Well, we decided to order their special for that day – the spaghetti with meatballs and grilled burgers (forgot the  name). Unfortunately when we went their, they run out of lettuce and other green leafy vegetables but it was still yummy and delicious.

The place is really small. It can only accommodate 15-25 people but the ambience is really relaxing. The interior is filled with paintings showcasing the famous landmark of Silay. The food is superb! Their specials are different everyday so you’re for a treat everytime you are at Café 1925. Their brewed coffee is also good.

Aside from pastas, sandwiches and desserts Café 1925 also offer fresh salads for the health conscious and for those on the Diet-to-Go.

Well, I would recommend the place to everyone. So, if you’re in Silay or Bacolod never miss going to Café 1925 Silay.

How to Get There:

Café 1925 is located at J. Pitong Ledesma Street in Silay City. It’s located at the back of BPI and just around the corner of El Ideal.

From Bacolod: Just ride a jeepney or bus going South, just tell the driver that you’re going down at BPI Silay Branch. After that just walk a few steps at the corner and you will see the signage of Café 1925.

From Bacolod-Silay Airport: Ride a tricycle or a shuttle and tell the driver that you’ll be going down at BPI Silay Branch corner.

2. Toiletries / Medicine – Just bring travel-sized versions of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush in a zip-lock bag. Well, for liquids just put it in a small bottle, 3 ounce to be exacts for you to be able to hand-carry it. Then also pack some first aid kit and your medicine. It is prescribed by your doctor just bring the prescriptions for custom inspection procedure if ever.

3. Chargers and Adapters – Well, if you’re traveling abroad you should definitely bring this. You don’t want to miss out on your photo op right? And never plug your chargers directly into a wall outlet without asking the hotel front desk or the owner (if you’re staying with friends and family) for some need a voltage converter. You don’t want your charger to explode right?

4. Guidebook and Maps – This will be very useful when you are traveling. A map will guide you to all the local places to see, while the guidebook could help you with shopping, events, best places to go, best restaurant and could help you with some local handy words.

5. Mobile Phone – You will need this to communicate with your love ones back at home, especially with important matters and unforeseen events during your trip. But don’t forget to buy an International Sim. SIM card in a GSM cell phone can help you save money on roaming charges for receiving and sending text and calls abroad.

6. Gadgets (iPods, Netbook, camera) - this will come in handy during a long travel/drive and for passing time. Also bring cameras to document and capture your adventure.

7. Good Book – Bring one so that you have something to do if you get stranded and during the long wait so you won’t get bored.

8. Money Belt/Neck Pouch – Aside from a daybag or purse, bring one of this for your money and passport.

9. Comfortable Shoes – You don’t want to ruin your trip with blisters right? So, pack comfortable shoes since you will have a lot of walking to do in exploring the place.

10. Insect Repellents / Sun Block – Always bring Insect repellents to protect you from mosquito bites that can cause serious illness such as malaria, dengue and AH1N1. And sun block is to protect your skin from sun’s damaging rays.

All you have to do is stay up late and simply visit PAL’s website at www.philippineairlines.com from 12:01AM to 6:00AM (Manila Time) on July 18,2010. This is in celebration for Philippine Airlines’ 70th Anniversary.
PAL Midnight Sale Part 13 is valid only at www.philippineairlines.com.  Limited seats only!

“Yes we are determined to develop our local tourism anchor in the historic feat of our Balangay boats” says new Butuan Mayor Ferdinand Amante when asked his agenda on the city’s tourism industry.

Amante admitted during a press conference here held right after he took oath of office that the city’s tourism industry has still long way to go in terms of needed infra support services, promotion and absence of well-organized local marketing strategy.

The lack of local residents’ full and comprehensive support for local tourism has also been noted saying even local people’s enthusiasm to visit local historic and tourism sites is totally absent.

As Amante answered queries on how to promote local tourism at the press conference, Butuan Global Forum and partners from both local private and government institutions were preparing for the launching of the “3rd Balangay Boat” and its two-day river cruise tour set on July 10-11.

The river cruise will start at the historic but already full of floating illegally-cut logs Agusan River.

The third boat LEPA will join two earlier expeditions made by two Balangay boat replicas named “Masawa Hong Butuan”, the second boat and “Diwata Ng Lahi”, the first, which will start with several stops in Mindanao before proceeding to an Asian tour.

The construction of the wind-driven boat Masawa Hong Butuan worth P1.6 million was shouldered by the Butuan Global Forum Inc., an association of Butuanons based locally and abroad; the Kaya Ng Pinoy Foundation; and the Butuan Historical and Cultural Foundation Inc.

The two replicas of Balangay boats, all wind-driven, sailed February 2 and February 4, 2010 respectively.

