Calle Real: Downtown Iloilo's Heritage Street

In the olden days, before malls and other shopping centres were established in the city of Iloilo, there thrived Calle Real, what is now known as the downtown heritage street. Being strategically located in an area adjacent to one of the country's most busiest waterfronts, Calle Real became one of the most important trading communities in the region. In fact, the National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal had once admired the life that bloomed in these streets during the late colonial reign. Who wouldn't? It's beautiful old world charm eludes a classic atmosphere quite similar with that of Macau's Portuguese district. In fact it is only in this certain part of the city where one can find the most intact collection of Heritage Buildings in the entire province.

Though modernization has taken its toll on these beautiful treasures, many organizations had been working hand and hand with government to revive what was once the glory of the old Queen City. Today,  tourists and locals alike will appreciate the efforts of those who had worked hard in restoring the beautiful buildings of Calle Real. Now, what had been a forgotten piece of the city is slowly taking in a new breath of life and though the street is still as busy as it had been, one will truly feel that once a upon a time, there was a strange and beautiful world that existed in this very place and that it was more magical than anyone of us could ever imagine.

Punta Villa Hotel and Resort

It's never difficult to find a good place to stay whenever you're in Iloilo. Being one of the tourism gateways of the country, Iloilo itself has become a major travel destination in the Philippines for the past few years thus bring thousands and thousands of local and foreign tourists every year. This is one reason why Iloilo's Hotel and Real Estate industry grew and flourished.

Amongst the most popular hotel and resort destinations in Iloilo is Punta Villa, which is located in Arevalo District. It is strategically located near the Villa beach where you can find the famous sea side restaurants Tatoy's and Breakthrough . The resort not only comes with a beautiful neoclassic colonial hotel but it also has large swimming pool for adults and a kiddie pool equipped with slides for children. The restaurant also serves good food and the best part is that it's not even very expensive. It is a popular place for wedding receptions, conventions and basically any other celebration there is to name.

The rooms at hotel are also cozy and will definitely make you feel at home. From family rooms to presidential suites, Punta Villa has it all complete with all the necessary amenities that'll make your stay as comfortable as possible.

My favorite part of Punta Villa is the Gloria Maris Garden which is an outdoor reception area for weddings. Like most buildings in the resort, that garden, complete with a gazebo has a touch of Spanish and Filipino Architecture thus showcasing colonial art which Iloilo is fanous for.  

The Lizares Mansion comes to Life

Just on the other side of the Jaro river lies one of Iloilo's most popular academies, the Angelicum School. Not only that it is famous for being one of the best Christian schools in the city but it is also known to be the home of what was once the villa of a rich baron, the Lizares Mansion.

The villa is indeed amongst the most beautiful tourist attractions in the city specifically, in the district of Jaro which is basically known for its collection of sprawling century old mansions. It is not only in an icon of the beauty of the European rule but in some way it also symbolizes a certain part of the Ilonggo history. The villa was the home of a rich sugar baron and his family. It was considered one of the most beautiful mansions in the city of Iloilo and at par with the famous Nelly Garden Mansion, the White House at the South.

What a lot of people do not know is that the mansion had suffered the wrath of the second world war. Its iconic beauty had faded and its beautiful history was stained with blood and death. However, not too many years after the war, the mansion was transformed into what is now the Angelicum School. Those who had taken over the property has not failed to restore its old charm and antiquity. Nowadays, the mansion is a popular Christmas attraction mainly because its beautifully crafted exterior is decorated with stunning Christmas lights and lanterns.

All aboard the Liberty Of The Seas

If you are hoping to grab yourself some winter sun in the latter part of 2012 or the early months of next year then a cruise holiday should be high on your list of options. You can set sail in serious style on ships like the Liberty Of The Seas, which is part of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class of vessels and is among the most popular ships currently out on the open waves. The reasons why the Liberty is so highly regarded are simple enough, it is essentially down to the array of activity and dinning options, the quality of the accommodation and the atmosphere on-board. All of which are excellent and the particularly great news is that there are dozens of cut-price packages available right now and very reasonable prices offered all year round.

