Touchdown Iloilo at 3PM, May 15, 2013. From the airport, I checked-in at a Century-21 Hotel along Quezon Street, rested, and ready for work the morning after. After work the next day, I already wanted to do the walk. Not being familiar with the city and no one to accompany me, I went to the Department of TOURISM Regional Office [For Western Visayas] along Bonifacio Drive, some 3-blocks away from my hotel. At the tourism office, I was entertained by Third and Pam, big thanks to them for accommodating me and for being generous to give me a city map and some flyers. After informing them that I am doing a solo walk of the downtown, they marked establishments, places and landmarks of historical and cultural significance I shouldn’t miss. While I originally planned for a downtown walk tour only, I continued to ask places I should see in Jaro as well. I know I can walk it too which I actually did the next day after work, including LA PAZ.

With my pair of dependable sandals, some sun protection, cellphone and few cash checked, most importantly camera loaded and charged, I was ready for my SOLO WALK TOUR of downtown Iloilo!

[See complete set of my downtown Iloilo City Solo Walk Tour in my Flickr here.]

With a map on hand, I started as soon as I stepped out of the tourism office. Instead of turning left going downtown, I turned right to Forbes Bridge [1-block away] to take a day view of the Iloilo River – the bridge is 1 of 5 crossing the river. Looking at the Iloilo River, I can only wish that I was looking at Pasig River. I am amazed and must applaud the city government and its people for their concerted efforts to maintain the river despite industrial and commercial establishment along the riverside. In fact, a promenade was established to showcase the Ilongo’s love for their river. It’s called the Esplanade.

After few moments in the bridge, I turned my way back to go downtown.  Along the way and before the tourism office, there is the CASTLE HOTEL to the right. It is no longer operational and I can only take pictures from outside. I asked if I can go inside even only on the grounds but I was refused. That was fine, photography ethics. This is actually the first of several structures that I was refused entry and only allowed take pictures from outside. Most ancestral homes in the city or structures with significance need appointment with an average fee of 100-200/pax, minimum of 5, as a rule of thumb. If you go solo, you may negotiate for the price. The Castle Hotel now houses a Korean Learning Center.

Continuing my walk past the tourism office is the MUSEU ILOILO and the PROVINCIAL CAPITOL [new and old buildings]. I took notice of the Museu Iloilo’s structure – quite a deviation from the old architecture that Iloilo is known for. It’s simple but looked modern, close to futuristic but not quite. An entrance of P15 is more than it’s worth if only to know first-hand the history, culture and heritage of Iloilo in one stop.

eside the Museu is the Provincial Capitol. The new building is facing Bonifacio drive while the old capitol [just beside the new one and good they preserved it!] faces Iznart Street heading downtown. In front of the old capitol and at the start of Iznart Street is a ROUND FOUNTAIN also referred to as the KILOMETER ZERO [KM 0]. Kilometer Zero signifies the starting point of all roads from and to any point in Iloilo.

Walking through Iznart are commercial establishments like banks, restaurants, hardware stores, hotels, etc. At the end of it is the main intersection of Iznart, JM Basa, Ledesma and Arroyo Streets called PLAZOLETA GAY. At the center of intersection is a white obelisk-like structure with a dove perched on top. It was erected to honor an Iloilo ancestral family and may now be referred to as Iloilo’s freedom park (note: not Freedom Grandstand, it’s different) as it is usually the venue for rallies and freedom demonstrations.

From the monument, I walked to JM BASA [also known as CALLE REAL] where old commercial buildings still stand and some even undergoing repairs and improvements while maintaining old and original fascade. If Divisoria is to Manila, Colon is to Cebu, San Pedro is to Davao, JM Basa is to Iloilo. Prepare to witness what is left of the City’s commercial grandeur during the Spanish Era along JM Basa and here are pictures along Iloilo’s main commercial street.

Just an observation, I noticed that when I was asking locals in the street where Called Real is, most of them didn’t know. The reason maybe is because Calle Real is no longer used at present to refer to the main commercial street, now known as JM Basa.

[See complete set of my downtown Iloilo City Solo Walk Tour in my Flickr here.]

Along JM Basa is ROBERTO’S. It’s famous for its Siopao but they also serve basic chinese dishes like noodles and lumpia. Siopao made Roberto’s famous and Roberto’s has become part of Iloilo’s culture since 1972. I passed by around 2PM and there was a long queue of people ordering. I originally planned to take my snacks here but because of the long line, I temporarily forego with it and decided to come back after my walk.

