Guimaras Island - The Ever Peaceful Island

Guimaras is a place where you can relax and enjoy the picturesque beaches, islets and all sorts of flora. It is rung with undiscovered beaches and great snorkel spots. One of the smallest islands in the Philippines and the primary route to get here is through Iloilo. 15 mins motorboat from Ortiz wharf in downtown Iloilo City.

It is an island known for it's mangoes and mangroves. It was also reported that the mangoes served in the White House and Buckingham Palace comes from #Guimaras. A great way to be internationally known! Weee!

Dinagyang Festival 2016 - Merry Making at the Start of the Year!

It has been a yearly ritual and custom for me to visit Iloilo and cover the Dinagyang Festival activities. I don't really  know, maybe because it's one of the most colorful and really rocking festivals in the country. From the tribal drum beats, to flamboyant props and costumes and stunning choreography and acts. The performers never stray from tradition and they ensure that the feast is joyously celebrated for their patron. [Read More]

Isla Gigantes - Island of the Giants in Carles, Iloilo

Check out my instagram photos: Xtoffy

When you're in Iloilo, and you're looking for a break from the city life and stress. There's this peaceful destination off the coast of Iloilo in Carles. Its an island chain in the northern most part of the province[...]

Dinagyang Festival 2015 - Are you Ready?

Ready for merry making this January 25th?

It's been said that there will be less props but more dances, a showcase beyond the usual according to the organizers of the event. Well, surprise me! I'm so excited! 

  More photos here of last years Dinagyang Festival [...]

A Serene Scene at Guisi Clearwater Beach

After disembarking from the plane that arrived in Iloilo at 5:35am, I quickly went ahead and squeezed myself in a van that's bound to SM Iloilo for P50.00. From there I took a cab that will take me to the Parola wharf with pumpboats heading to Guimaras, P40.00 metered taxi flagdown. The entry point was at the Buenavista port which took less than 15 minutes. The public boat ride costs P15.00 one way. There is another point of entry which is located at the Ortiz wharf heading to Jordan wharf.[...]

A Zippy Visit to the Archaic Age: Guisi Lighthouse

During my week-long Dinagyang trip, part of my itinerary was to visit Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo after the festival but due to sad events recently caused by typhoon Haiyan aka Yolanda, I was being cast down to pay a visit. So where to go? Asked some locals and was apprised to just visit Guimaras and go to Guisi or Alubihod beach.

Guisi? I say. That sounds new to me. Took out one of my travel buddies -- ever reliable Ipad named "Caleb" and googled "Guisi". Before I even clicked enter, Caleb's search suggestions revealed "guisi lighthouse" and "guisi beach guimaras". Thus commence my Guimaras-Guisi trip.[...]

Revelry thuds as the Dinagyang Festival 2014 happens

You may have noticed that for the past 3 years, I've been writing about this grand event. Why? You may not know it but I actually love festivals, people all looking lighthearted and sunny and this event is just the extravagant gathering I've been to!

I haven't seen Sinulog (Cebu) and Ati-Atihan (Aklan) live - [...]

Kasadyahan Festival 2014, A Cultural Fusion

I've been asked a lot why I love going to the Visayas - especially in Iloilo. Well, aside from really charming places to go... they have lots of Festivals.

This festival fixation all started when I witnessed the Aliwan festival 5 years back [...]

Budget! Cheap! Accomodations in Iloilo

I'm in no way affiliated or associated with the following hotels, inns, pensionne houses or apartments listed on this blog unless otherwise stated. The places that i'll be listing on this post are the ones that I've been to from my past visits.


Before I make things easy for you (by just clicking on the hotel names, you'll be routed to their actual site), I must say that for the times that I've been to Iloilo, I never had a hard time looking for hotels, but booking them is a bit of a challenge, especially during the Dinagyang Season. As per my previous post, it would be almost impossible to get a place to stay if you don't book in advance. My advice, for you to get that vacancy is to look for places to stay at least 2-3 mos in advance (so you can still choose) and secure that reservation at least 2 mos before your planned arrival.

Iloilo Hotel Reservation

Destination

Check-in

Check-out

Rooms :

Child

Adult(s)

1234

1

1

Okay, so you're having a hard time getting a hotel or you're being picky because of the price [...]

Sand Bar Island Beach, Concepcion Iloilo

Sand Bar Island Beach, a photo by Kristoff de Villa Sole Escape on Flickr.

How to get there: http://kristoffsolescape.blogspot.com/2013/02/sand-bar-island-beach-concepcion-iloilo.html

How to Get to Iloilo: Dinagyang Fever is On!!!

Book your flight!

Iloilo Hotel Reservation

Destination

Check-in

Check-out

Rooms :

Child

Adult(s)

1234

1

1

Flights from Manila, Philippines (MNL) to Iloilo City, Philippines (ILO)

By plane,

Go to Iloilo and Explore the Dinagyang Festival 2014!!!

I know, I know... I was way bigger back then... ha ha. Anyway!!!

Super Fat (Jan.2013!) and one of the Tribu Panayanon Warrior dancers



You want to attend the Dinagyang Festival too? Haven't been to Iloilo? Philippines? No worries. It's easy!

http://www.trevi.com.ph

Book your flight you little lazy! Flights from

All Set for Dinagyang 2014

Airline Tickets... Check!

Hotel... Check!
Itinerary... Check!

I'm pretty much ready for the 46th Dinagyang Festival with my side trips (Guimaras and Isla Gigantes). This is going to be my 3rd consecutive year of attending the festival... Yes! I fell in love with the festival!

 And this year's theme,

Snapshots - Sand Bar Island Beach, Iloilo

Photography Post... (8 photos)

Dinagyang Festival 2013, Iloilo

A great start for the New Year! Party and watched the Dinagyang Festival! Oh, did I mention I have a media pass for it? Sweet right!? Not only did I get front row access to the perfomance stage, I also got an "unintentional-unoccupied" VIP/front row seat (I didn't purchase the seat though, but no one seems to be taking it.. so I sat comfortably... Shhhsh..). Nuff said. :)

Anyway, here are some pics from the competition at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, 2nd performance stage.

Snapshots - Dinagyang Festival 2013, Iloilo

Photography Post... (15 photos)

So Peaceful in Guimaras... Too Peaceful!!!

 Guimaras is a place where you can relax and enjoy the picturesque beaches, islets and all sorts of flora. It is rung with undiscovered beaches and great snorkel spots. One of the smallest islands in the Philippines and the primary route to get here is through Iloilo. 15 mins motorboat from Ortiz wharf in downtown Iloilo City.

My First Ever Dinagyang Festival 2012

What comes to mind when you hear ILOILO... well, VIVA SENOR STO. NINO! Yes, this is where one of the biggest Festivals happen. It's one of the most colorful and lively presentations honoring their patron. Prayers and offerings are interpreted in fast body movements which definitely shows it's cause to celebrate.