Pandayan Festival: A Celebration of Badiangan’s Backyard Industries

The celebration of Badiangan’s Pandayan Festival is to honor the town’s backyard traditions that had been the main sources of livelihood of its people. It is highlighted with the tribal performance of contesting clustered barangays showing informative presentations that normally focus on the town's local industries such as bolo-making, taho, and loom- weaving.

Most popular backyard industry is bolo-making. Bolos are used as an implement in farming and cutting materials. A number of people in the community are engaged “panday” or blacksmiths and have become experts in the trade using manual and improvised equipments. Baiangan is a popular source of fine crafted bolos in Iloilo, the Bingawan Bolo. It is preferred in local markets because of its durability and craftsmanship.

In fact, the town produces several kinds of bolo along with its specific uses: (1) Binakuko for chopping wood; (2) Sinuwak for carpentry and cutting shrubs and smaller trees; (3) Ginunting having the same function as the sinuwak; Pinuti for slicing meat; (4) Tangkap for kitchen use; (5) Linamay, Surot, and Balintawak are used in gardening; (6) Kayog is used to harvest rice; and (7) Wasay used to chop lumber and bigger trees.

Many hours are spent in producing a single bolo. Mostly the men in the community are doing the hard labor such as forming the metal, while the women, mostly their wives are the ones assisting by way of hasiwas---pumping two wooden implements to a metal pipe in order to produce the needed air continuously to produce the needed heat to the coal to be able to shape the metal for its distinct design or style and function.

Women in the area are also becoming active in weaving. The demand for hand-loomed fabrics such as hablon and patadyong in Iloilo is growing. This popular backyard industry is fast gaining a lucrative reputation among the women in this town.

Another backyard industry of the town that is getting much attention these days is taho-making. Taho or Ginger ale is a ginger flavored carbonated drink. Ginger has been used for centuries for medical purposes. This medicinal quality of ginger probably is the reason why it was made available as a consumable beverage.

Various government and other local agencies interventions introduced added livelihood projects in the area to augment the income of many Badianganons. Through the efforts of their very supportive municipal mayor, Hon. Suzette A. Mamon, trainings and seminars have been held for the purpose. The advantage in this livelihood programs is that they are easy with readily available raw materials common in the area where almost everyone in the family can help and benefit from it.

This year’s Pandayan Festival is On June 17-24 with the opening activity through their Foundation Day Parade, Flag-raising of all Barangays an the Opening of their Food Festival; June 18 is for Press and Farmers Day an the Search for Binibining Pandayan; June 19 is the Coronation of Fancy Ball Queen; June 20 will have a Tourism Summit; June 21 is the Kasadyahan sa Pandayan and LIGA Night; Cooperative Day is set for June 22; the First Badiangan Inter-town Amateur Boxing Tournament is on June 23; and the Municipal Fiesta caps the eight-day celebration.

The municipality is divided into 31 barangays extending over an area of 7,750 hectares and is located in the northwest central portion of Iloilo Province. It is about 40 kilometers from the city. It lies at the geographic and cultural towns belonging to the Third District, with borders on the north by the municipality of Dueñas; on the northwest by the municipality of Lambunao; the municipality of Pototan on the east; on the southwest by municipality of Janiuay; and the municipality of Mina on the southeast.

Adventure, Fun and Experience for the 6th Biray Paraw Festival in Leganes

Nowadays, popularity of boat races has grown tremendously, not only where it originated but throughout the world.

In the Philippines, for many years, local boat races using paraws or a double-outrigger dug-out, proved that it had also invaded even in its most remote barangays. Such were races organized by government agencies, students, professionals, businessmen, and military personnel that actively participated in this type of race, drawing spectators from all walks of life.

Paraw racing recognizes two types of racing activities: sport race which is practiced by members of sailing organizations and follows formal rules, and the festival race which is the more informal type, a typical sprint event requirement only certain number of meters as standard race distance.

Paraws are popular recreational vehicle present in almost all coastal towns throughout the country. In Iloilo, it has achieved unprecedented heights of popularity with Ilonggos.

