As we approached the final leg of our journey from Gigantes Islands, the scenery shifted from sandbars and white, powdery islands to the familiar countryside of Iloilo. Tanned skin on our backs and wonderful memories in our heads, we rolled back to Iloilo City, stopping along the way at a few old, charming towns with stories to tell.

Few islands in the Philippines create such an unforgettable first impression as Kalanggaman Island. I remember coming from a long weekend of partying in Kalibo for the Ati-Atihan Festival, squeezing in a quick detour back to Manila to catch my flight to Tacloban before meeting my friends in Palompon. Those were the peak years of my travels around the Philippines—going home only to do laundry before setting off on another adventure.

As we approached the island, I still remember what a beautiful day it was. The sea was calm, the sky was clear, and before long, a long stretch of blinding white sand appeared against the crystal-clear waters of the Visayan Sea.

I had seen countless photographs of Kalanggaman's famed sandbar, but nothing prepared me for its length. I was surprised by just how long it was. It is one of those rare places that not only lives up to the hype but exceeds it. At high tide, the island seem to float above the sea. As the tide recedes, they become a pristine tropical playground where you can wander barefoot toward the horizon — just as we did first thing upon stepping foot on its soft powdery sands. 

Traveling across the Philippines has long been my gateway to discovering the country’s vast pool of talents in creating crafts and heritage arts. From the intricate weaves of the Ifugao to the colorful Inaul cloth of Maguindanao and countless others, each piece tells a story of tradition and identity, passed down through generations. I thought I had seen it all—until I stumbled upon something new to my learnings in a laidback town in Iloilo province.

From my experiences traveling the Philippines, I’ve gone on to observe a wide range of tourism practices, with several reaching exemplary levels, while others unfortunately less so. What stands out in memory, however, are those that are done right, particularly those that prioritize the well-being of local communities. After all, it’s the people who live closest to these destinations who should, above all, have a say in how they are managed.

Most festivals in the Philippines zero in on street revelry, and why not? Who wouldn’t want to strut to the sadsad steps of the Ati-Atihan while shouting “Hala Bira!” through the sweltering streets of Kalibo, Aklan? Or stomp to the thunderous drumbeats of Iloilo City’s Dinagyang, where every rhythm pounds the ground like a heartbeat? Both celebrations, this writer’s two most favorite festivals in the Philippines, light up Panay Island with an energy that’s hard to resist.

Third time's a definite charm. Having visited Gigantes a couple of times before, I've come to the delightful conclusion that its lure never fades. The islands scattered here boast crystalline waters and powdery white sands, making them a perfect backdrop for enjoying a delightful lunch featuring an array of fresh seafood, including the popular scallops and wasay-wasay shells.

Aboard a van running at moderate speed, we reached the municipality of Estancia, the ideal jump-off point for Sicogon Island, an hour after leaving Roxas City Airport. As we waited for our speedboat at the port, I ventured into the fish market and marveled at the vast array of dried seafood being sold across numerous stalls. Our guide Melanie Ortega informed me that Estancia is renowned as the hub of commercial fishing in the country, drawing comparisons to Alaska in the early 1900s due to the extensive fishing activities in the area brought about by the large presence of marine life in the waters of Visayas Sea.

The city of Iloilo is likely home to the most number of museums in the country. Within its roughly 79 square kilometer area, one can find several museums that will satisfy one's curiosity about arts, heritage, and history. These include the Museo Iloilo, the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Philippine Economic History, the National Museum of Western Visayas, the Museum of Philippine Maritime History, and even the University of San Agustin campus in the city has its own archives and museum.

There’s always something about old houses transformed into bed and breakfasts or restaurants that piques my fascination. If given a choice between a postmodern establishment or a repurposed heritage home, I’ll pick the latter any day.

Contemporary and traditional elements fuse together during Roxas City's Capiztahan Festival. The streets come alive with colorful dances and parades that pay homage to the province's illustrious past and the city’s most notable son. Amidst the celebrations, both residents and tourists enjoy an array of cultures, seafood specialties, and the everlasting joie de vivre the Capiznons are known for.

Sir Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” As a metaphor, it implies using the ideas of thinkers who came before us to advance our own intellectual progress. Nevertheless, when I found myself exploring Islas de Gigantes for the second time and had the opportunity to stand on its slopes and take in more of its magnificent scenery, I was reminded of the phrase—this time, simply to immerse myself further in its beauty. Coming back to Carles, Iloilo, as part of a media familiarization trip organized by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (TPB), had me feeling excited to the hilt at the prospect of once again standing on the shoulders of the Gigantes Islands.