Let's GO!! - Bacolod and Masskara

Bacolod City,Negros Occidental, Philippines  

Photo from: byahilo.com

Bacolod is the City of Smiles and the Sugar bowl of the Philippines. Sugar canes is the main crop in the province of Negros.The city is famous of its MASSKARA Festival during October of every year. The schedule is the  3^rdweek of October or the weekend near October 19 which is the Charter anniversary of the City. The festival features street parade and dances where participants adorned elaborate colorful costumes and wear masks with smiling faces. 

This year, the Masskara festival  main event will be on October 19-20, 2013. The street parade will be along Araneta Avenue for the dance competition, the main competition will be October 20, 2013. Local and international tourists look forward to attend this festivities and enjoy the famous food – Bacolod Inasal ( a kind of roast chicken) with authentic Bacolod taste.  There are also several interesting places to see when you are in Bacolod. The city is full of history and culture preserved by the Negrenses.

Festival Highlights

MassKara Street Dancing School Category @ Araneta Stree,@ 2:00 pm

MassKara Lights Show @ Bacolod Government Center,@ 11:30 pm

MassKaraland Party Begins @ Bacolod Government Center and Tourism Strip

@ 11:59 pm 

October 19 

Misa ng Bayan @ Bacolod Cathedral,@ 8:00 am

Biggest Boodle Breakfast @ Bacolod Public Plaz,@ 9:30 am

Kapuso Mall Show with Kapuso Artists @ Gaisano City Bacolod,@ 4:00 pm 

October 20

National Dance Sports Competition @ Bacolod Pavilion,@ 6:00 pm

MassKaraland Party Continues @ North Capitol Road,@ 7:00 pm

MAIN EVENT: MassKara Street Dancing Barangay Category @ Paglaum Sports Complex

@ 2:00 pm

Photo by:  http://jakehofilena.wordpress.com

Places of Interests in Bacolod and nearby cities:

• Bacolod City Tour- visit the Capitol Grounds and Lagoon, Visit the San Sebastial Church and Bishop Palace, climb the Pope John Paul II Tower
•  Silay City – be transported on the ancient times when you visit the ancestral houses of Silay City. This is very accessible from Bacolod City, 30 minutes jeepney ride and the house are just within walking distance from each other on the Silay city proper. 
• Talisay City – see the famous RUINS in Talisay.  It was build in 1900 and now a famous landmark and a must see.
• Mabukal Mountain Resort  - Muricia Town. If you love nature this is a must go to place. Can can hike/ trek to see the 7 waterfalls on the site. They also have a hot spring and other activities that can keep you relax for a day. They also have overnight cottages that you can rent
  • Mt. Kanlaon (Volcano) – if you have more time and the energy- why not climb the famous Mt. Kanlaon. This is an exciting to hike and camp to see the crater of the volcano.

Where to stay. There are several hotels, guest house and inns in Bacolod City.  Here are some of my personal choices due to its proximity to where the Masskara dance competition is normally held:  

BUSINESS INN HOTEL

28 Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. +63 34 433-8877; Fax: +63 34 434-2114
E-mail: info@businessin.net

THE SUITES AT CALLE NUEVA

15 Corner Nueva- Locsin Sts.,

Bacolod City

Tel. No.: +63 34 708-8000, +63 34 435-6080

E-mail: info@thesuitesatcallenueva.com

THE BACOLOD PAVILLION RESORT HOTEL

Burgos Street Ext., Reclamation Area
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
6100 Philippines
Phone: (63-34) 434-6391 to 93
433-9620
Fax: (63-34) 433-9598
E-mail: info@bacolodpavillon.com

SEE YOU in BACOLOD... ;) 

MAGAYON Mayon.. Legazpi, Bicol Adventure

After Christmas of 2012 we head off to Bicol – the host province of the magnificent MAYON Volcano.  

The name Mayon is derived from the Bicolano word Magayon, which means "beautiful." Seeing Mayon at its fullest is very rare in our 4 days in Bicol. Most of the days are cloudy or a little drizzle thus the site of Mayon is most of the time cloudy. We actually only saw the entire Beauty of Mayon one time, I woke up early at 5:30 am and on the bleak of dawn.. There she is.. the MAGAYON MAYON (“the beautiful Mayon).. I woke up the bratz and we all rushed to our window and we are all amazed of its beauty..

Our Bicol trip really excite the bratz since Mayon as we know was popularized by our lectures in school. We all know Mayon with its perfect cone and beauty (of course with several devastating eruption comes with it being the most active volacano in the Philippines) from our lessons in grade school. So seeing it at its natural beauty is something the myself and the kids are really looking forward to.

