panaycapiz

Tourist spot attraction in the Philippines

panaycapiz — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Puerto Galera | Philippines

Mindoros waters and Puerto Galera is a divers paradise with reefs that is considered one of the best in the world. Four hours south of Manila via boat and a ferry, Puerto Galera in the island of Mindoro is home to the famous White Beach which has a wide array of accommodations, restaurants, nightlife and beach activities to choose from. There is also Sabang Beach which is likewise famous for diving and its vibrant nightlife. For those who are more serious about having a quiet time, you can try Aninuan and Talipanan Beach.
The Cordilleras | Philippines

The Cordillera region is located in the mountainous central area of Luzon, and is home to the famous Banaue Rice Terraces as well as the hanging coffins of Ifugao. Baguio city is the regions center, which is also a good tourist destination in itself with its numerous parks and other attractions. The Banaue Rice Terraces encompassed by the provinces of Ifugao, Benguet, Mountain Province and Apayao, is a UNESCO world heritage site because of its historical significance and sheer magnificence.
The Ilocos Region | Philippines

The Ilocos region occupies the northwestern face of Luzon Island in the Philippines. This belt, which includes the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, is a great destination if you wou would like to soak up some culture, history and of course, some fun in the beach! Pangasinan is home to the natural wonder,rocreh web design offfers a great trip for tourist Hundred Islands Natural Park, a group of 124 islands with three developed for tourism. La Union is known as the surfing capital of the north, with waves especially suited for surfing in San Juan. Ilocos Norte is home to UNESCO world heritage site Vigan, a Spanish colonial town that was thankfully spared from bombing during the war. Ilocos Norte is known for being the hometown of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, whose body still lies in wake for the public to see in his native Batac. It is also home to centuries old churches as well as the famous white sand beach, Pagudpud.
Bohol | Philippines

Bohol is nestled between the Visayas and Mindanao region of the Philippines and is home to pristine white beaches as well as the worlds smallest primate, the Philippines Tarsier. It is also famous for the natural formation Chocolate Hills,tourist spot a collection of small which look like little chocolate kisses that extend beyond the horizon.

Boracay Island | Philippines

Of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to Boracay Island, considered one of the best beaches in the world. Some tourists visit the Philippines for the sole purpose of experiencing this island alone. The island is known for its clean white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, numerous watersport activities, top-end resorts, restaurants and other R&R facilities.

Take a Look in Capiz Tourist Spots

panaycapiz — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:53:00 +0000

Capiz is one the five provinces of Panay Island, Western Visayas. Located 375 miles southwest of Manila, tourist attractions 136 kilometers northwest of Iloilo City and 86 kilometers east of Kalibo, Aklan, once a part of the early Malay settlement known as Aklan. It is composed of 16 municipalities, 1 chartered city (Roxas City) and 472 barangays. Its capital, Roxas City is the seat of the provincial and city governments and center of trade. the biggest bell in asia

Capiz' topography varies from rolling lands and hills to mountain peaks and ranges. The province has the 3rd type of climate, seasonal changes are not pronounced. It is relatively dry from November to April and wet from May to October.

The economy is basically agricultural with palay, corn, coconut, vegetables and sugarcane as principal crops. The rest of the cultivated areas are devoted to fishponds, livestock and other minor crops. It has mineral and non-metallic deposits like zinc, aluminum, gold, iron, purite and copper. tourist spots

Culasi, Roxas City is served by 2 shipping lines. Philippine Airlines also services the province through the Roxas City airport.

tourist spots

panaycapiz — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:54:00 +0000

Tourist Spots in Capiz

Historical

Birthplace of Manuel Roxas (Roxas City)
Located in the city proper; a two-storey hardwood and stone house of First Philippine President Manuel Roxas, now a historical shrine.

Moro Towers (Sitio Nipa, Roxas City)
Half-torn stone structures built in 1814 in order to repel the invading Moros and Portuguese colonizers.

Capiz National High School
One of the pioneering educational institutions in the province, Capiz National High School (formerly Capiz High School) was established and completely organized in 1914. Its imposing structure and location (top of a hill) is always a welcome sight. Its 48-step stairway is a popular spot for picture-taking.

Roxas City Bridge (Old Capiz Bridge)
The old and imposing Roxas City Bridge (formerly Capiz Bridge) remained strong and firm after it was built in 1910. Overlooking the Panay River, the bridge is a silent witness to various changes that ushered in progress and development in the city. Like the old bridge, equally alluring is the huge stretch of Panay River that transverses the very heart of the city. Passing the major edifice of the city, the river of Roxas City has been dubbed as the “Venice of the Visayas”. tourist spot attraction

Capiz Cultural Attraction

Ang Panublion (Roxas City Museum)
Built in 1910 as a water tank; has memorabilia of illustrious sons and daughters of Roxas City; collections of religious icons, artifacts, and artworks.

