June 3, 2012

ANP’s Silver Tiangge Coffee Table Book: A Negrense Must Have

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

Inset: Foreword page of ANP’s coffee table book “Silver Tiangge”

The foreword Carmen Guerrero Nakpil in the coffee table book Silver Tiangge must have been by itself an ample introduction to the Negros Trade Fair and the Association of Negros Producers. Last year, I was given a privilege through ANP Vice-President for Media Jojo Vito to be part of the 26th Negros Trade Fair held in the semi-permanent location at Rockwell Tent. The event resulted to eight blog entries (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), new friends and new experiences. Too bad I was not able to join the 25th Negros Trade Fair which was the best one so far but the essence of the celebration is captured in Silver Tiangge.

Inset: Featured is the kitchen exhibit at the Balay Negrense Museum

What is Silver Tiangge? That is the coffee table book produced by the Association of Negros Producers for the occassion of the 25th Year of Negros Trade Fair in Manila. You see, Negros Trade Fair is the longest provincial trade fair that has been running consistently that has breached a decade and an amazing feat it would that it would soon breach third decade. “Tiangge” in Silver Tiangge does not come from the Tagalog term but rather from the Hiligaynon term which means a “sari-sari“ or variety store. Indeed, from a small series of booths in SM Megamall, it expanded to include over fifty enterprises now.

Inset: Silver Tiangge’s Table of Contents

While the 25th Negros Trade Fair has long passed, the  Silver Tiangge is still in publication. Ms. Teena Gacho Rodriguez from the Association of Negros Producers reached me last week that there are more stocks available. This coffee table book is actually a must have for Negrense homes since it details not only details the products from ANP Showroom and the Negros Trade Fair but the evolution of Negrense industry that was forced to diversify due to the fall of the sugar industry in the Marcos regime. What was then as a means of extra income for sacadas has become a multi-million dollar export industry.

Inset: Various kakanin, sweets and coffee from Negros Island

Even with sugar‘s dominance since the late Spanish Era leading to the short-lived Republic of Negros, these industries found their roots in the countryside with Negrenses utilizing whatever resources they have to produce new products for consumption. A few of them like furniture-making dates back to the time when hacienderos would commission copies of furniture designs they have come across palaces of Europe, while foods like Bas-oy and Cansi were Negrense food innovations at a time when the poor was limited to scrap meats and innards. Soon enough, even the hacienderos caught on the taste and ate them too.

Inset: More food articles inside the coffee table book Silver Tiangge

Interesting, isn’t it? Association of Negros Producers has slashed down prices of the coffee table book to P1,500 which is very much affordable for a piece of Negrense history that every Negrense home in Negros Island and Beyond must have. The book is available in the ANP Negros Showroom Main at Lourdes Center in 9th cor. Lacson Streets, Bacolod City or at their branch at Central Citywalk in Robinson’s Bacolod, just look for Teena Gacho-Rodriguez or staff to purchase one.

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May 25, 2012

PUREZA, The Story of Negros Sugar: The Manila Premiere

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

I can finally say I did it! Fresh from my Dagupan trip witnessing the swimming competition at Palarong Pambansa, I made my way though heavy rain to reach Fullybooked in Bonifacio High Street. Nope, I was not there to buy a newly-release novel or even buy a comic book but rather to watch one of the most controversial documentaries of the present – PUREZA, The Story of Negros Sugar. With barely a second since the documentary started, I was “forced” to sit a couple of seats away from DepEd Sec. Br. Armin Luistro FSC with notables in film and media. The number of people, especially from the blogosphere, was testament to the fact that people outside Negros have long been curious of this opulent Negrenses that even surprised Imelda Marcos.

Sugarcane loading at a field in Isabela, Negros Occidental

Months before, I interviewed the film director Jay Abella over at Kuppa Fort Bonifacio for a detailed teaser of a premiere done in SM City Bacolod. Even as I already know the issues and scope in the story, it was a fresh experience being a witness and at the same time, judge for such a great work. Just as I had discussed with Direk Jay, it touch very much on sensitive issues of Negros Sugar Industry. More than being a documentary about the industry, it was also a social commentary on the lifestyle and the prevailing attitudes of the Negrenses. As I believe, the solution to the woes of the sugar industry in Negros will not only save the province of its heritage industry but also other problems like governance, economics, tourism and even the field of sports.

An old photo with Negros Hacienderos of Basque-Spanish Origin

Negros Hacienderos are mostly of mixed origins, with mostly of Spanish decent. Among Spaniards, there are the Castillans, Basques and Catalans. Apart from the Spaniards, French with some of Jewish decent and merchant Chinese also settled in the islands and had a good life from trade of sugar. Who would not have one with a commodity that is constantly in demand around the world? With the expiration of the Laurel-Langley Agreement, things started to go awful when the sugar prices dropped from three digits to two and worse, eventually one-digit prices. NASUTRA monopoly led by Marcos crony, Roberto S. Benedicto did not help and in fact worsened the problem with corruption and inconsistencies in the sugar loaning system.

