The Northern Pearls of Iloilo

Text by Bombette G. Marin, photos by Jason Matias, Bombette G. Marin, Vincent Angelo Gefes and Reynaldo Paguntalan Jr.

Looking for a turquoise ocean and a deserted, white-sand beach?Iloilo has an intense variety and striking beauty of the islands in the north.Pristine palm fringed beaches with clear waters are everywhere in this area. Some are even of high ecological value due to its protected areas, native fauna and rare ecosystems.

With a string of 67 islands, these natural beauties sit on azure waters. From the more popular island beaches of Carles and Concepcion to the lesser known waters in Ajuy, the northern portion of the province has a tropical vibe that few can resist. Most of these island beaches have been unspoiled by pollution and tourism and appeals more to the adventurous tourists, backpackers and nature-lovers.

Hibotkan Rock Sanctuary, Banate is a Marine sanctuary that covers 25 hectares but only 1 hectare is exposed to the sun during low tide. There 16 families of corals are found with 34 species being observed. It is also abundant with tropical fishes.  It is found in between the municipal waters of town and Guimaras Strait and is a paradise for tourists who enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving and underwater photography.

MARBUENA BEACH RESORT in Binongan-an Island, Ajuy is a beautiful holiday destination that boasts of its white sand beach and plenty of things to do which include boating, fishing, snorkeling and trekking. Around the resort are religious images where one is constantly reminded of God’s love and protection of man and nature. The beach area has picnic and napping shelters. It is a10-minute motorized boat ride from Barangay Morocoro wharf.

Sitio Salog Gamay in Barangay Punta Buri, Ajuy is an island that is off the main tourist track about 10 kilometers or a 45-minutes motorized boat ride from Barangay Morocoro wharf. With no tourist amenities, however, the island only offer a place where you can hang a hammock and lean back, enjoy the sound of the waves without crowds ruining the peace and quiet. It has a soft, creamy sand beach that is laid back and perfect for relaxing and taking it easy.

Photo by Gerard Villareal

Calabazas Island, SitioNasidman, Ajuyis this town’s popular dive site. Its coral garden isa come on for visitors who would like to go snorkeling. It is home to an 1884 Spanish Lighthouse. The keeper’s house, now in ruins still holds the 45 feet high tower with a focal plane of 100 feet. It is included as one of the 27 Spanish Lighthouses in the Philippines.

 

Sandbar Island Beach Resort in Barangay Polopińa, SitioBulubadiangan, Concepcionhas increased its popularity and has made all its adjacent island beaches so lively as well. It can be reached within 30 minutes through a motorized boat ride from the municipal wharf.  Its white coral sand beach and clear blue waters is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The most attractive feature of this resort is its sandbar.

 

Sitio Sanggutan in Barangay Polopińa, Concepcion has a coastline with fringes of coconut trees offering visitors a pleasant atmosphere. Its calm sea is also suitable for swimming and boating. It has an accommodation that appeals to those who love comfort and tranquility amidst pristine nature. It is fronting Sandbar Island Beach Resort. From the municipal wharf, it is a 30 minute motorized boat ride to the island.

Agho Island, Concepcion is a picnic island destination set on a serene surrounding with its dazzling white sandy beach and a sweeping view of the islands of Igbon, Mangalabang and Tambaliza. The alluring emptiness of its white sand beach offers a personal oasis in nature's tropical playground. Relax and listen to the sound of the breeze in the trees and the gentle waves on the beach.

Barangay Taloto-an in Pan de Azucar Island, Concepcion has a laid-back lifestyle from an off the beaten path. Though the island is inhabited and with traces of destruction from the recent typhoon, a considerate portion in the island provides ample opportunity to relax in its natural and secluded beauty. There are no rooms with bathroom facilities, as tourists do not commonly visit the area.

Barangay Tambaliza, Pan de Azucar Island, Concepcionis famous for its landmark, Mt. Manaphag or popularly known as Pan de Azucar. It has budget-conscious accommodation establishments that rest at the foothill of the majestic mountain. Its beach features golden sand, palm trees and shallow water that provide swimming, snorkeling and boating opportunities.

LUMPATAN, Concepcion is mainly made up of granite rocks. The first thing visitors will probably want to do when in the area is to walk to its 300-meter trail that frames almost half of the island. The beach, however, is rocky, with corals and pebbles, but is a place for a gentle swim capped by happy hours of sunbathing. It is a great spot to relax.