According to Butuanon Banker Agnes Andaya who is over-all chairperson of the project dubbed “The Continuing Balangay Journey” under auspices of Butuan Global Forum Incorporated, Kaya Natin Pinoy Foundation and other private and government institutions, the third boat will be engine driven”.

The third Balangay Boat river cruise project was aim to generate funds for the allowance and expenses of local navigators mostly Butuanons who will served as crew for the third Balangay Boat expedition, Andaya said.

The river cruise scheduled July 10 and 11 will pass the historic town of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte which is claiming as the real venue of the fist Christian mass in the country, the reason why it was named “Magallanes” referring to Ferdinand Magellan.

The river cruise will also pass other historical landmarks along Agusan River where the “Golden Tara” an ancient image made of gold was found by Manobo tribes sometime in the 60’s.

During launching of the LEPA Balangay Boat’s river cruise and voyage on July 9, 2010 to be held at Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) grounds here in Butuan City, several activities including mini concert by local bands were also scheduled.

Butuan folk consider the vessel meaningful after remnants of around eight ancient balangay boats were excavated in Butuan City particularly in Barangay Libertad in 1978.

The oldest boat that was dug was carbon-dated at 320 AD.(PNA)

Mudpack Festival is an annual celebration held every third weekend of June. It is said to be a unique event as it centers on environment conservation or the harmony of man and nature. Artists all over Negros gathered together to join the festival and to exhibit their creativity through ethnic dance, music and crafts. This year, the Mudpack Festival theme was “Clean Water for a Healthy World.” And it features the Mambukal distinct clay.

Six groups of painted and coated (with Mambukal’s Clay) dancers joined the tribal dance competition. It was very unique dance competition for it was centered on environmental conservation, especially clean water, for a better and healthy place to live in.

Well, it has been years since I last visited Mambukal for the Mudpack Festival and I could say that it has improved but still needs a lot of improvement especially when it comes to promotions & advertising and a little organizing (competition sequence). But all-in-all it was a fun-filled day for everyone.

Anyways, here’s the 14th Mudpack Festival Winners held in Mambukal last June 19 – 20, 2010.

Champion: Tribu Poseidon
2nd placer: Tribu Wais
Third Placer: Tribu Bagong Silang

Anyways, we know that the first thing we should do if we travel is to find the cheapest airline tickets available online. Then after that book our lodging and plan our itinerary and transportation. We should search everything we need to know about the place and their modes of transportation, especially your airport transfer to save time and for our comfort.

I could say that airport transfer is really a time saver. No waiting time, just like when I was last in Hong Kong I got this service from one of the travel companies so we directly went to the hotel after immigration. No hassle, no waiting in line and comparatively cheaper than taxis or shuttles available at the airports, especially if you’re in a group. But, of course if you are traveling alone and don’t have any luggage with you, take the train it’s much cheaper. You could also join some travelers with the airport transfer travel sharing options. Just look for travelers (for sure there are lots of solo travelers and backpackers in the area) to share the van or shuttle with, then just divide the cost between you. Just remember the more the merrier and you’ll also have a chance to meet new people on the way to your hotel.

Anyways, I’ve already booked my domestic tickets but haven’t decided where to go abroad yet. Well, I can’t decide between Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. But one thing for sure if ever I can decide where to go I’ll definitely take an airport transfer for a hassle free, no spending hours waiting at the airport, frustration free and for comfortable travel. Enjoy!!!

Pasalamat Drumbeaters at the 14th Mudpack Festival

More photos coming…

DOT regional director Edwin Trompeta said that Ilonggo hero Graciano Lopez Jaena and his works will be presented by member of the San Agustin Little Theater on June 11. The presentation will be held at the SM City Iloilo, he said.

Trompeta said that the life of Lopez Jaena is just part of the two-day DOT initiated cultural program which will culminate on June 12 for the 112th Independence Day celebration.

Trompeta said that it is fitting that Lopez Jaena be remembered for his great contributions to the country’s call for freedom.

Lopez Jaena was a native of Jaro Iloilo and a journalist in the Philippine Revolution based in Barcelona, Spain. His contemporaries include Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal.

He is remembered for his literary contributions to the propaganda movement through the fortnightly newspaper, La Solidaridad.

He died of tuberculosis on January 20, 1896, eleven months short of his 40th birthday and he was buried in unmarked grave at the Cementerio del Sud-Oeste of Barcelona. His remains were never brought back to the Philippines.

Meantime, DOT will mount an exhibit and cultural show including a choral by the Troubadours which is known for its international singing prowess. (PNA)

For more destinations on sale please visit Cebu Pacific Website at www.cebupacificair.com