Luscious Tangalan...

Tangalan is one of the fifth class municipalities in the province of Aklan. It is composed of fifteen (15) Barangays including Poblacion with the economy based primarily on farming and fishing.Lying 19 kilometers northeast of Kalibo, the capital town of the province of Aklan. It is bounded on the north by Sibuyan Sea, on south by Ibajay, on the northeast by Makato, on the southeast by Malinao and on the west by Ibajay.


Getting There:
The Municipality of Tangalan is located in the Western Visayas Region of the Philippines on the Island of Panay in the Province of Aklan. There are two airports in the Province of Aklan, located in Caticlan, the jump off point to Boracay Island, and in Kalibo, the capital city of Aklan. Cebu Pacific Airlines and Philippine Airlines both have daily flights to Kalibo from Manila and visa versa. Numerous shipping lines provide service between Manila and Caticlan or Dumaguit, New Washington, Aklan.
If coming from Cebu, there are daily flights to Iloilo City, Iloilo. Tangalan can be reached via Kalibo from Iloilo by bus, van, or jeepney. Asian Spirit Airlines offers daily flights between Cebu and Caticlan as well. Transasia also provides overnight service by boat to and from Cebu and Iloilo.
Tangalan is only 19 km or 30 minutes from Kalibo and 45 km or one hour from Caticlan via the provincial highway. Buses, vans, and jeepneys provide daily transportation to Tangalan from Kalibo and Caticlan. From the town proper, it is only a 10 to 15 minute tricycle ride (the common means of transportation) to Barangay Jawili. Tricycles also provide regular service to Barangays Afga, Dumatad, and Panayakan. Private vans are available for hire in Kalibo and Caticlan that can provide service to any point on Panay Island.


ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE PARISH CHURCH, Brgy. Poblacion, Tangalan, Aklan. A century old church designed with limestone wall similar to the beautiful Miag-ao Church of Iloilo. The church finished construction in 1889 after 28 years of forced labor. Women, as much as men and children were forced to join this so-called great polo and toiled from the beginning of sunrise to sunset carrying blocks of corals and limestone from the quarries in Brgy. Afga to the construction site in Brgy. Poblacion. The church building is among the oldest religious edifice in the province.




JAWILI FALLS, Brgy. Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan. - It is famous for its beautifully and naturally endowed seven water basins each of which are tiered and winding upwards by a distance of about 20 feet. Some of its basins are suitable for diving, the highest point may be reached at the height of 100 feet, shaped like an oval, a diameter of 240 feet and 12 feet in depth, its waters resembles like a small lake. The other basins are of similar shapes from 130- 240 sq. feet in diameter and a depth of 8-10 feet, unlike the sixth basin having a swimming area with a diameter of 540 sq. feet.



CAMPO VERDE - Situated along the border of the municipalities of Tangalan and Ibajay, and 28 kms west travelling distance from the capital town of Kalibo. Its altitude of 3,700 feet makes it ideal for retreat especially during summer. It is also so-called the hikers’ paradise which abound with thick tree plantations of green pines, mahogany, acacia, ipil-ipil, and butterfly trees that draws or entice visitors to trek deeper into the woods.


Afga Wave-Rock Formation
The wave-rock formation in Barangay Afga is a unique environmental phenomenon produced by centuries of wave action on a rocky shore. It is told that the wave-rock formation served as the quarry site for the distinct limestone and coral walls of the St. John Nepomucene Parish Church. The detrital type of sedimentary rock is stratified in colors yellow, grey, black, and reddish-brown. Dwarf mangroves have found a home amongst the numerous cracks and crevices.