I went back at Roberto’s about 6.30PM but there was still a line! I had no choice, I need to taste the siopao that made Roberto’s famous and the siopao that has become part of an Ilongo’s way of life. Siopao prices start at P45, and the most expensive at P70. I ordered for a Queen because it has pork asado, eggs, Chinese sausage and ham but it was no longer available. I settled for the King without the ham at P70. It’s well-stuffed and the additional filling adds a little more excitement to the taste – that may have justified its price.

Interestingly, I saw this man along JM Basa. I wanted to talk to him when I passed by to ask how old is he but he was sleeping on his chair back on the wall. The second time I passed by later in the afternoon, he was busy doing something. If only I was able to talk to him, for sure he should have told me much more about JM Basa [Calle Real] than what my eyes have seen.

I continued my walk to the CITY HALL and passed by REGENT CINEMA, the oldest cinema in the province of Iloilo built in 1928. It’s still operational and now showing double movies – ST film during that time. Adjacent to Regent is the FREEDOM GRANDSTAND where the final stop of the Dinagyang Festival street dance competition is held every year. At the back of the grandstand is the Dinagyang Lounge where costumes of participating contingents from the recent Dinagyang are displayed and also houses the city tourism office.

Few steps from the Freedom Grandstand is the new city hall but before that, I took a short right turn on the street immediately before the City Hall [Ortiz Street] going to Rizal Street for the LEDESMA MANSION. The mansion has eagles on its fence posts that made it grander. The manong whom I bought bottled water from refer to is as – “bahay na may agila!”

I then headed back to the city hall. It’s not only new, it’s huge, and it’s green! I went inside and immediately to the left is the City Gallery. I had a little tour of the gallery and was assisted by Ice who also brought me to the city hall’s roofdeck. The first thing that was referred to me was the statue of a lady on top of the city hall’s dome. They call her LIN-AY, standing 15-feet on a 3-feet pedestal, the bronze statue that symbolizes Iloilo’s culture, heritage and prosperity is at 1.7-tons, sculpted by Ed Defensor and erected in 2011 during the term of incumbent and now re-elected mayor, Jed Patrick Mabilog [May 2013 as of date].

The view from the roof deck is breathtaking and I can only imagine Iloilo’s beauty at sunset. However, the city hall closes at 5PM and its impossible to spend my sunset here. From the top, I feasted on a 360-view of Iloilo City. From a view of JM Basa and downtown, turning right is MEULLE LONEY and the island of Lapuz District which Ice told me that it’s shaped like a nose. In Ilongo, nose is “irong” where the city’s name ILOILO is believed to have been derived. Turning farther right is a view of LACSON HERITAGE HOUSE and the JOSE PLACER CHURCH, in front of the city hall is the PLAZA LIBERTAD and completing the 360-view is the MASON TEMPLE and a glimpse of Guimaras Island.

[See complete set of my downtown Iloilo City Solo Walk Tour in my Flickr here.]

From the exit of the city hall, I continued my walk to places nearby and as I have seen from the roof deck. To the left are the Muelle Loney –a river wharf traversing Iloilo River, the OLD CUSTOMS BUILDING, Lacson Heritage House and beside it is the San Jose Placer Church. According to Ice, the church was where the Dinagyang started. Fronting the City Hall is the Plaza Libertad where the first Philippine Flag was hoisted after Spain surrendered her last city of Iloilo in 1898 and to the right is the Masonic Temple.

Other interesting facts about the city hall – I was also informed by Ice that 70% of the City Hall’s power is generated by solar energy and water supply for toilets are from deposited rainwater from the rooftop.

After visiting places around the city hall, I then continued my walk to FORT SAN PEDRO, my last stop. The walk from the City Hall to the Fort is quite a long walk but you can take the jeep with signboard CPU for P7, just tell the driver to drop you at the Fort or just be observant. If you see lamp posts along a paved sidewalk overlooking the sea to the right [there is an island and that’s Guimaras] with a statue of Christ the King at the farther end, and shanties to your left, it’s already Fort San Pedro. I opted to still walk. Upon reaching the Fort, it was nostalgic. I was here in 2010 [left photo], my first visit to Iloilo and in my second [right photo], I tried to recreate a photo I have taken 2-years back.

Below are [recent] photos taken from Fort San Pedro:

There goes my SOLO Iloilo downtown city walk tour. It started from the  FORBES BRIDGE [near the regional tourism office] and ended at FORT SAN PEDRO. Four[4] major stops and 3-hours [inclusive] of walking under the scorching heat of Iloilo sun. I saw, I witnessed. I learned, I was entertained! Tired but never gave me second thoughts to proceed with my JARO WALK including LA PAZ the next day. I am not given ample opportunity to do things like this every time and I make the most out of it when given a chance. Thank you to my durable sandals and sunscreen!

MY 4-MAJOR STOPS:

First Stop: Regional Tourism Office-nearby are the Provincial Capitol, Kilometer Zero [round fountain] Forbes Bridge and Castle Hotel.

Second Stop: Plazoleta Gay, JM Basa, Regent Cinema Freedom Grandstand and Ledesma Mansion.

Third Stop: City Hall, Mulle Loney, Lacson Heritage House, San Jose Placer Church, Plaza Libertad and Masonic Temple.

Fourth Stop: Fort San Pedro.

Some observations I have noticed during my walk: It’s hot – I have to buy an umbrella the next day! It’s clean and roads are wide. Food is generally marked-up than the usual. Example – 1-serving of meat dish which I can get for P25-P30 in Davao, Cebu or even Manila is P50 in Iloilo. One serving of batchoy at Deco’s is P70, A siopao at Roberto’s can cost P70. My observation was seconded when an officemate confirmed that indeed, food in Iloilo is generally more expensive.

[The sunset photos above were taken the next day as I arrived quite early at the Fort after my downtown walk].

See complete set of my downtown Iloilo City Solo Walk Tour in my Flickr here.

READ MORE OF ILOILO THIS BLOG:

Iloilo Esplanade: Celebrating Ilongo’s love for their River!

La Paz Iloilo: MADGE CAFE inside a public market and DECO’s the first branch that served La Paz Batchoy! [Iloilo Walk Tour Series]

Jaro Iloilo: A Solo Walk Tour [Iloilo Walk Tour Series] [to be posted later]

Map below indicating my 4-stops. Click to open. Click again to enlarge:

A cafe called MADGE CAFE located in inside the public market of La Paz was referred to me by the tourism office. Nearby is the first DECO’S restaurant where the main menu in all its branches started to be served and loved – the La Paz Batchoy!

From downtown, I took a jeep going La Paz and asked the driver to drop me at La Paz Public Market, corner Rizal and Hervana Street, at the back of Grand Dame Building. Short ride at P7. I first saw DECO’S along Rizal and immediately took photos being the first branch and where its batchoy started. Now I know why it’s called La Paz batchoy – because the first Deco’s that served it is located in La Paz!

The restaurant is a small and very simple, a far cry from its high end branches in the city. I Looked at the menu and ordered the Extra at P70. I am familiar with the taste and aroma of batchoy and I exactly got what I wanted. Delicious! Eating in a place where it all started even made my meal better!

From Deco’s, I went inside the public market [entrance along Hervana] and looked for MADGE CAFE. Just ask for directions inside the market and they know. Madge Cafe is carinderia-style in appearance and very neat! It was quite windy when I was there that made my visit very relaxing. I ordered ice coffee at P30 – tall glass and “pandesyosa” –  toasted bread with butter at P20.

While waiting for my ice coffee [they brew their own coffee by the way – selling point of the cafe] I was talking to Aling Julieta, the present owner and cashier. She is in her 70’s and the name MADGE was taken from her mother-in-law, MARGARITA. Aling Julieta and her husband inherited the cafe when the parents of her husband passed away. Since it started, Madge Cafe has been serving good coffee for 70-years, about Aling Julieta’s age. She also informed me that they have a newly opened branch in the Diversion road, air-conditioned but with price mark-up. I like it better in the public market, honestly.

My ice coffee was good with pandesyosa! If I was not thinking of my Jaro walk that afternoon, I should have stayed longer.

Full with batchoy from the first Deco’s and ice coffee from Madge, I was ready to do my JARO WALK!!!

See few more pictures of Madge Cafe, Deco’s and La Paz Public Market in my Flickr here!

