FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

My fascination with tultul started when I read about it on Food Magazine. And thanks to Mr Eugene Jamerlan for this tultul that I actually now hold in my hand. This kind of salt is not a staple at home and searching about it online brought me to an article published on The News Today written by the late historian Prof. Henry Funtecha.  He writes;"  Tultul-making in Hoskyn is an age-old tradition. According to the Ganila couple, both their families have been engaged in the craft for generations. Their grandparents and parents were known far and wide as "masters" of tultul-making in Guimaras. The market for tultul is not a problem because there is a high demand for it in both Panay and Negros Occidental. In fact, buyers from both islands come to Hoskyn to purchase tultul, except that the Ganila couple cannot sustain the supply. To get a better return, sometimes Emma peddles the tultul in the nearby municipalities of Guimaras and Iloilo during their market days. ...

Pulang pasayan is literally translated as red shrimps. Seems common at first but when you take a second look these red shrimps are alive. Normally shrimps become red (or orange) when they are cooked but not these ones for they swim freely and out of harms way in their natural red/orange hue. But I'm not to discuss the best ways of cooking shrimps nor dishes that taste good with shrimps. These are the main attractions of Isla Tiniguiban off the west coast of Guimaras island. These shrimps only come out during the high tide when the water level is high enough for them to swim out of the rocks that act as barrier to both their enemies and their food supply. A man made pond sits near the beach of the island and is planted with magroves to provide food for these shrimps. During low tide these mangroves are exposed and their is nothing much to see. While waiting it's a good way to explore the beauty of Isla Tiniguiban - its beaches, its coves, the gorgeous views on top of hill ...

Our very gracious hosts a few Sundays ago were the Camiñas - Sir Gerard and Ms. Luth who   welcomed us to their home in Guimaras - the Balay nga Kawayan .   The power couple also owns the among the top tourist destinations in Iloilo now, the Camiña Balay nga Bato famous for its delectable tsokolate.  The Camiña Balay nga Kawayan is around 17 kilometers from the Jordan Wharf and set amidst the sprawling   Springbloom Farm . From the abode, guests see a vast pineapple plantation nicknamed Pineapple Ridge (thanks Sir Eugene) on one side and a native papaya orchard down below. The pineapples will be ready for harvest by November and the papayas were all bearing fruit – so many that it weighs down the tree. The house overlooks Lawi Bay and offers a breathtaking view anytime of the day. It is also almost al fresco and the air smells sweet because of the produce around. But guests can go further and find a viewdeck which gives a closer look at the ba...

Lunch was so wonderful today as I had it across the sea on the island that fits our taste - Guimaras. About 17 kilometers away, (from the Jordan wharf?) is the Camiña Balay nga Kawayan inside the Springbloom Farms in Sibunag. Our hosts prepared a simple yet very delectable fare that includes this "hot off the grill" bino-ug nga baboy .  Bino-ug is a vernacular term for grilling over charcoal that results into a crisp outside and juicy inside inside as the high heat cooks the outside faster than the inside. This is the specialty of the house which will soon be opened to the public showcasing its acres of pineapple and papaya farm, among others. We arrived today just in time as these pork were on the "grill" and just the aroma alone made my hungrier than I was. Its the kind of grilled pork I prefer - just seasoned with salt and grilled. Then it's up to the sawsawan to make it even more delicious. But I didn't bother to dipped it as it was very tasty...

Our two-hour tour of the coves, beaches and islets near Alubihod beach proved to be the highlight of our day trip to Guimaras last Tuesday. Unfortunately for us, it was also the only time last week that the rain poured and we also started late so we were no able to maximize our trip. Yet it was still worth it and we are already planning for more. Alubihod beach in Guimaras Our boat tour started/ended at Alubihod beach. The beach is just small that a mere 10 minute walk would cover the entire length - though it is one of the biggest beach in Guimaras and that's why it's popular. Raymen Beach Resort in Alubihod beach, Guimaras We headed out to sea around 2pm in small outriggered motorized banca. The sea was calm allthroughout that we fully appreciated the the beaches, coves, cliffs and even the clearness of the sea itself Our first stop was the PawCaFS - Pawikan caring and Feeding Station . At first we were wondering why we were headed to an area that was full...

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...

Still imagining of what to do this summer? Well, think no further, just pack your bags, some cash and lot of courage then head to the island of Guimaras for some adrenaline rush frolic under the sun. Commune with nature Camp Alfredo is a 4.4 hectare property of lush greens and gentle slopes in Brgy. Ravina in Sibunag and envisioned to be a family-friendly nature-adventure park. It has amenities for a really enjoyable and thrilling experience that includes a restaurant and bar, a hanging bridge and canopy walk. Future facilities will include a camping ground (where tents can be set up), a chlorine-free infinity swimming pool, stations of the cross along a walking trail, an obstacle course, cottages and a prayer deck on the highest point of the property. But the most exhilarating of them all is the 300+ meter zip line which had its blessing and soft opening last Friday, March 11, 2011. Officiated by Father of Parish, it was graced by no less than the Governor of Guimaras, Hon. Felipe H....