of the city. Getting to the area is fun, exciting and adventurous. Access to the cave is passing through rice fields and sugarcane fields. One has to pass through over a sturdy bridge about a foot in width just before a slope leading to a stream before getting to the cave entrance.

The cave is largely undeveloped and kept in a natural state. Exploring its passage way will both challenge cave explorers physically and mentally. Compared to other caves, it is on the smaller size. In order to navigate through this cave, one is required to squeeze in, over and under through its narrow and dark passageway while submerging into the waist-deep water inside. It is a great experience able to show cavern enthusiasts something natural and unique. With nice cool air inside make it a great stop on a hot day. This cave tour is not for children and the elderly or those with limited mobility may have difficulty on the trails or in this cave.

Going organic was a bit hard in the past, especially when looking for products that we need for a total lifestyle change. Others resort to making their own products because there was none available. With a growing consciousness for a healthier lifestyle, at least now we have it easier.

MIDWAY in Barangay Bacuranan, 4.5 kilometers from the poblacion is a one stop organic and environmental shop, supplying fresh fruit and vegetables, dried goods, toiletries, organic skin-care. With a land area of almost 3 hectares, it is nearly all here, and if it is not just ask and they will endeavor to source it. They have been growing their fruit and vegetables and treating the property almost organically and using the biodynamic preparations for two years now.

It has a public organic farm that combines education, recreation and nature appreciation. Visitors can explore the farm on their own or with a guided tour upon request. It has a greenhouse with plant nurseries of popular local fruit-bearing trees such as atis, chico, duhat or lumboy, durian, guava, papaya, jackfruit, lansones, mangosteen, marang, santol, sambag, pomelo, rambutan, dalandan, bananas and mangoes. They also grow lettuce, basil, tomatoes, cucumber, rosemary and thyme.

The area also boasts of its fresh market and restaurant where it serves breakfast meals, lunch and snacks only. It also has a convenient store and pasalubong center. Everyone will surely enjoy its garden cottages built closely around its garden of fruits and vegetables, fishpond, chicken house and its mini-aviary. Midway has spacious parking areas, a very clean restroom and is wi-fi ready. Midway opens daily from 7 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. only.

Rosary Herbal Products in F. Palmares Street believes in the immense value of providing an alternative to mainstream medicine and have discovered that consumers agree with them. The company uses 90-98% organic herbs that are commonly found in farms, mountains and forest. Indigenous people attest the use of these herbs remedy their sickness and pains. Pharmaceutical chemicals used are very minimal, just as the base for the preparations of their products. Popular products are the Balanyos, Passi Herbal Vaporub, RHP Skin Disease Ointment, Q.C. Herbal Candle, Women Papaya Herbal Soap, Womean Herbal Bath Soap, Nature Herbal Lotion and Glutathione Soap. For more information, please call Ma. Tessie S. Pagay at telephone number (033) 3315186 or at 09208912095.

the CPU sophomore tourism students for TUMANDOK 2012-Passi City group

By promoting Passi City and its values, with respect towards its attractions and supporting its local produce, not only we help sustain Passi City’s local economy, but also share the richness of the area. Know more about Passi City at the 8^th Tumandok on September 4-8, fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo. For more information, please contact Mae Pojol-Buenaflor-City Tourism Officer at 09213543537 or at (033) 3116072.

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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

Monday, August 13, 2012

Eco-Friendly Experiences in the Sweet City of Passi

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