GUIMARAS: Mango Capital of the Philippines

The province of Guimaras is a 15-minute boat ride away from Iloilo City. This mango-rich island used to be a sub-province of Iloilo until 1992, when it became full-fledged. At Jordan passenger port, you'll be welcomed by the yellow fruit, that is, mango!

Alighting at the port, you can visit the tourist center where officers can give you maps to explore the island, and utmost assistance to visitors who want to avail their services. Since I'll visit the island for a day, I asked for a map and the terminal where jeepneys are. 

I walked few kilometers until I reach the Jordan municipal hall currently under renovation. 


Flagging a jeepney bound to Brgy. San Miguel, finally I reached the vast grounds where pasalubong center, capitol building and museum are located. 

Capitol building

Museum

Lunch selfie with mango pizza and shake at Pitstop

After taking lunch at The Pitstop, I flagged a tricycle leading me to Trappist Monastery, the sanctuary of Benedictine monks in Visayas. It was like they're the counterpart of Good Shepherd Sisters in Baguio City. Trappist is also known for producing quality mango-based products manufactured within their property. They do have a vast mango plantation where they pick the raw ingredients.

Local parish of Jordan was under the patronage of Saint Michael the Archangel. Hence, the namesake of Brgy. San Miguel.

I had to leave to meet my friend at SM Iloilo. It was a quick yet fulfilling visit in a Visayan island. Surely, I didn't forget to buy some mango-inspired products. Maayong biyahe!  

See my post here: GUIMARAS: Food Trip and Pasalubong

The pasalubong center at capitol grounds

GUIMARAS: Food Trip and Pasalubong

Guimaras was regarded as the Mango Capital of the Philippines as they were globally known for producing sweet mangoes and turning them into sweets and other delicacies. Here are some things I tried and took home:

1. Mango Pizza

I visited Guimaras for mangoes but I haven't bought any because it will be a burden to have a heavy backpack. Instead, I searched for the raved one-of-a-kind pizza in the capital town of Jordan.

The Pitstop Restaurant

Resto's interior

Waiting for my order

  

Voila! Mango Pizza and Fruit Shake

What's in the Mango Pizza? You can see cheese sprinkled on a mango sauce with pizza sauce underneath. When I got a bite, the taste was still pizza-like with sweetness of fresh mangoes. I never thought pizza and mangoes can have a good relationship. I was able to finish half of it and took out the rest back to Iloilo City. Happy tummy!

2. Mango Biscocho

Slabs of toasted bread with hints of sweet mango. The taste of mango was a bit mild, but I managed to finish one packet. :)

3. Mango Drink Concentrate

I used to love Ritchie's Drink Concentrate when I was in my grade school years. Nowadays, powder juices are taking over grocery sections due to their affordable prices. Since I'm in mango-rich province, I bought this concentrate so I'll have my daily dose of mango juice in my fridge. Few tablespoons of concentrate added to a glass of cold water make a refreshing drink. I should have bought another one.

4. Mango Fridge Magnet

A simple reminder that I visited the mango capital. Available at Pasalubong Center near the Provincial Capitol of Guimaras.

Guimaras Trade and Information Center
San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras