It’s never easy to convince someone (particularly parents) that traveling solo around the Philippines for women can be exciting and worth it. This has been a real challenge for me since I started traveling in 2008. How was I supposed to do it? Well, as the saying goes, there’s no way unless you try. At 22, I did my first solo backpacking trip. My destination was decided on a whim and the first place that came into my mind during a seat sale was Iloilo. For less than 1000 pesos, I booked my return flight a few months in advance and literally told myself, “Bahala na si Batman.”
What kept me awake while waiting for my 4am flight
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the luxury of time to plan for this trip. I crammed everything at the last minute. Hours before my flight, I wrote down a list of places to see in Iloilo and searched for a contact person from Guimaras Island. Then, that’s about it. From the office, I drove straight to the airport, left my car there, and waited for the first flight. All I had then was a small pink backpack, a cinnamon roll and a hot coffee, a messy itinerary, a telephone number written on a scratch paper, and a huge amount of courage. I’m telling you, this is not the best way to prepare for a solo trip, but when you know you’re ready, the adrenaline rush is always there. It somehow gives you hope that it can be done and even if you get lost somewhere, you’ll eventually find your way.
Upon arriving in Iloilo, I took the van/shuttle from the airport to the city for 50 pesos. The shuttle airport terminal is not hard to find. For budget-conscious travelers like me, this is the cheapest way to go to the city. From SM City, I went straight to Ong Bun Pension House. This is not a fancy hotel but it was good enough for 495 pesos a night. There’s TV, air-conditioning, hot and cold shower. There’s also a wifi hotspot in the reception area. You can order in if you’re too lazy to go out (Hello, Room Service). The food is not that expensive.
GUIMARAS
I went to the hotel reception to ask for directions going to Ortiz port. No sweat. Surprisingly, it was only one jeepney ride away from the pension house. In 10 minutes, I was there, lining up to get to the next pump boat ride to Guimaras Island. The boat fare was only 13 pesos that time, one-way. The trip from the port to Jordan Wharf took around 15 minutes. Once you arrive in the Jordan Wharf, don’t forget to go to the tourism center and sign up if you’re a visitor. The officers here are very friendly. If you don’t have a concrete itinerary, you can ask them and they’ll be able to help you for sure.
All Aboard! By law, you can’t bring mangoes to Guimaras. Common sense should tell you why but you can go ask the locals.
While I waited for for Kuya Gerald, the tour guide I contacted the night before my flight, I got a chance to mingle with the locals. Kudos to the Ate’s and Kuya’s in the tourism center who were kind enough to share their own stories about Guimaras and how important mangoes are in their lives.
The Friendly Tourist Officers
Let me show you what I had in my itinerary. I gave this to my guide and had one day to do everything. This schedule was a bit tight for me and may not be applicable if you prefer a slower pace, but given my limited time, I was willing to explore whatever for a day. I couldn’t believe that after 2 years, I would still remember vividly what I did in Guimaras. I hope these photos can take you there:
Guinness’ Smallest Town Plaza in the World
Sadsad Falls. If you are up for a little hike, you can give this spot a shot. It’s worth it.
The Trappist Monastery. It’s too quiet here, it’s almost deafening. I’d say this is perfect if you need a solemn place to reflect. You cannot find a place like this in Manila.
Guisi White Beach. One of the cleanest beaches I’ve seen.
If Bohol has Chocolate Hills, Guimaras has the most vast Mango Plantation in the Philippines.
Guisi Lighthouse Ruins
Marine Turtle Sanctuary. They need donations!
Meet Kuya Gerald, the best tour guide! I enjoyed going around Guimaras, riding a tricycle.
Raymen Beach Resort, Alubihod
My favorite part of the trip: Guimaras Adventure Park. Remembering my first time to ever learn the proper way of holding and firing a gun (45mm). This was certainly the perfect way to end my tour. The owner, Engr. Vince Corpus, was impressed that he gave me a discount!
I didn’t get a chance to further explore Iloilo at night right after the Guimaras day trip. I wanted to, but I was just too tired. This is one of the cons when you are traveling at an exhausting pace. I usually have all the energy when I travel but sometimes my body just shuts down. Right then, I thought it was best to just rest, catch up on American Idol, and regain my energy for the next day.
My Humble Abode for 2 nights.
ILOILO
I started the next day right by going to the nearest branch of Ted’s Oldtimer to try some of that infamous La Paz Batchoy for breakfast. Then, again I relied on asking people for directions going to my next destinations. I survived in the end, but I was a bit hesitant at first because I couldn’t speak Ilonggo.
Iskolar ng Bayan sa Visayas.
Iloilo is a very Catholic province; that’s a given. It boasts a lot of cathedrals and small churches. From one town to the next, it’s very evident. Aside from Butterscotch hoarding, I did my own version of Church hopping on a Sunday. I hate to have favorites but the Miag-Ao Church won me over.
Jaro Cathedral and Belfry
The Gothic Church of Molo
The Miag-Ao Baroque Church, a UNESCO Heritage Site. This was built during the Spanish colonization in 1786 by the Augustinians. It took more than 10 years to finish.
The Interior of Miag-ao Church. The first time I saw this, I was speechless. All I could think of was how perfect the aisle could be for my own wedding. See this photo, the church was closed to the public but I had it to myself. I was very lucky that day.
It’s all because of this man. Kuya Noel, the caretaker, saw me taking photos of the church from all the possible angles I could think of. He invited me over and asked me I wanted to see the interior. Who was I to say no to that?
I had the privilege to meet the owner of the Old Sinamay House. She told me everything about her Sinamay business, its history, and significance today especially to the Ilongga mothers who are employed here to make garments out of Sinamay for a living. She inherited the business from her parents, from the parents of her parents – a legacy being passed on from one generation to the next. She’s pretty old but her memory is flawless and her stories are really something. Thank you, Lola Cecilia.
For less than 500 pesos spent on food and transportation for one day, I got to see firsthand an Ilonggo’s way of life through their faith, their day-to-day work, their local food and culture, and most especially through their language. I will never trade this experience for anything else.
Some takeaways that I can share with you:
1) You can do Iloilo and Guimaras in 2 days. Of course, this is subjective. It all depends on what pace you prefer when traveling.
2) Trust your instincts and when you’re in doubt, don’t be shy to ask questions. Filipinos are innately helpful.
3) Tell the jeepney/tricycle drivers “Lugar lang, Dong” instead of “Para”.
4) Forget everything but the Butterscotch and those to-die-for Guimaras Mangoes.
It’s really when you don’t plan everything that things will definitely come as a surprise — in good ways you’ve never experienced before. It’s interesting to do this once in a while: being in a different place outside and totally different from your comfort zone. It could be a learning experience, an eye-opener for you. I tell you, things like these you’ll never get to learn from your 8-5 shift in the office. Try it with friends if you can’t do it by yourself, and you’ll definitely be amazed by what you can do and how diverse the Philippines is.
If you travel solo, your parents may find it hard to understand it at first, but they will eventually/slowly, once they see the pictures you’ve taken and hear the things you’ve learned. You’ll learn how to be independent, that’s for sure. The whole experience builds your self-confidence and social network. Who doesn’t want that?
Fellow Filipinas, let’s travel more. Just do it!
I did it once and have never stopped since.
Hoy Viva La Vida 