Theme: Setting my desire and hope upon God!

May 20, 2013 at Christian Missionary International.

Venue: Paglaum Village

by BackPack Boy

Continuing my travel spree this year, I’m now bound for another trip just 2 weeks after I got back from Seoul – this time to a local destination in the Philippines.

I just got home from this short 3-day trip and you might ask from where – no other than the “City of Smiles”. Bacolod City is the capital of Negros Occidental province and is one of the highly urbanized cities in Visayas. This is one of those “backpacking trip” I do by myself once in a while.

Armed with my backpack, camera and tripod, I took the 4:55AM PR 131 flight last September 19 to the city, and boy was it was so early that was half-awake most of the time!

It was 6:00AM when we arrived at the airport and after disembarking, I found myself alive and kicking, eager to be in the city. The New Bacolod-Silay Airport, is relatively a new airport, which started it’s operations last January 2008. It is located a little less than 20 kilometers away from Bacolod city center so I took a shuttle (PHP100) that brought me to where I’ll be staying for 2 nights in the city.

Since this is a budget travel, I stayed in Bacolod Pension Plaza and got a deluxe room.

To my surprise the room has twin beds. Since I was alone for this trip, I slept in one bed on the first night and on the other the second. For PHP800, it was a good rate considering it has all the good amenities – cable television, airconditioning and hot shower.

I stayed and rested for at least an hour, and even tried to take a nap but my excitement is killing me so I decided later on to go out and explore the city. The hotel I’m staying is very near the public plaza so a lot of things is just walking distance. I saw San Sebastian Cathedral so that’s where my first stop was.

The cathedral was constructed between 1876-1875 which replaced an older wooden church. On the older church, there were donated bells that were installed during 1863, and these bells were then transferred to the new cathedral. The towers of the cathedral were however reconstructed during 1969 and the bells never got back to the top. In 1976 the towers emerged again in a special belfry built on the grounds of the church.

Then my hunger called for food! It was breakfast time and I haven’t had anything yet so I scouted for something to eat and saw an eatery serving “batchoy”, a noodle soup dish with chicharon (pork cracklings), meat (pork and chicken) and vegatables. It was very good and satisfying! And it was only PHP17 a small bowl size!

After breakfast, I explored the public plaza which is just across the church. The grounds of the concrete park was designed with checkered black and white flooring.

At the center of the public plaza is a gazebo where names of known classical music composers are inscribed – Wagner, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

Then I began to feel tired and sleepy so I headed back to the hotel and took around 2-3 hours of sleep to gather more energy for later activities.

For this trip, I really didn’t have much research, so majority of where I go to was based on talking with local folks and a few searches while I was there. I decided to go to Silay City by riding a jeepney to Robinson’s Place (PHP7), then transferred to another jeepney bound for Silay City (PHP13).

Silay City is known locally to be the “Paris of Negros” due to a number of preserved heritage houses that stands proudly today. A lot of these houses are historical landmarks that the city is considered to be a museum city.

Maria Ledesma Golez House, purchased by and now houses a branch of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation in the city

Bernardino Lopez Jalandoni House

Baldevia Building, also houses the Baldevia Pension House

Jison Building

Balay Negrense was an ancestral house of Victor Fernandez Gaston built in 1897. It was left in abandoned and collapsing during 1970s and was restored, turned into a museum by 1990.

inside Balay Negrense

The museum however was closed (or no one was there to entertain me) so I wasn’t able to come in and view the displays.

a cannon that I saw while I was roaming around the streets of Silay City

another beautiful heritage house I passed by

Cesar Lacson Locsin Ancestral House, where El Ideal, a bakery established in 1920′s, still stands today.

Talking to locals, I was told that this bakery is famous for it’s Guapple Pie. I haven’t heard of guapple until then, which at first I thought to be a combination of guava and apple. But searching further, it is actually a variety of guava.

It was late in the afternoon already so I headed back to Bacolod City again to take a rest. While walking towards the hotel, I saw some sort of a commotion outside Dunkin’ Donuts. Looking closer it was their Chocolate Festival that day, where they sell everything for PHP11 each.

I cannot resist the temptation so I joined in, I got 4 donuts and 2 icy chocos to-go.

I was a very happy kid, until I grew hungry again that night so I went to Manokan Country, a place walking distance from the plaza and across SM City Bacolod where a number of stalls are selling a dish the city is known for – Bacolod chicken inasal!

Nothing in particular, but I chose to eat in Umbao because it was clean and looks comfortable to me.

To sample the chicken inasal, which is actually a local version of grilled chicken, I ordered paa (thigh part) for PHP50, and pakpak (wings) for PHP40.

Served with annato/achuete oil that you can pour in the chicken or over the rice, it was a very sumptuous and filling meal. I’ve always had chicken inasal back in Manila but nothing beats the taste of where it came from, here in Bacolod!

The next morning, I boarded a jeepney bound to the town of Murcia (PHP14) and got down at the town proper.

