Viaje Negrense

Organic Festival in photos

2012-01-14T10:23:00.002+08:00

fruits and vegetables...can you name them?

Bago City's produce

crabs

Guimaras mangoes @ P80/kilo

Fresh Start Personal Care line

ONOPRA Pres. Ramon Uy, Jr. with ECHOstore co-founders Jeannie Javelosa & Pacita Juan

Organic Cookfest at the 6th Negros Organic Farmers Festival

2011-12-25T20:20:00.035+08:00

Negros Occidental, in cooperation of the Dept of Agriculture, ONOPRA, NISARD, hosted the 6th Negros Organic Farmers Festival on Dec 16-20, 2011. Among the highlights of the festival was the Organic Cookfest which was a cooking demo conducted by prominent chefs from Bacolod and Manila.

The chefs were invited to show to the audience how organic produce can be used as ingredients to cooking. They concocted some recipes that are appealing to the eyes yet healthy because they are pesticide-free.

Chef Ian Mckenzie with his stewed chicken.

tomatoes with white cheese

Chef Sau del Rosario made this vegetable topped with basil leaves.

Stewed chicken by Chef Ian Mckenzie

Paella by Manny Torrejon of Manolo's in Paranaque City

Chef Robby Goco of Cyma Restaurants prepared 3 recipes

Greek Summer Salad

Happy Eating, everyone!

Rapha Valley

2011-12-04T10:37:00.005+08:00

An hour's drive from Bacolod City and you can be transported into a place where you can appreciate the cool breeze of the mountain air amidst the slopes and valleys of the municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto. This place is called Rapha Valley named after Jehovah Rapha which means "the Lord God heals". (Psalm 147:3) wow! Isn't it just appropriate? This place is owned by spouses Albert & Marilou Jo. Albert was a medical doctor but now he is an advocate for natural healing. He was asked by his father to take up medicine. But he realized that he has a passion for cooking. And now he realized his dream by cooking for his guests at the farm, which he enjoys.

Guests are welcome to the farm with some light snacks consisting of black rice puto, herbed casuy cheese, bloodless dinuguan pate and carrot juice.

Dr. Albert Jo welcomes his guests and leads them down to the vegetable garden. He would tell you the names of the herbs and what are they good for. Any leaf that has not been sprayed with insecticide is edible, he said.

Lemon grass is planted as hedges to keep away pests and insects from going to the plants. Lemon grass is widely used and an herb and commonly used in tea and soups for us Filipinos. For my juice, I boil the leaves, add calamansi juice and honey and voila! I have a refreshing cool drink for the day.

At the greenhouse are different kinds of plants: from stevia to goto kola to edible flowers. So many that the names I can no longer recall.

Rows of asparagus plants. and we picked up some spears and they were so crunchy!

Guests listen to Dr. Jo's descriptions of plants and how they can heal our bodies.

On the left is the greenhouse where you can find some edible flowers and herbs. On top is their resthouse which has a loft which serves as their bedroom. Lunch is served in that big white tent.

This is the panoramic view as seen from inside the

tent as you enjoy your lunch especially made from Dr. Jo's organic recipe.

The tent has a fine net so guests could see the view of the vegetable garden and the mountains as far as your eyes can see.

For tours, pls email viajenegrense@gmail.com

5 de Noviembre - Silay City

2011-11-27T22:37:00.002+08:00

The Cry at El Cinco de Noviembre. Upon the request of the Iloilo Revolutionary Council to start hostilities, Gen. Aniceto Lacson of Talisay, the military commander of Northern Negros went to Silay in November 3 to meet Nicolas Golez, deputy military commander, Leandro Locsin and Melecio Severino. They set the date of the uprising on November 5, 1898. Messengers were sent out to inform the hacienderos to bring the troops armed with bolos and machete. The pistols and rifle were not even enough to arm 15 people.

On November 4, the Silaynon rebels cut off all telegraphic wires. The repairman was sent into Silay but the residents did not allow the connection.

Cinco de Noviembre played a significant role in the history of Silay. On that day at about 2:00 in the afternoon, Silaynons gathered in the street corner now known as Cinco de Noviembre Street and from there they proceeded to the Spanish garrison near the Catholic Church. It was a bloodless revolution. At first, the Spanish civil guards refused to surrender but after the negotiation with the revolutionaries through the help of Juan Viaplana, a local Spaniard, they surrendered. The agreement papers mentioned that the civil guards gave up only after a heroic resistance against overwhelming odds. It was done to save Spanish honor. The Philippine flag made by Olympia Severino, Eutropia Yorac and Perpetua Severino was raised for the first time at the plaza on that memorable day – Saturday, November 5, 1898. Leandro Locsin was acclaimed temporary president after the signing of the terms of surrender. Timoteo Unson and the group of Silaynons marched to Talisay to join forces with the Talisaynon for the attack of Bacolod.

Silay City commemorates this day by staging a reenactment of the march from the marker up to the plaza. This day is also called the Negros Day which is a non-working day in the province. The City Government of Silay has cultural activities in the plaza. Dances, selling of vegetables and home-grown delicacies.

