Traveling To Iloilo Via FastCat
Going to Iloilo from Bacolod? Try FastCat, It’s Ferry Fast, Ferry Safe and Ferry Convenient!
Frequent readers of my blog know that one of the many things I want to do this 2018 is to travel more. Although seeing the world is definitely on my agenda, there’s just so much I have yet to see here in the Philippines. Travel vloggers from all over the world rave about the beauty of our country. It’s a little embarrassing that even though I’m a Filipino, I haven’t quite experienced the beauty of our natural resources that they so often talk about.
Iloilo’s Rich History
I’m so happy that I’m able to travel to Iloilo with my fellow bloggers. It only takes less than 2 hours from Bacolod to Iloilo via a ferry boat so it wasn’t very tiring. Located in Panay Island, Iloilo (with Iloilo City as its capital) is one of the most peaceful places in the country. The people are personable, soft-spoken, and gentle. It’s one of the leading provinces during the Spanish occupation and is known for its historical spots and churches. Aside from its rich cultural heritage, Iloilo is also known for sumptuous dishes like Pancit Molo, La Paz Batchoy, and Chicken Binakol. We visited some of Iloilo’s finest tourist attractions via the Iloilo Heritage Tour.
ILOILO: A Trip to the Heart of the Past
Miag-ao Church
The Miag-ao Church is also known as the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church. It’s located in Miagao, Iloilo and was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It’s a well-preserved Baroque Spanish-era church building.
San Joaquin Cemetery
San Joaquin Cemetery or San Joaquin Campo Santo is a Catholic cemetery in the town of San Joaquin. It’s fascinating how well-preserved it is. A true reminder of Spanish architecture. It was designated as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines.
Garin Farm
This inland resort has a beautiful view of the ocean or the mountains and has a wide swimming pool. It also has a 5,000 sq. meter man-made lagoon for boat rides, sporty fishing and kayaking, horseback riding, etc. It is the only resort in the country that integrates agriculture, leisure, and pilgrimage thus giving you a unique holistic getaway.
Molo Mansion
Molo Mansion, formerly known as Yusay-Consing Mansion, is a significant and historic house in Molo, Iloilo facing the town plaza and the St. Anne Parish Church. SM Land bought the property and have it restored.
Arevalo District
This district houses the famous Ilonggo weaversand it has long been involved in the tradition of Jusi weaving. Here is where you’ll find native fabrics like Jusi, Sinamay, and Hablon. We visited the Arevalo Handwoven Products, the official maker of the University of the Philippines’ Sablays. Their years of expertise have led the country’s number one university to choose them to become a part of every scholar’s achievement.
Camiña Balay Nga Bato
Also known as the Avanceña House, this two-story ancestral house is currently owned by Director Gerard Camiña. He is from the fourth generation of the Avanceña Family. This well-preserved stone house may be the only one that offers lovers of local culture and history a real taste of what it was like to live, work and eat in such a home during the mid- to late 19th century.
FastCat
FastCat: FerrySafe. FerryFast. FerryConvenient.
We were able to reach Iloilo on Feb. 01, 2018 through an exclusive FastCat vessel tour. It’s run by Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC) and has become a trusted shipping company whose goal is to promote the country’s diverse culture and tourist attractions as well as connect the islands and nearby countries by giving a safe, fast, and convenient ferry transport system.
This state-of-the-art RoRo vessel was specifically designed to suit the weather and sea conditions in the Philippines by Sea Transport Solutions of Australia.
Cardeck – can hold up to 34 cars and 7 trucks or buses.
The Bridge – runs the latest, state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems.
Business Class – fully air-conditioned, with an LCD TV and can accommodate up to 63 passengers. All with individual life vests.
Premium Economy – fully air-conditioned, with 2 LCD TVs and can accommodate up to 105 passengers. All with individual life vests.
Sundeck / Economy – open area and can accommodate up to 107 passengers. All with individual life vests.
Engine Room – equipped with internationally-classed and ABS-certified Yanmar engines that are fully complaint with international maritime standards.
FastCat Schedules and Rates
The rates of FastCat Ferry for the Iloilo to Bacolod route (one way) is really affordable so everyone must try it and save some money. Children below 3 years old are free.
For freight rates of vehicles on the FastCat Ferry RoRo, visit this link.
Philtranco
Philtranco: Byaheng masaya, serbisyong subok na!
When in Manila, you can go to Iloilo everyday via Philtranco. They have 250 buses ranging from deluxe, premium deluxe, to executive seater bus transport services. It has teamed up with Jam Liner and FastCat to give customers a comfortable and safe alternative to air travel. They’re one of the largest bus company in the country and also the oldest.
Whether by land or sea, an all-new seamless travel experience is in store for passengers of FastCat and Philtranco.
For more information about FastCat, please visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
- Website: www.fastcat.com.ph
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/FastCatOfficial
