LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 17: EL FARO DE ISLOTE DE MANIGONIGO, Manigonigo Island, Carles, Iloilo

El Faro De Islote De Manigonigo was erected by the Spanish government on the tiny Manigonigo Island, one of the fourteen islands (including the famous Islas De Gigantes) politically administered by the town of Carles in Iloilo province. This lighthouse, which was built in 1894 is part of the 27 major lighthouses built during the Spanish era.

Described as the "grey iron tower", the original design of the light tower was a 10 meter cylindrical cast iron fabricated from France and was believed the be the first of the tourelle-type lighthouses similar to Luz Del Puerto De San Fernando, Faro De Sibulac-Babac De Gigantes, Faro De Punta Luzaran, and Faro De Islas Calabazas.

The original tower no longer exist and was replaced by a modern white metal light tower erected near the original location of the old one, and can be seen from Carles shores. The ruined keeper's house is still standing, and it's fortunate that some caretaker managed to cut the thick bushes allowing me to take clear pictures of the lighthouse and the surroundings

My cute little Anito had a wonderful time posing for the camera.

How I Got There

I could consider this as one of my Off-The-Beaten-Track lighthouse exploration. Carles, for some obvious reasons, was badly hit by Yolanda and even then, was never a preferred travel destination for tourists. Manigonigo Island is likewise isolated and no one visit the island except for Bantay Dagat staff.

To complete my agenda, I called up the Iloilo Provincial Tourism Office to get more information about the lighthouse's location. With the help of Mr. Bombet Marin, the Provincial Tourism Head,  and Ms. Annie Abad, Carles' Tourism Officer (09178311977), I was able to carry out this journey.

I am but very much thankful to Ms. Vema Monteclaro, owner of Chateau De  Aow, who provided my accommodation in Carles at a minimal fee. Ms. Vema was also the one who arranged my boat to Manigonigo Island by persuading the Bancal Barangay Captain to allow us to use the Bantay Dagat Patrol Boat. The 3km distance from Bancal Port took us around 30 minutes to get to Manigonigo Island.

Chateau De Aow Hotel and Restaurant is located few meters before the Bancal Port. Call the resort for reservations.

They also accommodate Gigantes Islands tour c/o Jeonard Monteclaro, Ms. Vema's son.

To get to Manigonigo Island, from Roxas City or Iloilo City, take the Ceres Bus to Carles (direct) or via Balasan then transfer to another bus for Carles and get off to Bancal Port.

LakbayLoyd Lighthouse Series 14: EL FARO DE SIBULAC - BABAC DE GIGANTES, Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo

Faro de Sibulac-Babac de Gigantes, or commonly known as Isla De Gigantes Lighthouse, is located in Carles, Iloilo. It is primarily built to assist ships entering the Visayan Sea going to Port of Iloilo. It was made operational in August 1895.

The design and specifications of Faro de Sibulac-Babac de Gigantes was similar to those of Faro De Punta Luzaran, Faro De Islas Calabazas, Luz Del Puerto De San Fernando,Luz De Isla Bagatao and FaroDe Islote Siete Pecados, which towers were made of metals and manufactured in France. These towers, however, are called tourelle.

The original tourelle tower of this lighthouse is nowhere in sight but the foundation where it used to stand is still intact. Currently, a new aluminum tower manufactured in Japan was installed next to the original location of the old tower.

Islas De Gigantes, a group of islands located in Carles, Iloilo, is now becoming a major tourist destination in northern Panay but would not beat the popularity of Boracay, of course. The islands are accessible from Port Of Estancia, which is a two hour bus ride from Roxas City in Capiz. As of this writing, only one boat is scheduled daily to transport everyone and everything (personal supplies, construction materials, fresh catch, almost everything) to Islas De Gigantes. Boat leaves Estancia at exactly 2:00pm for Gigantes Norte and arrives at 4:00pm.

Once you reach the island, several tour guides are waiting to take you to the resorts – well, most of them are hired guides of Gigantes Hideaway Resort. I opted to stay here since this is the cheapest and most accessible from the pier, since I only intended to visit the lighthouse and stay for one night. But if one had the luxury of time, I would choose other beach resorts available in the island even if it means it would cost me more.

It was almost 5:00 pm when the boat finally reached Gigantes. Immediately hired Junjun to be my official guide, checked in and went to the lighthouse in no time all before it gets dark. He offered me to go caving and island hopping the next day – but as I have said, I don’t have that luxury of time to spend.

My wish to be alone with the lighthouse never transpired, as everyone in that boat also went to the lighthouse and climbed the top of the tower to witness what they consider a romantic sunset. Romantic indeed, but I wished they didn’t acted as lighthouse photo bombers. I waited for them to step down but to no avail - therefore I was not able to get a perfect shot of the lighthouse.

It was most probable that these tourists went to Gigantes Lighthouse mainly because it is part of the tour package the guides are offering, in addition to caving and island hopping. Other than gazing at the sunset on top of the lighthouse, learning about the significance this magnificent historical structure is most likely not part of their itinerary, 

Overall, I was happy I was able to explore this remote part of the Panay Island, but with a little bit of frustration on how less seriously the people in this island work to preserve the historical value of the lighthouse.

Updates: Islas De Gigantes August 2017

I went to Islas De Gigantes for the second time, this time taking the what I think is the shorter route to the islands. With some assistance from people I met during my last visit in Manigonigo Island, Ms. Vema and her son JR, I was able to return to Islas De Gigantes on my own pace and time.  

The lighthouse has been partially renovated. The roof and ceilings were added, the floors, even some of the old windows were fixed and restored. The metal tower, which was popular to tourist for catching the sunset in the island, is now closed for visitors. For me it is a good thing, as these people would go up just to watch the sunset and block the photographer's view of the entire structure, not mindful of the lighthouse's significance and relevance. Nevertheless, it was a delight to see the lighthouse again in its better condition now. 

The accommodation, transportation and the entire tour was arranged by Joed Secorata (09304663302/09163804279), my official island tour guide for this trip. Aside from the lighthouse, I was able to visit and enjoy the waters in some of the islets composing Islas De Gigantes - they are the Pulupandan, Cabugay Gamay, and the Bantigue Sandbar.