READ MORE OF ILOILO THIS BLOG:

Iloilo City on Foot: A Solo Downtown Walk Tour [Iloilo Walk Tour Series]

Jaro Iloilo: A Solo Walk Tour [Iloilo Walk Tour Series]r [to be posted later]

Iloilo Esplanade: Celebrating Ilongo’s love for their River!

Here’s the location of La Paz Public Market where Deco’s and Madge Cafe are. Click to open. Click again to enlarge:

Inaugurated in June 1, 2012 by Pres. Pinoy, the Esplanade was constructed to celebrate Ilongo’s love for their river and promote environmental awareness while providing venue for various leisure activities. The existing 1.2-kilometers of promenade from the Diversion road to Carpenter’s Bridge in Mandurriao was designed by the same architect of Singapore quay and river esplanade. There is a proposal to extend the project to 2-more phases.

Esplanade is Iloilo’s “baywalk” or should I say – “riverwalk.” Establishments are still being constructed and being relatively new [as of date-May 2013] all you can do for now is to walk, jog, take pictures, or just let time pass while enjoying the breeze of Iloilo especially in the afternoon. There are no open restaurants when I was there but saw some being put-up. When fully developed though, I see a MOA Seawall in Iloilo riverbanks!

Unfortunately, the venue is not good for sunset shoot. The view is distracted by “bakawans” and constructions. It is a good vantage point though to take photos of the river and the bridge. As the sun was setting and still looking for a better place to take a shoot, I ran back to the main road and to the far end of Jalandoni Bridge where I think I got a better view of the sunset than in the Esplanade.

Here’s the location of Iloilo Esplanade. Click to open. Click again to enlarge:

See you again, someday, Esplanade!

See few more pictures of Iloilo Esplanade in my Fickr here!

Know more about Iloilo Esplanade in Explore Iloilo.

READ MORE OF ILOILO THIS BLOG:

Iloilo City on Foot: A Solo Downtown Walk Tour [Iloilo Walk Tour Series]

Jaro Iloilo: A Solo Walk Tour [Iloilo Walk Tour Series]r [to be posted later]

La Paz Iloilo: MADGE CAFE inside a public market and DECO’s the first branch that served La Paz Batchoy! [Iloilo Walk Tour Series]

Featured in TRIPTHEISLANDS.COM. Photo featured was taken in 2011 at Isla Reta Resort, Talicud Island, Samal, Davao:

Featured in LIVINGDAVAO.COM. Photos are from my Kadayawan 2012 Photos:

Featured in DAVAOTOURISM.COM. The photo featured was my 2nd Place photo at DPP Kadayawan Photocontest [2011]:

Featured in VAGABOND.COM. Video of Vagabond in Youtube at 5:24 mins/secs. I Have featured this earlier in this Blog:

Featured in TRIPSIDERS.COM (unfortunately, without proper credits and now with broken link). Photo from my New Israel: Makilala, North Cotabato:

Life is a Photo!

From Davao, took a 3-hour non-stop YBL [Yellow Bus Line] to Gensan and another hour or so to Koronadal. This is already my second trip to the city, the first being in Feb 2012 when I went to see the famous seven-falls of Lake Sebu [Read my Blog on Lake Sebu].

When I reached Koronadal,I hailed a tricycle that took me the public market to meet a college friend who has a store and has always been a willing host. Tricycle fare is at P8/head around the city. After the store closed at about 7PM, we had dinner at a place few steps away from the market – they call it B-Walk. B-walk is a line of barbecue stalls with dining areas serving inihaw na manok, liempo, fish and all others that can be barbecued. I came to realize later that the “B” stands for “barbecue” and whoever thought of the name is smart!

B-Walk also serve soup like sinigang na hipon and clamps, various seaweeds (i.e. guso)for appetizer and beverages. Service was good, cooking was quick, taste was perfect and whether you like it or not, it’s very affordable if you don’t find it even cheap! To give you an idea, we got sinigang na hipon, nihaw na tilapia and 3-cups of rice on my first night, good for two and we paid not over 100-pesos! Second night, we got clamps soup, inihaw na liempo, inihaw na bangus, 3-cups of rice, good for three and we paid only almost 200-pesos!!! Almost the same price for 2-inihaw na paa(thigh) ng manok and 30-sticks of assorted barbecue. I don’t know if we were given discount because the owner of the stall is a relative of my friend but I don’t think so. I was told, the price is what is really is it! If only this place is open 24-hours, I don’t mind having to take my meals all day here. B-Walk is open only for diner. Highly recommended![See photos of Marbel/Koronadal City in my Flickr here]

