Category Archives: Travel

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.

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

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.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Culture, Events, Negros Occidental, The Bread Rolls, Travel

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 6, 2012

Panaad sa Negros ’12: Festival Teaser Tour

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

Panaad Main Stadium and Football Field

Football fans in the country would always remember that first major win of the Philippines against Mongolia and that I remember very well. I was not able to see the game but I have a close personal connection with the place where it was held, Panaad Park and Stadium. The almost decade and a half stadium was built just in time for Palarong Pambansa in 2000 the at dawn of the new millenium. Since then, it has hosted local, regional, national and international events with the Southeast Asian Games as this  Stadium’s highlight, and was adopted as home stadium of the Philippine National Football Team or Team Azkals.

Main Entrance to the Panaad Park and Stadium

Aside from being host to a number of football games and sporting events, Panaad Park and Stadium is also home to theme booths of the Negros Occidental’s thirteen cities, including Bacólod City, and nineteen towns. Once a year on the second week of April, the booths come alive as week-long Panaad sa Negros Festival is celebrated in the Park Grounds. Cities and towns in full prep up of their booths showcase the products and that they can offer. In some of booths, they even serve local cuisine to hungry visitors who want to experience the food that one may expect to see when they visit these towns or cities in Negros.

Negros Occidental Tourism Office Pavilion

Panaad Park is a lovely refreshing place full of eucalyptus trees and I do remember the place as a eucalyptus grove before it was developed. It was part of my routine to jog in the area amidst the cool fresh air or walk to the house of my grandmother in another village. Panaad sa Negros Festivals are always fun days when people from all over Negros with tourists suddenly flock the area by the thousands. Cars stream to the area and making the two-lane streets jampacked. Since there are activities everyday, I would go there to check out the native items up for sale or try out every free tastes that city or town booths offer.

Decommissioned Steam Locomotive from the Sugar Mills

Last December, I did not pass the chance to go around the area to cool off and relive wonderdul childhood memories. A lot has changed but it is still the same refreshing park. The booths are grouped by their respective legislative districts on a large block bordered by the Entrance Road, Exit Road, and the Stadium Road. The booths nearest the stadium are those from District I and District VI which from the District I booths, the sequence traverses the Entrance Road and terminates back at the Main Stadium Road with District VI. A tour around Panaad is liking touring around Negros Occidental already minus the hours-long travel.

THE THEMED PAVILIONS FOR DISTRICT I:

San Carlos City

Calatrava

Toboso

Escalante City

Don Salvador Benedicto

Composed of the cities of San Carlos and Escalante with the towns of Calatrava, Toboso and Don Salvador Benedicto, District I is a dynamic mix of mountain greens and blue seas. By the seaside, you have the ports in San Carlos and Escalante as the province’s gateway from Cebú and by the mountains, you have Don Salvador Benedicto touted as the Summer Capital of Negros Occidental with its cool environment with organic greens and the sweetest pineapples. San Carlos City nipped the international scene by winning as a world-class city with a big thanks to the city’s green sustainable industrial and urban planning programs.

THE THEMED PAVILIONS FOR DISTRICT II:

Sagay City

Manapla

Cadiz City

The District II is composed of a dynamic trio, the cities of Sagay and Cadiz with the town of Manapla. Sagay and Cadiz are port cities but the busiest one is the Port of Cadiz being the Seafood Capital of Negros Occidental and a jump-off point to the Island of Bantayan in Cebú. Both cities are tourist destinations as well with the white sand Lakawon Island a major drawer while nearby Sagay on the other hand is known for its marine biodiversity being the home of Carbin Reef. Manapla is the home of the famous Manapla puto. Its major attraction is the Gaston Mansion with the Chapel of Cartwheels as represented in their Panaad pavilion.

THE THEMED PAVILIONS FOR DISTRICT III:

Victorias City

Enrique B. Magalona

Murcia

Talisay City

Silay City

District III, composed of the cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias with towns of Enrique B. Magalona and Murcia, is the richest of all districts in Negros Occidental. It is an industrial and commercial center with two of its cities, Talisay and Silay, being part of Metro Bacólod, host to Bacólod-Silay International Airport and home of Victorias Milling Company, the largest sugar mill in the Island. Silay City is the cultural center being host to thirty ancestral homes while Talisay also hosts a few notably the house of Negros Republic President Aniceto Lacson and The Ruins, the skeleton of the former mansion of his brother Mariano Lacson.

