Domestic Tourism 1

Region 6 (Western Visayas)

Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Module 8: Regions of Visayas

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Learn the geographic location and profile of Visayas
2. Learn the tourism in the Visayas

Region 6 – Western Visayas

Iloilo City serves as the provincial hub. Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Aklanon, and
Capiznon are the four Visayan dialects spoken in the area. The district has a
landmass of 20,794.18 km2 (8,028.68 sq mi) which is the most populated region in
the Visayas, with a total of 7,536,383 people.
Western Visayas (Region VI) did lose both the province of Negros Occidental
and the heavily economically developed city of Bacolod to the recently founded
Negros Island Region on May 29, 2015. Consequently, the district was abolished on
August 9, 2017, leading in the comeback of Negros Occidental and Bacolod to the
Western Visayas Region.

Geography
Region 6 is made up including its main island of “Panay”, the relatively small
Guimaras, and a number of remote islands. This also covers the western part of a
broader Negros island. The “Sibuyan Sea” borders the city to the north, the “Visayan

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Sea to the northeast”, the province of “Negros Oriental in Central Visayas to the
east”, the “Iloilo Strait and the Panay Gulf to the south”, and the “Sulu Sea to the
west”.

How To Get There

Iloilo is the biggest city and the region's primary transportation center. This
has an airport that serves several commercial flights as well as several international
routes. Ferry service link Guimaras and Bacolod, as well as more distanced
destinations like Palawan and Manila.

Most foreign international routes arrive in Kalibo, carrying visitors heading

for Boracay. Airlines are also available from Manila, Cebu, and a few overseas
attractions.

Accommodation

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Culture
The cultural Visayan home is constructed of bamboo and grasses, if not “nipa
palms or pawod (coconut palms)”. Such homes are lifted and are mainly located in
remote communities. For their longevity, several local dwellers whose kids have got
jobs abroad tend to make homes out of timber, wrought steel, and concrete.
Till the 1960s, agriculture and fisheries were the primary means of income in
the area. Farm workers in Central Panay's inner mountain ranges use the “kaingin
system (slash-and-burn)”. They only use a bolo and a wooden dibble to chop down
trees and bore holes into which rice or grain grains and vegetables are dropped. The
“bangkaw (spear)” is a popular hunter weapon in most households. Hunting
declined dramatically in the 1970s due to the slow loss of trees, but kaingin retains
the predominant mode of farming because the inner mountains are rough and they
have yet to develop the necessary infrastructure to leverage irrigation. However,
catching fish with conventional nets and cages, as well as hazardous leaf and barks
of plants, is still believed to be performed by such hill tribes.
Weaving caps and carpets, as well as producing bamboo tables and chairs,
are considered to be strong revenue streams in Antique barrios, as is patadyong
weaving, that is still practiced in certain communities such as “Bugasong and
Sibalom”. “Leganes, Maasin, and Sara in Iloilo” produce bamboo furnishings.
“Cabanatuan and Leon” have bolo centres, while “Jibao-an in Mandurriao, Zarraga,
and Pani-an in Balasan, Iloilo” have sculpture hubs. Artisans made from rattan can
be purchased in “Miag-ao, Leganes, and Villa”.

Attractions

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Climate
The area seems to have no defined atmosphere. It does have a brief dry
climate and is mostly rainy the majority of every year.

Languages

Food

Batchoy
Is a delicacies broth produced of pig intestines, cracked pig cracklings,
prawns, carrots, chicken broth, chicken breast, cattle loin, and circular pasta. Its
history could be tracked back to the community of “La Paz in Iloilo” which is why it
is also known as “La Paz Batchoy”.

Pancit Molo
Pancit Molo, called after a well-known municipality in the province, is a well-
known cuisine among food-loving Ilonggos. This “pancit” differs from others in that
it is not dried but runny, and does not require lengthy, slender pasta but rather
wanton wrappings crafted using rice flour. Unused wanton wrappers may be sliced
into strips and dropped into the heated broth as well.

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Tinu-om
Is a traditional Aklan cuisine that consists of sliced native chicken stacked
with minced garlic, turmeric, white onion, lemon grass, and tomato and seasoned
with black pepper and salt. Sliced potato may be added as an extra garnish. The local
poultry and these components are then closely covered in banana leaf before being
put in a hot pot and steamed until tender.

Top Events and Festivals

Dinagyang Festival
“Dinagyang”, that implies "merrymaking," is a festival of Ilonggo's
celebrations and everlasting commitment to the “Senior Sto. Niño”. This festival is
driven by energizing drums and a scenic kaleidoscope of movements, colours, and
magic. The said celebration is held in the city of Iloilo on the last Sunday of January.
It is regarded as the province of Iloilo's main festival.

