Miag-ao Church

MIAG-AO CHURCH

The Miagao Roman Catholic Church in Miagao Town about 35 kilometers west of Iloilo City is one of the major highlights in going to Iloilo City and Province. The Church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Unique Baroque Churches of the Philippines" in 1993. On the front facade of the Church, which is flanked by two watchtower belfries, one can see the unique blending of Spanish and native influences like the Coconut Tree and a bas relief of Saint Christopher. The church was made from limestone and local corals quarried from the sea. The church and its watchtowers were also built to defend the town and its people against raids by the Moros. It therefore has thick walls and, reportedly, secret passages. Indeed stretching along the Iloilo coast are defensive towers, but none that equal the size of the Miag-ao. It is because of this defensive purpose that it is sometimes referred to as the Miag-ao Fortress Church.

While waiting for hubby who was busy with his photography, I explored the compound of the church and discovered the side gate that led to the town Plaza. The Plaza had a statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, our National hero. There are flowering plants around the Plaza, giving it a lively character. I saw some locals strolling, perhaps to have a dose of the morning sun. There are concrete benches where one can sit while resting and looking at the flowers. I loved the whiff of the wind that swept my hair while I sat on one of the benches.

From my bench, I saw the waiting shed where locals patiently waited for the jeepney/bus going to Iloilo City. I noticed that jeepneys left only after being filled to capacity, while buses left immediately after a passenger went down/up.

The Miagao Church was such a sight to behold from the Plaza. You will have a different appreciation of the architectural details of the church from that perspective. The massive buttresses that supported the church and the belfry that once served as watch tower were really awesome.

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Dinagyang Festival

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

The Dinagyang Festival is celebrated every fourth weekend of January to commemorate the Christianization of the natives and to honor the Holy Child Jesus. It is a very colorful parade coupled with a dramatization in honor of the patron Saint Sto. Niño as the object of dramatized offerings and prayers amidst the cracking of drums and shouts of "Viva Señor Santo Niño."   The thundering of "Hala Bira" by the tribe members makes the celebration a lively one.

The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is a showcase of the rich heritage, colorful history, passionate devotion, and fun-loving spirit of the Ilonggo people. The festival traces its roots as a thanksgiving celebration in honor of Senyor Santo Niño, the child Jesus. Today, it has grown to be one of the Philippines’ most spectacular religious and cultural festivals.

The highlights of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival are scheduled on the fourth weekend of January in addition to many exciting activities happening all throughout the month. The religious highlights of the Dinagyang include the fluvial procession along the Iloilo River and the Dinagyang Ati cultural parade and competition.

The Dinagyang Festival is one of the most photographed festivals in the country. Thousands of professional photographers and hobbyists go on a pilgrimage to Iloilo for the chance to capture the perfect postcard photo of the Dinagyang warriors and other scenes during the festivities. The annual “Iloilo Dinagyang Photo Contest” organized by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) gives recognition to the best photos and photographers. There are spaces allocated for photographers, bloggers, and the media in each performance stage. Interested parties should coordinate with the Dinagyang Foundation  to secure a media pass.

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Gigantes Island

GIGANTES ISLAND

Islas de Gigantes or the “islands of giants” is a group of islands located off the coast of Carles and Estancia towns in Northern Iloilo. The main islands, which includes Isla Gigantes Sur and Isla Gigantes Norte are situated 18 kilometers from the mainland. From Iloilo City, Islas de Gigantes can be reached after a three-hour bus ride to Estancia Port and then a two-hour boat ride.

Islas de Gigantes boasts of pristine white sand beaches, bountiful fresh seafood, mystical rock formations, and laid back island lifestyle. Tourist facilities are largely undeveloped in these areas. Travelers who are willing to go the “extra mile” can look forward to enjoying the beautiful sights and mystifying experiences that Islas de Gigantes has to offer.

From Iloilo,Backpacking to Isla de Gigantes there are direct buses bound for Estancia. However, we took 3 day rest as we headed to Conception, Iloilo first. We did a homestay for 3 days to rest from nonstop hitting the road for more than a week. Bus rides, ferries, long jeepney rides, etc. We needed to chill out.

It was sunny when we got to Estancia port. From Conception, Iloilo, the bus leaves as early as 7am.. Actually from the jump off area, we walked down to the port. Bought some food and lunch then jumped into the 2pm boat bound for the Isla de Gigantes. Be sure not to miss the once a day boat. St. Micheal was the name of the boat.

Backpacking Isla de Gigantes sounded like “expensive”. When you need some reservations on a resort and arrange some boats for. But neither of the above mentioned. We just crashed in. So we took a boat ride to the island. Too perfectly fine weather and our eyes were satisfied by beautiful mountain islands view en route.

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