Mundo Dance (Tapaz)
The dance of the mountain tribe known as Mundo is a vanishing remnant of pre-Malayan Indonesian immigrants to Panay. The dance retains to this day the original choreography arranged around ancient Indonesian fertility rites.

Capiz Natural Tourist Attraction

Baybay Beach (Roxas City)
Three kilometers from the city proper, this clean black sand beach has beach houses, motorboats for boating and fishing. Also a good place for water skiing.

Olutayan Island
30 minute pumpboat ride from Banica Terminal, Roxas City. The waters are crystal clear. Thirty feet below, multi-colored fishes cavort in flashes of blue, yellow, and red colors sliding through colorful seaweeds. The island’s beach is carpeted with tiny crushed shells called cascaho.

Quipot Cave (Bgy. Burias Mambusao)
30 minute ride over rough roads, it is about 3 km. from the Mambusao Agricultural and Technical hercor College or around 9 km. from the town proper. Wild birds, deer, and wild ducks abound in the place. Near the cave is a stream. The cave consists of many chambers, each at a level different from other chambers. In certain sections, one has to crawl because the space between the roof and cave floor is just two or three feet. There are also sections that seem like a dead end, except for small openings through which only one person can crawl. These holes lead to a chamber as big as a hotel ballroom, which is why it is dubbed as the “Quipot Hilton”. There are plenty of stalactites and stalagmites.The cave is cool inside.

Napti Island (Pan-ay)
About three to four hectares big, located near Olutayan Island; has white sand, small cave, and abundant shells for necklaces. The beach is inviting. The water is cool and clear and free of troublesome jellyfish the whole year round. A small cave, about 100 meters long, winds several feet below the surface across the island. It commands a breathtaking view of Roxas City and Pan-ay. Fishing enthusiasts and gourmets have a wonderful time here because of the plentiful fish and lobster.

Buntod Beach (Pan-ay)
About a kilometer long and is located far from the inhabited section of Pan-ay; one of the cleanest beaches in Capiz; has fine black sand with a beach free of jellyfish all year round; and its water is cool and clear. It is approximately 10 minutes by jeepney, car, and tricycle from the town. It is also accessible by speedboat or pumpboat from any point of Capiz.

Pilar Cave (Pilar)
One and a half km. from the poblacion by jeepney, tricyle, and car over rough roads. About two years ago, townspeople discovered earthen pots with intricately incised designs. The caves must have been burial sites of pre-Spanish Filipinos. The Balisong Cave where the Capiz revolucionarios routed Spanish soldiers is also found hereabouts. The side of the mountain where the caves are is a spectacular sight. It is grayish-black rock rising 200 ft. to the sky. Plants, orchids among them, hang from the cliffs, blooming in the summer and filling the air with exotic frangrances. the biggest bell in asia

from illongos.net

Parish of St.Thomas

panaycapiz — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:46:00 +0000

After two churches were burnt down and raided by Muslim pirates in 1741 and 1754, a site in Tacas was chosen on top of a hill which has a perfect view of the Miag-ao River. This world-famous Miag-ao church is one of the four baroque churches in the Philippines recorded in 1993 on the World Heritage List sponsored by UNESCO. The three other churches are: (1) Immaculate Concepcion (Intramuros, Manila), (2) Nuestra Senora (Ilocos Sur) and (3) San Agustin (Ilocos Norte).

An egg and a limestone – two things that the natives were obliged to bring in building this church or face whipping. The travel is about 30-35 kilometers from the mountains of Sitio Tubo in San Joaquin and from the Mountains of Igbaras enduring a stone of weight on one shoulder.

The whole church featured a Neo-classist type of design fused with several local tendencies and the builders achieved in making a national architecture. The balance is reinforced by the massive bell towers, suggestive of a medieval castle. Two belfries taper up gradually and end up in uneven height. Fr. Francisco Perez, the old man of Miag-ao added one story to the left tower in 1830 in order that the two could be equal in height, still the left tower is short with one level.

The façade is breathtaking with an intricate sculpture of coconut, banana and papaya trees and stylized guava fruit and below is a niche encasing the patron saint of the town, St. Thomas of Villanova.

The construction of this house of worship started in 1798 under the supervision of another Augustinian Priest, Fr. Francisco Gonzales and it took ten years to finish the whole structure. The church is not built solely for the reason of hearing mass; this fortress also provided the natives a strong defense against the invading Moors. The left belfry has a clear view of the shores of this town. The bell would ring as a warning of the approaching enemy and the townsfolk’s would rush inside the church to protect themselves. It sinks to as deep as six meters below the ground with walls as much as 2 ½ meters thick including the outside columns.

It is an architectural wonder how an egg yolk managed to paste the group of lime stones on top of the other (no steel bars) and survived the 1898 revolution, 1910 fire and the 1948 earthquake that toppled the belfry of Jaro Cathedral and destroyed the church of Oton, although a small portion of its left belfry was also damaged.