Tangalan Marine Sanctuary
The 375 hectare Marine Sanctuary was established in 2003 within the municipal waters at Pungtod Reef. Pungtod Reef is approximately 150 hectares consisting of patch reefs and ranging in depth from 8 to 30 meters. Live coral coverage and fish density have been increasing since the sanctuary was implemented. The sanctuary hosts numerous species of hard and soft corals, sponges, shellfish, sea stars, sea cucumbers, oysters, and lobsters. There are a variety of colorful fish as well, including Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Damselfish, Parrotfish, Surgoenfish, Scorpionfish, and Sweetlips among others. There are also many species targeted for fishing, such as Fusilers, Groupers, Jacks, Snappers, and Emperor Breams. Endangered sea snakes and sea turtles are also found within the sanctuary, as well as dolphins and stingrays. The Tangalan Marine Sanctuary and Municipal Waters officially opened for SCUBA diving and snorkeling in May 2006. There are a variety of dive sites inside and outside of the sanctuary ranging from the patch coral communities of Pungtod Reef to the deep wall at Pangayawan Reef which drops to depth of over 100 meters.

Dive Sites
1 Pangayawan Reef
The reef crest is around 11 meters deep and then slopes to over 100 meters on the southwest end. This wall dive generally has high visibility, but often has strong currents as well. The local fishermen fear this reef due to the ever present reef sharks, but just can't stay away due to the abundance of fish.
2 Three R's Rock
This patch reef located outside of the Marine Sanctuary is called O-eot in the local dialect. Three R's Rock is a massive coral that is hundred of years old. The rock is surrounded by an excellent coral reef comprise of soft and hard corals and numerous fish. The reef crest lies at about 12 meters and slopes to around 15 meters on the edge.
3 Coral Garden
The Coral Garden is located in the heart of the Marine Sanctuary and is the gateway to the vibrant Pungtod Reef. The Coral Garden has 49 pyramid-type artificial reefs that are teaming with marine life. The dive generally starts around the artificial reefs and then proceeds into the seemingly endliess Pungtod Reef, and at only 8 meters dives easily last over an hour.
4 Marine Sanctuary
For those looking for deeper diving within the Marine Sanctuary then this site is for you. At around 18 meters, this dive is not too challenging, but the deeper waters harbour the biger fish. Large schools of Fusilers are common here as well.
5 Jawili Reef
This small reef is located near the shore and in areas almost completely covered with Acropora hard corals. This shallow reef is a great place for near shore snorkeling and beginner divers.

For more details, please feel free to post comments or email at www.aklantourism@yahoo.com.ph.

Thank you!:)

Boracay, the Island Paradise

Boracay has definitely found its niche not just in the Philippines but to world as well. Dubbed as one of the world's best beach, Boracay is frequented by thousands of tourists each year. The best time to visit is during the months of March-May which is the peak season where you can see a lot of interesting people, the best time to mingle be it a foreigner or the locals. LEAN SEASON is between the months of June to October where tourists can get accommodation easily even at 50% discount

WHERE TO STAY
If you don’t have hotel reservations yet, take your time in scouting a place to stay. As soon as you arrive, choose a place to stay in but don’t commit yourself more than 2 nights because there’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from which offer facilities that suits your budget from simple cottages to luxurious hotels and resorts fronting the beach.


LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Boracay is an activity place. You will never run out of things to do there.
For Water Sport enthusiasts, you can try,
1. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling- There are different diving centers run by internationally licensed scuba diving instructors.
2. Windsurfing
3. Parasailing (Parachute Sailing)
4. Surfing
5. Jet skiing
*Most resorts along the beach has available water sports equipment for rent on hourly/daily basis

For Family with Kids
1. Island hopping taking either Paraw (sailboat) or a motorboat (banca). Take premier class sightseeing tour boat and have great fun. Your safety and comfort is assured. For bookings, call 288-5577
2. Take a ride on banana boat, it’s inexpensive yet full of thrills
3. Rent a motorbike or an ATV and explore the Island. For sightseeing land tour, you may go to Mt. Luho (the highest peak), Fairways Golf Course, the Puka Shell Beach, Bat Cave
4. Try Horse back riding with a veteran guide leading your way. Your safety is assured
5. Visit Butterfly farm