MAGALUMBI ISLAND, Barangay Tanao Batadis a privately-owned island with creamy sand complimenting its bluish green waters perfect for swimming and boating activities. It is a 15-minute motorized boat ride from Barangay Banban or a 10-minute motorized boat ride from barangay Binon-an. The island barangays of Concepcion, Estancia and Carles serves as its backdrop.

 

Antonia Island in Barangay Gabi, Gigantes Sur, Carlesis a privately-owned small island of enormous beauty with the least signs of civilization. This is one of the very few islands in Carles that is nearly uninhabited. It is no wonder a lot of visitors, mostly beach lovers and backpackers find it hard to leave.  It has grown into an energetic destination for young travelers looking to sunbathe with a bit more privacy.

SITIO PULUPANDAN, Barangay Gabi, Carles is an idyllic deserted white-sand coral islet lapped by turquoise waters. The place is simply stunning,almost an hour awayby motorized boat from the mainland. The islet serves as a resting area for fishermen in the area. The isletis a perfect place to go snorkeling and diving.

 

Tangke, Barangay Gabi in Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carlesis a hidden saltwater lagoon formed by a surrounding wall of granite monolithic cliffs. During low tide, the level of water also recedes but also rises when it is high tide. Visitors to the area need to climb on its steep rocky wall that serves as the lagoon’s fortress. However, an easier and shorter climb from where the motorized-boat docks alongside its walls is done only during high tide. The lagoon’s rocky borders offer visitors one-of-a-kind formations.

Cabugao Gamay, Gigantes Norte, Carles is a privately-owned island surrounded by azure waters excellent for swimming and snorkeling activities. It is one of Iloilo’s most popular island-hop spots. After docking at the base of the island, a climb up the rocky hill steps to a breathtaking view of its outlying area and it is well worth the effort. Several other white sand island beaches are seen adjacent to the beach.

These northern island beaches are a far cry away from the crowded resorts of the neighboring provinces in the region. For those who would to stay overnight and experience the serenity of rural life, there are lodging houses in the area. There is enough space and so few visitors that you will probably find a spot just for yourself. If you are lucky enough to make it to any of these northern pearls, you will have an island experience that will surely give you a lifetime of memories.

For more information, please contact the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government at telefax (033) 3384910.

Iloilo Bike Fest Inspires a 'Bike-Safe' City

"Bike on Lights" added excitement and glitter in this year's Iloilo Bike Festival

"Bike on Lights" winner Joe Fondevilla showcases his colorfully-lighted bike during the competition

The 3rd Iloilo Bike Festival resonated a vision of bike-friendly and bike safe metropolis for Iloilo City as thousands of bikers gathered to join the series of events and fun activities from March 13-19. A partnership event of the City Government of Iloilo, Megaworld Corporation and Ronda Pilipinas,the week long event became a sensational attraction in Iloilo Business Park, the 72-hectare business and leisure township in Mandurriao District. The event opened with Ronda Pilipinas Criterium in Iloilo Business Park in the early morning of March 13. The most anticipated new event in this year's Bike Festival is "Bike on Lights," a gathering of bike lovers who paraded their bikes with colorful lights and designs in the evening of March 19. To showcase arts and culture, there's Pinta Siklista which showcased a parade of multi-colored painted participants with their bikes.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo Hotel Manager, Natalie Lim awards the prize for first place winner of "Bike on Lights"

Participants are getting ready to parade and showcase their colorfully-lighted bike

Iloilo City official led by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Megaworld - Iloilo Business Park Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Jennifer Ann Palmares-Fong led the formal ceremonies of Iloilo Bike Festival

The vision of the Iloilo Bike Festival is to emphasize Iloilo City as the country's most bike-friendly metropolis in the Philippines. In fact, Iloilo takes pride of its 5-meter bike lanes along the Diversion Road (Benigno Aquino Avenue) going to Iloilo Business Park to showcase another significant attraction that encourages Ilonggos and visitors to enjoy the healthy ambiance and activities of the city. The City of Government of Iloilo and Megaworld Corporation partnered and agreed to hold the annual Iloilo Bike Festival until 2020, a passion to encourage healthy lifestyle and a "bike-able" Iloilo City.