THE THEMED PAVILION FOR BACÓLOD CITY:

Front Portion of the Bacólod City Panaad Pavilion

Back Portion of the Bacólod City Panaad Pavilion

Constituting a single legislative district, Bacólod City is the capital of Negros Occidental and the heartland of the Sugarlandia. This is my hometown, loving all its developments yet keeping natural greens into the picture. Moneysense Magazine featued it as the country’s most liveable city. A trip to Bacólod is an ultimate foodtrip and heritage foods like the original and authentic chicken inasal is a must try in Manokan Country or seafood treats at Pala-Pala. Desserts are good at Calea, Felicia’s, Bob’s and many more cake shops. The new City Hall and the Plaza Bandstand are iconic structures blended in the City’s Panaad Pavilion.

THE THEMED PAVILIONS FOR DISTRICT IV:

Bago City

La Carlota City

Pontevedra

San Enrique

Valladolid

Pulupandan

District IV comprised of the cities of Bago and La Carlota with the towns of Pulupandan, Pontevedra, Valladolid and San Enrique are curious mix of industries. Just crossing from Bacólod, big industrial facilities can be seen at Bago City but after passing by the city center, the Rice Belt of Negros that supplies the province’s rice supply starts here. The main port of jurisdiction for the province is in Pulupandan that includes BREDCO Port in Bacólod. Pontevedra is the ancestral town of my family and home to Conjuangco’s ECJ Farms while diwal and other shellfishes are must tries in the towns of Valladolid and notably San Enrique.

THE THEMED PAVILIONS FOR DISTRICT V:

Himamaylan City

Isabela

Moises Padilla

Binalbagan

Hinigaran

La Castellana

The Rice Belt of Negros continues and terminates here at District V, a historical district. Composed of the towns of Isabela, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran and Binalbagan with Himamaylan City, it is what we can call the cradle of Negros for the settlements first started here. Brgy. Payao is one of the oldest Spanish settlements while Himamaylan was the second capital of Negros before Bacólod. The crops planted in this town is mostly rice with sugarcane but town of La Castellana has been the Coffee Capital of Negros while Hinigaran is known for oysters. This was the district of the late Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” T. Arroyo.

THE THEMED PAVILIONS FOR DISTRICT VI:

Cauayan

Hinobaan

Ilog

Candoni

Kabankalan City

Sipalay City

The CHICKS Area, the informal common name for District VI is the last district of the province. CHICKS stands for the towns and cities that composes it namely Candoni, Hinobaan, Ilog, Cauayan, Kabankalan City and Sipalay City. This district is better known for its beautiful white sand beaches which are foreign tourist drawers of the province, especially that of Sipalay City that has earned its monicker as the Jewel of Negros. CHICKS Area was the scene of bloody insurgency and poverty but its rise from a backwater to an economic power second only to that of Metro Bacólod is an administrative miracle due to good leadership.

Spanish Themed Lamps in the Talisay City Panaad Pavilion

Just to add to your information overload, Panaad means “promise” in Hiligaynon and Panaad sa Negros means “promise in Negros”. Indeed a promise fulfilled indeed since the province has risen our from the sugar crisis that has hit it in the 1980′s during the height of the Martial Law Era. Learned a lot about Negros from our photo tour? You’ll learn more and to know the locals better if you go to Panaad sa Negros Festival. This year’s weeklong Festival will start on April 9 with the highlight on April 13 for the Lin-ay sa Negros Pageant and will end on April 15, 2012. The full schedule will be posted in this blog after this post soon.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in Culture, Events, Fashion, Food, Interior Design, Lifestyle, Negros Occidental, The Bread Rolls, Travel

February 23, 2012

Mid-Sea Express Bared Bacolod-Boracay Flight Soon

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

Inset: A BAE Jetstream 32, a 19-seater plane among the fleet of turboprops by Mid-Sea Express.

