ILOILO: HEART of the PHILIPPINES

Mention Tatoy's and almost every Ilonggo would equate it with a singular product - native litsong manok . From that one iconic product, Tatoy's grew from a single shack along the beach built in the 70's to a large dining complex - nipa huts, al fresco dining and airconditioned areas this past few decades. EAT'S More Fun in Iloilo with FLAVOURS OF ILOILO But around 4 decades after, Tatoy's has a new feather added to it's cap as it recently opened a pool resort in its gastronomic complex. Its located at the back of their main pavilion further inside the lot. It has no rooms for overnight accommodations as of now, just a pool and cabanas plus another function room with the view. Here are the rates of the pool usage from a Facebook   friend. Free Entrance Weekdays (Mon-Thurs) Swimming Php 200 swimming with Jacuzzi Php 250 Weekends (Fri-Sun) Swimming Php 250 Swimming with Jacuzzi Php 300  For more details and inquiries, just check out...

A garden in Brisbane Australia which could be adapted along the Iloilo Riverside Esplanade Another beautification project is about to make Iloilo City among the most beautiful and colorful cities in the Philippines. In a few days, the city government will launch  BONGGA BELLA- a beautification project directed to do up the City road network with the flowering shrub commonly known as bougainvillea and to promote it as "Bulak sang Iloilo", the Official Local Flower. Source The plant is locally ubiquitous and can be seen growing virtually in the whole city with flowers of various colors. As a shrub it is an ideal fencing barrier; as an ornament it is interestingly quaint. "Bongga Bella!" which means "grand and beautiful" - two words that best describe Iloilo! It shall be initially undertaken by Iloilo City and shall become a collaborative project with the rest of Iloilo. ( Text source ) Here are some bougainvillea landscaping ideas I got from t...

Summer is on its peak and the ultimate beach destination beckons... BORACAY! It needs no introduction for the mere mention of it brings images of fine white sand beaches, clear blue waters, resorts - here,there and everywhere), a flood of foreign and local tourists, delectable food finds, a galore of souvenirs and the ultimate party place from sun up to sundown. And the best? It's just around 5 hours from Iloilo City via public transportation! I always fancy an early morning walk in beaches and  it's even better when in Boracay. The lure of the 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach plus it's on it's widest stretch in the morning makes it an ideal time to discover Boracay when most of it visitors are in a "slumber party". You can have Willy's Rock all to yourself with some occasional "photobombers"...  ... you'll meet early risers too - walking, jogging or painting the sky with colors. As the sun (and tide) rises, the beach bum...