An excavation was done in 1982 that led to the discovery of the original altar which is used until today. It is partially made of gold and silver. A saint made of lime was also discovered during the excavation and is now encased in a glass panel situated near the Baptistery. Their Baptistery, where the Birhen ng Baranagy statue stood, is found at the right side of the church facing the altar, still used until today to welcome new members of the Catholic Church.

Parish of St.Agustin

panaycapiz — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:37:00 +0000

The town was formerly called Araut. Dumangas was made parish in 1569 and in 1572 under the leadership of Fr. Juan de Alva, the construction for their church started. Until the end of the Spanish rule, their Church gained a wide popularity as a vital center of religious activities in Iloilo.

Fr. Juan Medina in 1617 built a wooden church in the new town. However, this church was burnt with the convent in 1528 during the time of Fr. Tomas Morales, another church and convent was built thereafter. On the other hand, on a Saturday, March 15, 1687 the almost 60-year old convent was turned into ashes taking along 2,000 canvass of rice stored in the camarin.

It was Fr. Juan Aguado in 1759 who proclaimed St. Agustin as the patron saint of Dumangas. He defended the town in a very famous legend. In 1777, Fr. Agustin Casan reconstructed the old citadel bounded by stone walls and high watch towers. It was destroyed by a strong density earthquake in 1787. Over 1,000 years later, in 1887, Fr. Fernando Llorente (famous Augustinian Friar for his engineering skills) began the construction of the present church. It was through force labor with the bricks locally manufactured and white coral stones were taken from nearby seashores to as far as Antique.tourist spot

It was finished during the incumbency of Fr. Rafael Murillo in 1895, burnt down during the Fil-Am war in the 1900s and once again in 1946, Fr. Ramon Pampona started another set of reconstructions. Serious restoration works started in 1983 under Fr. Santiago and on the same year, a national landmark was given by the National Historic Institute through the efforts of Congressman Narciso Monfort. This Gothic Byzantine Church is said to be the first stone church of Panay.philippines

The predominant design is gothic with flame-like arches of the main entrance and windows. The rectangular opening of the pediment distracts from the main motif. The windows are flanked by slender Corinthian columns.

Location : Dumangas, Iloilo

capiz' festival

panaycapiz — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:59:00 +0000

Roxas City – Department of Tourism (DOT) Supervising Tourism Operations Officer lawyer Helen J. Camarista likened to a rain in summer Capiz's new festivity dubbed "Capiztahan" for breathing fresh air into the local tourism program.

Organized by the provincial government to mark the 107th foundation anniversary of the creation of its local government unit on April 15, 1901, Capiztahan has departed from the existing festivals of the province by focusing on the various facets of the cultural heritage of the Capiceños without the other revelry-type of activities.

Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. has said earlier that the modification or shift is in line with the one of the development thrusts of the provincial government to make Capiz as an eco-cultural tourism hub in the Central Philippines Super Region, which had been identified by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the country's tourism belt.

The province has a joint festival with the city, Sinadya sa Halaran, the premier local cultural and religious festival staged every first week of December and depicts the Capiceños' traditions of giving and sharing and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It has been recognized by the DOT as one of Western Visayas's major tourism-oriented festivals and has obtained support from the agency.

Speaking at the festival opening, April 11, Camarista, who pitched in for DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta, said that since Capiztahan emphasizes the cultural heritage of Capiz, it ought to make Capiceños proud of their noble cultural heritage.

There are more indigenous activities and presentations lined up for the festival which will culminate April 15, the date of the establishment of the provincial government in 1901 by virtue of Commonwealth Act 115, such as interactive exhibits, products showcase, heritage tour, native games, pag-ulikid or outreach services, concert of Capiznon songs, and tribute presentation for President Roxas entitled "Manoling," among others. tourist spot in capiz

April 15 this year also marks the 60th death anniversary of President Manuel A. Roxas, the first President of the Republic of the Philippines. The nearest Friday to it, April 19, is a special non-working holiday here by virtue of Republic Act No. 9217 to give due honor to Capiz's most illustrious son. sta monica church

Camarista also enjoined Capiceños to promote tourism activities that would not violate the environment and lead to the exploitation of the people. The DOT Regional Office in Iloilo City has extended support to the ongoing celebration with the theme, "Gintugyan nga Panublion: Handumanan kag Manggad sang Capiznon." (PIA-JSC) church in the philippines

San Sebastian Church

panaycapiz — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:48:00 +0000

San Sebastian Church is located in Quiapo, one of Manila's older districts. Surrounding it are rows of old houses. The Church of San Sebastian is made of a steel frame and panels and is known for its distinct characteristic, that of being the only neo gothic steel church in The Philippines and in Asia.

