Sunday, April 17, 2011

Manggahan Festival: Thanksgiving for the Bounty Harvest Of One The Sweetest Mango In The World

Aside from the breath-taking beaches, Guimaras Island also takes pride in their sweet, world class mangoes. The mangoes from Guimaras are one of the best mangoes recognized internationally. “Super sweet (almost candy-like) and not fibrous at all - will definitely miss those #food” – as described by one of the most reputable foodie and blogger from NY on twitter (@jolie311).

The Launching Of Manggahan's Mascot

The local government of this Island really assures that their product stays pure by prohibiting non-local mangoes from entering the island so that cross pollination between varieties is prevented. To give thanks for the bounty harvest of one of the best mangoes in the world, the island celebrates its Manggahan Festival every year.

Sweetest Mangoes

During the past years, Manggahan Festivals is held during the month of May but this year, for the first time since this festival started; they are celebrating it this month of April (April 10-17, 2011) and hosts many activities. It is celebrated with parades, folk dances, cultural activities, games and contest which include the highlight of the festival, the mango eat-all-you can (usually paired with “ibos”, steamed sticky rice wrapped in either banana leaves or coconut leaves).

One of the Mango Booth

Manggahan Festival also showcases the different products made out of mango such as the mango ketchup, mango jams and a lot more. Fresh, juicy mangoes are available for locals and tourists alike. There are different kiosks that offer sumptuous local dishes that will surely make you crave for more. One of the things that you should look out for in this festival is the local pageant that shows the beauty and elegance of the Guimarasnon ladies vying for the prestigious title “Mutya ng Guimaras”. You can also attend a cooking showcase that features, mango inspired dishes and appetizers and a lot more.

Salted Cashew Nuts

Mango Jam

Lastly, the Guimaras’ Manggahan Festival will not be complete if there are no bands. Local bands both from Iloilo and Manila come to Guimaras and perform to entertain the hyped up crowd of the festival. This year, they also held the “Kapamilya Night” where Filipino artist from ABS-CBN (One of the biggest Filipino TV Network) went to visit and entertain their Guimarasnon fans.

The Manggahan Festival in Guimaras Island is one of the festivals that you would not want to miss. It is a weeklong affair that is packed with a lot of entertainment and sumptuous buffet of local cuisine.


This year, I celebrated Manggahan Festival with my high school friends. We went there during the highlights so I can experience this year’s festival first hand. As usual, it is still as festive and unique as ever. Guimaras might be a small Island but it shows a lot of promise. If you have not visited Guimaras yet, then you are missing a lot.



See image gallery to feast yourself of the mouth-watering dishes and uniquely designed booths…

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Guimaras Island: Top Ten “Must Visit” Beaches in Guimaras


Guimaras Island is one of the many islands that are blessed with breath taking beaches. With the wonderful sun and great hospitable locals, Guimaras is the ideal place to be if you want to go away from your busy life and the maddening crowd.


Guisi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the island of Guimaras. This resort was developed due to its historical value. It has a light house that is built before the war and wonderful caves and springs that you will surely enjoy.
Guisi

One of the beaches that you may want to visit is the Rico Beach Resort. Among the three beaches located in Alubihod this is the smallest among the resorts. It is separated by a huge boulder and is carefully tucked away from the other resort ensure intimacy.
Rico Beach Resort

Another lovely beach in Alubihod is the Raymen Beach Resort lies beside Rico beach resort. Compared to Rico this resort is more developed and provides both tourists and locals a wonderful stay in Guimaras Island.
Raymen Beach Resort

As you walk further along the beach coast of Alubihod, you will find another resort. The Freelance Beach Resort provides a wonderful place perfect for relaxation and swimming with its powder white sands and calm waves.
Freelance Beach Resort

A small trek from Freelance Beach Resort, you will reach Villa Igang Beach Resort is one of the hidden sanctuaries in Guimaras Island that you will surely love.
Villa Igang

