Exploring Capiz & Iloilo

My relatives and I had our vacation last May. We toured around Capiz and Iloilo. Ninang Ruby and Aunty Fely are originally from Mambusao, Capiz and they always go there once or twice a year. Our original plan was to go to Boracay because I haven't been there. And our little princess, Cindy, wants to celebrate her birthday at Boracay again. Sadly, Boracay was closed by the government before April ended so we had to cancel our hotel bookings there and change our plans. And that didn't stop us. Haha!

Will you believe me if I tell you this is my first time to ride an airplane? Well, believe me, because it is really my first time! Haha! I know I am not a travel blogger but I want to share my experience with you. I really had so much fun and this trip makes me want to travel more.

Ninang Ruby was able to book from Manila to Roxas via Cebu Pacific for only 2,300 per person (one way, thru kiwi.com). I'm sure it is not the cheapest but we took the chance since we only booked it three months before the travel date.

May 16, 2018

09:00 PM Commute to NAIA Terminal 3

11:00 PM Arrived at NAIA Terminal 3

DAY 1

May 17, 2018

04:45 AM Boarding Time

07:30 AM Arrival at Roxas City Airport + Breakfast

08:00 AM Drop off luggage + Check-in at Islands Hotel
09:00 AM Buy essentials at Robinsons Iloilo
10:00 AM Fishing and lunch at Capiz Bay Resort

185.00 pesos for fishing and that's already for 1kg of bangus. Additional 75 pesos for ihaw-ihaw. We paid 800 pesos for all the food. Not bad for 6 persons.

 Deluxe Room 2,300 per night, extra bed 400.00 (Breakfast not included)

DAY 2
May 18, 2018

12:00 PM Check-out / Islands Hotel
12:30 PM Commute to Carles, Iloilo (Van + tricycle)
03:30 PM Arrival at Carles, Iloilo
05:00 PM Tour at Bangcal Mangrove
07:00 PM Check in at an apartment/room for rent

Expenses
Breakfast - 100.00 - 150.00 pesos per meal
Van - 50 pesos/person
Tricycle - 150 pesos
Room for rent - 1,500 for 3 days and 2 nights (discounted)

You can ride the bus or the van if you are going to Carles, Iloilo. We chose to ride the van so we can arrive there early and most buses at the terminal are not airconditioned. The fare is 50.00 pesos per person at the van terminal but we paid for 6 persons since we have our luggage with us.

Ate Ivy is our friend and neighbor here in Tagaytay but she is originally from Carles, Iloilo. She also went home at that time so we decided to meet up and go to Gigantes Islands. She helped us get an apartment where we can stay for two nights. Since she is a local here, the owner gave us a big discount. Instead of 1,500 per night, she gave the room to us for only 750.00 per night. It was a simple room with a bed for three and has a/c.

She also brought us to the Bancal Bay Mangrove. The entrance fee is 20.00 pesos but since she is a local there, we got it for free instead. Haha! It was already low tide when we got there but the view is still awesome. It's kinda scary to walk on the bamboo though.

DAY 3
May 19, 2018

06:00 AM Bangcal Port
08:30 AM Departure going to Islas de Gigantes
10:00 AM Start of island hopping
12:00 PM Lunch at Sandbar
03:00 PM Going back to Bangcal Port
tr 05:00 PM Bangcal Port

The highlight of my vacation! I was really excited about this trip because of Gigantes Islands. Ninang Ruby and Ate Ivy went here two years ago. I was not able to come with them because I was reviewing for the licensure exam that time. I kinda regret it tbh. Haha! But the time has come! I have a separate post about Islas de Gigantes but I am not done with it yet. (Link to follow up)

Gigantes Islands Boat Rates (As of May 2018)
Small boat (1-10 persons) - 3,500
Medium boat (10-15 persons) - 5,000
Big boat (15-20 persons) - 6,000

DAY 4
May 20, 2018

10:00 AM Van Terminal (150 pesos/person)
02:00 PM Arrival and check in / Adhara Eco-Boutique Resort
03:00 PM Buy pasalubong and lunch at Gaisano Mall

We did not expect that the fare would be 150.00 pesos. We thought that Oton is just an hour away from Carles. But heck! It took us almost four hours to get to Adhara Eco-Boutique Resort. That fare is still worth it though. Haha!

