The Tamawo Suitor

The tamawos were the fairies of the Ilonggos. They were considered as someone who are like us. They went to the market, church and hear mass but goes out when the Holy Eucharist is raised. The only difference is that the tamawo has no balintataw (pupils) in their eyes.

Love captures and conquers anyone. Just like the ocean, it is free, vast and knows no boundary. This was the description of the life of Aling Rosing. She became the center of affection of a tamawo. She was a twenty-two year old young lady then. Around eleven o’clock then while she was gathering and picking some nipa leaves she heard someone is calling her name and she saw a man sitting near a tree. He might probably be around thirty years old. The young lady was immovable or static from where she stands and she felt sleepy and passed out. It was already afternoon when she regained consciousness. She never saw anyone but after a short while, he saw the man again. He is just staring at her, speechless. Aling Rosing went home carrying the nipa leaves. The man followed her. He suddenly disappeared when they were nearing the house of Aling Rosing.

After two months, one night Aling Rosing accompanied her mother to the shores to fulfill some necessities. Aling Rosing saw a lot of people – men and women but her mother saw nothing. They pulled Aling Rosing towards the stairs of the palace like house in Roca Encantada. The tamawos were talking to each other but she could not understand their language. The man she saw before was also present here but he is not talking. The young man remained speechless at that point. Aling Rosing was followed by her mother in Roca Encantada and the tamawos instantly disappeared like bubbles.

Aling Rosing turns twenty-four years old at that time. The very round full moon is exploding with golden brilliance. She thought of going to the shores. All of a sudden, a mysterious young man came out of her sight that seems like keeping a feeling of affection to her. He holds her by the hands. Aling Rosing seems lost. Together they crossed the shores from Roca Encantada until Barrio Navalas. Then the tamawo or fairy disappeared again.

On this bizarre event, Aling Rosing’s father ordered her to drink some tuba or local palm wine to drive away the tamawo and abandon her.  The tuba or palm wine was believed to be the drink hated by the tamawos or fairies. Since Aling Rosing started to drink tuba or palm wine, the tamawo suitor never ever appeared to her again.

The Historic Siete Islas de Peccado

Siete Islas de Peccado or Seven Isles of Sin - These isles are found a few miles from the mouth of Batiano river, clustered through the stretch of the Guimaras Strait. There is a beautiful lesson told by this beautiful legend in Seven Isles, most especially to the maiden of the modern times. Balagtas had said:

"In the term of young, twisted love,
 The child brings forth something that had came from
Others from negligence
The one who should teach are the lazy parents."

In one isle that was called "Dapithapon" (dusk) in one of the shores of Dagat Bisaya (Visayan Sea),  seven siblings can often be seen competing for beauty. At the dawn of a beautiful sunrise, those seven ladies who seems like nymph of the forest, happily spent the time at the shores, playing the small waves crashing against the rocks, singing, laughing and chasing each other. They are snobbish to their fellow people, vain and boastful, snooty or despising. That is the effect of too much pampering and spoiling by their parents. They don't desire to have callous on the thin palms of their children so they take responsibilities of heavy tasks and even in making a living and inside their home. Days has passed and the indulgence and following continues without rational reasoning. They don't teach their children proper ways and living rather making these ladies more spoiled and vain. Indeed destiny became so cruel to the couple. One day, both of the doting and spoiling parents got sick. Their condition got worse and when they could not even stand, no one cares to help and offer them food. "Give us some porridge," the moaning of the starving couple.

Instead, the siblings pointed at each other and no one moves because they were all making the excuses of laziness and envy.

In a fit of anger of the couple to their children, they made a grievance of great curse and regret. However, its too late. They could not change the bad manners of their children until they met their sad untimely death.

The strong curse of the parents took effect affecting the rebellious scoundrels. Destiny was furious at them and one afternoon while they are happily playing in the shores of the isle of "Dapithapon" they were just surprised by the coming of an old man carrying a long staff. They wanted to escape but once the old man spoke, seems like their white feet were stuck in the rocks and they could not walk or move.

"The curse to you by your parents reached heaven, and here, as your punishment, you will become seven isles in the shores of Visayan sea," and after saying those they were just touched by the staff and in an instant the old man disappear.

At the breaking of dawn, people were just amazed and those who were sailing when they saw the seven large isles spread nearby Dapit-hapon (Dusk) Island.

Since then residents in the area seems to hear sad moaning on a midnight that came from the seven beautiful isles they considered those from seven ladies who became rebellious and scoundrels to their parents.

It's very rare for an Ilonggo to never know the story of  the seven isles. Young and old are ready and enthusiastic to tell the origin of the islands. Though there were slight differences in some stories, in general they are all similar and almost the same thing.

There are three more stories about the origin of the islands.