We booked out flights via Zest Air, our flight that was originally 12noon was pushed to 1220 to 1 pm and we boarded at 2:15 and finally with the runway traffic finally departed at 3:15. We arrived in Legazpi at 4pm .. Our airport pick-up from Casa Blanca Suites was there patiently waiting for us. I told Manong Driver that we will just get our luggage..

You can reach Legazpi via several local airlines and just a short 45 minutes flight from Manila. You may also opt for a 8-10 hours bus ride and enjoy the country side.

Casa Blanca Suites is just barely 5-10 mins. from the airport. We were greeted warmly by their Front Desk staff and we were checked-in instantly. No lengthy form to fill-out. That was really good since we are very hungry. Our room was with 2 queen beds, perfect for us!

Casablanca Suites: Benny Imperial St. (Alternate Road), Legazpi CityTel: (052) 481-0788; Fax No: (052) 481-0789

http://www.casablancasuites.ph

To read my review on Casablanca Suites, click here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g317122-d2165226-r148774565-Casablanca_Suites-Legaspi_Bicol_Region_Luzon.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

Bicol Express

We drop our luggage and headed to eat late lunch/early dinner; across the road nearby the Hotel is Layag Restaurant and Grill.. our first meal in Bicol.. Sisig, Laing and Bicol Express! Bicol is famous for its delicacies, spicy delicacies. We love the food and finished it off (or we are just really hungry)..no kidding.. you should really try all the local bicolano foods- everything is delicioso!

Laing 

Then we are off to Embarcadero… don’t keep you hopes up (there are so many review over rating this place).. embarcadero is a small bay walk area with a few designer boutiques and some restaurants.. the view of the Mayon is not really that great either.. your sight will be thru old boats by the pier. Embarcadero is nearby a fishing/ cargo port .. We went upstairs and walked on a few stalls and most of it are empty.. the sight of the lighthouse is nice with its changing color against a dark sky. You can only see Mayon of course until sunset, when it’s dark.. its dark.... We were not enticed to eat here either. We went back to the Hotel, bought some drinks and chips and relax on our comfortable bed, watching TV and kids on FB.. Wifi is also free and fast!

Casa Blanca has nearby restaurants and convenient stores. Just walk towards left and pass by St. Aquinas Hospital and you can buy whatever you need.

The next day, we did the usual Tour and went to Cagsawa Ruins but Mayon is still shy that morning. We took some photos and just hang out in the area in case the clouds disappear and will show us the beauty of Mayon from this area. We chat to some local folks in the area and we were told that when the Mayon erupts, they can see the fierce lava from that area. 

Cagsawa is 11 kms from Mayon as mentioned by Kuya , one of the store owners. He also have some cool pictures of Mayon on his shop that they took during the past years including some while it was erupting. I asked if they are asked to evacuate when it erupts, they said that warning are given and mostly those at 8km radius from Mayon are mostly asked to evacuate. They are spared on most occasion. There a lot of shops within the Cagsawa Ruins where you can buy Bicol made goods to bring home.

"From the road sign, its a short walk to the Cagsawa Ruins, it was a nice morning and enjoying the greenery."

Next stop – Daraga Church.. From Cagsawa we took a trycle to Daraga church fee is P20.00 or $5.00, it’s just a short ride and we were going up a hill towards the church.. The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate) is the crowning glory of religious architecture in the province of Albay. Nestled majestically on top of a hill above the bustling town, the Daraga Church. The Daraga Church was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1773 when the present town of Daraga was but a barrio of the older town of Cagsawa.

Daraga Church is famous for its architectural origins. The design of the Daraga Church can be described as a blend of architectural styles: Renaissance Gothic and Mexican baroque. An indigenous baroque style that distinguishes it from other colonial churches in the Philippines. The facade was carefully carved from volcanic stones. Distinct features of the Daraga Church facade include the four spiral columns with medallions at the center of each column bearing images of the four Evangelists. Source: http://wowlegazpi.com/visita-iglesia-daraga-church/ 

Mayon could be seen here on its grand form on better clear days, during our visit we were not that given the chance for a glimpse.

From Daraga we were off to another famous town in Legazpi, Camalig . Camalig is famous for it’s local dish Pinangat.

Pinangat is one of Bicol’s trademark food other than the pili nut and its various incarnations and Bicol express, to name a few. Made from gabi leaves mixed with gata (coconut extract). Camalig in Albay is known for this delectable dish. It comes in hot and not so hot versions.

