Iloilo City Tour 2018

Holla chakas! eh este chickas! Haha. So last April 22, I went home to my province (Iloilo) and my buddy Sambe tagged along to go on a short vacation. Our arrival was in the afternoon so I showed her around the city first ( though, me myself wasn't really familiar with the places around the city since I spent half my life in Manila at least I can speak and understand Ilonggo/Hiligaynon!)

Our first stop was Netong's, a food hub known for its authentic La Paz Batchoy. 

A good way to start my friend's culture tour is through her stomach. :) 

Jaro Cathedral

Iloilo has a lot of century-old churches well-preserved and are still standing up to now. We wouldn't miss the time to thank God for the blessing that He has given, that's why on our first day of vacation, we opted to visit some of the beautiful churches of my hometown.

Molo Plaza, Church and Mansion

Bringing with me my metal straw always, too bad though they didn't have reusable containers.

Iloilo Esplanade

If I were to describe Esplanade, it's a park, night life and business site in one place. People can come here if they want to jog or run. Its a very long stretch of running course, surrounded by mangroves giving you fresh air while you run. Restaurants and bars are also lined up on the side which makes it a nice place to dine with your family and spend time at the benches after. 

a must-try activity!

I can't really put everything here for such a short time that I have so I left a travel video below for you to watch. 

Maynoba Circuit

Quick Facts:

• Mt. Cayabu is 680 MASL high, while Mt. Maynuba (also Maynoba) stands at 662 MASL.
• Mt. Cayabu's peak does not offer a 360 degree view, only tall trees at the summit.
• First part of the Cayabu trail is very steep and would weaken your legs fast!
• Most parts of the trail is exposed to the sun so if you don't like the sun, better bring weapons.

How to Get There:

• From Cubao, take a Cogeo-bound jeepney and ask the driver to drop you off in Gate 2
• Walk towards the market/palengke on your right and look for Sampaloc-bound jeepneys.
• Earliest trip is 4:30 to 5:00 AM, alight in Batangasan Junction
• Hire a tricycle going to Registration Area in Brgy. Cayabu

Expenses:

• Cogeo vv Batangasan Php84
• Registration Fee Php100
• Guide fee Php500/5pax

I cannot give a more detailed list of expenses because we went via Daniel's motorcycle. I only knew the fare rate from Cogeo to Batangasan Junction since I already went to Batolusong which has the same entry point of Maynoba's.

I was supposed to climb Mt. Ugo last holidays but I decided not to push through due to some circumstances. Then this "biglaan" climb happened. Apparently, my friend Daniel has got a cancelled climb too. We were both frustrated that we decided to drive to Tanay for a quick hike in Mt. Cayabu and Mt. Maynuba.

The Sierra Madre Mountains

Mt. Cayabu's summit.

That's Mt. Cayabu's peak

Campsite/Resting Area for those who are doing a loop to Maynuba

Lovely isn't it?

The trail is mostly very steep, I can imagine how hard can this be on rainy days.

8 Wonder Waterfalls

Watch our Video here:

Always practive LNT loves!