Iloilo

My trip to Iloilo in 2008 was with college org friends and it was a first time of sorts. The first thing we did when we arrived was to try Ted's authentic La Paz Batchoy, Iloilo's best known signature dish. It is a noodle soup made with a mixture of pork, chicken stock and beef loin. Definitely a must-try for first-timers alike.

As we were in search for the sweetest mangoes, going to Guimaras was on top of our trip's itinerary. From Iloilo City Harbor or Ortiz Wharf, we headed to Jordan Wharf in Guimaras by boat. Travel time took 15 minutes. A 45-minute jeep ride brought us to Raymen Beach Resort in Sitio Alubihod where we checked in. Port transfer from Jordan Wharf is already included in the aircon room rate of P1,600 for 4 pax. More than the spacious rooms, I totally loved the picturesque beachfront view.

One of the trip's highlights was the island hopping tour, for the cost of P500/boat for 10 pax with additional P150 per succeeding hour. Part of the iti was to visit the Pawikan Caring and Feeding Station where we encountered cute baby fishes and pawikans. A stopover at Baras Beach and cave teeming with bats and various marine life. And lastly, we went to Turtle Island and Ave Maria Islet with its amazing rock formations. Definitely a must-see!

The following day, we did a mainland tour of Guimaras costing around P1,200-P1,500/jeep. We stopped by the Guisi Lighthouse, which is the second oldest lighthouse in the country. We also enjoyed swimming in Guisi Lighthouse' virgin beach. We offered prayer intentions in Our Lady of the Philippines Monastery, the only Trappist monastery in the country founded in 1972 and housing several monks. Visited Roca Encantada or the Enchanted Rock's heritage house built atop a hill, the Balaan Bukid Shrine known as a pilgrimage site for Catholic devotees and witnessed Guimaras' panoramic view whilst in Valle Verde's View Deck.

Wondering if we found the mangoes we've been looking for? Found it alright, not just plain sweet ones but enormous too! From Guimaras, we headed back to Iloilo for our scheduled trip to Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1797 with notable baroque features and architectural sculptures on its facade. Jeepney fare going to Miag-ao from the city proper is P40-P50. And yes, a trip to Iloilo wouldn't be complete without checking out the Smallville Complex for its vibin' night life. We sure danced and drank the night away!