Farmers planting patdan or sugarcane points in a Hacienda

The change of regime from Ferdinand Marcos to Corazon Aquino did not help either in solving the problem especially when Land Reform was instituted that gave land to farmers. This was a huge blow to the sugar industry for this greatly reduced since unlike rice, sugar was meant to planted on large fields and not small plots. While this was an answer to the supposed labor abuse of the Marcos Era, it did not help in empowering farmers since none of the them had an income sufficient to till the land. Just as the industry was coping, another challenge came in with the incoming free entry of cheap Thai Sugar through the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement or AFTA. Rice and Sugar are seen to be the ones that will be greatly affected with this open competition.

The Ruins or mansion of Mariano Lacson, one of so-called “Sugar Mansions”

The Sugar Crisis was not without warning though since a number of economists and Negrense businessmen has already predicted the outcome but no one listened. Negrense Hacienderos are themselves fragmented without common cause with many interest groups that branch off as more disagreements ensued. Was it really just the Laurel-Langley Agreement, NASUTRA and Roberto S. Benedicto who are at fault or is it pride? In a nutshell, Negros Island could have been where Cebu is right now if people only cared to listen and actually unite to act for these problems to have not occurred in the first place. I hope this made you think again of what we have done and what should be done in the future or else the sword of Damocles will continue to hang.

The official poster of PUREZA The Story of Negros Sugar

As much as I want to discuss further, it would be good if you see the film first hand for you to have an idea. PUREZA The Story of Negros Sugar will Premiere in Manila this coming May 31 at Powerplant Mall Cinema at Rockwell Center Makati. Just to make you more interested, Negros Island produces 70 to 80% of the country’s sugar yield which means the sugar you might be using at home may have come from the sugar mills of the Island. Now curious of why your most ordinary of commodity brought both riches and problems to an island it enriched? The ticket prices are at P400 which can finance film showings around the country especially in universities. For schedules on the ticket prices and available seats, you may visit the official blog of PUREZA.

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May 3, 2012

Bacolod Masskara Hailed As Showtime Grand Champion

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

The day was Saturday, just like any ordinary day preparing for my fencing training and my visiting cousin’s prep up for Palarong Pambansa when we were suddenly glued to the television at ABS-CBN2. It was the Grand Final Showdown for Showtime’s Inter-Town Edition. Honestly, I was never a fan of Showtime though would catch snippets of it on television but what got me going was the fact that my hometown’s Bacolod Masskara is a participant to the contest, together with another Negros Occidental Festival, La Castellana Bailes de Luces and Dumaguete’s Pride from Negros Oriental. A friend of mine commented on Facebook that it looks like when God rained talents on Earth, it seems that Negros Island got most of the share.

First one to perform from Negros Island was Dumaguete’s Pride with several on the studio and more in the Silliman University grounds. The group got off with a good performance, all drapped in red and superb dancing skills. Dumagueteños wowed the crowd with their amazing dance skills which garnered a 10 from Vice Ganda. The live feed was superb and the pristine surroundings of Dumaguete City amazed the judges as well. Representatives from the City of Gentle People definitely fought well.

TV Screenshot of Bacolod Masskara’s performance at Showtime

When it was the turn for Bacolod Masskara to perform, all eyes were glued on the television. The live feed from the new City Hall or what is known as the Government Center had technical difficulties due to temporary blackout but was restored after a few minutes. As if to remedy the little setback, the dancers from both in the Studio and in the Government Center started in full bloom of colors. Brgy. Alijis dancers were at the Studio while on the ground were dancers from Brgy. 17, 21 and even from the Bacolaodiat Festival.

Brgy. 17 and 21 Masskara Dancers performing with Bacolaodiat Festival Dancers

I was thrilled that they used the old Hiligaynon, Latin beats-tuned Masskara dance music at the performance at Showtime. Since I moved here in Manila, I have not been to Masskara Festival or has seen it live so this was the closest I have to seeing Masskara Festival. The dance moves in the studio were perfectly coordinated with those in the Government Center grounds. Everyone, those in Bacolod, those in the studio and even those watching the television were just holding their breaths everytime.

A chopper appeared mid-performance reportedly loaned by Cong. Albee Benitez

While the symphony of colors and dance moves wowed both the judges and studio audience, everyone was surprised when all of the sudden, a chopper appeared in the middle of the performance! This chopper, said to have been loaned by Third District Rep. Albee Benitez, dropped confetti and balloons to the dancing crowd below. As the performance was capped, everyone stood for a loud cheer and applause with the crowd suggesting a perfect 10. Vice Ganda was speechless, agreed with the crowd and gave a perfect 10.

