The Northern Pearls of Iloilo

Text by Bombette G. Marin, photos by Jason Matias, Bombette G. Marin, Vincent Angelo Gefes and Reynaldo Paguntalan Jr.

Looking for a turquoise ocean and a deserted, white-sand beach?Iloilo has an intense variety and striking beauty of the islands in the north.Pristine palm fringed beaches with clear waters are everywhere in this area. Some are even of high ecological value due to its protected areas, native fauna and rare ecosystems.

With a string of 67 islands, these natural beauties sit on azure waters. From the more popular island beaches of Carles and Concepcion to the lesser known waters in Ajuy, the northern portion of the province has a tropical vibe that few can resist. Most of these island beaches have been unspoiled by pollution and tourism and appeals more to the adventurous tourists, backpackers and nature-lovers.

Hibotkan Rock Sanctuary, Banate is a Marine sanctuary that covers 25 hectares but only 1 hectare is exposed to the sun during low tide. There 16 families of corals are found with 34 species being observed. It is also abundant with tropical fishes.  It is found in between the municipal waters of town and Guimaras Strait and is a paradise for tourists who enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and underwater photography.

MARBUENA BEACH RESORT in Binongan-an Island, Ajuy is a beautiful holiday destination that boasts of its white sand beach and plenty of things to do which include boating, fishing, snorkeling and trekking. Around the resort are religious images where one is constantly reminded of God’s love and protection of man and nature. The beach area has picnic and napping shelters. It is a10-minute motorized boat ride from Barangay Morocoro wharf.

Sitio Salog Gamay in Barangay Punta Buri, Ajuy is an island that is off the main tourist track about 10 kilometers or a 45-minutes motorized boat ride from Barangay Morocoro wharf. With no tourist amenities, however, the island only offer a place where you can hang a hammock and lean back, enjoy the sound of the waves without crowds ruining the peace and quiet. It has a soft, creamy sand beach that is laid back and perfect for relaxing and taking it easy.

Photo by Gerard Villareal

Calabazas Island, SitioNasidman, Ajuyis this town’s popular dive site. Its coral garden isa come on for visitors who would like to go snorkeling. It is home to an 1884 Spanish Lighthouse. The keeper’s house, now in ruins still holds the 45 feet high tower with a focal plane of 100 feet. It is included as one of the 27 Spanish Lighthouses in the Philippines.

 

Sandbar Island Beach Resort in Barangay Polopińa, SitioBulubadiangan, Concepcionhas increased its popularity and has made all its adjacent island beaches so lively as well. It can be reached within 30 minutes through a motorized boat ride from the municipal wharf.  Its white coral sand beach and clear blue waters is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The most attractive feature of this resort is its sandbar.

 

Sitio Sanggutan in Barangay Polopińa, Concepcion has a coastline with fringes of coconut trees offering visitors a pleasant atmosphere. Its calm sea is also suitable for swimming and boating. It has an accommodation that appeals to those who love comfort and tranquility amidst pristine nature. It is fronting Sandbar Island Beach Resort. From the municipal wharf, it is a 30 minute motorized boat ride to the island.

Agho Island, Concepcion is a picnic island destination set on a serene surrounding with its dazzling white sandy beach and a sweeping view of the islands of Igbon, Mangalabang and Tambaliza. The alluring emptiness of its white sand beach offers a personal oasis in nature's tropical playground. Relax and listen to the sound of the breeze in the trees and the gentle waves on the beach.

Barangay Taloto-an in Pan de Azucar Island, Concepcion has a laid-back lifestyle from an off the beaten path. Though the island is inhabited and with traces of destruction from the recent typhoon, a considerate portion in the island provides ample opportunity to relax in its natural and secluded beauty. There are no rooms with bathroom facilities, as tourists do not commonly visit the area.

Barangay Tambaliza, Pan de Azucar Island, Concepcionis famous for its landmark, Mt. Manaphag or popularly known as Pan de Azucar. It has budget-conscious accommodation establishments that rest at the foothill of the majestic mountain. Its beach features golden sand, palm trees and shallow water that provide swimming, snorkeling and boating opportunities.

