FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

The zip line and the adventure facilities are not the only attractions at Camp Alfredo in Guimaras . As one communes with nature - the lush greens, the fresh air, the sound of the stream, the natural flora and fauna, during a visit, gastronomy also becomes an attraction itself. And I have proven it once more, a few days before 2011 came to an end during Camp Alfredo's first ever Christmas Lunch Party. With guests coming mostly from Manila and the US, it was also a reunion of sorts for the families who were there. As always food becomes an integral part of any family gathering and this was among them. With the luncheon catered by Barrio Inasal , which also serves the fares at the Camp during regular days, it was a galore of grilled specialties heralded by the specialty of the house - chicken inasal . Among the best chicken inasals, Barrio Inasal prides itself of having the authentic kind and taste plus it is grilled upon order so it may take a while. Though these ones were ...

A play, not only of colours but of texture and flavours, this presentation of fresh green lato and steamed orange crabs was among the eye catching pieces in a special dinner buffet I attended a few days ago. The seaweed had a nice gelatinous crunch to it and only had hints of saltiness as opposed to my first ever lato experience which had me gasping for fresh water. The crabs meanwhile were perfectly cooked and it packed in the juices in the meat giving it an aromatic gastronomic experience.

Known for having the sweetest mangoes in the world, the island of Guimaras capitalizes on this fruit to boost its image to tourists. So it's no wonder, why this fruit became the motif when Gov. Felipe Nava requested a custom made mode of transport to be used by the Capitol to ferry guests to and from various attractions on the island. Our group was fortunate enough to have been accommodated in this stylish jeepney of our way to Camp Alfredo. The jeep can seat 13 people comfortably (not including the driver) but can go maximum with 18. It even has a space at the back to put some bulky thing that may take up the leg room.The seat covers, ceiling, exteriors and interiors play with a lot of mangoes (both green and yellow) that you'll feel the sweetness of it during the travel. This jeepney was specially built be Pasajero Sosyal industries of Pavia, Iloilo (as the sign said) and small wonder since the company is known to make stylish jeepneys back in Iloilo. You explain, they de...

I just had my first zip line adventure and I’m surely going to do it again. A perfect calorie burning activity and good thing it’s just 20 minutes away from Iloilo City, on the island that fits your taste – Guimaras. Now aside from the usual beach-combing, island hopping and all the mango appreciation, there’s something new and exciting what-to-do and where-to-go in the island. Yesterday, I was invited during the blessing and soft opening of the first ever zip line this side of the region. On an envisioned nature-adventure park named Camp Alfredo, communing with nature brings in a lot of fun and excitement amidst the serene and lush backdrop. No less than the Governor of Guimaras, Felipe Nava (in red) and and his wife Lally (zipping at the time), graced the occasion and pledging support for the latest tourism venture in their turf. After the blessing of the zip line and some parts of the whole property, I had the chance to tour the Camp Alfredo despite all the on going works. This 2-he...