Natago is the perfect name for a beach resort that is found in between two mountains. This resort exudes tranquillity and is perfect for scuba diving and relaxation.
Natago Beach Resort

If you are fond of hiking you may want to visit Baras Beach Resort. This resort is secluded which provides a solemn environment that you will surely take pleasure in.
Baras Beach Resort

El Retiro is a fun resort found in Buenavista Guimaras. If the beach is not enough for you, this resort also has a pool and bar to keep you busy during your stay.
El Retiro

If you go to the other side of the island, you may want to go to Kelapa Gading. This resort boasts its golden brown sands and fresh top of the class local cuisines.
Kelapa Gading

Tequero beach resort is one of my favorite resorts in Guimaras. It provides an eco-friendly atmosphere and serene beauty that is a perfect place to relax without the destructions of the urban life.

Have you chosen your next destination in Guimaras Island yet?






Guimaras Island by yhaj2010

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

9 Golf Courses that you Don’t Want to Neglect on your Spanish Holidays


Spanish golf holidays are actually quite popular because the expense for travel arrangements to Spain is less expensive. Through businesses like Ryanair, Easyjet and BMI Baby the possibility of getting away to Spain for the demand for relaxation and also sunshine is actually within everyone’s reach.


With a few hours, you may now be on the wonderfully managed and silky smooth greens, rendering your flawless golf swing and putting those golf balls in the hole. All year round the warmth of the sunlight make Spanish holidays golfing very interesting be it only for a long weekend or for an extended trip.

Truly the only stuff that you take into account for your Spanish holidays is the best flight that'll be in a position to appeal to your expections, which course to choose for your fun hours, and where is the best place to settle to make the most from your Spanish golf holiday.


Golf in Costa Brava one of the best presents sent from heaven. Today, Costa Brava is definitely the leading golfing vacation spot and this is due to the explosion of championship courses that are not far from each other.

Why don’t you use a very long weekend of golfing and aim to play various kinds of courses and you may possibly choose to participate yourself by testing the mouth watering foods of local restaurants after dark?


Listed here are 9 golf courses that you can't afford to miss playing golf in Costa Brava.

1. Golf Platja de Pals delivers golfers an excellent experience playing golf across the dunes looking over the Arenals de Mar beach. The best tournaments have been organized in this place including the Catalan Open, Spanish Amateur, Spanish Open and others. A variety of umbrella pine trees engage in a huge element in this particular superb course that features a fairways that is narrowed by tree lines and also doglegs that present a challenge for the suffered golfers.

2. Golf Gualta is known as among the finest courses in Costa Brava. This depicts lovely parkland that makes the course intended for all levels of golfers. The course will be preferred by amateur golfers because they are able to take the course after a few instructions, and golf handicaps aren't required. The separate tees are ideal for both amateur and skilled golfers.

3. Emproda Golf Course has a majestic two separate 18-hole courses that are distinct from each other. The very first is a vintage links course and the other is a forest together with tall pine trees and the like.

4. Girona Golf Course presents attractive views. Simply because of its artistic course, this is one particular place that you absolutely don’t want to skip playing in. You'll be happy since you achieve different rounds having challenging road blocks such as sloping lies, ravines and tight doglegs.

5. Golf Costa Brava is among the major golf courses you wouldn't dare to pass up. It's enclosed by cork oak trees and pines. This course has an incredible club house in the traditional Catalonian farmhouse where you can watch the players make the 18th green while eating a good meal.

6. The PGA Catalunya Golf Course is said to be the crown gem of golf courses in Costa Brava. It has been voted in the top 10 European golf courses in the past years and it come in no shock that it comes with an remarkable course to play.

7. TorreMirona Golf & Spa Resort allows golfers to stay in the exclusive surroundings of this particular resort. Golfers can walk to the very first tee and get 15% discount immediately from the green fees. It comes with an American style course with an academy, driving range, three practice holes, plus a practice putting hole that certainly suits virtually all levels of golfers. This course contain lovely views and relaxing environment allowing you to definitely have the most calming Spanish holiday.

