Isla de Higantes

The name, which means Isle of the Giants, is well known and frequented by lovers of gorgeous beaches, one of them being Antonia Beach. It is also known for the beautiful white sands, and also the many strong trees around it. There are also a number of other islets around the waters, so island hopping is not just a possibility but one that you can do with ease.

Among the hidden gems of Iloilo is Antonia Beach located in Isla de Gigantes Sur, Carles. Most tourists, even some locals, are unaware that Iloilo Province is blessed with white sand beaches sprinkled across its northern coasts. Jutting out from the eastern side of Gigantes Sur, the stunning white sandbar of Antonia seemingly forms a small cape. At the tip is an interesting elongated rock formation, which serves as a natural wavebreaker. Visitors to Antonia are rewarded by the paradise-like white sand beach and inviting emerald green waters, perfect for swimming.

The Miagao Church

Constructed more than two hundred years ago in the year 1797, the Miagao Church stands as a living legacy of the culture

and way of life of the people of Miagao centuries ago, anchored in a strong foundation of Christian faith. As most travelers would agree, the Miagao Church is one of the country’s architectural gems because of its unique and imposing designs, ornaments and motifs.

The artistic facade of the Miagao Church is decorated with a relief sculpture of St. Christopher carrying the Christ child amidst coconut, papaya and guava shrubs. Like any other foreign influences, the architecture of many colonial churches has undergone the process of indigenization. This process is carried out by incorporating the prevailing Hispano-American and Medieval Spanish architecture with local as well as Muslim and Chinese touches. Thus, the synthesized topology which is anachronistic with the unmindful sues of decorative elements. It had no distinction in terms of periods or orders. A truly ‘Philippine Church’, it exudes a native touch.

A large stone image of St. Thomas of Villanueva, parish patron saint, dominates the center. Carved life-size statues of the Pope and St. Henry with their coat-of-arms above them flank the main entrance. Supporting the facade are the twin belfries, one towering two-storeys and the other three-storeys high. The church’s simple interior is nevertheless highlighted by a striking gold-plated retablo.

In Baroque-Romanesque style, the church sinks six (6) meters deep into the ground with walls one-and-a-half (1 1/2) meters thick and buttresses thrice thicker.

Laguda Mansion in Iloilo History

The Laguda Mansion Ruins can be spotted along Gen Hughes street going to Fort San Pedro. This beautiful neoclassical mansion still looks marvelous despite it’s ruined state. For most photo enthusiasts, the mansion would make a perfect location for a fashion shoot.
My suggestion to the owners, why not restore the mansion and convert into hotel? After all it’s near the vicinity to the Iloilo port. Hopefully it would be feasible when the Fort San Pedro is rehabilitated and the illegal structures removed.

Laguda Mansion in Iloilo History

The mansion was owned by prominent family the “Lagudas”. During World War 2, the mansion was abandoned by the owners. It was the Japanese soldiers burned down the mansion leaving behind the solid foundation. Since then, the mansion remained as is and there’s no plans for its restoration.

Laguda Mansion Photos

 

Laguda Mansion location map

The tourists would just have to settle on watching the mansion from afar since the area is closed to the public. I suggest that to make this place a mini sidetrip since you can’t explore around the mansion. Afterwards you can proceed to Fort San Pedro and catch the view of the sunset.
Transportation
Via Jeepney - Take the Jaro CPU jeeney since it’s route is straight to Fort San
By Foot – Start from Plaza libertad and just walk along the General Hughes street.

Cabatuan Iloilo

Culturally rich Cabatuan has something to offer thats unique and found nowhere else.

Cabatuan Tourist Spots

Cabatuan Church
The Cabatuan Church, also known as Iglesia de San Nicolas de Tolentino is the first and largest red brick church in the Visayas. Two grand belfries stood on each side of the church. The grand neo classical church was given the monicker “Iglesia Primera El Centro de Iloilo. It was also considered as “model of temples”.

Cabatuan Cemetery
The Cabatuan Romanesque Cemetery. The limestone walls enclosing the area was decorated with steel railings. There’s three arches that serves as entrance to the cemetery, the center entrance leads straight to the chapel while other two leads to the cemetery grounds.

Cabatuan Banana Leaf ArcThe “Paklang” or Banana Leaf arc is the notable structure in Cabatuan. This structure symbolizes the pride of Cabatuanons which is the “Tinuom” dish. The banana leaves are essential in cooking “Tinuom”.
TinuomTinuom is a popular delicacy in Cabatuan. In fact, the Tinuom festival was created because of the popularity of the dish. The dish is composed of native chicken bits, tomatoes, tanglad and chopped onions. The dish is cooked by wrapping it in banana leaves and heated in a clay pot.
Japanese Fortification in CabatuanConcrete structure during the Japanese occupation. Built on a hill 20 ft. high with a diameter of 9 feet. Used as a lookout by the Japanese soldiers guarding the road and the approach to the airfield in Tiring, Cabatuan. Walls are still intact.
Veteran’s Memorial Park -
Pamul-ogan Hill -

Cabatuan Tourism Event

Tinuom Festival
Semana Santa

MUSEO ILOILO

Museo Iloilo houses historical and archaelogical artifacts donated by generous ilonggos. Various artifacts includes world war II relics, old weaving loom, Spanish era clothings and pre-spanish period China Jars . Who wouldn’t miss the statue of dead christ which never fails to give me the shivers. Ilonggo architect Sergio Penasales gave the museum its unique geometric shape.
Aside from the historical relics, the museum also hosts art exhibits from both local and international artists. Iloilo Cultural Research Foundation manages the upkeep of the museum. The foundation maintains the cultural education, research and tourism by showcasing the rich cultural history of Western Visayas.