After dinner, dropped my things at my friend’s house, rested a bit then visited his brother for some few moments of sing-along before capping the night at the newest bar in the city – Jims Resto Bar! It is a sing-along bar located in Brgy. San Gabriel, quite a distance from downtown. Appeared like an improved warehouse to me but with its high ceiling, it is airy. Smoking is not allowed inside the bar [Note: Koronadal has also prohibited smoking in public and other selected places like Davao] Sound system was good, stage and lighting is ok, service was good, price is affordable (6-bottles of San Mig Lite in a bucket is at P200 and a dinner plate of french fries at P60). With the place and my company, it made me barely notice that the chairs are white monoblock but did not matter at all. The CR needs improvements, however. I was told that Jims Resto Bar used to be another bar called Lambat and has been transformed by the owner into a completely different bar with no traces of the old one.

In Mindanao, I have yet to see an old church like those in Luzon and Visayas. Everyone knows the reason why. This is Mindanao and we have been thought that Islam was pre-dominant in this part of the country. Be that as it may, the Christ The King Cathedral in the city is a landmark and continues to be improved. It is newly built and you may just want to see how it looked like before rebuilding-click here to see!

Being an inland city, Koronadal has several water-fun resorts. Del Rio Splash Resort is one but unfortunately didn’t have the chance to test the waters because of limited time. Kids and big groups will enjoy here. There are 3-big malls and convenience stores in Koronadal which may take care of your basis needs.[See photos of Marbel/Koronadal City in my Flickr here]

Before I left Koronadal and go back to work the next day, my friends brought me to Apareja Buko Halo-Halo in Brgy. Sarabia, along the highway going into the city. Too bad it’s not in downtown and if you don’t have a private car, you may be forced to take the tricycle for more than extra fare because of distance. Even then, its distance from the city proper adds to the charm of the place (sasadyain mo talaga) aside from its main menu – the buko halo-halo. Nothing spectacular about the taste, however, well at least for me. It is your ordinary restaurant halo-halo with the usual ingredients, topped with a scoop of ice creme for P60. If at all, what makes Apareja more interesting is the free and bottomless buko juice!

Apareja is one place that will surely become part of the city’s heritage by the way locals patronize and talk about it. They also sell chicharon and other pasalubong delicacies. I was told that there used to be a line of buko halo-halo stores along the same location but only Apareja managed to stand still until now.[See photos of Marbel/Koronadal City in my Flickr here]

Lastly, the Marang fruit! When I first tasted Marang in Davao, I knew I am going to like it. I did, I do and will surely like Marang. I like Durian but in case you have some prejudice against the king of fruits in Mindanao, the Marang is the best option. It has scent not as potent as the Durian and best eaten when not ripened thoroughly. It has a thick but softer thorny skin than a jackfruit with mass of seeds covered with generous sweety and creamy white pulp. I want my Marang chilled a bit because the taste becomes more refreshing and I eat it straight from the fruit if a fork is not handy.

There are still a lot I missed in Koronadal which give me more good reasons to be back. I will be back Koronadal! You’re simply Marbel-ous!

[See photos of Marbel/Koronadal City in my Flickr here]

Road was good throughout with scenic view of Celebes Sea and lush mountains. If only I had my way, I could have halted in places I wanted to take images of but with few others whom I just met that day, reservations knocked not only once, but twice, and even more!

Kiamba has been recognized once as cleanest and greenest municipality and has been consistently known as child-friendly town. Aqua-culture is the main source of livelihood in this place and one treasure is has is the Tuka Marine Sanctuary composed of 4-coves named “Tukas” 1,2,3 & 4 – only Tuka 2 is open to the public. Boat rent to the marine sanctuary is from P500 – P1,500, depending on the capacity, to and fro. Tuka is white sand (bordering to cream) with coral gardens - snorkling allowed. Found these blogs on Tuka informative: (1)West Coast Sarangani Expedition: Tuka Bay Marine Sanctuary; and (2)Kiamba’s Children Park and Tuka Marine Santuary.  This is also the hometown of Jinky Pacquiao and winning vice-governor this coming election is no longer a question at least in this town.

