The Great Summer Escape 3:

VILLA ALIANZA RESORT
Dumarao, Capiz

by Pepin

Some of the greatest tourist’s site on earth might just be found right at your backyard, or they might be just there positioned in one hushed baranggay, where a unique kind of serene awaits you.

Villa Alianza Resort in Dumarao Capiz rests in a spot where you and your family can truly take pleasure from a great summer escape. The 15-minute ride from the center of the town to this imposing resort will give you a chance to mull over with the simple scenery and unscathed culture and lifestyle of the locals. The coarse road is perfect to rouse more your excitement, especially if you are hunting for one sweet breathing space on blazing summer days.

The swaying of lofty trees and distinct reverberations of insects compliments well a huge swimming pool located at the center. A stroll around the resort will make one appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

Rates:

Entrance fee and swimming fee (Php 50.00)

Rooms good for 6 persons (Php 1,500.00)

Rooms good for 8 persons (Php 900.00)

Medium Picnic Shed (Php 200.00)

Small Picnic Shed (Php 100.00)

Contact Details:

Kindly coordinate with Dumarao Marketing located at the town proper.

Swimming Pool

Walk Way

Garden Shed

Small Bridge

Disclaimer: Panay Mud Pie (PMP/pmp500.blogspot.com) is not affiliated with any resort, hotel, or any other places featured in PMP’s “The Great Summer Escape” This blog site only provides blog readers with information and/or reviews on tourists’ destinations around Panay Island and Guimaras Island.

The Great Summer Escape 2:

SOL Y MAR BEACH RESORT

Tigbauan, Iloilo

By Pepin

Along the national road is a sweet respite hidden. A spot where silence and relaxation are more than just “must-haves," and true value of your money is defined. That’s Sol y Mar Beach Resort in Tigbauan, Iloilo and its simple beach life ambiance would definitely bring an ultimate summer escape this 2010.

It is accessible by land from Iloilo City with a thirty minute jeepney ride that will allow you to enjoy a quaint view of the trail that heads toward the southern part of the province. Getting to the beach site is much cheaper than you think - for as low as Php 450.00, you can already take pleasure from the calm waters and the silver-gray sand.

This spot is also equipped with soothing amenities, such as the duyan (hammock), tree house, wooden swing, and open huts. The sea breeze is all yours and skin tanning is absolutely free. More to these fun stuffs are the food and beverages served with a welcoming smile. For one, never ever leave this place without a drink of either mango or coconut shake.

Rates:

Entrance Fee                                                 Php 40.00 (adults)

                                                                     Php 35.00 (children)

Standard Picnic Shed (15 persons)                Php 300.00

Family Picnic Shed (20 persons)                    Php 500.00

Single Cottage (2 persons)                            Php 1,400.00

Duplex Cottage (4 persons)                          Php 1,500.00

Twin Cottage (4 persons)                             Php 1,500.00

Single De Luxe Cottage (2 persons)              Php 1,600.00

Single De Luxe Cottage with Dipping Pool    Php 2,500.00

Fitness Gym (walk-in)                                  Php 75.00

Horseback riding (1 hour)                            Php 200.00

Disclaimer: Panay Mud Pie (PMP/pmp500.blogspot.com) is not affiliated with any resort, hotel, or any other places featured in PMP’s “The Great Summer Escape” This blog site only provides blog readers with information and/or reviews on tourists’ destinations around Panay Island and Guimaras Island.

The Great Summer Escape 1:

VALLE VERDE MOUNTAIN SPRING RESORT

Ravina Sur, Sibunag, Guimaras, Philippines

by Pepin

A world on its own sitting above the highlands of Guimaras, the picturesque view of Valle Verde Mountain Spring Resort is unlike other summer escape you can find in the region. It is a weekend haven of bliss and relief, especially for busy strangers.

Modelled along massive loads of earth where subtle trees and blossoming bushes are abundant, this spot is perfect for private getaways, group gathering, and any other special occasions as well. It boasts a swimming pool walled with a garden that is set on steps. There is also a spring pool that welcomes guests downhill with glee after enduring a very challenging pathway. This location is also the starting point for more rough trek and mountain hike. And the cottages and pavilions rise on hard ground where anyone can be at the command of nature day and night.