8. Golf Peralada is the one for you if you prefer a enjoyable and soothing day of golf. You will for sure take pleasure in the flora and fauna of this place. You may want to take the time to look at the different types of birds as well as indigenous plant and animals that you may see surrounding this fantastic golf course. The fairways are arranged with small olive trees that add up to the enchantment of the area. You'd want to miss exploring the traditional Catalonian country house club and also take a nice view of the golf course towards the beuty spot of Alberta.

9. Golf d'Aro Mas Nou's is placed on the mountain top which allows a lot of fun and steep drops from some fairways practicing your steady nerve as well as straight aims. This course has long been ranked as the top three courses of Europe which is no surprise because of its eloquent course. Here is the sister course of TorreMirona. If you stay at TorreMirona, you get to avail a 15% discount out of your green fees.


I love to ask you to use these great reasons to prepare your own Spanish Golf holiday and to make the most from it.

And with your consent, I'd like to offer you free access to my short report, Costa Brava Holiday - What Else Is There Apart From Sun, Sea and Sangria on a Costa Brava Holiday? You can download it by going to http://www.costa-brava-spain.com/shortreport.html


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

A Sneak Peek of Some of the Best Costa Brava Hotels

Costa Brava hotels are among the most vital facet of a superb stay while enjoying a Costa Brava holiday that you'll surely want to make sure that you simply acquire the best accommodation before packing your travel suitcase as well as preparing your passport.


A spot where you will find home for several days of getaway of only for a very good night’s sleep… that’s simply why it truly is a home. You must feel comfortable, enough to take off your shoes, chill out and let your hair all the way down without the need of feeling self-conscious about your atmosphere or even more serious, to make several trips to the management to make complaints.


Here are a few of the hotels in Costa Brava that we are can bet you will definitely love.

Hotel Hostalillo, Tamariu


Tamariu is a small cove that features fishing boats hauled up to the sand, in front of the promenade filled with exquisite restaurants, cafĂ©’s, as well as small hotels. Though there's a lot of buzz in this spot, the Tamariu is somewhat secluded and only those who know the spot locates it, however once you come to the place, you’ll be quite certain that you will be driven back time and again.

We advise that you must rent an automobile while you stay at Tamariu, so that you can enjoy the ways to check out the countryside anytime you want if the beach and the sun are not enough to keep you occupied for very long amounts of time. 


This hotel is located on the hillside looking over the beach and is also ornamented with pine trees that are the source of shade from the heat of the sunshine while you rest and look at the surroundings and all the happenings below your veranda.

You could always visit the harbor for a pleasant meal with one of the greatest sea food restaurants or drink a glass of wine in your terrace and enjoy the sunset.

Situated high up on the cliff, the Rocamar hotel at Cadaques is one of the most favored destinations in Costa Brava. This Costa Brava hotel is famous for its Dali connections.


Hotel Rocamar, Cadaques

Cadaques is larger than Tamariu and consequently features larger variety of accommodation amenities but despite that, it still manages to maintain an air of intimacy as well as participation in the local life.

This hotel offers a majestic view of the ocean and across the bay. It has a wide range of services including both outdoor and indoor pools, mini golf, tennis courts, table tennis, sauna, and hot tubs available for you after you have stretched your muscle tissues in the sun from your beach activities.

When you head slightly further down you will certainly find the Bay of Roses. You actually can settle in this interesting 5 star Costa Brava hotel which was initially created from the original Catalan farmhouse. This hotel will surely give you probably the most royal as well as tranquil holidays in Spain.

Having among the finest golf courses in Spain on the door step, the Hotel Vistabella is the perfect place for a calm and charming holiday in Spain. There are a lot of water sports available in this hotel and also other fascinating services that hosts several activities including a physical fitness room, pool and Spa center all-in-one to make this among the Costa Brava’s best kept secrets.