My destination – the springs in Mambukal Resort. From Murcia town proper I rode a mini-bus (PHP15) that took me to the resort. For a PHP30 entrance fee, you can access the springs, go trekking, see the waterfalls or just stay put and have a picnic with your family at the huge grounds of the resort covering a bit more than 23 hectares.

stream

I went into one of the streams and decided to take a short dip.

After the dip, I decided to follow the trail leading to the waterfalls. I was told that there were 7 waterfalls if you follow the path.

bridge

stream, on the way to the waterfalls

.. and then I reached the first waterfall after around 15 minutes of easy walking.

another view of the first waterfalls

To see the other waterfalls, you have to walk further, going up the mountain.

After around 10 minutes more walk, I reached the second watefalls. Fantastic view!

waterfalls and the stream

I grew tired already and went for a short rest. By the way, on the way up, there are some paths that requires you to cross the water, so be ready and bring sandals or something that can be wet at least. I was wearing rubber shoes (bad idea) so I had to carry it around. Walking at these rocks barefooted isn’t funny as well.

There were other facilities which I did not visit anymore, such as the swimming pool, sulfur springs and picnic areas. There were also rooms available for rental so a family or group of friends can stay longer, probably a night or so to enjoy the resort.

Boarding a mini-bus just outside the resort, I headed back once more to Bacolod City. As soon as I arrived at the city, I hailed a jeepney (with signboard Bata) and followed the direction I learned from another person to get down at Bangga Rose Lawn (PHP7). From there I took a tricycle to and from The Ruins (PHP15 each way).

The Ruins, or the ancestral house of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson located in Talisay City, is famous for its structure of concrete still standing but barely empty space inside. Entrance to the ruins is PHP40.

a jumpshot photo-opp!

Built in 1900′s, I was told that the house was set into fire to prevent Japanese soldiers from using at as headquarters during World War II. Today, they converted the inside to a restaurant serving mediterranean cuisine.

The second floor is off-limits since it was unsafe. The staircase leading to the upper floor is still standing but there is no floor to stand when you reach upstairs, other than panels and beams.

The details of this Italian inspired, neo-Romanesque was superb, and yes, it has withstand all these years.

Queer but a magnificent sight, it has left me wondering why these skeletal structure of once the biggest mansion still stands today.

The grounds were also vast, where a garden and fountain can be found. A group was doing a video shoot when I was there.

When I went back to Bacolod City, I was already hungry so I ate at Super Batchoy House II, located just in front of my hotel.

I tried what seems to be the best and their specialy in their menu, the Super Batchoy – Super Special (PHP65), served with chicharon, utok (bone marrow) and egg. It was very delicious and I never had a Batchoy as good (and bad for health) as that before!

For dinner that night, I decided to eat out just outside the outside Bacolod Pension Plaza and try the food they were serving at the hawker street stall.

While I was waiting for my food to be cooked I helped myself in the condiments and squezed calamansi (Philippine lemon), put siling labuyo (small chili peppers) and mixed them into soy sauce. This will be my dip for dinner that night.

I had tenga (pork ears) for PHP37 and pecho (chicken breast) for PHP37). Rice was served wrapped in coconut leaves for PHP7. Dinner was good, especially the pork but I like the chicken I ate the night before more than this.

On my third and last day in the city, while I was on my way to the bus terminal, I happened to pass by Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery, a privately-owned land used as a cemetery but known to hold a Guinness World Record as the only one in the world situated at the intersection of two highways. Yes! This is a cemetery right in the middle of a street!

When I arrived at the Libertad SDL Terminal, I rode a mini-bus to go to La Carlota City(PHP30). An hour and a half away via mini-bus, the city is known to be home to the oldest and prominent sugar mills.

monument outside La Carlota City Hall

Form the city hall, I hailed a tricycle to take me to the place passed by the mini-bus (PHP6). This is the welcome marker of the city where a steam locomotive train, once used to carry the sugar canes, is on display. The city is known to have a number of these but during the past years, they started to remove the tracks and train use is almost becoming extinct.

me

Soon thereafter, I realize time is almost running out and there’s nothing much for me to do here so I went back to Bacolod and catch my ride going to the airport.

But before that, since it was past lunch time, I passed by Sharyn’s Cansi House near an area they call as “Shopping Center”.

Of course, what I ordered was Cansi (PHP180), said to be a Bacolod version of bulalo (a Batangas delicacy), where a beef bone boiled in soup, oozing with bone marrow.

Yes, bone marrow makes it good and delicious, but take note this is a very sinful dish, high in cholesterol and fat and can shoot up your blood pressure! Still, this didn’t stop me!

The meat was soft and tender, and the taste was very good. I finished a whole bowl supposedly good for 2 persons! Unlike bulalo, the soup was a bit sour, similar to sinigang (tamarind-based soup) which is actually good since bulalo is more like just a boiled version of this beef part.

After dinner, I rode a jeepney to Silay (PHP13) and wandered for a few minutes before catching the airport shuttle (PHP50).

This was a quick weekend trip for me, unplanned and turned out to be an adventurous delight to both sights and tastes. It was unfortunate that because of the lack of planning, I didn’t know until I reached the city that Masskara Festival, or a parade of partipants wearing masks, is supposed to happen just a few weeks after. Maybe next time!