The steel parts were manufactured in the Societe Anonyme's foundry in Binche, Belgium and were shipped to Manila. On June 12, 1888, the first shipment of steel parts were brought to the Philippines. For two years, the church was assembled with local artists and craftsmen joining the Belgian firm in applying the final finishing touches on this new church of steel. The stained glass windows were imported from the Henri Oidtmann Company, a German stained glass firm.

On June 24, 1890, the Church of San Sebastian was raised into the status of a minor basilica. The following year, on August 15, 1891, the all steel church of San Sebastian was inaugurated and blessed. The interior of the church display groined vaults. Styled along neo Gothic lines, the steel parts of columns, walls and ceiling were painted to resemble marble and jasper by Filipino artist Lorenzo Rocha and his students. True to the Gothic revival spirit of the church are its confessionals, pulpit and altars as designed by Filipino artist Lorenzo Guerrero. He with fellow artist Eulogio Garcia carved the statues of holy men and women. Trompe l 'oeil paintings was used to decorate the interiors of the church.

The Church of San Sebastian is a reflection of the late 19th century innovations in architecture, art and construction. In addition, the church was listed among the 1998 World's Most Endangered Sites by the World Monuments Watch.

There is no other example of a prefabricated all-steel church in the Philippines and in Asia. It is the only known all steel basilica in this part of the world.

The 16th Century Baroque Churches of the Philippines
UNESCO has inscribed 4 Philippines churches built in the late 16th Century as World Heritage Sites. These are located in District of Intramuros, City of Manila, Paoy, Santa Maria, Province of Ilocos Sur San Agustin, Paoay, Province of Ilocos and Miag-ao, Province of Iloilo. They are culturally significant for their unique architectural style which is the Chinese and Philippine craftsmen interpretation of this European architectural style.

The four churches are nominated as outstanding examples of the Philippine interpretation of the Baroque style. Several examples of Latin American Baroque churches and ensembles have been found worthy of inscription on the World Heritage List, and the peripheral development of this style in the Philippines deserves equal recognition.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception of San Agustin was the first church built on the island of Luzon in 1571, immediately after the Spanish conquest of Manila. A site within the district of Intramuros was assigned to the Augustinian Order, who were the first to evangelize in the Philippines. In 1587 the impermanent earliest building in wood and palm fronds was replaced by a church and monastery in stone, the latter becoming the Augustinian mother house in the Philippines. As a result the church was richly endowed, with a fine retablo, pulpit, wall paintings, lectern, and choir stalls. It was the only structure in Intramuros to survive the liberation of Manila in 1945.

The mission at Santa Maria, founded in 1765 on a narrow, flat plain between the sea and the central mountain range of Luzon, was one of the most successful Augustinian houses in the Philippines. It served as the base for the Christianization of the northern parts of the archipelago.

The Augustinian mission station of Miag-ao became an independent parish in 1731, when a simple church and convent0 ( parish house ) were built. However, destruction of the town by Moslem pirates in 1741 and 1754 led to the town being rebuilt in a more secure location. The new church, constructed in 1787 to 1797, was built as a fortress, to withstand further incursions. It was, however, damaged severely by fire on two occasions, during the revolution against Spain in 1898 and in World War II.

The town of Paoay is called " Bombay " in early documents, in keeping with the legend that the earliest inhabitants came from India. It is first mentioned in 1593 and became an Augustinian independent parish in 1686. Building work on the present church started in 1694 and it was finally completed in 1710.

The Church of the Immaculate Conceotion of San Aoustin is box-like and rather plain. Two bell-towers were added to the squat facade in 1854, but the northern cracked in the 1880 earthquake and had to be demolished. The interior of the church is more important than the exterior. The existing wall paintings date from the 19th century, but research has shown that they overlie the original tempera murals. Of special interest is the series of cryptocol lateral chapels lining both sides of the nave. The walls separating them act as buttresses, similar to the Wandofeiler of German Baroque churches. The stone barrel vault, dome, and arched vestibule are all unique in the Philippines. A monastery complex was formerly linked to the church by a series of cloisters, arcades, courtyards, and gardens, but all except one building were destroyed in 1945.

Unlike other town churches in the Philippines, which conform with the Spanish tradition of sitting them on the central plaza, the Church of Nuestra Sefiora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria with its convent are on a hill completely surrounded by a sturdy defensive wall. Also unusual are the sitting of the convent parallel to the facade of the church and that of the separate bell-tower ( characteristic of Philippine-Hispanic architecture ) at the midpoint of the nave wall. This arrangement was dictated by the topography of the hill on which it is situated. Built in brick, the church follows the standard Philippine layout, with a monumental facade masking a straight roof line covering a long rectangular building. It is alleged to be built on a solid raft as a precaution against earthquake damage. The walls are devoid of ornament but have delicately carved side entrances and strong buttresses, also designed to resist earthquakes. The curved pediment motif is repeated in the church, school, and cemetery.

The Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva stands on the highest point of Miag-ao, its towers serving as lookouts against Moslem raids. These and the squat appearance of the church underline its role as a fortress, and it is the finest surviving example of " fortress Baroque ". The sumptuous facade epitomizes the Filipino transfiguration of western decorative elements, with the figure of St Christopher on the pediment dressed in native clothes, carrying the Christ Child on his back, and holding on to a coconut palm for support. The entire riotously decorated facade is flanked by massive tapering bell towers of unequal heights.

The Church of San Aoustin at Paoay is considered to be the most outstanding example in the Philippines of " earthquake Baroque ", first defined by Pal Kelman in relation to Latin America. Fourteen buttresses are ranged along the lines of a giant volute supporting a smaller one and surmounted by pyramidal finials. A pair of buttresses at the midpoint of each nave wall are stairways for access to the roof. The lower part of the apse and most of the walls are constructed of coral stone blocks, the upper levels being finished in brick, but this order is reversed on the facade. The massive coral stone bell-tower, which was added half a century after the church was completed, stands at some distance from the church, again as a protection against damage during earthquakes. All four churches are authentic in that they represent the progressive evolution of the structures of places of worship that have been in continuous use since their original construction.

Natural tourist spot

panaycapiz — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Iloilo Tourist Spots

When visiting Iloilo City, be sure to check out interesting places.
Historical Tourist Spots

Plaza Libertad (Iloilo City)
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 Gen. Martin Delgado on December 25, 1898. Available transport – jeepney.

Panay Liberation Marker
23 km. southwest of Iloilo City; commemorates American liberation of Panay from the Japanese in 1945. Available transport – jeepney.

Molo District
Called Parian in the old days. It was the Chinese quarters of La Villa de Arevalo; Athens of the Philippines. Has produced many intellectual and political leaders. Available transport – jeepney.

Spanish Bailiwick (Brgy. Carmelo)
300 meters from Banate town proper; a historical landmark known as the hiding place of the Spanish authorities from the Moros. Available transport – jeepney.

Japanese Fortification (Cabatuan)
Built by the Japanese as a lookout point for enemies. Available transport – jeepney.

Concrete Pillboxes (Janiuay)
Built by the Japanese during World War II. Available transport – jeepney.

Andonna Creek (Bgy. Siwaragan, San Joaquin, Iloilo)
Landing site of the 10 Bornean datus.

Fort San Pedro
Built by the Spaniards in the early 1600s; attacked by Dutch, British, American, and Japanese troops. Available transport – jeepney.

Janiuay Cemetery
32 km. from Iloilo City, Hispano-Filipino cemetery built in 1875. Available transport – jeepney.

Balantang Memorial Cemetery
A national shrine located at Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City. The only military cemetery established outside Metro Manila. The bloodiest battle of the guerrilla forces of Col. Macario Peralta, Jr. had occurred in these hallowed grounds of Balantang and vicinity from Feb. 6 up to the liberation of Iloilo City on March 20, 1945.

Memorial Cemetery Museum
Located in Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City. WW II vintage firearms, sub machine guns and 81 mortars are displayed. Photographs and situation maps depicting historical events are likewise exhibited.

Oton
11 km. southwest of Iloilo City, seat of Confederation of Madiaas under Datu Paiburong; where the temple in honor of Virgin Mary was built by Fr. Martin de Rada around 1570; 1st pueblo in Panay in 1571; accepted on May 3.

Japanese Underground Garrison (Concepcion, Iloilo)
Located at Bagongon Island.
Cultural Places of Iloilo City

Jaro Belfry
Ruined by a 1948 earthquake, but now restored. One of the few belfries in the country that stands apart from the church. Availabletransport – jeepney.

Guimbal Watchtowers
29 km. southwest of Iloilo City proper; called “bantayan: built to warn the people of pirates. Available transport – jeepney.

Magdalena Jalandoni’s Residence
(Commission Civil St., Jaro, Iloilo City). Contains collections of Magdalena Jalandoni’s works, the 1st Republic Cultural Heritage awardee in Literature in 1969.

Rosendo Mejica Museum (Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City)
Repository of valuable memorabilia, social & cultural literature in Hiligaynon, English & Spanish dating from the last quarter of the 19th century to the 6th decade of the 20th century.

Kuta (Watchtower) (Bgy. Baybay Norte, Poblacion)
Stone watchtower constructed with the same material as the Roman Catholic church of Miag-ao.

Taytay Boni (Bgy. Igtuba, Miag-ao Iloilo)
Old Spanish bridge.

Old Buildings at Downtown Area (Downtown Iloilo)
J.M. Basa St. or Calle Real boasts of buildings that date back during the Spanish and American colonial periods. Available transport – jeepney.