Any time you head to the port of Llafranc, you will see an array of sea-going motorboats as well as yachts and its beautiful sandy beaches. It additionally features a wonderful promenade ideal for those balmy evening walks. You will also come across the boutique-type businesses of Costa Brava.

Hotel Terramar overlooks the attractive golden sands of Costa Brava and is situated on the promenade. This Costa Brava hotel gains much favor from Spanish and also foreign guests alike.

7 Guidelines that will Make your Costa Brava Holidays Worthwhile

A Costa Brava holidays comes with a lot of things for different types of people, but here are seven suggestions that will make you relive the fun of this small corner of Spain.


To get the best weather, it would be excellent to visit at Costa Brava in May/June or September/October. This can help you stay away from the crowd which is often associated with the months July to August. It really is during these months that the streets become hectic as well as the best beaches are filled from early in the morning hours and shopping will really get into your nerves.


Here then is the 7 guidelines, that you might not do an agenda with but I am confident that you'll love.


Tip 1- Hill Strolling at its Finest! Mountain to Mediterranean. There are breathtaking views that you will unquestionably take pleasure in and you don’t have to be a mountain goat to be excited about the exceptional scenery. You can make use of a pick as well as do light climbs and also mountaineering in the hills of the Costa Brava. And you may finish off your stroll with a dip in the cozy waters of the Mediterranean.

Tip 2- Cami de Ronda - you could walk the path of old coast guards as well as shepherd tracks that embraces the whole segment of Costa Brava that starts from Blanes up to the French border. With the striking sights along each and every turn, this is one particular coast that will surely leave you awestruck. And you don’t have to be worrying a bit because the route continues to be reconditioned and offers each person an option from the gorgeous promenades to the pathways rounding up to secret coves.

Tip 3- Dali Theatre Museum in Figueres. Salvador Dali was an extraordinary person and thus is his museum within his birth location. You really must see the museum and speak for your own self.

Tip 4- Empuries - this really is one of the most significant archeological sites in Spain. This is founded by the Greeks and then was colonized by the Romans. By visiting the spot you are likely to map out the mark which was remaining by both civilizations on the site in this ancient city by the sea.




Tip 5- El Bulli Restaurant - you should not really end your Costa Brava holidays without getting the flavour of El Bulli restaurant. It's awarded as the best restaurant on the planet for 2 straight years and this is found in Costa Brava.

Tip 6- Cadaques - this is where the white-washed houses of the natives sit to the water’s edge and the light is extraordinary. This is why many artists are attracted to this place that is hugging to the rocky outline of Cap de Creus.

Tip 7- Diving - You'll surely don’t wish to spend your Costa Brava holidays without locating the underwater wealth of Costa Brava. This location is famous for its Fauna along with coral beds. The Illes Medes Maritime Reserve is extremely substantial to the Western Mediterranean.


I delightedly ask you to utilize these guidelines in arranging you holiday in Costa Brava and make the most from your vacation.

And with your own consent, I want to offer you a free entry to my short article Costa Brava Holidays - What Else Is There Apart From Sun, Sea and Sangria on a Costa Brava Holidays? You can download it by going to our Short Report.

Costa Brava Holidays - Costa Brava's Top 3 Best Blue Flag Beaches


Costa Brava holidays undoubtedly must contain sand, seashore and sangria at some time during your holiday. Picking the months of May/June and then September/October suggests that the mad pandemonium that occurs on the coast has either not emerged or maybe departed, yet the weather is still marvelously warm and sunny, so that you can take pleasure in the beach to its fullest.

Choosing the right beaches is a landmine in an spot that prides an impressive coast, stretching from the French border right down to Barcelona, but going for a Blue Flag beach will make sure that you tick all of the right boxes regarding standards.



Blue flag beaches in Costa Brava blossom which signifies that the beaches pass the strict assessments permitting that beach to be given the honor of a blue flag.