Adhara Eco-Boutique Resort was a nice place to stay. We originally booked the Green Room which costs 3,360.00 pesos per night but we've decided to upgrade our room when we saw that it was the "basement" of the villas. The Green Room was really nice and clean though. We just wanted the view of the pool and the beach and have that vacation vibe that we all need. We upgraded to Deluxe Ocean Villa which costs 6,690.00 pesos per night. All of their rooms have the capacity of 4. We stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights.

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DAY 5
May 21, 2018

09:00 AM Commute to Garin Farm (Jeepney)
11:00 AM Arrival at Garin Farm
11:15 AM Lunch
12:00 PM Explore Garin Farm
02:00 PM Commute to Molo Church and Molo Mansion (Ceres Bus)
03:30 PM Arrival at Molo Mansion
05:30 PM Arrival at Adhara Eco-Boutique Resort
06:00 PM Swimming

For our Garin Farm experience, it is kinda long so I had to post a separate one. I already posted it ahead so here's the link: https://www.elainedogelio.com/2018/06/garin-farm.html

Expenses from our Garin Farm trip

Jeepney fare - 50 pesos/person
Tricycle fare - 60 pesos
Lunch - 300 pesos for 4 persons
Entrance fee - 150.00 pesos/person
Golf cart ride - 150.00 pesos
Bus fare - 50 pesos/person

Aside from Garin Farm, we also went to the Molo Mansion. There is no entrance fee. It is located in front of Molo Church. We wanted to visit Molo but we didn't have the chance. It rained really hard as soon as I took this photo and it is still closed. There was an event at the Molo Mansion. If you're wondering what's inside, Kultura by SM Store are selling souvenirs and pasalubongs. I bought the famous Butterscotch from Iloilo Supermarket. I definitely recommend it if you happen to go to Iloilo. Definitely, a must try!

DAY 6
May 22, 2018

12:00 PM Check-out / Adhara Eco-Boutique Resort
12:30 PM Commute to Mambusao, Capiz (Ceres Bus, 120.00 pesos/person)
04:00 PM Arrival at Mambusao, Capiz

DAY 7
May 23, 2018

All day at Mambusao, Capiz

We stayed at Ninang Ruby's relatives. The signal there is so weak. You gotta disconnect sometimes and enjoy life. Haha! Probinsya life! 

I don't know about you, but this bed is actually comfortable. I mean, if you are not claustrophobic, of course. I actually had a good sleep and I woke up without body aches. I even met a new friend, an 8-year-old girl who is going to transfer to General Trias, Cavite. She even asked me if I already had a child. Haha! I was not offended because I always look younger than my age so I wonder what she was thinking. Haha!

DAY 8
May 24, 2018

12:00 PM Commute to Caticlan Port (Ceres Bus, 150.00 pesos/person)
05:00 PM Arrival at Caticlan Port
11:00 PM Boarding time (2GO)

We already bought our 2GO tickets when we arrived at Roxas Airport. Our ticket costs 1,300 pesos each. It comes with a free meal but we didn't get it because there are so many people in line. We just bought cup noodles for a midnight snack and we have our baon. And by the way, it was my first time to ride a vessel. Haha! To know their schedules, better check their website first: travel.2go.com.ph

DAY 9
May 25, 2018

08:50 AM Arrival at Batangas Port
09:10 AM Commute to Pala-pala, Dasmarinas, Cavite (150.00 pesos/person, via van)
10:30 AM Commute to Tagaytay (33 pesos/person, via bus)
11:30 AM HOME

TIPS:

• The signal especially the data is not stable in each city/province. I had to register both my Globe and Smart. There are no signal both Globe and Smart at Gigantes Islands.
• Always bring cash. Unlike here in Manila, they have limited ATM machines in the province.
• Just the usual. Always bring sunblock when going to the beach or when you're exposed to sunlight.
• Bring your powerbank. This is essential when traveling especially for long trips.

It was a long but happy trip! We were always on the go. I would definitely go back to Capiz and Iloilo! I would like to go back to Gigantes Islands as well and have an overnight stay on the island so I could really enjoy and explore the whole islands. I also made a vlog so if you haven't seen it, the vlog is down below or just click the link. I only regret that I did not take too many photos. I'm still using my phone and I'm planning to upgrade. What camera would you recommend? :)

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