/images/rss.gif)
/images/header.png)
Travel the Philippines – Say Hello to Iloilo
January 1, 2011 by Anita
Filed under Travel And Leisure
Allan Merin asked:
Got enough of the Philippines? If not head down to Iloilo to explore more astonishing tourist attractions in the archipelago of 7,107 islands.
With an area of 4,829.1 square kilometers, this beautiful province is the commercial, industrial, financial, and cultural center of the Western Visayas region. Iloilo, which is also considered the cradle of early Philippine civilization, is subdivided into 42 municipalities, one component city, and one highly urbanized city. The province is bordered by Antique to the west and Capiz and the Jintotolo Channel to the north.
Like Boracay and Palawan, Iloilo’s beaches are worth exploring. Its beaches are known for its white sand and gentle waves. Tourists can also select from a wide array of resorts and vacation packages that suit their interest and budget. Here is a sampling of the premier tourist attractions in Iloilo.
Miag-ao Church
Recognized for its fortress-like design, Miag-ao Church is deemed as one of the country’s architectural and religious masterpieces. Located in the first-class municipality of Miag-ao, the church was built in 1786 by Augustinian priests, making it one of the oldest in the Philippines. In 1993, Miag-ao Church, which is also known as Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, was included in the UNESCO Word Heritage List.
Agho Beach
Agho Beach is a perfect weekend destination for travelers looking for a serene atmosphere. Its white sand and crystal-clear water are comparable to some of the world’s finest. Agho Beach also caters to the needs of the adventurous. Diving, boating, and snorkeling are some of the water recreations visitors can enjoy here. There are also cottages and picnic sheds for the whole family near the beach. Beautiful and pristine beaches can also be found in the towns of Concepcion, Carles, San Joaquin, and Ajuy.
Dinagyang Festival
Dinagyang Festival is the pride of Iloilo. Celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of January, this colorful event in Iloilo City is a way of honoring the Santo Niño. It is also held to commemorate the arrival of Malay settlers in Panay. During the festival, street dancers dressed in vibrant costumes shout the thundering words “Hala Bira” (Hit them).
Iloilo Museum
To know more about the province and its culture, you should visit the Iloilo Museum. Located beside the provincial capitol, the museum houses various artifacts such as fossil collections, Chinese potteries, and war relics. It also showcases new and Spanish-era masterpieces made by local artists and craftsmen.
Ilonggo Delicacies
Aside from fascinating man-made and natural attractions, Iloilo is also famous for its food. Thus an ultimate Iloilo adventure is never complete without tasting dozens of mouth-watering Ilonggo delicacies such as Cabanatuan’s tinuom, Pototan’s aripahol, Alimodia’s sinakol, and Passi City’s dried pineapple. But two of most famous among Ilonggo dishes are the La Paz batchoy and inasal (grilled chicken).
Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.
Caffeinated Content
Got enough of the Philippines? If not head down to Iloilo to explore more astonishing tourist attractions in the archipelago of 7,107 islands.
With an area of 4,829.1 square kilometers, this beautiful province is the commercial, industrial, financial, and cultural center of the Western Visayas region. Iloilo, which is also considered the cradle of early Philippine civilization, is subdivided into 42 municipalities, one component city, and one highly urbanized city. The province is bordered by Antique to the west and Capiz and the Jintotolo Channel to the north.
Like Boracay and Palawan, Iloilo’s beaches are worth exploring. Its beaches are known for its white sand and gentle waves. Tourists can also select from a wide array of resorts and vacation packages that suit their interest and budget. Here is a sampling of the premier tourist attractions in Iloilo.
Miag-ao Church
Recognized for its fortress-like design, Miag-ao Church is deemed as one of the country’s architectural and religious masterpieces. Located in the first-class municipality of Miag-ao, the church was built in 1786 by Augustinian priests, making it one of the oldest in the Philippines. In 1993, Miag-ao Church, which is also known as Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, was included in the UNESCO Word Heritage List.
Agho Beach
Agho Beach is a perfect weekend destination for travelers looking for a serene atmosphere. Its white sand and crystal-clear water are comparable to some of the world’s finest. Agho Beach also caters to the needs of the adventurous. Diving, boating, and snorkeling are some of the water recreations visitors can enjoy here. There are also cottages and picnic sheds for the whole family near the beach. Beautiful and pristine beaches can also be found in the towns of Concepcion, Carles, San Joaquin, and Ajuy.