Just as we were about to turn off the television and leave for some errands, the other dance contingent from Negros Occidental, La Castellana Bailes de Luces also performed after Bacolod Masskara. It was a feat that they made it in the finals for they failed in their first attempt of joining but came back as a wild card and proving that they deserve to be there in the first place. Learning from the mistakes of the initial failed performance, their live feed dancers performed this time in the town’s darkened covered court.

La Castellana Bailes de Luces performance screenshot at Showtime

Not to be outdone, the pulled up a really colorful performance both on the studio and on the live feed. The dancers in the studio and in the live feed were in perfect coordination, as if they were just dancing on the same location, just like how it is done every January 5 annually at La Castellana. The group tapped all the participants to recreate one of Negros Occidental’s most colorful festivals. In showing their artistry, they also garnered standing applauses, audience demands for a perfect 10 which Vice Ganda also agreed.

Judges unanimously giving scores of perfect 10 to Bacolod Masskara

In the end, it was a close match between the three Negrense participants, besting the rest from around the country. Dumaguete’s Pride got a statistical third place with an average score of 9.6 while La Castellana Bailes de Luces got an almost perfect score except for a single 9 which got a 9.9 average score. The air got tensed when the score for Bacolod was announced, from the perfect 10 given initially, other judges followed suit and gave their perfect 10 after another to an average score of a perfect 10! The studio and the live feed erupted into cheers when Bacolod Masskara was announced the winner. Their performance was only a fraction of what to expect this Masskara Festival 2012, especially on something grand prepared on October 19, 20 and 21 for the highlights.

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April 18, 2012

Experience Nature and Adventure at Mambukal Resort

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

Family weekend getaway at Mambukal Resort, June 2008

Fed up with the heat of summer down at the bustling cities? Why not take a break and go to somewhere cooler and refreshing? My family would always have a certain place as the top choice – Mambukal Resort. Mambukal Resort has been a household name in the City of Smiles. A trip to Mambukal has been a sort of nature pilgrimage for the family every summer when we used to live in the Bacolod City or every visit since we moved to Manila with relatives from the United States.

Main Entrance Driveway of Mambukal Resort

Greeneries and old forest trees dot the Mambukal Resort

Less than an hour‘s drive from the capital Bacolod City, Mambukal Resort boasts a wide array of attractions which includes the famed hot springs, cold springs, trek to the seven waterfalls, boating lagoon, green camping grounds, fruit bat sanctuary and a butterfly garden. The whole property, while situated in the town of Murcia, is an independent resort township and is managed by the Province of Negros Occidental. In fact, there is a Governor’s Mansion in the secluded part of the resort which functions as the official retreat house of the Provincial Governor.

Mambukal Resort's Hot Sulfuric Pool

Boiling Sulfuric Mud near the Hot Sulfuric Pool

The best know feature of Mambukal Resort is the Hot Sulfuric Pool located near the Camping Grounds. Mambukal Resort is one of the heat vents of nearby Mt. Kanlaon and the water at the sulfuric pool is boiling hot which can cook an egg. You would not try to mess up and fall in the pool for the extremely hot temperature at the bottom of the pool. Water from the Sulfuric Pool is channeled and cooled to bearable limits for the Dipping Pool. The high sulfur content of the red mud by the Sulfuric Pool makes for a good mud pack. In fact, some tourists make it a point to take some mud for skin care use since sulfur mud is known to treat skin diseases and makes the skin soft and supple.

Mud-Pack Festival Dancers pose for a photo-op at Mambukal Resort

Tita Titing with the festival models in a photo circa June 2008

Mambukal Resort‘s sulfuric mud and its medicinal properties has so gained fame by itself that the resort-township has organized an annual Mud-Pack Festival every June. Local festival dancers take it to the streets and driveways of Mambukal for fanfare. Models display artistic body paint works by local artists, drawing tourists in the normally lean season. Tourists are also welcome to be painted by local artists and join in a show of joie d’ vivre.

The Philippine Fruit Bat or the Flying Fox in the sanctuary at Mambukal

Flying Foxes perching by a tall tree near the Dipping Pool

Did I mention that Mambukal Resort is also a sanctuary for the Philippine Fruit Bat or what we know as Flying Fox? Bats are a common sight in Mambukal, perching on tall trees and their usual spots are those near the Dipping Pool by the Bridge which happens to be one of the areas where these bats have their dwelling and proven by the deposits and stench of guano. The small river under the bridge is actually an upland body of Bago River which finds its source up in the mountains.

