Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 4

After SEAFDEC, we sailed for about 15 minutes to Ave Maria Islet.

We passed by big rock formations and we reached the islet. Our boatmen docked our boat and gave us enough time to enjoy.

This islet has fine white sand and shallow water where you can spend time snorkeling, swimming or just lying down to relax. You can breathe the sea breeze while looking at Turtle island which is just across the waters.  Sadly, we saw some plastic bottles and empty snack packs. Too bad that visitors on this islet leave their trash. I hope that No Littering sign can be put up or maybe somebody can be tasked to clean the area. Otherwise trash will pile up, becomes an eyesore and ultimately destroy the cleanliness of the beach. There are no cottages on this island but you can bring blanket and picnic basket.

Please do not leave trash on your visit here.

You can also enjoy feeding the fishes while snorkeling. Bring some bread or crackers so that the fishes will come to you. There are nice brightly colored fishes and they will come to you once you spread the bread crumbs.

Across the islet is Turtle Island. It has also white sand beach but the sand is grainy- something you can place inside an aquarium. There were only 3 turtles when we were there. Entrance fee is Php5.00. Beside this island is a rock formation sort of a cave which is great for photoshoot.

Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 1
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 2
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 3

Guimaras Island Hopping - Part 3

SEAFDEC Igang Marine Station was our first stop on our island hopping tour. It's about 30 minute boat ride from Raymen Beach Resort.

It has cluster of fish cages interconnected by floating wooden bridges. The facility has breeding cages for grouper, pompano, milkfish, seabass, snapper to support the fishermen.

grouper, seabass, snapper, and pompano to cater to the needs of fish farmers. - See more at: http://www.seafdec.org.ph/our-organization/stations-facilities/igang-marine-station/#sthash.kMPaV1sL.dpufb

 
A staff conducted a short lecture on how the fishes are bred and so forth.

We spent around 20 minutes in this facility and paid P25 entrance fee. Am not a fan of big fishes though it's good to know that such facility exists to support the local fishermen.

If you're more of a beach person I recommend not to go to Seafdec anymore. Tell the tour operator at the resort reception that you want to skip Seafdec and go to other islands instead.


Guimaras - Island Hoppingn Part 2
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 4

Art in Island - A 3D Experience

Opened in Dec 2014, Art in Island is a 3D interactive art museum. It is conveniently located in Cubao, Quezon City. It is similar to trick eye museum found in Seoul, South Korea. It is a 2 storey building and house wall to wall painting where audience can interact with the art pieces.

Creativity, imagination and acting ability are needed to complete the artwork. Audience can pose and decide what story they want to tell and see in the picture.

 Thing to consider:
1- Shoes, sandals and flipflops are not allowed. Either you wear your socks or walk barefooted.
2- Food and drinks are not allowed inside. There's a small restaurant near the exit where visitors can have a snack.
3-You can take unlimited photos via camera or smartphone but no flash is allowed. 
4- You can leave your belongings in their counter but you can still take with you your bags.
5-Allot a minimum of 2 hours.It gets crowded and you need to wait for your turn to take pictures.
6-You can go out of the building to have a snack in the nearby eateries break but for 30 minutes only. 
7-Dont forget to bring additional battery and SD card for your camera.


The art pieces are divided into sections:
Aqua Zone

 Animal Zone

Masterpiece Zone

Central Hall

Religion Zone

Christmas

Love

Fantasy Zone

Opening hours: Tues - Sun 930am -930pm
Address: 175 15th Ave. Brgy Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City
Entrance fee: Php500 adult

Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 2

Upon reaching Jordan Wharf in Guimaras Island, go to the Tourism Office to register and enquire about transportation and places to go. The tourism officer on duty will gladly answer your questions. Get some brochures to get to know more of the island.

For island hopping, Raymen Beach resort is the popular drop off point. Ride a multicab at Php50 fare and tell the driver to drop you at the resort. It takes around 45-55 minutes going to the resort on a straight drive. But if you're taking the public multicab travel time doubles.

Entrance fee at Raymen Beach resort is Php25. You pay at the reception and at the same time arrange your island hopping tour. You can choose your destination and the rate is Php500 first hour and P150 for succeeding hour. (My companion chose to go to SEAFDEC, turtle island, Baras cave)
 Tour rate is regulated by the Maritime Industry Authority which is good.

 The beach has creamy white sand, water is clear and there are buoys cordoning the swimming area. Cottages are also available from P500 and above and you can also order food at the resort. Shower fee is Php20

 

 The tour boat dock at the beach can carry up to 8 passengers maximum.

 Off we go to our first stop - Igang Marine station of SEAFDEC

Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 1
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 3

Guimaras - Island Hopping Part I

Guimaras Island is 15 minutes by ferry from Iloilo City specifically from Ortiz wharf.  the wharf is about 200meters from Circle Inn Hotel. Ferry fare is Php14 one way. Take note of your token ticket as the name of the ferry you will ride on is indicated on the token. After paying, you walk on the concrete narrow pathway and search for your ferry's name. On your left , you will pass by small stores selling various goods.

Be careful as there are no railings on the wharf. The concrete stairs leading to your boat are heavily battered by the frequent docking of the boats. It has no handrails and safety is a concern specially to senior citizen, children and the physically handicapped.

Though there are men to assist the passengers, still I find the steps not safe. At the end portion of the wharf, one can see men fishing, friends chatting or just simply enjoying the cool breeze.

 At the other side of the wharf are shanties on stilts. I learned from one local that these shanties will be removed and relocated to pave the way for the improvement of wharf. I hope that will be sooner as it is quite dangerous living "on top" of  the sea on this condition.

 From the wharf you can also watch the sun setting.

My adventure continues...
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 2
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 3
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 4

Dinagyang 2015

Dinagyang is one of the most spectacular festivals in the Philippines. It is both religious and cultural festival showcasing the rich heritage, colorful history, devotion, and fun-loving spirit of the Ilonggos. The Catholic Ilonggos celebrate in honor of Senyor Santo Niño and also to commemorate the arrival in Panay of the Malay settlers. It is said that the Atis sold the island to the Malay settlers.

I was lucky to have witnessed partial highlight of Dinagyang 2015 -. Kasadyahan regional cultural contest and Ati-ati tribes competition- was held on Jan. 24 2014. (The main highlight was on Jan 25. )
Even the shopping malls are adorned by manequins wearing Ati costume.

For the cultural contest. five (5) stages or viewing platforms were set up in various points .
1) Freedom Grandstand, (2) Iloilo Provincial Capitol, (3) Delgado-Mabini Streets, (4) Quezon-Ledesma Streets., and (5) Iznart Street.  One can buy a ticket have access to the performance stage.

However, outside the stages, everyone can still see and  enjoy the colorful costumes, hear the thundering drum beats, and feel the energetic dances of the performers. The tribes perform some street dance routines along the entire parade route though some participants just walk because of fatigue.

Since vehicles are prohibited to enter the parade route and nearby streets during the festivities, everybody has to walk within the city proper. There are lots of food vendors as well as those who sell souvenir items along the streets.

If you want to be near the street dancing competition, there are several hotels nearby. We stayed at Circle Inn which is stone throw away from the  Iznart stage. Check google map for other hotels near the parade route. Circle Inn is strategically located as it is near a supermarket, public market, public transportation, university and walking distance to Ortiz Wharf if you want to go to Guimaras Island.
 

Love to be back !
Guimaras Island Hopping Part 1