Nine lovely gems of Guimaras
The island province
of Guimaras has five municipalities, namely Jordan, Buenavista, San Lorenzo,
Sibunag ang Nueva Valencia and each has places and activities that tourists
would likely adore.
Now, there are nine
lovely ladies who came from these municipalities and who vowed to promote these
must-see sites through social media. They are the candidates of the 2016 Mutya
ng Guimaras.
During the pageant’s
launching and 23rd Guimaras Manggahan Festival opening at SM City
Iloilo, these lovely ladies were asked what are the places that tourists should
visit in their towns. (Thank you Iloilo blogger Greg Antoine Flores of Café
Ilonggo for raising the question). Here are their answers:
Mutya ng Guimaras 2016 candidates Joyce Gayorgor, Dana Mae Diana
and Ruth Emily Valenzuela
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Joyce Gayorgor and
Dana Mae Diana who are from Buenavista, said that their town is home to Navalas
Church, the oldest church in Western Visayas.
Diana added that
her town’s name Buenavista means "beautiful view", the words uttered
by American Gen. Douglas McArthur when he saw the island.
Meanwhile, Ruth
Emily Valenzuela of Sibunag said that her town has a nature's trail where one
can enjoy some fresh air. Shara Vim Vilchez who hails from the same town, added
that the Sibunag River is also a recommended tourist spot.
Mutya ng Nueva
Valencia Sheryl Faith Perania, said her town is home to white sand beaches and
resorts such as the popular Raymen Beach Resort. Rowena Gandeza, also from
Nueva Valencia, added that the Guisi Lighthouse is also a good place to visit.
She added that the lighthouse serves as a guide to fishermen who are out at
sea.
Mutya ng Guimaras 2016 candidates Shara Vim Vilchez, Sheryl Faith Perania and Rowena
Gandeza
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In Guisi, visitors
will see two lighthouses - an old, rusty one and a new one. Nearby are resorts
such as the Guisi Clearwater Resort and Kenyama Resort where guests can see a
breathtaking view of the ocean.
Joanne Porras who
hails from Jordan, encouraged tourists to visit the famed Balaan Bukid. Every
Holy Week, visitors troop there as a form of penance. They can also witness
Pagtaltal (Crucifixion) that takes place on a Good Friday from 1pm to 3pm at
the Provincial Capitol grounds.
Meanwhile, Mary
Welsen Quezon is from San Lorenzo, home to the 54 megawatt San Lorenzo Wind
Farm that has 127 wind turbines that generate power for Western Visayas.
Jell Roses Duga
added that San Lorenzo also has beaches such as Playa de Paraiso.
Mutya ng Guimaras 2016 candidates Joanne Porras, Mary Welsen
Quezon and Jell Roses Duga
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Now let the joy of traveling
to Guimaras begin. There are two jump off points from Iloilo City for those who
wish to visit these Guimaras gems. One is through the Parola area for boats
plying the Buenavista route. Another one is the Ortiz Wharf for boats going to
Jordan.
You may also
witness these nine lovely contestants as they tour Guimaras for several
competitions such as the Best in Festival Costume on April 17 in Jordan, Talent
on April 24 in Nueva Valencia, Casual Wear on May 1 in Buenavista, and the
Mutya ng Guimaras proper on May 20 at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol Gym in
Jordan.
Mutya ng Guimaras
2016 is organized by the Province of Guimaras with Travel and Marketing Experts
(TMX). It is co-presented by 2GO Travel and Supercat with media partner, The
Daily Guardian. It is also supported by MGW Wellness and Spa, Cherry Mobile,
Pitstop, Henry's MJCJ Wines and Liquor, Cafe Panay by PTSI, La Pachira Ocean
View Resort, SM City Iloilo, Mozaic Creative Studios and Ian Van Cubing./