#guimaras

I haven’t really written about my high school. All this time, it seemed a blur. For the longest time, I thought that high school life was about surviving. But I met my classmates who became my constants for the longest time. As I deep dive into the memories of high school, I wish to honor my Mary Rose “Tam-Tam” Galido, who’s celebrating her birthday in a few hours. She turns a year wiser, braver,…

Here’s a story time before making it into this trip haha, my friend is from Iloilo kasi, when she booked a seat sale flight sa Air Asia and mentioned it to me, I immediately booked my own flight also. HAHAHAHHA. Hometown kasi ng mom niya, so she went with her (at saling kitkit ako char).

Disclaimer: This is a DIY itinerary, we only booked tour operators :)

DAY 1: ILOILO CITY

We went to try their famous La Paz Batchoy, and tour around the city lang. Nothing much on Day 1.  (then from SM Iloilo pauwi na to Guimbal--I stayed sa fam ng friend ko haha)

DAY 2: ILOILO CITY

I tried Roberto’s Queen Siopao (kasing laki ata to ng face ko lol), tried other foods near the area and got some pasalubong all in Iloilo City Proper.

Roberto’s Queen Siopao - PHP 180, Meatballs - PHP 120 

DAY 3: GUIMARAS

From Guimbal Iloilo, we rode a jeepney going to the port. (I think sa Parola Wharf kami sumakay) From the Port to Guimaras, it costs mga PHP 50. Then from the port, sinundo kami to tour around. We booked at Guimaras Land Tour (PHP 3,800 for a van, 6 pax with 1 baby). Daytour lang ito, mga 5/6pm we went back na sa Iloilo.

Places we visited: 

Jordan Signage

Smallest Plaza

San Lorenzo Windmill

Man Made Forest, Guimaras Signage

BPI Mango Plantation

Trappist Monastery/Giftshop, Pasalubong Center

Alobijod Cove Resort. 

We ate sa Pitstop Restaurant.

DAY 4: ISLAS DE GIGANTES

From Iloilo, we booked a joiners tour at Gigantes Island Tours & Services (sa fb)

Once we got there, we paid PHP 1099 per head (sa tour namin all in all), filled out and wait for our boat ride. Mga 1hr and 30 mins before kami nakarating sa island.

Grabe yung lunch namin dito, ang sarap ng scallops. Nag take home pa kami. HAHAHAHA UNLI KASI!

DAY 5: AKLAN, BORACAY

From Iloilo, we rode a Ceres bus going to Caticlan for PHP 300. From Tambisaan Port, we paid Terminal Fee of PHP 150, and Environmental Fee at PHP 150.

We went lang sa Station 1 near D’Mall, and Puka Beach, then nagtry ng mga food at nag-ikot saglit.

I stayed at Happiness Hostel, near Bulabog Beach.

DAY 5: AKLAN, BORACAY

Here, nagpunta kami sa Diniwid & Bulabog Beach nung morning. Kumain muna kami sa Sunnyside Cafe for breakfast. Then around 1PM, I booked a freediving session at Freedive Boracay (PHP 2,000) for 2-3 hours.

At night, I went solo to Percy Seafood (ang sarap ng oysters dito!) and tried Coco Mama (did not like that much).

DAY 6: MANILA

Is actually my flight going back to Manila na early morning :)

The island province of Guimaras may have been little heard of, but it is quite a hidden gem of its own. Guimaras Island is specifically known for its agricultural industry. In particular, half of all the mangoes which are exported out of the Philippines actually come from the Guimaras! The island’s unique soul produces the country’s sweetest variety of mangoes. Mangoes are such a priced…

📍Trappist Monastery, Jordan, Guimaras

🗓️January 16, 2023

❓Dipping keychained sinukuan tree branches in holy water inside Our Lady of the Philippines Monastery.

The sinukuan tree is found in the province of Guimaras, Philippines and nearby provinces. It is said to be a miracle tree because its branches have a natural cross inside of them, no matter how they are cut. The cross is said to represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the sinukuan tree is therefore considered to be a sacred tree. There are crucifixes made out of sinukuan for this reason.

It is believed to give good luck when carried or if placed inside a wallet.

More absurd beliefs say they help the owner gain the respect of other people and make them give in to his request.

⁉️There was an ongoing mass when I filmed this video and the best word that describes that moment was “solemn”, very solemn almost reflective. Not really sure if it is a mass or simply a prayer, but there are monks on the left side (not seen in the video) and a few churchgoers. It looks very simple and austere, there’s music like some kinda chant but still very quiet overall.

Oh life lately.