Hirinugyaw-Suguidanunay : The Richness of Calinog’s Culture

Calinog, Iloilo is one of the municipalities that is well known for its unique annual festival celebration. The annual Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival celebrated this year on January 25 - February 3, 2019 celebrates the legendary epic of Hinilawod where the indigenous culture of Panay Bukidnons or the Sulodnons are brought into the presentations, keeping them alive and relevant to the locals.

The religious celebration of Hirinugyaw and the traditional presentation of the Suguidanon on February 3, a Sunday at 9 a.m. are a great way to experience the real Calinog, and here you will find people of all ages and culture taking part in the festivity.

The folkloric tales in Hinilawod have been passed down from one generation to the next through Suguidanon or chants. It is an epic poem made up of 29,000 verses and takes about three days to chant in its original form. It is also a very important source of information about the culture, religion and rituals of the ancient people of the Sulodnons. It is in this festival presentation segment where elements of ancient customs are showcased, with dozens of figures within the Suludnon folklore and their tales are brought to life through chapter presentations each year. Performances are a combination of chanting, dramatizations and dances.

Saints that have existed through the ages have also left their mark on the folklore of the Ilonggos. The Hirinugyaw is a religious-themed segment commemorating and celebrating the arrival of the Sto. Nino de Cebu to Iloilo. This takes place after the Suguidanon presentation and is characterised by brightly-coloured costumes, opulent decorations and thunderous drumbeats. Performances feature colourful processions, orchestras and beautifully decorated hand prop covered with flower petals.

And if you have never attended the Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival before, you can see its schedule here to get an idea of the rich variety of offerings starting January 25 (Friday) Opening Salvo, Holy Mass at 3:00 p.m., Opening of Festival at 4:30 p.m., Presentation of Lighted Sto. Nino at 5:30 p.m., Performance of Tribu Bulalakaw at 6:30 p.m. and Production in Jalaudnon Attire and Talent’s Night Presentation of the Search for Linghuron kag Hamtong nga Lin-ay kag Ulitao kang Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival 2019; January 26 (Saturday) Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., Final Screening of Suguidanon Film Festival at 6 p.m., Cultural Show Presentation at 6:30,p.m., Live Band at 9 p.m.; January 27 (Sunday) Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., Cultural Show Presentation at 6:30,p.m., Live Band at 9 p.m.

January 28 (Monday) Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., 6th Linabugan Festival at 7 p.m.,; January 29 (Tuesday) Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., Cultural Show at 5 p.m., Live Band at 5 p.m.; January 30 (Wednesday) Holy Mass at 5:30; Cultural Show Presentation 6:30 p.m.; 2nd Calinog Car Clash at 9 p.m.; January 31 (Thursday) Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., Coronation Night for the Search for Linghuron nga Lin-ay kag Ulitao kang Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival 2019, Display of SLP Products at 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; February 1 (Friday) Holy Mass at 5:30 a.m., Coronation Night for the Search for Hamtong nga Lin-ay kag Ulitao kang Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival 2019, Display of SLP Products at 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

February 2 (Saturday) Hoy Mass at 6:30 a.m., Procession of Live Sto. Nino at 7:30 a.m., Display of SLP Products at 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., AGAPE at 9 a.m., Sad-Sad sa Kalye at 1 p.m., Tumandok: A Fashion Show of Local Designers at 7 p.m., Nuno sa Punso Band at 9 p.m.; February 3 (Sunday) Holy Mass at 6 a.m., Tribe Competition at 7:30 a.m., Battle of the Mini Sounds at 1 p.m., Rave Party with Army Band at 2 p.m., Film Showing: Suguidanon Film Festival and Awards Night at 5 p.m., Announcement of Winners at 7 p.m., Fireworks Display at 8 p.m., DJ Mix Club featuring DJ Stanley and Rey Gamol at 9 p.m.

The HIrinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival is indeed a celebration—of the richness of culture, the sanctity of the traditions, and harmony between people of different culture.

The town of Calinog is 59.3 kilometers away or an hour and twenty-minute drive from Iloilo City. It is in the central portion of Iloilo and is comprised of 59 barangays in a land area measuring 23,280 hectares. It is bounded in the north by the municipality of Tapaz, Capiz; northeast by the municipality of Bingawan, Iloilo; northeast by the municipality of San Remegio, Antique; south by the town of Lambunao, Iloilo; southeast by the municipality of Dueńas, Iloilo and; southwest by the town of Valderama, Antique.