LUMPATAN, Concepcion is mainly made up of granite rocks. The first thing visitors will probably want to do when in the area is to walk to its 300-meter trail that frames almost half of the island. The beach, however, is rocky, with corals and pebbles, but is a place for a gentle swim capped by happy hours of sunbathing. It is a great spot to relax.

MAGALUMBI ISLAND, Barangay Tanao Batadis a privately-owned island with creamy sand complimenting its bluish green waters perfect for swimming and boating activities. It is a 15-minute motorized boat ride from Barangay Banban or a 10-minute motorized boat ride from barangay Binon-an. The island barangays of Concepcion, Estancia and Carles serves as its backdrop.

 

Antonia Island in Barangay Gabi, Gigantes Sur, Carlesis a privately-owned small island of enormous beauty with the least signs of civilization. This is one of the very few islands in Carles that is nearly uninhabited. It is no wonder a lot of visitors, mostly beach lovers and backpackers find it hard to leave.  It has grown into an energetic destination for young travelers looking to sunbathe with a bit more privacy.

SITIO PULUPANDAN, Barangay Gabi, Carles is an idyllic deserted white-sand coral islet lapped by turquoise waters. The place is simply stunning,almost an hour awayby motorized boat from the mainland. The islet serves as a resting area for fishermen in the area. The isletis a perfect place to go snorkeling and diving.

 

Tangke, Barangay Gabi in Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carlesis a hidden saltwater lagoon formed by a surrounding wall of granite monolithic cliffs. During low tide, the level of water also recedes but also rises when it is high tide. Visitors to the area need to climb on its steep rocky wall that serves as the lagoon’s fortress. However, an easier and shorter climb from where the motorized-boat docks alongside its walls is done only during high tide. The lagoon’s rocky borders offer visitors one-of-a-kind formations.

Cabugao Gamay, Gigantes Norte, Carles is a privately-owned island surrounded by azure waters excellent for swimming and snorkeling activities. It is one of Iloilo’s most popular island-hop spots. After docking at the base of the island, a climb up the rocky hill steps to a breathtaking view of its outlying area and it is well worth the effort. Several other white sand island beaches are seen adjacent to the beach.

These northern island beaches are a far cry away from the crowded resorts of the neighboring provinces in the region. For those who would to stay overnight and experience the serenity of rural life, there are lodging houses in the area. There is enough space and so few visitors that you will probably find a spot just for yourself. If you are lucky enough to make it to any of these northern pearls, you will have an island experience that will surely give you a lifetime of memories.

For more information, please contact the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government at telefax (033) 3384910.

Iloilo is Rising High

With the development of Megaworld’s 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park, Iloilo is back to reclaim its title as the center of progress outside Metro Manila

Iloilo has always been the center of progress and international trade in the past in Western Visayas region. For more than a century since 1889, Iloilo has caught the “eye of the world” as the most progressive city outside of Luzon, magnetized investments, international business trade and elevated the sense of pride of its people - the culture-loving and resilient Ilonggos. The booming of the textile industry of the city and the regional expansion of the sugar industry in Negros, catapulted Iloilo into a higher ground of economic glory and prominence, cementing its image as the most affluent metropolis.

Living the glory of the past and continuing its legacy, Iloilo has sustained it progressive form and ushered better opportunities that gravitated interest from visitors and investors throughout the decades. Its rise can be considered phenomenal in the recent decade as its rich cultural heritage and tourism attractions became instrumental in unlocking its full potential as modern day metropolitan of the future.

And now, with the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao District establishing itself as a prestigious business township of impressive opportunities, Iloilo’s time has come back to reclaim its reputation as the biggest center point of progress, developments and change in the region.

Iloilo Business Park is relentless when it comes to developments and lifestyle elevation. Created by real estate giant Megaworld, the township in the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao District continues to introduce exciting establishments and edifices that would bring a vibrant ambiance to Iloilo’s vision of progress.

Take a visit at Iloilo Business Park and see for yourself the current developments that make it that much closer to becoming a prestigious financial and metropolitan epicenter.