The public market is an old edifice with the second floor still made of wood, a complete opposite of the well-developed public plaza and children’s park called Lourdes Park where the Municipal Tourism Office seats and the jump-off point to Tuka Marine Sanctuary. Observed a lot speaking the Ilocano dialect and I am not surprised, having been based in Mindanao for almost 3-years where Ilocano is spoken by many. [See other photos of Kiamba in my Flickr here]

Most beach in Kiamba is ordinary grey, accessible in a few minutes from the plaza. No spectacular rolling white sand but good enough for people who don’t mind about the view but the company. There are a lot of resorts to stay in the day or overnight and we ended in a beach very near a fishing village. Interestingly, there is an ice plant (Aquino Ice Plant) few steps from our cottage that has a conveyor ramp from the plant to the sea. It may have been built for convenience and neccessity for fishermen to maintain freshness of their catch. Found it worthy and asked permission if I can walk through the ramp to see how ice is transported via the conveyor until its dropping point.

We Stayed in an ordinary fan room cottage at 700/night with CR good for 8. However, water supply at that time was outside, coming from a pipe with continuous spring water – not bad at all, shower was in commune with nature! Dinner was perfect with an all-fresh fish menu from the public market and a few more from the village - bought, cooked and devoured fresh!

Below are satellite maps showing locations of Kiamba in Mindanao, the ice conveyor and the cottage we stayed, and the Lourdes Park where the Tourism Office is located.

To end, Kiamba celebrates its foundation anniversary every Valentines Day called “Timpuyog,” an Ilocano word which means gathering. KIAMBAhan Na!!! [See other photos of Kiamba in my Flickr here]

The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague in Davao City – destination for my Palm Sunday Mass, March 24, 2013. For this year’s Holy Week starter, I wanted to attend the Palm Sunday Mass and there was no better place to have my palm blessed but in a shrine on top of a hill in Davao City. It’s called The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague in Shrine Hills, Matina. [See more photos of the Shrine in my Flickr here.]

I took a cab from downtown Davao and requested the driver to get me there. Paid P185 and before I got down and having noticed that there are no visible public utility vehicles in the street, I asked the driver if cabs are available going back. The answer was NO and he politely asked if I wanted him to wait for 10-minutes. I courteously answered NO because I am attending a mass, have time for myself and take photos. Cabs are seldom in the area but there are tricycles for P7/head to get you down the highway where cabs and jeeps are available to any point in Mindanao (Joke!).[See more photos of the Shrine in my Flickr here.]

It was Palm Sunday and from the entrance, the first I noticed were devotees sitting in monoblock chairs under the trees and within the premises of the vast lawn to the left. Straight ahead is the main chapel where masses are held. Further left and the rest of the area are about 4-other minor chapels. A candle offering canopy is located the back of the admin building.[See more photos of the Shrine in my Flickr here.]

Almost anywhere around the shrine is a good place to meditate. Being on top of a hill, the wind is cool and with birds chirping, this is your moment (and enjoy it!) choosing your bench under huge mango trees. It’s a perfect place to be alone, meditate and free your thoughts from the world down under. Surrender – that’s what I did but whatever it was, I will keep it to myself. Hoping that the spiritual power of the shrine will be enduring enough until I have completely overcome what I surrendered! (Kayak ko to!)[See more photos of the Shrine in my Flickr here.]

There are signs disallowing videotaping, group meetings and group activities – please go to Sta. Catalina (Gardens and Restaurant) which is on the opposite side of the shrine with a separate entrance. It’s actually good for functions. Not the A-class garden and function venue but you have a good view of the Davao Gulf.

From the highway of Matina, you may want to trek going up passing through several subdivisions until you reach the Shrine. Approaching the Shrine, there are stations of the cross on the side of the road. Long trek but worth it. If you want to own the place, going there on a weekday may be a good option and there is a mass everyday at 4PM and Sundays at 7AM, 12NN and 5PM.[See more photos of the Shrine in my Flickr here.]

Before going anywhere, hey, it’s Holy Week first!

Have a blessed Lenten Season everyone!

[See more photos of the Shrine in my Flickr here.]

KOI GENERATION ["Koi Gen" for short] is a partnership of neophyte koi enthusiasts from Cebu, formed and organized in February of 2012. With no sufficient source of fund to back-up and support their plans, the group managed to pull it through and started acquiring locally-bred breeders. Koi Gen started to breed on their own in the hope of developing their skills in breeding and with the objective of being able to produce good quality kois in the future. To further hone their skills in koi keeping and growing, the group decided to join the P-CKC National Grow Out Contest and participated in the selection of Matsu-Isa Showa [locally-bred] grow-out on April 29, 2012. The first pick  was Koi # 19 by Jefford Paragoso [which went on to win the Grand Champion for its category] and the second, Koi # 21 by Ernest Reyes.

[Complete list of winners and pictures of P-CKC National Koi Show 2012]

For 8-months, the 2-entries of Koi Gen were kept and grown in Koi Gen’s breeding ponds in Upper Linao, Minglanilla, Cebu. Given by the handlers needed time, effort, research and good food available, Koi’s # 19 & # 21 became Koi Gen’s guinea pigs for their first grow-out contest.

In December 1, 2012 Koi Gen brought their entries to Parkmall, Mandaue City, the venue for the PCKC National Koi Show 2012. Having no oxygen tank just yet, Ernest dropped by a pet-shop in Talisay in the late afternoon of Nov. 30, 2012 just to fill 2-plastic bags with oxygen. In the early morning of Dec. 1, 2012, Koi Gen’s 2-entries were transferred to their respective bags with pre-filled oxygen a day before. Having arrived at Parkmall about 7AM, their entries were put in a “reserved” vat, as instructed and allowed. They apologized after for doing so to the right person. Being their first time, there were a lot of lessons learned and surely have know better. After about hours of waiting, judging came in the afternoon and eventually, Koi # 19 with Jefford Paragoso as owner/handler was tagged – the GRAND CHAMPION!

The next day, December 2, 2012, Koi Gen went back to the venue for the awarding. Unfortunately, due to some glitches in the show, the winners for the Matsu-Isa Grow Out were not formally announced and acknowledged on stage. They were able to get their awards at the awards table as instructed, instead. The reason given for not formally awarding the winners was that the data for the 1st and 3rd place were insufficient, hence, announcement of other winners for the category may just the same be called-off, according to the head bencher for the show.

After expressing the grievance and several exchange of private emails, the mistake was admitted and that proper amends will be done. After about a week after, the winners were finally acknowledged in print via P-CKC Website and in its FB Page. While print is never a better substitute for actual announcement of winners on stage especially for reasons attributable to the organizers and not to the participants, making amends for the mistake done is good enough. With the admission of the mistake done and a representation that corrections shall be done, Koi Gen decided to leave whatever happened to Parkmall, in Parkmall and look forward to ordinary course of business in breeding and koi keeping. Whatever happened, Koi Gen wins in their first and eagerly anticipates future grow-out and other activities of P-CKC.

Here is a short video of Koi Gen’s first kois, kept swimming and growing in their breeding ponds in Upper Linao, Minglanilla [boundary of Talisay City] Cebu. Video title – “Ikaw ang aking Mahal.”

RELATED LINKS:

1. Complete list of Winners and Pictures of P-CKC National Koi SHow 2012

2. Koi Gen’s Breeding Ponds in Cebu

3. Koi Gen’s Mudponds in Cebu

4. Koi Village in Makati [2006 blog entry]

Good Luck Koi Gen!!!
Happy Koi Keeping Koi Enthusiasts!!!

CLICK HERE FOR MY PHOTOS OF THE KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL 2012 ON FLICKR!

x – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – x

Schedule of events and photos will be uploaded here.This is my third year in the king of festivals and will keep you posted. Plan now and bookmark this page for useful infos.

More fun in Kadayawan!!! See you there!!!

UPDATED SCHEDULE AS OF JULY 30, 2012:

LIST OF ACCREDITED EVENTS:

Related Topics:

Kadayawan Festival 2011 Photos

Kadayawan Festival 2010 Photos

“Hikong Bente” – The Immeasurable: Second of the Seven Falls of Lake Sebu

Time to hit the famous Seven Falls of Lake Sebu! After lunch at Punta Isla Lake Resort, we took another habal-habal ride to Brgy. Lake Seloton where the seven falls seat, or rather stand, or better yet falls! It was raining that I have to tell my habal driver to stop a while and fix my dear camera bag’s beloved raincoat. Mabasa na ako huwag lang siya! Road was rough but it made the ride more exciting, complemented by the breathtaking view of Lake Sebu’s mountains. The rain, the clouds and the view was overwhelming. Forces of nature united for a fitting welcome and I never had the right to complain. I embraced it. I preferred it over sunshine. It was exhilarating! [See more Photos of Lake Sebu in my Flickr here]