Dinagyang Festival
Dinagyang Festival is the pride of Iloilo. Celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of January, this colorful event in Iloilo City is a way of honoring the Santo Niño. It is also held to commemorate the arrival of Malay settlers in Panay. During the festival, street dancers dressed in vibrant costumes shout the thundering words “Hala Bira” (Hit them).
Iloilo Museum
To know more about the province and its culture, you should visit the Iloilo Museum. Located beside the provincial capitol, the museum houses various artifacts such as fossil collections, Chinese potteries, and war relics. It also showcases new and Spanish-era masterpieces made by local artists and craftsmen.
Ilonggo Delicacies
Aside from fascinating man-made and natural attractions, Iloilo is also famous for its food. Thus an ultimate Iloilo adventure is never complete without tasting dozens of mouth-watering Ilonggo delicacies such as Cabanatuan’s tinuom, Pototan’s aripahol, Alimodia’s sinakol, and Passi City’s dried pineapple. But two of most famous among Ilonggo dishes are the La Paz batchoy and inasal (grilled chicken).
Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.
Caffeinated Content
A Little Place Called Bacolod Philippines
Sai Vallejos asked:
Experience a happy blending of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle in Negros Occidental, the sugar capital of the country. Celebrate nature’s blessings: waterfalls, caves, mountains, rivers, springs and valleys. Go hiking and camping, fishing and angling, scuba diving and snorkeling, mountain biking and sky diving with guidance from reliable locals. Travel centuries back in time visiting stately mansions in Silay City, one of the top 25 destinations of the Philippines. Or go on Iron Dinosaurs (steam locomotives) or other special interest tours.
There are varied accommodation and dining facilities from luxurious to simply modest. Rates are reasonable. Whatever you go for, Negros Occidental has it.
BRIEF HISTORY
Originally known as “Buglas” by its natives. This fourth largest island in the Philippine archipelago was given the name “Negros” by the Spanish navigators when Esteban de Rodriguez discovered the island in April, 1565 and found its earliest occupants to be dark-skinned natives belonging to the Negrito ethnic group. The natives then, occupied initially most of the southern portion of the province, being Binalbagan and Ilog. Two of the earliest native settlements which officially became towns in 1572 and 1584, respectively. Other settlements were Hinigaran, Bago, Marayo (now Pontevedra), Mamalan (now HImamaylan) and Candaguit.
In 1734, the island became a military district and Ilog became its first capital. Bacolod was made provincial capital in 1849. Then in 1856, Negros Occidental was raised to the category of a politico-military province. During this time, several more towns were established like San Carlos and Calatrava. Other towns were created, particularly Saravia, Escalante and Valladolid (1860) as a result of the growth of Population and the influx of immigrants coming from neighboring provinces such as Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, and Cebu. These growth in population and immigrants brought to the province in turn rapid material growth and development during the later part of the 18th century.
The major boon to the province at this time were two: the cultivation of sugar which brought economic boost as it later led Negros to pioneer other provinces in sugar production with its initial of 4,000 piculs of sugar in 1856 increasing to 2,000,000 piculs in 1897. With this, new machineries such as those operated by steam were used in the towns of Bacolod, Minuluan and Bago. Another boon was the opening of the ports like Iloilo and Cebu to foreign commerce.
During the last decade of the 19th century, several important events may be summarized: one, the making of Negros Occidental as a separate province in 1890. Two, the joining of the Negrense revolutionary leaders in the nationwide Katipunan Movement which overcame the Spanish garrison in the province on November 6, 1898 during one of the Filipinos?revolt against the Spanish rule. Three, the arrival of the Americans in the province in May, 1899 leading to the establishment of a Civil Government in Negros Occidental on April 20, 1901. Fouth, the ousting and surrender of the Japanese Forces in Negros (1945) after both civilian and military leaders in Negros Occidental pursued and organized a free government in the province.
After the upheaval and destruction brought by the first and second world wars, the next years following it, were dedicated to the rehabilitation and reconstructions of various sectors as Industry and Commerce, principally the sugar industry. Following this recuperation period, socio-economic growth in the province ensued.
LANGUAGE/DIALECT
Negrenses, as practically all Filipinos, are poly-lingual. Of the 87 dialects in the country, two Visayan dialects are predominantly used in the province: Ilonggo, which is spoken by 80% to 90% of the populace, and Cebuano which is used by the rest. English, however, is widely spoken; thus the English-speaking visitor will have little or no communication problem at all.
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
Negros Occidental is primarily an agricultural province. Of the total land area of 792,607 hectares, 588,145 hectares are arable land of which appoximately 419,305.084 hectares or 53% are devoted to agriculture.