In June, the coastal town of Leganes takes pride of its paraws as it take centerstage with the annual celebration of Biray Paraw Festival. The celebration calls attention to Leganes’ active involvement in the tourism promotional programs of Iloilo. The activity is seen as an important vehicle in strengthening friendly ties between the people of Leganes and its neighboring municipalities. This tourism event made its debut in 2006.

With this year’s theme, “Torismo sang Kumonidad Sakdagun, Ekonomiya Pasanyugon,” the celebration will open on June 22 with a Ceremonial Launching at the Leganes Municipal Hall Lobby; June 23 with a Photo Exhibit at the Leganes Tourism Center; a Coastal Clean-Up Drive is scheduled on June 25; June 26 opens with the Festival Proper through an Opening Program that will kick-off at 9 a.m., the Palumba Paraw, On-the-Spot Painting Contest, Biray-Biray, Awarding Ceremony and the Binayle sa Hunasan starts at 10 am. Considered as this year’s center of sailing activity are the waters off Rianne’s Beach Resort in Barangay Camangay, Leganes, one of the town’s tourism destinations.

Aside from the paraw race, the event also offers everyone with the biray or sailing experience. There are two very distinct activities in sailing: one can indulge into thoughts, self-reflection, enjoying sunsets and sunrises, the nature, etc. The other activity is when one gets a hand on being responsible for all of the functions that need to be performed in order for the vessel to move properly.

Central Philippine University junior tourism student tries the biray
for Tumandok 2007-Leganes group

One of the most important and interesting things during the biray-biray is the understanding of winds by the people using the paraw and especially the one manipulating the sail. Interaction between the wind and the sails is the main speed gear of the boat; the wind is the fuel and engine of the sailing ships.

For a minimal fee, visitors can pay for a ride to experience biray-biray or sailing along the scenic coastal area of Leganes. Life vests are provided to all who wish to join in the fun and adventure.

Leganes is one of the 19 coastal towns of Iloilo Province. Composed of 18 barangays, the town has successfully combined modern living and rural ambiance. Though it is host to residential villages and a number of tourism-related establishments, Leganes has preserved its rustic appeal especially on its coastal barangays.

The town is also known for its SAAD Festival, the ancient tradition of Palapak, popular age-old crafts such as rattan furniture making, as well as their salt industry.

Eco Adventure at Tambaliza Eco-Park and Resort

the imposing Mt. Manaphag also known as Pan de Azucar at Barangay. Tambaliza, Concepcion, Iloilo

Endowed with bounties of nature; the municipality of Concepcion, represents one of the finest destinations. White-sand beaches and beautiful coral gardens linked with mangroves and tropical seas is the unique combination of this town. Concepcion has a prominent place in the tourism map of Iloilo and is also locally significant due to its rich biological diversity.

The town is known to have of the one of the best managed sustainable tourism program and presently becoming one of the best managed mangrove ecosystem in Iloilo too. It is also recognized for its outstanding conservation management of the rich and diverse of wildlife and habitats that thrive throughout the different islands in the area.

mangroves at Tambaliza ecopark, Concepcion, Iloilo, photo by Norman Posecion (USA-CAP)

In Concepcion key protected areas of Mangrove forest or Mangrove swamp occur in its various island communities. But there are also large areas of unprotected mangrove habitats.

Many think that mangroves are just small weedy plants along the shoreline. Mangroves are much more than that. It is a whole ecosystem acting as a buffer between land and sea. Mangroves are extensions of tropical and sub-tropical forests into the sea.

Mangrove ecosystems are highly productive and play a key role in our battle against climate change, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while storing carbon dioxide. Mangroves provide critical habitat for a diverse marine and terrestrial flora and fauna. As they say, healthy mangrove forest is a key to healthy marine ecology.

In the past years there has been an increase in the awareness of the people in Concepcion. Communities are coming together to spread this awareness. They realize that the rapid destruction of their mangrove areas will have far-reaching effects. The local government unit is making efforts to highlight the issues like coastal regulation and illegal destruction of the mangrove areas through the interventions of the local government and local groups.

photo by Norman Pocesion (USA-CAP)

No trip to Concepcion would be complete without a visit to Tambaliza Eco-Park and Resort in Barangay Tambaliza. It is one of the most important areas and combined with the surrounding Island of Botlog and the imposing Mt. Manaphag popularly known as Pan de Azucar, the area is one the most scenic stretch of Concepcion.