Source: http://www.backpackboy.com/2009/09/bacolod-city-of-smiles.html

By Rio Rose Ribaya | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom – 23 hours ago

For newly-proclaimed Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, this could be his last six years as senator.

This explains why the former military general’s proclamation as senator at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay on Saturday came as a bittersweet event for him and his family.

“Before I ride into the sunset, I think I have six years left. This is my last consecutive six-year term,” Honasan said, hinting of taking a break and possibly, retirement from politics.

Honasan, who bumped off former Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon in the 12th and last spot in the Magic 12, promised to leave the election fever behind and start working.

“We’ve been very cohesive. We’re also friends and I think we will move forward and respond to public interest wherever we are,” Honasan said.

“I have talked to some of his people and he’s okay. In fact, the other members of our senatorial line-up are all okay,” he added.

Honasan said he will immediately re-file Freedom of Information (FoI) bill I the senate as well as other legislation that would push for the welfare of teachers, soldiers, policemen, farmers, fisherfolk, local government officials.

Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/why-honasan-feels-bittersweet-at-his-proclamation-141322483.html

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PASAY CITY – Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat last night lauded Negros Occidental for setting the benchmark for organic food production in the country.

Negrense organic food has not only gone national, it has penetrated the international market, she told the DAILY STAR at the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2013, Asia’s Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show, at the SMX Convention Center here.

Negros is the only island in the country that has gone all-out in organic production, she said.

In fact, most of the organic products that the Department of Agriculture brings to the organic trade shows that it joins abroad, are from Negros Occidental, said Puyat, who attended cocktails hosted by the Negros Occidental provincial government, led by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., here last night.

She cited the rice, muscovado sugar, coffee and coco sugar as among the organic products they have brought to exhibits in Europe.

Puyat stressed the need for good packaging and adequate supply of organic products to succeed in penetrating the international market.

Negros Occidental small and medium entrepreneurs are showcasing their products at the ongoing exhibit alongside 650 local and international exhibitors on top of the 20 US-based companies brought in by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Marañon said the participation of the Negros Occidental producers gives them new opportunities to break into the international markets and go global.

Negros Occidental is famous for its food, and the participation of its producers at the ongoing trade fair here is indicative of their pursuit to make out products world-class, the governor said.

It also puts Negros Occidental on the map as one of the top food destinations of the world, he added.

Marañon said the participation of Negros Occidental in the four-day trade fair that ends Sunday, was successful.

He also said they have received so many inquiries from local and international buyers.

The food exhibition is organized by the International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, and co-organized by the DA-Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service.

Also at the food show here yesterday were Negros Occidental Board Members Miller Serondo and Salvador Escalante.*CPG

Source: http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/May/18/topstory2.htm

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis shared personal moments with 200,000 people on Saturday, telling them he sometimes nods off while praying at the end of a long day and that it “breaks my heart” that the death of a homeless person is not news.

Francis, who has made straight talk and simplicity a hallmark of his papacy, made his unscripted comments in answers to questions by four people at a huge international gathering of Catholic associations in St. Peter’s Square.

But he outdid himself in passionately discussing everything from the memory of his grandmother to his decision to become a priest, from political corruption to his worries about a Church that too often closes in on itself instead of looking outward.

“If we step outside of ourselves, we will find poverty,” he said, repeating his call for Catholics to do more to seek out those on the fringes of society who need help the most,” he said from the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica

“Today, and it breaks my heart to say it, finding a homeless person who has died of cold, is not news. Today, the news is scandals, that is news, but the many children who don’t have food – that’s not news. This is grave. We can’t rest easy while things are this way.”

The crowd, most of whom are already involved in charity work, interrupted him often with applause.

“We cannot become starched Christians, too polite, who speak of theology calmly over tea. We have to become courageous Christians and seek out those (who need help most),” he said.

To laughter from the crowd, he described how he prays each day before an altar before going to bed.

“Sometimes I doze off, the fatigue of the day makes you fall asleep, but he (God) understands,” he said.

CRISIS OF VALUES

Francis, the former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, said the world was going through not just an economic crisis but a crisis of values.

“This is happening today. If investments in banks fall, it is a tragedy and people say ‘what are we going to do?’ but if people die of hunger, have nothing to eat or suffer from poor health, that’s nothing. This is our crisis today. A Church that is poor and for the poor has to fight this mentality,” he said.

Many in the crowd planned to stay in the square overnight to pray and prepare for Francis’ Mass on Sunday, when the Catholic Church marks Pentecost, the day it teaches that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.

On Saturday morning, Francis met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed Europe’s economic crisis.

Apparently responding to his criticism of a heartless “dictatorship of the economy” earlier in the week, Merkel, who is up for re-election in September, later called for stronger regulation of financial markets.

On Thursday, Francis appealed in a speech for world financial reform, saying the global economic crisis had made life worse for millions in rich and poor countries.

(Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/church-must-help-poorest-not-dissect-theology-pope-035953642.html

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