There are any number of destinations around the world that holidaymakers can travel to in the winter months in order to soak up some sun. But taking a cruise always means that guests can combine wonderful weather with the chance to see a variety of different areas of the world in an environment purpose-built to deliver unrivaled levels of comfort and relaxation. Looking specifically at what the Liberty of the Seas has to offer, anyone lucky enough to book a stay on-board can expect access to virtually everything that is good about cruise ships and the very best of Royal Caribbean style.

So if you love nothing more than to take in a show in the early evening or you are more of an energetic activities kind of person then you are bound to be impressed by the Liberty. The ship as a whole was refurbished not so long ago and it is very close to the cutting edge of what cruise ships are all about these days. So there's every chance that the Liberty will deliver that holiday of a lifetime experience you've been after but at the very least in the coming months you'll be able to soak up plenty of winter sun. 

How to Book a Cheap Holiday Deal

As fuel costs and travel taxes soar, finding an affordable cheap holiday deal can seem an impossible task. Don’t let this put you off; the trick is in knowing when and where to find package holidays to suit your budget. Not all getaways have to break the bank.

Look at your travel group and consider when would be the best time to travel. While families with school aged children are restricted to term timetables, those with pre-schoolers or no children at all can book outside of these peak periods to save a small fortune.

Sadly many families will not be able to benefit from out of season cheap deals, which is when discount holiday websites can help. Collating all of the best bargain breaks from trusted tour operators, discount holiday websites provide the best prices for your stay without sacrificing any of the luxuries.

In addition, choose a hotel which offers discounts on child places. Depending on your choice of accommodation, children can travel from as little as £1. Use the difference to top up your holiday spends kitty.

Once you have established when you would like to travel, the key is when you choose to make your booking. Those looking to fly within the next six months could save hundreds by putting funds away into a savings account and then bagging a last minute deal.

That being said, breaks for 2013 are best booked in advance. Try to secure your ideal holiday package as soon as the dates are released. In doing this you will ensure you receive any early bird discounts, web exclusive discounts and as many interest free months as possible to pay off your holiday balance.

Take a look a discount holiday websites to find a package holidays to fit your budget. Your ideal cheap holiday deal is waiting for you.

Buenavista, Guimaras: On the Other Side

Guimaras is known as the most accessible white sand beach tourist destination from Iloilo City. The island -province is famous for its serene cliff side beaches and for its sweet mangoes (said to be the sweetest in the country).

Though most tourists would agree that the white sand beaches of Nueva Valencia are pretty much like that of Boracay, not so many are familiar with the beaches in the district of Buenavista. The sand on the beaches on these parts of the island is distinctive for its unique color, creamy and almost pinkish when soaked. The town is also known for the 7 Sister Islands, locally known as 'Siete Picados'. Legends say that these islands were once beautiful sisters who ran away from home and drowned in the sea. On the village of Navalas lies, a small church (The Navalas Church) that was built in during the late years of the Spanish Colonial Era. It appears to be like a miniature version of the grand white stone Cathedral of Candelaria in the district of Jaro.

Paraw Regatta: The Colors of The Sea

Paraw Regatta is one of Iloilo city's most popular tourism events along with Dinagyang, Kasadyahan and the Iloilo Chinese New Year. Every February, the festival would lighten up the beaches of Villa Arevalo with colorful 'paraws' or wind blown sailboats, Mardi Gras inspired street performances, beach sports and so much more.Local tourists from all over the city would gather to witness the  spectacular  sailboat race from Villa beach to Guimaras and of course, the Samba Regatta where ladies in their festive costumes would dance in the tune of Latin American music.

Paraw Regatta started out a simple boat racing competition, during its earlier years, the sailboats weren't as artistic and as colorful as the ones we see today. Mardi Gras, Beach Sports and other activities were just recent additions. The festival does not only showcase fun, music and colors but it also emanate a part of our diverse culture.