For an ecological experience, visit Tambaliza, Concepcion Eco-Park and Resort. The whole family will enjoy this relaxing stroll along a boardwalk over a natural Mangrove preserve. The Eco Park and Resort opened in April 28, 2011 in time for their annual Tampisaw Festival celebration.

Tampisaw Festival is an annual event celebrated in the last week of April aimed at celebrating global day for positive environmental action. Through this celebration, the municipality of Concepcion is able to personalize environmental issues and enable everyone to realize not only their responsibility, but also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable development.

The eco-park has a considerable area of mangrove forest where most areas support larger mangrove trees. The structure and composition of the mangrove forest has been studied by DENR but is currently under the care of an active ecological group comprised of local municipal officials, volunteers and community leaders of the town. The wetland is state owned and is now open to public use. The park covers an area consisting of open water, rocky headlands and a relatively considerable proportion of mangrove area.

The area has become a major tourist attraction and the town realized income from parties of sightseers.

It offers two major board-walking or guided nature trail activities; (1) upon docking at the eco-park’s main entrance, and (2) going through the reserve area where one can get a full view of eco-park.

photo by Norman Pocesion (USA-CAP)

Amenities include three (3) cottages that can accommodate 25 persons per cottage; 1 pavilion; two (2) open cottages and two (2) floating cottages that can accommodate 10 persons each. Entrance fee is P20.00 for a whole day visit at the park.

Visiting the park is one better way to stimulate the conservation of the area so that we can contribute to the creation of an economy that will never flourish without these mangroves. As they say, after all, this is the idea of ecotourism and responsible travel.

Getting to the Tambaliza Eco-Park and Resort from Iloilo City, you have to head north via bus or van to Concepcion through Tagbak Terminal in Jaro. Once you reach the poblacion, take a motorized boat and head towards Barangay Tambaliza. 

For more information please contact Rolinda de Julian at 09395032408.

Enjoy the Comfort of Your Home by the Sea at LA MAER MAR in Tigbauan

The southern town of Tigbauan is home to a number of resorts famous for its fine sand beach and clean, calm, waters. The town’s beachfront offer one the best places for relaxation and superb dining experience overlooking the island of Guimaras.

photo by Jun Fuerte

Located on prime beachfront, La Maer Mar Beach Resort is the typical, family-friendly resort. It is one of the safest beach resorts located in Barangay Namocon, Tigbauan. Operated, owned and managed by the Tina-Tuvida family of Tigbauan, The name La Maer Mar is a combination of the first names of the owner’s children namely, Lucille, Ernesto, Mervic and Maricel.

The owners conceptualized of building a resort in the year 2000 and by the time it was finished they already started on La Maer Mar Beach Resort. They like their guests to feel as if at home, secured and a beautiful beach right outside their door---a perfect combination for a relaxed and stress free holiday. The resort officially opened in the 1st of May, 2003 as an alternative to friends and family who are looking for a quiet place away from the noisy metropolis.

Experience the fun in the waters, the cool breeze and throw away your worries and take pleasure of the resort’s serene and romantic sunset. La Maer Mar Beach Resort caters to all your leisure needs whatever the climate and weather conditions. It is an ideal place to unwind and get away from urban pressures and hassles.