The Negros Cultural Foundation also holds the 14th Adobo Festival at the Balay Negrense grounds. Highlight is a cooking competition of different kinds of adobo.

The grounds is laden with tables and chairs to create a fiesta ambiance. Lunch consists of different kinds of adobo. From seafoods to vegetables to pork and chicken.

Robert Harland's winning entry in last year's adobo cooking competition, Adobo Crevette a l' Anglaise (Shrimp adobo English Style).

It is a fun day for the people who gather each year. Always looking forward to new recipes in the competition. For the first timers, they are always awed by the wide variety of our Negrense cuisine.

Source: http://www.silaycity.gov.ph/content/silay-history

Babylan's Cococrafts

2011-11-27T20:44:00.000+08:00

This woman found fortune in coconut shells. She started with 4 workers in 1988 when they were making picture frames, jewelry boxes, office accessories made from coconut shells.

Maxima "Baby" and her husband Rolando Madera named their business after their daughter's name, Babylan.

This candle holder is among the popular items in her line.

jewelry boxes

This is my favorite. This can be a container for even a fruit salad!

Now, her clients include, among others, the Amanpulo Resort and a resort in Maldives.

A must-buy for tourists as a souvenir from Negros Island.

These products are displayed and sold at the Negros Showroom in Lacson St and at their newly opened branch at Robinsons Place Central Citywalk, Bacolod City.

Experience Bacolod Local Tours

2011-10-21T22:46:00.001+08:00

BACOLOD CITY TOUR

Experience Bacolod city thru its sights, church & museum.

Duration: 4 hours

Schedule: 8am to 12nn/1pm to 5pm

Rate: P950 per pax

Inclusions:

1. Aircon vehicle throughout the tour.

2. DOT Accredited Tour Guide

3. Entrance fees to all places indicated

4. Tour coordination to all destinations.

Tour will run with a minimum of 6pax

HERITAGE & CULTURAL TOUR

Step into the homes of the hacienderos and now

tourist landmarks.

Learn about the lifestyle of the sugarcane farm

owners during those times.

Duration: 4 hours

Schedule: 8am to 12nn/1pm to 5pm

Rate: P1,150.00 per pax

Inclusions:

1. Aircon vehicle throughout the tour.

2. DOT Accredited Tour Guide

3. Entrance fees to all places indicated

4. Tour coordination to all destinations.

Tour will run with a minimum of 6pax

ORGANIC FARM TOURS

Learn more about the organic way of living.

Visit an integrated demo farm.

Observe the process of silk making and experience

mulberry picking.

Duration: 4 hours

Schedule: 8am to 12nn/1pm to 5pm

Rate: P1,050.00 per pax

Inclusions:

1. Aircon vehicle throughout the tour.

2. DOT Accredited Tour Guide

3. Entrance fees to all places indicated

4. Tour coordination to all destinations.

Tour will run with a minimum of 6pax

Tours can be customized according to your preferences.

CONTACT: 0917-3000060 viajenegrense@gmail.com

Don Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House

2011-10-11T22:51:00.002+08:00

Who is Gen. Aniceto Lacson? Bacolod's main thoroughfare was named after him. He is the first and only President of the Negros Republic. He was the general who led the revolutionaries North of Negros which led to the surrender of the Spanish Forces in Negros thus liberated the island of Negros from Spanish rule on November 5, 1898. Hence, Negros Day is commemorated on that date to honor the Negrense revolutionaries who fought against the Spanish forces.

Built in the 1880's, this Balay na Bato was known as the Malacanang of the South. The groundfloor is surrounded by windows while the second floor is surrounded by doors.

The house was used by the Japanese forces as their headquarters. The Americans also used it and took good care of it. In the 70's the Marian monks lived here, but apparently left unsettled bills of the power company.

The only house in Negros which has a balcony wrapped around the perimeter of the house.

This chapel is still functional. Mass is held at least one a month.

His great-granddaughter, Anna Claparols Balcells, showed the Negros tour guides the house of Don Aniceto Lacson.

Casa Carmela Kitchen

2011-09-25T00:25:00.005+08:00

Piaya. a flat, round, flaky pastry with sweet filling. that could be one description of a piaya. but a piayito? it could be a small piaya.

who would ever think that this sweet and flaky delicacy would evolve into something thin, crisp and smaller? Kudos to Casa Carmela Kitchen's continued study on research and development for coming up with a new twist to our local piaya. It was in 2003 when they make their piaya with the traditional filling---muscovado. A year later, they innovated the piaya, not only making it crisp and thin but with new fillings such as ube, pandan, mango, calamansi, espresso & dalandan. In 2005, the bite-sized piayas were introduced. It is called 'piayito'.

