Getting Cozy with Nature at Windy Willows Highlander in Ajuy

a panoramic view from the restaurant and bar area of the resort

Every so often, you find a place that is just right. A place where everything just feels natural, like it was just the way you want it.  Discover the only highland resort in Ajuy amid the pristine jungle wilderness and pleasant cool weather with beautifully landscaped hill in Baragay Malayu-an.

Very accommodating owners Mat and Danna Barrett are big believers of nature’s beauty as they have taken care to preserve the things that matter. Their love for the natural surroundings is no secret.

Opened in 2014, Windy Willows Highlander offers a panoramic view of the islands of Ajuy from its three guesthouses with spacious verandas good for couples and family. the mountain resort is of wooden furnishings with modern facilities. It has back-up generator and with wifi/ internet connection.

A deluxe breakfast for two is served every morning. The restaurant offers exquisite local and foreign cuisine served in a beautiful atmosphere. The comfortable bar serves a selection of whiskies.

The owner has developed a beautiful network of hiking uphill and downhill trails, tracing through highlands forests and fields. Explore lush timberland, mountains and rolling hills, and discover some of what makes the resort so special. Or just simply enjoy some drinks as guests welcome the sun and the moon back as night falls and the sun sinks below the horizon with breathtaking view of the sea.

So make time for the things that matter in an environment tailor-made to bring family and friends together. Find your place at Windy Willows Highlander and take part in a vacation you will never forget.

Windy Willows Highlander also sells made-to-order spicy and plain sausages with imported ingredients. For those interested, the resort is at Lot 922, Barangay Malayu-an, Ajuy, Iloilo. contact Mat or Danna Barrett at 09266107999 or at 09063480666 or email at danvon143@yahoo.com.

The mountain resort is a few minutes away from the poblacion of Ajuy and there is always plenty to do when in the area. Guests can connect with nature on their network of serene islands. For swimmers, boaters and fishermen, these islands are perfectly situated for easy access from Culasi Port. And no matter what time of year you visit, you will always find a variety of historical attractions in the island such as the 18th century Parola considered to be the 2nd oldest in the country and century-old chimneys scattered on farm fields and not to miss the only heritage house existing in northern Iloilo, Balay Bacabac Babar in the mainland. 

Ajuy is 91.9 kilometers away or almost two hours away from the city.  You can take an air-conditioned bus from the new Ceres Terminal in Dungon B, Jaro, Iloilo City. it has a land area of 19,346 hectares divided into 34 barangays. The town celebrates its annual patronal fiesta every 10th of September in honor of their patron San Nicolas de Tolentino. Market day is every Sunday.

Kid’s Home: Going Beyong Academic Excellence

The KIDS ALTERNATIVE HOME AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY, INC. in Ungka I, Pavia, Iloilo  is a non-stock non-profit institution duly recognized by the Department of Education Region VI as a School with Special Program in the Arts that offers complete Pre-elementary, Elementary and Junior High School, Special Education (SpEd) with Culture and Arts workshops.

The institution implements curriculum Innovation to cater to pupils with Special needs. And aside from achieving Academic Excellence, pupil’s specializes in the different areas of specialization in culture and arts such theater, dance, visual arts, and music. 

The school’s innovative, discovery and experiential based approaches provides the children in this institution with warm, loving child friendly learning environment that maximizes their full potentials through its One Focused Subject a Day or OFSD.     

The administration believes that Kid’s Home is a key instrument in the formation of these kids in their most critical stage, their childhood years.  With art, they are able to confidently discover and express themselves.

The institution envisions their pupils to be (a) HAPPY KIDS where they learn love and discover new things together with their peers in school;  (b) WARM and LOVING KIDS where at daily session, the class starts with a warm welcome and ends with the kids being grateful to one another where they hug and thank each other before saying goodbye.   The pupils express themselves freely as they show affection and care to one another; (c) CREATIVE KIDS as their creativity are enhanced by allowing them to express themselves in art through theatre, dance and visual arts. The school provides pupils with a healthy environment where they can showcase their artistic skills in a natural way. 

PASINAWAN: Gugma sang Kabataan, launched in 2009 provided a venue for pupils where they showcased their talents and creativity every February, the Arts Month. a month of celebration, awareness, and advocacy for art for our youth.  It is thru this annual celebration when young performers are introduced. Known as GAGMAY (Young) Artists, they perform in various activities in school and in the community establishing partnership across the province and neighboring regions. They are considered as one of the youngest performers in the region. For at Kid’s Home, our pupils go beyond academic excellence.

The 2nd BUGANA will feature the gifted students of KIDS ALTERNATIVE HOME AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY, INC. as they perform their talents for the opening of the 2nd BUGANA on February 20, 2016 at 3 p.m. BUGANA runs from February 20-23, 2016 and is organized by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of Iloilo Province, Robinsons Place Iloilo, The Department of Trade and Industry and The Daily Guardian. For more information, please contact the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism at (033) 3384910.