The exclusive scoop of República Negrénse yesterday on Sky Pasada’s upcoming Bacólod-Boracay flight this March was received by Negrénse flying public quite well. A blog post on the matter posted at online community page “You Know You’re From Bacólod If…” has gained exciting comments on those who are looking forward with the upcoming flight. According to a forum member, the trips between Bacólod and Boracay Island will “not be anymore a literal pain in the a**” Summer is less than month shy from today with some already planning ahead, the flight will be a hit but before Sky Pasada can claim limelight, a competitor emerged.

Inset: Logo of Mid-Sea Express, an airline company based in Mactan-Cebú International Airport.

Mid-Sea Express, a small start – up airline company mainly servicing missionaries routes in Visayas and Mindanao, announced in press release that they will be starting out flight between the Bacólod-Silay International Airport and Caticlán-Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, the gateway to Boracay Island. República Negrénse sent query material through email to the customer service e-mail of the company but has yet to receive a reply as of press-time but exploring the company’s website, this company currently flies from their Cebú hub to Tagbilaran City, Guiuan, Siquijor, Camiguin, Bislig, Bantayan Island, Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City.

Mid-Sea Express consultant Glenn Lamela paid a courtesy visit to Bacólod City Officials at the New Government Center to bring the good newa and seek their support. The airline would be utilizing their BAE Jetstream 32EP to service the new route. This aircraft is VIP configured in order to bring in optimum comfort to their passengers choosing to fly Mid -Sea Express. Considered as one of the fastest short-haul STOL turboprops, Mr. Lamela said that Mid-Sea Express will transport passengers from Bacólod to Boracay in a matter of fifteen minutes. Each BAE Jetstream 32EP is capable of transporting nineteen passengers at a single given time.

Inset: A promotional postcard image of Boracay Island courtesy of Mid-Sea Express.

The direct flights connects Boracay, the world’s second best beach, to that of Negros Occidental’s own white beaches. This provides an much needed link for foreign diving enthusiast to explore the pristine coral reefs of the Cauayan-Sipalay-Hinobaan white beach, while this gives a chance for Negrénses to explore the nearby unspoiled beaches of Tangalan, Ibajay, Nabas and Buruanga north of Aklan. Recently, Aklan and Negros Occidental are named two of this region’s top domestic destinations and a power house tandem between these beautiful provinces would fare well with tourism especially that of “It’s More Fun In The Philippines.”

1 comment | posted in Negros Occidental, The Bread Rolls, Travel

February 21, 2012

Sky Pasada Soon To Serve Bacolod-Boracay Route

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

Inset: A Sky Pasada LET410 Turbolet serving the company's missionary routes.

Last Saturday, February 18, 2012, I went to the website of Sky Pasada to check out their flight schedules to Baguio from Manila for I have plans to try it out this summer. Going to the flight search option of the website, I immediately noticed Bacólod (BCD) as one of the choices for destination. I was intrigued, since Sky Pasada does not have flights to Visayas as of the moment except Boracay, not even Mactan-Cebú International Airport. I immediately emailed their information service of Sky Pasada to inquire of a possibility to them for this one. I guessed for a Bacólod (BCD) to Caticlán (MPH) one because Negrénses have long wished for this route.

Inset: The Ruins at Talisay City, a component city of Metropolitan Bacólod Area.

A reply was sent only two days after last Monday since it was the first work day of the week from Mr. Richard Tanglao, Commercial Airline Manager of Sky Pasada. He confirmed that Sky Pasada would have serviced routes from Bacólod-Silay International Airport to Caticlan-Godofredo P. Ramos Airport. Asking further, he said that they would start the service on March 19, 2012, a Monday, for the onset of summer vacations. The flight frequency of the BCD – MPH route would be twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays and be utilizing the 19-seater LET410 Turbolet, like the ones they use to service their other routes in Northern Luzon and Palawan.

Inset: Boracay Island's white beach, considered as one of the world's best beaches.

The inaugural flight is set on March 16, 2012 at the Bacólod -Silay International Airport and will also offer connecting flight routes to Puerto Princesa International Airport and Taytay – Cezar Lim Rodriguez Airport, both in Palawan, for those who wants to island hop via air. The service will connect the white sand beaches of Cauayan, Sipalay City and Hinobaan to that of Boracay and El Nido, Palawan or the world famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. One way ticket prices for the route would be pegged at PhP2,800 which is relatively cheaper than other airlines servicing missionary or unconventional route to the undiscovered paradises.