With diversification as a major provincial development program, new land uses such as more inland fishing, livestock & poultry, grains and new crops like coffee, cacao, black pepper, orchards, ramie and others are increasing.
The province of Negros Occidental is reported by the Bureau of Mines to be rich in both metallic and non-metallic mineral resources, notably copper, gold, silver and molybdenum. Among the non-metallic minerals are stones, gravel, and sand and other construction materials, also salt and guano.
The socio-economic life of Negros Occidental from the 1950?s up to the 1980?s depended mainly on sugar, producing annually about 60% of the country?s sugar output. The four corners of the archipelago have focused their wide open eyes and melting mouth to the glory of the Negrenses. Negros is where high living and high eyebrows were. (Source:The Philippine Department of Tourism)
Experience a happy blending of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle in Negros Occidental, the sugar capital of the country. Celebrate nature’s blessings: waterfalls, caves, mountains, rivers, springs and valleys. Go hiking and camping, fishing and angling, scuba diving and snorkeling, mountain biking and sky diving with guidance from reliable locals. Travel centuries back in time visiting stately mansions in Silay City, one of the top 25 destinations of the Philippines. Or go on Iron Dinosaurs (steam locomotives) or other special interest tours.
There are varied accommodation and dining facilities from luxurious to simply modest. Rates are reasonable. Whatever you go for, Negros Occidental has it.
BRIEF HISTORY
Originally known as “Buglas” by its natives. This fourth largest island in the Philippine archipelago was given the name “Negros” by the Spanish navigators when Esteban de Rodriguez discovered the island in April, 1565 and found its earliest occupants to be dark-skinned natives belonging to the Negrito ethnic group. The natives then, occupied initially most of the southern portion of the province, being Binalbagan and Ilog. Two of the earliest native settlements which officially became towns in 1572 and 1584, respectively. Other settlements were Hinigaran, Bago, Marayo (now Pontevedra), Mamalan (now HImamaylan) and Candaguit.
In 1734, the island became a military district and Ilog became its first capital. Bacolod was made provincial capital in 1849. Then in 1856, Negros Occidental was raised to the category of a politico-military province. During this time, several more towns were established like San Carlos and Calatrava. Other towns were created, particularly Saravia, Escalante and Valladolid (1860) as a result of the growth of Population and the influx of immigrants coming from neighboring provinces such as Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, and Cebu. These growth in population and immigrants brought to the province in turn rapid material growth and development during the later part of the 18th century.
The major boon to the province at this time were two: the cultivation of sugar which brought economic boost as it later led Negros to pioneer other provinces in sugar production with its initial of 4,000 piculs of sugar in 1856 increasing to 2,000,000 piculs in 1897. With this, new machineries such as those operated by steam were used in the towns of Bacolod, Minuluan and Bago. Another boon was the opening of the ports like Iloilo and Cebu to foreign commerce.
During the last decade of the 19th century, several important events may be summarized: one, the making of Negros Occidental as a separate province in 1890. Two, the joining of the Negrense revolutionary leaders in the nationwide Katipunan Movement which overcame the Spanish garrison in the province on November 6, 1898 during one of the Filipinos?revolt against the Spanish rule. Three, the arrival of the Americans in the province in May, 1899 leading to the establishment of a Civil Government in Negros Occidental on April 20, 1901. Fouth, the ousting and surrender of the Japanese Forces in Negros (1945) after both civilian and military leaders in Negros Occidental pursued and organized a free government in the province.
After the upheaval and destruction brought by the first and second world wars, the next years following it, were dedicated to the rehabilitation and reconstructions of various sectors as Industry and Commerce, principally the sugar industry. Following this recuperation period, socio-economic growth in the province ensued.
LANGUAGE/DIALECT
Negrenses, as practically all Filipinos, are poly-lingual. Of the 87 dialects in the country, two Visayan dialects are predominantly used in the province: Ilonggo, which is spoken by 80% to 90% of the populace, and Cebuano which is used by the rest. English, however, is widely spoken; thus the English-speaking visitor will have little or no communication problem at all.
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
Negros Occidental is primarily an agricultural province. Of the total land area of 792,607 hectares, 588,145 hectares are arable land of which appoximately 419,305.084 hectares or 53% are devoted to agriculture.
With diversification as a major provincial development program, new land uses such as more inland fishing, livestock & poultry, grains and new crops like coffee, cacao, black pepper, orchards, ramie and others are increasing.
The province of Negros Occidental is reported by the Bureau of Mines to be rich in both metallic and non-metallic mineral resources, notably copper, gold, silver and molybdenum. Among the non-metallic minerals are stones, gravel, and sand and other construction materials, also salt and guano.
