GYPSY

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF SMILES

I have traveled to Bacolod from Iloilo via the air conditioned Ocean Jet. Passenger should be in the port at least 30 minutes before departure. Fare is P270.00 including terminal fee. Travel schedule is daily from 8:00 am to 6:00PM. You can stay in the passenger lounge while waiting for your trip. Aboard the ship, you can buy snacks on the roving trolley. A movie is also shown to passengers while cruising. Travel time is 1 hour.

From Bacolod port take a taxi in going to your preferred hotel. Accommodation here is a little bit higher compared to Iloilo. I have stayed in Tamera Plaza Inn in Lacson Street. Rate ranges from P950.00 to P1500.00 for single accommodation and it is accessible in all vehicles plying the city. Rooms are clean and the ambiance will make you feel as if you’re in a 5 star hotel. The bath soap given to the guest has a special fragrance. Room service is impressive. One should try their Carbonara.

Travellers should not forget to bring home Bong-Bongs Piaya with various flavors. They also sell colorful “mascaras” (mask) and shirts. Also bring home some Muscovado sugar. Not just sweet but healthy too.

After shopping for usual “pasalubong” make sure that you will not be late in your flight. It takes about 1 to ½ hour from the city to the new airport located in Silay City. Taxi fare range from P400.00 to P500.00.

From Manila take a Cebu Pacific flight they offer low fare rate although you have to be very careful in bringing your luggage for check in. My roller bag was damaged despite of a fragile sticker attached to it. It is best to bring the necessary or important things only so you can just carry your bag inside the plane.

From the airport, now situated in Sta. Barbara, take a metered taxi, they will be offered to you as soon as you step out of the terminal building, going to Iloilo City. Fare range from P200.00 to P400.00. Travel to the city takes about 1 hour. You will see a lot of greenery on the sides.. I have stayed in City Corporate Inn. Room rates range from P690.00 to P1200.00. The staffs are very accommodating and even the guard on duty. Rooms are tidy, the sheets and towel smells really clean. They have a wireless connection so you can access your emails. This hotel is very near a supermarket where you can shop for whatever you may need. Also near is the public market where you can buy the town’s native products. It is always wise to see all stalls and compare prices before purchasing anything. Since it is situated in central area, vehicles are very accessible. You can visit the big malls SM, Robinson, IS and Gaisano during your free time.

Old churches also abounds the city. Most popular is the Jaro church because it is the only church wherein the bell tower was placed across the street.

Your travel in Iloilo will not be complete if you cannot eat their famous La Paz Batchoy a native soup noodles with plenty of ingredients such as meat and veggies. Biscocho Haus products such as Barquillos in different flavors, Tarts, Mamon Tostado and Butterscotch are also a must buy.