Inset: The layout of the Sky Pasada website with their Flight Search and Booking System.

Tickets will initially be available for purchase online but ticketing office may soon be set up once the flight commence operations on March 2012. Tickets are also available in various travel agencies while those coming from Boracay may book for a flight at Dickson Travel and Tours, Caticlan Airport, Malay, Aklan. A post at the online watchdog group for Bacólod-Silay International Airport had positive feedbacks and even interest to book a flight for this route. As of press time, the first five flights of Sky Pasada for BCD -MPH are sold out since only few seats are available but this a good sign that increased frequency and new routes will open soon.

7 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Negros Occidental, Travel

February 15, 2012

Around Negros: Walk Through Hinigaran

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

The late morning of Rizal Day 2011 was a busy day since it will be my last day in the Sugarlandia. After a brief delay with laundry at a laundromat near my Bacólod home, I met my guest in the hotel lobby. The streets were busy since it was a holiday and last minute shopping chances for people before the New Year’s Eve. After a brief of being stuck near the Libertad Market area, we finally caught the next bus to the town of Hingaran, south of Bacólod City. It was a “bulilit” or a small non-aircon bus that we were in but it sat us comfortably. The trip did not take long since an hour later, we finally spotted Hinigaran River with iconic fishing boats on ashore.

While the bus was approaching the brand new terminal of Vallacar Transit’s Ceres Liner, we noticed a multitude of talabahans or restaurants serving a famed product of Hinigaran – oysters. From the bus terminal, we walked towards the direction of the bridge, surveying the nicest place to eat talaba and some seafood since it was almost past lunchtime. Since we arrived at almost one in the afternoon, we had a hard time finding a place that still has some food by their turo-turo counter. Indecisive, my guest got his tablet and searched in Google for a nice place to eat. Results fared favorably to Kalan-an sa Dalan where Danding Cojuangco ate before.

After our brief but sumptuous lunch, we decided to have a walking tour of Hinigaran’s Poblacion. Being a stopover of some buses en route to the southern parts of the Island, this town has become a busy center of activity. Along the highway is a century -old church dedicated to Mary Magdalene, a structure of red brick and coral rock. Even as this structure show wear with a small tree growing on the side, the structure still stands with the bricks still showing a red pinkish color. In front of the church is the town’s plaza, one of a sunken design typical to Negros towns. Apparently, there was fanfare days ago from Christmas Day since there were fiesta rides.

Entering the church, we discovered that it was the most unfortunate time to enter since there was a funeral going on at the altar and all the church’s minor chapels. Nevertheless, we decided to enter since there were other people not attending that are for confession and their prayers of obligation. While the church façade retains the characteristic of its age, the inside of the church was obvious to be of new design, perhaps because the old dilapidated structures was replaced by newer ones. We did not stay long inside though as respect to the mourners and people in prayer who might be distracted with our presence and the fact that were taking pictures there.

In the churchyard, we some the retired century-old bells taken down long time ago when the church was refurbished. Reading from  the dedication in Spanish embossed on the bells, the bells date to 1896 and were dedicated to the church’s patron Maria Magdalena or Mary Magdalene. Special thanks were also dedicated to Joseph the Carpenter, who was the source of inspiration for the builders of this church. While the bells show cracks and some corrosion, the bells are perfectly preserved and sturdy solid. While efforts to preserve these bells I appreciate so much, carillons are less common in churches today, being replaced by shabby-looking speakers.

Heritage structures like these always makes me think how long they are going to last. Somehow, heritage structures has fallen into the mercies of those who disregard the value of these cultural treasures. Hinigaran and the nearby town of Binalbagan are historic towns in themselves and unfortunately are seeing heritage structures falling to disrepair and eventually demolished. Often those in urban areas are falling victim to the name of development while those misguided are taking down structures and building complete new structures even though in the mirror image. Silay City is leading in heritage conservation and hopefully the rest of the province.