To get to Calinog, buses run daily from the Terminal in Robinsons Pavia, Barangay Ungka-II, Pavia, Iloilo.

Leganes Highlights Long-Standing Religious Tradition Through Saad Festival

Leganes, Iloilo, the small town of Leganes plays host to one of the most unique religious celebrations in Iloilo. A majority of Catholic population, the celebration of Saad Festival, is an important religious festival for the province every year. Celebrated this year on January 23-31, the festival highlights the cultural dance presentation on January 31, a Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

San Vicente Ferrer is the patron saint of Leganes and many believers are having their “Panaad” to attend the Mass and experience the Palapak.

The long standing religious tradition of Palapak is a ritual done after a Mass in the church of Leganes. Catholic believers of St. Vincent Ferrer would line up as the statue of his image is made to touch the part of the body needing help believing that a spiritual cure will happen. And there are those who entrusted their faith through the saint are hopeful that what they have asked for will also be granted. The shrine receives influx of pilgrims especially during the festival.

In addition to the Mass and Palapak, the LGU of Leganes organizes an annual religious festival that is held in a makeshift performance area fronting the churches and at the bandstand a few meters away from the church and feature dance-drama performances of their local culture.

Perhaps the most famous part of this dance presentation is a parade of the image of St. Vincent Ferrer. A procession, the most symbolic is where dancers dressed in robes carry images of the winged Saint and are welcomed ladies in traditional clothes with veils on their heads and scapulars around their necks. Dancers in robes spread incense and carry a crucifix. A re-enactment of the Palapak is also incorporated in the procession.

In addition to events centered around St. Vincent Ferrer, there are many other types of events taking place as part of the festival, such as shows and traditional foods among other things. January 23 (Wednesday) Birthday of St. Vincent Ferrer is celebrated with a Pamukaw Caravan around the municipality, Opening of Ukay-ukay Festival and Trade fair and kiosk; January 24 (Thursday) Mass for Grand Salvo at 2 p.m., Grand Salvo Parade and Program at 3 p.m., MLSF Talent Competition and Gala Fashion show at the covered gym at 7 p.m., Concessionaires Night and Foodfest with live band from 7:00 p.m. onward with Major 7 band and Sativa Reggae Band; January 25 (Friday) Street Kulinarya, Poblacion Night and Foodfest with live band from 7:00 p.m. onwards with the First Edition Band and the Ninth Avenue Band: January 26 (Saturday) Invitational Basketball Games and Color Run (SKMF) with the theme,“Maragtas sang Pagtuo, Bahandi sang Leganesnon,” Governors Night and Foodfest with live band from 7:00 p.m. onwards with the Makaya Band and the Spice Jam Band.

January 27 (Sunday) with Patubas Expo and Kinaadman Showcase, Foodfest with live band at 7:00 p.m. onwards with Acoustic Band and the Ninth Avenue Band. January 28 (Monday) MLSF 2019 Coronation Pageant and Foodfest with live band  from 7:00 p.m. and onwards with the DJ – Poison Ivy and Perfect Pair- Sequencer; January 29 (Tuesday) the 1st Arte sa Kalye (Street Art Painting Competition) with LBMX wild ride and Flash Mob and Zumba Night, Sports activities Leganes Ball Club Night and Foodfest with live band  from 7:00 p.m. and onwards with X10 Band and  DJ- Cal40; January 30 (Wednesday) Mass at 2 p.m., Sinadsad Dance Parade at 3p.m., Mayors Night and Foodfest with live band from 7:00 p.m. till onwards with the Spill Band and the Spice Jam Band; January 31(Thursday)   Mass at 3 p.m., Cultural Parade at 4 p.m., Cultural Dance Competition at 4:30 p.m., Awards Night and Street     Party and Fireworks Display at 8 p.m., Foodfest with Live Band from 7:00 p.m. till onwards with the Represent Band and the Sativa Reggae Band.