Imbidayan Rock (Bgy. Sinugbuhan, San Joaquin, Iloilo)
Site of the barter of Panay.

Siwaragan River (San Joaquin)
Where according to legend the barter of Panay took place. Available transport – jeepney.

San Joaquin Cemetery
53 km. southwest of Iloilo City; built in 1892 of coral rock; a hexagonal chapel crowns a 20 step staircase flanked by stone ballustrades; rose windows at the main entrance. Available transport – jeepney.

Jaro
3 km. from the city proper; old colonial houses of sugar barons and Hispano-Filipino houses of the elite still stand, seat of Catholicism in Western Visayas. Availabletransport – jeepney.
Natural Tourist Spots of Iloilo

Sicogon Island
A 1,104 hectare white sand palm-fringed island gradually sloping down to some 350 feet beyond the shoreline; 5 km. from the town proper of Estancia, 137 km. northeast of Iloilo City.

Isla de Gigantes
Where 15th century burial caves are still found. One cave has a stone elephant and a natural swimming pool; 12 km. east of Estancia.

Nadsadjan Falls
Located in Igbaras, 39.9 km. southwest of Iloilo City; a 100-foot high falls dropping on a giant cauldron-like natural swimming pool.

Tinagong Dagat
A lake situated in a plateau surrounded by rolling hills of Lambunao, Iloilo; 73 km. north of Iloilo City.

Cataan Cove
Located in San Joaquin town, 60 km. southwest of Iloilo City; has beautiful marine garden; ideal for scuba diving.

Darangkulan Waterfall
Located in Sitio Bagingbong, Brgy. Balabag, 8 km. from the town proper of Anilao; lush vegetation; situated at the foot of Mt. Manyakiya, the highest peak in the municipality.

Nagpana Falls (Barotac Viejo)
Swimming hideaway; where Aetas (cultural minority) live.

Mt. Napulak (Igbaras)
55 km. from Iloilo city proper; has virginal forest, and abundant wildlife.

Bucari (Leon, Iloilo)
30 to 40 min. from the Poblacion; known as Little Baguio; consists of 14 contiguous barangays in the Municipality of Leon & adjoining barangays in the Municipality of Alimodian. An eco-tourism site which boasts of vast varieties of fauna & flora, waterfalls, springs & streams and a cool invigorating climate like Baguio.

San Mateo Mountain Spring (Bgy. San Mateo Norte, San Joaquin, Iloilo)
Features 1.5 km. of rushing spring water.

San Juan Falls (Sara)
6.2 km. from Sara town proper; a series of falls and pools located in a valley of lush vegetation.

Sampunong Bolo Wildlife Sanctuary
3 km. from Sara poblacion and approximately 98 km. northeast of Iloilo City. The area is about 52 hectares classified as timberland. It has a reservoir where purple herons feed during daytime.

Darangkulan Waterfalls (Sitio Bagongbong, Brgy. Balabag, Anilao, Iloilo)
8 km. from the poblacion; surrounded by trees, boulders; situated at the foot of Mt. Manyakiya, the highest peak in the municipality.

Sta. Ana Waterfall (Anilao, Iloilo)
5 km. from the poblacion – small cave and small enchanting waterfall.

Duminding Cave (Sitio Dumingding, Brgy. Balabag, Anilao, Iloilo)
With free flowing spring.

Balaring Beach (Brgy. San Francisco, Barotac Viejo)
9 km. from the poblacion; rocks and colored stones beautifully laid along the shore and under the sea.

Balbagon (Carles, Iloilo)
A flat, palm-fringed island with white sand near Gigantes.

Molupulo or Seagulls Point (Carles, Iloilo, near Sicogon Island)
Has thousands of seagulls perching on the point which is a fish area.

Danao-Danao & Basiao Island (Concepcion, Iloilo)
Famous for its stone tables, beach, and other wonderful figures sculptured through centuries by wind and waves and noted for its lovers lane.

Mt. Manaphag or Mt. Pan de Azucar
Landmark of Concepcion. It is a mountain situated in Bgy. Tambaliza with craggy slopes and ideal for mountain climbers; at 7,148 ft, the second highest spot in Panay.

Bolobadiangan Island (Concepcion, Iloilo)
Wide beach with limped lagoon.

Agho Island (Concepcion, Iloilo)
The home of Tabon birds that lay oversized eggs.

Baliguian Island (Concepcion)
A coral reef rising only a few feet above sea level with its lighthouse and beach of white corals and shells.

Colebra Island (Concepcion)
Its magnificent caves abound with guano and Alagit-it nests.

Agua Vendita (Concepcion)
The place is located below Mt. Apitong wherein sea water enters during high tide and turns to fresh water during low tide, within it is a spring famous for its medicinal waters.

Iyang Beach (Concepcion)
White sand beach

San Vicente Island (Concepcion)
The guerilla sanctuary island with white beaches.

