Exploring Guimaras Island

This is still part of my Road Trip from Gensan To Iloilo, and been here in Guimaras Island so many times already. This is my father's hometown, and  the first time that i was here was year 1996. I heard about this place from  the stories of my grandfather, especially during Japanese Era in the Phils.

Guimaras Island, is a peaceful and full of lush greenish scenery. Known for its beautiful beaches and mangoes, the island is gradually visited by locals and internationals. They celebrating their yearly Mango Festival showcasing their local mango products. The Guimaras Mango is known as the sweetest mango in the world and by ensuring  the quality of their mangoes, the government  is very strict not  to allow any mango seeds to enter the island.

It's also expected that the island is abundant for seafoods. Crabs are the best here and very cheap. It cost us P180.00/kilo. 

fishermen were preparing to catch crabs

Since known for their beaches, its expected that my kids  never missed  the chance to go swimming. While visiting some of my relatives, my kids went to Vilches Beach owned by my great grandfather. He is 100 years old now. WOW!! Hopefully, I can reach an age like that..malabo na siguro..hehehehe.

        

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I wasnt able to took some photos of  breakfast foods..Why? because I was too hungry that time and dying to ate the fresh crabs and sinigang na isda served. Plus imagine, the one serving of fish, grabe super dami, its a privileged daw because we were relatives of the owner. Me ganun talaga? hahaha.

Our relatives invited us next year for a 101 birthday celebration of our great grand father. This might be an awesome party!

Hopefully we can visit the place again.

 Vilches Beach
San Enrique (Lebas) San Lorenzo Guimaras
cel # 09177173203/09156711276

Healthy and Hearty Meals from Villa Montana

grilled tuna belly

chopsuey

 

Its often the choice of the whole family to eat healthy dishes. So pork or beef was out in our menu list.

Foods in Villa Montana are great plus a wide variety of freshly seafoods in array to choose from.

Prices are reasonable and very accommodating staffs.

Two thumbs up here!

 

Villa Montana

Just to take a break for  usual weekdays, we're off to Sarangani Province to enjoy the relaxing Villa Montana.Its not quite far from the city, probably it takes 20-30 minutes by car.

 My kids love water and they were excited to use their new speedo water goggles from their Tita Bevs. (super thanks). They preferred pool than sea water so they shouted for joy when they knew that we were going here. The pool is very safe for children and not  crowded that we're sure  that the kids will absolutely enjoy the water.

about to swim in the pool with their new goggles

the reception area

you can choose a lot of fresh sea foods for your healthy and delicious meal

mangrove trees

Villa Montana is surrounded by fishponds planted with mangroves on the side of the pond to serve as breeding ground of fishes. The mangroves also add the freshness and relaxing atmosphere. Their are cottages in the water to enjoy your meal and they can also accommodate guests for a night stay.

here are their rates and other services offered

boating 150/hour

the pool with my kids

the restaurant

So what are you waiting for..come and enjoy Villa Montana.

Address:

Villa Montana
Alabel, Sarangani Province
tel #826-6699; (083)553-0110
email add: amontanaresort@pldtdsl.net

Road Trip from Gensan to Iloilo City (2nd Day)

(Iligan,- Ozamiz City- Dapitan City-Dumaguete City -Bacolod City)

A big THANKS to Google Earth as our guide in exploring different cities in Mindanao and Visayas.

It was a tiring 2nd day trip, but we were still excited to cross for  Dumaguete City. A 4 hour trip in the boat, so it was our chanced to  take some rest and ate our lunch.  We arrived at around 3pm and headed directly  towards Bacolod City. Because it was a 5 hour trip to Bacolod City, and approximately 8pm or 9am to arrive in Bacolod, we opted to stop in La Carlota City, and spent a night in the house of my cousins. 

breathtaking scenery on the top of the mountain going to Bacolod City

Mabinay Road

a quick shot from Dumaguete City on the way to Bacolod

It was a surprised visit to my counsin's house  and its been along time since we last visited here in La Carlota City. The city looks the same, nothing much changed since I had been here.  People engaged in planting sugar cane so most of them are "hacienderos" and producing sugar. A vast and wide plantation of sugar cane are all over the island.

with their cousin Daniel Villasenor in La Carlota City

revin and dave

Road Trip From Gensan to Iloilo City

This was the first time that we had a family road trip. My father was hesitant at first, considering for our safety on the road and the long trip that we have to experience with my children. It took us months in planning this trip..we dont really have definite date as when will it be. In fact, I was bit scared that it might going to cancel but anyway I am here now writing this to share our experiences. :)

1st Day (Gensan-Davao City-Bukidnon-Cagayan de Oro City to Iligan City)

We left  Gensan 9AM, a bit late already because in our original plan we will going to sleep in Cagayan De Oro City, but there were changes that night and went directly to Iligan to spend the night. I wasnt able to took pictures in the pension house because we were all tired that time for the all day trip. It cost us P500.00 for a night which was very cheap for the whole family.

refilling in Malaybalay Bukidnon

roro boat from Mukas Port, Iligan

We left in Iligan City 4:00 in the morning and it was more than an hour trip to Mukas Port, Kulambogan, Iligan. The trip was safe and when we arrived, we forced  to wait for a long queue boarding in the roro boat. There were about 10-15 vehicles in one trip. The trip was about 15-20 minutes to Ozamiz Port.

Ozamiz Port

Dapitan, Zamboaga

We were in Dapitan by 9:30 am and waited for the boat to cross going to Dumaguete City.