Leganes is a Fourth-Class municipality situated 11 kilometers away or a 30-minute drive from Iloilo City. It is one of the 19 coastal towns of the province and the only coastal municipality that shares a common border with the city. The town is adjacent to Pavia in the southeast; in the west by Sta. Barbara; and in the north by Zarraga.

To get there, one can take a jeepney at Jaro Plaza, Iloilo City. For more information, please call the Municipal Tourism Officer- Mr. Jerry Anas at (033) 3296622 or at 09127721033.

Miagao Highlights its Well-Rooted Customs Through Salakayan Festival

Miagao, Iloilo and all over the province Ilonggos will celebrate the day that commemorates the bravery of the Miagaowanons, to honor a battle in Ilonggo history as well as highlighting the heritage and culture of its people on its 303^rd Foundation Anniversary alongside its 21^st Salakayan Festival on February 3-10, 2019.

Salakayan is one of the most anticipated festivals around the province that is fun. The community gather together and share customs. They celebrate with music, dancing, food and parades. With the theme, “Miagao Salakayan: Pamghangkat sa mga Pamatan-on Padulong sa Paghili-usa sa Sining Panahon,” a host of cultural activities will take place daily throughout its 8-day celebration starting on February 3 (Sunday) with the Soft Opening of Food Fair at 7 p.m., MVM Class 1969 Golden Alumni Homecoming at 6 p.m. and Zumbathon at 5:30 p.m., Isuzu Car Show and Phoenix Petroleum Inc. Showroom and Clinic at 8 a.m.; February 4 (Monday) Pamukaw at 5 a.m., Transport Sector Caravan at 7 a.m., Salakayan Mass at 9 a.m., Opening of Agro and Industrial Fair at 10 a.m., Opening Salvo at 2 p.m., Opening Program and Raising of Barangay Banners at 5 p.m., Transport Sector Night at 6 p.m., and Miss Salakayan Talent’s Night at 7 p.m.

February 5 (Tuesday) Pottery Painting Contest at 9 a.m., Opening of Photo Art Exhibit at 10 a.m., Salakayan Re-enactment at 4 p.m., MCES Alumni Night at 6 p.m., Search for Miss Salakayan Pageant Night at 7 p.m.; February 6 (Wednesday) Laro ng Lahi at 9 a.m., Drum and Lyre Competition at 2 p.m., Balikbanwa Night and Vendor’s Night with The Search for Mutya Sang Mercado at 7 p.m.; February 7 (Thursday) Volleyball and Basketball Tournament at 8 a.m., Higante Contest at 4 p.m., Liga Night at 7 p.m.; February 8 (Friday) Mass and Fluvial Parade at 8 a.m., Games at Sea at 10:30 a.m., Cavalcade of Dances at 2 p.m., One Night in Unity for Children at 7 p.m., SK Night at 7 p.m. February 9 (Saturday) Tribe Competition at 8 a.m., Float Parade at 2 p.m., Tribe’s Night at 7 p.m. February 10 (Sunday) Thanksgiving Mass at 7 a.m., AGAPE at 9 a.m., Coronation of the Queen of Miagao 2019 at 8 p.m.

Salakayan, from the root word salakay meaning to attack, is a dance-drama presentation that commemorates the historic battle between the people of Miagao and the Moros or Muslim pirates that depopulated many of our Christianized coastal towns through their merciless constant attack. It was in 1754 when the locals finally defeated the Moros (Muslim pirates) in a historic battle.

The Higantes parade is a special feature of the tribe competition. It is a popular attraction to the tradition where several giants in papier maché of popular figures in history of the town are being paraded on the streets to the delight of everyone.

Why not visit Miagao on these days as part of a festival hopping adventure in Iloilo from January to February? Although, Miagao is a lovely town to see at any time of the year.

The town of Miagao is 40.5 kilometers or an hour ride south from Iloilo City. It is politically subdivided into 199 barangays over a land area of 13,286 hectares. Miagao is bordered by the towns of Igbaras to its northeast; Guimbal to its east, San Joaquin to its west; and the municipality of Sibalom, Antique Province to its northwest.

To get there, one can take a jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary Terminal in Barangay Mohon, Oton, Iloilo or at the terminal at the wet market near Robinsons Iloilo main mall. Metered taxis are also available at the terminal.

