Guimaras - The Sweetest Mangoes
9:00 PM
Guimaras is an island province near Iloilo. It is also one of the smallest provinces.
Guimaras is well known for its wide mango plantation and mango exports. Their mangoes there are one of a kind and not the same as the mangoes that we usually eat. There is that distinct sweetness that makes you want to eat more.
I wasn't too worried about this Guimaras trip since I already booked a tourist guide. The tourist guide and tricycle driver that would be assisting us in the trip is Kuya Gerald.
I just found his name in one of the blogs I have read and he was the one that was suggested to give a tour around the place since he knows a lot, he lives there and gives the tour at a cheaper price.
We woke up around 5 AM and prepared ourselves. We took a jeepney going to the Ortiz Port.
We took the first trip of the pump boat going to Guimaras which is 6 AM. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes for the travel time.
We arrived in Guimaras around 7:00 AM because they filled the pump boat and waited for a lot of people before departing. The pump boat ride costs P 14.00.
We met with Kuya Gerald in the Guimaras Port. We got into his tricycle which is one of the means of transportation there.
If you wanted to contact him to have a tour in Guimaras, this is his number: 09084748122
You can tell him that Catherine referred him.
The first place we went to is the Balaan Bukid Shrine. This place is where one could spend their Holy Week to meditate and go through the sacrifice.
It is a 45 minute trek on a rocky and steep trail going to the shrine. Along the way, one could see the 14 stations that would show the sacrifices that Jesus has made.
You would be greeted by a gigantic cross when you have almost reach the top.
Once you reach the peak of the mountain, you would see the breathtaking view of Iloilo.
There is a small chapel at the top where masses are held.
There is no entrance fee but one could give donations for making it a better place.
Our next stop is the smallest plaza. From the name itself, it is small. I wonder why they created such plaza when not a lot of people could fit in.
By the way, this place is on the Guinness Book of World Records.
In the center of the plaza, you would see the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero.
Along the way, while we were heading to the Guimaras Trade Information Center, we have seen people selling mangoes. The best thing about it is that there is a free taste before buying it.
They even have this Mango Ketchup. I wonder how it tastes.
When we reached the Guimaras Trade Information Center, we looked at the different delicacies and souvenirs that you can purchase.
Near that area, one can find the Museo de Guimaras. When we came there, it was under renovation so we weren't able to go in and check what is inside.
We also passed by the National Mango Research and Development Center.
We have finally arrived in the Trappist Monastery.
It is a peaceful and sacred place which are run by monks. These monks follow the rule of St. Benedict.
We went inside the church to pray and we also lighted candles.
We also get to roam around the place.
The monks earn a living by selling souvenir items and foods. They also get donations by people coming in there.
We met one monk there and he told us about a Cebuano who gave him the Sto. Nino that he has. He also prayed for us and gave us papers to write our petitions on.
After leaving a sacred place, we are then headed to a place to relax and get a good view.
We checked out the biggest mango plantation which is the Oro Verde Mango Plantation which has 50,000 mango trees.
We also passed by Camp Alfredo which is a nature adventure destination. They offer zipline, rappelling, hanging bridge and many more.
To get to know more about this place, you can check out their facebook site.
Kuya Gerald told us that instead of going to Valle Verde Mountain Resort to have an overlooking view of Guimaras, he just took us somewhere near the road.
He said it wasn't the best view if we are going to go to the resort.
Our last stop for our trip in Guimaras is the Guisi Point Lighthouse and Beach. This is one of many attraction in Guimaras. It is an 18th Century Lighthouse built during the Spanish colonial time and it's purpose is to guide mariners passing in Guimaras.
The entrance fee for this place is P10.00.
This is the new lighthouse they have made.
You are not allowed to go up the lighthouse since its dangerous. That is what it's saying on the sides of the lighthouse.
Kuya Gerald told us that we could go up the lighthouse but we just need to be careful. When I got to the top, you could see the Guisi beach and a breath taking view of the sea.
We came down from the lighthouse and headed near the beach. We brought the food that we bought in a nearby low priced eating area. We just sat on the rock and ate our lunch.
After our lunch, we went to Rayment Beach Resort because Kuya Gerald has to switch tricycle. I've mentioned to Kuya Gerald that there are a lot of bloggers that mentioned that the Guisi Beach is better than the Raymen Beach Resort and he agreed to that.
While we were having lunch, Kuya Gerald mentioned to us that there is a food shop in Guimaras that sells mango pizza. When we left the place, we told him that we need to stop by the area and have a taste of it.
The name of the food shop is Pitstop Pizza Haus. They sell different kinds of pizza but this mango pizza is a must try.
It was another sumptuous meal and it's one of the best pizzas I have tasted.
It was time to bid goodbye to another destination.
Kuya Gerald took us to the port and we payed him. The whole trip costs us P1,200 so that would be P 600 per person. It was not bad for a trip like that. Of course, we gave him a tip.
Wow..taga Guimaras akong papa pro wla pko ka adtu...
adto unya chloe chen...nice pud siya though gamay ra...