There are seven siblings who wish to attend a festive occasion. They asked consent from their mother but they were not allowed to go. Despite of this, the siblings insist on going and they ride a bangka boat or canoe though the weather is bad and nature is hostile. Unfortunately, the boat capsized and they were drowned. After a few year, the seven isles emerges. It was thought that these were the siblings who defy their mother.

There's a similar story to this.

Long time ago there were seven siblings children of a fisherman. One day they ask for permission from their parents to attend the fiesta celebration of Pulao, a barrio in Dumangas. They were not permitted to go yet they still went to Pulao. It's already night time when they went home riding a dibila or a boat. They were met by an inclement weather and their boat capsized and all of them were drowned. Their parents waited for their return. A week after, some residents near the shore saw some seven isles emerged from the sea. Thus it was called Siete Pecados as a reminder to the rebellious, defiant siblings.

According to others, seven siblings from Nabalas are going across the shore of the sea to gather some humay (rice grains). They rode a boat. They were caught by a bad weather mid sea and they were all perished. Seven isles emerge. The biggest island is regarded as the oldest among the siblings and smallest island is the equivalent to the youngest of the siblings.



Photo Source:

Nurse Wanderer thru www.pinterest.com

The Pleasant Place Of Buenavista

With the arrival of the Spaniards in the island, they walked for quite sometime. They went up to the mountains to search for a resting place. They never expected to reach a hill and spent the night there. When the morning comes, the Spaniards decided when they saw a crystal clear ocean dressed by the rays of the sun, the verdant trees, and the white mountain that attracts swimming by the admiring eyes, that the place is ideal for pleasurable relaxation. The day when they have to leave the place, they wanted to name the place. They united in baptizing the place Buenavista which means "pleasurable view."

The following has a resemblance to the origin of the place.

Long time ago, Buenavista is called Tilad. How Tilad was replaced with Buenavista is just by chance only. Someone said that a Spanish governor of Iloilo came to the place because he attended the election of the first gobernadorcillo. When he reached the town center (called Poblacion), he saw a beautiful view from where he stands. He uttered "Buena Vista" or Good View in English. Since then Buenavista replaced the name Tilad.



Photo Source:

 www.bingapis.com

The Chapel In Balaan Bukid In Jordan

It seems that at all times, God and the angels grants important messages to mankind through the means of dreams and vision. This what transpired in the following story:

There is a priest living in Santa Barbara. He dreamed of the mountain in Jordan. In his dream, he was ordered by God to build a chapel in that mountain. Upon peering over the window, the first mountain he sees will be the one he will put up a chapel with. This dream kept on returning to him repetitively. So he insists on looking that said area. The priest reached Guimaras and asked for the way towards the place he is tracing. On his first and second visit, he has a difficulty of navigation because of the wilderness of everything. On his third attempt, he brought with him some crucifix and medallions. In every step he climbs, he drops a medallion and was buried on the ground by his assistant who clears the area and then puts a marker. The fourteen (14) medallion symbolizes fourteen (14) stations of the cross. In a nearby area where the fourteenth (14th) medallion was buried, it was marked for a chapel to be build. Today, a giant cross of the chapel situated on top of the mountain is visible. It can be seen from a distance from across the shore. This area is flocked most especially on the first day of May, feast day of St. Joseph the Worker as a patron of laborers and workers.


Photo Sources:

www.thirstyblogger.com

The Municipality of Jordan In Guimaras

Jordan Port Mango Marker

The smallest plaza in the Philippines and one of the smallest in the world, Jordan Plaza

The former name of this town was Nagaba. There are two lovers who wished to marry but it was opposed by their parents but love is so powerful. One night, the lovers eloped and rode a banca boat. In the a fit of fury of their parents when they learned of what they did uttered:

         "Kabay panggabaan sila. (Hope they will punish by God)."

In a turn of events, when they are in the middle of the sea there's a madness of the weather. The boat capsized and the two were drowned. Since then, the place was called "Nagaba" from the word "Gaba" which means punishment.

One version of the origin of the name Nagaba. Their parents opposed their courtship but in spite of this, they went on with the wedding. On their way home they pass by the forest. They are walking when all of a sudden a big snake wrapped all over the woman. In confusion of the guy he immediately thrust the snake with a bolo but unfortunately he cut the neck of his bride. For this grim event, they call the place Nagaba.

In 1928 the folk song was released about Jordan town. Eventually, the name Nagaba was replaced by Jordan because the place was surrounded by water. It symbolizes the Jordan river where Jesus was baptized.