I'm so intrigued with this piayito. In each bite into this thin flake, you would hear the crisp and the crunch. yummy.....each bite always leads to another, until you finish off one, two, no....three packs in all. or even more that you would lose count. but when you are watching your figure, you have to stop somewhere. though you can always go back. shhhhhh......don't tell anyone you're dipping your hand into the piaya jar again. as they say, you have to treat your sweet cravings.

and it comes in many flavors such as espresso, rhum, and muscovado.

and to down those sweet delights, you can wash it off with these various wellness teas that Casa Carmela offers. You have choices of Lemon Grass & Ginger Tea, Papaya Tea, Banaba & Lemon Grass Tea and MalunggayTea.

Millie Kilayko, entrepreneur and social change advocate, is the person behind the success of Casa Carmela. They are proud to say that in 2006, Philippine Air Lines contracted Casa Carmela to provide these bit-sized piayas for their international inflight meals.

Local spreads were also introduced into the market in 2009. If you can't bring a chicken inasal in your suitcase, then these bottled ones would surely find their places in yours.

These products are available at the 26th Negros Trade Fair on Sept 28 - Oct. 2, 2011 at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City.

One o the many products that will be launched during this event is the Wild Mushroom in Olive Oil.

I'm looking forward to tasting and buying these goodies at the Negros Trade Fair at Rockwell Tent, Makati on Sept 28 - Oct. 2, 2011. See y'all there.

26th Negros Trade Fair at Rockwell Tent Sept 28-Oct 2, 2011

2011-09-12T14:44:00.002+08:00

Ang Sinamak

2011-09-06T20:12:00.013+08:00

SINAMAK. A concoction of vinegar, crushed garlic, onions, hot pepper, salt & sugar and langkawas. The last ingredient may be the least known to us. Langkawas , the local name for galangal, is from the ginger family. I googled 'galangal' and learned that it is called Lengkuas in Laos. It confirmed that galangal is the English term for our langkawas. It is widely used in Indonesia and Malysia as a food flavoring and spice. To learn more about it, click on this link http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/galangal.html Here's how it looks:

For most people in Western Visayas, the sinamak is the dipping sauce for grilled fish, grilled pork, shrimps. Grilled dishes would not be as flavorful if it's not dipped into this sinamak.

In preparing sinamak, it is best to use a 6-month old pure "tuba". Tuba is a local alcoholic drink made from he sap of a coconut tree. After 8-12 weeks of fermentation, it becomes pure and natural organic vinegar. You can learn more about this Filipino alcoholic drink by clicking on this link. http://bulatlat.com/news/6-8/6-8-vinegar.htm

The next best thing about sinamak is it can be refilled just by adding vinegar! Although sinamak has a lot of variations, this particular concoction is made by T Flavors, one of the longest food producers specializing in pickled vegetables in Bacolod City.

Here are the other bottled products of T Flavors: achara na tambo, singkamas, papaya, ampalaya, ubod and the newest is the gulay pinoy. Onion pickles, quail egg pickles and the mangga rachada. The latter is made from 'pangi', a variety of sour mango or pickling. It really makes my mouth water just the thought of mangga rachada. Having any one of these during your meals would surely require a lot of discipline to be able to keep away from it. This is also best eaten with grilled dishes especially during outings at the beach.

These products are available at:

T Flavors The Negros Showroom

Taculing Road, Pleasantville Lacson St.

Bacolod City Bacolod City

Tel No 433-1712

These products will also be available at the 26th Negros Trade Fair on Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2011 at The Rockwell Tent, Makati City.

Viaje Negrense: Masskara Festival 2011 Schedule

2011-08-14T16:28:00.000+08:00

Viaje Negrense: Masskara Festival 2011 Schedule

Masskara Festival 2011 Schedule

2011-08-14T16:08:00.007+08:00

This year's 32nd Masskara Festival highlights in Bacolod City fall on Oct. 14, 15 & 16.

The 2011 MassKara festival logo was designed by Bacolod visual artist and fine arts professor Bamboo Tonogbanua who has also been commissioned to do the trophies that will be given to the winners in the different official festival competitions.

This year’s logo shows a spectrum of colors that the festival is famous for, he said.

The logo combines the glamorous but realistic portrayal of the mask, itself a symbol of the festival, and the vibrant colors of the MassKara Festival, he said.

The hairs of the mask are illustrated like flowing ribbons to symbolize the lively and festive atmosphere of the festival, he said.

The headdress of the mask showed symbols of the new icons of Bacolod: the Bacolod City Government Center, the Blessed John Paul II Tower, and other rising business structures.

Also in the headdress are the public plaza’s bandstand, where the MassKara streetdancing competitions are held, and the Philippine flag, to symbolize patriotism.

For more details, click on this link http://www.themasskarafestival.com/

For the complete schedule of the Masskara Festival, please click on this link.

http://www.themasskarafestival.com/front-page/schedule/

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-15T23:56:00.002+08:00

Tour Packages for Bacolod & Negros Occ.

2011-04-23T15:37:00.011+08:00

Pls hold on Crtl key while you click on photo to enlarge view.

Pls.hold on Ctrl key while you click on photo to enlarge view.

Pls. hold CTRL key while you click on photo to enlarge view.

Pls. hold Ctrl key while you click on photo to enlarge view.

