DYK: Western Visayas

CAPIZ

50 Cents

An average Filipino would be familiar to coins of the Philippine currency. Having such an extraordinaire familiarity, commoners would assign slang words to refer to each coin, such as: the Benchinko (Twenty-Five centavos), the Sampiso (One Peso), the Limampiso (Five Pesos), and the Sampungpiso (Ten Pesos). 

However, little is known about the existence of the Fifty Centavos coin. One reason is because the latest design for the Fifty Centavo coin was produced back in the 1990s. 

My Philippine Coins

But it seems that this was only applicable to my local. In Capiz, the use of the Fifty Centavo coin is still part of their daily transactions. People still use them to buy, just like any other coin.

Iloilo

The Waters of Iloilo

Capiz, being the Seafood Capital showcases a variety of seafood. Not only does Capiz provide a massive selection of seafood, it also hosts the tastiest too. 

Living in Cebu Forums

Although the statement above is true, the fishing grounds of Iloilo are also abundant of marine resources. Grouper, Tuna, Blue Marlin, Prawns, Shrimps, and Milk fishes are found in the waters of Iloilo. 

Negros Occidental

Sugar and Crops

Negros Occidental is called The Sugar Capital of the Philippines because it produces more than half of the annual Sugar output of the country. Because Negros Occidental prioritize the growth of Sugar Cane, they had to import other crops from neighboring provinces.

Ang Kaladkarin

Now, Negros Occidental started growing other crops, such as Black Pepper, Coffee, Ramie, and others.

Things buy in Western Visayas

Capiz

Capiz Shell Crafts

Dexter Systems Craft

Capiz is abundant with marine mollusk shells which are used to make fashion accessories and home decors like shell curtains, chandeliers, jewelries, lamp shades, candle holders, and lanterns. 

Rachel Schultz

Capiz Shell Chandelier

Style At 30

Capiz Shell Necklace

Iloilo

Biscocho

365 Great Pinoy Stuff

Biscocho is derived from the Spanish word Bizcocho which means "biscuit". It originally came from the Iloilo province. Biscocho is a type of bread that is twice baked and topped with butter and sugar or sometimes garlic.

Flavours of Iloilo

Garlic Biscocho

Light Network

Negros Occidental

Napoleones

Rock A By Rach

Napoleones is a delicacy that is composed of layers of puff pastry with a custard cream filling and topped with white sugar glaze, and usually comes in squares.

Everyone's Got An Inner Gourmande

Most Scenic Views in Western Visayas

Capiz

Looloo Insights

Pangilatan Falls

The Pangilatan Falls can be found in the mountains of Tapaz. It got its name from the Visayan word “Kilat” which means “lightning”, because legend has it that whoever tried to fish from its waters is striked by lightning. 

Capiz Visitors and Convention Bureau

The main waterfall has a height of 25 meters, and has deep, murky waters. The hills and mountains of Tapaz can be seen from Pangilatan Falls.  

Banana Smoothie

Iloilo

Beach Resorts Philippines

Pawikan Cave

Pawikan Cave or “The Cave of Gold” got its name because of the large turtle egg-shaped rock formations that can be found inside the cave.

Explore Iloilo

 As stated by the locals, the “turtle eggs” were used by the Japanese Imperial Army to mark the place where they hid gold bars.

Online Travel Express

Negros Occidental

Panoramio

Kipot Twin Falls

Kipot falls can be found at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon in Bago City. The falls is composed of one stream that is separated by a large rock. As a result, it produces two identical falls. 

Wikimapia

The trees surrounding the falls are fertile and its surrounding looks as if it was untouched.

Negros Island Philippines

Foods To Die For

Capiz

Puyoy 

Puyoy is an eel that was grilled and prepared in a stick. People say it tastes a lot like grilled fish, The eel's bones give the Puyoy a crunchy feel.

President Roxas, Capiz

Adobong Taklong

The Taklong is a species of snail that can be found in the forests of Capiz. Adobong Taklong tastes like Chicken and has a gummy and chewy texture.

Between Coordinates

Fresh Oysters

The oysters found in Capiz are larger than the ones in Manila. They are steamed and is best served with calamansi on the side.

The Prawn King

Iloilo

Chicken Inasal

The word Inasal means "cooked over fire". Chicken Inasal is usually paired with garlic rice and accompanied by Chicken oil.

Apron and Sneakers

Kansi

Kansi is described as the cross between Bulalo and Sinigang. The sour tastes of the Kansi comes from the fruit Batwan. The meal's ingridients are Atsuete, Lemongrass, Beef shank, and Bone marrow.