BUGANA: Buying Iloilo, Building Iloilo

The local produce of several towns in the province of Iloilo will be on exhibit at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo as the participating micro, small and medium enterprises seek to book orders from local buyers. 

BUGANA will run from February 20-23, 2016 and will feature the towns of San Joaquin, Sta. Barbara, Concepcion, Carles, Miagao, Estancia, Tigbauan, Leon, Pavia, Oton, Igbaras, Duenas, Leganes, Cabatuan, Balasan, Integrated Entrepreneurs of Iloilo, Philippines with the towns of Calinog, Janiuay, San Enrique and Barotac Viejo.

The products on display are the best that these participating communities can produce given the resources available to them. The towns also take pride in showcasing their crafts and skills.

Many people are starting to own and manage their small businesses for the main reason of generating profit for many of them believe belief that they have something special to offer. Small scale industries started gaining popularity as many personal enterprises started springing up. Their contribution has been recognized as the main sustenance of the local economy with their capacity to enhance economy output and welfare among its constituents.

BUGANA is a trade fair for small and medium-sized enterprises in the province of Iloilo. These businesses play an extremely important role in today's global economy and are a powerful engine for economic growth. The event serves as a platform for SMEs to connect with other participants where they can network, collaborate and exchange ideas and experiences especially in running a socially responsible business.

In events such as this, SMEs can strategize their marketability by integrating sales and promotion of their products and services and also benchmark their company by analyzing the competition in the local market.

Let's face it, traveling can be expensive these days.  So, why not stay close to home this summer and experience all the local communities fair has to offer. Let the 2016 BUGANA be your local travel destination this February.  Experience the music, food, arts and crafts, exhibits and more that only come from our community.

The 2nd BUGANA is organized by the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of Iloilo Province, Robinsons Place Iloilo, The Department of Trade and Industry and The Daily Guardian. For more information, please contact the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism at (033) 3384910.

Embracing the Fun and Colors of Hinirugyaw – Suguidanonay Festival

Calinog’s indigenous people will celebrate and share their culture through dance and chants at the annual traditional and contemporary Hirinugyaw–Suguidanonay Festival with the Tribe Competition on January 31 (Sunday) at 9 a.m.  The celebration presents a vibrant celebration of traditional and contemporary culture, art, dance and music. It is a special event of great beauty and cultural significance.

The Hirinugyaw–Suguidanonay Festival is the largest and most colourful Indigenous festival in Iloilo, drawing a large audience coming from the neighboring towns and the province of Capiz. It is one of the most important Indigenous cultural events in the province reflecting the wealth of Indigenous creative talent. It features arts, music, dance and cultural traditions of the Sulodnons or Panay Bukidnons of Calinog.

Inhabiting the mountains of Central Panay mainly in Tapaz, Capiz, Calinog and Lambuanao, Iloilo and in Valderrama, Antique Province are the Sulodnons. The Suguidanon segment of the festivity provides visitors with their authentic indigenous culture. Suguidanon, a story-telling done in chants, performed and showcased in chapters from the folk epic poem Hinilawod (Tales from the Mouth of Halawod River), considered to be the second longest epic in the world. Each year, one chapter from the epic is performed accompanied by chanting done in Kiniray-a.

Hirinugyaw, from a Hiligaynon word hugyaw meaning to cheer is inspired by the Dinagyang Festival performance anchoring on the religious aspect of venerating Sr. Sto. Niño and highlighted by colourful costumes with fast-paced dances movements..

The festivity provides a range of healthy, family-friendly activities for the community to enjoy starting January 22 (Friday) Opening Salvo at 3 p.m., Holy Mass at 3 p.m., Opening Ceremony and Lighting of Torch at 5:30 p.m., Torch Parade at 6 p.m., and the Presentation and Talent Competition for Lin-ay Kag Ulitao 2016; January 23 (Saturday) Novena Mass at 5:30 a.m., Mia Cultural Show at 7 p.m.; January 24 (Sunday) Mass at 5:30 a.m. and LGU Cultural Show at 7 p.m.; January 25 (Monday) Novena Mass at 5:30 a.m. and CNCHS Variety Show at 7 p.m.; January 26 (Tuesday) Novena Mass at 5:30 and Cultural Show at 7 p.m.; January 27 (Wednesday) Novena Mass at 5:30 a.m., Cooking Competition at 6 p.m. and Iloilo Workshop at 7 p.m.; January 28 (Thursday) Novena Mass at 5:30 a.m., Adlaw Sang Manguguma at 7 a.m. and Linghuron Nga Lin-ay Kag Ulitao 2016 Coronation Night; January 29 (Friday) Novena Mass at 5:30 a.m. and Hamtong Nga Lin-ay Kag Ulitao 2016 Coronation Night; January 30 (Saturday) Holy Mass and Blessing of Sto. Nino Images at 7 a.m., Procession at 8:30 a.m., Agape at 10:00 a.m. and Camasova Night Variety Show at 7 p.m.; January 31 (Sunday) Holy Mass at 7 a.m., Tribe Competition at 9 a.m. and Awarding Ceremony at 8 p.m.

Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival provides a fantastic opportunity for attendees to be fully immersed in Calinog’s Panay Bukidnon and local culture. This is a celebration of their lives together as one people living in mutual respect of their differences in faith, identity, and ethnicity.

To get to Calinog, numerous jeepneys and buses run daily from Pavia People’s Terminal in Barangay Ungka-II, Pavia, Iloilo or at the Bus-Jeepney Terminal fronting Christ the King Memorial Park in Jaro, Iloilo City.

Pasungay and Pahibag: Honouring the Community’s Cultural and Historical Heritage

photo courtesy of San Joaquin LGU

The annual Pasungay and Pahibag or Bull Fight and Horse Fight is celebrated in San Jaoquin, Iloilo on January 16, 2016 (Saturday) at 8 o’clock in the morning attracting many local villagers as well as tourists from neighboring parts of the region.

Since then, bull and horse fight has been carried on generation after generation. Local villagers often hold such activity to entertain themselves. Ownership of a bull or a horse especially among upland farmers is known to be some form of a status symbol. The number and quality of bulls and horses a man owns oftentimes determines his status and wealth in the community where he belongs. 

photo courtesy of San Joaquin LGU

The bulls and horses are specially bred and conditioned for increased stamina and strength. Bull and Horse fighting are featured events during annual fiestas. Many eager spectators travel long distances from upland barangays to see bulls and horses pitched against each other.

photo courtesy of San Joaquin LGU

People gather and many would climb trees for a better view of the festival taking place at the San Joaquin Sports Arena. The crowd cheers – the object of their excitement are stallions and bulls. Males clash over mates and the weaker ones give in to their stronger counterpart before they are seriously injured.

photo courtesy of San Joaquin LGU

Pasungay and Pahibag is an emotionally intense event with a building up of tension to a point of climax. During such fights the bulls and horses push, shove, head-but, bite, and kick each other to submission.  The animal loses the fight if it runs out of the pre-defined ring.    In some cases, the organizers allow the victorious stallion to mate the mare.

The annual celebration of Pasungay and Pahibagn honours the community’s artistic, cultural and historical heritage.

San Joaquin is a 2nd Class municipality and is 85 kilometers away from Iloilo City. It is the last town south of the province. It has a land area of 23,135 hectares subdivided into 85 barangays. It annually celebrates its patronal fiesta every January. Market days are every Wednesdays and Fridays.

To get to the town one can take a jeepney situated at the market in Rizal Street the back of Robinsons Place Iloilo or at the Don Benita Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary Terminal in Barangay Mohon, Oton, Iloilo. For more information, please contact Mrs. Erlyn Alunan – Municipal Tourism Officer at 09176619120.

Bayluhay: A Celebration on the Birth of the Ilonggo Nation

San Joaquin, Iloilo will celebrate its annual municipal fiesta with Bayluhay Festival on January 11-16, 2016 highlighted by the street dancing and tribal dance competition on January 14 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, San Joaquin Sports Arena.

The community follow the tradition of the love for their local history. The eventful and fun-filled 6-day celebration started in 2004 aims to generate harmony and brotherhood in the area. Nine participating groups from newly nationalized secondary schools will compete this year.

Bayluhay showcases the historic barter based on folk history of the Maragtas legend narrating that sometime between the 13th and 15th century, ten Shri-Vijayan Datus led by the Sultanate Minister Datu Putih, together with their families, households and subordinates fled Bornay (Borneo) using their balanghais boat for sea travel) in search of a new life. It was said that the group landed in Siruanga (Siwaragan River in San Joaquin) where they bartered their gold and jewelries with the local "Ati" (Aeta) Chieftain Marikudo with his wife Maniwantiwang for the lowlands, plains and valleys of the Aninipay Island (Panay) they called "Madya-as" or paradise. After the transaction was sealed, the Atis were believed to have retired to the mountains and the Malay took complete control of the lowlands.

