Sicogon Island is one of the many beautiful attractions that grace the waters of Northern Iloilo. Sicogon became a popular tourist destination during the 70s and 80s because of the high-end resort suitably named “Sicogon Island Resort” operating in the island.

At present, there may not be any luxurious accommodations or amenities in Sicogon but travelers can still visit the island to enjoy its picturesque sandy beaches, virgin forests, and alluring waters.

Fishing boats settled along the shores of Brgy. Buaya, Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo

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Grand Dame Hotel is one of the boutique hotels in Iloilo City. This mid-range accommodation has received plenty of positive reviews from hotel guests because of its elegant and spacious rooms offered at reasonable rates.

Its location in La Paz district is perfect for travelers who want to avoid staying at the busy downtown area but still like to have easy accessibility. The City Proper district is less than 5 minutes away from Grand Dame Hotel by taxi or local commute. Jeepneys plying the road near the hotel connect La Paz to City Proper and Jaro.

Grand Dame Hotel in La Paz, Iloilo City

The hotel sits in front of the La Paz Market, known as the birthplace of the original La Paz Batchoy. It is also within walking distance to Gaisano Capital Mall, one of the major shopping centers in the city.

The rooms at the upper floors of the Grand Dame Hotel provide excellent views overlooking Iloilo City’s growing skyline and the picturesque Iloilo River.

Another great feature of this hotel is the Emilion Restaurant located at the third floor. Emilion is a favorite dining destination among Ilonggo locals because of its excellent Japanese Buffet offered every Tuesday to Friday.

The Grand Dame Hotel stands magnificently at the corner of Rizal and Huervana Streets, La Paz, Iloilo City illuminating the old charm and elegance of a classic French architecture. A renowned interior designer from Manila conceptualized the magnificent indoors. Nice botique hotel, with very clean, new, comfortable rooms. The word, Dame, is a noun meaning, a lady. It is a title of the order of the British Empire conferred on a woman, equivalent to that of a knight, who had rendered years of admirable service and loyalty to the kingdom. The phrase, Grand Dame, therefore, refer to a legal title of a “great lady” whose accomplishments have been recognized by the highest authorities.

Anhawan Beach Resort is a privately owned property with 6 hectares of land and 450 meters of beach front— a perfect place to spend your vacation, celebrate an occasion or just simply be at peace with nature. From a simple family outing to a grand event celebration, we take pride in being a part of an experience for you to remember!

The beat of a thousand drums is alive in Iloilo once again. Fifteen participating tribes paraded around the streets of Iloilo for the opening salvo of the Dinagyang Festival 2012. The opening salvo parade is just a preview of the street dance performances during the highlights of the festivities. Better watch out for the main events happening on the fourth weekend of January.

The regional Kasadyahan Cometition is scheduled on Saturday morning, while the Dinagyang Ati Competition will go live on Sunday. Will Tribu Panay still regain its crown? or will the other crowd favorites emerge as this year’s new champion?

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The Dinagyang Festival fever is alive in Iloilo this January 2012. Be prepared to witness the City of Iloilo revel during the Dinagyang Festival and experience an explosion of sound, color, and dance. During this year’s edition, the main highlights of the festival will be held on January 20-22, 2012 (fourth weekend of January) in the main streets of Iloilo City.

Dinagyang warrior holding the image of the Santo Niño during the Fluvial Procession

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Looking for a fun and exciting place to spend the weekend in Panay? The town of Tibiao, Antique is geared up to be an eco-adventure destination in this side of the archipelago. Easily accessible by land from any point in Panay, Tibiao is a blessing for thrill seekers and nature lovers since it is just a few hours away from travel gateways such as Iloilo, Boracay (Caticlan), and Kalibo. Tibiao offers attractions found in other popular eco-adventure destinations in addition to the town’s unique set of charms that is sure to give tourists a fun experience to cherish for a lifetime!

White water river kayaking in Tibiao River, Antique

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Smallville21 Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Iloilo. It is located right at the heart of Smallville, Iloilo’s prime dining and entertainment destination.

Smallville21 Hotel Photos

Smallville21 Hotel Room Rates

• Standard Matrimonial – P2,000
• Standard Twin – P2,125
• Deluxe Matrimonial – P2,250
• Deluxe Double Room -P2,225
• Deluxe Triple Room – P2,675
• Executive Room – P3,000
• Presidential Suite – P4,000

*with breakfast

Raymen Beach Resort, located in Alubihod Beach, is one of the more popular resorts in Guimaras. Raymen Beach Resort is a preferred choice for locals and tourists who are looking to have a relaxing, convenient, and affordable break from the city.

Alubihod Beach is a short white sand stretch surrounded by the inviting blue waters and pristine off-shore islets of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. Alubihod Beach is an excellent jump-off point for Guimaras island hopping tours.

Over the years, Raymen Beach Resort has become the go-to destination for weekend getaways in Guimaras. It’s just an hour away from Iloilo City and offers a tropical paradise beach setting, which is much better than the grey sand beaches in Iloilo mainland and more convenient than the 5-hour travel to Boracay Island.

White sand stretch of Alubihod Beach, Guimaras

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AirPhil Express, in partnership with Explore Iloilo, is giving away eight (8) tickets to ASAP Sessionistas Live in Iloilo! Watch your favorite stars: Richard Poon, Duncan Ramos, Juris Fernandez, Sitti Navarro, Princess and Aiza Seguerra with special guest Yeng Constantino live at the Central Philippine University Gymnasium on September 24, 2011 (8:00 pm. – 11:00 pm).

How To Join

• Like Airphil Express Facebook Fan Page.
• Answer the question: “Why do you want to see ASAP Sessionistas Live in Iloilo?”
• Post your answer on the wall of Explore Iloilo FB Fan Page (must like Explore Iloilo first in order to get posting privileges).
• Tag “Airphil Express” in your post by typing “@AirPhil Express” together with your answer (how to tag in FB).

That’s it! Once you followed these step, we’ll add your post as an entry to our “ASAP Sessionisas Live in Iloilo” contest. Only one entry per person is allowed.Read the rest of Contest: Win Tickets to ASAP Sessionistas Live in Iloilo (One comment)

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AirPhil Express, a popular budget airline in the Philippines, will be opening a new flight route between Iloilo and Davao starting August 18, 2011. It will be a once daily service utilizing an Airbus A320 plane. There’s actually a seat sale ongoing today (August 3, 2011) on Iloilo – Davao flight fares for as low as P488 (one-way). Cheapest regular (year-round) Iloilo – Davao Airphil Express fares cost P998 (one-way).

View of the Iloilo Airport during arrival

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