Photo Sources:



https://gian05.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/a-blast-in-guimaras/

http://trixiereyna.com/travel/8-things-to-do-in-guimaras/

The Emergence Of An Island In Guimaras

The island of Guimaras which was sighted by the eyes of Dr. Jose Rizal whose name was taken from the name of a girl, Guia, the princess daughter of a far-away datu; and to the name of the son of a slave - Mara. The two, Guia and Mara are of the same age and secretly in love with each other. However Guia is betrothed to marry to a prince of Sugbu and the choice of her father cannot be refused by the princess because her refusal will put the kingdom in danger.  The wedding day of the princess. It is laden with intense sadness because the sighs of her heart is for her boyfriend - Mara. In that breath taking moment the power of love has spoken. All of a sudden Mara grabbed Guia and both of them jumped off the cliff in the heart of the sea. Eventually, in the place where they fell came the emergence of an island - the island of Guimaras.

Province of Guimaras Places of Interests

Built in 1910, Roca Encantanda offers a striking view of the beach from its balcony or porch.

Isla Naburot, Guimaras Island

Guimaras was formerly called Himal-us and was a sub-province of Iloilo until 1992 when they gained their independence.

It was believed by the archaeologists and geologists that Guimaras was once part of Panay Island. Both islands were of the same age.

The province is located southeast of Panay Island and northwest of Negros Island. It has an area of 60, 465 hectares and a population of 162, 943 as of 2010. The capital is Jordan. It has 98 barangays divided by 5 municipalities namely, Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo and Sibunag.

The island of Guimaras is near the port of Iloilo and is accessible through pump boats and can be reached within 15 - 20 minutes. It has wonderful shorelines, stunning waterfalls, springs, caves and remote islands that is so attractive for island hopping.

Dr. Jose Rizal mentioned Guimaras in his diary as early as 1890 about travels as a pleasing picnic island. He wrote this entry in his diary: "Near Iloilo, there is an island which was ideally made a picnic venue for families."

The island is a gift of nature that provides protection and refuge has a bright promising potential as a tourist destination. Since the beginning, Guimaras is already an ideal place for relaxation ideal for fishing, skiing and diving, shell collecting, butterfly catching and other forms of outdoor recreation.

"Guimaras is therapeutic" written by Dean C. Worcester, professor of zoology at the University of Michigan. The professor went on a vacation in the island in 1887. He said "In the month of our stay in Salag Dako, not only we regain our health and wellness but we also obtain important materials."

Aside from having the great potential of being a tourist attraction, Guimaras is rich in natural resources. A large portion of citrus fruits sustain Iloilo province, almost half of its copra, big portion of sea foods. It has a large deposit of steel, silica, clay, lime and other minerals. It is home to one of the sweetest mangoes in the world along with several towns in Iloilo since they produce the most number of mangoes in the country.

American forces learned the importance of Guimaras. They assigned two cavalry regiments whose influence and effect is commemorated by the barrios which bear American names such as Montpelier, Maclaine coral street in Supang, aligning point in Punta Blanco, the dockyard in Barangay Santo Rosario, Buenavista built by then Lieutenant Douglas MacArthur of the United States Corps of Engineering in 1903. It is also in the wilderness of Guimaras in Buenavista where the life of Douglas MacArthur were in danger when he was attacked by the desperate brigands. Fortunately, his life was spared when a bullet hit his hat. This crucial part of his life was documented by MacArthur in his "Reminiscences or Memories."

Naburot Island is a 2.5 hectare coral isle in the western shores of Guimaras, white sand, rich in colorful coral and marine life
Bala-an Bukid (Sacred Mountain)  - on top of Bundolan Point which has a giant cross and chapel, flocked by Catholic pilgrims during the Holy Week, offers a breath taking view of Iloilo City across the Iloilo strait and it is about 30 minutes walk from the chief port of Jordan.

Trappist Monastery, Barangay San Miguel, Jordan - considered as the first and only Trappist monk monastery in the Philippines. Offers tranquility, peace and relaxation to those who are tired and weary to offer some time for prayers and meditation.

Catilaran Cave - 20 kilometers south of Jordan, 1/2 kilometers of cave and about an hour jeepney ride from the port of Jordan; used as a refuge and shelter of the ancient people before the Spaniard arrived.

Three Isles in Jordan - about 45 minutes boat ride from Iloilo City; small caves; ideal for swimming, camping, boating; white sands

Rumagangrang - about 45 kilometers from Jordan port; white sand beach, caves, crystal blue waters, rich marine life

Puting Balas (White Sand) - 20 minutes boat ride from Jordan port; perfect for picnic; nearby mountains invites everyone who wants to climb.

Biri Cave - 1 1/2 kilometer from Barangay Poblacion; 45 minutes walk from small river and steep pathway; narrow entry spacious very cool interior

Ambakan Cave - natural falls with crystal clear water, perfect for swimming, camping and walking tours.