Madyaas was politically subdivided into Akean (Aklan and Capiz) under Datu Bangkaya, Irong-irong (Iloilo) under Datu Paiburong and Hamtic (Antique) under Datu Sumakwel. Datu Putih along with the other remaining six Datus: Datu Balengkaka-Akean; Datu Kalantiaw-Akean; Datu Manduyog-Akean; Datu Padojinog-Irong-Irong; Datu Madnayag-Akean codified the Code of Kalantiaw (by Kalantiaw) and the Maragtas Code (by Sumakwel) for the people of Panay Island. After the event, two datus left for Batangas and Mindoro and Datu Putih was said to have returned to North Borneo.

Excerpts of the performances will also include the portrayal of everyday life during the ancient times. Ritual drama are also incorporated which includes music, song, drumming, chanting and mass participation. These ritual traditions have left a lasting impression on our Malay brothers that are very much visible to this day.

San Joaquin has one of the most visited destinations in Iloilo, and the chance to observe Bayluhay Festival at this stunning National Historical Treasure site is one of the most exciting opportunities that this town’s wealth of attractions has to offer.

San Joaquin is a 2nd Class municipality and is 85 kilometers away from Iloilo City. It is the last town south of the province. It has a land area of 23,135 hectares subdivided into 85 barangays. It annually celebrates its patronal fiesta every January. Market days are every Wednesdays and Fridays.

To get to the town one can take a jeepney situated at the market in Rizal Street the back of Robinsons Place Iloilo or at the Don Benita Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary Terminal in Barangay Mohon, Oton, Iloilo. For more information, please contact Mrs. Erlyn Alunan – Municipal Tourism Officer at 09176619120.

Binanog Festival: Fostering to Preserve Old Rural Traditions in Lambunao

With this year’s theme: Binanog, Bugal nga Dunang Manggad kag Kultra sang Lambunaonons, The 13^th Binanog Festival in Lambunao, Iloilo kicks off on January 6 (Wednesday) with a Mass at 1 p.m., Motorcade, Opening Program with excerpts from participating tribes at 3 p.m., Torch Parade at 6 p.m. and Binanog Festival Queen Talents Night at 8 p.m.;  January 7 (Thursday) IP Sinaot sa Dalan Parade at 9 a.m., IP Program at 10 a.m., IP Foodefst at 12 noon, IP Sinadya kag Binayle at 1 p.m. onwards, Stylized Folkdance Contest at 7 p.m., and S9inadya sa Plaza at 9 p.m.; January 8 (Friday) Farmer’ Day Festival at 8 a.m., Lambunano Festival Queen Coronation Night at 8 p.m.; January 9 (Saturday) Laro ng Lahi at 8 a.m., Sinadya sa Plaza at 9 p.m.; January 10 (Sunday) Tribe Competition at 1 p.m., Merry Making at 5 p.m., Luces in the Sky at 7:30 p.m., and Sinadya sa Plaza at 9 p.m.

The Binanog dance with its music along with the Suguidanon  or chanting have always been significant in the lives of the Sulodnons or Panay Bukidnons, a tribal minority reside in the mountainous areas of Capiz-Lambunao and are the only culturally indigenous group of Visayan language-speakers in the whole of Western Visayas.  These art forms are both a common amusement and a solemn duty. It has played an important part in the way they interact, celebrate and relay historic events.  These art forms are communication style and play a functional role in their society. They accompany marriage, birth, death and even political activities.

Although the musical styles and instruments vary from tribe to tribe, there are some common forms of musical expression. By far the most significant instrument in its music is the gong. Used in the Binanog dance, the gong evokes emotion. The beat of the gong is considered the “heartbeat of the Binanog dance” and its rhythm is what holds the dancers together.

Binanog dance is very much liked everywhere, since they are lively and very graceful. It is a courtship dance re-enacting the coupling mechanism of two banog birds locally known as dapay or hawk, accompanied by the beating of a gong. The dance is an integral part of the Panay Bukidnon culture. Dancers use symbolic gestures, costumes and hand prop to communicate. The dance movements can be simple or complex with intricate actions including fast rotation, flapping of the arms, swaying of the hips and stomping of feet.

Dancing regalia includes brightly-colored needlework locally known as Tinubok, a harmonious blend of attractive colors and natural patterns; the patadyong (a cotton fabric in plaid patterns of red, blue, yellow, green and pink with white borders), a headwear, necklace.

The Binanog dance as a way of re-enacting and chants of Suguidanon as a way of reverence both essential to the Sulodnons.  It is an extension of their belief where they see it as vitally important to their identity and an intrinsic part of their culture.

It is wonderful that this beautiful Panay Bukidnon art is propagated and annually celebrated since it is a valuable treasure, which should be kept alive.

The scenic town of Lambunao belonging to the Third Congressional District of the province is an hour drive or 48 kilometer away from the city. The town is comprised of 73 barangays. One can take a jeepney or van at the terminal fronting Christ the King in Jaro, Iloilo City. For more information, please contact Miss Jennifer Osorio- Municipal Tourism Officer at 09199950593.