While the city of Iloilo is rich in ancestral structures and modern establishments have been sprouting almost everywhere, some tourists believe that there isn’t anything to go to in the city. True if you will be staying in the city for three or more days since you can visit all the city attractions in a day or two.
If you are in the City of love and have a few days to spare, why not go beyond the city limits? Drive north and discover the hidden paradise in Concepcion, Carles, Ajuy and other neighboring towns. The southern part on the other hand may not have as beautiful beaches compared to the North but they have some destinations to be proud of as well - the Miag-ao church, declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site “Baroque Churches of the Philippines”, the 19th century San Joaquin cemetery, UP Miag-ao campus and many more. The recent addition to the list of attractions in the south is the Garin Farm in San Joaquin.
When you look over the main gate to the farm, you will see a concrete pavement with trellis providing shade to passersby. The chicken houses on both sides are teeming with chicken thus explains the foul smell when you pass by that area. Good thing the management is responsible enough to provide notice for visitors to “expect foul smells in some areas” and provide golf cart service (for a fee) to those who don’t want to be bothered by the smell. Golf carts are also ideal to those who cannot endure long walks towards the cafeteria, starting point of the pilgrimage or even up to the highest peak which is the giant cross of the Divine Mercy.
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| Garin Farm Entrance: Entrance fee is Php 150. No outside foods and drinks allowed. |
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| This pavement leads to the pilgrimage and adventure areas. Chicken
houses can be found on both sides of the pavement. Towards the end of
this pavement before turning right are goats in an enclosed pasture and
one house for sheep. |
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| Entrance to the pilgrimage. The low beam is to prompt visitors to bow down before the holy place. |
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The Noah’s Ark is the starting point of the pilgrimage. Beside the Noah’s Ark is the giant scroll containing The Ten Commandments. As you ascend the 456 steps towards the 101-feet Divine Mercy cross, you can pass by life-sized statues depicting the nine important events of the life of Jesus.
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| Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River |
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| Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem |
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| The Last Supper |
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| This statue’s facial expression - PRICELESS! |
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| From the top |
Opposite the entrance to the pilgrimage site is the leisure area. Recreational amenities include swimming pool, lagoon in which one can enjoy fishing, riding a small boat and kayaking. You may also want to experience horseback riding and zip line ride over the lagoon and trees.
How to get there:
From Molo terminal (near Molo church), take a bus or L300 van bound for San Joaquin. You may also want to take San Joaquin bound jeepneys - the terminal is in another area though. The trip to San Joaquin town proper is less than two hours. Bus fare is Php 58 while jeepney fare is Php 50.
From town proper, ride a tricycle to Garin Farm. Travel time is about 10 - 15 minutes.
Additional notes:
- Outside foods and drinks are not allowed but there is a cafeteria inside.
- Official website of Garin Farm: http://www.garinfarm.com
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