“Hikong Alu” – The Passage: First of the Seven Falls of Lake Sebu

For a minimal entrance fee, we went down on cemented steps to see the first falls known as “Hikong Alu” in T’boli dialect, meaning The Passage. It was a short walk, passing by the starting point of the zipline.  The first falls has a bridge-viewdeck but you can go closer on paved pathway. Because it was raining and by reason of the mist coming from the falls, going nearer was not a good option because I was thinking of my camera getting wet. Hinde nya gusto! At a height of 35-feet with a wide brink, Hikong Alu for me is an immaculate curtain of virginal white waters. Hope I came across. The bridge-viewdeck was just perfect and its distance from the false was just right to get some images that I will treasure forever. Yun, cliche! [See more Photos of Lake Sebu in my Flickr here]

Lake Sebu Seven Falls: The First and the Second

So we’re done with the first. Five more to go. Going to the second falls, known as “Hikong Bente” in T’boli dialect, meaning Immeasurable [explanation later], you will pass by the zipline starting point. Enticing I must say. But because of the long line, because it was raining, because we have to get back on time for the 4:00 o’clock PM last trip to Surallah, because my company were not ready for it, because I have my camera bag and tripod to carry, because, ok, I’m running out of reasons. Bottomline – I was not ready! Brighter side: I have a reason to go back and it’s really a must try. Yes, I will. Serious ito.[See more Photos of Lake Sebu in my Flickr here]

Going to the second falls have two options. You drive down the road, or go down some 700-steps of zig-zagging paved stairs. We went for the steps. 700-steps going down should be easy but never going up. On our way down, we encountered some, gasping for air in its most literal meaning. No joke! If only I can decently give some. It made me think, is there ever a sign below of the 700-steps going up? I did not notice any unless it escaped my sight. Below is an image of the footbridge[left] going to the seconds falls[right].

Finally, we reached Hikong Bente, the Immeasurable! At 70-feet of majestically falling waters and regarded as the highest among the seven falls, now I understand why it’s called the Immeasurable. All I can say is that it’s Powerful! Aghhh, I felt some energy by mere looking at it! Once in a while, though, you may be distracted by screams coming from above but don’t worry, they are not falling angels. The starting point of the zipline is on top of the falls and they are screams of excitement of those doing the zipline. There are picnic tables and it should really be nice if I can do that in my next visit in order to commune with my beloved nature. Parang ang sarap at ang saya! Below is a picture of the second falls’ basin to the left, and one lost soul to the right.[See more Photos of Lake Sebu in my Flickr here]

After taking some images I wanted,  we rested for a while. And if you are thinking that I will continue with the remaining five-falls, no. Only the first two-falls are readily accessible at this time. The other five may take long and difficult trekking depending on weather condition. It is not really advisable to actually visit the five at this time. The best way to see the remaining five, I was told, is to take the zipline, you can see all of them below. Galing, good selling point for the zipline. Hanga ako! [See more Photos of Lake Sebu in my Flickr here]

Here are what the remaining five falls are called and corresponding meanings: Falls 3: Hikong B’Lebel – Coil/Zigzag; Falls 4: Hikong Lowig – Booth; Falls 5: Hikong Ukol – Wild Flower; Falls 6: Hikong K’Fo-i –  Short; Falls 7: Hikong Tonok – Soil.

Before 4:00 o’clock PM, it was time to say goodbye to the Seven Falls and Lake Sebu. We looked for our respective habal-habal that took us to the waiting area for jeepneys going to Surallah. Inside the jeep, I can’t help but to look at all the pictures I have taken. I will commit to memory every second of my experience. I will go back. Definite. And this time, I will do the zipline already! No more excuses.

Superbly capping our Lake Sebu adventure when we got back to Koronadal was a cup of hot coffee in the form of my fave brown 3-in-1 and hot pandesal. Sarap that time. Sobra!

See you again Seven Falls. See you again Lake Sebu!

[See more Photos of Lake Sebu in my Flickr here]

Related post/s on Lake Sebu: Punta Isla Lake Resort. Lake Sebu.