The Philippine’s Hidden Gem: Concepcion, Iloilo

   

The Visayas is often associated with beautiful beaches. The popularity of Boracay, however, sometimes over-shadow the other similarly beautiful beaches scattered in the area. Among which are the 16 hidden gems of Concepcion in the Province of Iloilo.  Concepcion is just 2.5 to 3 hours away from Iloilo City, hence, a great place to visit when in Iloilo.

If taking a bus, it is best to stay overnight as the last trip in Concepcion going back to Iloilo City is at 3pm and 4pm for going to Sara (the next municipality where there are several bus trips by Ceres Liner going to the city). If bringing a private vehicle, one day of fun is do-able.

The maximum number of islands that one can visit in one day is three: Pan de Azucar, Agho Island, and Bolobadiangan Island.

Take a Leganes-bound jeepney and get off at Tagbak Terminal in Jaro. HPQ Liner has regular trips going to Concepcion daily. Take note, however, of the last trip which is at 3pm. Beyond 3pm, Sara-bound jeepneys are available and from Sara, there are numerous bus trips bound for Iloilo City.

Pan de Azucar  is 40 minutes away by boat from the mainland. It is famous for Mt. Manaphag, towering at 573 meters and ideal for mountain climbing. As one approaches the island, one can already see the looming presence of the steep mountain. There are no resorts in the island. There are, however, several rest houses owned by the town's prominent residents. Unless you know them, camping is the only way to go. The beach is not really a good place to swim anymore. One could check out an interesting rock formation on one side of the island instead.

  

Approximately 25 minutes from Pan de Azucar, is Agho Island. Agho Island is a paradise. One can have the island for the whole day without anyone else. Besides being private, the sand is white, the scenery picturesque, the breeze heavenly, and the water crystal clear. It is noted for different kinds of shells and Tabon birds. A word of caution though, there may be sea urchins in the area depending on the season. There are no resorts in the island. Only the caretakers inhabit the island. So, if one would like to stay the night, one should bring a tent and enough food and water. Do not fret, Malangabang Island (where a sari-sari store is available) is just a kilometer away. 

Bolobadiangan Island  is often visited by tourists because of its long and winding white sandbar. During low-tide, the sand bar extends as far as if it almost touches the next island. Owned by the heirs of the Eusala family, accommodations is available through the Sand Bar Beach Resort situated in the island. There are simple cottages that visitors can rent, which ranges from Php500-800. One can also rent or bring their own tents and pay a minimal amount. The island resort does not have a restaurant, so one should bring their own food and drinking water. Water for bathing is for sale at Php10/gallon.

Concepcion beaches offer world-class quality beaches. It would be a shame not to visit these hidden gems, when it is so close to Iloilo City.



Contacts

Accommodations

- Concepcion
Junbee Recreation Center
Mr. Augusto "Jun" Garilva: 09209021681; 3920371
hoteljunbee@yahoo.com, check their website, here, and read review, here.

- Bolobadiangan Island
Sandbar Beach Resort
Mr. Rex Eusala: 09207198042

- Agho Island
09296089830; 09155454616

Boat

Ronnie (boatman): 09072897111
Sandbar boat operator: 09129575002
Municipal Tourism Officer - Mario Lazarito: 09085929096; mariolazarito@yahoo.com

Rates

Accommodations

Junbee accommodation: P200-250/pax
Sandbar accommodation: P800 (big cottage); P500 (small cottage)

Boating

3-island tour with Ronnie: P1800
Sandbar boat operator: P2000 (back and forth only)
Island tour arrangement with Municipal Tourism Officer: P1500 (small boat), P1800 (2-island tour), P2200 (3-island tour)

Entrance Fees

Agho Island: P50/head
Bolobadiangan Island: P25/head

Bus

P120 each way/pax

A D.C. Affair

 

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  First encounter

My flight to Kansas City, Missouri via Detroit, Michigan was indefinitely delayed. I was rerouted to Washington D.C. with a stop-over in Minneapolis-St. Paul. During the taxi ride from Charlottesville, Virginia to Reagan International Airport, I was able to get a glimpse of the city's landmark. Sightings: the tip of Washington Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, and the Pentagon.

• Second encounter

Being the headquarters of one of the worlds most powerful country, Washington D.C. has a lot of touristy landmarks. Being just a bus ride from Charlottesville, Virginia, my roommates and I did not want to go home to Manila and miss going to this great city. We decided to go at the last minute - around 2am. We did not have bus tickets nor itineraries. So at 3am, we took a taxi for the Greyhound bus terminal. What is normally a two hour drive, turned into a 5-hour bus ride. Since we sort of like hitched a ride, the three of us were seated separately. Places visited: National Capitol, American-Indian Museum, National Museum of Natural History, Washington Memorial, White House. Sightings: Lincoln Memorial.

