Negros Food Juanders

Breathtaking beaches, beautiful mountains, colorful festivals and smiling people draw travelers to the sock-shaped island of Negros. Negros is divided into two provinces: Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. But let’s take a closer look at Negros Occidental, the land of sweet surprises, and unravel the food discoveries they have there. What makes wanderers come back …

AirAsia’s new route: Manila-Bacolod

There are more reasons to fly and visit Bacolod City and the various towns and cities in the province of Negros Occidental as AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, launched its daily flights between Manila and Bacolod. The maiden flight was held during the highlight of the 40th MassKara Festival of the City of Smiles. …

9 Things to do in Rapha Valley

If you want to have a staycation near Bacolod City but where you can be close to nature, then Rapha Valley at Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), Negros Occidental is the perfect destination for you. You can spend the weekend by yourself, with your partner, or with family or friends. Stay the whole time inside Rapha …

10 Things to See in Iloilo City

Dubbed as the “City of Love”, Iloilo City is the capital of the province of Iloilo in Panay Island, Philippines. It is one of the country’s gem when it comes to heritage sites and the site of the Dinagyang Festival. It has an international airport with flights to and from Hong Kong and Singapore. Iloilo …

First-time in the Balsa River Cruise and Floating Restaurant

A sumptuous lunch. Beautiful scenery. Fresh air. Lovely birds. All these you can enjoy at the Balsa River Cruise and Floating Restaurant right after the Malabong Bridge in Ilog, the southern part of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. The river cruise started only recently, so if you want to try it out yourself and visit …

First-time in Richmonde Hotel Iloilo

It’s been quite some time when I last roamed Iloilo City, which is in Panay Island, Philippines. Iloilo has an international airport that serves local flights to Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Clark, Davao, General Santos, Manila and Puerto Princesa and international flights to Hong Kong and Singapore. But for us from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, …

Stonehill Suites opens in Bacolod City

The name “Bacolod” came from the old Hiligaynon word “bakolod” that described the stony, hilly resettlement (currently the site of Barangay Granada) that evolved into a city. Now, that piece of history of Bacolod City is brought to memory with the opening of a modern hotel bearing the name Stonehill Suites. Standing at the corner …

PAL opens MassKara Festival 2018 with a free concert

As Bacolod City celebrates its 39th MassKara Festival on 8th to 28th October 2018, Philippine Airlines, the country’s first and only 4-Star global airline, will kick-off the festivities on the eve of the opening through a free concert, featuring Sponge Cola. This is the first time that PAL is participating in MassKara in full-scale. They …

Sipalay

Places to visit in Negros Occidental

I’ve said this time and again. The good thing about living in an archipelago, with over 7,000 islands at that, is that the beach can be just a few kilometers away. But the hot season can often be gruelling in this side of the globe. The Philippines is in the tropics and the sun is almost out …

What to See in Sipalay

Sipalay City is the southern gem of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. This used to be a mining town is now a tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and floating islets. It’s about four hours from Bacolod City, the provincial capital. Its airport, used to be the Maricalum Airstrip, now serves …

First-time in Danjugan Island

First things first. Danjugan Island is not a resort. Let’s get that elephant off the room so we can go straight to describing what this lush beauty is all about. Located in Negros Occidental, Philippines, Danjugan Island has caught the eye of travelers and environmental advocates. Home to almost a thousand animal species, Danjugan Island …

The Festivals of Negros Occidental: a fusion of color

Negros Occidental, a province located in the Philippines, is renowned for its vibrant and diverse festivals that offer a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of its people. These festivals serve as colorful showcases of Negros Occidental’s unique identity, captivating locals and visitors alike with their exuberant celebrations, captivating performances, and profound …

10 Reasons to Settle in Bacolod City

I have written before why retirees, balikbayans and expats consider Negros Occidental as a place to settle and enjoy life in my blog post 10 Reasons to Acquire Real Estate and Settle in Negros Occidental. While the laidback ambiance of the province is an ideal attraction for those who are planning to migrate, its busiest …

Rotary Day Care and Community Center

Rotary colors Day Care and Community Center in Bacolod

Coming from my previous article “Can You Make a Difference while Travelling?” you will read that one of the ways of making a difference while in another place is through volunteer work. With my career spent mostly working as a full-time staff in non-profit charities like international organization Habitat for Humanity, Points of Light Foundation …

The Boxes

The Boxes: A Restaurant Strip in Bacolod

The number one question I always get from friends visiting Bacolod City is what else are the good places to eat in the Philippine City of Smiles. There are the usual suspects and if you have been following my blog, you will find my posts about restaurants to try in my city, such as Eat …