The resort offers its guests the opportunity to relax and unwind in an authentic setting of a local fishing community. The resort also tries its best to provide its guests with the comforts of home.

photo by Jun Fuerte

La Maer Mar Beach Resort is a cool 25-minute scenic drive from the city and nestles on a 1-hectare lot with traditional bamboo-style accommodations nestle among a grove of coconuts and tropical plantings combine to create an environment of quiet intimacy and relaxation. Choose from 11 cottages, 1 big fan-room that can accommodate 20 persons and ten (10) small rooms: eight (8) fan-rooms and 2 air-conditioned rooms that can accommodate four persons. It also offers three (3) big gazebos for 30 persons; five (5) small ones accommodating 20 persons for each; 40 nipa huts: two (2) big ones and 38 small ones. Enjoy your stay at prices apt to your budget and your privacy, comfort and leisure are assured.

photo by Jun Fuerte

photo by Jun Fuerte

Experience exquisite dining in our restaurant and indulge yourself with our various cuisines while enjoying the view of the sparkling seascape. Come and dine at our mini restaurant, where well-loved local cuisine is served with a twist. Menu incorporates their own culinary background, from seafood to their all-time favorites, it is another reason to come and stay with us. The resort also offers barbeque area for guests.

La Maer Mar Beach Resort is also ideal for corporate outing, seminars, baptismal and wedding receptions, conference venue, video and photoshoot location. It is a great place to unwind, relax or simply hangout with your loved ones and friends.

Guests also have the option to visit some of Tigbauan's attraction such as the oldest existing Catholic Church in Iloilo Province, the St. John of Sahagun Parish, and SEAFDEC.

Whether on a romantic getaway, a family vacation or just looking to take a break, the resort will make your stay an unforgettable experience. Simply sitting on the beach and watch the time and the waves drift by to enjoying a game of beach volleyball with friends or trying on a jetski, our guests will always find something to do.

Enjoy the sunset, have fun under the sun. Enjoy the comfort of your home by the sea. Come visit us soon.

For more information, please get in touch with either Mr. Rowel Tina, Miss Julie Torda or Miss Lucille Tuvida at telephone number (033) 5118152.

Endless Adventure and Pleasure to Coral Gardens in Concepcion

The beaches in Concepcion are one of the calmest beaches in Iloilo for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. These water activities are without a doubt one of the most enjoyable experiences Concepcion can offer you. The crystal-clear waters and the wide variety of marine life make snorkeling here an unforgettable adventure. Immerse yourself in an oasis of natural tranquility.

Snorkel amidst the kaleidoscopic marine life and the coral garden of Takot Lutaw Reef at Barangay Polopina. The waters are protected by this 10-hectare reef. If you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Takot Lutaw Reef will provide you with an amazing experience you will never forget. The best time to go is in the morning before anybody else starts snorkeling. You have the water to yourself and the tranquility of the morning.

Corals are joined together in this area where you will see many schools of fish. Some of the areas are about 5 to 7 feet to be able to get a bird's eye view of the coral like you can almost reach out and touch the formations. There are a variety of shapes and sizes of corals in the area; some form hard, pointed shapes, while others form soft, rounded shapes, intricate shapes with delicate branching patterns.

If you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Takot Lutaw Reef will provide you with an amazing experience you will never forget. The best time to go is in the morning before anybody else starts snorkeling. You have the water to yourself and the tranquility of the morning. On your scuba or diving adventure, you will probably encounter many species of tropical fish and coral.

Corals are often mistaken as a rock or plant. They are actually composed of tiny, fragile animals called coral polyps. So, when we say coral, we refer to these animals and the skeletons they leave behind after they die. There are hundreds of different species of corals and are generally classified as either hard coral or soft coral. Hard corals are the architects of coral reefs and they grow in colonies. Their skeletons are made out of calcium carbonate or limestone, which is hard and eventually becomes rock. Soft corals, on the other hand, are soft and bendable and often resemble plants or trees. These corals do not have stony skeletons, but instead grow wood-like cores for support and fleshy rinds for protection.

 Corals need to grow in shallow water where sunlight can reach them. Since it depends on the algae that grow inside of them and this algae needs sunlight to survive, corals too need sunlight to survive. It also needs clear water to survive and don't thrive well when the water is opaque. It is sensitive to pollution and sediments that block out sunlight and smothering coral polyps. Pollution from sewage and fertilizers increases nutrient levels in the water, harming corals.

Coral reefs are among the oldest ecosystems on Earth and are the largest living structure on the planet. Coral reefs form natural barriers that protect nearby shorelines from the eroding forces of the sea, thereby protecting coastal dwellings, agricultural land and beaches.