Faithful to traditional Spanish town planning, the Municipio or the Municipal Building is located directly across the church. Town Halls are often called Presidencias especially the time when Municipal Mayors still bear the title Presidentes Municipal. Hinigaran Presidencia was completed in 1936 at the administration of Presidente Municipal Ricardo C. Lagtapon. The structure is inspired by typical Spanish Presidencias and has a balcony loft overlooking the Plaza where the Presidentes Municipal would often address the people. While the façade is perfectly preserved and painted to its original colors, interiors need some remodeling with age-old wear.

Under the balcony is the coat of arms of the old Commonwealth of the Philippines with the semi-legendary “Hijos de Ponggol” as a supporter of the heraldic shield. Initially, the term “Hijos de Ponggol” puzzled me since that was the first time I have heard of such, but a Hinigaran native explained to me that they pertain to the warriors who once inhabited the shore of Hinigaran River. Ponggol is actually a Hiligaynon term for “cutting off the head” which these warriors are notoriously known for doing with their enemies. At present, historical research puts them as expert in the ancient combat version of the Filipino Martial Arts we now know of as arnis.

Reading the building’s inaugural copper inscription, I suddenly noticed something peculiar in the marker where the contractor here is identified as Angel Yulo Locsin, or in short Angel Locsin! Well for this matter, this Angel Locsin could have been a guy, of course not the actress we know of. Located in the ground floor of the Presidencia is the Congressional Office of the late Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo for the town. Congressman Iggy hails from nearby Binalbagan at Barrio Payao but he had offices in all the town halls of his legislative district. Of press time, this and other towns of his district is gloomy at his death, pending election of new Representative.

At the lobby of the Presidencia, there is a big painting of a man chopping off oyster shells from the bamboo poles where these grow on. Oysters have been a product of Hinigaran and it is fitting that a painting in tribute to the town’s industry hangs inside. We tried finding the tourism office but we remembered that it was a holiday. Surprisingly, unlike other town or city halls, there was not strict security to whisk us before entering. In fact, townspeople were actually free in entering the premises, bringing their coffee mug and talking about the latest in town. I cannot imagine doing that in the new Bacólod City Hall and much more in the Quezon City Hall.

Having explored all possible nooks and crannies of the Presidencia, we decided to cool down at the town’s plaza once more. In this town’s plaza is the World War II memorial with a real life 1940′s era machine gun with heroes of the war commemorated. A gentle breeze was a cool treat for a hot day. Since it rained the previous day, almost all of the benches at the town’s plaza were muddied so we decided to go find a comfortable place to sit in and have our merienda since it was almost three in the afternoon. My guest asked me if I know of a nice café in town where we can relax before going back to Bacólod. I led him to one just walk away from the plaza.

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

February 7, 2012

Around Negros: Lovely Sunset at The Ruins

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

Metropolitan Bacólod, lone metropolitan area of Negros Island, is the heritage and financial center of Negros. Composed of Silay, Talisay and Bacólod Cities with a population of three quarters of a million, it is the most populous area of the Island. Bacólod and Silay Cities are within the tourism map because of Masskara Festival and heritage houses respectively. Talisay City was not in the tourism radar until recently. This city is often confused with a namesake in Cebú but what catapulted this humble city of less than hundred thousand to the tourism map is a burned down pre-war mansion dedicated to a wife who passed away untimely.

Leaving quite late from the heritage City of Silay, we arrived in the Bacólod Northbound Terminal almost sunset. Not wanting to get late for the spectacle, we hurriedly walk to the side of the Pepsi Plant in Brgy. Bata, commonly called Bangga Pepsi. we contracted a tricycle to take us to The Ruins. The road to The Ruins was already dark but the sun is still visible at the horizon. Through the skills in maneuvering of the tricycle driver, we were able to make it in time. Passing by the sugarcane fields for minutes more, the sight of The Ruins welcomed us. Even if it was Tuesday, there were numerous visitors roaming around this picturesque mansion.

This was my second time visiting the famed mansion, I have been here on the day of my birthday last July 3, 2011. My coming back is a fulfillment of a birthday wish to see the sunset and the lighting up of The Ruins at night. While it was already dark in the fields we passed by, there was strangely sunlight still in The Ruins when we arrived. We instructed the tricyle driver to wait for us behind the structure where he left us. The parking area behind was full of blackberries, not the smartphones of course but those tasty black cluster fruits. I used to pick a lot of these in the campus of PSHS Western Visayas in Iloilo when visiting my brother then.

