Lifestyle

Negros Occidental Tour Guides Get Guided Around Iloilo

June 3, 2019

Tour guides, to be more effective, need continuous education and this includes getting updates on data and statistics, finding out the latest attractions, be up-to-date with ongoing and future events and travel more.  The Alliance of Tourguides of Occidental Negros (ATON) crossed the Guimaras Strait to visit key destinations of Iloilo province last May 21 with the support of the Department of Tourism-Region VI under Atty. Helen Katalbas. 

ATON is a SEC-registered association of DOT-accredited tour guides in Negros Occidental under its current president Cidni Mapa.  Other officers and members are Maricar Dabao (Secretary), Yours Truly (Treasurer), Artie Lacson (immediate past Treasurer),  Jennylind Cordero, Virna Tan, and CJ Ferrer.

Breakfast was at Madge Cafe, of course
La Paz Bakeshop delighted our eyes and palates

For the Iloilo trip, four of us guides i.e., Cidni Mapa, Artie Lacson, Maricar Dabao and I were guided, in turn, by efficient and bubbly Iloilo guides Jas Sedonio and LA Ledesma. 

There is a strong connection between Iloilo and Negros, not to mention the fact that many Negrenses have their roots in Panay including us ATON!  So, the trip was a sort of homecoming and it was one where we got to know more deeply our origins.  In effect, we got to know ourselves better as Negrenses and appreciated our Ilonggo souls. 

At the Museum of Philippine Economic History in Iloilo City

Iloilo is not difficult to fall in love again with.  Iloilo had emerged from hibernation in the recent past.  When once it was considered to be the staid, conservative elder sister to Bacolod’s swinging more daring self, Iloilo emerged prettier and swankier after an extensive make-over that has made other ladies extremely jealous of her updated image.

Yet, despite  Iloilo’s new look, much of its Old World charm has remained.  The new and the old are what we came for. 

The beautiful brick church at Cabatuan
Jason Tan braves the hot sun at the Janiuay cemetery

Our bottomless gratitude goes to DOT-R6 for providing us the van and guides, and to Ms. Irene Magallon of Sta. Barbara Tourism Office for facilitating our visit to this historic municipality.

Thank you very much for your help, Ms. Irene Magallon. Here, she welcomes ATON to the Sta. Barbara Church
Baby grapes at the Denila Farm, Sta. Barbara
Artie Lacson, Cidni Mapa, Yours Truly, Maricar Dabao, and Jason Tan at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Cabatuan
Artie Lacson donates his brother’s trophy to the museum of the Sta. Barbara Golf Club

In just one day, ATON was able to visit the Aduana, the Casa Elizalde a.k.a. the Museum of Philippine Economic History, the La Paz Market, St. Clements Church, Sta. Barbara Museum and Church, Sta. Barbara Golf Course, Denila Farm and WUTHLE, San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Cabatuan, and even Janiuay cemetery.  We really were amazed seeing how Iloilo was able to blend residential houses, buildings, and other edifices into cohesive tourism routes.  This was the time that I felt much pride in being Ilongga by birth.  

Batchoy at the batchoyan in Ilawod, Sta. Barbara