Lemery Celebrates 16th Saug Festival

Lemery, Iloilo invites everyone to a free day of family-friendly fun on its 16th Saug Festival on January 26-28, 2019. The prime event, the tribe competition is to raise awareness about Lemery while invigorating the town will take place on January 26 (Saturday) at 2 in the afternoon.

The entire industry, its allies, and supporters come together at the covered gym to share what each contesting tribe present for the collective good of agriculture in the area, and to showcase the town’s vital role in the economy, environment, and lifestyle of Iloilo.

Saug came from local dialect which means “to haul.” It is moving an object laid on a bamboo sledge locally known as a Caroza hitched on an animal like the carabao or cow. This has become the cultural heritage of its folks up to this day in spite of the technological breakthrough.

In many rural areas, most people live at a considerable distance from a conventional road. People and goods have always needed to travel from one valley to another to reach the bottom of valleys or on mountain sides.

A great number of personal trips are made on foot. However, there are animal-drawn carts either two-wheeled or four-wheeled bamboo or wooden sled pulled by a water buffalo or carabao that were used extensively for transporting usually agrarian goods, lumber and people to major towns and would often cover long distances.

Many are still used today because it is an efficient and cheap or affordable transportation to move farm produce and inputs, building materials, commercial goods. Many benefit from its use.

Saug is and always has been dedicated in support of their local agricultural industry. It celebrates all that their farmers and artisans grow, produce, cultivate and breed here in their beloved Lemery. The celebration looks forward to connect with urban dwellers to the rich diversity of agricultural offerings in this town.

Lemery is a Fourth-Class municipality situated in the eastern portion of the province. It is 87 kilometres or two-hour and twenty-minute land trip from Iloilo City. It is bounded in the north by Sara; Ajuy in the west; Barotac Viejo in the east; and, San Rafael in the south; and the towns of Dumarao, Maayon and Pontevedra in Capiz in the northwest. It has a total land area of 11, 900 hectares that is politically subdivided into 31 barangays.

Lemery is populated by 30, 851 (2015 Census on Population) Lemerenhons. Market day is every Wednesday. It annually celebrates it Religious Fiesta ever 28th of January in honour of Sr. St. Nino or the Child Jesus.

To get to the town, one can take a bus or van at the Baldoza Transport Terminal in Zone 3, Barangay Baldoza, Lapaz, Iloilo City.

Discovering John Lei’s Flower Garden

A couple of months ago, a sunflower field become a Facebook sensation thanks in part to photos posted of the field that went viral. While you won’t find miles and miles of sunflowers in Iloilo, you will find sunflower patches to behold, along with a variety of other kid-friendly farm activities.

Now you can visit the flower patch, located in Barangay Tinorian, just outside the poblacion of Barotac Nuevo. You will find this dreamy five-hectare lot officially known as John Lei’s Flower Garden and Restaurant, the best spot to simply stop to take in the beauty of sunflower fields.

The sunflower farm is a must-see when you are in the area. Be sure to make it a part of your itinerary for a day of outdoor fun. For a minimal fee of P30 per person, the farm is a perfect place to bring your kids for a trip to the sunflower patch and maze farm.

Conceptualized in July 2018, the 5-hectare privately-owned idle lot of Miss Stephanie Sustento is now open to the public all thanks to Mr. Elvis John Aurelio Lonzaga of Mandurriao, Iloilo City who partnered with Allied Botanical Corporation, rented and planted the patch to attract customers to his small restaurant business, and now it is one of the most visited family-friendly spots in Barotac Nuevo.

Venture through the farm’s nature trail. Stop by to make your way through the attraction, skipping the maze of sunflowers is a 3-hectare vegetable farm growing eggplant, sweet pepper, hot pepper and tomato using good agricultural practices. Products are distributed and sold in the local market in the city.

Visitors can also take a walk and stop by to take photos around the 2-hectare sunflower maze portion. Visitors will find rows and rows of bright sunflowers ready to be admired. Made up of four hybrid varieties, namely Vincent’s Choice, Vincent Fresh, St. Vincent Orange and Pomelo, the farm also grow and sell popular garden flowers of Marigold, Vincas and Petunias where you can take home to style into beautiful arrangements.