Macopo Falls - 12 kilometers from the Jordan port; beautiful waterfalls with two (2) crystal clear water pool for swimming

Beautiful Jordan and Buenavista Municipal Halls

Beach of Tiniguiban Red Shrimp in Nueva Valencia is found at the western tip of Tiniguiban Isle, white sand, ideal for picnic, swimming and scuba diving; red shrimps that belongs to a unique species is abundant in the nearby small lake and only comes out of hiding when there's a surge in water level.

Alubihod Beach in Nueva Valencia - beach resort perfect for swimming, picnic because of its white sand; 30 minutes jeep or car ride from the town center or about an hour and a half pump boat ride from Iloilo City

Former Names Of Some Iloilo, Western Visayas Towns and Places

Old Oton Church 

Iloilo Province 

Ajuy - Ajui, Pili
Banate - Bobog / Calumpang
Barotac Nuevo - Mulatac
Calinog - Binocsucan
Carles - Punta Bulakawe, Badiang
Concepcion - Bacjawan
Dingle - Baong
Dueñas - Laglag / Sumandig
Dumangas - Araut, Halawod
Estancia - Daan Banwa, Lanubo
Janiuay - Matag-ub
Leganes - Guihaman, Valencia
Lemery - Lamenaria, Lameri
Leon - Camando
Mina - Montogawe
New Lucena - Himanban
Oton - Ogtong
Passi - Pasig, Sibucao 
Pototan - Naslo, Kapututan
San Enrique - Bontoc 
San Joaquin - Sinugbuhan, Siuaraga
San Miguel - Angoy
Santa Barbara - Catmon
Tigbauan - Katigbawan
Tubungan - Tin-an

Zarraga - Canipaan



Iloilo City

Arevalo - La Villa Rica de Arevalo
City Proper (specifically Fort San Pedro Area + Veterans’ Village, Ramon Muzones Drive, Plaza Libertad and San Jose Parish Church ) - La Punta
Jaro - Salog / Sarug

Lapaz - Ilawod

Mandurriao - Buaya
Molo - Parian

Plaza Libertad - Plaza Alfonso XII
Burgos St. - Calle del Recreo 
Gen. Hughes St. - Calle Nueva de Aguilar
Sto. Rosario St. - Calle del Rosario
Calle San Rafael

Western Visayas 

Buenavista, Guimaras - Tabuk

Guimaras - Ymal-us / Himal-us

Jordan, Guimaras - Nagaba

Negros Occidental and Oriental - Buglas

Addendum:

1. Ilawod

- used to refer to present-day La Paz and Lapuz

2. Ilaya

- used to refer to present-day Jaro

3. Daan-banua

- also referred to the old poblacion of Lambunao

4. Montogawe (mountain with a face)

- "Mantugani" is the old name of Mina based from Nereo Cajilig Luján.

5. Tin-an

- Old name of Tubungan according to their LGU

6. Jimanban

- Old name of New Lucena according to their LGU

7. La Punta

- Believed to be the old name of City Proper

8. La Villa Rica de Arevalo

- Present-day Arevalo proper, Villa Baybay now refers to present-day Sto. Niño Sur and Calaparan.

9. Valencia

- also the old name of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

Valencia found in Iloilo was renamed to Leganes, a small borough within Madrid, to address the influx of immigrants who were eyeing to acquire the "V" surname.

10. Guimaraes

- The first capital of Portugal and it is believed to be the toponym of Guimaras Island.

Places Of Interest In Iloilo and Guimaras

                         Other Places Of Interest In Iloilo and Guimaras

Guisi Beach, Guimaras

Iloilo Fort San Pedro

Iloilo Golf and Country Club, Santa Barbara, Iloilo

Sacred and Historical Places

Plaza Libertad - located right at the center of Iloilo City
 - originally called Plaza Alfonso XII
 - where the flag of the First Philippine Republic was raised in triumph after Spain surrendered Iloilo, her last capital in the islands, to the revolutionaries led by General Martin Delgado on December 25, 1898.

La Villa De Arevalo - a district of Iloilo City which is six (6) kilometers southwest of city proper; seat of the Alcaldia of Panay 
 - first Spanish settlement in Panay to be attacked in 1588 by the English privateer Sir Thomas Cavendish, third circumnavigator of the world

Jaro - another district of Iloilo City which is three (3) kilometers from the city proper

- old colonial houses of sugar barons and Hispano-Filipino houses of the elite still stand, antique shops

- the birthplace of the greatest Filipino propagandist and orator, Graciano Lopez-Jaena and Ilongga poetess, Magdalena Jalandoni

- seat of Catholicism in Western Visayas

Jaro Belfry - ruined by the earthquake named Lady Kaykay in 1948

- one of the few belltowers in the Philippines which stands apart from the church

Guimbal Watchtowers - twenty nine (29) kilometers southwest of Iloilo City;

- five (5) stone watchtowers called Bantayan by the natives during the Spanish era to warn the townspeople of marauding pirates

Miag-ao Church - Forty (40) kilometers southwest of Iloilo City
 - a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1786
 - its native facade is a unique explosion of botanical motiff reminiscent of Aztec art
- the church was declared a national landmark in 1973 by Presidential Decree 260.

