My Philippine Life

Personal perspectives on retirement life in the Philippines

March 10, 2012
by GOIloilo
18 Comments

Miagao, Iloilo Province, Philippines

In our opinion, Miagao in Iloilo Province, Panay Island, should be a top pick Philippine retirement destination for those who are looking for and can adapt to life in Philippine a small town. Continue reading

March 8, 2012
by GOIloilo
24 Comments

Tigbauan Iloilo Snapshots

Tigbauan – snapshots, history, resorts, education, markets Continue reading

September 2, 2011
by GOIloilo
3 Comments

Beach Resorts Close to Iloilo City

If you’d like visit Iloilo City but would like to stay at a beach resort rather than a hotel in Iloilo City, here are some good options Continue reading

September 2, 2011
by GOIloilo
1 Comment

Esteban Rodriguez de Figueroa and the Founding of Tigbauan, Iloilo

Esteban Rodriguez de Figueroa was a key figure in Tigbauan’s history, a Spanish “conquistador” who was awarded huge land holdings called encomiendas, for his services to the Spanish governors of the Philippines. One of these included what is now Tigbauan, Iloilo on Panay Island Continue reading

September 1, 2011
by GOIloilo
2 Comments

Manila Hotel Recommendations

Our personal reviews and recommendations on Manila and Makati hotels. This modest article is not intended to be comprehensive. We just give our opinion, to those who may be interested, on a few Manila hotels at which we have stayed or visited for the purpose of seeing whether we wanted to stay there in the future. Our budget and our focus is on mid-range or lower priced Manila hotels. Continue reading

August 27, 2011
by GOIloilo
11 Comments

Guimaras Island, Philippines

An exploration of quiet, beautiful Guimaras Island, Philippines; Alubihod Beach, Baras Resort, Isla Naburot Resort, El Retiro Resort, mangrove restoration project and the historic Navalas Church. Continue reading

August 23, 2011
by GOIloilo
8 Comments

Historic Patnongon, Antique Province, Philippines

Our visit to Patnongon, Antique Province, Philippines including information on natural and heritage sites, beaches, hiking, festivals, accommodations and dining Continue reading

nogasbeach

August 23, 2011
by GOIloilo
44 Comments

Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique Province, Philippines

Here’s our photo narrative of our visit to Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique Province, Philippines, including hiking, beaches, mangroves, birding, lighthouse, where to buy your Nogas picnic lunch. Pack your lunch, your snorkeling gear, your camera and binoculars in a waterproof bag and head for a very special place. Continue reading

August 23, 2011
by GOIloilo
0 comments

Bahay Tsinoy, Intramuros, a Museum of Chinese Heritage in the Philippines

The Bahay Tsinoy Museum is a don’t-miss stop for history-minded visitors to Manila. Bahay Tsinoy is a museum which presents the history of the Chinese in Philippine history. The Bahay Tsinoy is located in the historic walled Intramuros area of Manila on Anda Street. Continue reading

August 23, 2011
by GOIloilo
7 Comments

San Jose, Antique Province, Philippines

Hotel, pension house, dining and what to see recommendations for San Jose, Antique Province, Philippines. Continue reading

August 22, 2011
by GOIloilo
8 Comments

Alimodian, Iloilo Province

There is so much to like about Alimodian, a small municipality in Iloilo Province. Alimodian is only about twenty-five kilometers from Iloilo City, Alimodian is really a world apart, a pretty quiet town with an almost alpine feel. Alimodian is surrounded by hills and a bit further by mountains. Most everything in Alimodian is well maintained, the streets and plaza free from litter, showing that the residents have pride in their community. Alimodian’s old stone Spanish Church and plaza are the centerpieces. A rare Spanish era stone arched bridge is fighting for survival.
Continue reading

White Beach Boracay

July 19, 2011
by GOIloilo
7 Comments

Trip Report: Boracay Island, Philippines

Boracay – spoiled, overdeveloped, garish, tacky — a Coney Island, a Disneyland of the tropics or a great vacation destination? Here’s our verdict. Continue reading

July 25, 2009
by GOIloilo
8 Comments

Anini-y, Antique Province, Philippines

Anini-y, Antique is one of those very special places. It’s remote, a bit hard to get to. It’s a former Spanish colonial outpost with its historic character, integrity and ambiance well preserved. It’s the gateway to beautiful Nogas Island and also hosts Sira-an Hot Springs. Continue reading

December 1, 2008
by GOIloilo
4 Comments

Pandan, Antique Province, Philippines

Pandan, Antique Province, Philippines, is one of those communities which has reached the realization that the protection and publicizing of its natural resources and maintaining its attractiveness is a good development strategy. Continue reading

Schoolgirl crossing a makeshift bridge at Lipata Point

November 30, 2008
by GOIloilo
76 Comments

Driving from Iloilo City to Boracay via Antique Province. A detailed travelogue.

Traveling to Boracay. Driving to Boracay. Getting to Boracay. From Iloilo City to Caticlan by road, via Antique Province — our recommendations and narrative. Continue reading

August 26, 2008
by GOIloilo
11 Comments

The Fabulous Spanish Heritage of Tigbauan, Iloilo

Tigbauan history, architecture, heritage. In the larger Philippine cities history has mostly been obliterated, but places like Tigbauan still retain a distinct and important historic integrity. Continue reading

August 22, 2008
by GOIloilo
3 Comments

The Jesuits in Tigbauan, Iloilo

The Jesuits in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Fr. Pedro Chirino founds the first school for boys in 1593 in what is now Tigbauan, Iloilo. Continue reading

August 12, 2008
by GOIloilo
20 Comments

We buy real estate in the Philippines

Our new home in Tigbauan, Iloilo where we’ve learned a whole new meaning for “small town” and “rural”. Continue reading