We climbed a few steps along a narrow stairway to the entrance of Qing Yun Rest House in Block I of the Abdul Razak Complex in Gadong, Brunei Darussalam. The inn occupied the entire floor and there were only six rooms and a reception room. Apparently, Qing Yun Rest House has several branches in Brunei …
Victorias City, known as The Sweet Green City, located in the northern part of Negros Occidental, Philippines, is strengthening its organic farming industry with the recent opening of its Organic Market and Pasalubong Center. The local government believes that when it goes organic, it supports: O – Okay for you R – Restores ecological balance …
Read more “Victorias City opened its Organic Market and Pasalubong Center”
Bandar Seri Begawan or BSB, the capital of Brunei, is the main hub of this small wealthy nation. It is located in the Brunei-Muara District. Among the many capitals that I have visited, BSB is unique, because it has a laid back feel, where you get the luxury of time and space, while its grandeur …
Since this is the longest celebration of MassKara Festival, the Bacolod City Public Plaza is now teeming with food stalls since it started in October 1 and they are there to stay until October 23. It remind me of years past, during my student days when I had experienced the night revelry at the plaza. …
It was a spur of a moment decision and about a month to prepare. It all started with a simple inquiry of a friend about Brunei, and which I thought was an invitation to travel there. And it led to one wonderful adventure to “The Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures“, which lives up to its name. …
It’s this time of the year once again when my city is alive with colors, songs, and other attractions. Yes, October is MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, the capital of the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. But what is it all about and how did it all start? Read my post Behind MassKara’s Smile for …
A burst of color painted on container vans fill the backdrop of Retro KTV. Would you believe that these giant containers have videoke rooms in them. This is a new hangout place in Marketplace East, near the Bacolod City Government Center. The commercial compound is a booming location composed of restaurants that offer some of …
Whenever I mention Homesite to my friends, they often attach Byron’s Back Ribs to it. My sister told me a number of times that a cousin once treated her there. What’s special about the place is that it is just a small rounded corner tucked inside a residential area. Plus, many of my friends, both …
L’Fisher Hotel lies in the heart of Bacolod City and it is no doubt that most travelers who come to my city pick this as their home away from home. Others hold their special event here especially that their La Proa Ballroom can accommodate gatherings to as much as 1,500 people and can be converted …
Read more “Buffet Feast at Ripples Restaurant of L’Fisher Hotel”
As the sun painted the horizon in vibrant hues of gold and crimson, casting a mesmerizing glow upon the rippling waves, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The ferry sliced through the crystal-clear waters, its bow carving a path toward an ethereal destination. The mere sight of Lakawon Island, a tropical paradise tucked away …
Read more “First-time in Lakawon Island: Tales from an Idyllic Retreat”
Instead of me going away and traveling to faraway places, I toured a friend who spent her five-day vacation in my home province in Negros Occidental, Philippines. It was already more than two years since I moved back home and I have somehow become familiar of various routes from one point of my city to …
Read more “Five Days Around these Negros Occidental cities: Bacolod, Silay and Talisay”
When I moved back to Bacolod City, one of the persons I came to know was Jojo Vito, the man behind the Jojo Vito Designs Gallery, whom I met through the Negrense Blogging Society, Inc. (NBSI). Since I was away for two decades from my hometown, I have become clueless on what’s popular, where to …
If Bacolod City is known for something, apart from Masskara Festival and the smiling people, it is its good food that can be enjoyed in many great dining places that dot the metropolis. [UPDATE 2023: The restaurant has closed and is no longer in operation in this location.] A new foodie attraction is the Marketplace, …
Seldom does a food court stall captures my fancy. I’d often resort to eating in food courts when I am pressed for time, low on budget, or spending meal time with a big number of group. Unless there is a particular stall that serves food with superb taste then I’d probably frequent the food court …
I can still vividly remember my Film 101 class when I was still in the University of Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. I always looked forward to Fridays when we would watch a movie in school or in the mall theaters. Our teacher also required us to watch a movie or two outside of the …