Trappist monastery scenes It seems I forgot to mention that Guimaras mangoes are the best, sweetest-tasting on the planet!! But somehow, I wasn't able to have a photo of them in bundles. Didn't even bring 'em home for fear that it would destroy my "travel light" philosophy.Anyhoo, another destination in Guimaras is the Trappist Monastery. It's a sprawling, idyllic compound ably run by the Trappist monks. They have a nice church here and a store oozing with pasalubongs.I bought some rosaries which the priest was only too willing to bless. ... Continue Reading...

Island scenes They call it Us-usan Island and it was something I haven't heard about or seen in any of those Philippine tourism guidebooks. Us-usan is a long stretch of beach which possesses the most magnificent sandbar I've seen. Yes, even better than the White Beach in Camiguin which I last saw 10 or 15 years ago. Our guide said Us-usan's sandbar changes with the tide which made it even more amazing. ... Continue Reading...

Costa Aguada scenes Costa Aguada must have been the largest resort I have seen in my entire travelling life, though much of it is still undeveloped. It also lies in the middle of nowhere, being situated in what is called Inampulugan Island in the province of Guimaras. To go here, you have the choice to either pass by Bacolod or Iloilo. Even then, it is still a good 30 to 45 minute trip by boat. Not to worry because the ride rewards you with the scenic view of the sapphire blue ocean and the adjoining lush islands, exactly as you see in those postcards. ... Continue Reading...

Bell by the boats My short but eventful vacation has left me speechless. Am once again struck in awe at all the natural splendor I've witnessed. Am oozing with such positive aura from this trip that here's no room for even an ounce of irritation even if our Cebu Pacific flight to Manila was delayed for an hour and a half (talk about the new Filipino time) ; even if it was a tad cumbersome to be lugging my luggage from one port to the next after what seemed like an eternity of boat rides. Luckily, there were porters to do most of the work for us! ... Continue Reading...