New Trail by the river to the First Falls

Mambukal Resort's First Falls

Tracing the source of Bago River, you will be led to another famed attraction of Mambukal Resort, the Seven Falls. Mambukal Resort has a guided trail that will lead you all the way to the Seventh Falls up in the mountain. The trail is for those with solid stamina and have an adventurous heart since the trail is steep even though a path has been cleared. Even though the First to Fifth Falls are closer, a no-swimming policy is imposed since there are occassional rock slides from the top of the falls but swimming in the Sixth and Seventh Falls are allowed.

Tourist jumping to the deep pool by the foot of the Sixth Falls

Shallow Dipping Pool by the refreshments hut above the Sixth Falls

The Sixth Falls is usually the last stop for most trekkers since the trek to the Seventh Falls would take a few more minutes up. While the falls here is not as grand and big as the other falls, one feature that sets it apart is the natural pool at the bottom which is approximately seven to eight feet deep, making it appropriate for cliff jumpers. Those who are afraid of the height and depth would usually wallow instead at the shallow pool above the Sixth Falls.

Trekking trail by the potable drinking stream to the Seventh Falls

Wild Flower growing healthy by the trail to the Seventh Falls

Mambukal Resort is all about adventure and it would not be real adventure until you have reached the Seventh Falls. This falls is the most isolated of the Seven Falls but the excellent view along the way is what makes it special. Unlike the previous trails, the trail leading to the Seventh Falls is situated in a flat plateau where a curious variety of plants grow. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to have sightings of forest creatures and some non-venomous snakes.

The last leg of the trail before reaching the Seventh Falls

The Seventh Falls with some local and American Tourists circa 2011

The trail finally ends at the Seventh Falls and the advantage of it situated far from the rest of the falls is that there are lesser people except on certain days. Waters are cooler here, almost ice cold in fact since the falls is shaded the water is rushing fast to the other falls below. In some pockets, waters can reach up to six feet but most parts are just well within five feet. Even in its seclusion, the area is carefully guarded by the resort personnel to make sure no one would leave trash. If you happen to reach the Seventh Falls, do stay up to an hour or so to cool yourself down since its another hour’s hike back down.

Rice terraces in the upland community of Mambukal Resort

Organic Rice being sun-dried at the upland community near Mambukal Resort

The hike back down to the main area of Mambukal Resort is in itself another experience worth taking. On your way down, you would pass by an upland community that is officially part of Murcia‘s Brgy. Minoyan. Some people ignore this part of the trek and hastily go back but I recommend staying by and enjoy native coffee among the residents. Rice is their main crop and some raise pigs for a living. Some do sell rice grains to passersby for a cheap price and those are organic produce, if you are lucky, you may be able to find red rice too.

Flying Foxes perching on trees with the view of Guimaras Strait

Beehive at the bottom of the tree on the trail back to Mambukal Resort

The plateau above the Mambukal Resort premises offers a good view of Bacolod and Talisay Cities by the Guimaras Strait. Curious attractions like the occasional beehives also dot the trail back down while there are rare sightings of green vipers and other kind of snakes by certain bamboo groves along the way. The end of the trail would lead you to the Boating Lagoon where you can rent a paddle boat or just simply stroll by the mini-dam. A wonderfully-kept Butterfly Garden is just nearby just below the mini-dam for those who wants to appreciate the different species of endemic butterflies bred in the facility.

Boating Lagoon near the Family Cottages in Mambukal Resort

Mambukal Resort Main Swimming Pool

For those with endless energy, you may also try the Zip-line or what is called the Slide for Life at Mambukal Resort. There is also Rock Climbing spot for those who are in the mood to climb or a Canopy Walk for the view above the tree line. Mambukal Resort also has two swimming pools depending on your preference and proximity to your cottages. Over at the hot Dipping Pool, you may avail of the services being offered by the Blade Spa. If you want more privacy for a nice hot dip in a sulfur pool, you may opt to occupy a private pool inside the Ishiwata Bath House which actually is the oldest structure in the resort dating back to the pre-war American Era. The bath house was named after its Japanese architect, Kokichi Paul Ishiwata.

LGU Cottages good for a family near the Main Entrance Driveway

Yours truly, my Tita and my cousin in front of the LGU Cottage

If the nature and resort activities are just too much to accomplish in just a single day, you may stay in the cottages offered by Mambukal Resort for accommodation. If you want utmost comfort, you may opt for a Family Cottage which has two separate bedrooms with a hot and cold shower bathroom each and a formal receiving area. If you want a cheaper accommodation, you may opt for the LGU Cottage which is just a single room with beds side by side. Both cottages though are airconditioned and has a kitchen where you can cook your own food. Just book in advance since the resort is often full most of the year.