Santa Barbara Church - sixteen (16) kilometers north of Iloilo City; a neo classical church where General Martin Delgado of the Visayan revolutionary government convened the junta that raised the first cry of revolution against Spain in Iloilo.

Santa Barbara Golf and Country Club - 18-hole, 37 hectages of golf course

- the oldest golf and country club in the Philippines and the entire Southeast Asia

- built in 1907 and opened to the public in 1913

San Joaquin Church - Fifty-three (53) kilometers southwest of Iloilo City

- the only church in the Philippines sporting bas relief of historic battle between Christians of Spain and Moors of Morocco in Tetuan in 1859.

Tigbauan Church - Twenty-two (22) kilometers southwest of Iloilo City with Baroque facade

- behind the rectory was the first Jesuit school for boys in the Philippines established in 1592.

Panay Liberation Marker - located in Tigbauan, Iloilo

- commemorates the American liberation of Panay from the Japanese in 1945

Buenavista Wharf - Twenty (20) minutes by pumpboat from Iloilo City; built by the young Lieutenant Douglas MacArthur in 1903 while on duty with the United States Corps of Engineers

Heritage Buildings at the Calle Real - Downtown Iloilo City or J.M. Basa St. (Jose Maria Basa St.) formerly called Calle Real boasts of buildings that dates back during the Spanish and American colonial period.

Hoskyn's Department Store or Hoskyn's Compound - located in downtown Iloilo City or Calle Real is the first and oldest existing department store in the Philippines established in 1877 by the British, Henry Hoskyns of Hoskyns and Company. Henry Hoskyns is the nephew of Nicholas Loney, the first British vice-consul in Iloilo. Hoskyn's Department Store predates the first department store in the United States which

Muelle Loney - Port of Iloilo named after the first British vice-consul of Iloilo, Nicholas Loney, Father of the Sugar Industry of Panay and Negros. Considered one of the safest harbors because of Guimaras Island that protect it from drastic winds. It was first opened to world trade in 1855. The iconic Iloilo Customs House is situated here.

Molo - one of the districts of Iloilo called Parian during the colonial period. It was the Chinese quarters of La Villa de Arevalo. It is also called the Athens of the Philippines not just because of the plaza that resembles the old temples, domes and architecture of Athens with Greek goddesses but more so of well preserved old buildings and architecture in the area. The place also produced many intellectual and political leaders.

Spanish Bailiwick, Brgy. Carmelo - Three hundred (300) meters from Banate town proper; a historical landmark known as the hiding place of the Spanish authorities from the Moros.

Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain) in Guimaras Province - 30 minute walk from Jordan Wharf, Guimaras; it sits atop Bundulan Point; with a giant cross and chapel; pilgrimage site of the Catholics especially during the Holy Week, offers a commanding view of Iloilo City across Iloilo Strait.

Japanese Fortification, Cabatuan - Concrete structure during the Japanese occupation. Built on a hill twenty (20) feet high with a diameter of nine (9) feet. Used as a lookout by the Japanese soldiers guarding the road and the path to the airfield in Tiring, Cabatuan.

Agony Hill - a long winding hill in the town of Alimodian, approximately twenty-four (24) kilometers from the city proper. The very popular Agony Hill among pilgrims during the Holy Week, was established in 1970s to relive and reflect the last few hours of the sufferings and passion of Christ before his crucifixion and death through Way of the Cross. All Fourteen (14) Stations of the Cross consists of life-size statues and small altars depicting the important scenes in the Stations of the Cross. The famous Agony Hill serves as a Mount Calvary on Golgotha for pilgrims and devotees in their act of penance and reflection. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock on this hill every year mostly during the Holy Week.

Guimbal Church - Yellow sandstone church built by Father Campos; Spanish-Filipino vintage towers and stone walled cemetery built by Father Agustin Llorente.

Janiuay Church - Ruins of the beautiful church at the town's plaza where it had been built. Bells of JD Reyna foundry in Iloilo in 1871 and 1898 are still in use.

Janiuay Cemetery - famous Hispano-Filipino cemetery built in 1875 of cut stone and fossil rock sprawling on a hilltop with three (3) imposing stairways and two (2) Gothic doors;  thirty-two (32) kilometers from Iloilo City

Concrete Pillboxes, Janiuay - built by the Japanese forces during the war rise on both ends of Janiuay bridge on the way to Lambunao. One is about twenty-five (25) feet tall with a diameter of nine (9) feet. Both pillboxes are still intact.