Igbon Island (Concepcion)
Ideal for scuba divers

Anhawan Island (Concepcion)
Scuba diving and white sand beach.

Tinagong Dagat (Concepcion)
Where the hidden sea lies.

Lacaran Beach (Brgy. Ermita, Dumangas)
View of Roca Encantada and Siete Pecados of Guimaras Island.

Beaches at Guimbal
Coconut palm shades and cottages make them popular weekend retreats.

Ardemil Valley (Brgy. Ardemil, Sara)
10.5 km. scenic spot. Beautiful valley atop a mountain as seen from the road. A panorama of ricefields, trees, hills, and mountains especially during sunrise and sunset. Cool atmosphere.

Mt. Lolo (Brgy. Aripdip, San Rafael)
8 km. from the town. Ideal for hunting due to abundance of wild pigs, monkeys, deer, and wild chickens.

Beaches at San Joaquin
Talisayan, Tara, and others; clean beaches with multi-colored pebbles.
*Chert rocks, now deposited at the museum, believed to be ranging from 65 million to 2 billion years old had been excavated in Nagsipit River in San Joaquin.

Lamintao Beach (Barotac Nuevo)
9 km. from the town proper; ideal picnic ground.

Salihid Mountain and Caves (Barotac Nuevo)tourist spot
One km. from town proper; lush vegetation; attracts the adventurous.

Danao Lake or Tinagong Dagat (Miag-ao)
Ten times bigger then the ordinary swimming pool; has elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level.

Sinuhutan Cave (Miag-ao)
The cave provides a two-hour one-way tour passing from arrays of stalactites and stalagmites and chambers around the little cathedral intertwined by lase of underground waters.sta monica church

Binugsukan Falls (Bgy. Dalije, Miag-ao, Iloilo)
Accessible and unspoiled waterfalls with fresh & clear running waters.

Festival in Cebu

panaycapiz — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:46:00 +0000

Pasko sa Sugbo
(Cebu City/province-wide). An annual Christmas celebration by lighting & decorating the main thoroughfare in Cebu, starting from capitol down to Plaza Independencia. Other activities include nightly cultural shows by the different schools, parol, Christmas tree & daygon competition.

Sanayon
Agro-tourism festiv whre you see many of tourist spot al in the southern towns of the second district about 100 km. from the city. A month-long activity to spread out tourism to the countryside.

Paskuhan
(Cebu City/province-wide). A Christmas celebration of songs and lantern making held during the month of December to spread good cheer to local residents and visitors alike.

Kadaugan sa Mactan
(Lapulapu City). A one-day re-enactment celebrated with pomp and pageantry every 27th of April to commemorate the historic battle of Mactan between the forces of Lapulapu and Ferdinand Magellan.

Pasko sa Kasakit
(Bantayan Island; Holy Thursday & Good Friday). A religious procession of life-size images of the death and passion of Jesus Christ carried in richly decorated & lighted carrozas.

Tagbo
(Poro, Camotes Island, Cebu; every January). Celebrated in honor of the Patron Santo Niño de Poro. Beloved memoir of a living past, Tagbo is the cornerstone from which this great municipality has sprung. Rich in cultural heritage and deep in spiritual values, Tagbo is a very significant event preluding the birth of a town very dear to the hearts of her sons and daughters.

Cassava Festival
(Camotes Island, Cebu). Held with the aim of creating awareness among the people on the different uses and economic opportunities offered by cultivating cassava.

Carcar Fiesta
(Carcal, Cebu; November 24-25). Celebrated in honor of the town's patron, St. Catherine of Alexandria. Carcar town is noted for its old Spanish style houses in the quiet countryside setting. During fiestas, the residents would invite friends, relatives, and town visitors into their homes to taste popular local delicacies. A lively and enjoyable event.

Barangayan
An annual celebration of Philippine independence held every June 12.

Via Crucis
(Banawa Hills, Cebu City). A Lenten activity where devotees do their penitential procession through the Stations of the Cross built on 12 hectares of rolling hills.

Dinagat Festival
(Cordova, Cebu). The festival is characterized by street capiz tourist attraction dancing & an interpretative dance competition based on the fishing rituals & culture of the Cordovahanons.

Nuestra Señora de Regla Fiesta
(Lapulapu City; November 20-21). Held to honor the patroness of Opon. This religious and social event reveals the deep religious faith of the people and their penchant for merry making. A food fair, carnival, procession, and a coronation of the Fiesta Queen highlight the festivity.

