mybeautifulILOILO: September 2013

Friday, September 20, 2013

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.

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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;

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