Photo with my Titas and my Cousins at the First Falls

Why suffer in the sweltering heat if you can just enjoy the lush green sceneries of the mountains? Mambukal Resort definitely remains a top destinations for both tourists and locals alike. The Province of Negros Occidental has recently launched the website of Mambukal Resort for more infos and photos that will surely entice you to come. The undying beauty of the place, the kind and accommodating staff would make you come back. I hope to see you in Mambukal Resort in your next visit to Negros.

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April 8, 2012

Bacolod City Hosts Google Map Maker Summit Visayas

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

View of the Visayas Islands from Google Maps

Everyday, we spend our time moving from once place to another for whatever purposes. For most of us who travel a lot or simply have a lot of client meetings in places other than your office, you may have consulted Google Maps one way or the other. Indeed, Google Maps have replaced conventional maps in finding your way to your destination especially in an increasing mobile culture. Download Google Maps in your Android, Blackberry or iPhone and you have directions in a click. In terms of tourism, Google Maps has helped one find tourist spots one has never heard or seen before. Places like Guiuan, Samar; Sipalay City and Apo Island in Negros; and Siquijor Island are beginning to be known for tourist thanks to Google Maps.

Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, part of Panay Islands in Google Maps

In the Visayas, major cities have been accounted for with the latest satellite images. Bacolod City is one of the most updated cities with its numerous constructions happening around the city and its metropolitan component cities of Silay, Talisay and Bago. Even as it is regularly updated, only a few volunteers are doing their part of the editing and is beginning to be a challenge with more building and road constructions. Blind spots or areas without a high-resolution satellite image still exist in Negros Island. While Mambukal has already been accounted for after being in the spot for three years, a big chunk of Sipalay, Candoni and the entire Hinobaan still falls within the blind spot. Daunting since Sipalay and Candoni are home to  nice white-sand beaches with dive spots while Candoni is home to countless unexplored caves in pristine condition.

The Blind Spots of Negros Island in Google Maps: Sipalay City, Candoni and Hinobaan

Not only is Google Maps helpful in tourism, it has proven its worth time  again in dispatching relief in times of disaster. Two disasters have hit the eastern portion of Negros Island in Negros Oriental with the onset of Typhoon Sendong and the Negros Quake in Tayasan, Negros Oriental. Google Maps was used to tag places damaged by the disasters and in need of relief goods with relief centers and relevant facilities. With the increasing importance of Google Maps, there is a need to update and revise some areas of the Google Maps from time to time. Editing is by contributor basis with all of the editing done in a Google Maps support application called Google Map Maker which is a free for all access for geographic and map enthusiasts.

Adding a Perimeter Boundary for Ikthus Bacolod in Google Map Maker

The Philippine Group of Google Map Maker Editors and Enthusiasts are organizing a Google Map Maker Summit in the Visayas at the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod City on April 12, 2012 to promote Map Maker awareness for Visayans, particularly Negrenses. The session from 8:30am to 5:00pm will delve on introduction to Google Map Maker, current work undertaken by Philippine editors with current and potential uses of Google Maps and hands on lessons for first timers or neophytes to Map Maker editing, Panoramio and Sketch Up, a Google Application that makes 3-D models of buildings found on Google Maps and Google Earth. Since it involves computer work, so everyone is requested to bring their own laptop.

Google Maps showing results for a search on Calea at 15th Street, Bacolod City

Worried with what could be the registration fee? No problem since its completely free, an advocacy to help promote disaster relief and tourism efforts especially the recently-launched “Negros Island. Sweet Spot of the Philippines!” tourism campaign. Everyone is welcome but you need to register online with your Map Maker account and niche indicated. Unfortunately not in Bacolod City for that Summit? No problem since they will also be holding summits in Luzon at the University of Baguio on April 14 and in Mindanao at STI College, General Santos City on April 21. Make your summer productive by being part of something that can help you and others in the long run, so log in and join Google Map Maker Summit in the Visayas now.

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April 5, 2012

Mount Banahaw: Experience History and Mystery

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

A Short Trek to a cave dedicated to Mary the Virgin at Mt. Banahaw

Looking over at old pictures in my Facebook account, I came across an album about my Rizal Studies Class’ fieldtrip to Mount Banahaw. Dr. Jose Rizal and Mt. Banahaw? You might ask me what is the connection between the two but well, only slightly. This mountain is home to the community of what has been called “Rizalistas” or those syncretic religious groups who consider Rizal as either prophet, Filipino “Messiah” or God the Son himself. My Evangelical Christian faith would abhor at such ideas but it was a unique cultural experience that shows how strong still are our ancestors’ animistic leanings in some of rural Filipinos.