Special Interest
Crocolandia
(Biasong, Talisay City). Situated beside the Mananga River in Talisay, it has for its main attraction a mini-zoo and a botanical garden. It is also equipped with picnic areas, restaurants, refreshment center, souvenir shops, butterfly sanctuary, boat & fishing area, and a library. CROCOLANDIA Biasong, Talisay City Tel. no. (63-32) 273-1842

Family Park
(Nasipit, Talamban). sikat ang pinoy Nestled in the Nasipit mini-watershed, it provides families with an alternative and wholesome recreation site within the city. This 20-hectare area is nature-friendly. Trees surround the whole complex, the product of a reforestation effort in 1983. FAMILY PARK
Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City
Tel. no. c/o MCWD (63-32) 419-3124 to 25 / 254-8434 to 39

Mountain View Nature's Park
(Sitio Garahe, Busay). Overlooking the city, it is situated near the cool flower gardens of Busay. This park comes with a mini-zoo, accommodations, and canteen. MOUNTAIN VIEW NATURE'S PARK
Sitio Gorohe, Busay, Cebu City
Tel. no. (63-32) 231-5444 /231-5454
Manager: Edgar Castillo

Golf Courses
Alta Vista Golf and Country Club
(Aznar Road, Pardo). Situated in the lower mountains of Pardo, this golf course offers a different and challenging terrain for the avid golfer. The golf course covers 60 hectares for a world-class, par 72, 18-hole course covering 5,670 meters. CONTACT INFORMATION: Aznar Road, Pardo, Cebu City;
Tel. no. (Registration Counter) (6332) 2727971 to 74 / (Golf Operators Office) (6332) 2727977; Telfax No. (6332) 2724090;E-mail: avgcc@skynet.net

Verdemar Golf Club
(Barangay Bancasan, San Remigio, Cebu). Situated near the sea, it also offers sea-side accommodations (Casa del Mar Resort Hotel). CONTACT INFORMATION: Barangay Bancasan, San Remigio, Cebu;
Telfax no. (Cebu office) (63-32) 344-8181/82 / (Resort & Golf club) (6332) 435-2222;
E-mail: info@vedemar-golf.com; Web site: http://come.to/casadelmar

Cebu Country Club Inc.
Situated just a few minutes from the heart of the city, it is the oldest existing golf course in Cebu. The course is spread over an area of 52 hectares of what used to be sugarland in the pre-war days. CONTACT INFORMATION; P.O. Box 698 Banilad, Cebu City;
Tel. no. (6332) 231-0345; Fax no. (63-32) 2314096

Club Filipino Inc. de Cebu.
It is an 18 hole golf course covering 59 hectares. CONTACT INFORMATION: Pulangyuta, Sabang, Danao City;
Tel. no. (6332) 2311676/2311666;
Fax no. (6332) 231-1667; Danao office tel. no. (6332) 200-4321

tourist spot in the philippines

panaycapiz — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:36:00 +0000

The Philippines is a country blessed with natural resources. Amongst these are natural tourist spots that have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors through the years. Here's a collection of some of these places:

1. TAAL VOLCANO is reputed to be the world's smallest active volcano. It is a volcanic island at the middle of a lake in the Southern Tagalog province of Batangas. Inside the volcano is the Crater Lake, and inside this lake is yet another volcanic island called Vulcan Point. A magnificent view of Taal Lake and volcano can be seen from the nearby Tagaytay highlands. Visitors need a boat ride from the shores of the big lake to get to the volcano, and horses are available for rent to explore the island.

2. From a distance, the CHOCOLATE HILLS would resemble Hershey's kisses scattered across a green background. In reality, they are a group of almost symmetrical dome and cone-shaped limestone hills in the Visayan island of Bohol. Numbering around 1250+ individual hills, these hills are scattered across 3 towns and the biggest of these vary in sizes from 30 meters to 120 meters in height. During the dry season, the grass covering these hills dry up and chocolate brown earth is exposed hence the name.

3. The TUBBATAHA REEF is a gigantic coral reef found in the Sulu Sea, off the western province of Palawan. The reef is composed of two attolls separated by a deep channel around 5 miles wide. It is home to over one thousand species of marine animals, many of which are endangered. These species include sharks, manta rays, clownfish, and tortoises. The reef is a declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and is currently nominated as one of the world's wonders of nature.

4. PAGSANJAN FALLS is the Philippines most popular waterfalls and is situated in the rugged highlands of Cavinti in the Tagalog province of Laguna. The base of Pagsanjan Falls is a huge natural swimming pool with crystal clean and cool water. To reach the waterfalls, visitors ride upstream on bancas (local canoes) handled by skillful boatmen. Many smaller waterfalls are visible on the way to the main falls especially during the rainy weather. The ride downhill is a swift one where visitors get to shoot 14 roaring rapids in less than an hour. church in the philippines

5. The HUNDRED ISLANDS are a group of 124 islands covering an area of 4,557 acres in the northern Philippine province of Pangasinan. One of the islands feature a cave that is only accessible during lowtide, and contain defined formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Capiz tourists attraction The islands are believed to have existed over 2 million years old and to date, only three of these islands have been developed for visiting tourists.