I can consider Panay as one of the most beautiful
places in the Philippines as this huge island simply has everything ranging from
towering mountains, beautiful beaches, and delicious delicacies to colorful festivities.
I happened to go on a travel that went rogue where I decided
to go on circles in this ginormous island on a DIY trip.
This little jaunt gave me the satisfaction to visit and
experience the Panay cultures. Each
step, each jeepney ride and bus ride, took us to unexpected places that were
not actually part of our plan. So here is the list of places and experiences we
bumped in the beautiful island of Panay.
1. Sleep Over at Boracay Island, Caticlan, Aklan
I have sworn before that Boracay would be the last on my list
of places to be visited on my quest to travel the entire Philippines. But fate
is just unpredictable and Boracay was simply unavoidable as my entry point to
Panay was in Caticlan via 2Go Shipping Line.
Well, why waste time and
opportunity to step into the world’s most sensationalized tourist destination
in the Philippines. I could say Boracay used to be beautiful at the time when
this place was not converted into a commercial hell. My stay only lasted less than 24 hours and decided to move forward to another exciting
place.
2. A Quick Visit to Ati Museum, Kalibo, Aklan
From Boracay, we took a bus bound for Kalibo for a stop over.
As I’ve read from various sites, this place is the root of all
festivities in the Philippines courtesy of the Ati people or the Ati-Atihan Festival.
Though it was off season and the city just look ordinary on these days. To make sure we at least did something in this ancient town, we scooped into a private museum just across the town's Catholic church. By just a
glance on the exhibit, I have almost felt being part of the vibrant
festivity in Kalibo. Marvelous festivity, adorable culture, colorful!
3. Dinner at Coco Veranda, Roxas, Capiz
We reached Capiz after an hour of bus ride coming from Kalibo and decided to spend the night
here. Glad that I found The Roxas President's Inn through referral by a friend.
Roxas
City is the capital of Capiz, and is famous for its seafood so we assessed
one restaurant, The Coco Veranda, using the meticulous taste bud test. It was
delectably more that average people. Love it!
4. Bells and More Bell at Panay Church
The Panay Church (Sta. Monica) is also a gem of Capiz that you
shouldn’t miss. Why? It holds the record of having the biggest church bell in Asia.
Truly massive!
5. Sweet Snacks at Café Panay, Iloilo City
Finally I have set foot in the land of the Ilonggos. Ohhh,
where is the Batchoy? Opps! I didn’t get
the original from La Paz but Vincent treated us at Ted’s, still yummy though.
To compensate on that, he took us to Café Panay where I was caught off-guard with
the tasty delight known as the Fried Ibos with a twist paired with chilled coffee. This is the best dessert I had so far.
6. Traveling to Guimaras Island
Aside from the grand and panoramic view of its seascape, the sweet
mango was my motivation visiting the minute province of Guimaras. Even the
torrential rain was not able to stop our escapade to the old lighthouse found
in Guisi Point.
The ruins were like a perfect backdrop for a Tom Raider like
photo shoot and I did not waste the opportunity to showcase my parkour moves
and bouncing endlessly on the walls. I think you got the idea.
7. Adventure in Bucari, Leon, Iloilo
From Jaro Iloilo, we braved the road to Leon to reach the newest
tourist destination in the province. They call it the Baguio of Panay due to its
cool climate and pine-like trees known as Agoho (Casuarina) growing abundantly everywhere.
Curiously we trekked the hillside leading to
the Mansiga Viewing Deck. It was heaven at the peak witnessing the rolling
hills and vast green field of Leon, Iloilo. The peak had been our playground
for various tricks and photo shoot activities. It was fun, relaxing and
exhilarating.
8. Chasing Waterfalls in Camandag, Leon, Iloilo
This was the most memorable part of our adventure. A local told
us that there’s a nearby waterfalls from Bucari and one will take not more than
30 minutes to reach the “majestic falls”. Yeah right! We were already rolling
down on hundreds of hills for 2 hours before we reach Sitio
Camandag.
The locals received us and one guided us to Imoy Falls and
Nibudwan Falls. The latter impressed me with its cascading water of more than
30 feet drop. I could only wish to stay longer but after time was short that we
have to go back to Bucari where our transportation back to the lowland awaits.
9. Getting Cooked in Tibiao, Antique
Coming from Molo, Iloilo, it took us more than 3 hours getting
to Tibiao, Antique. We were excited and can’t wait to see what Bryg. Importante
can offer to us. For a fee of P500, we experienced the Kawa Hot Bath where
guests will sit on a giant water filled-wok sprinkled with camphor-like-smelling leaves and put a live fire under it. Insane huh?
As the water becomes warm, the bathing becomes more
therapeutic and relaxing. I was overhauled spiritually and physically by just
staying soaking wet inside the wok. This place has almost nothing but pure nature. No TV, no Internet or anything that
would remind me of human’s head cracking technology.
10. Visiting the Heritage Site of Miag-ao
Another awesome experience was when we passed by Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the remaining baroque churches in the Philippines. Its architecture is just unique that you will be wowed seeing the church up close. I couldn't hide my fascination with this heritage and so glad I have finally seen it with my own eyes.
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