The socio-economic life of Negros Occidental from the 1950?s up to the 1980?s depended mainly on sugar, producing annually about 60% of the country?s sugar output. The four corners of the archipelago have focused their wide open eyes and melting mouth to the glory of the Negrenses. Negros is where high living and high eyebrows were. (Source:The Philippine Department of Tourism)
Capiz Accessories – Exotic Beauty From the Philippines
Rita Mae Badrina asked:
When it comes to collecting jewelries and accessories, women have different tastes. Some ladies collect diamonds, precious stones, pearls, and so much more. I however prefer accessories made from capiz shells.
I love buying earrings and bangles made from capiz shells. Why? I really don’t know the answer to that or maybe because capiz shells are from the country where I was born and grew up… The Philippines. These type of jewelry is so unique, exotic, beautiful and when worn, it reveals the feminine side of the wearer.
Capiz is a name of a province and a type of shell found in the Philippines; It is also used largely in interior decorating and as gifts and accessories. Capiz is a geographical location found in the Philippines facing the Sibuyan Sea. The Capiz shell is the outer shell of a marine mollusk called the “Placuna Placenta” which is abundantly found the Philippine’s coastal waters and is used for decorative purposes.
The Capiz shell is a semi-transparent and flat shell with a pearl like appearance. It is often used to create beautiful lampshades and other luminescent accessories such as chandeliers and candle holders due to its cool and striking appearance when light shines through. It is also used used to match many household and fashion accessories. Capiz shells are considered to be formal and elegant.
Used for interior designs, the capiz is used not only on lampshades, chandeliers and furniture, but are also decorated on walls. Numerous hotels in the Philippines feature capiz panels on the walls of their lobbies , hallways, rooms, restaurants and even in showers and bathrooms. There are some homes that uses capiz panels, but they’re generally reserved for formal areas only, however, a casual look can also be attained by using capiz panels.
Capiz can also be used to accent leather handbags, shoes and watches. In the Philippines, it is only natural to find gift ware and souvenirs made with capiz. Dishes made from capiz sell like hotcakes because they create an elegant, one-of-a-kind look.
Synthetic capiz shells are cheaper but it is very difficult to tell the difference from a genuine capiz shell. The use of capiz shell in fashion and decorating is unlimited. Capiz shell products gives the room an elegant or formal look and at the same time creates a pacific or coastal atmosphere. If you want to experience a Filipino ambiance or if you are visiting the Philippine Islands, make sure that you don’t miss out on buying a capiz shell product.
When it comes to collecting jewelries and accessories, women have different tastes. Some ladies collect diamonds, precious stones, pearls, and so much more. I however prefer accessories made from capiz shells.
I love buying earrings and bangles made from capiz shells. Why? I really don’t know the answer to that or maybe because capiz shells are from the country where I was born and grew up… The Philippines. These type of jewelry is so unique, exotic, beautiful and when worn, it reveals the feminine side of the wearer.
Capiz is a name of a province and a type of shell found in the Philippines; It is also used largely in interior decorating and as gifts and accessories. Capiz is a geographical location found in the Philippines facing the Sibuyan Sea. The Capiz shell is the outer shell of a marine mollusk called the “Placuna Placenta” which is abundantly found the Philippine’s coastal waters and is used for decorative purposes.
The Capiz shell is a semi-transparent and flat shell with a pearl like appearance. It is often used to create beautiful lampshades and other luminescent accessories such as chandeliers and candle holders due to its cool and striking appearance when light shines through. It is also used used to match many household and fashion accessories. Capiz shells are considered to be formal and elegant.
Used for interior designs, the capiz is used not only on lampshades, chandeliers and furniture, but are also decorated on walls. Numerous hotels in the Philippines feature capiz panels on the walls of their lobbies , hallways, rooms, restaurants and even in showers and bathrooms. There are some homes that uses capiz panels, but they’re generally reserved for formal areas only, however, a casual look can also be attained by using capiz panels.
Capiz can also be used to accent leather handbags, shoes and watches. In the Philippines, it is only natural to find gift ware and souvenirs made with capiz. Dishes made from capiz sell like hotcakes because they create an elegant, one-of-a-kind look.
Synthetic capiz shells are cheaper but it is very difficult to tell the difference from a genuine capiz shell. The use of capiz shell in fashion and decorating is unlimited. Capiz shell products gives the room an elegant or formal look and at the same time creates a pacific or coastal atmosphere. If you want to experience a Filipino ambiance or if you are visiting the Philippine Islands, make sure that you don’t miss out on buying a capiz shell product.
