Philippines – Manila Davao Borocay – Travel Food Entertainment

Mandala Spa and Villas Hotel in Boracay is superbly a 5 star hotel nestled on the top of the hill in Barangay Manoc Manoc region of Boracay Island. It is just 30 minute drive of a pumpboat from the Caticlan Airport. It is proud of its high standard of accommodations and to its high level of pampering massage that will surely rejuvenate your mind and body. It comprises of 12 distinctive designed villas which featured teak flooring, high wooden ceilings, bamboo cladding, stone riprap cogon roofing, and Italian inspired bathroom. It has glass walls which command stunning views of the verdant nature and a terrace which offers a refreshing ocean breeze early in the morning. It has detached 4 private spas that can accommodate two persons each spa. The spas offer a massage treatment, yoga, wraps, scrubs, facial, watsu and soul exercises. It is an ideal place for trippers since the tourist attractions of the island is dotted nearby like the pristine white sandy beaches, Willy’s Rock, White Beach Path, and Bat Caves.

Another superb five star hotel is the Monaco Suites De Boracay, set on the 16,000 sq. meter land area along the beach promenade. It has 14 elegant villas encompasses of 50 suites overlooking to the tranquil blue sea and surrounded with lush green garden. Right in the middle is the clubhouse where you could enjoy swimming with their dolphin shape pool. Monaco Suites is an environment friendly premises which use green products following with the community and local organizations.

Sitting on the northwestern part of the island of Panay, Panoly Resort hotel Boracay is a haven for nature lover. It is one of the premium hotels in Boracay which offers a picturesque view of the island. One could choose to stay at their 55 rooms classified as suites, standard rooms and deluxe rooms. It is refurbished with modern room amenities. It has six restaurants which offer mouthwatering foods in very reasonable prices. They both serve Indian, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Philippine cuisine. It has well equipped conference room with modern facilities. A day could be spent some recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, tennis and volleyball. After a day of recreation, one could have a relaxation at the Jacuzzi. Hotel services include babysitting, tour arrangements, laundering, and 24 hour service.

Tides hotel Boracay is a five star resort hotel which commands a high level of hospitability and world class accommodation. It is located in the buzzing area of D’Mall Boat Station 2 in Boracay. It boasts of its 60 well designed guestrooms for both businessmen and on the go travelers. Each room is ensuite and well furnished with modern conveniences for a cozier and practical use.   "Tides Business Center is a perfect venue for business meeting, conference or any occasions.
 

Above: The famous Belfry of Jaro Cathedral stands out against the Iloilo skyline

Tourists and locals never fail to flock to the Jaro Cathedral, one of Iloilo City’s attraction, to marvel at its unique historical and architectural value. The church’s belfry, distinctively unattached to the building itself and is just across the street, had once served as a lookout tower against foreign invaders many years ago. This Baroque style cathedral, combined with Gothic elements was destroyed by a quake in January 1948 but was restored in 1956.

Built in 1964, the Jaro Cathedral is the first and the only cathedral in Panay Island. Graciano Lopez-Jaena, a literary and oratorical spokesman for the cause of Filipino freedom who eventually became a Philippine national hero, was baptized here. The said event is stated on the church’s historical marker. Another major historical event that took place here was the mass officiated by Pope John Paul VI in 1982.

Above: View from the outside of Jaro Cathedral

The cathedral has a balcony at its front portion where a life-size icon of a Madonna and child is placed. Visitors can freely climb the balcony and gaze at the image which is believed to be miraculous. The local churchgoers say that the icon, dressed in cape and encased in glass, has grown larger through the years.

Above: A life-size statue of The Madonna and Child can be glanced at, at the balcony of Jaro Cathedral

Getting to Jaro Cathedral is easy and convenient. It only takes a taxi ride from Iloilo International Airport or from Iloilo Seaport or one could find “Jaro-bound” jeepneys from the main city area that make stops near the cathedral.