For inquiries, contact 63-9170-3000060 viajenegrense@gmail.com

The Water Garden at Forest Park

2011-04-20T20:28:00.005+08:00

Located at Brgy. Taculing (a few meters away from the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital) is this new sprawling resort.

By now, their aviary must have been done. They have a variety of bird species which one would like to look.

the pavilion which could accommodate 250 guests in a banquet.

The villas can accommodate 6 pax. Three single beds with a bathroom in the 1st and 2nd level.

Negros Festival Costumes

2011-04-20T19:38:00.006+08:00

Negros Occidental has 19 municipalities and 13 cities. Each of them has their own festivals. The following are the costumes worn during various festivals.

Oct. 13-18 = Masskara Festival, Bacolod City
June 6-12 = Hugyaw Festival, Silay City

Feb. 12-19 = Babaylan Festival/Charter Day, Bago City
May 3 === Pasalamat Festival, La Carlota City
Sept. 8-10 === Minuluan Festival, Talisay City

Mana Pula Festival of Manapla

Feb. 07-09 = Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival, Don Salvador Benedicto
May 26-30 = Manlambus Festival, Escalante City

3rd Sunday of January = Sinulog Festival, Kabankalan City
Last Sunday of January = Dinagsa sa Cadiz, Cadiz City
Nov 03-05 = Pintaflores Festival, San Carlos City

Jan 25 === Lubay-Lubay Festival, Cauayan

April 1-5 Banana Festival, La Castellana
May 15 Balbagan Dance Festival, Binalbagan

These costumes were on display during the Panaad Festival on April 4-9, 2011 and was curated by Mr. E of Events Gallery.

PANAAD 2011 Schedule of Activities

2011-03-30T15:23:00.004+08:00

Panaad is an Ilonggo word for 'vow'. The Panaad Festival, now on its 12th year, is celebrated in Negros every April. It is now held at the Panaad Park & Stadium located in Barangay Mansilingan near the boundary of Barangay Alijis. This is a 25 hectare park & sports complex and is known to be one of the best in the country. It had been host to the South East Asian Games, the Asian Football Challenge and other national sports events.

Its unique feature is the replica of famous landmarks of each of the 19 towns and 13 cities in Negros Occidental. Each of the towns and cities showcase their products in its kiosk or structure.

Pre-Panaad Activities

April 1, Friday - Press Presentation “Search for Lin-ay sang Negros” (Bacolod Casino Hotel)
April 2, Saturday - Festival Costume Parade “Search for Lin-ay sang Negros” (SM City Bacolod)
- Governor’s Cup Panaad National Golf Tournament, VLMPC (NOGCC Marapara)
2:00 p.m .- Derby (Panaad Covered Court)
April 3, Sunday - Talent Night “Search for Lin-ay sang Negros” (Robinson’s Place Bacolod)
Governor’s Cup Panaad National Golf Tournament, VLMP (NPGCC Marapara)
2:00 p.m.- Panaad Derby (Panaad Covered Court)

April 4 Monday Day 1

6:00 a.m. - Hataw sa Panaad w/ Ching’s Group (Football Field)
8:00 a.m. - Panaad Thanksgiving Mass (2F Stadium)
9:00 a.m. - Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for:
- Panaad Tourism & Trade Fair @ LGU Pavilions*
- Negros’ Best Products Display, NOTLDC (2F Stadium, North Wing)*
- Organic na Negros Agri-Fest (GF Stadium, North Wing)*
- Livestock & Dairy Products Fair (GF Stadium, North Wing Grounds)*
- Festival Costumes Exhibit & Competition (GF Stadium, South Wing)*
- Eco-Garden & Wellness Show (south area across Candoni Booth)*
*Daily Activities
2:00 p.m. - Panaad Derby Championship (Panaad Covered Court)
3:00 p.m. - Motorcade & LGU Floats Competition (Provincial Capitol to Panaad Park)
4:00 p.m. - Opening Ceremony & Festival Dance Competition (Stadium)
- Fireworks Display
8:00 p.m. - GMA “Kapuso” Show (Stadium)

April 5 Tuesday Day 2

6:00 a.m. - Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
7:00 a.m. - Athletics (Panaad Field)
8:00 a.m. - Volleyball (Softball Field)
Taekwondo (2nd Level Stadium)
Chess (Stadium VIP Room)
10:00 a.m. - Daily Trade Fair & Exhibit @ various venues (refer to Day 1)
6:00 p.m. - Negros Pop Music Festival – Composo/Pop Song Writing Competition (Stadium)
- NOPSSCEA Cultural Show (Stadium)

April 6 Wednesday Day 3

6:00 a.m. - Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
7:00 a.m. - Athletics (Panaad Field)
8:00 a.m. - Volleyball (Softball Field)
Chess (Stadium VIP Room)
UPLBAA Annual Panaad Seminar (2nd Level Stadium, Center)
TESDA Livelihood Skills Olympics (Panaad Covered Court)
9:00 a.m. - Latin Dance Sport ? Elimination Round (NOMPAC Gym)
10:00 a.m. - Daily Trade Fair & Exhibit @ various venues (refer to Day 1)
1:00 p.m. - Drum & Bugle Competition, Secondary Level (Football Field)
2:00 p.m. - Boxing (Panaad Cabanas)
3:00 p.m. - Latin Dance Sport ? Adult, Senior & Juvenile Categoories (NOMPAC Gym)
8:00 p.m. - UNILIVER “POP FIESTA” (Stadium)

