There’s something about Guimaras that always feels like home. Maybe it’s the golden sunsets brushing the island skies, the laid-back rhythm of tricycles passing by, or the sweet mangoes that have earned their fame worldwide. But on one particular weekend, the island hummed with a different kind of energy, music, laughter, and the unmistakable sound of celebration.
I was there, being at the New Site, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras, where a brand-new story was about to be written. Locals, travelers, and business owners gathered as streamers swayed and the scent of freshly prepared dishes lingered in the air. The crowd cheered as the ribbon was cut. With that, JM Hometel officially opened its doors, a new destination where comfort meets celebration.
A Home That Welcomes You
Walking into JM Hometel felt like stepping into a home designed for travelers who want more than just a room. They want belonging.
The interiors were clean and simple, dressed in blackout curtains that promised restful nights after a day exploring the island. Each corner had the essentials: neat beds, thoughtful details, and a quiet assurance of comfort.
But what caught my attention wasn’t just the rooms. It was the heart behind them. “We want guests to feel at home,” someone from the team whispered with a smile. And it made sense. Even the smallest Tiny Room at ₱500 had a story to tell. Perfect for solo travelers who just needed a space to crash after island hopping, it was proof that this place is built for everyone, not just luxury seekers.
The Standard Rooms at ₱1,300 added more space and amenities, balancing affordability with comfort. Families, barkadas, or couples looking for a weekend escape would find them just right.
Where the Party Happens
But let’s be honest, the crown jewel wasn’t just the rooms.
Upstairs, the energy shifted. The rooftop pool sparkled under the Guimaras sun, and beside it, a bar promised cool drinks and lively conversations. It was staycation redefined, a swimming pool in the heart of Jordan, right beside Jordan Market.
That night, the poolside transformed into a stage for music and laughter. Friends lounged with cocktails in hand, kids splashed in the water, and couples leaned against the railing as they soaked in the evening breeze. The party was more than a launch. It was a preview of countless weekends waiting to happen here.
A Place for Celebrations
Just a floor away, the Function Hall stood ready, its clean setup adaptable for birthdays, small weddings, reunions, or corporate gatherings. It could hold up to 50 guests, intimate enough to keep the laughter close, but spacious enough to celebrate milestones.
It was clear: JM Hometel wasn’t just offering a bed. It was offering moments. Breakfasts shared before island tours. Pool parties that stretch into the night. Events where stories are written and remembered.
At the Heart of the Festival
But perhaps the best part of JM Hometel is where it’s planted. Every summer, Guimaras bursts into color and rhythm during the Manggahan Festival,.a celebration of mangoes, culture, and island pride.
From the top floor of JM Hometel, you can watch the floats and parades snake through the streets, their vibrant colors dancing under the sun. Music rises from the performers below, but here, you’ve got a bird’s-eye view of the celebration.
And if you prefer to be in the middle of the fun? A quick tricycle ride brings you straight to the Capitol grounds, where the festivities come alive, street dancing, food stalls, live music, and of course, the sweetest mangoes in the world.
Staying here means you don’t just visit Guimaras during Manggahan. You live right in the celebration.
The Everyday Convenience
What struck me most was the thoughtfulness of its location.
Hungry? A café was just a few steps away. Need medicine? The drugstore downstairs had it covered. Forgot something? A convenience store was within the same building.
For travelers, this meant less stress and more time to enjoy Guimaras. And for locals, it meant a new spot where accessibility met lifestyle.
Getting There
For those arriving at Jordan Roro Wharf, the journey was refreshingly easy.
* A tricycle ride (₱150) brought us straight to New Site.
* A jeepney ride (₱20) was the more affordable route, stopping right beside Super Meal Box Café.
Soon, the familiar landmarks disappeared, replaced by the new sign that proudly bore the name JM Hometel, your home away from home.
A Grand Launch to Remember
The grand launching wasn’t just an event. It was an experience.
Thanks to Connectix, the program ran smoothly, from the welcome speeches to the entertainment. The food and interiors, carefully crafted by MIXES Food Consultancy Services, made every guest feel the fusion of taste and aesthetics.
Media partners like Angelkym, Ilonggo Kuya, and yours truly, Nile on Weekends, added to the storytelling, capturing not just the event but the soul of what JM Hometel stands for.
Why JM Hometel?
Guimaras has always been about nature, simplicity, and community. JM Hometel steps into this landscape not to change it, but to complement it. It offers what travelers and locals alike often search for, a place that feels like home, with a touch of celebration.
With its clean rooms, rooftop pool, function hall, and accessible location, JM Hometel doesn’t just promise rest. It promises memories.
And during the Manggahan Festival, it promises front-row seats to the island’s grandest celebration.
As I left that evening, the laughter from the pool still echoed behind me. The music faded as tricycles hummed past. But the feeling lingered,.a sense that something new had begun in Guimaras, and it was here to stay.
So, if you’re planning your next island adventure or just looking for a weekend escape, you now know where to go. JM Hometel—your home away from home in the heart of Guimaras.
Location: New Site, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras, 5045, Philippines