Food Morning, Bacolod! 

La Paz Batchoy

The La Paz Batchoy is made from the organs of a pig, such as the liver, the kidney, the spleen, and the heart. It is also composed of Chicken stock, Beef loin, round noodles, and crushed pork crackling. 

My Filipino Kitchen

Negros Occidental

Lumpiang Bacolod

Lumpiang Bacolod is the heart of a coconut tree, accompanied by pork and shrimp, and wrapped by a translucent crepe.

Queen Cleopatra

Napoleones

Napoleones is sort of a sweet version of a croissant that orginated from France. It is bite-sized and topped with a creamy custard.

Simply Delicious Deserts 

Pinasugbo

Pinasugbo and banana chips are somewhat alike, they are both thinly sliced bananas, coated with brown sugar and deep fried.

Island Hopes

  

Top 10 Natural Attractions in Western Visayas

Top 10 Natural Attractions in Western Visayas

1. Pangilatan Falls

Looloo Insights

The Pangilatan Falls is located at Tapaz, Capiz. It has a range of a minimum of 3.5 kilometers to a maximum of 8 kilometers. The main waterfalls have a drop off of 81 feet, while the minifalls have 7 feet.

2. Paraiso Del Rio

Captivating CAPIZ

Paraiso Del Rio is located at Mambusao, Capiz.It showcases an incredible forest. Besides from the flora that was mentioned, it also boasts a diverse fauna. Tourists could ride a bamboo raft to get around in its river.

3. Tucad Reef

Choose Philippines

During the low-tide, the Tucad reef can be accessed by foot. Also, the corals would appear with a variety of colors. Seashells could also been lying around in the Tucad Reef.

4. Napti Island

Panay Beautiful Churches

The Napti Island is located by the Sibuyan sea. The island has fine Black sand, live coral reefs, and is considered as the cleanest beach in Capiz.

5. Pawikan Cave

Beach Resorts Philippines

The Pawikan Cave is located at the Gigantes Island in Iloilo. The Island was coined as "The cave of Gold" because the Japanese imperial army used to hide gold under the "Pawikan eggs".

6. Tangke Saltwater Lagoon

Movie Pictures

The Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is also located at the Gigantes Island, but is hidden. It has shallow waters and a collection of great rock formations.

7. Cabugao Gamay Island

Baking Byahera

The Cabugao Gamay Island has a very rocky hill, however, it also has a thick vegetation on it. The waters surrounding the island has an Emerald Green hint on it. The island also has White sand on its shore.

8. Kipot Twin Falls

Panoramio

The Kipot twin falls has identical cascades. It is located at Bago City, Negros Occidental. It is a great venue for nature trips. 

9. Carbin Reef 

Fine Art America

The Carbin Reef has very clear waters. It is good for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling.

10. Danujugan Marine Island Sanctuary

Negros Island Philippines

The Danjugan Marine Island Sanctuary is a great place to learn about Marine life.Besides from the Marine life, it also has Terrestial Life on its lands. The main purpose of the island is conservation of life that is found on it.

5 Best Things to do in Western Visayas

Going to a new place usually means one is setting up for adventure and discovery. Clearly there is no shortage in terms of adventure and surprises in Western Visayas. The area boasts of more than a thousand new things to do and discover. While many of us may not have the time (and the money) to exhaust that many things to-do, the next best things is to list down a smaller number to experience. Here is my list of what I would like to see and do. It’s based on my sense of adventure and may be different from yours. What the heck, whatever you choose; it will definitely be a blast.

VISIT CHURCH OF PANAY

 

Church of Panay

Source: Side Trip With Markey

The Church of Panay, or Santa Monica Parish Church, is the oldest Church in the whole Panay Island. It is mostly made of Coral Stone, giving the church its whitish appearance. It has the largest church bell in Asia; having a measurement of 7 ft height and 5 ft diameter; the Panay church bell is also the 3rd largest church bell in the world. On 1997, the Church of Panay was declared a National Historical Landmark

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Panay Church Bell

Source: Historic Old Philippines

LEARN AT HORTUS BOTANICUS

 

Hortus Botanicus

Source: Roxas City

Hortus Botanicus is a plant sanctuary, located along the hills of Roxas city. It has collection of plants, both endemic and foreign plants can be seen inside it. Inside, a body of water is located and hosts aquatic plants. Along with the various plants that are located inside, the use of each plant is taught to the tourists. It is not only a great place to learn about Botany, but also a great venue to hold seminars and retreats.

