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 …
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 …
It was a bright sunny morning when we drove from Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, the Philippines to nearby Victorias City. There were six of us online media partners of the 9th Negros Organic Farmers Festival that were given this exciting farm tour sponsored by Peñalosa Farms, Fresh Start Organic Farm, Negros Occidental Tourism Center, …
Every October, some friends and I would troop to Greenbelt 3 Mall to watch as many movies as we could in Pelikula, the Spanish Film Festival that happens each year in Manila. And, of course, I also watch local independent films during the Cinemalaya Film Festival. Movies are a reflection of society and the culture …
It was a trip to Camp Nelson Gerona in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, a few meters from Mambukal Resort, to help organize a medical mission. After our activity, I heard from my companions that papaya and other vegetables are available for sale inside the camp. I immediately headed to the officer whom they said was in-charge …
Read more “Organic produce at the Negros First-Army Wellness Farm”
Its name has resounded in many countries all over the world and has been around since 1937. And whenever you utter its name, you’ll always end up with a smile. Krispy Kreme. The name leaves a sweet taste on my mouth, simply because I have a great deal of experience with the brand. My encounter …
Have you experienced this before in one of your travels? On the last day of your trip, your flight back home is scheduled at night or late in the afternoon. You have the whole day to do more exploring and sightseeing. Usually, this is devoted to shopping and buying of souvenir items. For Filipinos, it …
I must admit, having been away from my hometown for two decades made me miss on so many events and happenings. I was curious about a post I read in one of my Facebook groups. It was about the Organic Farmers Festival that will be taking place on November 19 to 23 this year at …
“I’ll take you back to the old days and I’ll sing the songs once you’ll all remember so come and sing along (come on everybody)” This was the Latin beat of medley songs of Trini Lopez that has always embedded in my memory of the Masskara Festival I knew. I was a small child and …
The sky was dark and a downpour was threatening to halt the revelry. We hastened our walk through the crowd-filled streets of Bacolod that were closed for the Masskara Festival celebrations. We walked from one corner to the other, trying to find out if the street dance was already on its way. We waited for …
The red and yellow mood lights and the glittering crystal chandeliers created a perfect ambiance that enhanced the artful interiors of the newly unveiled iconic design of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila‘s Grand Plaza Ballroom. The last time I was in this hotel was earlier this year when I attended a press event which featured a …
Amid the darkened sky and the impending rain, the heritage homes in Silay City — dubbed in olden days as the Paris of Negros Occidental, a province in the Philippines — stood proud as they showed off marks of endurance that withstood the ruthlessness of tropical weather and viciousness of conflict and the changing times. …
Read more “First-time Around Silay: Admiring its Historical and Heritage Buildings”
I recently brought with me to my home province my vast collection of postcards. As I opened the container where I kept all my postcards, I remember the places I have visited and those which I yearn to visit one day. Many of the cards were bought in places where I visited, because they’re handy …
Read more “Traveling around the world by collecting postcards”
This year, I will be taking one of the greatest travel challenges I’ll ever have in my lifetime. It is what I call my #RoadTrip2Home. After so much prayers, spiritual discernment, consultation, and self-reflection, I have come to accept that for me to embark on a life abroad I need to go back to my …