I confess, six days in West Panay is not enough. There’s so much to see, places to go to and experience and food to taste. It’s never enough but despite my time constraint, I was able to visit different places in Aklan, Antique and Iloilo.
Aklan is proud of its piña (pineapple) fiber. So much so that products derived from processing these fibers into fabrics is one, if not its top industry.
Some notes on the hotels I stayed when I was in Antique and Iloilo
My second visit to the province of Antique was another hurried trip. Blame it on my schedule but for this second time, I was targeting specific sites related to heritage churches, chapels and ruins of which the province, have some interesting examples.
One thing that a visitor can readily notice are the many pedicabs and tricycles that ply the usual routes and the design and construction can vary from place to place. San Jose’s and surrounding municipalities like Hamtic, have their own versions.
It’s white and slimy, its elongated form, worm like, makes others squirm but dip it in spicy vinegar and its one hell of a tasty (raw) fare! Better than oysters.
Visiting Kalibo’s Bakhawan Eco Park was one of the best places that I’ve visited during this trip. Walking along its elevated bamboo walkway amidst lush mangroves and to the sound of birds and the distant waves of the sea was just calming. For one who is Manila based, it was a very welcome respite from the concrete environment and pollution.