Gone for the weekend: ILO-ILO CITY

In its glory days, Iloilo City was called to be the Queen City of the South. It was the last Spanish-colonial capital of the Philippines when Manila surrendered to the United States of America. You’ll see remnants of its splendid past standing proudly amidst the bustling and chaotic streets of Iloilo today.

“I am Iloilo” is a statement that embodies what Iloilo is all about – its rich history and culture, heritage houses and mansions, majestic river, colorful festival, warm people, sumptuous cuisine, grand churches and breathtaking country side. 

HISTORICAL SITES

                                                                                        Miag-ao Church

            Completed in 1797, the church is famous for the artistic sculptural relief caved on its façade. In 1993, the church was designated as one of the best example of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines and included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Inside Miag-ao Church

                                                                                            Molo Church

            A Gothic renaissance church made of coral rock. The church which is also referred to as the “Church of Women” because of the statues of women saints that decorate its pillars.

 

    Jaro Cathedral Belfry

            One of the few freestanding bell towers in the country.

TASTE THEIR FOOD

  Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant

One of the top ten best restaurants in Iloilo City. Try the native lechon manok and the fresh talaba are to die for!!!

  

So i guess everybody is debating on who offers the best version of the authentic la paz batchoy in town. Well, I tried Deco's it's appealing, simple and uncomplicated.

       Tender strips of pork, liver and entrails casually thrown into the mix.

HANG-OUTS

Me and my cousin excited to go in.

Plazuela de IloIlo has been one of the favorite destinations of Ilonggos for dining and recreation. Definitely, a nice place to chill out.

NIGHTLIFE 

Nightlife in Iloilo is best spent at Smallville. Photo from the net.

GUIMARAS ISLAND

Experienced the laid back atmosphere of Guimaras Island. Photo from the net.

The Guimaras Island is famous for producing some of the sweetest mangoes in the world.

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Terra Manna

There's a new place that my Mom recommended we should go to. This time the place is different - different from the usual escape. 

The Terra Manna offers a refreshing view of Badian's blue ridge heights. This resort is good for families, friends or couples who seek a dreamy retreat.

With the friendly and accommodating staff, the resort ensures that you get the comfort and convenience you deserve.

I would definitely want to come back here. The vicinity is so calm and mellow. Certainly, this is the perfect getaway.

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Terra Manna Resort is located at Lambug Badian, Cebu Philippines. Visit their website at www.terramannaresort.ph for more information.

ATS 

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Awe with Samar

Of all the places that I want to go to, Samar is never in my travel lists. So when my friend (also a travel buddy) approached me in my old desk to join them in taking a trip to Samar, I immediately say YES. This could be my chance to have a glimpse of what Samar has to offer.

 Geographically speaking, we all know Samar is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean. Well, it made me think that we’re going to experience traveling in a big, deep, blue ocean. I’m afraid because I’m not born to live out of the waters. However this could be fun and exciting, I wouldn’t say YES to my friend if I wasn’t compulsive in the first place. 

Before showing you to our nerve-wracking adventures to Samar, I would like you to meet my fellow traveler, adventure seeker, wanderer and whatever “er” you may want to add.

This is one of my favorite photos with the DORAs.  Don't underestimate these girls you might surprise how far they can go. L-R Tina Cantos (visit her website at www.ilovepilipinas.com ), Lotskie Odron, Yumny Mariot ( visit her tumblr account http://iamne.tumblr.com/ ) and yours truly.

Capul Island

Capul is a 5^th class island municipality in the province of Northern Samar, Philippines. The island itself with its lighthouse built on the island, served as guidepost through the treacherous waters of San Bernardino Straight.

The name Capul came from the word Acapulco, an old trading post in Mexico. Capul is the only town in the province of Northern Samar with distinct dialect Inabaknon instead of Waray-Waray, the native language spoken by locals of Samar Island.

Capul Watchtower

Located on a hill near the Capul, fort overlooking the town harbor, a stone watch tower was erected to serve as an entry or warning system and a refuge for indigents during Moro raids. 

Facing the Pacific Ocean

Capul Church and Fortress

The church of Capul, built during the Spanish Colonial Period, is dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola and is surrounded by a square foot with bulwarks of dissimilar designs.

Sunset at Capul Island

Biri Island

This island used to be ‘Tingao’ as referred to in the navigational maps of the Spanish galleon, was the entry point of Luzon and Visayas. As a navigational landmark, the name Biri was derived from the Spanish word ‘barrer’ which means ‘to sweep’.

·      Rock Formations

A 45-minute boat ride from the town of Lavazares. Just a 5-minute ride on motorcycle or scooter locally names as ‘habal-habal from the town proper, these magnificent, awesome and towering rock formations sculpted through time by the ferocious waves of the Pacific Ocean and tidal currents of San Bernardino Strait.

6 rock formations; Magasang, Magsapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at and Caranas

This rock reminds me of the Pride Rock from the movie 'The Lion King'

It took me how many minutes to decide on whether or not to take a photo on this rock. Man the ocean is so big!

This cat is something. The cat used to be our tour guide.

 

Bangon Falls

Bangon Falls is one of the most beautiful and spectacular scenic spots worth visiting the province. Following the stream by ascending to the upper level, one will be amazed to see a circular pond of about 30 meters in diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for diving.

 The water that falls from above seems to come from an endless stream which flows a swirling path around the falls resulting from the pressure of its disgorge becoming even bigger in volume and noticeable s the time of the day passes.

  

Torpedo: Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop

Ulot river is a 520 kilometer river, the longest in Samar Island. It is part of the 87,000-hectare Ulot Watershed rambling in 11 towns of the island where the bigger part of the area is situated in Paranas, Samar. Offers a special interest activiteis such as boating, tubing and kayaking along the rugged waterscape and unspoiled crystal-clear waters of Ulot River. 

All geared up!

The BIG splash!

Definitely my first jump. Photo credits to Tina Cantos.

Doras done with our first jump.

For the last time. 

Photo Credits: Tina Cantos, Lotskie Odron and Yumny Mariot.

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Good Times

After the stardom status and media exposure of Carly's 'Call Me Maybe' music video, here comes Carly who featured on the track 'Good Time' captured my concentration again (Well, I was updating my report while playing this song).

This track is simply perfect for my monotonous and tedious work that I forgot to have a 'Good Time'. Seriously, I'm so occupied with work and work lately.

Hearing the song makes me want to hop into a cab and go anywhere. Drop by Starbucks and get some coffee. Go hit the mall and shop till I drop. Check on some good books and flashy magazines. Hit the beach and get tan. Checked out of my room, hit the ATM. Hands up if you're down to get down tonight. It's always a good time.

It's always a good time is like one way of saying there's always time for everything. This is one of my mantra, actually. There's time to have a good laugh, time to make someone happy, time to dance and sing out loud, time to talk, time to listen, time to cry, time to wander and get lost, time to travel, time to help and etcetera.   

Everyone can have a 'Good Time'. I myself have my own 'Good Time' too you know. Like you're having a good time when you don't want the day to end, having a good time with all your good time friends. Drink my coffee and savor every meal (Sorry if I keep on mentioning about coffee but I really take pleasures in coffee), being happy and satisfied while doing something at a certain moment in time. Having a nice quiet evening either alone with a book, or having quiet conversation with a loved one and a good time at the beach.

Having a good time is simply enjoying oneself greatly. Doesn't matter when, it's a always a good time then. Doesn't matter where, it's a always a good time there.

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