Iloilo Bike Festival: Iloilo and IBP’s Visionary Biking Event

Iloilo Bike Festival is envisioned as the biggest gathering of bikers and enthusiasts for the last 3 years in the Philippines. The event has inspired Ilonggos to be proud of their beautiful city where amidst the booming economy and developments, there’s always a reason to stay healthy, live an active life and promote a sport that educate the public for a greener and cleaner ecology. Iloilo Bike Festival is one of the major events of the City Government of Iloilo in partnership with Megaworld Corporation to emphasize the need to appreciate healthy lifestyle and promote biking activities which is basically pollution-free and inexpensive. Since Iloilo Bike Festival was established in 2014, people from all walks of life – the Ilonggos, visitors and investors have all seen the rise of the city not just as a modern metropolis that continuously embraces progress but keeps up with the changes by promoting healthy activities and sports such as biking. 

The first two series of Iloilo Bike Festival proved to be a successful endeavor and were able to generate attention internationally in making the city as the next “bike capital” in the Philippines. Last year, a total of 4000 bikers and spectators came to participated in the event. Megaworld’s Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao District is the main venue of the Iloilo Bike Festival, showcasing real estate developments and a beautiful township where “biking” is hugely promoted through the Megaworld Boulevard Bike Lanes. The event is a momentous milestone gathering in order to celebrate the realization for Iloilo City as a “Bike-able” and “walk-able” modern metropolis in the country.

This year, the 3^rd Iloilo Bike Festival is far more significant and inspiring with a lot of activities that would elevate the vision of the city in emphasizing the need to promote the “biking culture and lifestyle” from March 13-20. Ronda Pilipinas National Criterion is now part of innovating the event. There will be a series of Ronda Pilipinas activities after the opening of the Iloilo Bike Festival and fellowship and awarding night at Iloilo Business Park on March 13. The Iloilo Bike Festival will start a photo contest and ifold Art Tour on March 15-18. On March 18, major activities are Obstacle/Adventure Course, Kids Biking activities, Bike Expo Show, Interschool Cycling activities, Flatland BMX Street, Fitstop Amazing Race and unveiling of Bike Statue. On March 20, there will be Bike Fun Ride, King and Queen of Iloilo Bike Festival, Pinta Siklista, Bike Expo Show, XCO/4X/BMX, Tri-Sikad Race, Sprint Race and Battle of the Bands.  

Here are significant photos highlighting dynamic and life-changing scenes that happened in the last 2 series of Iloilo Bike Festival… 

Megaworld - Iloilo Business Park Embraces Dinagyang Festival fever

As the grandest cultural event in the Philippines creates a synergy of excitement and ignites attention from tourists from different parts of the world, Megaworld – Iloilo Business Park is embracing the Dinagyang Festival fever this January.

Considered as the largest and most prestigious business township in Western Visayas located in the flourishing Mandurriao District in Iloilo City, the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park is capturing the affinity of investors, visitors and Ilonggos in defining new lifestyle and opening better opportunities. In time for Dinagyang Festival, all eyes are in Iloilo City, thus, Iloilo Business Park take part in the city’s cultural and spiritual merriment in honoring the Senor Santo Nino, the symbol and the heart of the festival.

To open the series of exciting Dinagyang events, Iloilo Business Park will have a Music and Wine Night on January 15, 8PM at the Iloilo Business Park Sales and Information Center. The event is an open-house-cum-acoustic-night party featuring some of the city’s most revered singing and acoustic artists, performing covers songs to the delight of invited guests. Free overflowing wine courtesy of Emperador Distillers, Inc. will provide classy experience for the crowd. Also, guests will have a better look at the luxurious condo model units of The Palladium in the IBP showroom.  

On January 16, 5PM, the Swimsuit Competition of the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2016 will be staged in front of the Iloilo Business Park Sales and Information Center. 10 lovely and charming Ilongga beauties will showcase their curvaceous bodies and personalities leading to the grand pageant night on January 20, 7PM at San Agustin Gym.  Miss Iloilo Dinagyang is the cultural advocacy pageant of Dinagyang Festival that annually crowns an Ilongga beauty who will represent Iloilo City in the Aliwan Festival Quuen pageant and acts as cultural ambassadress.

Another new exciting event set to take place in the township is the Dinagyang Carnival from January 21-24. It is a nightly event wherein onlookers and visitors can enjoy carnival rides, parties, a parade of unique concessionaires and attractions that could add colors in the celebration of the festival.

Giving boost to the fantastic concept of dance parties and gathering during the Dinagyang Festival celebration, Emperador Distillers, Inc. will launch its very own “Emperador and Smirnoff Mule Festival” from January 21-22 at the Megaworld Boulevard, right in front of the Iloilo Business Park Sales and Information Center. The event is more than just a dance party but a showcase of music, overflowing drinks, DJs and other attractions that would gather the “who’s who” in Iloilo’s party circle.