A Green House of 6m x 18m is being constructed for growing strawberries and flower cabbages that are going to be better tasting than the field-grown consumers normally find in grocery stores. Colorful Kubota tractors and miniature Bahay-Kubo blends well with the entire landscape where kids and adults-alike can take photos.

Sit back and relax while you take in the beauty of the sunflower fields. After your adventure, you can buy freshly picked sunflowers on site, or check out the many farm flowers and produce on the property. Then finish your visit by heading to their restaurant for a gastronomic treat of local cuisine.

We recommend timing your visit to the farm when the sunflowers are in full bloom. Be sure to add it to your bucket list and head to the fields while you can. Bring the kids along to this family-friendly sunflower farm.

The Second-Class municipality of Barotac Nuevo is at the north-eastern portion of the province. It is 30 kilometers away or an hour drive from Iloilo City. It is bordered by Pototan in the west; Dingle in the northwest; Anilao in the northeast, and; Dumangas in the south. It has a total land area of 9, 449 hectares that is politically subdivided into 29 barangays.

One can visit the town via jeepney, van or bus at the new Ceres Terminal in Barangay Camalig, Jaro, Iloilo City or at the Iloilo Terminal Market in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala I, Iloilo City.

Bayluhay and Pasungay: Marking the Beginning of the Festive Season for Iloilo

San Joaquin, Iloilo there is always a fun-filled cultural event during their annual fiesta celebration scheduled this year on the 14th – 19th of January. There are events to celebrate heritage, there are those that celebrate music genres, and events that celebrate beauty. The Bayluhay Festival is the most popular and well-known event during its municipal fiesta to take place of January 17 (Thursday) at 2 p.m. with its street dancing and tribe competitions.

So, If you are planning to visit Iloilo you could plan your trip to include this festival in your tour as it celebrate its 109th annual Municipal Fiesta with the theme,” Padayon nga Paghiliusa sa Pagtuo kag Pagalagad.” The event opens on January 14 (Monday) with a Mass at the Barangay Siwaragan Coastal Area at 8 a.m., Fluvial Procession, Multi-Sectoral Parade at 2 p.m., Opening Ceremony, LIga Night at 8 p.m., and the Talent’s Night for the Search for the Dayang kang Bayluhay 2019; January 15 (Tuesday) The Search for Dayang kang Bayluhay 2019 at 8 p.m.; January 16 (Wednesday) Parade at 7:30 a.m., Elementary Day Coronation at 2 p.m., San Joaquin Central Elementary School Alumni Night with the Band Performance of Ritmo Tambores at 8 p.m.

January 17 (Thursday) Opening Program at 2 p.m., Bayluhay Festival Street Dancing and Tribe Competition at 3 p.m. with guests Elha Nympha and Lyca Gairanod of the Voice Kids Philippines; January 18 (Friday) Parade of the Fiesta Queen and Balikbayan Night with Talent’s Unlimited and a Band at 8 p.m.; January 19 (Saturday) Eucharistic Celebration with a Con-Celebrated Mass at 9:30 a.m., Pasungay 2019 at 10:30 a.m., Coronation of the Fiesta Queen at 8 p.m.

Bayluhay, coined from a Hiligaynon word “baylo” or “exchange” showcases a mixture of indigenous rituals, and later Spanish traditions and customs from an oral and intangible heritage of the historic landing of the 10 Datus and showcased through a re-enactment during the most famous part, the height of the festival, the tribe dance-drama presentation.

Coming from the kingdom of Bornay (now Borneo), they 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 where 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.

Not only is it a fun and colourful festival, it is also a good avenue to learn about some of San Joaquin’s rich culture of folklore and storytelling. And along with the Bayluhay tribe competition is the annual Pasungay, one of the more popular, well-organized special event featured during the annual fiesta celebration. Pasungay is a great way to immerse yourself in the typical fiesta celebration of the town.

Pasungay is a water buffalo or carabao fight held as part of an ancient tradition of San Joaquin. Scheduled this year on January 19 (Saturday) at 10 a.m. at the San Joaquin Sports Stadium situated at the back of the Municipal Hall, is the culminating event of its municipal fiesta.

