Iloilo: There is More To Explore

My hubby and I enjoyed so much in our one-day Guimaras tour, with Flor, Vic, and Mat-mat. The minute the boat moved swiftly away from the island, I can’t help to look back and be thankful that we explored another beautiful place.

I can’t wait to explore more of Iloilo. My excitement on my second day in the city was still soaring high. While walking away from the wharf along Ortiz Street, Flor halted her steps when we were in front of a well-preserved and beautiful mansion. She told us it was owned by the Ledesma’s. The structure’s design and color were compelling. The white eagles on every post looked like guards protecting the entire house.  There were other mansions in the province owned by the Lopezes, Jalandonis, Coseteng, and Montinolas. It’s good that we unexpectedly saw one.

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the Ledesma Mansion – one of the popular mansions in Iloilo

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GUIMARAS: Not Just Sweet Mangoes

In going to Guimaras, what is commonly asked for a pasalubong is their sweet mangoes which are being exported worldwide. I’ve discovered that this island has something more to offer. Their stunning beaches, caves, yummy fresh sea-foods, and verdant landscape made me say, “this is a holiday!”

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sweet mangoes of Guimaras

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Iloilo: What to See and What to Eat

Iloilo is located in the Western Visayas Province. Its capital is Iloilo City. It is known for its century-old churches, yummy bowl of Lapaz Batchoy and Pansit Molo, Dinagyang Festival, and their soft-sweet tone Ilonggo dialect.

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getting ready for landing at Iloilo International Airport

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BORACAY de CAVITE is now KATUNGKULAN BEACH RESORT

You’ll be surprised not seeing anymore the signage Boracay de Cavite Beach Resort  because it is now Katungkulan Beach Resort. It is located in General Lim Marine Base in Calumpang, Sapang 1, Ternate, Cavite.  A three-hour drive from Manila passing Cavitex (Cavite Express).

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the signage

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Vera Falls in Malinao, Albay: A Taste of Paradise

I was told by my former office mate Art Decena, a fellow Bicolano about their wonderful adventure in Vera Falls in my hometown in Malinao, Albay. They traversed across terrains, hills, forest trails in three hours coming from the main highway. They clung through vines and stepped into the slippery walkways getting down the main falls. He described Vera Falls as a “hidden paradise”, a sanctuary of nature’s finest gift. From then on, I’ve been dreaming of getting there, to experience that amazing trek, and see how stunning the waterfalls really are.

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Beautiful and serene view of Vera Falls

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Tranquil Afternoon at Mayon Skyline, Albay

Mayon Skyline (former Mayon Rest House) was our last stop today coming from an overnight stay in Gubat, Sorsogon down to Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay. I was so delighted to see my family especially first-timers Noel and Pol enjoying every minute of our vacation in our hometown in Albay and in our neighboring region.

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The majestic Mayon Volcano

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Rizal Beach in Gubat, Sorsogon: The wonderful trip and water fun

After a two-day adventure in our hometown in Albay, we’re off to Sorsogon, which is located at the southernmost part of Luzon. We’ve been to different places but we never chance to visit our neighboring province. Lately, I had this ardent desire to explore Sorsogon and finally, it was set this Lenten Holiday. We will visit Bulusan Lake in Bulusan and we will stay overnight at Rizal Beach in Gubat for water fun.

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Welcome to Sorsogon, “The Land of the Whale Sharks!”

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Bulusan Lake, Sorsogon: Into Exciting Route and Awesome View

Bulusan Lake also known as “Switzerland of the Orient” lies at the heart of Bulusan Volcano National Park. It is a protected rainforest and wildlife sanctuary located in Barangay San Roque.  Its center attraction is Mt. Bulusan which is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines. The lake has two mountain peaks, the Sharp Peak and Mt. Hormahan and in between is Lake Aguingay.

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Palale Falls: Keep Coming Back to Tropical Paradise

I woke up at 5:30 am, hailed the curtain, and was captivated to see the sun embracing the vast rice field. I took my cam and hastily went outside our vacation house. I stood at the edge of the main road and captured my favorite sunrise photo. Soon there was a cheerful blue sky. What a lovely sight to start the day. Continue reading

Kawa-Kawa Hill Natural Park: Rejuvenate Yourself with Natural Wonder

Kawa-Kawa Hill is a 236-meter hill located in California Village, Barangay Tuburan in Ligao City. The hill got its name from “kawa” a local dialect that means a native cauldron. That wonderful shape could be seen upon reaching the crater through walking in a well-paved walkway and passing the five trails of Stations of the Cross.

The amazing Kawa Kawa Hill as seen from the vantage point

The amazing Kawa-Kawa Hill as seen from the vantage point

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