The water quality, sanitation of the beach, information as well as education of the ecosystems throughout the coast, adequate number of lifeguards and also lifesaving gear should be readily available, first-aid products must be readily available on the beach as well as drinking water available are generally just few of the criterias to be able to be honored with the blue flag honor.

Only when 29 standards are actually fulfilled will the Blue Flag be given and if at any time the standards haven't been satisfied the flag will likely be removed. This ensures that you'll be able to find pleasure from your moment at the beach to its fullest extent, secure in realizing that the little things that create a real difference are being well attended to even before you step foot on the sands.

The Costa Brava coastline delivers the largest application of Blue Flag beaches in Spain, a fantastic honour which enlightens you that the Costa Brava takes quite seriously its responsibilities to you as a client.

Here I will discuss three of the loveliest coves which were given the envied Blue Flag. There are many more that deserve further note, so watch out for more information on other beaches on the stunning coastline of the Costa Brava.



Aigua Blava's turquoise blue water drifts smoothly transversely the Amarillo-yellow of the sand within this tiny inlet. Curved to face away from the high cliff facade, nature has cosseted this particular extraordinary destination from the forces of the ocean, permitting safe and sound swimming within a scenic and tranquil spot.

Aigua Blava is the main settlement where the term, "Costa Brava" was coined back at the beginning of the 50's, when significance in vacation did start to get interest. Shade, light as well as amazing scenery attracts people back every year. Along with the inviting as well as dutiful service at the hotels and restaurants, you are going to be sure to get pleasure from a wonderful Costa Brava holidays in this particular spot.

Nowadays, the settlement deal has expanded to some degree from the original hotel to add a few of holiday villas for rent, which winds their way up along the hillside. The Aigua Blava Hotel remains maintained by the same family and provides individual as well as warm and friendly service in a world that sways in the direction of the remote, chain establishments.


Tamariu is considerably larger than Aigua Blava and also a short trek through the cliff tops if you would desire a change of view from Aigua Blava. This modest cove opens out to the Mediterranean Sea just like a flower, permitting the sandy beach shielded from the jagged rock attributes that line up the inlet.

The very little spit of sand is lined along with restaurants, boutique outlets as well as whitewashed residences where older folk locals relax and gaze at the entire world pass by in their particular basket weave chairs at the same time as the restaurants work their particular deal with their sidewalk tables and sun brollies. Relaxing in the sunshine, look at the traditional, multi-colored fishing boats hauled up on the sand together with their unique lamps waiting for sunset to throw their nets, getting the freshest sardines to dish up at the restaurants next day.

A small amount of small inns exist in the little neighborhood, which offers the tourist excellent nights’ accommodation, together with villas to rent. As expected, these resorts get booked up right away, so you may want to plan ahead for your holiday rentals.


Considering a little bit of exercise? You could stroll the Cami de Ronda, the conventional coast walk of sheep farmers and smugglers, to discover hidden coves as well as caves. The trail takes you all the way down a tree line towards Cala Pedrosa and onwards to Llafranc.

If you are not a fan of strolling, booking a kayak or small motorboat might be just the option to find that appealing inlet where you're the sole person on the beach!

Llafranc is the biggest of our highlighted Blue Flag beaches, however it is still tiny enough to maintain a privacy with its elegant small dock as well as hemispherical molded sandy beach extending along the bay.

The main harbour allures yachts as well as motor boats, which gives a sprightly air to the verve of the beach! The comings and goings are continuously fascinating and a sheer stroll up the hillside on top of the harbour to the lighthouse offers you a splendid perch to view at activities.

Here your kids can play securely with their spades and buckets, at the same time while you appreciate the calmness as well as exceptional cooking given in the restaurants and hotels alongside the esplanade - the perfect destination to have a sun-downer, to sit back, loosen up and check out the evening passing.


No matter what Blue Flag beach you favor on a Costa Brava holidays you will be certain of a cheerful greeting along with remarkable natural beauty to fulfill the eye.

I strongly encourage you to use this post to take advantage your trip in Costa Brava.

Set Your Appointment