mybeautifulILOILO: Desirable Island Beach Holidays in Concepcion

Monday, May 26, 2014

Desirable Island Beach Holidays in Concepcion

sandbar at Sandbar island Beach Resort in Sitio Bulubadiangan, Concepcion,
photo by Bombette G. Marin

Concepcion is one of the more popular island destinations in Iloilo where dreams of sun-drenched, palm-fringed tropical beaches are turned into exotic and romantic realities. With so many stretches of beautiful island beaches with kilometers of white sands, there will always be one perfect place for you to lie back, relax and enjoy in the island.

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

Visitors can be as active or laid-back as they like. The pace of life on the islands is very relaxed and the people are very friendly. They will also find that the islands have various accommodation options. Few places in Iloilo are so perfect for a variety of vacations, from a family adventure to a romantic honeymoon. There will always be one perfect place for you to lie back, relax and enjoy in the island where a gorgeous day of sun and fun waiting for you.

Sandbar Island Beach Resort, Sitio Bulubadiangan, Concepcion, Iloilo,

photo by Bombette G. Marin

Of particular interest is the 15-hectare Sandbar Island Beach Resort in Barangay Polopińa, Sitio Bulubadiangan. It is Concepcion’s premier and most successful beach resort which annually attracts many pleasure-seeking visitors. The island has played an important role in the tourism aspect and with its increasing popularity it has made all of its adjacent beaches so lively as well. It can be reached within 30 minutes through a motorized boat ride from the municipal wharf. Visitors will discover that island is equally beautiful beneath the surface. Its white coral sand beach and clear blue waters is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The most attractive feature of this resort is its sandbar. Presently, it has one (1) close cottage that can accommodate 10 persons and three (3) open cottages also good for 10 persons. For those who would wish to stay overnight, tents are available for rent. Entrance fee is at P25. For more information, please contact Mrs. Henrietta “Bebing” Eusala at 09106339915 or Mr. Rex Eusala Jr. at 09487045123.

Sanggutan Rock Resort, Sitio Sanggutan, barangay Polopina, Concepcion, Iloilo,

photo by Bombette G. Marin

Adjacent to Sandbar Island Beach Resort to the north in Sanggutan Rock Resort located in Sitio Sanggutan in Barangay Polopińa. It is a fishing community. People depended on fishing and for a living. The resort is highly recommended to those who seek a better accommodation facility, where the creamy sand, bright sun and clear blue sea are always pleased to welcome all vacationers. The resort offers a wooden house with two rooms with unobstructed sea views. It is a perfect blend of comfort and simplicity. The upper portion of the house can accommodate 14 persons and another group of six persons on its lower portion. It also has two restrooms and a bathroom and an open shower with a commanding view of the neighboring islands. Its coastline has fringes of coconut trees offer vacationers pleasant atmosphere for relaxing and viewing the sun setting in the sea. Its calm sea is also suitable for swimming and playing all kinds of water sports for the whole year. The resort is an emerging destination appealing to those who love comfort and tranquility amidst its pristine nature. From the municipal wharf, it is a 30 minute motorized boat ride to the island. For more information, please contact Mr. Lester de Juan at 09297878618.

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

Agho Island is another weekend picnic island destination catering mostly to families and friends. Set in serene surroundings on a dazzling white sandy beach with a sweeping view of the islands of Igbon, Mangalabang and Tambaliza, it is the perfect getaway for those seeking peace and tranquility. Its secluded locality offers travelers a refreshing holiday by its glorious seas. The alluring emptiness of its white sand beach offers a personal oasis in nature's tropical playground. Relax and listen to the sound of the breeze in the trees and the gentle waves on the beach. Bring your family, friends and even your corporate group on a journey through the waters of Agho Island or just a day on a private island. Personalize your excursion to fit your needs, whether you are a couple or a party of 10, the Municipal Tourism Office of Concepcion can arrange your day in paradise. Entrance fee to the island is at P25. For more information, please contact Mr. Augusto Familaran, Municipal Tourism Officer-OIC at 09306514876.

Barangay Taloto-an, Pan de Azucar island, Concepcion, Iloilo, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Barangay Taloto-an, Pan de Azucar island is a 45 minute motorized boat ride from the municipal wharf. Enjoying its laid-back lifestyle from an off the beaten path, the island offers an unforgettable experience without the distraction of tourism and commercialism. Though the island is inhabited approximately with 200 households with traces of destruction from the recent typhoon, a considerate portion in the island provides ample opportunity to relax in natural and secluded beauty on its beach with views of the islands o-f Bago Isi Gamay and Dako. There are no rooms with bathroom facilities, as tourists do not commonly visit the area. It is a great place to get your toes wet or just watch the local kids play.

Tambaliza Island, Conepcion, Iloilo, photo by Bombette G. Marin

The exotic island beach of Tambaliza will never lose an ounce of its appeal. Many visitors find that the isolated location is a blessing. When you are so far from home, you have no choice but to sit back and relax. A stay at Airishane Beach Park in Barangay Tambaliza Proper is perfect for those budget-conscious beach lovers. It has a house with one room that can accommodate a group of 10 persons, a mini living room and a balcony that faces the beach. It also has tents for rent. The house rests at the foothill of the majestic Mt. Manaphag which serves as its backdrop. Its beach features golden sand, palm trees and shallow water that provide swimming, snorkeling and boating opportunities. Come in and discover the delight of this resort. For more information, please contact Mr. Daryl Balogo at 09157224923.

Barangay Taloto-an beach, Concepcion, Iloilo, photo by Bombette G. Marin

Concepcion is truly a popular vacation destination on the northern portion of Iloilo. It is an absolutely stunning and picturesque locale that is marked by gorgeous island beaches that are relatively secluded and almost always empty and are situated within very close proximity to other major island beach destination in the area.

The municipality is about 111.4 kilometers from Iloilo City and is possible to take a two-hour bus or van trip from Tagbak Terminal in Jaro to get to the town. For more information, please contact Mr. Augusto Familaran, Municipal Tourism Officer-OIC at 09306514876 or at the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism, Province of Iloilo at telefax (033) 3384910.

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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, May 26, 2014

Desirable Island Beach Holidays in Concepcion

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