mybeautifulILOILO: Unforgettable Hiking Destinations

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Unforgettable Hiking Destinations

The province of Iloilo is home to some of the most beautiful mountain scenery for hiking, historic towns to explore, beaches to walk upon and local delicacies to taste. It is home to many jaw-dropping mountain landscapes that are popular to travelers and visitors to Iloilo.

What more can you ask for. Lace-up your hiking boots and head to the country roads. If you are interested in hiking in around the province, consider travelling to these destinations. Using a local tour guide can greatly enhance your experience.

MIAGAO. It is an old town in the southern portion of the province that is famous for hand-loom weaving. The town is filled with history and it has scenic landscapes that are just one of the reasons why it is a must-visit destination when in the province. Situated in the southern portion of the province, it is 40.5 kilometers away or an hour drive from the city. Not everyone knows but the town has extraordinary natural attractions. You will see terraced rice farms growing up mountainsides, lush greenery, and picturesque villages. Ongyod a highland barangay characterized by hills with open meadows offers hikers a dramatic experience on trekking routes with occasional climbing. It has a pine tree reserve that offers wide shades of thick pine trees where visitors can take a rest before proceeding to the next attraction that includes Gi-ub ni Tidoy, a dome-like coral rock formation situated in the middle of a rice field. This rock formation is as big as a 3-storey building where visitors can climb to the top and enjoy the scenic view around the area. The Sinuhotan Cave situated further in Unop is another attraction not to be missed.

LEON. If you want a unique nature experience, then this town is a must-see. Situated in the southwestern portion of the province, it is 28.2 kilometers away or an hour drive from the city. It prides itself as the home of the “Summer Capital of Iloilo,” Bucari, located 21 kilometers or another hour drive away from the town center. Bucari, with terrains ranging from hilly to mountainous covers 500 hectares of the town’s forestlands. It is made up of three barangays namely, Bucari, Camandag and Danao. Its ecotourism area, the Bucari Campsite elevated 773 meters above sea level has an appealing scenery with an explosion of greens saturated by Benguet pine trees that covers the entire area. Bucari offers a plethora of activities to its visitors that include a trek to Mansiga Viewing Deck situated 863 meters above sea level, swimming in Imoy Falls, ATV rides, Horseback riding, rock climbing, camping, marketing organic fruits and vegetables and tasting its local cuisine, Linagpang nga Manok. It has cottages for overnight stay as well.

IGBARAS. The town has one of the best long-distance hiking trails in the province. Situated in the southwestern portion of the province, the town is 40 kilometers away or an hour drive from the city. It is characterized by trails criss-crossing all over its upland barangays with adventurous routes for hikers seeking something different. Located 14 kilometers away from the poblacion though getting can be access by motorcycle, a downhill trek is needed from the visitor center in the area to Igaabugao Falls, the smallest in Igbaras with rock formations enveloping the cool and clear waters coming Igbolo Creek. Not far is the Igcabugao Cave is a spelunkers favorite where they will surely enjoy the vastness and richness of its underground basins that houses a number of cave creatures, splendid formation of stalagmites and stalactites that sparkle like crystals. The cave is a downhill walk on a rocky track where tremendous rock formations frame its way. Igcabugao is also a popular campground for local tourists because it has some of Iloilo’s richest series of exceptionally beautiful forested mountains, from lowlands to highlands, large enough to preserve the integrity of the town’s ecosystem. It is home to the world’s largest individual flower, the Rafflesia. There is plenty still left to discover in Igcabugao, especially if you are willing to go off the beaten track on two feet.

ALIMODIAN. The trails are breathtaking, unforgettable, one of the most beautiful hikes in Iloilo. Trekking here presents a spectacular setting of verdant hills and luxuriant vegetation in all shades of green that produces high yielding crops such as cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and even strawberries. The town is situated in the south-central portion of the province, 24.6 kilometers away or a forty-minute drive from the city. Getting to Seven Cities on steep hills form an enchanting destination of cool weather. It has a surprisingly diverse and inspiring terrain getting to the seven barangays or villages located in its upland barangays are linked to the Bucari mountain range of Leon. The area has thick rainforest, diverse wildlife and plants with attractions like caves, steep cliffs, waterfalls, various rock formations and rice terraces. It is a great place to get lost and enjoy some of the local culture.

TUBUNGAN. An isolated agricultural town with a mountainous location and offers a taste of pre-tourist-boom life, connecting itself with the rest of the towns in the First District of the Province. It is situated in the southwestern portion of the province, 41.1 kilometers away or an hour and twenty-minute drive from the city. Charming sceneries dominated by verdant mountains where locals and visitors can spend the day wandering on elevated trails. Approximately 11.1 kilometers away from the town center, passing through seven barangays is the scenic and peaceful upland barangay of Igtuble, a boundary barangay of the towns of Igbaras, Tubungan and Leon. The area takes pride of their rich organic produce such as corn, banana, coconut, sweet potato, carrots, peanuts and papaya. But the real charm of this barangay is its cave, rock formations and waterfalls. Most visited is the Bato-Sumpit Falls, a 45-minute medium hike trail to get there.

For Iloilo, respect for nature is a priority and we offer travelers an unforgettable experience. Discover exceptional landscapes and untouched nature and treat yourself to unforgettable moments.

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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

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Unforgettable Hiking Destinations

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