Boracay Facilities / Rides (Rental)


1. DIVING

DIVE GURUS DIVE SHOP
Boat Station3, Sitio Angol, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-5486 / 288-5469 Mobile: +63918 919 3830
Contact Person: Mylene Arboleda
Email: infor@divegurus.com
Website: http://www.divegurus.com
Introductory Dive - Php 3,000.00/pax (Inclusive of dive suites and trainer’s fee)
Diving with License - Php 1, 600.00/pax
Enrollment for Diving License and Certification - Php 20,000.00/pax

SCUBA DIVING - Php 1, 500.00/ pax (Inclusive of Apparatus, gears and equipments)


2. BANANA BOAT RIDE
Rate: Php 200.00/pax X 8 pax = Php 1, 600.00

3. JET SKIING
Rate: Php 2, 000.00/pax for 30 minutes

4. KITEBOARDING
HANGIN KITE CENTER
(Professional Instruction and Equipment Sales)
Bolabog Beach, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-3766 / 288-3663 /288-6043
Website: www.kite-asia.com or www.kiteboardingboracay.com
Contact Person: Normeth Preglo, Manager

Rates:
Group - Php 3, 000.00 for two (2) hours)
Per Pax - Php 3, 000.00 for One hour and 30 minutes

Habagat Kiteboarding
Bolabog Beach, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-5787/ 288-6102
Mobile No.: +63910 571 1274
Email: winnilevi@hotmail.com or habagatkiteboarding@hotmail.com
Website: www.kiteboracay.com
Contact Person: Mona Lisa Levei, Owner

5. PARASAILING
NAPOLEON SEASPORTS
Boat Station 2, Front Beach, D’ Mall de Boracay, Balabag, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-5372
Contact Person: Aurora Zayco, General Manager
Rate: Php 2, 500.00/pax (Inclusive of gears & equipments)

6. ZIPLINE

ZIPLINE BORACAY
(Inside Fairways & Bluewater Resort, Golf & Country Club)
Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-5176 Mobile: +63929 703 7599
Contact Person: Edwin Gaytano, Operations Manager
Rate: Php 700.00/pax

7. ZORBING

RIDE THE ZORB
(Near Alta Vista Resort) Ilig-Iligan, Yapak, Boracay, Malay, Aklan)
Tel. No. (036) 288-1912 Mobile: +63908 614 8088
Rates:
3 pax-in one ball - Php 300/pax
2 pax-in one ball - Php 380/pax

8. HORSE-BACK RIDING

Horse Riding Stable
Pinaungon, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-3311
Contact Person: Romeo Cañaris, Manager
Rate: Php 700.00/pax (Inclusive of Leading Fee)

9. GOLFING
Fairways & Bluewater (Golf & Horseback Riding)
Beside beach area, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-5176/5437

18-holes: Green Fee - Php 5, 000.00/pax
Cart - 1, 200.00
Golf Set - 800.00
Caddie Fee - 330.00
Shoes - 300.00
Total: Php 7, 630.00/pax

9-holes: Green Fee - Php 2, 500.00/pax
Cart - 800.00
Golf Set - 400.00
Caddie Fee - 180.00
Shoes - 200.00
Total: Php 4, 080.00/pax
Optional:
Tees - Php 150.00/pc
Balls - Php 300.00/doz.

10. WALL CLIMBING

PATIO PACIFIC
(Beside Patio Pacific Gym), Boat Stn. 2, Main Rd.,
Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-3888
Contact Person: Julie Briones, Supervisor
Rate: Php 300.00/pax

11. ATV/ Off-Road Buggies

RED CORAL BEST ONE ATV/ Bug Car
(Across Fairways, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-4273/288-5445
Email: rano4019@nate.com
Rental Rates: ATV (S) - Php 300.00/pax/hr
ATV (B) - Php 400.00/pax/hr
Bug Car - Php 500.00/pax/hr