Siwaragan River, San Joaquin - According to a popular legend, the ten (10) Bornean datus landed here in the middle of the thirteenth (13th) century and bought the island of Panay with a beaten gold hat called Salakot and a very long necklace that touches the ground called Manangyad from the Negrito chieftain, Marikudo long before the Indians sold Manhattan to European settlers. With the barter of Panay, the Negritos decided to live in the mountains while the Malays occupied the lowlands.

Cabatuan Church - Neo-classical built in the early 1880s; everyside is a facade in itself; walls are overlaid with brick.

Fort San Pedro -  built by the Spaniards in the early 1600s; attacked by Dutch, British, American and Japanese forces; birthplace of the first Filipino commercial air transportation, the Iloilo-Negros Air Express CO., founded by the Lopez brothers on February 3, 1933.

- this is also the original place of the first Iloilo airstrip built in 1938 and considered one of the first airports in the Philippines

Molo Church - three (3) kilometers from the city proper; Gothic Renaissance church of coral rock; completed in the 1800s, it was a unique female church because of the two rows of female saints line both sides of the church. The church was visited by the national hero, Jose Rizal in 1886 on his visit to Iloilo.

Jaro Cathedral - seat of Jaro Archbishopric embracing Western Visayas; it is also home of the  miraculous Nuestra Señora De La Candelaria (Our Lady Of Candles), patroness of Western Visayas region.

Nuestra Señora De La Candelaria (Our Lady Of Candles - the miraculous Marian image was crowned and declared Patroness of Western Visayas region by Pope John Paul II on his visit to Iloilo in 1981.

- was said to be miraculous because it grows by at least a few centimeters every year and sometimes found to be bathing her child near a fountain inside the Jaro plaza

Asilo De Molo - Three point five (3.5) kilometers south of Iloilo City proper; an orphanage where princely vestments worn by church dignitaries are made, designed and hand embroidered by little orphan girls under the tutelage of the nuns.

Pavia Church - Thirteen (13) kilometers northwest of Iloilo City; red brick church of Byzantine style built by Spanish Augustinians  and used as garrison by the Japanese who drew guerilla raids that pockmarked the walls.

San Joaquin Cemetery - 53 kms, southwest of Iloilo City; built in 1892 of coral rock; a hexagonal chapel crowns a 20 step staircase flanked by stone balustrades; rose windows at the main entrance.

Alimodian Church - built in 1851 and made from corals and limestones. It was first built in 1787 from simple nipa hut and cogon grass but was destroyed by a fire. The church was partly destroyed during the earthquake of 1948 which buried half of its belfry and toppled down all of the churchbells. Only one of the original seven (7) church bells exists today which was said to be one of the loudest church bells in Iloilo.


Cultural

Museo Iloilo - a repository of Iloilo's cultural heritage: exhibits include scientifically dated fossils, shells and rocks indicating the age of Panay Island. Stone age flake tools; native pottery; ornamented teeth; jewelry excavated from pre-Spanish burial sites and trade pottery from China, Annam and Siam; secondary burial coffins found in forbidden cave; rare pictures, memorabilias and relics of wars: relics from a British sunken ship; Spanish period Filipino sculpture: and modern art by Ilonggo artists.

Magdalena Jalandoni Heritage House - the birthplace of the popular Ilongga poetess, Magdalena Jalandoni which houses vast collections of her work and mediums, antique collections of the things or tools her family used during the colonial Spanish and American period.


Antique Collections - collection of Philippine colonial sculpture, wood, stone and ivory saints. Chinese porcelain wares  and other artifacts.

Lourdes Dellota
E. Lopez St.
Jaro, Iloilo City
Tel. Nos. 320-6686

Letecia Jesena
59 Commission Civil St.
Jaro, Iloilo City


Art Galleries:

Museo Iloilo
Bonifacio Drive
Iloilo City


Natural

Sicogon Island - a 1.104 hectare white sand palm-fringed island gradually sloping down to some 350 feet beyond the shoreline; five (5) kms. from the town proper of Estancia and one hundred thirty-seven (137) northeast of Iloilo City. It was where the film "Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat Lupa" (The Most Beautiful Animal In The Land) was taped which was starred by Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz.

Isla De Gigantes - the iconic island paradise which was featured in several pictures and medium was where the 15th century burial caves have been found.  One cave has a stone elephant and a giant natural swimming pool which shapes like a giant cauldron covered or encircled by giant rock formations. It is twelve (12) kilometers east of Estancia.

