Guimaras

After a fifteen minute pumpboat ride from Parola, Iloilo City, you would have arrived at Jordan Wharf in Guimaras. From Jordan Wharf, you can book a tricycle for a tour of the island. I recently went to Guimaras and tried their famous mangoes. And they did not disappoint. I would have to agree with what people say, Guimaras mangoes might be the best, 😊

Elyu

I went to La Union for a solo trip. First stop, Darigayos Beach, in Luna.

                                    

 Met manong. He is very kind. His house is in Darigayos Beach.

(sunrise at Baluarte Watchtower)

Next stop, Baluarte Watchtower in Luna, La Union. A 400-year-old watchtower facing the West Philippine Sea built during the spanish period. (source: Wikimedia Commons)

Although it was early in the morning, there were already many tourists. This is a popular place.

Luna is known for its Pebble Beach. Instead of sand, pebbles cover its shore. The baluarte area is also a good spot to see the sunrise.

Next, I went to Namacpacan Church or Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church. Built in 1690, it is also known as the shrine for the image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Namacpacan. (source: Wikipedia)

I went to Immuki Island, still in Luna, next. I chilled for an hour in a balsa and ate sea urchin for the first time. I also ate oyster. 

I had to pose in the middle of the road in between the Almeida Man-Made Forest. 

 

Then I tried grape picking in Lomboy farm.

In the afternoon, I took a walk along Urbiztondo Beach.

Capped my day with a cold beer in Lakbai Musika and watched the sunset. What a sight. The sunset is really beautiful here. 

At first, I thought I wouldn't catch the sunset since it was cloudy. I was just scrolling through my phone when suddenly, a warm golden light hit my face. When I looked up, there it was — the sun glowing through the clouds. Nature really knows how to surprise you.

                                                         (the famous 7-11 in Urbiztondo)

Iloilo City

A few months ago, I visited Iloilo City, the City of Love. DIY Travel.

First stop, Sta. Ana Parish Church or Molo Church, known as the feminist church. It is the only all woman saints church in the Philippines. There is a statue of St. Mary Magdalene inside, along with other statues of female saints.

Right across is Molo Plaza. I tried pancit molo, a classic Iloilo comfort food, at Kap Ising's. 

Then I headed over to Molo Mansion, an old mansion converted to an SM Kultura Store where you can buy t-shirts and other souvenirs. Outside Molo Mansion, there are many food spots. I tried Happy Endings ice cream. It's delicious. There's also someone writing on the spot poetry. He's quite good. He asks you what topic and then he writes it there and then. I think my topic was about traveling. You pay any amount,

My next stop was La Paz Market, home of the original batchoy. Although the market was already renovated. I tried Netong's. Their batchoy is yummy. Legit. Then I tried Madge Cafe's famous coffee. No fancy machines there - coffee done the traditional way.

Next I headed to Calle Real or J.M. Basa Street. It's like Iloilo's downtown. Here you can find old American buildings. Roberto's is also located here. I tried their famous siopao. They say your trip to Iloilo is incomplete if you don't try the siopao at Roberto's

From the old side of Iloilo City, I headed to its modern side. I went to Iloilo Museum of Contemprary Art (ILOMOCA) and had my Ferris Bueller's Day Off moment.

Then I rented a bike at Bikelab and rode a bike to the River Esplanade and Jaro Cathedral.

I had a wonderful time in Iloilo City. Hope I could come back again. 😊

Avatar Gorge

Some places seem unreal. Formed during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, Avatar Gorge was carved by flowing lava that hardened into the surreal landscape you see today.

But locals call it "Tutulari" meaning "dripping". This gorge isn't just a tourist spot. The locals get water here too.

Yun nga lang, to get here you need to book a tour with an accredited travel agency such as Pinatubo Mountainero since the gorge is located in the  Indigeneous Aetas' ancestral land. You can't do DIY.

Enjoyed my tour here. Such a beautiful place. :)

Bohol Adventure

Since I was in elementary, I’ve seen the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier only in textbooks. And now, here I am… in Bohol!  So excited because I’m about to explore the island through a tricycle tour. 🙂

Kuya Jaime is my driver and he was really nice. He first quoted ₱1,800, but I haggled a bit and we agreed on ₱1,500. But, I still gave him ₱1,800 after the tour because it takes over an hour to get to the spots from Tagbilaran and the same amount of time to return. Almost two hours really. Plus, he was just genuinely kind and accommodating. (Minsan lang naman ako dito ba't pa ko manghinayang and mas mahirap mag bus. 🙂)

First stop — Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area. They’re so tiny and super cute  Just keep quiet so they don’t get stressed. A staff member took the photo.

Next, we passed Bilar Man-Made Forest. It’s a two-kilometer stretch of mahogany trees between Loboc and Bilar — super cool and peaceful, like driving through a green tunnel (Source: Guide To The Philippines). Had my picture taken in the middle of the road. Just like a punk.😃 Don't worry they have signs warning vehicles to slow down because tourists are having their pictures taken when you enter the forest. 😃

Then Loboc River — floating boats, and nearby is Loboc Church with its bell tower. 

Of course, a trip to Bohol wouldn’t be complete without visiting the iconic Chocolate Hills. Seeing it in real life… wow. I’ve only seen it in pictures before, and now I’m actually here.

     

(Nice view. 🙂)

Last stop, Dumaluan Beach. Clear skies, white sand, turquoise waters, good vibes only. 😎🏖️🌴

Definitely worth the trip. Come and visit Bohol! 🙂 🇵🇭