On May 22, 2024, my wife, our daughter, and I took the boat from Iloilo to Guimaras for the Manggahan Festival. A friend of ours lives on the island, so we met up with them there. We only had one day, so this was a day trip. It was loud, crowded, and very sweet, and we enjoyed all of it.
Quick facts
- When we went: May 22, 2024
- Who came: me, my wife, our daughter, and our friend who lives in Guimaras
- Time: 10 AM to 5 PM (day trip only)
- Our rough spending: around ₱2,100
Getting there from Iloilo
We took the pump boat from Ortiz Wharf to Jordan Wharf. The fare was ₱20 per person. Crossing to Guimaras takes about 15 to 20 minutes and boats usually fill up quickly, so you don’t wait long.
From Jordan Wharf we rented a tricycle for around ₱300. You can take or find a tricycle just outside the arrival area in Jordan Wharf. The ride to the Jordan town center usually takes about 30 minutes.
The eat-all-you-can mango event
This was the part I looked forward to most. You pay around ₱150, and they give you a first plate with 3 - 4 mangoes. When you finish, you can go back for another plate.
I thought I'd have no problem. I barely finished four mangoes. It was too much sweetness for me, and I ended up walking around looking for something spicy and sour to cancel the taste in my mouth. I think we didn’t ask for another plate. I’d had enough, to the point of feeling like throwing up.
Music, trucks, and street food
While we were in town, big trucks carrying huge sound systems drove around playing live party music. It felt like the whole town was one moving party.
In the main area of the event there was also a food festival. We grabbed some street food, like grilled pork, kwek-kwek, cotton candy for the kids, fish balls, dirty ice cream, and more.
What it cost us
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Boat, Iloilo to Jordan Wharf | around ₱20 per person |
| Boat, Jordan Wharf to Iloilo | around ₱20 per person |
| Tricycle rental | around ₱600 (both ways) |
| Eat-all-you-can mango event | around ₱150 per person |
| Food at the food festival | ₱300 per person |
| Total for our family of three (rough estimate) | around ₱2,100 |
These were 2024 prices, so check before you go.
What we'd tell you before you go
- Pace yourself with the mangoes. Four was my limit. Don't skip lunch to save room.
- Bring something savory or sour. You'll want it after the mangoes.
- Bring cash. GCash and other online payments worked, but cards weren’t accepted.
- One day was enough for the festival, but not for the whole island.
- Some people stay overnight because there are parties and a drinking festival.
- Bring extra clothes. It’s summer and really hot, so bring a portable fan, extra clothes, and a towel.
Our verdict
If you like crowds, music, and unlimited mangoes, the Manggahan Festival is worth a day. If you like quiet, you might prefer a normal weekday. For us it was a fun way to spend a Wednesday with our daughter and a friend.
More about Guimaras: our overnight stay at Kenyama Beach Resort is in the next post.
Read also: Overnight at Kenyama Beach Resort, Guimaras: Costs, Cliff Climb and Lighthouse.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Let me hear your thoughts