The tourism industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy. Coral reefs are a major draw for snorkelers, scuba divers, recreational fishers, and those seeking vacations in the sun. Our northern towns stand to benefit from the recreational value provided by their presence, hoping to attract a share of visitors annually to their beaches.

Discover the many pristine island paradise in Concepcion. Politically subdivided into 25 barangays, eleven of which are island barangays, and fourteen of which are on the mainland and has a total land area of 9,702.04 hectares. There are 14 identified protected areas in Concepcion covering more than 5,000 hectares.

The possibilities for adventure and pleasure are endless. Whatever your preference, from scuba diving, boat excursions, exploring snorkeling wonders, island getaways where you can be left on a deserted beach with lunch and an umbrella, it is all here for you in Concepcion, a destination that boasts of the natural splendors of sun, sand and sea.

A Walk to Remember

photo by Toby Pagulayan Jr. (PALI)

The province of Iloilo has a rich and unique; sundry and dramatic landscape. With its 43 towns bounded by a long coastline in the northern and southern portion; chains of tall mountains in the southwestern and areas descending in a series of abrupt steps; with a significant forest lying along the central and patches of protected areas; and a high quality wilderness with high levels of protection within our extensive and diverse reserve system, Iloilo offers hope for the future of our remarkable natural heritage.

With a range of environment accessible from major roads, whether on a long day’s outing or a short wander; a gentle stroll, a physical challenge or mountain vista, Iloilo has plenty for you.

photo by JV Perez (PALI)

With the concept of human appreciation of nature’s beauty and the strong Christian spirit of its people, the AGONY HILL in Alimodian emerged as a destination popular especially during the season of lent. It is a rolling slope towering above the picturesque poblacion of the town and used to be long isolated by its steep ascent with slopes thinly covered with trees. It is now a pilgrimage site with its 14 stations of the cross built and situated within the place. The trek isn’t particularly taxing. With not much shade around the area, the view around however is breathtakingly beautiful.

photo by Toby Pagulayan Jr. (PALI)

Very accessible especially for visiting tourists is the MARI-IT WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARK located at the West Visayas State University College of Agriculture and Forestry in Barangay Jayubo, Lambunao. It is a rescue and captive breeding center that houses exotic birds like Dolongan and Tarictic Hornbill. It is also home for White-spotted Deer, Warty Pigs and Racquet-tail Parrots or Dangag. Concerned individuals in the area helps in restoring and maintaining a healthy ecosystem and hope to give the park’s native species the respite and protection they need to survive. It is also a picturesque destination that boasts of three prominent waterfalls namely: Inas, Montillano and Aguas amidst majestic trees and flora endemic to the area.

The BULABOG PUTI-AN in Dingle can be enjoyed as a day visit to the area since one does not have to go on extensive trail blazing. Combining trekking and cave exploration, the trip offers a rare opportunity to get close to one of Iloilo’s rarest limestone rock formation in Panay excluding Guimaras. It is situated in an area of rich biodiversity with caves that create a rare natural situation for its fragile environment. This old growth forest is also a perfect laboratory for the study of flora and fauna. Protected areas such as this is especially important for preserving the most biologically distinctive ecological park in the province—that is, those with exceptionally high species diversity with many species endemic to that area.

photo by Ramon Ramirez

Considered to be one of the more popular scenic attractions in the province are the Tabionan pine trees of BUCARI in Leon. Poised to be a chief mountain resort and tagged as the summer capital of the province, the place can be enjoyed as part of a day or an overnight visit. It has spacious green areas perfect for picnic and a camp facility nestling amongst its densely forested pine trees, reminding one of Baguio. It is filled with views of parallel mountain chains whereas the altitude increases, vegetation changes from forest to pine patches of cool temperature. The area provides a great variety of wildlife especially flowers. It has a fertile agricultural area.

A unique experience to commune with nature is a trek to the MAASIN WATERSHED. Take an easy to moderate trek along its reasonable terrain with canopies of bamboo and mature trees that gives a refreshing alternative from the usual humdrum life in the city.

photo by JV Perez (PALI)

One of the more remote corners of Barotac Viejo, NAGPANA is a relatively accessible destination. The walk is not hard and there are great views of northern ranges, backed by thin forest and great stretches of thin, rolling grasslands, luxuriant vegetation and the refreshing, streaming cool waters of its falls.