12. INTER- ISLAND TOUR / SAILING

CRYSTAL COVE ISLAND
(Formerly Laurel Island)
Brgy. Caticlan, Malay, Aklan
Tel. No. (036) 288-7482 Efax: (02) 857-2279
Mobile No.: +63 918 911 8134 / +63917 887 6515
Email: info@crystalcoveisland.com
Website: www.crystalcoveisland.com
Contact Person: Renalie Taunan

Rates: Entrance fee . . . P200.00/ pax

Island Amenities: Island tour, Picnic, Private events, Wedding camping, Seminar & workshops, Honeymoon, Venue Rental, Team Building, may be reached 10 minutes by motorboat from Boracay (motorboats are available for hire in an hourly basis).


13. MT. LUHO VIEW DECK
-The highest point in the Island of Boracay, 100 m. above sea level that offers a spectacular view of the entire Boracay Is. and nearby islands

Entrance Fee: Php 50.00/pax

More to Aklan

yang_1925's photostream on Flickr.

Feast your eyes to Aklan's delights, from attractions to products, Aklan offers you a lot

AKLAN PIÑA & FIBER FESTIVAL

An annual week-long festival simultaneously held during the province’s founding anniversary celebration every 25th of April. It is a product showcase of world class craftsmanship and ingenuity using indigenous raw materials such as abaca, piña fiber, raffia. The festival aims to promote, preserve and develop the loom-weaving industry in the province, hoping to establish Aklan asthe handloom- weaving destination in the country.

Aklan, where it all started

AKLAN, A Brief History

Aklan is the youngest of the four provinces of Panay Island, is actually in point of history, one of the oldest if not the oldest province in the country. Established only in 1956 as a province of the Republic of the Philippines, Aklan, including what is now the province of Capiz was organized as the Minuro it Akean by settlers from Borneo in 1213.

Thus, the first settlers of Aklan came from Borneo. They fled their land to escape the oppressive rule of Makatunaw, Sultan of Brunei, and settled in what is now known as Aklan. It was here where they carved out a settlement and reaped rich harvests from the fertile plains, the forests, and the sea.

The purchase of Panay by the Maraynons (refererred to as such in the earlier writings of Aklan historians, Nabor and Orbistal) has become a legend and subsequently woven into songs and dances to this day. It tells of how Datu Puti, its leader then, purchased the vast valleys and the lowlands from the Ati King, Marikudo, together with his wife, Maniwang-tiwang, by a golden sarok, a gold necklace, bolts of cloth and some trinkets.

A feast was held in the symbolic celebration of the transaction. Both the Maraynons and the Atis had a great time feasting, dancing and singing. In the subsequent years, that symbolic event is commemorated annually particularly during the blooming season of mangoes, or during that same time of the year when the purchase was consummated. In the latter years, when the Ati descendants of Marikudo left the lowlands and made their way to the mountains, its settlers managed to perpetuate the celebration. Resembling the Atis, some of the settlers smeared their bodies and faces with soot to simulate the Ati itself. From there onwards, the said celebration which has proved to withstand the test of centuries came to be widely known to this day as the famous Ati-Atihan Festival.

The first settlers or the early Aklanons, who came to be known as such in subsequent years chose to relocate themselves in what is now Barangay Marianos and Barangay Laguinbanwa in Numancia. The settlers called their settlement Madyanos. From there, they made their way exploring the hinterlands as well as the coastlands.

Be that as it may, history or legend, notwithstanding the doubts cast by skeptics, the Aklanons have always believed that their forebears came from Borneo in ten frail barangays, and that after the purchase of Panay, the ten Datus divided the island into three, independent “sakups”: Akean now known to be Capiz and Aklan, Irong-Irong now Iloilo, and Hamtik now Antique. In 1566, after Father Andres de Aguirre had baptized thousands of Aklanons as Christians in the settlement of Madyanos, the place itself subsequently came to be known as Kalibo, the present capital town of Aklan province. And in true Spanish of divide and conquer, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi divided Aklan among his favorites and in 1760, the old “sakup” of Aklan became a Spanish-political-military province under the name Capiz until the next 240 years.

