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Boracay

The palm-studded island of Boracay, with its white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather and warm, crystalline waters - is like a hypnotic magnet that lures many to a lotus existence.

In this tiny, butterfly-shaped island at the northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas, days can be spent by simply lazing on the beach and nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle.

Boracay is an anchor tourist destination and one of the 7,000 times more islands that make up the Philippine archipelago. The island-province of Capiz, on the northeastern part of Panay Island, is the birthplace of the fifth president of the Philippine Republic, Manuel Roxas. It is known as a Seafood Basket with its bountiful harvest of milkfish, lobster and other shellfish.

Among its attractions are the centuries-old coral churches of Panay and Dumalag. The islands of Napti and Olutaya are ideal for both snorkeling and diving. Spelunking is also favored as an activity for the adventure-driven, with a choice of caves to explore in the different towns: Quipot in Mambusao, Igang in Maayon, Suhot in Dumalag and Badiang in Dumarao.

The capital city of Roxas hosts the Halaran Festival every first weekend of October. The festival re-enacts the purchase of Panay by the 10 Bornean chieftains from the aboriginal Atis. It is highlighted by streetdancing to the beat of drums and a gift-giving ritual to the spirit gods as performed by the babaylanes, or "witch doctors."

ILOILO.
Iloilo province on the southeastern part of Panay Island is known for its gentry living as showcased by its many colonial churches and mansions scattered throughout its landscape.

Iloilo City alone is a living testimonial to the province's rich cultural heritage. At the city proper, the landmarks include: Museo Iloilo, Muelle Loney at the city port, Fort San Pedro, a popular evening promenade at the waterfront, and Plaza Libertad. Arevalo has fine 19th century mansions, looms that weave jusi and piña, and flower nurseries. Jaro is the residential center of the elite who, to this day, maintain their grand ancestral homes in tip-top condition.

Each town along the coast west of the city has its own centuries-old church. Tigbauan has a Baroque facade, Guimbal's is made of yellow sandstone, and San Joaquin's, of white coral. But the most impressive is the grand Miag-ao Church which is inscribed in the World Heritage List.
The towns east of the city lead to Estancia, the gateway to the cluster of islands off northeast Panay.

Iloilo hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, the most popular of which are: Dinagyang, Iloilo's version of Aklan's Ati-Atihan, celebrated on the third weekend of January; the Feast of Our Lady of Candles every February 2 in Jaro; the Paraw Regatta held every third Sunday of February in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island; Pasungay, or the Festival of Bulls, in San Joaquin every second Saturday off January; and the Carabao Race in Pavia every May 3.

The island-province of Romblon is a cluster of 20 islands lying practically at the center of the Philippine archipelago. Its three main islands are: Romblon, Tablas and Sibuyan.

In the capital town of Romblon is found the 16th century St. Joseph's Cathedral which was built by the Recollect Fathers and features a Byzantine altar, stained-glass windows, and an extensive collection of religious antiquities. Perched on top of a hill is the old Spanish Fort San Andres which is now used as a weather station.

In Tablas is found the main pier and airport. It boasts many fine beaches and magnificent waterfalls spread out in several towns. In the town of Calatrava is the massive Oregon Rock, two black boulders that stand guard at the entrance of Romblon Pass.

Sibuyan Island is dominated by Mount Guiting-Guiting, the highest peak in the province at 2,057 meters. Its rugged terrain is a challenge to trekkers.
At the southernmost part of the province is Carabao Island, also known as the town of San Jose, said to have the most beautiful beaches in all of Romblon.

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