When it comes to natural beauty there is always an indisputable cocktail ingredient that would definitely make one travel destination stand out, and Guimaras island will prove itself why it stands out among other travel destination in Western Visayas Region.

Guimaras [ɡimaˈɾas] (Hiligaynon: Kapuoran sang Guimaras; Kinaray-a: Probinsiya kang Guimaras; Filipino: Lalawigan ng Guimaras) is an island province in the Philippines located in the region of Western Visayas. Among the smallest provinces, its capital is Jordan. The province is situated in the Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros. To the northwest is the province of Iloilo and to the southeast is Negros Occidental. The whole island is part of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras, one of the twelve metropolitan areas of the Philippines.

The province consists primarily of Guimaras Island, and also includes Inampulugan, Guiwanon (or Guiuanon), Panobolon, Natunga, Nadulao, and many surrounding islets. Geologists have concluded that the island once formed one landmass with Panay.

Guimaras, formerly known as Himal-us, was a sub-province of Iloilo until it was made an independent province on May 22, 1992.

Less that one percent of the world’s oceans are protected, which is why protected marine areas are important in ensuring the health our planet’s marine life. The Taklong Island Marine Reserve (TINMAR) in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras  is one of the marine protected sites in the Philippines that was established to secure marine biodiversity in this part of the country.Taklong Island Marine Reserved includes two main islands and 37 smaller islands. All thogether, these islands are also knows as South Point Islands. These islands have great limestone rock formations, numerous coves with white sand beaches and sandbars.

Manggahan Festival is a month long celebration of Guimaras’ rich culture, and their feast of thanksgiving for having bestowed a rich land where delicious mangoes are being grown. Originally, it was just a week-long celebration of Guimaras as an independent province since May 22, 1992, but through the years, with all the success that the province has attained, Manggahan Festival has evolved to a more vibrant and fun- filled month long event.

There are tons of events that will provide entertainment depending on your interests. Just check out their facebook account: Manggahan Festival for updates and details of the activities because they vary every year. A few favourite events are the Cultural Show, where in different groups from different baranggays perform a dance showcasing their colourful way of life in Guimaras and always highlighting the mangoes. What got my attention and what sets it apart from other tribe competitions is that it is in the form of a dance drama. This 2014, I have witnessed how the young performers danced gracefully in their very colourful costumes then suddenly shift to a sort of like voice choir presentation then end with an energetic dance.

Another favourite event is the Mango All You Can. Yes, you got that right – eat all the mangoes your sweet tooth and your tummy can handle. The registration fee is only Php 100.00 and you are given 30 minutes to eat as many mangoes as you can. Some participants are really competitive while most are there to experience the world’s juiciest mangoes and have a picture taken with Mango Man, the official mascot for the Manggahan Festival.

Villa Igang is an enchanting spot in Sitio Alubihod, Barangay Poblacion in the municipality of Nueva Valencia, on the western part of the Guimaras mainland. It is a beach resort, part of the training center and marine sanctuary of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, a 62-year old educational institution which has its main campus in the Molo district of Iloilo City.

The Guimaras mangoes or the mango variety produced in Guimaras are also best for jams, dried mangoes and other food products. One establishment has discovered another use of mangoes, on pizzas! Yes, mango pizza, a fruity and tangy twist for pizzas. It’s not prepared like the usual “Hawaiian pizzas” where we find pineapples so expect a totally different one. If you’re a mango-lover, it’s a MUST-TRY!