Masskara Festival
Is a cardinal emblem that represents the several facets of life and the
difficulties it presents to the inhabitants of “Negros Occidental”. It is a celebration of
thanksgiving for the bounties bestowed upon the “Negrenses” throughout the
harvesting period. Interactive street dance enhances the festival, which draws
hundreds of followers from around the world.

Ati Atihan Festival

Is a celebration in commemoration of the “Santo Niño”, is observed on the
“second Sunday after Epiphany”. Catholics celebrate this particular day of
pilgrimage, marches, music, and festivity. The Santo Niño has always become the top
choice of Filipinos and adoration to it has been strong since a portrait was first given
to” Juana, Queen of Cebu, in 1521”.

Manggahan Festival
It's been 12 years when the territory of Guimaras was declared an
autonomous province. Annually, “Guimarasnons” share their vibrant lifestyle thru a
fiesta named “Manggahan Festival of Guimaras”. The area is indeed renowned
domestically and globally for its new and abundant crop of mangoes, as well as for
the craftsmanship of its inhabitants.

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Region 7 – Central Visayas

Main territories are the best known Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor, along with the
eastern half of Negros. The geographical hub and main city is Cebu City. The area is
inhabited by the mother tongue of several Visayan dialects: “Cebuano”,
“Bantayanon”, “Boholano”, and “Porohanon”.
On the 29th of May 2015, the area was modified, when Region 7 did lose the
area of Negros Oriental to the recently founded “Negros Island Region’. That being
said, the territory was abolished, with “Negros Oriental” handed back to Central
Visayas on the 9th of August 2017.

Geography
Region 7 comprises of two main island territories of Cebu and Bohol, as well
as the minor island of Siquijor and many surrounding islands. It also covers the
eastern portion of the wider islands of Negros. The border areas of Cebu and Tañon
are both component of the island here too.
The area is bounded to the “north by the Visayan Sea”, “west by the province
of Negros Occidental in Western Visayas”, “south by the Bohol Sea”, and “east by the
Camotes Sea and the island of Leyte in Eastern Visayas”.

How To Get There

Air
The city of Bohol is primarily supported by “Tagbilaran Airport”. Trips to and
from “Tagbilaran to Manila” take about 1 hour or more. Commercial and discount
airlines have regular trips.

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Land
It is sufficient to transfer a “Roll On-Roll Off’ ship with your car from Cebu to
Tagbilaran.

Sea
The “Tagbilaran City Tourist Port” operates vessels traversing the active
Cebu-Bohol sea route and significant harbor cities in Mindanao. A fastcraft boat trip
to Cebu takes about 2 hours.

Languages

The local dialects of Central Visayas are:

Climate
The Area has no defined atmosphere. It has a brief dry climate between
March to May. The remainder of the year is reasonably warm.

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Accommodation

Culture
Although becoming an equatorial island sanctuary. “Cebu and Bohol’ have a
remarkable heritage – that's where “Ferdinand Magellan” placed the “Cross of
Christianity in 1521”, that laid the foundation for Colonialism of the Spaniards. This
cultural heritage shows itself anywhere from the ancient buildings and exhibitions
of Cebu City to the traditional homelands and centuries old religious institutions of
Bohol.

Cebu is also known for its delicious mangoes, which are mostly served with a
“steamed rice cake known as puto” and a mug of “locally produced hot chocolate
known as sikwate”. But there were plenty of other excellent regional fares to try,
particularly in Cebu City, which has a wonderful selection of dinners and street
vendors.

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Attractions
Top Tourist Attractions in Central Visayas

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Food
Budbud or suman
Also recognized as glutinous rice cakes, are well-known in the region.
“Budbud” is simply glutinous rice combined with coconut cream. “Moron” is a
variety of this Budbud found on the island of Leyte.

Dried Mangoes
It is widely regarded as the most delicious and easy treat on the globe. Quite
easy, which boosted Cebu City's success by selling the finest dried mangoes all over
the world.

Kalamay
Calamay, that implies "sugar," is a sticky sweet cuisine common in several
parts of the Philippines. It's made of coconut cream, sugar, and glutinous rice flour.
Kalamay can be consumed on its own, but it is most commonly used as a sugar
substitute in a variety of Filipino sweets and drinks.
Lechón
Is a pig cuisine popular in many parts of the globe, especially Spain and its
old colonial territories. The whole roasted pork is grilled over coal in this recipe.