A more adventurous trek will take one to IGCABUGAO CAVE, 14 kilometers away from the town proper of Igbaras. It is a downhill walk on a rocky track. Along your way to the cave are tremendous rock formations where one can relax in the cool and clear waters of Igbolo Creek. The chambers inside the cave are eerie and immense. Lantern-equipped guides will take one to a pool of clear but extremely cold water.

The beauty of Iloilo is that there is no shortage of adventure. It has many appealing destinations of undulating sceneries---unspoiled, quiet and a great break from the city. Explore Iloilo…truly a memorable place.

CARABAO CARROZA: Iloilo Province’ Oldest Festival Celebrates its 39th Year

photo by Leo Solinap

The annual celebration of CARABAO-CARROZA Festival in Pavia, Iloilo truly reflects the culture of the Ilonggos.

For 39 years the festival has drawn hundreds of visitors from hundreds of miles away to this progressive town, 10 kilometers just outside the city and popularly known as the Regional Agro-Industrial Center (RAIC) of Western Visayas.

Despite the proliferation of hand tractors, carabaos are still the farmer’s work animal. And because of that, it has been, for many years, our country’s national symbol. Even with these innovations, many farming communities in Iloilo still depend on domesticated animals, used as a draft animal since the ancient times.

Slow and restful, the Carabao has been domesticated in the Philippines since the pre-Hispanic times, helping farmers plow the fields and with loads of several tons, transport them and their produce to the market.

The holding of various carabao-related activities such as parades and races does not only promote its significance as a national animal, but also help in their preservation. According to research, carabaos are dwindling in number and are already vanishing. The Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) noted that carabao population in the country has steadily dropped since 1988. Statistics collected showed that in 1988 there were 2.95 million carabaos in the country. However in 1992, it dwindled to 2.48 million and the trend is continuing even today.

And to revive local traditions and old practices in agricultural communities, farmers pay tribute to carabaos for they are very important to them, its socio-economic importance and considered part of our country's national heritage and treasure and their local economy.

photo by Leo Solinap

In Pavia, carabaos are the biggest crowd drawer with the town’s tradition of carabao racing, leaving its mark as one of the most entertaining festivals in Iloilo. Amid the scorching heat of the sun, villagers and tourists gather to watch locally-bred carabaos race. Carabaos take the center stage through grand spectacle although they are not particularly noted for their speed. Each carabaos are attached with a bamboo carriage and race across the fields reaching finish line. Prior to the event, they are trained daily. The race is a fun-filled event showcasing the native field animal. It has become more than a celebration to Pavia. Attracting many, it is considered as one of the biggest tourist attracting annual cultural celebrations of Iloilo that has enjoyed great success over the years.

Carabaos are also exhibited as an artwork. Farmers clean their carabaos' skin until it is smooth and polished. The horns are smeared with oil and given gloss. Then, they are sometimes groomed and dressed or artistically painted, decorated with ribbons sometimes, painted and attached to carts and parade them through the town. Residents gather together with visitors on the streets of this old town waiting for the 18 carrozas on parade. Prizes are awarded to the most gaily-decorated and beautifully-painted carabaos. This does not only draw participants closer to farmers’ best friend but lures tourists as well.

This year's festival opens on May 3rd from 7:30 in the morning with their annual Gaily-Decorated Carroza with Festival Muses Parade starting at Ungka-I; the Carabao-Carroza Race on a 400-meter course follows at around 9 a.m. and the rest of the day’s activity will run through till 7 in the evening with the Coronation of Carabao-Carroza Festival Queen. The carabao race is located just off of the municipal plaza at Pavia Comprehensive High School just a few meters from the historic Sta. Monica Parish. The event has become so successful and it gets bigger ever year.

So, if you are planning to visit Iloilo, try to visit Pavia in time for their festival so you will have a glimpse of the town’s history, culture and tradition.