Triad of luxury

Megaworld brings to Iloilo its expertise in fulfilling modern daylifestyle requirements with its three residential towers at Iloilo Business Park: The Palladium, which is the tallest building in Western Visayas with four sky gardens that replicate a rain forest ambiance; the Lafayette Park Square, which features French and Spanish architectural elements familiar to the olden days of Iloilo; and One Madison Place, which is composed of three buildings only 10 floors high, and provides top-of-the-line amenities never before seen in Iloilo. All three developments are pre-selling and are expected to be completed within the next five years.

 New office towers

One Global Center and Two Global Center have already opened for BPO companies Transcom Asia, WNU and StarTek. The buildings One Techno Place and Two Techno Place will also officially open this year. A total of PHP5 billion have been allotted to build ten office towers in the township until the year 2021.

Next leisure and night life district

The Festive Walk Mall will feature the finest international boutiques, retails shops, food hall, events center and eight world-class cinemas. Just across is the Street of Festive Walk, touted to become the longest retail and dining strip in the Visayas and Mindanao, stretching 1.1 kilometers long. Part of the Street of Festive Walk will be opened this year.

First Marriott Courtyard Hotel in PH

The P1.5-billion project, set to open this year, will be the first Marriott Courtyard Hotel in the Philippines from Marriott International’s portfolio of world-class brands. The hotel brand has been known by its quality of service and the first-class accommodation to business and leisure travelers all over the world.

Biggest showroom

At 2,745 sqm, the Iloilo Business Park’s showroom now stands as the biggest yet in Western Visayas. It includes a function/events hall, a reception area, a bar area, an AV/Training Room, a board room and a marketing office.

First Richmonde Hotel outside Metro Manila

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is now considered as a new business-class hotel in the city with ultimate comfort and luxury. The hotel is famous for its Giant Ensaymada, a signature sweet-treat that visitors and clients keep coming back for. The hotel recently opened its ultra-luxurious swimming pool.

Most modern convention facility in Western Visayas

The Iloilo Convention Center is now the symbol of Ilonggo pride for its impressive architectural design inspired by Dinagyang and Paraw Regatta festivals. In October 2015, it catered thousands of international guests during the APEC ministerial meetings in Iloilo City.

Iloilo Bike Fest Inspires a 'Bike-Safe' City

"Bike on Lights" added excitement and glitter in this year's Iloilo Bike Festival

"Bike on Lights" winner Joe Fondevilla showcases his colorfully-lighted bike during the competition

The 3rd Iloilo Bike Festival resonated a vision of bike-friendly and bike safe metropolis for Iloilo City as thousands of bikers gathered to join the series of events and fun activities from March 13-19. A partnership event of the City Government of Iloilo, Megaworld Corporation and Ronda Pilipinas,the week long event became a sensational attraction in Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare business and leisure township in Mandurriao District. The event opened with Ronda Pilipinas Criterium in Iloilo Business Park in the early morning of March 13. The most anticipated new event in this year's Bike Festival is "Bike on Lights," a gathering of bike lovers who paraded their bikes with colorful lights and designs in the evening of March 19. To showcase arts and culture, there's Pinta Siklista which showcased a parade of multi-colored painted participants with their bikes.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo Hotel Manager, Natalie Lim awards the prize for first place winner of "Bike on Lights"

Participants are getting ready to parade and showcase their colorfully-lighted bike

Iloilo City official led by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Megaworld - Iloilo Business Park Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Jennifer Ann Palmares-Fong led the formal ceremonies of Iloilo Bike Festival

The vision of the Iloilo Bike Festival is to emphasize Iloilo City as the country's most bike-friendly metropolis in the Philippines. In fact, Iloilo takes pride of its 5-meter bike lanes along the Diversion Road (Benigno Aquino Avenue) going to Iloilo Business Park to showcase another significant attraction that encourages Ilonggos and visitors to enjoy the healthy ambiance and activities of the city. The City of Government of Iloilo and Megaworld Corporation partnered and agreed to hold the annual Iloilo Bike Festival until 2020, a passion to encourage healthy lifestyle and a "bike-able" Iloilo City.