Guide to San Joaquin: Have to say, I am not much of a traveler. I like staying indoors and stationary in a cushioned seat. However, when you are paired with an adventurer you can’t help but develop a figurative althlete’s feet, an itch to explore horizons – but that’s not entirely me. Sofa seats and desk with drawers are always my preferred companion. Here we explore San Joaquin, a gem on the southern tip of the Iloilo province.
The southernmost municipality in the province, fifty-three (53) kilometers from the provincial capital, Iloilo City, and forty four (44) kilometers from San Jose de Buenavista, capital of Antique province, is San Joaquin. In a Google search post travel, Talisayan Beach Resort, Cata-an Cove, and Tobog Beach Resort are some of the must visit tourist destinations for beach and scuba diving enthusiasts. Moreover, San Joaquin is known for these two iconic spots: Garinfarm and The Assemblage Point Resort and Convention Hub.
Garinfarm and the Garinfarm Pilgrimage. A 15-hectare property in Purok 2 Poblacion is a farm/resort by the name of Garinfarm. The resort amenities include a swimming pool, a 5,000 sq m man-made lagoon, and a 300-meter zipline. One of the farm-resort’s highlights is the 101-feet Divine Mercy Cross, the ‘Garinfarm Pilgrimage’, which can be accessed via a 456 step stairway. Along the stairway are life-like statues depicting stories from the bible
What I actually love the most about Garinfarm is the farm itself. You will find unique agricultural finds such as the ‘Bahay Kubo’, a 1,000 sq m of land exemplifying that all the vegetables in the Bahay Kubo song can be grown in such limited space. And yes, don’t forget to try the farm’s specialty Garinfarm Ice Cream at Php 15. Eggs and peanut butter are also available for purchase at the entrance of the farm.
Magpataohay Eatery / Rest Along The Sea Eatery. This is my choice, actually. We could have tried the food at Garinfarm but figured there might be someplace cheaper – yes, I am that thrifty. So we discovered Magpataohay Eatery / Rest Along The Sea Eatery, a cozy place along Brgy. Sta Rita in San Joaquin. Honestly speaking, my thrifty heart did a somersault knowing that food – good for two – is somehow priced for one. Their fried tuna (again, good for two) is only at Php 150 and their grilled pork (probably good for three or four) is also at Php 150. In addition, their sinamak is heavenly. Plus, the ambiance is breathtaking – beach, waves, wind, and all.
The Assemblage Point Resort and Convention Hub. Nestled in Lawigan San Joaquin is The Assemblage Point Resort and Convention Hub. The resort offers a restaurant and bar, function rooms, an infinity pool, garden, playpen, basketball court, badminton court, and souvenir shop. The activities to enjoy at The Assemblage includes, of course – swimming, snorkeling at the Marine sanctuaries, kayaking, basketball and badminton, gym (for in-house guests), enjoying the Ocean Bliss Spa, go island hopping to Nagas Island 20 minutes from the resort, or simply pulling a recliner chair and just chill – the only thing I did aside from taking photos. The entrance fee is Php 150 (with free sandwich – choice of chicken or tuna, and ice tea). Pool and beach entrance is Php 150.
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Planning a trip to the City of Love? Officially known as the City of Iloilo, Iloilo City is a highly urbanized city on the southeastern tip of Panay Island. It is the capital of the province of Iloilo as well as the center of the Iloilo-Guimaras Metropolitan Area, regional and primate city of the Western Visayas region. Iloilo City is bordered by Oton in the west, Pavia in the North, and Leganes in the Northeast. it is a conglomerate of former towns, now districts, namely: Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City Proper, Jaro, La Paz, Mandurriao, and Molo.
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