Along with Pahibag or the traditional horse fight, the carabaos, bull and horse fights provide entertainment and harmless fun to thousands of spectators. The fight starts as a pair of carabaos or cows or horses attack and lock each other’s horns, trying to push each other until one gives up and flee from the pursuing winner. Many San Joaquinhons breed prized bulls that they present during these contests and are nourished both physically and psychologically in preparation for the annual event.

While Pasungay and Pahibag are well-established cultural celebrations in the province, many are catching attention. The festival season has just began, so it is time to start marking your calendars and getting out to discover some of the myriad municipal festivals and celebrations that this province is famous for.

The Second-Class municipality of San Joaquin, last town south of the province of Iloilo is 85 - kilometers away or an hour and twenty minute drive from Iloilo City. It has a land area of 23,135 hectares subdivided into 85 barangays.

To get to the town, one can take a San Joaquin jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary in Barangay Mohon, Oton or when in the city, take any bus at the Antique Terminal in Molo or at the market situated at the back of Robinsons Place Iloilo. For more information, please contact Miss Erlyn Alunan – Municipal Tourism Officer at 09176619120.

Escape into Tranquil Hideaways in Ajuy

Planning for a family trip to northern Iloilo? Families who seek beach getaways will love Ajuy. With long sandy beaches, picturesque sceneries, the town’s natural landscape promises a memorable family holiday that also extends to its plethora of inland resorts and villas.

Do not forget to spend some time on the lovely beach, and simply unwind to some well-deserved family bonding. If you are driving, you will find a safe and secured parking area inside the resort. If you are travelling via Ceres bus, you can take a direct trip to Ajuy and get off the roadside along barangay Malayu-an.

Alta Marr Beach Resort is a privately owned beach resort owned by Mrs. Merlita Zayco Jalandoni. It sits on a pristine beach with water that is calm, warm and shallow. Room options include an air-conditioned bamboo house with two rooms good for four persons each room and are just steps from the beach. There is also an air-conditioned bamboo room/ dining area that can accommodate 15 persons.

The resort has eight open cottages that can accommodate 10 persons per cottage; 14 closed cottages; two pavilions that can accommodate 30 persons; an event hall that can accommodate 100 person and a mini store.

Aside from swimming and playing beach volleyball, the resort has a motorized boat that can accommodate 13 persons for a nearby island adventure in Gin-asyan Dako islet.

For more information about Alta Marr Beach Resort, please contact 09275035471/ 09485835793/ 09487655888 or at 09063558127.

Located only minutes’ walking distance is Clarenz Beach Resort in Sitio Matilde. Another perfect place to laze away your afternoon, the resort is owned by Engr. Remy Dela Cruz, it is situated six kilometers after Culasi Port and seven kilometres before reaching the town proper of Ajuy. Getting to the resort is a hundred meter walk from the main road.

This resort is one that families should consider exploring. And of course, its kid-friendly amenities will surely make your Ajuy trip more exciting for the bunch. It has four bamboo huts that can accommodate four persons for an overnight stay. It also has one air-conditioned room good for four persons.

The resort also offers a mini-store; a reception area; 10 open cottages good for 15 persons per cottage; a pavilion that can accommodate 100 persons.

There is a variety of water sports available on the beach if guests are interested. It has a banana boat that is good for five persons, a jet-ski and a motorized boat that offers island-hopping to three nearby islands. For more information, please contact 09175786723.

There is more than enough in the town of Ajuy to keep the visitors occupied. For starters, there are island beaches and resorts. More adventurous guests visit historic smoke-stack chimneys, most dating more than a century old.

The Second-Class municipality of Ajuy is situated in the northern portion of the province. It is 91.9 kilometers away or a two-hour drive from Iloilo City. It is bounded in the north by Sara; south by Ajuy Bay; and the west by Barotac Viejo. It has a land area of 19,346 hectares that is politically subdivided into 34 barangays.

Ajuy is populated by 52, 268 (2015 Census on Population) Ajuynons. Market day is every Sunday. The town celebrates its annual Religious Fiesta every 10th of September in honour of San Nicolas de Tolentino.

To get to Ajuy, busses are available daily at the new Ceres Bus Terminal in Barangay Camalig, Jaro, Iloilo City. For more information, please contact, Miss Jocelyn Maalat-Torda, Municipal Tourism Officer at 09494303612 or at 09274488045.