When you’re in Negros Occidental, the “sugar bowl” of the Philippines, where vast sugarcane plantations meet your eyes as you hit the road, you’ll consistently encounter the word “uma” (with stress on the second syllable), which translates to “farm” or those areas that are often called “haciendas” by the locals. For me, “uma” is a …
There’s something exciting that’s happening in Malaysia! Its largest Live Band Music Festival is happening this 8 March 2015 at the Sunway Surf Pool in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Branded as My Music Festival 2015 or MMF2015, this mega live band festival will showcase 20 of Malaysia’s top performing live bands, musicians and artist from …
Who would have thought that a South Korean brand will arrive in the quiet city of Bacolod and give a jolt to the already vibrant food scene in the City of Smiles? Tom N Toms Coffee, which first opened ApGuJeong-Dong in Seoul in 2001 and now in the US, China, Australia, Mongolia, Qatar, Thailand and Singapore, …
It was the right call at the right time. A former colleague from the development industry gave me a ring one morning. “Claire, I’m in Bacolod!” she exclaimed. She was to attend the 8th International Conference and Scientific Meeting (ICSM) that was being held in Talisay City, the city north of Bacolod. A few hours before …
If you happen to be in Bacolod and you want to go German-style, there’s a great place for you to dine in. Literally means “snack” in the German language, Imbiss offers mouthwatering gourmet sausages and delightful food. [UPDATE 2023: This establishment has closed in this location.] When a former colleague and friend visited my home …
Old buildings and heritage houses, the sweet delicacies, the sweet-natured people, the sing-song language — there are so many things that Bacolod City shares with its neighbor across the seas, Iloilo City. And rightfully so. Many prominent families in Negros Occidental trace their roots in Iloilo. Through the years, residents of both cities frequent the other …
Ever since I covered the Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival in 2014, I have become more exposed and more aware of the great benefits of consuming organic products. Truly, there’s no better way to live this life than to go natural. Although, I cannot fully walk the talk because I am surrounded by the many …
The first month of the year 2015 is a great kick-off for the Visit the Philippines Year. January is full of festivities, and religious celebrations, at that. Throngs of people were expected to gather in Manila for the Black Nazarene, in Cebu and Kabankalan for the Sinulog, in Iloilo for the Dinagyang, and in Aklan …
This is the Department of Tourism video of the Visit the Philippines Year 2015. Although the campaign was in 2015, every year is a reason to have more fun in my wonderful country, the Philippines. As a student of life where the world is my classroom, I always thirst for new things to unravel. That …
The microphone has been passed and it was my turn to belt it out in the videoke. Good thing I was surrounded by enjoyable and exciting individuals who share the same passion as I am – singing and blogging! It was my first-time to join the Christmas party of the Negros Bloggers, a small group …
Read more “My First Christmas Party with the Negros Bloggers”
The neon light has finally come into life and the “Hot Now” sign is now turned on. Yes, the most awaited moment has arrived! Krispy Kreme has finally landed in the City of Smiles, Bacolod City — the Sugarlandia! Though the long wait is over, people lined up the day before it opened to grab …
In a tropical country like the Philippines, flip-flops are part of the common staple among Filipino households. Whether one lives near the sea or in the mountains, he or she will always wear this kind of slippers around the house or when visiting neighbors or the market nearby. But with the advent of Havaianas, flip-flops have become more …
What do you get out of travelling? 1. Additional learnings 2. New friends 3. Fun experiences 4. and vitamin D! When you hit the beach or the pool, don’t you soak yourself under the sun? When you climb hills, when you trek on mountains, don’t you kiss the sun that is so close to where you …
SMX Convention Center finally had its formal opening to set the stage for a more vibrant MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibition) sector in the province of Negros Occidental, particularly in the city of Bacolod. It was a launch like no other as locals and visitors from other cities and abroad had an experience showcasing the …
In some malls in Bacolod City you will find this store or area with neatly packed greens bearing the name Fresh Start filling a portion of the shelves. They even have organic soaps and personal care products, too! So, who would have thought that I’d be stepping on the very land where their fresh produce and raw …