April 7 Thursday Day 4

6:00 a.m. - Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
7:00 a.m. - Mambukal – Panaad Team Relay
8:00 a.m. - Chess (Stadium VIP Room)
Volleyball (Softball Field)
Environmental Information Advocacy (Panaad Nursery)
10:00 a.m. - Daily Trade Fair & Exhibit @ various venues (refer to Day 1)

2:00 p.m. - Boxing (Cabanas)
3:00 p.m. - Animo Puppet Theater Group ?PEMO (Panaad Park Stage) 5:00 p.m. - Negrense/Ilonggo Folk Dance Competition (Stadium)
9:00 p.m. - Technical Rehearsal, Lin-ay sang Negros (Stadium)
MOR Local Stock ?Ilonggo Music Fest (Panaad Park Stage)

April 8 Friday Day 5

6:00 a.m. - Hataw sa Panaad w/ Panaad Hot Bodies (Football Field)
Volleyball (Softball Field)
10:00 a.m. - Daily Trade Fair & Exhibit @ various venues (refer to Day 1)

1:00 p.m. - Provincial Capitol Employees’ Day (Covered Court)
2:00 p.m. - Boxing (Cabanas)
8:00 p.m. - “Search for Lin-ay sang Negros 2011” Pageant (Stadium)

April 9 Saturday Day 6

6:00 a.m. - Hataw sa Panaad w/ Ching’s Group (Football Field)
Murcia ? Panaad Run
- Lions Club Fun Run
8:00 a.m - Farmer’s Day Celebration & Farmers Forum (Covered Court)
10:00 a.m. - Daily Trade Fair & Exhibit @ various venues (refer to Day 1)
3:00 p.m. - Closing Ceremony w/ Awarding & Presentation of Winners (Stadium)
7:00 p.m. - Outstanding Farmers & Fishermen Awards – (OPA/PVO/ABS-CBN (Panaad Stadium)
- Fireworks Display
ABS CBN’s Kapamilya Fiesta Caravan (Panaad Stadium)

5th Negros Organic Farmers Festival

2010-12-05T14:21:00.018+08:00

The 5th Negros Island Organic Farmers’ Festival was held on December 2-4, 2010 in Bacolod City to celebrate the gains that the local organic food stakeholders and organizers have achieved since the festival started in 2006.

The three-day festival is considered as the first and the longest running festival of its kind in the country. It featured exhibits of organic, healthy, local and vegetarian food and eco- friendly products and technology, among others. Negros is now emerging as 'Asia's organic bowl'.

Gov. Alfredo Maranon, Jr. with NISARD Foundation Pres. Boyet Uychiat
at the opening of the festival.

The Negros Island Organic Farmers’ Festival was spearheaded by the Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (NISARD) Foundation, in collaboration with the Negros Occidental provincial government and Organik na Negros! Organic Producers and Retailers Association (ONOPRA)

Fr. Joevic blessing the Viaje Negrense booth.

Viaje Negrense aims to promote agri tours in organic farms.

There are now about 500 organic farmers who had been issued certification
by the Negros Island Certification Board.

Alter Trade is one of the big producers of muscovado sugar.

Rice comes in various varieties.
The less polished it is, the healthier it is for us consumers.

Papaya at P20/kilo

Culinary students take their pick from fresh produce.

Monchito's farm produce

Honey Grace's vege-burger

eco-bags made from sacks of flour sold at P15.00 each

Very handy to bring while shopping. reusable, washable, durable.......

'mundo' variety of bananas

eggplants growing in polybags

Green bell pepper

Fresh Start Organics Marketing Manager Butch proudly displays their products.

All organic and healthy items ideal for gift items from Fresh Start Organics Store

For more info:

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=636190&publicationSubCategoryId=67

For more info, pls click on this link
http://www.pinoyorganics.com/

2010-11-20T22:00:00.001+08:00

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Enjoy Bacolod City's Tour Packages

2010-10-30T14:51:00.015+08:00

BACOLOD CITY TOUR

Discover Bacolod City thru its churches, museum, food and people.

Shop at the Negros Showroom, a product display and business center, declared by the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotions as the NUMBER ONE trade house in the Philippines today.

Relive the life of an haciendero in his mansion.

Savor the authentic Bacolod’s chicken inasal for lunch.

Pasalubong centers and more……..

Tour starts at 9am until 3pm

Pick up at L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City

Price: P950 per pax (for a min of 9 pax)

Inclusive of:

Aircon transport
Entrance fees to all places of interest
Professional Tour Guiding Services
Tour coordination
Lunch

NEGROS HERITAGE TOUR

Discover Bacolod City and Negros Occ. thru its churches, museum, food and people.

Shop at the Negros Showroom, a product display and business center, declared by the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotions as the NUMBER ONE trade house in the Philippines today.

Relive the life of an haciendero in his mansion.

Savor an authentic Ilonggo lunch amidst the grounds of an ancestral house.

Step into some of the heritage homes in Silay City.

Observe how muscovado sugar is made.

Pasalubong centers and more……..

Tour starts at 9am until 3pm

Pick up at L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City

Price: P1500 per pax

Inclusive of:

Aircon transport
Entrance fees to all places of interest
Professional Tour Guiding Services
Tour coordination
Lunch

For bookings, pls contact thru:

viajenegrense@gmail.com

call 034-4761153

034-7081462

mobile 0917 3000060

for more sights and sounds of Bacolod click this http://vimeo.com/6607229

Palmas del Mar Resort

2010-10-25T17:47:00.050+08:00

Viaje Negrense sets out for a Palmas del Mar experience. Come with me! Let me share with you what's at Palmas del Mar.

Back in the 70's, it used to be a beach resort. Then it evolved into a shrimp farm and it was in the 1980's when it was developed into a resort. The resort is inside a residential subdivision opening up to the seaside area where one can view the sunset.

Welcome to Palmas del Mar, a Conference Resort Hotel, all in one!

This arched entrance will lead us to the lobby and restaurant.

The restaurant can sit 60 persons. It is open from 6:30am to 12mn to hotel guests and walk-in guests.

From the restaurant, you get a fantastic view of the pool and the sea, and perhaps catch the sunset.

choose your meal from a wide array of selections............

coffee served by courteous staff

a hearty Filipino breakfast of danggit

....... or longganisa!

Front Desk Clerk Rosemarie Fuentes warmly greeted us and promptly attended to our room inquiries.

This is the new wing called the Iberian Suites. Our room is at the far end of the building facing the sea.

Look at our room! It's called the Costa del Sol Suite. It has a large ante room with a sofa bed plus a pull-out. And a queen size bed in the main room. A sliding door separates the two rooms. Since it's a corner room, we get a view of the swimming pools on the left and the sea on the west side. There's a veranda where you can sit in blessed tranquility as you sip your cup of coffee or endlessly gobbling up your bag chips or lanzones, which is in season from September to October.

This garden area is where the weddings, debuts and other celebrations are held.

This is the Mediterranean Pool. It's just 4 ft deep. Ideal for a lazy swim with friends. What's so nice about this pool is when you come out of your room, you can just dip into it while your friends are just there by the lounging bed.

Who would think that you are in the middle of Bacolod City in this Mediterranean setting?

This jacuzzi is ideal for couples.

This bigger one could accommodate a small family or a group of friends.

The Cabanas

The Island Suites

This pool is exclusive to guests and members only. Thus offers tranquility and privacy to hotel guests.

The Kiddie Pool

The Island Pool

Excursionists can avail of these picnic huts. You can bring your own food and drinks. Don't forget to call for reservations. It would be hard to get a space if you will just walk-in. Dial 034-434-7971 to 72 or 433-3587 to 88. For inquiries, visit www.palmasdelmarresort.net.

Location:

Palmas del Mar

JR Torres Ave.

Bacolod City

Tel Nos. 434-7971 to 72

433-3587-88

Viaje Negrense: NITI Tour Guides

2010-10-12T20:33:00.000+08:00

Viaje Negrense: NITI Tour Guides

NITI Tour Guides

2010-10-12T15:09:00.013+08:00

Being a tour guide is fun! Learning to be a tour guide is a challenge!

Which comes first? Guests or tour guides?

How do we handle guests coming to our city? To our province?

It was very timely that the Negros Island Tourism Inc. (NITI) has taken the challenge of designing and implementing a tour guiding course designed specifically for Negros as the destination. The profile in the first batch which ran from July to Sept. 2009 included the academe, travel & tour operators, hotel and tourism practitioners, career shifters, retired professionals and tourism advocates.

The course ran for 10 Saturdays with modules recommended and approved by the Department of Tourism. The topics were handled in novel and creative approaches by some of the leading scholars, artists and experts in our province.

On its first day, 36 participants registered. Photo shows participants at the steps of the Provincial Capitol Building ready to depart on its first tour of the city.

On the first day of the 2nd batch of the course offering, which started April 17 to June 19, 2010, 13 participants registered.

The attendance usually dwindles down, just like in the first batch. Kudos to NITI President, Ruth Minerva G. Cruz, for taking the initiative at being at the helm of this endeavor which can change the way the participants would see Negros with new eyes.

Practical exam was conducted by DOT's Bureau of Standards Chief consisting of written and practical exams composed of on board and on foot tours.

The NITI Tour Guiding Graduates - 2009

These are some of the first batch of participants who are qualified for DOT accreditation.

The NITI Tour Guiding Graduates - 2010

DOT Accredited tour guides, Bambi Borromeo, Maricar Dabao & Artie Lacson.

with DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta

The DOT trained tour guides who are qualified for accreditation have formed themselves into an organization called Alliance of Tour Guides of Occidental Negros (ATON).

