Guimaras may be the smallest province in the Western Visayas but it is known for growing the sweetest mangoes in the world. During their recent Manggahan Festival, an annual event on the island, they offer eat-all-you-can mango. While taking in the festivities, I was told one ton of mangoes are consumed on average each day of the festival.

The San Lorenzo Wind Farm, the first of its kind in the Visayas, is home to 27 wind turbines, which collectively creates 54 megawatts of energy. Each turbine is around 18 stories high. It was an awesome sight to see and experience. Also worth checking out is the Roca Encantada, a house owned by the Lopez clan, located near seven islets, or small islands, locally referred to as the “Siete Pecados.”

When travelling via roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel between Panay and Negros, where Guimaras is located, one will see many islets. In one instance, a belfry, or a bell tower, was said to have fallen into the sea after it was supposedly stolen. To this day, it remains underwater.

The trek to Guimaras is a 15-minute motorboat ride, which many travelers take to see the white sand beaches, adding a romantic touch to their trip.

Meanwhile, as noted in my preceding column, Iloilo City is now considered the nightlife of the province.

If local tourism officers support their respective tourism and travel sectors, every community in the region will benefit. As Department of Tourism-Region VI director, Atty. Helen J. Katalbas insisted, locals must visit their own region first before traveling to other part of the country – or the world.

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This column greets Rolando Dabao, Francis Chu, Joeboy Agriam, Rani Ilarde, Evelyn Moriente, Raymund Quinto, Inaki Jose, Raffy Alunan, Junjun Lizares, Johnny Montalvo, Edwin Lizares, and Jerome Jayme./WDJ