To the unacquainted, the signage “Quan” may seem like a Chinese name at first glance or even sound as a Spanish word. Asked for the meaning, Chole Cuenca-Chua, the one-half of the mother-daughter tandem that formed this famous native food delicacy brand, said that it simply stood as how it’s used in Filipino parlance. The …
“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 …
Home sweet home. It truly is. That’s because home is Bacolod, the capital of the sugar bowl of the Philippines. It is known for its delectable food, especially desserts. I’ve already written some fine eating places in the City of Smiles in my previous blog post Eat is Bacolod. Ever since I came home last …
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”
It was an epic road trip that I have taken ever — a road trip from Manila to Bacolod via RORO, bringing my car with me in this whole adventure. This one took me to four major islands in the Philippines and six ports. More importantly, it was a road trip that led me back …
Read more “Taking the RORO: An Exciting Road Trip from Manila to Bacolod”
No longer familiar with the city where I grew up, I relied on my sister and Google in plotting our Visita Iglesia, or the traditional church visitation every Holy Week, around Bacolod. Since we have not visited that many churches in our own hometown, we thought of going to churches that were new to us, …
Yes, Christmas is for the children. And also for the children at heart. So, on Christmas day, our family – from our grand aunt, uncle, aunt, cousins, nephews, and nieces – we trooped to one of the latest attractions in Negros Occidental, the Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City. But from our home, it was …
Going around the Panaad Park, visiting the booths of all 32 local government units can be a bit taxing, though entertaining. But I decided to write a separate blog for the towns and cities south of Bacolod, which I frequented when I was still a kid. Bago City Bago City is the home of Gen. …
Having visited Mambukal Resort when I was still a toddler, I have so little recollection of what it’s like in this mountain resort. Everytime I go home to my province, I always wanted to visit Mambukal. Mambukal lies at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon and is the gateway to the Kanlaon National Park. The resort is about …
Mt. Kanlaon is shrouded in mystery. I grew up hearing tales of hermits, fairies and other enchantments that happen around the tallest peak in the island of Negros. This same volcano divides the eastern part of Negros from its western counterpart, represented by the two provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, creating two worlds …
Before it’s name came about, it was only referred to as “Kay To(to) Larry”, which literally means “Larry’s Place” or “Toto Larry’s Place”, with “toto” as a form of endearment to men in the Hiligaynon language. Thus, the resort became popularly known as “Kaitulari” and the name stuck. Kaitulari is a resort tucked in the …
I went home last Christmas with a mission: to visit another tourist spot in my own province. It helps to know what’s going on in my own backyard, figuratively speaking, so that when I travel, I also get to talk about interesting things about my hometown. Being away from home for 11 months in a …
As you step into Bacolod City, a wondrous realm unfolds before your eyes. It is a place where happiness swirls in graceful pirouettes, emanating from the genuine smiles that grace every face. The air carries whispers of a city that has been shaped by a rich tapestry of colors, each thread woven with passion and …
Read more “Bacolod City: A Vibrant Destination for Food and Festivals”