A cemented trail in one of the communities of Mount Banahaw in Dolores, Quezon

Mount Banahaw has been the center of mystical beliefs in southern Luzon which sees a flock of visiting witch doctors climbing the mountains to commune with nature and some “supernatural” forces. Local belief has it that the Holy Land was “mysteriously” transfered from Israel to this little enclave because of the wars going on in the Middle East. Devotees of animistic belief like the so-called Rizalistas consider Mount Banahaw as a “holy mountain” or a sort of Mount Zion for these animistic groups. While Catholic beliefs have some foothold here, it merely added another flavor syncretize with some Christian “themes” and “terms”.


The so-called "Yapak ni Kristo", footprint-like impression on rock with wishing coins

In the village community of Kinabuhayan, one could find a shrine of candles by a body of spring water. What is special with the spring? On the bottom of the water lies a boulder with a footprint-like impression which was named “Yapak ni Kristo”. They believe that this was the footprint Christ supposedly left before he ascended to heaven and was “mysteriously” relocated at this part of Mount Banahaw. Devotees or curious tourists alike would throw coins on the imprint and have it land on top of it for good luck while some would offer candles on their way maybe to the nearby Tres Persona Solo Dios Religious Community nearby.

A guide pointing at a book-like formation called the "Book of Life"

Another curious natural formation etched with religious significance is the book-like rock formation called the “Book of Life”. It is said that if one lights a candle, writes the name on the rock formation using the fingers and utters a short prayer, one’s name would be included in the “Book of Life”. By this point, you would realize that part of these people’s syncretic beliefs involve a lot of creative thinking for who would have noticed it looks like a book. The area is littered with other natural formations like “Terah’s Rock”, an image of the “Trinity” formed on another boulder and another rock formation of a devotee or saint prostrate in deepest prayer.

Yours truly emerging from the very narrow and mystifying Justicia Cave

Caves constitute an important part in the centrale belief of the locals. From the cathedral-like heights to the most claustrophobia-inducing narrow ones, caves have dominated across religious stories, no wonder why caves in Mt. Banahaw are held as “sacred”. We explored Justicia Cave, a very narrow cave said to “stretch” according to a person’s size when someone enters it. It is said that the sinless who dare explore will come out unscathed while those with sin will have wounds but will be absolved. It was a literal crawl to the end of the cave and what do you know, I came out unscathed! I think the cave should “upgrade” its sin “detector”.

A Mount Banahaw river trail to a submerged cave

Even if we remove the mystical aspect of Mount Banahaw, the place in itself exudes an awe of mystery since it is a rainforest with all its natural beauty intact. From clean flowing rivers to its hardy mountain trails, Mount Banahaw and the neignboring Mount Cristobal attract nature enthusiasts and mountain climbers as well. Native species of animals still dwell in the hidden nooks and crannies here. At present though, a big number of mountain trails are closed to public due to incessant littering problems. However, the area continues do draw tourists who are there for a nature trip or just curious about the culture in the locale.

Tribute to Macario Sakay, the last straggler general for the first Republic

This area of Mount Banahaw and Mount Cristobal is its historical draw as well. Vestiges of nationalism, seeds of the revolution and the struggle for freedom had their last ground here. The Cofradia de San Jose or the Confraternity of St. Joseph, a movement to indigenize the Philippine Catholic Church, was started at the foot of Mt. Banahaw by Hermano Pule, an Indio priest rejected for membership to the Dominican Order. Their movements met a violent end at the foot of Mount Cristobal with its members massacred by the Spaniards. Gen. Macario Sakay also held base with the last remnant of the First Philippine Republic here.

The vibrant community of Mt. Banahaw at Dolores, Quezon

Interested to the explore the place for a cultural, natural and historical experience? One tip is that go as a group so that you can divide the expenses among yourselves since you may have to hire a jeepney for trails and attractions farther from the town center or poblacion. Food and accommodations are not a problem at all but do not expect a high-class accommodation, just hikers’ inns and some food from the carinderias run by friendly locals. Some inns do provide you with a small cooking space and fresh ingredients are available in the local market. The most important reminders? Be courteous to the elderly and never leave your trash around.

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April 2, 2012

Basco Balikbayan Project: Rediscovering Filipino Heritage

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

The Basco Brothers and of course, their sister Arianne

How much of our kasimanwas have gone abroad to settle in a faraway land? For most of us, if we have relatives abroad, they are most likely in the United States. In the United States alone, there are close to four million Filipino-Americans which first settled in the United States at the height of the Martial Law era. Filipino-Americans are spread all across the United States in various terrain but most settled in California like my aunt and her family.