Experience Sagay

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The local government unit of Sagay City hosted the tour guides and travel agents of Bacolod and Negros to a familiarization tour of their city.

First stop was the Sagay City Government Center which was built in 2002.

The seal of the City of Sagay, Negros Occidental.

The Wall of Fame: Mayors' Portraits

Office of the Mayor. But since he was not there...........

We commandeered his office. Only for a photo shoot which included his City Administrator and Councilor.

Hon. Leo Rafael 'Bebo' M. Cueva

Sagay City Mayor

Our next stop was Brgy Vito.

San Vicente Ferrer Vito Church was established by the Recollect Fathers in 1860. Devotees flock to the church every Friday in fulfillment of their vow (Panaad) to the patron saint.

San Vicente Ferrer

The ritual called 'palapak', is the placing of San Vicente's more than a century-old wooden image on the different parts of the body with ailments for healing. Wonders and miraculous healing have been attributed by the faithful to their vow of devotion to the patron saint.

And now comes the highlight of this trip. The Himoga-an River Cruise which is the newest tourism activity of Sagay City. It is a 2-hour boat ride plying Sagay's longest river starting from Brgy. Fabrica to Brgy. Old Sagay.

Sights along the river.

This is an islet in the middle of the river called Carabao Island which was formed through accretion. The people living near the are would send the carabaos there to graze. But now the islet is planted with corn and a few carabaos still grazing.

Entertainment is also provided in the cruise.

A Taste of Silay

2010-10-05T22:16:00.006+08:00

Silay City is 20 kms. north of Bacolod City, the capital city of Negros Occidental. Silay City is the site of the new international airport now having been opened in 2008.

Silay is famous for its 'kalan-unon' or confectioneries (food items mostly made from sugar, coconut milk and glutinous rice). In the 60's till the 80's, women vendors would sell their concession placed in a sawali-made flat open basket which is placed on their heads. A white cloth meticulously rolled into a circle is used to cushion their heads from the weight of the sawali basket locally known as 'nigo'. These women, called 'manug-libod', would walk throughout our city streets and sell these commonly during coffee breaks to employees who became their loyal patrons. If you were an office worker during those times, the sight of a woman with the 'nigo' on her head would be a welcome sight to a hungry stomach.

Most of the recipes of these confectioneries are handed down from generation to generation. Some do not even have a precise measurement of the ingredients. These recipes take much preparation time, from the grinding of the glutinous rice to the grating of the coconut to produce milk and preparation of the leaves where it will be wrapped. These types of food are usually prepared in the outskirts of our urban cities. Which is why it is always a treat to find these types of food in our everyday supermarket stalls.

Here are some of the best loved sugar and rice based yummies of Silay...........

Kalamay hati: great for dessert

One part each of ground glutinous rice, brown sugar, coconut milk. Cook over slow fire while stirring continuously.

when it becomes sticky and heavy to stir, that means it's cooked!

scraping the bottom of the pan.

..........and then, there was none left for me!

This was the original packaging of kalamay hati. It is placed in coconut shell and sealed at the center. Shelf life is only 2-3 days. Each of this would weight about 400 gms. Doesn't it look so authentic?

For the individual servings, it usually comes wrapped in banana leaves and you gobble it all up in your mouth. In the absence of the coconut shell, microwaveable plastic containers are being used. It is lighter in weight and easy to pack. Shelf life would still be about 2-3 days. When refrigerated, it would last till about 5-7 days. So better buy only what you can consume.

However, a precaution to those wearing dentures. Remember, kalamay hati is sticky and chewy.

Where to buy: Sidewalk at Bacolod Central Market

Pasalubong centers

Ibus mais

This is usually eaten during an early morning breakfast with coffee or ginger tea (salabat in Tagalog or taho in Hiligaynon). Also best for snacks. And boy! with this size, how many can you finish?

What is in an ibus mais? It is a mixture of ground yellow corn and coconut milk which is then poured into the spiral-formed wrap made from coconut leaves. It is neatly arranged, vertically, in a large cauldron or pot and steamed till done. When asked how long does it take to steam. The woman replied that they just estimate the cooking time.

mmmmmmmm, isn't that namit? I could finish 5-6 pieces of those!

Where to buy: Central Market

town marketplace

How to make piaya?

If you are from Negros and when you travel outside of Bacolod and Negros, people you meet would most likely mention 'piaya' to you. Of course, it would come after sugar. Piaya is now a popular 'pasalubong' (take home) item. Among the more famous commercial manufacturers of piaya are Bongbong's, Merci & Bailon's. Each manufacturer has its own taste. It now comes in different flavors like ube, pandan, mango aside from the original muscovado. Other piaya manufacturers experiment on some other flavors to give it a new twist. So it is up to you to discover your taste.

Do you see that small round white thing? That is the dough. The muscovado is placed in the middle and rolled with both palms. The dough is then flattened.

and cooked in the griddle..........

and after a few minutes of turning the dough on its side several times till it browns ............voila!