Having a distinct dialect of their own, the Aklanons have distinct identity with Capiznons. When the Americans took the island from its Spanish colonizers, their first act was to petition for the separation of Aklan from Capiz.

In 1901, when the Taft Commission came to Capiz for the inauguration of the New Civil Government under the Americans, the Aklan delegation, headed by Natalio B. Acevedo, presented a formal request for separation. The petition was not denied outright, but it was not acted upon due to existing adverse economic conditions. As a compromise, the Americans promised to set up a separate Court of First Instance for Aklan at Batan and appointed Simeon Mobo Reyes as the First Provincial Secretary. But the struggle for separation never let up. “The Akeanon” a publication in 1914 had served to keep the struggle burning.

Meanwhile, Aklanon representatives in Congress kept filing bills for the separation of Aklan. There was the Urquiola-Alba Bill of 1920, the Laserna-Suñer Bill of 1925 and 1930, and the Tumbokon Bill of 1934.

Aklan became independent when the late President Magsaysay, signed into law on April 25, 1956, Republic Act 1414, separating Aklan from Capiz. This law is authored by then Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos who later became the delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention and became Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals before his death. The province was officially inaugurated on November 8, 1956.

A taste of the Island Paradise- Boracay

Boracay Island is located in the Municipality of Malay, Province of Aklan. It was discovered in Early 1970s. In 1978, it was declared as a Tourism Zone and Marine Reserve by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1801. Since then, Boracay has positioned itself as a Global destination. As to 2009 survey, it has a total of 334 Resorts, 7,360 rooms that can accommodate tourists of different budgets simple cottages to luxurious hotels and resorts fronting the beach.

Boracay is more than just being a paradise, its sugary white sand and azure waters, Boracay is an activity place. Here are just some of the things that you can do while you are in Boracay:


Dragon Boat rowing competition
For the past four years, the Boracay dragon boat races have brought together a unique combination of fast-paced competitive action,a beautiful natural environment,and an invigorating lifestyle so much so that the number of participants dramatically increase every year.The Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival is organized annually by the Boracay Island Paddlers Association,Inc(BIPA)in cooperation with the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and the Municipality of Malay



Engage in extreme sport activities
like para-sailing or wind surfing















Watch fiery dancers,
dance with wild fires









Dive, and admire its beautiful underwaters








Watch amazing sand castle artworks
beautifully sculpted by
Aklanon hands






Or simply, sit back, watch and enjoy
Boracay's breath taking beauty




~pHOTO CREDITS:
A. Jumpay
Aklan Kamera Org

KUDOS AKLAN PHOTOGRAPHERS! :)

Buruanga... The Hidden Paradise

BURUANGA - offers a magnificent venue for camping & excursion. The elevated location offers the best scenery to witness the panoramic view of sunset, mountains, rivers, seas & green fields of the municipality.

Quick Facts:

Buruanga is a municipality in the province of Aklan, Philippines, to its north is where Malay, Aklan and to its south is where municipality of Libertad, Antique is located while to its west lies Cuyo Sea. See Buruanga's for its beautiful mangroves as well as beautiful rock formations which makes it one of the Off the beaten path destinations.

Ariel's Point (formerly Batason Point)is rich in surrounding marine lives & is said to be the best stop over for scuba divers, snorkelers, cliff-board divers, excursionists, & nature enthusiast.


Ashram Balay- Pagduaw - known for its advocacy on finding spiritual peace with nature. The place is perfect for meditation, relaxation & retreats.







Talisay Beach- offers a perfect place for relaxation or venue for theme parties & excursions.

Sabang Cave- with the elevated location of the cave, one can witness the stunning panorama of long stretch of beaches, seascapes, & the green fields of Sabang.