Palmas del Mar

Palmas del Mar: 20 Years of Fun Under the Sun

For 20 summers, guests from all over the world have enjoyed this little piece of paradise in Bacolod, which is Palmas del Mar Resort and Hotel. Sprawled across five acres of land are 55 rooms and villas, function rooms, cottages and three swimming pools, plus other amenities. Because it is situated by the seaside, it …

Bantug Lake Ranch

Family Getaway at Bantug Lake Ranch

At the outskirts of Bacolod City, Philippines, towards the upland portion at the eastern side of the city, lies the Bantug Lake Ranch – a beautiful hideaway that is suitable for weekend picnics or family getaways. The land, which used to be a sugarcane plantation and orchard poultry, is now a lush landscape with a …

Metro Inn Bacolod

Metro Inn Bacolod: A Perfect Holiday Staycation

This holiday season, when relatives are coming home for reunions and gatherings, it is fun to take a break from the daily routine and give yourself a pause from what you have been doing the whole year round. Apart from parties, it is a wonderful experience having a relaxing staycation in a local hotel. Metro …

Restaurant

Global Food Trip in Bacolod Restaurants

Whenever friends visit my city, they always ask me my recommended places to eat. Bacolod City, capital of the province of Negros Occidental, the sugar bowl of the Philippines, is known for its rich culinary delights, especially its desserts. And when it comes to local and international cuisines, Bacolod has a long list for you …

Sabor Victorias Cook-Off 2015

Sabor Victorias Cook-off at the Kalamayan Festival

“Kalamay” means sugar in our local language. Victorias City is home to the famous Victorias Milling Company (VMC), which has been producing sugar since 1919. It is, thus, no surprise why Victorias City has started with its Kalamayan Festival last year. Every Kalamayan Festival, the city government of Victorias, along with VMC and its sister …

Negros Bloggers Christmas Party

Christmas Treat Ideas from the Negros Bloggers Christmas Party at L’Fisher Hotel

When the Christmas spirit is in the air, expect gatherings, parties and celebrations left and right as people are wont to bring the holiday cheer through laughter and gifts. The Negrense Blogging Society, Inc. (NBSI or Negros Bloggers) is no exemption as it gathered its active members for its annual Christmas Party. L’Fisher Hotel was …

Balaring Silay City

First-time in Melkens Balaring

It was a bright sunny day and the noontime heat would probably be unbearable if not for the windy breeze. The sea has moved back and the row of tilted restaurants fill the shore of Balaring in Silay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. I was with members of the Negros Blogging Society, Inc. (NBSI), or the …

Silay City

Negros Bloggers go on a Silay Heritage Walk

There I was again traversing the streets of Silay City, Negros Occidental, and re-acquainting myself to the old structures that spoke thousands of stories. I have walked Silay City’s heritage district several times since my  move back to the family’s nest last year as a heritage mapping assignment for a Wikimedia Foundation project that I took part …

Rau-Ram Cafe

Rau-Ram Café: three years of Vietnamese cooking

I haven’t been to Saigon Café’s humble beginnings but I have witnessed it become what it is today – Rau-Ram Café. I wrote about their opening, which happened earlier this year. This authentic Vietnamese Restaurant in Bacolod City celebrated its third anniversary and we were the special guests by the owners.   It was also …

Welcome Home Foundation Garden Cafe

Welcome Home Natural Garden Cafe

From the main highway of Lacson St. in Mandalagan, I turned on a road going towards Villa Valderrama. Before the entrance, my fellow blogger, Mea, told me to park underneath the canopy of trees and pointed me towards a small entrance at the side of the street. “Is this the Welcome Home Foundation Natural Garden …

Dine Philippines 2015

Dine Bacolod, Dine Philippines

Dine Philippines 2015 recently graced the City of Smiles with known names in the food industry. This food business and tourism caravan, held at the Santuario de la Salle at the University of La Salle Campus in Bacolod City, presented business and learning opportunities and profitable gastronomic ventures. Rustan’s Supermarket SansRival Magalogue editor-in-chief and Food …

Sapori D'Italia Bacolod

First-time in Sapori D’Italia

Sapori D’Italia literally means flavors of Italy. It is one of the newest restaurants that recently opened in O Residences along Lacson St. in Mandalagan, Bacolod City. [UPDATE 2023: The restaurant has closed and is no longer in operation in this location.] Its opening is a testament that Bacolod City, often called the City of …

10th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival

10th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival

Whenever the Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival is being held each year, it is fun to go to the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Bacolod City and check out the many fresh and organic products of farmers in Negros Island and neighboring islands in the Philippines. It was in 2014 when I was first exposed to the …

Travel Exchange

Travel Exchange at SM City Bacolod

If you missed the Travel Exchange at the SM City Bacolod last October 23-25, this article will take you to what was featured in that expo. It coincided with the United Nations Day and the ground floor of SM City Bacolod’s North wing was filled with revelry. Kids in various costumes paraded while adults visited …

18th St. Palapala Restaurant: Fresh Catch

Palapala, to Negrenses, is synonymous with having fresh seafood on display and you can have them cooked however you want. It has become a tourist attraction and the whole experience of choosing your fresh seafood and have them cooked is something that many travelers look forward to enjoying. I have tried it at the Palapala …