Hortus Botanicus

Source: Trip Advisor

SAVOR THE MAMBUKAL MOUNTAIN RESORT

 

Mambukal Mountain Resort

Source: My Philippine Life

The mambukal mountain resort is a gateway to Mt. Kanlaon National Park. It was built on the year 1927, and was designed by a Japanese architect. It boasts various attractions and activities such: as bath houses and picnic gardens; relaxing hot springs; breathtaking rock features; hanging bridges; and rock climbing. It is also a great place to hold conferences and workshops.

 

Pools in Mambukal Mountain Resort

Source: It's More Fun In The Philippines

UNDERGO THE ONA EXPERIENCE

 

Diving

Source: Ona Experience

The Ona Experience is the combination of a safari boat -- where it travels around to different locations, and a luxurious cruise -- where the accomodation is deluxe. The Ona Experience is simply a dive resort where the boat travels for 8 days and 8 nights. Tourists dive and explore the ship wrecks from World War II and the corals along within the area.

Ona Experience Boat

Source: Trip Advisor

RELAX AT THE GIGANTES ISLANDS

 

Gigantes Islands

Source: Yantoyan

The Gigantes Islands are known for its white sand beaches, the delicious and abundant seafood, and awesome rock formations. The tourism facilities around the area is undeveloped making it a peaceful place to be in. Tourists can either relax and stay on the beaches or island hop.

 

Incredible Rock Formations

Source: Beach Resorts Philippines

After reading about the attractions and activities above, I am truly proud to declare that Western Visayas is a great destination and could possibly compete with world class attractions.

Malipayon ko nga nailhan tika, Western Visayas!

The Visayan region is one of the main regions of the Philippines. Sandwiched between the large islands of Luzon and Mindanao, the Visayan region is a region that is fragmented into several large, inter-related, yet independently diverse island-provinces.

Region 6 Western Visayas

Source: Bahay.ph

One of the most interesting areas within the Visayan region, are the provinces located in the western side. These include the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. Each of these provinces hold natural spectacles, unique cultures, and thriving economies. The more I learn about these provinces, the more I am convinced that the only real common thing among them, is the happy disposition of these Visayans; a trait that is common throughout the country.

Capiz

Capiz is a province that has poor soil for agriculture; however, it is recognized as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines for the variety of seafood that it offers. Roxas City, the province's capital, is known as the birthplace of the 5th president of the Philippines, Manuel Roxas.

 Seafood of Capiz

Source: Sash Factory

Capiz is located at the North Eastern area of the Panay Island. On its west are the provinces of Aklan and Antique; while on its south is the province of Iloilo. In order to get to Capiz, you can either ride an Airplane or a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Ferry.

 Map of Capiz

Source: Old Historic Philippines

Iloilo

Iloilo City is the capital of the Iloilo province. The province of Iloilo has the largest marshland in the Western Visayan Region next to Sanderbans. The province is divided into two: the highlands in the Western border and the lowlands opposite it. Small islands that are located at the East side of Panay Island are also included in the Iloilo province.

 Marshland of Iloilo

Source: Iloilo on Foot

The Province of Iloilo is located at the South Eastern area of the Panay Island. On its North is the province of Capiz; on its West is Antique; while on its South West is the provinces of Guimaras and Negros Occidental. Like Capiz, Iloilo is accessible with the use of an Airplane and a RoRo Ferry.

 Map of Iloilo

Source: The Wallflower Confessions

Negros Occidental

Negros Occidental has a rich, volcanic soil thanks to the Kanlaon Volcano. The grounds of Negros Occidental is ideal for agriculture. Negros Occidental produces more than half the sugar output of the country; this is the reason it is called the Sugar Capital of the Philippines. The Capital of Negros Occidental is Bacolod City.

 Sugar cane field in Negros Occidental

Source: Pureza

Unlike Capiz and Iloilo, Negros Occidental is not located in the Panay Island. Negros Occidental is located at the North Western area of the 3rd largest island in the Philippines, the Negros Island. On its South East is the Negros Oriental province; while on its North West is the provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras. Like Capiz and Iloilo, Negros Occidental is also accessible with the use of an Airplane and a Roro Ferry.

 Map of Negros Occidental

Source: Wikimedia

Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental are just three of the six provinces making up the Western Visayan region, but it is more than enough to convince people to visit it. With so many things to still discover and experience, i am very thankful and excited to find out more. And as they say in the local dialect, Malipayon ko nga nailhan tika, Western Visayas!