It's ready to eat!

Where to buy: Pasalubong Centers (Bongbong's, Merci, Virgie's)

Bailon's

Panara

Panara is another famous delicacy of Silay. It is crispy when newly fried. Especially at its folded edges. It is mongo sprouts sauted in pork & shrimps and wrapped in an orange-colored dough and deep fried.

The secret of its crisp is frying it in very high temperature and turned over continuously to achieve even cooking.

Where to buy: El ideal - Silay City

Bailon's

Quan (all branches)

Sipalay, the Jewel of Negros

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A view from the top gives you tranquility and serenity from the privacy of your rest house.

Wishbone stairs leading to a beach house in Punta Ballo.

View of Punta Ballo shoreline from Nataasan Beach Resort.

Roads are developed in this subdivision area. Each lot has its view of the beach. Ideal for a retirement home or a rest house by the beach.

These steps lead you to the beach.

The entrance to Matlag Cave is just beside the road in Brgy. 4. This is the highway going to Punta Ballo where the beaches such as Artistic Diving, Robinson Cruse and many others are.

It just looks like a big manhole by the side of the road!

Our tour guide from the local tourism office, Marc Torillo, brought us to the amazing and wonderful places any nature-lover would die for.

A glimpse of how it looks inside the cave. We were not able to go inside because we didn't have the necessary safety gears and permit.

Islets in Brgy. Lat-asan

Malinab Lagoon

Island Living Channel with NITI Tour Guides examining the stalactites in an islet called Maasin.

The new government center of Sipalay City which will be operational by early next year.

Some photos courtesy of Bang Agustin.

Welcome to Don Salvador Benedicto

2010-09-13T14:49:00.002+08:00

Don Salvador Benedicto has been proclaimed as the Summer Capital of Negros. It is 47 kms. away from Bacolod. The roads are fully cemented. But the sights are wonderful. As you slowly drive thru the winding roads, you would see sugarcane fields, rice fields, rivers, mountain slopes, farm animals like goats, carabao and sometimes even pigs.

You would pass by this highway in going to San Carlos City, which is now 2 hours away from Bacolod.

As you slowly approach the town, this majestic statue of a lion greets you.

A monument had been built by the Philippine, Taiwan and Korean governments.

At the back of the monument is this breathtaking view of the mountain slopes, river and scattered nipa huts.

Your DOT-trained tour guide.

Schedule of Masskara Festival

2010-09-08T12:31:00.000+08:00

October 1, 2010	Opening of the Festival Site * Public Plaza * SM MassKara Village 5 p.m. – MassKara Queen Talent Pre-Pageant (with fireworks display afterwards) Venue: Providence Negros
October 2, 2010	7 p.m. – MassKara Queen Ramp Modeling Night Pre-Pageant Venue: 888 China Town Square Mall
October 3, 2010	4 p.m. – “THE INTERVIEW” Pre-pageant presentation for the Q & A portion of MassKara Queen Venue: SM Bacolod Events Center
October 10, 2010	MassKara Queen Pageant and Coronation Night Venue: University of St. La Salle Coliseum
October 15, 2010	Electric MassKara Venue: Tourism Strip, Lacson St.
October 16, 2010	MassKara Street Dance Competition – School Category Venue: Araneta St. to Public Plaza Electric MassKara Venue: Tourism Strip, Lacson St.
October 17, 2010	MassKara Street Dance Competition – Barangay Category Venue: Araneta St. to Public Plaza
October 18, 2010	Countdown to the Charter Day Giant Street Party Celebration Venue: New Government Center
October 19, 2010 source: www.themasskara festival.com	73rd Charter Day Anniversary

Bacolod, here I come

2010-05-27T11:09:00.004+08:00

Discover the rich history and culture of Bacolod and Negros as you step into pre-war era homes and structures that make up the culture of what they are now thru the following tours:

HERITAGE TOUR:

Step into Bacolod's finest family homes built in pre-war era. Get a rustic feel as you visit museums and unique churches in Bacolod and Silay, capped with a Negrense lunch in an old mansion in the North. Watch the sunset radiates its glow in a picturesque old mansion.

Rates: P1600 per pax (group of 9)
(rates subject to change)

Tour includes: Aircon transport, all entrances fees, tour guide services, lunch, plus surprises

CITY TOUR:

Discover the beauty of the themed Bacolod plaza as you breeze thru the wide city streets that lead to the famous pasalubong centers where you can choose an array of the famous piaya, lubid-lubid, dulce gatas, kalamay hati.

Visit the Pope John Paul II Tower and browse thru the proudly-made Negros products housed in their showroom which has been declared by the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotions as the No. 1 trade house in the Philippines.

Enjoy the succulent chicken inasal for lunch which you should not miss while in Bacolod!

Rates: P1100 per pax for a group of 9

(rates subject to change)

Tour includes: Aircon transport, all entrances fees, tour guide services, lunch, plus surprises.

Tours may be customized for your group and preferences.

For inquiries:
email: viajenegrense@gmail.com