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.

Create a Sense of Zen with your IBP Condo

City life is tiring and stressful. To counter such pressuring situation and creating a sense of balanced lifestyle, moving to the city with a new home can be your best choice. Buying your first condominium at Iloilo Business Park, you can beautifully transform it into your own space of zen-influenced ambiance, your home of relaxation and healthy zone. Check out some great ideas how you could do this with your first condo…

Breath of fresh air

Start with a central location that offers a quiet and peaceful feeling once inside. Many condos can meet that requirement, but certainly being able to open windows — and bring the outdoors in — is important.

Of course, when windows are open, you want to ensure there is no ambient street noise. Buildings near highways or tunnels can be a negative for this reason.

Some buildings do not have windows that open. This is a must for a Zen condo. If you’re buying new construction, check the type of windows to be installed and find out which rooms will have windows you can open.

When you sleep, do you require fresh air? If so, does the bedroom window open and is the room still quiet? How can you get a cross breeze in your condo? And if you cannot, can you live without that?

Outdoor touch

Having outdoor space such as a balcony or terrace is another excellent way of adding a serene feel to your condo.

I recently saw an urban rooftop terrace with a herb garden. Not only do herbs smell fantastic, they can be very useful. The best part about a condo herb garden is, depending on your floor, it may be out of reach of squirrels and other pests.

Keep in mind that your balcony should not be a place for junk. Consider getting an outdoor storage container to tuck things away and give you a space to store pillows during damp weather. Don’t discount the relaxation factor involved with these.

Back inside

To be truly Zen, you have to focus on inner peace. This includes enhancing tranquility in the interior of your condo. Make your bathroom Zen by rolling your towels and buying your favourite soap or a diffuser.

Or try some of the aromatherapy products to detox and energize yourself. While you’re there, grab some refreshing tea. Not only does it smell delicious, it tastes delicious and is guaranteed to put you in a Zen state of mind.

And, of course, candlelight — either battery operated or natural — can go a long way to help relax.

Finally, add some chlorophyll and you may even breathe better. It has been shown that a home with green plants is healthier. Create an outdoor space inside for reading or sipping wine amongst the shrubbery.

Towers of Pleasure

Iloilo Business Park’s three faces of luxury, it’s gorgeously-themed residential towers such as One Madison Place, Lafayette Park Square and The Palladium can offer these lifestyle ease and pleasure with its spacious condo units. These condo units are designed to blend well with the vibrant and healthy lifestyle that the whole township is offering. Each tower comes with unique amenities to pamper and give residents the stress-relieving habits they need to go on with their hectic days. The Palladium stands out with its 4 sky gardens, infinity pool, loft-type units in its 22^nd floor penthouse level and other significant amenities that could elevate lifestyle perspective. Creating a moment of meditation and finding tranquility its sky gardens will refresh and invigorate lost energy and vitality for its residents.

Pursue a zen-inspired, healthy lifestyle with Iloilo Business Park’s condominiums. For inquiries, call us (033) 330-34-52-65, visit our Iloilo Business Sales and Information Center, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City or check our website at http://www.iloilobusinesspark.ph.

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.

Alluring Lifestyle of One Madison Place

There’s a certain personality and image that reflects with One Madison Place, the first residential tower developed by Megaworld Corporation in Iloilo Business Park back in 2013. This stunning 3-tower cluster, 10-storey residential condominium that stirs up the feeling of vibrancy, energy and enthusiasm for its neo-modern design. One Madison Place will suit the preference of residents who are looking for adventure and new approach with their lifestyle. Those who are highly-creative and artistic will enjoy a flexible living in the tower with its impressive amenities such as swimming pool, pocket gardens with reading nook and fitness gym. Each condo unit have unique concept of space and vision where they can experience a grandiose living. Once they step outside, a sparkling township – the Iloilo Business Park awaits them for an endless leisure and recreation escapade where posh hotels, shopping malls, dining strips, BPO buildings and largest business district are just a few steps away. Residents can enjoy healthy physical activities by having a morning jog, walking or biking in Megaworld Boulevard’s Bake Lanes.

Residents and condominium owners who are in need of visual experience and inspiration will find living in One Madison Place a rewarding choice. There’s an endless flow of synergy, passion and luxury while living in this brilliantly-designed contemporary condominium tower where residents are free to chase their desires and stay connected to the exciting developments, high-end establishments and landmarks offered by a life-larger township.

Are you dreaming for a lifestyle with multi-faceted vision and lifestyle luxury? One Madison Place is the perfect residential tower you truly deserve to live in Iloilo Business Park.

Fulfill that dream right away by calling us at (033) 330-3465, check us online at www.iloilobusinesspark.ph or visit us The Palladium Showroom at the ground floor of Richmonde Tower, 8 Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.