Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival 2012

April 25, 2012, marks the 56th Aklan Day. The celebration of the Province of Aklan's separation from Capiz. Part of its annual activities is the showcase of indigenous products found in the bountiful province of Aklan. To make known to the world, that Aklan indeed is more than just sands and sound. After the tiring parade, we went sight seeing at the Trade Hall, where various displays of products made from pina and other local fibers, pottery and visual arts can be seen. Here's a glimpse of the things we saw yesterday

The intricate process of weaving the prized pina cloth

Pina wedding collection by Sutoniel's Custom made Pina/Abaca Fan

Colorful handbags made of abaca

Jojo's Christmas Cottage

Flip-flopping in Boracay

Its really nice to spend the weekends strolling through the sugary white sand beach in Boracay. Wearing the most comfortable pair of flops can get you to the ultimate desire of your heart, whether to just window shop through the numerous stalls



or simply admiring the place while strolling in the beach front, you will fall in love for sure with the beauty of Boracay, one of the finest beaches in the world

See how this aged couple take a romantic walk in the shoreline

Aklan... Awakened paradise

Tourism is one of Aklan’s major economic drivers alongside agriculture, with the island of Boracay as the center of its tourism industry. Boracay is continuously becoming a haven for both foreign and domestic tourists.

Aklan is more than just the white sand beach of Boracay, it also boasts of other potential tourist destinations, cultural activities or festivals and products in the other adjacent municipalities which highlights the culture, history and tradition, as well as craftsmanship and ingenuity of its people and complement what Boracay has to offer.
Majority of the visitors to the province are domestic tourists comprised of families, young professionals and male travelling with business colleagues. Our Foreign visitors are also increasing with the Koreans, Taiwanese and Chinese as our top foreign tourists.


~Photo credit: Lyn Traje

Easter bonding

The Grotto of Lourdes at St. Jude Parish

Easter fell on a Sunday, and we're down to our usual Sunday regime of hearing a mass


While waiting for the next mass to start, Mikay spent some time admiring the man made pond near the grotto of Lourdes

It's summer time!

It's summer time once more.

and I guess, everybody loves the beach.




See this little girl, savoring the breeze while sitting on an idle boat






For beach lovers out there, I strongly recommend to visit Boracay Island, located in the Province of Aklan, Western Visayas, Philippines

The cool breeze, the picturesque view of the ocean, the grainy white sand plus a plenty of activities to choose from, young and adults alike, both will surely say

Summer time is MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!
I <3 BORACAY!

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