We had our lunch there with Pinangat and another version of Bicol express. This time with mostly chili! Whheeww!! The food was great and the 30 minutes travel time from Daraga is worth it. Pinagat is one of the local dish you can bring home- they have it frozen.

While in Camalig, you should also visit the Church of St. John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista); another imposing religious structure in the province of Albay. The church is built entirely out of solid blocks of volcanic rock from Mount Mayon.

If you want to do some caving, head off to Hoyop-hoyopan Cave. Located in Cotmon Village. Located in Camalig, Albay, the cave is about 16 kilometers from Cagsawa Ruins, and can be reached in about 20 to 30 minutes from the town proper. One of the cave's openings is a grand window, through which travelers can enjoy a splendid view of Mayon Volcano.

The numerous entrances and exits vary from two to 10 meters in diameter. These passageways will test your skill in squeezing, crawling, and kneeling to get through in order to reach the different chambers, including a mini-pond and a dance floor.

The kids are not apt for caving so we headed back to Legazpi.

Pili Tree 

Legazpi Market – for local souvenirs go to the market where you can buy anything without the rip off prices from the Pasalubong Centers. Here you can buy a variety of abaca made products, abaca is a local plant that looks like a banana which is abundant in Bicol. Some of the common abaca products are sold all over the world are bags, table runners, place mats, wallets, slippers, wall decors, among others. There a lot of local industries producing these items and the prices are way cheaper in the market. If you want pasalubong that is authentic from Bicol or from the Philippines- buy some abaca made products from Legazpi Market. Pili nuts and candies can also be bought in the market in better prices.

Another place of interests in Legazpi is hike up Lignon Hill early in the morning to avoid the blazing sun.. Mayon can be seen unobstructed in Lignon Hill. They have activities and shop that you can spend an entire day uphill. 

Our next stop.. DONSOL, Sorsogon to meet the mighty Butandings..

Travelled to Bicol- Dec. 27-30, 2012 

Cebu and Plantation Bay

 

On March 2-3, 2013 I took my kids to Cebu for a short get-away. Courtesy of my friends at “Plantation Bay” (Des and Geli), we stayed in the resort for the weekend. It was my second time to stay in Plantation Bay and the resort continuous to amaze me due to its picturesque ambiance.

 

We arrived early Saturday morning and we were picked up from the airport. Their very competent staffs will assist you as you exit the airport terminal. They have several fleet that will assist you and your family or if it will be your Company Outing, no worries; they have a bus to accommodate your group.

 

 We arrived early in the resort, although we requested for an early check-in, our room is not ready yet so we were advised that we can use the facilities while waiting for our room. We left our luggage in their designated staff, and off we go to Explore Plantation Bay. 

We spend the morning taking pictures, the place is 360 degrees picture perfect. Pristine waters, lush greenery,  wide array of food – they have 4 excellent restaurants, Kilimanjaro Kafe - international menus and local Cebuano dishes; Fiji- seafood and Asian specialties; Palermo - tapas and pastas; Savannah Grill - fast food favorites such as your burgers and fries.

 

We had our lunch at Fiji and enjoyed our seafood platter, the rest of the day we spend enjoying the pools. Yes, they are surrounded by swimming pools. Take your pick! Fresh water pools or salt water pools. We managed to try all the pools except the Windward since it was under maintenance at that time. You should not miss the giant water slide!

 

My kids enjoyed the complementary bicycles around the resort. They never get tired of biking! I myself tried the Kalesa ride around the resort, it’s relaxing while enjoying the scenery. The resort had a lot of special lounges that you can just sit and relax , read a book or just enjoy a quite moment.  

They also have themed dinners with grand presentations nightly, each night have different theme. I particularly enjoyed the “Sahara Nights” with the belly dancing and more. Check the schedules during your stay and reserve early.

They can also accommodate company outings; they have several function rooms that will suit your group requirement and don’t worry about the food – they have the best food choices and in large servings. Our groups is around 60 people, and we manage to arrange activities around the resort with the assistance of their very accommodating staffs.

Cebu can be reached from Manila thru local airlines:

http://www.cebupacificair.com

http://www.flypalexpress.com

https://www.tigerair.com/ph/en

Plantation Bay is just a short 20-30 minutes ride from Mactan Airport.There are also other local flights or ferry to and from other key cities.

For more information, you may contact - Dess or Geli: 

Tel: (632) 844-5025  Fax: (632) 844-5030

E-mail: prmanila@plantationbay.com; askmanila@plantationbay.com

Website: www.plantationbay.com

Note: I am not in anyway connected to Plantation Bay- this is just to share to you my experience and see and enjoy one of the best resorts in Cebu.