Nadsadjan Falls - In Igbaras, thirty-nine (39) kilometers southwest of Iloilo City; a 50 foot high falls dropping on  a giant cauldron-like natural swimming pool

Iloilo Plaza Libertad

Molo Plaza

Museo Iloilo 

Sicogon Island, Carles 

Photo Sources:

agboi.blogspot.com 
Simply Iloilo 
www.backpackboy.com 
Pinoy Travel Freak.com

Pristine Guimaras

Raymen Beach Resort, Alubihod Beach, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras 

 

 

Guimaras Island Hopping Locations

Guimaras Island Guide



 

Siete Pecados or Seven Isles of Sin in Buenavista, Guimaras





Tatlong Pulo or Three Isles in Barangay Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras





Guimaras Guisi Lighthouse Guisi Point in Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras





Guisi Beach, Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras





Nagarao Island, Barangay San Isidro, Sibunag, Guimaras

           

          Daliran Cave, Old Poblacion, Buenavista, Guimaras    

       

          The island province of Guimaras is an exotic place blessed with the unspoiled beauty of nature so pristine that is rarely found in other places. This natural beauty is mostly made up of picturesque beaches, springs, falls and offshore islets which attract both foreign and local tourists. Guimaras, formerly known as Himal-us, was a sub-province of Iloilo until it was made an independent province on May 22, 1992. It has a total land area of approximately 604.57 sq. km. comprising five municipalities, namely: Buenavista, Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo and Sibunag. Jordan, its capital town, has 14 barangays, Buenavista has 36 barangays, Nueva Valencia has 22, San Lorenzo has 12 and Sibunag has 14. Regarding population based on the 2010 census, Buenavista is the most thickly populated with a total population of 46, 703, followed by Nueva Valencia with 37, 852, Jordan with 34, 791, San Lorenzo with 24, 032 and lastly, Sibunag with 19, 565. The total population for the whole island is 162, 943.

          The most prominent structure atop the mountain in the island signals the people that they are approaching Guimaras is a giant cross that rest atop the famous Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain), the center of pilgrimage during the Holy Week and the First of May. It is situated atop Bondulan Point at Barangay Hoskyn, Jordan which offer pilgrims a commanding, scenic view of Iloilo City across Iloilo Strait.