• Third Encounter

All my bags were packed, I was ready to go, or so I thought. I got extended for another one and a half month. My new roommate and I headed to Washington D.C. for my third visit and her first time. Places visited: Holocaust Museum, National Mall, Washington Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, White House, Old Post Office, Library of Congress, and National Capitol.

For some reason, I kept on coming back to this city. On those occasions, these are the touristy spots that I think make The District grand:

   

Holocaust Museum

With a limited time, you would not be able to cover the whole museum. Nevertheless, a visit to at least one museum would be an interesting start of your tour. By the way, all national museums have no entrance fees.

   

Washington Memorial

Built to commemorate the first US President, it is the tallest structure in Washington D.C. The reason being: the building code restricted  new building heights to no more than 20 feet (6.1 m) greater than the width of the adjacent street.

               

World War II Memorial

One of the inscription in the eastern corner: 

 

 

 

 

Vietnam War Memorial

 Also known as "The Wall," it was built as a memorial to those who served in the war, both living and dead. It was built entirely with private funds contributed by corporation, unions, veterans, civic organizations, and individual Americans. There are now 58,261 names listed on the Memorial. The names are arranged in chronological order, according to the date of casualty within each day, with the names alphabetized.

 

 

Lincoln Memorial

Dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, the memorial was designed based on a greek temple with each column representing one state of the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. This was the venue of US President Barack Obama's inaugural speech. A great view of the Washington Memorial may be seen from the top of the stairs in front of the memorial.

 

     

 

White House

The official residence of the President of the United States of America. A glimpse of the white-painted Georgian-style home along Pennsylvania Avenue NW should not be missed.

 

 

Old Post Office Pavilion

Washington's first skyscraper. Due to its great setting, the old post office is now a venue for special events. On ordinary days, it is crowded with tourists as well as Congresspersons who enjoy international cuisine.  There are even several filipino shops to satisfy your craving for some filipino adobo. 

 

 

Library of Congress

Book lovers and readers alike would truly be amazed with the largest library in the world. To be able to enter the Reading Room, though, you should possess a Reader Identification Card and to be able to borrow items, you should be a member of Congress, Supreme Court Justice, a staff, a Library of Congress staff or a government official. Good Luck!

 

United States Capitol

Officially, each side is the "front." Historically, however, the east front was the side used to welcome visitors and dignitaries. This is the meeting place of the United States Congress.

 

 

When there is an opportunity to drop by The District, grab it. Every corner is candy to the eyes. Your cameras will be very happy.

 

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second encounter

third encounter

 

 

 

Charlottesville’s Old Dominion Charm

If there was a place that I would have my home city learn from, it would be Charlottesville, Virginia.

In many ways they are similar. Both are historic cities with great heritage locations to boast with. Charlottesville is a charming city in the state of Virginia. It is the hometown of three US presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe. Iloilo, on the otherhand, is the second oldest city in the Philippines. It is the hometown of former Vice President Fernando Lopez, Graciano Lopes Jaena, and several notable national leaders. The difference: they are located in different parts of the world, and Charlottesville was able to preserve its heritage sites.

I learned that the city even has an ordinance imposing civil penalty to those who wrongfully demolish historic buidlings. Also, they provide incentives for the upkeep, rehabilitation and restoration of older structures, and encourage desirable uses and forms of development that will lead to the continuance, conservation and improvement of the city's historic, cultural and architectural resources and institutions. 

Example of well-preserved heritage sites that Charlottesville, Virginia has to offer:

  

Historic Downtown Mall

The site of the old Main Street Charlottesville, this pedestrian mall is home to a vibrant collection of old buildings converted into useful spaces for shops and restaurants.

 

 

Comparable to Iloilo's Calle Real.

  

University of Virginia

The University is one of the legacies of Thomas Jefferson. One of the prominent spot is the Rotunda. The Rotunda, the architectual & intellectual heart of UVA, was designed by Jefferson himself and was based upon the Pantheon in Rome.

 

 

Comparable to Iloilo's University of the Philippines, Central Philippine University, and University of San Agustin, among others.

   

Monticello/Montpelier/Ash Lawn-Highland

Homes of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe, respectively. Monticello is one of Jefferson’s most important project before he passed away, his retirement home. An image of Monticello can be found in the United States coin, nickel.

 

 

Comparable to Iloilo's mansions.

Virginia is a wonderful place, particularly Charlottesville. It is very charming, so much so that most UVA graduates come back to the city to retire. Being a university city, it has everything one could ask for. Music scene, dining experience, intellectual discourse, even outdoor activities. In fact, it was declared 4th best place to live by Kiplinger's Magazine in 2009, 2nd best place to retire by Black Enterprise Magazine in 2008, as well as one of 30 coolest place to live in the United States.  This just goes to show that modern living could go hand-in-hand with history and tradition.

 

 

 

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Monticello