A June 2008 photo of my Filipina-American cousin's visit to the Philippines

My cousins are first generation of immigrant families there but they are characteristically American and does not speak a single sliver of any Filipino tongue other than “Mabuhay!” and “Kumusta?” Last month, I was invited to the press conference of Basco Balikbayan, a documentary project of the second-generation Filipino-American Basco Family to visit the best places in the Philippines and rediscover their uniquely Filipino heritage.

Filipina Actress, G. Tongi explains the gist of the Basco Balikbayan Project

The project is jointly produced by Giselle Tongi and Michael Carandang, an Emmy Award-winning producer for the Tyra Banks Show and America’s Next Top Model. Basco Balikbayan Project was born in the realization of Ms. G that there has been a lack of creative production that features the Philippines specially geared towards the Filipino-Americans who have never even seen the Philippines. They will part of the journey of actor Dante Basco with siblings Darion, Derek, Dionisio and Arianna to rediscover the homeland never seen before with its culture and richness of life.

Producers Michael Carandang, G. Tongi with host Tim Yap

Philippines’ Department of Tourism will be very much part of the production, taking the Basco siblings to  Palawan, Davao, Cebu, Ilocos, Naga, Pangasinan, Zambales and Baguio, as far as I have asked them, Negros Island was part of their interest list. In a jam packed but fun schedule, they will be going to key natural and historical places, savoring the local cuisine. The low-cost carrier Airphil Express will ferry them to the destination of choice.

The Basco Brothers and Sister with producer G. Tongi

While in part it is a documentary, it will also be featured as a series that will be pitched or is planned to be pitched in This project will pitch in with  Travel, A&E, Bravo, History, Discovery, Own, Tru TV, TLC, Current TV, Biography, DOC, and the National Geographic Channel. With much hope, the project will be a magnet for other Filipino-Americans to take the same path as well but in my own opinion, will be also a tool for us Filipinos left in the Philippines to actually travel around and discover the richness of our own country for – It’s More Fun In The Philippines!

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March 29, 2012

Spread Love, Get Negros Island’s Picbadge Today

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

This morning, the Negrense Community in Facebook woke up to some people adorned with a gold, pink and white Picbadge of Negros Island including yours truly. I have been flooded with messages from fellow Negrenses in the Diaspora and even back home with what it means. The badge just simply means and signifies love for Negros Island, may you be from Occidental or Oriental. The Picbadge is an ongoing effort to give Negros the much needed push as summer season has come. How do you add the Picbadge to your Facebook Profile Picture? Here are some easy steps:

For your convenience, I posted the link to the Picbadge in the Facebook Like Page of República Negrénse. Just click on the link and it will take you to the site. I have posted some more updates since I posted that one but it will just be a few scrolls down and you will find the posts. More sure to “like” Repúblic Negrénse first and the post as well.

The landing page for the Picbadge site would be this one. Help promote the Picbadge campaign by clicking “like” for Facebook, “+1” for Google+ and “tweet” for Twitter. It would be best as well to add a little message on why you love Negros. Click on “Add to profile picture” if you wish to add the Picbadge to your Facebook Profile Picture.

A pop-up screen will appear for you to make necessary adjustments to your Picbadge and Profile Picture. You will also have a choice to choose the Profile Picture that you think suits best with the Picbadge. If you want to align the picture properly, just drag your image and you may adjust the size with “Scale photo“. If you are ready, “Publish to Facebook“.

After clicking “Publish to Facebook“, the pop-up window will lead you to this landing page. Just click on “Continue to Facebook” and follow the instructions that is seen on the screen.

The “Continue to Facebook” button will lead you to Facebook. Just click “Finished cropping” and you are done. Do not forget as well to share this to fellow Negrenses from both Occidental and Oriental to show our love and support for our beloved island. Since it is summer, why not interest your friends as well to visit Negros? Just visit the Province of Negros Occidental’s Tourism Website for nice places to visit or read on this blog too.

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, The Bread Rolls, Travel, Travel

March 17, 2012

Experience the Future of Shopping with Ayala Malls 360˚

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

The Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk stage before the event

Last week, I had a rare privilege of being invited by Ayala Malls and the PR firm Visions and Expressions for the public launch of the Ayala Malls 360˚, the mall company’s new digital media program at Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk. I appreciate hearing companies starting to delve into social media and especially increasing customer involvement in the enterprise. Ayala Malls has been a trusted mall brand with a number of first like the Concierge system and mall directories.

Ayala Malls 360˚ digital media demo booth

Onsite during the launching, Ayala Malls set up a demo booth at Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk for the mall-goers to try out the app. The Ayala Malls 360˚ App is initially available only to iPhone and iPad in beta but will be available soon for Android and Blackberry users. The app is downloadable for free so that everyone can experience the future of shopping. With the App, you can never get lost for in just a click for it will lead you from your current location to your destination. You can also check the latest movies and store offerings in real-time without the need to call ahead or consult the Concierge.