Finally for the second year in a row, Megaworld – Iloilo Business Park will hold “Glitters in the Sky,” a spectacular fireworks display event on January 23, 8PM in partnership with the City Government of Iloilo. After a successful showcase of fireworks display last year, Iloilo Business Park is expected to launch a bigger and even more magnificent event in time for the country’s world-famous cultural festivity.

This Dinagyang Festival, head on to Iloilo Business Park and be a part of these exciting events that would ignite passion, excitement and fun in the region’s biggest and most prestigious tourism, lifestyle and business centerpoint rising to define the grandiose culture of the “city of love.”     

Inspiring Day at Iloilo Business Park

Welcome to an inspiring day at Iloilo Business Park where the largest and life-changing developments in Iloilo City are taking shape to boost the lifestyle perspective of Ilonggos. In this 72-hectare business township located in Madurriao, Iloilo City, everything is possible - the best leisure destinations, iconic landmarks, luxurious experience and competitive jobs. Here's the township's signage in front of McDonald's welcoming everybody in IBP.

A stunning morning view of Iloilo Business Park inviting Ilonggos to share their dreams and visit this significant leisure and lifestyle destination, a 72-hectare promising real estate property, highly-integrated investment township where the biggest establishments are rising swiftly to define Iloilo's newest claim for prominence in Western Visayas.

World-class hospitality and luxury in one stunning destination, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo takes center stage in the heart of Iloilo Business Park, Megaworld's 72-hectare business township in Mandurriao District. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo tickles the palate of Ilonggos and visitors with its sensational bistros - The Granary and Bizbar where international dining and leisure experience awaits them.

It's almost Christmas in Iloilo Business Park with the unveiling of the Reindeer Park project last November 7 in all Megaworld townships all over the country. Check out these colorful Reindeer-themed Christmas decors hanged in Megaworld Boulevard lampposts. IBP will soon become the region's perfect Christmas destination.

ICONIC: The 3,700-seater Iloilo Convention Center is the city's most iconic structure these days symbolizing Iloilo's cultural heritage where emblem of the Dinagyang Festival warriors are painted in the entrance as well as huge fins replicating the Paraw Regatta Festival. Iloilo Convention Center is now called ICON to showcase Ilonggo pride and passion.

Let's take a look at the first two BPO Buildings of Iloilo Business Park - One Global Center (Transcom operation site) and Two Global Center (StarTek operation site) where high-end jobs and exciting lifestyle awaits call center professionals in the region. In the next 10 years, 8 more BPO buildings will rise in IBP to pave way for the biggest IT-BPO Park in Western Visayas.

Reindeer Park Project, Smile Day Phil. kicks off at IBP

Marking another significant advocacy for Megaworld Corporation through its Corporation Social Responsibility (CSR) arm - the Megaworld Foundation in partnership with Operation Smile Philippines, ventured to launch "Smile Day Philippine," a project that would raise funds to help children born with cleft lip on November 7, 2015. On the same day, five Megaworld townships all over the country including Iloilo Business Park simultaneously launched the Reindeer Park project in time for Christmas wherein each reindeer effigy will be painted with various designs by Megaworld stakeholders and BPO partners. Each reindeer will raise funds to sponsor the advocacy of Operation Smile Philippines in helping kids with cleft lip obtain free operation to make their lives better.

Iloilo Business Park BPO partners and various divisions in the township rallied in front of One Global Center to celebrate the launching and showcase of their creativity by painting their respective reindeer. Jennifer Ann Palmares-Fong, Iloilo Business Park Marketing Head led the event with her words of inspiration. She was join by IBP Estate Manager Rey Oreo, BDLD Senior Manager Angelo Natividad, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo General Manager Natalie Lim and Interim Estate Manager John Lorenz Lucio during the formal opening of the program. The painting of reindeer effigy by Megaworld stakeholders and employees followed.

The winners of the Reindeer Park painting design contest project are: 1st Place - Iloilo Business Park Operations Division, 2nd Place - Monocrete Construction Philippines, Inc. (contractor of Festive Walk Mall) and 3rd Place - Iloilo Business Park Sales and Marketing Division held on November 7, 2015 during the launching of Smile Day Philippines, a partnership project of Megaworld, Megaworld Foundation and Operation Smile Philippines to raise funds for children with cleft lip.