Summer has begun in the
Philippines. For many, it is the best season to take a vacation, head out and
soak up some sun on a beautiful sunny beach. But unlike many others, I
decided to take a different kind of adventure -- a trip that introduced me to
some of the historical mansions, churches, and ruins of Bacolod and Iloilo. Not
only that, I was able to savor the sweetest tropical treat of Guimaras.
Bacolod
My Philippine summer
adventure started when I reached my first destination – Bacolod. Unassuming and
simple, Bacolod is a place where the comforting feeling of home is felt
strongly because of the local’s contagious warmth and hospitality. I really
enjoyed every second of my stay there. I was surprised by how diverse this
destination is with its assortment of activities and attractions one can
do and visit.
Trip Destinations
San Sebastian Cathedral is one of the century old churches found in Negros
Occidental. It has already celebrated its 100th year anniversary and has
a historical marker placed by the Philippine Historical Committee.
The Ruins is a popular tourist spot found not far from the city area. It is all that remains of a mansion built by the Sugar baron for his wife, who had died while carrying their 11th child. In the morning, it is a majestic stone structure that looms in the horizon while in the evening, it is a beautiful glowing mansion against the dark evening sky.
The Ruins is a popular tourist spot found not far from the city area. It is all that remains of a mansion built by the Sugar baron for his wife, who had died while carrying their 11th child. In the morning, it is a majestic stone structure that looms in the horizon while in the evening, it is a beautiful glowing mansion against the dark evening sky.
You should
come and experience this place to find out for yourself how the wealthy Filipinos
lived during their time. Their palatial homes could be synonymous to
the famous estates of Europe. This particular place reminded me of the famous
Powerscourt Estate in Ireland where you can see a historic house, beautifully
manicured gardens complete with a dancing fountain.
Balay Negrense is a house museum which is open to the public. It showcases numerous paintings of famous Philippine artists. Here you will also see antique wooden furniture, fancy silverware and chandeliers which were common to a rich household in the past.
This particular house is occupied by the present owner and gives pride in entertaining events. There is a tour guide that will explain the beauty and treasures you can find in this house.
Bacolod Public Plaza is located in downtown Bacolod. It is a trapezoid shaped park with four different, circular fountains and a modest gazebo in the middle of it all.
Iloilo
After experiencing a
full amount of delight and satisfaction from my trip in Bacolod, my adventure
didn’t stop and went on in Iloilo. Often referred to as the heart of the
Philippines, Iloilo is one of the top tourist destinations of the country because
of its rich culture and religious heritage. This destination is famous for its
historical churches, festivals, delectable cuisine, and captivating natural
landscapes. The warm hospitality of the locals, known as the Ilonggos, is also
something to look forward to when you visit this small and humble city.
Trip Destinations
Miag-oa Church is also known as the Saint Thomas Villanova Church. It is
famously known for the artistic relief’s carved into its facade. It was
declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
St. Anne Church is a parish in Molo that is also known to have the nickname “the
feminist church” because the statues there are all female. The plaza in front
of the Church is quite beautiful and has an apparent European vibe to it.
The other
unique thing you find here which is common now to every Filipino households are
the Antique actifacts that are religious in nature.
Netong's Original Special
batchoy serves up Iloilo’s signature dish: a noodle
soup with different ingredients mixed to create a delicious meal. This
particular store is found in the La Paz Public Market, a popular shopping
market with many different local products for sale. There are
numerous branches of Netong's but nothing beats the original shop located right in
the heart of Iloilo Public Market.
Casa Mariquit
is the former home of Don Fernando Lopez, who once became the Vice President of the Philippines. Here you can find Don Fernando's numerous achievements, awards, plaques, and certificates. This historic house also has a secret that's so interesting, you have to go there to find out.
Guimaras
In the Philippines, when
you hear about Guimaras, the thought of sweet yellow mangoes comes into mind
immediately. Thankfully, that thought became a reality when I traveled there on
a motorized boat from Iloilo. Juicy and has just the right amount of sweetness
and sourness, the Guimaras mangoes are the perfect treat for tropical fruit
lovers like myself. It’s one of a kind that’s why tourists from all over the
country and the world are enamored of it.
Trip Destinations
Holy Family Hills is a quiet property where figures of the holy family and the 14
stations of the cross are found. It's a great place to meditate and just relax
in tranquility.
Southern Orchard Mango Plantation is the second biggest source of the ripe, juicy and sweet golden fruits that the island is known for. Mangoes here are grafted from the seed up until they are ready to be planted. It is a crucial process to guarantee the quality and the sweetness of the fruit.
Overall, I was overwhelmed by the many historical facts I learned and heritage sites I visited in Bacolod, Iloilo and Guimaras. They are truly a must-see not only for every Filipino but also for other tourists who find beauty in the history of the past.
Until next
time, I am your friendly global traveler Johnny, inviting you to taste the
sweetness of travel.
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