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Top Events and Festivals

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Region 8 – Eastern Visayas

Region 8 facing the “Philippine Sea” to the east,. The “San Juanico Bridge”,
which connects the communities of Samar and Leyte, is the region's world
prominent landmarks. The Region 8 has a resident of 4,440,150 people as of 2015,
rendering it the third greatest populated region in the Visayas.

Geography
The region is located in the Philippines' east central region. It is composed of
3 islands, “Leyte”, “Biliran”, and “Samar”, which shape the archipelagos eastern edge
borders. On the east and north, it is bordered by the Philippine Sea, with the “San
Bernardino Strait dividing Samar to southeastern Luzon”; “on the west, by the
Camotes and Visayan seas”; and “on the south, by the Bohol Sea, with the Surigao
Strait separating Leyte from northwestern Mindanao”. It covers 2,156,285 hectares
(5,328,300 acres), or 7.2 percent of the total land mass.

How To Get There

Air
Tacloban City, the provincial center in Leyte, has regular trips from Manila (1
hour), Clark (1 hour 20 minutes), and Cebu City (30mins).

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Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Land
You may rent a cars or vans in Manila, Clark, or Cebu City to visit Leyte,
Biliran, and Samar, and you may also fly across the islands' main cities and
municipalities by public transport.

Sea
Taking a swift boat via Cebu City to Ormoc City.

Culture
Because of times of Spanish and American colonialism, there is a variety of
cultures to be explored, ranging from architectural to classical ethnic movements
shown at community festivals fusing Roman Catholicism with Hindu-Buddhist-
Animist mythology. “Tacloban, the Eastern Visayas”' academic, religious, and
industrial zone, serves as a focal point for community celebrations. Small festivities,
on the other hand, are held in every town on a yearly basis. Wouldn't miss
Tacloban's Santo Nio Shrine and Heritage Museum, which features a bas-relief
depicting the legends of “Malakas and Maganda” (the first Filipino man and woman)
as well as a painting of the 14 stations of the cross by Filipino painters.

Most residents in Samar and eastern Leyte are Waray, a mostly village
citizens who have maintained several pre-Christian traditions and mythology, and
who are famous for their powerful and very attractive girls.

Climate
Region 8 has no distinct rainy and dry seasons. Rain falls uniformly across
the year, with the heaviest falling from “August to December”.

Attractions

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

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Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Accommodation
“Tacloban and Ormoc in Leyte’, and “Calbayog in Samar”, are home to the
area’s biggest accommodations. However, in the archipelagos, other urban areas
and municipalities have lodging of different types and categories, such as oceanfront
and dive resorts in the “Sogod Bay dive sites in Southern Leyte”, luxury
accommodations and traveler lodgings, and specialty resorts such as the one on
“Calicoan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar”, with its surfing camps.

Languages
The native languages of Eastern Visayas are:

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Food
Binagol
“Binagol” is expressed with a prolonged emphasis on the letter "a." “Binagol”
is produced from Talyan - a root crop, coconut milk, and glucose. It is then shaped
into the shape of a coconut shell. Binagol is very sweet, with a distinctive crops
flavor.

Tambis-Tambis
“Tambis-Tambis” is a white sugar-sprinkled coconut dessert. The coconut
crumbs was formed with food dye to bring them a vivid and satisfactory look, and
then deep buddy was applied to keep them intact while still preserving the soft
insides.

Moron
“Moron” is spoken similarly to Morong. It is similar to traditional suman,
except the rice is cooked in coconut cream and flavored with cocoa. The Moron has
the same quality as suman, and the cocoa improves the flavor. “Moron” is really
fluffy that you might slit the short tube through the centre with a small knife and
push it out. You will get around a lot in a short period of time.

Papaya Pickles
Made using freshly green aged papaya combined with several other
agricultural products stored in organic coco vinegar, like onions, green and red bell
peppers.
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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

Pastillas
Carigara is famous for its delicious pastillas crafted using premium carabao
milk. Reproductions abound, like those produced using condensed milk, and they
can be found in city stores. It's the carabao's milk which causes most the
distinction, because if it isn't crafted with it, the flavor is drastically distinct - it
seems too sweet.

Top Events and Festivals

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Region 6 (Western Visayas)
Region 7 (Central Visayas)
Region 8 ( Eastern Visayas)

References and Supplemental Readings

1. https://blgf.gov.ph/region-6/
2. https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/post/visayas-tourist-spots/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Visayas
4. http://www.maplandia.com/philippines/region-7/hotels/
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Visayas
6. https://wikitravel.org/en/Central_Visayas
7. https://itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk/cebu-bohol/
8. https://itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk/leyte-samar/#how-to-get-there
9. https://www.travalour.com/destination/1693-leyte

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