Ayala Malls Executives launch Ayala Malls 360˚

The Ayala Malls website has been recently revamped as well with easy access to the things you need to know about the Ayala Mall nearest to you. A-Deals, an interactive website, was launched as well to cater to shopping enthusiasts who would be interested with sales, concert seats or movie premieres ahead of press releases or official announcements. All you need to do is register one time for free and you will get updates on your email or mobile. If in any unfortunate circumstances, your iPad or iPhone got lowbatt, Digital Directories will also be installed in convenient locations to assist you in your malling.

Ayala Malls 360˚ newly revamped website for Ayala Malls

You may tell me though that “There is no Ayala Mall in Bacolod!” Wrong! Check this, Ayala North Point Mall is currently under construction and will open its doors on October this year, just in time for the Masskara season. They would be offering surprises and a new shopping experience to shopping savy Negrénses with an excellent mix of local and most importantly international store tenants that are signatures of Ayala Malls.

Ayala North Point Mall Under Construction in Talisay City

Exciting times are ahead for Negrénses with Ayala Malls developments coming in this year. What are you waiting for? Download Ayala Malls 360˚ in your iPhone or iPad. Ayala North Point Mall may not be there yet but as soon as it opens, another tab will be added for Western Visayas’ first and only Ayala Mall. Congratulations to Ayala Malls for the successful launching of your new digital media program and the Negrénses will be happy to have you in Metro Bacolod soon.

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March 16, 2012

Personal Story and a Champion’s Tribute: Western Visayas Regional Meet 2012

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

Opening Ceremonies for the Western Visayas Regional Meet at Panaad Stadium

Two days ago, I received a Facebook message informing me that my cousin Jason Adrian Mayo-Mirabueno won in the swimming competition over at the Western Visayas Regional Meet. Deep inside, I was elated and happy that he is finally achieving his dream. Friends back home in Bacolod City have shared some photos with me of the opening at Panaad Park and Stadium and I was about to blog about it like an Ernie Baron in the web. However, I found a really personal side to the story which I wanted to share somehow, so forgive me if I will border on something deeply personal.

Photo-ops before the competition proper

My eyes were witnesses to how this dearest cousin honed his swimming talent as a child when he first became curious of the learn to swim lessons for the Panaad Swim Team. He grew from being a curious child to a bemedalled athelete that he is now. His swim lessons are of curious interest to me whose passion I saw in his eyes while he follows his older brother James went first with the training. His victories over at amateur competitions and interprovincial meets proved that potential.

My cousin Jason waiting for his turn with competing Western Visayas athletes

My vision for this young cousin of mine seeing the national competitions grew stronger when I was still with my ex-girlfriend who happened to be an all-time champion in this very same Regional Meet and Palarong Pambansa a few years ago. I envisioned my cousin to draw the same swimming champion path as my ex-girlfriend and I even planned for a meet-up between the two achiever swimmers. Eventually, things did not happen as I planned it when my relationship with this ex-girlfriend ended bitterly and in a sour note over something slightly related to swimming and some other reason as well.

Western Visayas swimmers preparing for a relay competition

Though I love my cousin so much, that sour experience almost killed my interest with swimming. A part of me would be happy if my cousin won but another side of me did not want to hear anything about swimming again. This was my hindrance with celebrating my cousins victories through the times but his rise to swimming stardom was simply unstoppable. Somehow, blood is thicker than the waters of past experiences and swimming has found another meaning and redemption in the persona of my cousin Jason. After all, he is my cousin, right? A really talented cousin for that matter. He deserves all the accolades and honors for his years of continuous training and hard good work.

Receiving the gold medal for Negros

Events competitions continues today at Panaad Park and Stadium where Western Visayas Provinces continue to showcase athletic talent. If you are a kasimanwa and in Bacolod City, please take time to watch the games and support Team Negros athletes especially my cousin Jason. As of the latest medal tally, Negros is leading in the gold medal count. The Negros Occidental Swim Team contributed twenty-two gold medals more to the medal tally count. Athletes like my cousin Jason need all our prayers and support for a landslide win for our Negros.

The champ posing with his gold and silver medals

My personal prayer for my cousin is that he will continue down the champion’s path not only carrying the province’s banner but the country’s as well in the future. I would wish to see his talent honed in the top notch universities here in Manila when the time comes for him to enter university studies. This blogger-cousin would always be proud of you and will always be here to support you hundred percent! His four golds and three silvers qualifies him for competing in the Palarong Pambansa this May 6-12, 2012 at Dagupan City, Pangasinan. Kudos Jason for your victories and to God be all the glory!

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Culture, Events, Kish Javellana, Negros Occidental, Online Journal, Personal, The Bread Rolls