This mansion was by Don Mariano Lacson with an Italianate design in tribute to his late wife, a Portugues-Macanese by the name of Maria Braga. No wonder why this structure was called the Taj Mahal of Negros. The mansion was built in the middle of the field owned by his family and in fact the house of his older brother, Negros Republic President Aniceto Lacson, is just nearby. Though it is also a famous heritage house dubbed Malacañang of Negros for being the Negros President’s residence, access is limited to those joining scheduled tours. Anyway, that will be my next subject for another round of tours in Negros for summer very soon.

During the onset of the Second World War, the Japanese were advancing towards Negros and the troops were tasked to raze down structures of tactical advantage to the enemy. Don Mariano Lacson’s mansion was tagged as one of those structures since it had a wide unobstructed view of the surrounding areas. Despite the protest of the family, they yielded tearfully to the authorities while the soldiers poured in kerosene on the structure. The mansion burned for three days because of the amount of woodwork once covering the interiors. The place was virtually abandoned for many decades until the family realized The Ruin’s tourism potentials.

As the sun finally sunk in the horizon, the place finally lit up in a golden glow. The Ruins was already beautiful under sunlight but it’s full beauty was shown when lit up at night coupled with piped piano music you can hear inside. No wonder why this place also has a café since the mood was romantic for a random date. Have I mentioned that you can rent the place for wedding and function for a good price? For a mansion dedicated to a husband’s eternal love, this is certainly the place where couples can exchange vows of eternal love for one another. If God in His grace gives for me a girl after His heart, I would consider bringing her here.

We took shots all possible shots of the place until we exhausted all possibilities. If there were not much people who visited that day, we would have taken even nicer shots of the place. While I would have loved to stay longer, my guest was hungry from our long trip.  Looking behind, I thought of how far I would go for someone special in my life but that is too early to think of. We eventually found the tricycle driver and he promptly brought us back to the terminal where we came from earlier. If visiting The Ruins, the best times to go are early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset. The Ruins is a must visit for tourists and locals alike.

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For more photos of The Ruins, check out the Photo Blog Entries I and II. The Ruins also has a website for more information on functions, weddings or other events.

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

February 4, 2012

Around Negros: Time Warp In Silay’s Streets

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

While the seafood treat was good in Balaring, I ought to bring my guest for what Silay City is known for – ancestral houses. Unlike other cities in the Philippines that has lost countless ancestral houses post – World War II either to bombing or development, there are still a number left in Silay. A walk around Silay City is like a time warp to the time when classical buildings and houses dots the city center. It was a hot day but tons of food made us ready for a walk. I am not a stranger to Silay since I’ve been here a few months ago for the free tour of the Philippine Blog Awards Visayas Participants last Nov. 13, 2011.

Going around Silay City, there is one formidable question that is sure to be asked: “What’s the difference between Silay and Vigan?” The question does make sense since Silay and Vigan are both heritage cities and has been known for their best preserved ancestral houses. I remember that being asked before and thankfully I have an answer for my guest. Vigan City’s ancestral house are actually of Mexican design as a consequence of being a port stop of galleons from Acapulco, Mexico while Silay City’s have variety of design ranging from Castillan, American and French Countryside with Filipino elements mixed.

While a number of ancestral houses are well-preserved, Silay’s ancestral houses saw period of darkness when a significant number were threatened to be destroyed. At the time of the Marcos dictatorship, the highways north of Bacólod was widened to accomodate a growing traffic. Since a number of ancestral houses and heritage buildings are close to the streets, they were slated for demolition but Silaynons pushed for them to be spared. Fortunately, these ancestral houses and heritage buildings were spared and the people of Silay realized the sentimental, cultural and tourism value of these structures for Silay City.

Apparently, not only ancestral houses are spared but also the countless century-old trees that dot the landscape. They are remnants of the times that saw a revolution, a golden age, world war and another round of tough times. Branches speak of generations, pasts that reminds us of how sugar’s wealth built Silay. This reminds me of the unfortunate news few years ago when age-old trees at the Intramuros area were cut off to be replaced by supposedly “more authentic” fire trees. Indiscriminate planning does take a heavy toll on heritage. My wish is that Silay would be vigilant in safeguarding these grand old trees.