Rates:

Entrance Fee - Php 10.00

Entrance Fee for spring swimming, trekking, and hiking - Php 10.00

Swimming Pool - Php 50.00

Spring Pool - Php 30.00

Open Huts at poolside - Php 300.00

Duplex Cottages with toilet and bathroom (4 persons) - Php 1,600.00

- Php 800.00/room

Native twin beds with toilet and bathroom - Php 700.00

Three beds with toilet and bathroom (aircon) - Php 1,500.00

Three beds with toilet and bathroom (fan) - Php 900.00

Cottages without toilet and bathroom - Php 500.00

Multi-purpose Hall (Good for 15-20 persons overnight) - Php 3,750.00

Live-in seminars (with 3 meals and 2 snacks) - Php 900.00/pax/day

Daytime seminars (with 2 snacks and 1 lunch) - Php 350.00/pax/day

How to get there:

The only way to Valle Verde is from Iloilo City. Tourist can take a 20-minute pump boat ride from Ortiz Terminal, Iloilo City to Jordan Wharf in Jordan, Guimaras then 30-minute jeepney ride from the wharf to Crossing Valle Verde. The resort also provides a private vehicle for rent.

Contact details:

09187303446 (Ms. Cristy)

09185940958 (Ms. Luisa)

valleverde_mtesort@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: Panay Mud Pie (PMP/pmp500.blogspot.com) is not affiliated with any resort, hotel, or any other places featured in PMP’s special edition of “The Great Summer Escape 2010.” This blog site only provides blog readers with information and/or reviews on tourists’ destinations around Panay Island and Guimaras Island.

Announcements:

38th PARAW REGATTA FESTIVAL

"Honoring a proud Filipino seafaring tradition"

(2009 ATOP Awardee for Best Sports Tourism Event in the Philippines)

February 15 - 21, 2010

6th SINAMBA MARDI GRAS COMPETITION

"Sinaot kag inamba sa Paraw Regatta"

February 18, 2010    7:00 pm

Iloilo City Freedom Grandstand

February 21, 2010   8:00 am

Villa Beach, Iloilo City

Events:

Fiesta 2010: Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria

by Pepin

Much to the heavy traffic and frenzied fair, the 2010 Fiesta of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria at Jaro, Iloilo City was in every inch a victorious celebration last February 2. People of different ages from every corner of Panay, and even across the country and the globe, flocked the festivity to honor the Lady, who is considered by many as an inspiration and a miracle worker.

During the mass, the cathedral was overcrowded by faithful devotees, while several others endured a long queue to pay homage to the image of the Holy Mother at the balcony of the church. Most of them prayed for good health, more success in life, and a peaceful and honest election come May 2010. Some of the pilgrims offered flowers, while a lot of them lit their fuchsia perdon (candles) on designated spots for candle lighting in honor of the patron Mother. Other religious practices that were commonly done were the palapak (blessing of an individual by stamping his head with a statuette of the Holy Mother), and pinning of devotional scapulars to devotees.

While the mass was going on inside, piercing voices of merchants screaming around the borders of the cathedral capitulated people’s attention. They took the opportunity to earn by selling different products, such as potteries, home decors, ornamental plants, pillow cases, balloons, and fashion accessories. Aside from the small businesses, there were also several handicaps soliciting for alms.

In the afternoon, people witnessed a solemn procession, which was participated by different religious sectors of the Archdioses of Jaro, students from various Catholic schools in Iloilo, and more faithful devotees of Our Lady of Candles. The procession was followed by the coronation of Ms. Clarice Helene Guadarrama Saulong, the elected queen of the 2010 Jaro Agro-industrial fair.

Above all, it was a successful fiesta even if there were some police reports of atypical events. Merchants earned their fair share of their income, guests enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at their friends’ homes, and the solemnity of the feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria and her message to the people were greatly emphasized.

Decorating the altar the night before the fiesta

People flock to Jaro church to attend mass

The perdon is being sold at 23 pesos per piece and

115 pesos per pack

This year's official color of the perdon is fuchsia pink

Small business opportunities booms around the Jaro church

Other people came, not to attend mass, but to buy

products being sold in the Jaro Agro-industrial fair