Weekend Getaway in Islas de Gigantes

PROVINCE OF ILOILO—From afar, the majestic silhouette of Northern Iloilo’s little-known jewel radiates a feeling that somewhat a giant is waiting to be either conquered or explored. Braving the rough sea and the wild clash of the big waves, I managed to set foot at last in this province’s last frontier—Isla de Gigantes—which is brimming with natural wonders ripe for the world to see.

Lodged in the northeastern part of Panay Island, Isla de Gigantes boasts of pristine and raw beaches that are exuding charm and mystery. Legends and folklore immediately speak as I arrived in the island at night. Legends have it that the Gigante Islands are reigned with “giants” way back then, and this is supported with artifacts found in one of its many caves. I didn’t see real giants when I stayed there; what I saw instead are warm people standing tall and proud like a giant with their prized possession: the islands itself.

And this is where I experienced my first solo backpacking trip—in this little-known place and undoubtedly a hidden gem that’s poised to carve its name in tourism circles for its enchanting charm. 

One would surely fall in love with its group of amazing islands like the Cabugao Gamay which is my favorite. Here, you can climb in a rocky hill where you’ll have a fantastic vista of the whole island itself. Up there, the sight of fisherfolks resting on midday is a worthwhile experience while witnessing viewing the frantic union of the white sand and the blue-green water. This explodes into white foam as it reaches the shore. 

Traveling Louie on top of the Cabugao Gamay Island in Isla de Gigantes, Carles, Northern Iloilo.

Danao, You're Really Worth It

There's something in Danao City in Northern Cebu that captured my heart. Its simple yet picturesque scene stole my heart I wanna go back. When high school buddy and our batch's salutatorian Glece Anthony Adlawan told me and Zyzle that Danao is just an hour away from Cebu City, I did not hesitate to decide to explore what's in it.

Cebu Weekend Getaway

A sun-kissed Cebu greeted me and my travel buddy when we landed in her soil. From above, the Queen City of the South looks like a threshold of adventures: beautiful landscapes, some towering edifices and lush green. While peeping in the plane's window, I felt jitters as well as excitement in the sense that it would be my first time to step into the Visayas, particularly in the heart of Metropolitan Cebu. This three-day trip was indeed full of firsts: It would be my first time traveling that is not work-related and it's my travel buddy Zyzle's first time to ride an airplane. It's also our first trip together as best friends. We left Tagum City for Davao at around 4:30 in the morning to catch with our 8:20 AM flight.

When our plane landed twenty minutes ahead of time, we immediately went to Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan. There, we were amazed by the sight of the first Filipino Hero's statue facing the shore of Mactan. Wayback April 1521, Lapu-Lapu became the first Filipino to defeat European Agression by killing Ferdinand Magellan.