Few minutes of leisure walk, we reached our destination – Balay Negrénse. Balay Negrénse is the ancestral house of Don Victor F. Gaston, the son of the French haciendero Yves Germain Gaston. I am no longer stranger to Balay Negrénse since this is my second visit to the house-museum. We rang the courtesy bell to call in a guide to let us in and show us around. Unfortunately, there was no guide available but by the stroke of luck, the Museum Director herself, Mrs. Maida Jison, wife of a former Silay City Mayor was very accommodating enough to show us around. Talk about hospitality at best and finest here.

Though I know the drill in Balay Negrénse, Mrs. Jison offered a fresh new view of Balay Negrénse and it’s history. She proved to be a really good guide after all since she has personal involvement with how the house was refurbished. Mrs. Jison even showed some photos before the house was turned into a museum. She told us that she used to disdain passing by this mansion when she was still young since it once looked like your image of a haunted house. She told us of many ghost stories about the house which made hairs stand up even up to now every time I remember her stories that are quite vivid and detailed.

Sensing the apparent scardycat I have become, she assured us that no such stories have been accounted since the house was turned into a museum. The restoration of the Gaston House came as a challenge for Negros Cultural Foundation, the foundation that runs this museum and Negros Museum since it entailed millions of pesos. Out of generous donations and financial aid from Silay City ‘s various agencies, they were able to restore the structure. Since the house was bare when it was totally abandoned in 1970s, museum pieces were generously loaned or donated by elite families showcasing Negrénse lifestyle.

Mrs. Jison also talked about Silay from her childhood especially with how the City Plaza used to look before changes were done in the Marcos era. She showed us the picture of how the plaza looked like before and was wonderful with classical lightings, benches where the old folks used to chat and the former fountain. The old plaza was of sunken style, much like what UP’s Sunken Garden is but with more elegant trappings. She was frank to tell us that she disdain seeing the plaza in the current state from what used to be of European-style. Every Silaynon indeed shares same tearful sentiments as she expressed.

As if in a jump of thought, she relayed to us another mystery story about one of two statues of Pan that used to adorn the fountains of the City Plaza. Pan is the Greek god of fertility which sports a set of horns and hind legs. Familiar image, isn’t it? It is said that placing the statues in the middle of a fountain of water served a purpose. When the plaza was demolished, one of the statues were placed in a house of the certain Silaynon which burned down mysteriously. The statue was left unscathed and the next house that hosted the statue also burned down. This stopped when it was made into pond centerpiece.

Mrs. Jison was so enthusiastic with her stories that we didn’t noticed we already spent an hour’s time. Our conversation with her was cut short when a visitor arrived at her office. I took over from her to tour Doc Chard on the receiving area on the second floor. All was well in the area except for the fact that the ballroom-sized bathroom was closed to public. I would have loved to show Doc how spacious the room was. After a few snapshots of the place, we decided to go down since there were no seats or chairs for us to sit on. We decided to continue on the tour and bade Mrs. Jison goodbye in her lovely office.

Since we were already in the Calle Cinco de Noviembre, I decided to take my guest to the marker on the spot where a farmacia used to stand. The farmacia was owned by Leandro Locsin where Negrénse revolutionaries were secretly planned for revolution against the Spanish authorities. This was the Cinco de Noviembre that ushered my blog’s namesake, the República Cantonal de Negros or República Negrénse in short. This was an event in the history of Negros I am proud of since it was the time that Negrénses proved their cunning and established a functioning government started in this simple street corner.

Walking down the street, I suddenly noticed the grand orange mansion bit of distance. As I can remember well, a notable Silaynon lives there and he is Solo Locsin whom I met last November 13, 2011 during the bloggers’ tour of Silay. Just stone’s throw from this house is an odd-looking ancestral house that has another story to tell, a sad love story to be specific. The house was meant to be of two stories but the second floor was chopped off by the owner. The story is very interesting since it is a classic tragic love story of a haciendero daughter and a guy of simple stature whom a fellow Negros Blogger wrote about.

