Gem Talks

My 2018 started with so much blessings. I got to go back to Cebu last January twice! It was both for work and pleasure. I thought I wouldn't be able to spend my hubby's birthday but he flew to Cebu and we had a memorable trip!


Here's the summary of my 2 week trip to Cebu!

#gemtalks - Eve of VDay from gemtalks on Vimeo.

I have been in a state of hiatus! This is something I need to get over with. Since we are back to the rainy season here in the Philippines, let me reminisce and post about my summer escapade. I have been to Boracay countless times and I can say that it has its unique beauty. However, I have to admit that there are more islands and beaches in the Philippines that can beat the beauty of the well commercialized La Boracay. In my Iloilo City trip last summer, I was able to tour a little with the limited time I was given to stay in the City (my travel was intended for work). The highlight of them all was my trip to Higantes Islands.

When you research about Iloilo City, you'll read about Guimaras Island. This was exactly what I had in mind. I was so ready to see Guimaras. However, the locals that me and my colleagues got to know told us that we shouldn't miss, and we DEFINITELY had to go to Higantes Islands. I got my phone and checked on the unfamiliar name and boom! Seeing the first picture made me decide immediately to change my Guimaras plan to Higantes Islands instead.

 Let's start first with our tour in some parts of Iloilo. We went to Miag-ao Church, one of the historic churches in Iloilo. After this, we dropped by Sulu Garden, a Japanese inspired restaurant, where we had our "merienda". This is just a few walks away from UP Visayas. From UP Visayas, we took a jeep (or s shuttle) to Garin Farm. Too bad it was already late afternoon. The farm closes at 5pm and we arrived there 4:30pm. Thus, we decided to walk and see this old but beautiful San Joaquin cemetery.

 Check out the vlog of this trip here.




Although I would love to share in this blog the prices/rates of our Higantes Islands trip, the locals were very kind to treat us so I wouldn't know exactly how much a trip here would cost. From Iloilo City, we travelled 2 hours to Estancia. From Estancia, a boat ride for another 1 1/2- 2 hours took us to the beautiful Higantes Islands. Of the many islands of Higantes, we were able to go to Cabuyao Island, Tanke Island (Tank), and Antonia Island. There's no better way to admire the wonders of these islands than a video!


 Here's the trip to Higantes Islands.


The islands are soooo clean! They are not salty at all so I enjoyed swimming! If you guys happen to travel in Iloilo, ask about Higantes Islands. It is one of the hidden paradises here in the country!

We travelled to Coron in 2012. We booked at Coron Sunrise Inn and it was the one of the most breath taking experiences in our life.

Here's a Vlog of our Coron trip, enjoy!