Holy Week Journey Suggestions

Next to the Christmas holidays perhaps Holy Week is the next longest series of break that every Filipinos can enjoy each year.

Conservative people may question why some choose to have fun during Holy Week, when people are expected to make some sacrifices in commemoration of Jesus’ sufferings. In my case, I stop thinking like manangs and manongs long long long time ago. Holy Week now for me is the time when I can re-charge myself after period of being serious at work. And besides, Holy Week is not really a season to grief, but a season to rejoice because with Christ’s death and resurrection, the promise of eternal life is made close at hand to all. So have a guilt-free vacation this Holy Week.

Now if you are still wondering where to go this Holy Week and tired of going to either Boracay Island or Puerto Galera, let me give you some of my suggested places:

1) Anawangin If you like the challenge of going back to basic, Anawangin is the place for you. It is a cove in the town of San Antonio, Zambales. I have to warn you though that there is no electricity, no cellphone signal and no resort in Anawangin. You have to put-up your own tent and cook your own food. There is no room for Primadonnas in the island.

If you are into photography, you will surely enjoy Anawangin. You can also schedule a side trip to Capones Island and Camara Island when you are in Anawangin.

2) Cagbalete Island Cagbalete Island is a paradise just waiting to be discovered in the province of Quezon. Nature lovers and adventurers will enjoy the rich flora & fauna that Cagbalete has to offer. The sand bar of Cagbalete is spectacular so be sure to take its picture when the tide is low.

Jump-off point for people wanting to visit Cagbalete is Mauban, Quezon. If you need a place to stay , be sure to check-in at Pansacola Beach Resort.

3) Guimaras Island Guimaras is an island province located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. The island is located in the Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros. The island also boast of itself as the producer of the sweetest mangoes in the world.

Guimaras is just 15 minutes boat ride from Ilo-ilo City so if you want to experience nightlife, you can also decide to spend a night in Ilo-ilo City.

4) Siquijor Island Siquijor is an island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is considered by many Filipinos as a mystical island due to the strong beliefs of its local to supernatural. Aside from swimming, spelunking, trekking and church hopping are some of the things that you can do in Siquijor.

To date, I consider it as the best island I have been in the Philippines.

5) Coron , Palawan Coron is one of the most beautiful town of Palawan. For the longest time, I rated Coron , Palawan as one of the top three places in the Philippines. It has the country’s cleanest lake i.e. Kayangan Lake which has a breathtaking view. Barracuda Lake is equally enhanting. It has a lot of dive spot surrounding Coron.

Words are not enough to describe Coron. You have to go there and experience it.

So there you go, pack your things and have fun in the sun.

Don’t forget to pray, it is still Holy Week anyway.

Cheers to the good life!

The Truth About My Guimaras Island Sojourn

I made a sudden change of trip itinerary when I had my vacation in Ilo-ilo City last March 12-14, 2010, and part of the changes was the inclusion of a side-trip to Guimaras Island.

I have always known Guimaras as the island which produces the sweetest variety of mango in the world. The island is located in the Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Ilo-ilo.

I never have problem getting to Guimaras Island from Ilo-ilo. There is a regular boat ride heading towards Jordan Wharf (Guimaras) that leaves every 15 minutes from Ortiz Port of Ilo-ilo City. From Jordan Wharf, there are several options in getting to your resort of choice: 1) rent a tricycle, 2) rent a mulitcab or 3) ride a a jeepney. Since I am not really in a hurry, I opted to just ride the jeepney and the process saved me some hundreds of pesos.

There are lots of beach resorts in Guimaras Island. Some of the most popular are Raymen Beach Resort and Baras Beach Resort. I decided to check-in in Guisi Clear Water which is more than one (1) hour ride from the Jordan. I selected Guisi Clear Water because of the good review I have read about one of its satisfied visitor. In addition to the review, I am also thrilled to know that the second oldest light house in the Philippines is in Guisi, as a matter of fact it is just some fifteen minutes walk from Guisi Clear Water.

In all honesty, Guisi Clear Water has a very simple accommodation. Their rooms are just similar to those you will see in the provinces of Cavite but the scenery around the resort is spectacular. Their staffs are very accommodating too! I have read complaints with the staffs and management of Raymen Beach Resort & Baras Beach Resort on internet reviews so I avoided both resorts. Between good customer service and outstanding infrastructure, I go for good customer service.

Guisi Clear Water staffs didn’t fail my expectations, when I wanted mangoes they send someone out to go get some for me. When I wanted to eat squids for lunch and it was not available they did their best to get one so I can have it for dinner. Isn’t that amazing?! Guisi Clear Water should consider though to improve their rooms ( putting wallpapers/paint and installing excellent curtains can already do the trick ) and should improve the flow of water in the bathrooms. Other than that Guisi Clear Water could already be a haven for travelers.

Some of the things that one can find enjoyable in Guimaras other than their sweet mangoes are snorkeling and island hopping. A short visit to the Trappist Monastery is also suggested. There you can find some quiet moment and thank God for all your blessings. They also have a souvenir shop that sell varieties of locally produced delicacies. I personally like their mango bars!

I strongly encourage you, guys, to include a side trip in Guimaras Island in your next trip to Ilo-Ilo City. And discover Guimaras … the island that fits your taste!