Since Café 1925 was just nearby, I decided to take Doc Chard inside to cool down before telling him the story in detail. The walking tour of the city revealed a lot of stories that an average tour would not have mentioned. This makes me interested to write about the stories of each ancestral house we passed by. Who knows what more stories awaits for us to discover, may it be success stories, an interesting number of horror stories like those we heard in Balay Negrénse or tragic ones like the house beside Café 1925. I suggest that when you walk around the city, go with locals for I am sure he would have stories to tell.

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

February 1, 2012

Around Negros: Seafood Fix at Brgy. Balaring

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

If you have been following my previous posts, you might have already figured out that Doc Chard loves good food and as promised, I took him around more for a unique culinary tour. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Lacson Street, I took him north of Bacólod City, still within Metropolitan Bacólod, to the heritage Silay City. Last November, I was able to go on a tour with fellow bloggers around the city and was fascinated by the unique wonders the city offers.

It was my time now to share what I learned from Silay to my very noteworthy guest. Since we were up for lunch, I decided to take Doc Chard to Brgy. Balaring which is famous for it’s wide mangrove forest and the seafood restaurants that line the muddy shore. Knowing this would be one full meal, we were up for the challenge. There are a lot of seaside restaurants in Balaring to choose from. We decided to go for Mel-Ken’s Seafood House for the meal.

We were not wrong in choosing Mel-Ken’s Seafood House since the place commanded a great view of the sea’s wide expanse with the tidal marsh littered with fish pens and talaba poles where talaba and oysters grow. Even the restaurant was on top of water and soon enough, the rose to reveal fishes swimming on the waters under the restaurant. The fresh sea breeze was so soothing which makes going here worth even with distance from the poblacion.

As much as we want to appreciate the view, we came here really hungry so we asked for the menu. I love seafood and so does Doc Chard too which became a problem for us since we wanted to savor everything on the menu yet we have our limited spaces in our stomachs. We decided that I order the must tries and Doc Chard orders the rest on what he finds good. I ordered a hearty bowl of soup, appetizers, grilled seafood and of course, oysters or talaba.

The stomachs started to annoyingly churn in my stomach as we waited for our food. Food here is cooked fresh and we waited for a time to get our first batch of orders. First to arrive was ebi fry tempura or simply battered shrimps arrived first for our appetizers. At home, shrimps are a no-no since Dad and my younger brother is allergic to them but now I have my freedom. What is good is that I can really taste shrimp since the batter was just enough for coating.

We barely even started with the ebi fry tempura when our order of talaba or oysters arrived. Osyesters got excited since I have not savored some for a very long time. My dismay though is that contents are not as big since oysters were not in season but I enjoyed some and finished everything up dipped in spiced vinegar or sinamak. One reminder though is that be ready to have fishy smells on your hand but I assure you, it’s worth the effort and the clean-up.

The tula nga tangigue or Spanish mackerel in soured soup got me excited since it’s one of my favorite seafood soup dishes and what excited me more is that this one uses batwan. The tula we usually cook in Manila is the one that uses tamarind as a souring agent but every Negrénse knows that batwan does it better. Generous servings of vegetables made the dish more delectable. Being Doctor, Doc Chard was health conscious and green veggies is a must.

Doc got his bowlful of servings to check this one out and true enough, he agreed that batwan really does the job better. He asked me where one could buy batwan and I told him from the markets but batwaan is rare to none in the markets of Metro Manila. Usually, those batwan that can be found in the grocery if chance has it on you is already puréed and bottled. As for the fish, it wasn’t too soft but chewy enough which is what tula or soured fish soup must.

The grilled squid was a pleasure too but it was not just grilled, but stuffed with diced tomatoes, onion and garlic before being grilled which added a rich flavor to what would have been a relatively bland squid. Squid is quite expensive in the markets of Metro Manila but here, it was eat all I can. Just as I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish everything, there was no scrap or morsel left. I guess this takes care of my seafood cravings and it was worth all the effort.

After resting a bit, we paid for the bill and walked around to burn some calories gained from our heart lunch. On our way, we found a proverbial “kanding nga may bangs” which got me laughing hard but have to explain to Doc what it means, with humor and all. If you’re planning to havegood lunch after you land in Bacólod-Silay International Airport located in the same city, why not drop by? Enjoy fresh air and tasty seafood lunch here at Brgy. Balaring.

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