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.