In 2019, I visited Iloilo-Guimaras and later went to Iloilo-Bacolod the same year. Looking back on these trips five years later, I noticed a change in how I approach travel.
Before, I used to pack my days with activities, always rushing from one place to another. If you’ve followed my adventures since 2019, you’d see how busy my schedule was. But now, I’ve matured. I’ve come to realize the importance of setting clear goals before traveling.
On this recent trip, my main goal was simply to relax and explore some notable spots in Iloilo and Bacolod, without feeling pressured to see everything. Instead of rushing, my companion and I decided to savor each moment, immersing ourselves in the local culture by visiting markets and taking our time to appreciate the surroundings. Sometimes, I just enjoyed observing people passing by.
Let me tell you about our first day in Iloilo. Our flight was initially scheduled for 5:55 am but got pushed to 8:55 am. We arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 around 7:00 am, as locals are accustomed to arriving early at the airport. After grabbing a meal at McDonald’s, we headed to the terminal and waited there, passing the time with some iPad doodling. Here’s a sample of what I drew while waiting for our flight.
The flight to Iloilo took over an hour. Upon arrival, we took a van to SM Iloilo, where we had lunch at Ted’s. Then, we inquired about getting to Garin Farm and made our way to the terminal to catch a mini-bus to Muhon Terminal.
The transportation system in Iloilo impressed me. The buses and drivers were organized, dropping passengers off at proper stops and issuing receipts, reminiscent of the modernized jeepneys proposed for Manila. However, I do worry about the impact on traditional jeepney drivers.
At Muhon Terminal, we boarded a mini-bus bound for San Joaquin and got off near Garin Farm, taking a tricycle to the entrance. Though I’d been to Garin before, I’d never climbed the stairs to the top. The hike was exhausting, but the view made it worthwhile.
After exploring Garin Farm, we caught a bus to Miagao Church, one of my favorites due to its beauty and history. Then, we visited Molo Plaza, taking in the sights and enjoying street food.
Our second day in Iloilo started late with a hearty breakfast of La Paz Batchoy at La Paz Public Market. Then, we visited Jaro Cathedral before heading to the pier for our journey to Bacolod.
In Bacolod, we checked into our hostel and indulged in Bacolod Inasal and cake from Calea for lunch. Afterward, we visited The Ruins, easily accessible via Grab. We were fortunate to experience the Bacolodiat Festival, enjoying street food and walking along Lacson Avenue.
On our last day, we savored the breakfast buffet at Seda Hotel before heading to the airport. Through my travels, I’ve learned to prioritize relaxation and enjoying each destination, rather than rushing to tick off tourist spots. Traveling, to me, is about finding peace and rejuvenation.