AKLAN
See:
• scuba-perfect sites at Batasan Point in the Municipality of Buruanga
• rich representation of the earth’s biosphere at Bakhawan Eco-Park
• enchanting journey at the Sampaguita Gardens, home of the world-famous Precious Moments Dolls
• the biggest hat and mat in the town of Nabas
• incredible fire dances
Taste:
• sweet lanzones and rambutan of Madalag
• fusion of international and local flavors at Boracay Island
• freshly-picked coconut fruit
• yummy banana chips
• local flavors, like Tinu-om (Native chicken), Tinumkan (Freshwater crab), Inumoe (Broiled Tuna), and Inuburan (Chicken with Coconut Milk)
Hear:
• Rhythmic sounds of drums every Ati-atihan Festival
• amusing Akeanon tongue
Smell:
• sea breeze
• enticing Binakol (Native chicken soup)
Feel:
• wild river adventures at Libacao
• silky-smooth Pinya fibers
• serenity at the Pink Sisters Convent
• summer heat at Boracay
ANTIQUE
See:
• flourishing mountain ranges
• world’s biggest flower, Rafflesia
• Batabat Coral Reef at Barbaza
• patadyong weaving at Bugasong
• Malandog Marker at Hamtic
• massive limestones at Anini-y Church
• fascinating display of culture in Binirayan Festival, Batabat Festival, and Bugas sa Lusong Festival
Taste:
• sugary Bandi and Butong-butong treats of Laua-an
• freshly-baked Puto (Tapol) of San Jose
• sweet-sour combo of Kinunot (Dolphin Fish) dish
• tangy Ginat-an nga Kuday (Coconut Crab cooked in Coconut Milk)
Hear:
• chuffing of the Tariktik (Hornbill) in Valderamma
• busy waters of Bugtong Bato Falls in Tibiao and Pula Falls at San Remegio
• each town’s version of the Kiniray-a dialect
Smell:
• calming aroma of a recently harvested rice field
• tempting bagoong (fish paste)
Feel:
• tickling sensations at Tibiao Fish Spa
• soothing relief of Siraan Hot Spring
• excitement at Danao Lake
• cool-off at Malumpati Cold Spring in the town of Pandan
CAPIZ
See:
• captivating caves
• the biggest bell at Sta. Monica Church in Pan-ay
• mussel farms at Saipan
• remains of world war II at Ang Panublion Museum
• memorabilias of President Manuel Roxas at his birthplace in Roxas City
• historical Moro Towers
Taste:
• a wide-range of seafood choices at Baybay park. Some mouthwatering treats include shrimps, cagaycay shells, oysters, litub shells, diwal shells, scallops, alimango, and lapu-lapu fish
• uniquely blended pastry flavors for pasalubong
Hear:
• distinct stories and local tales
• musical beats during the Pagdayaw Festival at Dumarao and Sinadya sa Halaran Festival in Roxas City
• pleasing sounds of chimes made from Capiz Shells
Smell:
• fresh blooms at flower farms
• early morning breeze at Ivisan beach
Feel:
• enthusiasm at the Linga-anay Festival of Panay, Guyum-guyuman Festival of Pontavedra, Tagbuan Festival of Pilar, and Inilusan Festival of Mambusao
• blissful vibe at sand bars
• romantic courtship dance of a local tribe, Panay Bukidnon, in Tapaz.
GUIMARAS
See:
• the second oldest light house at Guisi
• local preservation of the Olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles
• mysterious Roca Encantada
• bewildering Isles of Seven Sins
• underwater colors of marine gardens
Taste:
• irresistible mangoes
• home-made delicacies at Trappist Monastery
Hear:
• indigenous songs at the Palayag Festival of Buenavista
• busy buzzing sounds at Guimaras Bee Center
Smell:
• freshly-roasted cashew nuts
• energizing citrus smell at An-an’s Farm in San Lorenzo
Feel:
• solemnity at Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid
• vivacious ambiance during the Asinan Festival of San Lorenzo, Balsahan Festival of Sibunag, and the Saranggola Festival of Tastasan, Buenavista Guimaras
• invigorating waters of Alubihod Beach
ILOILO
See:
• Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• wonders of mother nature at Bolabog Putian National Park in Dingle
• well-preserved colonial houses in the city
• country’s oldest golf course at Sta. Barbara
• majestic mosaics at Tigbauan Church
• vibrant Mardi Gras presentation during the Paraw Regatta Celebration
• province’s largest religious celebration, the Feast of Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria at Jaro
Taste:
• mouth-watering Lapaz Batchoy (Ilonggo noodle soup)
• stirring tuba (coconut flower nectar)
• chewy Baye-baye and kalamayhati treats
• sweet Bibingka of Balasan
• bland-tasting kamunsil fruit
• crunchy biscocho
Hear:
• heart-pounding drumbeats of the Dinagyang Festival
• heart-warming Ilonggo love songs and composo
• different animal sounds at Racso’s Woodland
Smell:
• inviting aroma of pan-fried lukos (dried squid), Pinakas (dried fish), Palad (fish flakes)
• euphoric smell of Bugnay wine
• delicate scent of native fruits
Feel:
• Christmas spirit at Iwag Festival of Lights in Pototan
• tranquillity at Isla Gigantes at Carles
• fear-provoking Pasungay of San Joaquin
• delight and excitement at Pintados Festival of Passi City
• patriotic spirit at Sta. Barbara, home of one of the largest Philippine Flags