           First stop is the capital Jordan and Macopo Falls will be passed by before reaching the provincial capitol. Macopo Falls is just one kilometer from the provincial capitol.  It is also called "Bather's Paradise" because people who shied away from the crowded beach resorts during weekends, Sundays and holidays could go there and find that place is really suited for them and one can feel the piercing coolness of the place. The water in Macopo Falls is so clear and cool since its source came from the mountain springs. It contains two pools which are ideal for swimming. There is also an ancient burial cave in the town of Jordan intruded only by the persistent guano collectors. This place is a favorite site of the Boy Scouts for camping and bivouac. It's natural beauty has been unspoiled by men instead maintained its pristine environment.
            Standing on the summit of the famed Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain), we can see the panoramic view of the whole city of Iloilo since this is situated on a high terrain. Traveling ocean vessels always keep distance while approaching this place called Bondulan Point in order to avert accident. Balaan Bukid is famous for being a pilgrimage sites for devotees, faithfuls and other tourists during the Lenten Season. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Panay Island. Another reason that Balaan Bukid attracts a lot of tourists is because of its Pagtaltal sa Guimaras (Crucifixion In Guimaras) held every Good Friday in Balaan Bukid. Pagtaltal sa Guimaras is an actual reenactment of the last hour of Jesus Christ until his crucifixion and death on the cross. The organizers choose a devotee to act as Jesus Christ - someone who has a made a deep pledge of reform and penance of crucifying himself on the cross if his wish or wants will be fulfilled. The actor will be crucified to the cross using real nails piercing his hands and feet for a specific time period under excruciating and scorching heat of the sun. Balaan Bukid is also home to the Trappist Monk Monastery, the only Trappist monk monastery in the Philippines. Naburot Island is considered to be a refuge of people from pollution and hustles of city life.
            Naburot Island is just a few minutes away from Tatlong Pulo (Three Isles). It's clear and calm waters are inviting for swimmers, boaters and scuba divers. Buringot Beach which is ten minutes boat ride from Naburot Island is suited for writers, poets and lovers. The waters of this place is so calm that it is ideal for windsurfing and sailing. The famed Alubihod Beach is very popular among beach goers, tourists and travelers who frequented Guimaras Island. It is a white sand beach named because of its white sand looking like a "bihod" or  fish eggs. This beach boasts of white sand, varied-shape corals and nature carved rocks. The water here is crystal clear fitted to be an ideal place for scuba diving.Nagarao Islands is also one of the islets in Guimaras and there is a cave called Catillaran cave there. It is situated in a half hidden forest clearing thickly encircled by the verdant forest trees and shrubs. One can find hardened, weird looking stalactites there as well as pointed piles of stalagmites rising in rows on the damp ground of the cave.
           Trappist Monastery is also another attraction. It has a spacious praying hall so tranquil and serene that it is really suited for reflection and meditation. At the simple altar stood a huge lighted candle which is kept perpetually lighted throughout the days of the year and from year to year. The area enclosed by the compound is quite extensive enough for the monks to have their citrus plantation on it. 
           Good Shepherd's Fold Orphanage in Buenavista is an institution built in 1946 by Philip Trabon which offers a high school course with a vocational training on the practical arts and the science. One can see the vast area which encloses the facilities of a laboratory and workshop rooms for young orphans.
            Daliran Springs and Cave in Buenavista is a mountain spring that has a fresh, cold water that comes from a crevice of a natural rock formation which flows freely to the densely forested nook down below. Tributaries from several mountain springs met together to form a wide pool which is as large and enjoyable as an ordinary swimming pool. Below the pool are some granite rocks similar to what can found in the ceilings and walls of the adjoining cave. Next stop is the Tinadtaran Buenavista Target Range at Barangay Tinadtaran, Buenavista.
            Tinadtaran Buenavista Target Range at Barangay Tinadtaran, Buenavista is the place where the young Douglas MacArthur  developed his shooting skills during the period from 1903 - 1904. He was 23 years old then and a Second Lieutenant fresh from the West Point Academy in the United States, when he was assigned in Iloilo as a Company Commander of an Army Corps of Engineers. In fact, the roads from Arroyo Street to Compania Maritima Building and the wharf along Muelle Loney were constructed by his Army Engineers. The Tinadtaran Target Range is among the enduring proofs of General Douglas MacArthur's stay in the island.
            Barangay Supang still in the town of Buenavista is also full of history. Camp Jossman in Barangay Supang in Buenavista town is the place where a military installation was put up  by the United States Army in 1903. The road in the area which is still visible up to this day is also one of the evidences of General MacArthur's stay there.  p. 254
            Roca Encantada is famous for its mansion perched on top of the island. This mansion perched on top of a small rocky island was built in 1910 by a lady who at the age of 22 became a widow. Because of loneliness, she decided to leave the elegant city life in Iloilo and stayed there in the mansion by the rock for the remaining years of her life. Before she died, she left word to her sons never to sell the place for anything in this world. The lady was no other than the late Doña Presentacion Hofileña Lopez, the mother of the illustrious Lopez brothers - Don Eugenio H. Lopez and former Vice President of the Philippines, Fernando H. Lopez. The place is occasionally used as a venue for seminars and retreats and a favorite stopover for some excursions and field trips. To reach the top, one must ascend the rocky steps toward the island mansion. Once you reach the top, you will have a breath taking view of the surrounding areas while being refreshed by the flurry of the cold, fresh sea breeze. One can delightfully discover that the place offers a panoramic view of the whole northern portion of Guimaras Island and upon turning the gaze towards the middle portion of the sea, one can see a clearer view of the seven islets known as the "Siete Pecados" or the "Isles of Seven Sins." Known literally as the "Enchanted Rocks," Roca Encantada portrays an atmosphere of complete serenity and tranquility which reflects the owner's desire and personality. It is really an ideal place for one who wants seclusion and reflection. Many people believed that the place serves as a lasting symbol of the late landlady's love of nature.

          Guimaras is only a small province but it is endowed with a natural beauty exemplified by its numerous white sand beaches, spotless roaring cascades and significant historical sites, very few of which were man-made. Most of those natural beauty attractions remained pristine and unspoiled which made them so attractive and tempting to local and foreign tourists. 

 

Roca Encantada, Buenavista

  

Roca Encantada, Buenavista

  

Roca Encantada, Buenavista

  

Roca Encantada, Buenavista

  

Balaan Bukid or Sacred Mountain in Hoskyn, Jordan, Guimaras

  

Balaan Bukid or Sacred Mountain in Hoskyn, Jordan, Guimaras

 

Isla Naburot or Naburot Island in Barangay Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras 

 

Isla Naburot or Naburot Island in Barangay Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras 

 

Isla Naburot or Naburot Island in Barangay Sinapsapan, Jordan, Guimaras 

 

The smallest plaza in the Philippines can be found in Jordan, Guimaras 

Photo Source: 

www.vigattintourism.com 
www.ceajan.com 
www.alienscream.wordpress.com 
www.morefuninpinas.com 
http://theislandexplorer.blogspot.com 
http://neilshots.wordpress.com 
http://ilonggos.net 
http://flavoursofiloilo.blogspot.com 
www.iloilo-travel-guide.blogspot.com 
www.escapemanila.com
www.pinoytravelfreak.com