Guimaras is famous for its sweet mangoes and the accompanying Manggahan Festival every 2nd to the last week of May. What is not so well known are the hidden, natural hotspots you can visit across the island from white sand beaches to inner waterfalls.
Travelling to Guimaras is done by ferry from the Parola Wharf in Iloilo City. I then commuted to Jordan with my family to the Provincial Capitol and perused the various commodities made from mangoes, such as Mango Sauce, that were sold by the locals. I even participated in the Mango Eat-All-You-Can. I only ate 4 large mangoes but the highest count got as high as 25! The mangoes, while sweet, can make you feel full quickly. The sweetness can also alter your sugar levels hence it’s recommended not to drink water for a few minutes after eating mangoes.
After that activity, I diverged from my family and went straight to the man-made forest. It’s a kilometer away from the Provincial Capitol. It consists of a stretch of land full of Acacia trees that are more than 26 years old. While young, they provide enough shade to make the area cool. I spent almost an hour of my time there, hearing the crickets chirping and feeling the wind caressing the leaves and branches. I’ve thought about a while on whether I’ll get a job as soon as I graduate. I then concluded that there’s no need for me to rush it and put unnecessary pressure on myself.
When I left the forest, it was past lunchtime so I was hungry. My mother recommended a restaurant that I should try out: The PitStop Restaurant. They’re famous for their signature dishes infused with mangoes. Their highlight is the Mango Pizza which, as you expect, is a pizza that’s as sweet as mangoes. I didn’t try their pizza since I was alone. I instead ordered their Chicken Adobo with Mango Bits. My first impressions: the sweetness of the mango blends well with the savory taste of chicken and soy sauce. Despite the small serving, I left feeling satisfied. You can get a lot more from the restaurant if you order as a group.
Soon after I ate lunch, it was time to go to the beach. That part was only thought about spontaneously. So I checked Google Maps for a point that’s convenient for dropping off after commuting and a walk or tricycle away to the beach. That’s where I spotted Alobijod Cove, a secluded beach east of Nueva Valencia. I thought the place was remote but it was already occupied by two resorts. I entered the first one, paying the 100 pesos fee. When I approached the beachfront, people were already enjoying the swim. There’s a perimeter net protecting the beach from jellyfish. Thankfully, there were none at the time. I only dipped my feet into the water which was a bit warm. I then proceeded to rest at a cottage with rope hammocks. It has a bar where you can order drinks and appetizers. From there, you can watch over people swimming and immerse yourself in observing the crystal clear waters along with the island's tall ridges in the background.
My family eventually came to the cove and stayed for an hour. We then proceeded to go home by renting a tricycle going all the way to the Jordan Wharf. Passing the Provincial Capitol, we managed to meet the incoming parade for the festival which boasts diverse colors of various costumes. Some wore straw hats and presented themselves in either teal, pink, or white, each representing different departments within the provincial government. I was going to attend a concert at night but I didn’t have the budget to stay at a hotel. A missed opportunity, I know. I hope I’ll get my chance next time. The overall trip was tiring but rich with first-time experiences. I will definitely come back to Guimaras the next time.