My Revenge Travel - The Philippines 2022: Bacolod (Negros Occidental)
"Lift your head, baby don't be scared.
Of the things that could go wrong along the way.
You'll get by, with a smile.
You can't win at everything, but you can try."
Oh my, this song is so relaxing, and the words are soothing to the ears. It gives you "peace of mind". It will let you enjoy your hot coffee on a cold rainy afternoon. By the way, super thanks to Eraserheads (also known as Eheads or "Heads"), a very popular alternative rock band in the Philippines, for creating this nice song.
"Baby, you don't have to worry.
'Cause there ain't no need to hurry.
No one ever said that there's an easy way.
When they're closing all their doors.
And they don't want you anymore.
This sounds funny, but I'll say it anyway."
Everything seems to be alright, every time I listen to this song. With a smile, imagine the power of a "smile", especially nowadays, where everybody is recovering from something. Pandemic, global inflation, mental and health problems. It lightens a situation, and it brightens up our day, right?
From the song, "with a smile", to the "City of Smiles". Hello, Super Folks! Good morning here, good evening there. Welcome back to me, and you are always welcome here on my Blog. It's been awhile since my last post, and I really missed blogging.
"Satisfying Authentic Chicken Inasal" - Bacolod City, Manokan Country
Furthermore, I missed sharing my travel stories, to you. Writing down my thoughts and feelings, anything under the sun and moon.
And yes, you heard it, 101% right! To the "City of Smiles". Welcome to Bacolod, and welcome to Negros Occidental! Have you been to these places before? Do they ring a bell?
Unfortunately, I forgot the name of this dish, but it was also good!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but, there are 81 provinces in the Philippines at present, which are further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. Project 81, credits to the one or group who started it all. I guess, it is every Filipino's dream, it is an ideal travel quest, actually, even international travelers and backpackers would love to visit all of the provinces in the Philippines. I can't hide that even me, would wish to win the lottery, let's say 100 million pesos, to surely have a freedom to travel and visit all the islands in our beautiful country.
San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
But you know what? Win or lose, since traveling is my passion. I'd say, if God permits, if time permits, and if my travel budget permits, I will continue the challenge, to visit different places, as many as possible.
Another province checked off my travel bucket list! Honestly, going to Negros Occidental was not part of my initial plan, and Bacolod City supposedly not my dream destination to fulfill this year 2022. I felt that this year didn't start well, when COVID-19 cases went up, first to second week of January. I also had a flu. Things became difficult again, especially the travel restrictions, you know, you should prepare for this and that. To avoid going through the rigamarole, same month, I decided to just cancel my trip to Palawan, and even my Boracay, for the following month.
Perhaps, the bright side of it was, I was able to convert again my tickets to travel fund, without penalties, because of the surge in COVID-19 cases, the airline, Cebu Pacific had that option. I decided to replan later on and thought of searching another destination online. Somewhere not that touristy, compare to Palawan and Boracay, but still great? Somewhere hassle-free? Somewhere affordable?
Green and tranquil. Where is this? Answer: Scroll down please.
Choose Bacolod! It was like a whisper in my ears. So, I had to ask my friend, if she would like to go to Bacolod with me. I felt, it was a perfect timing when she said, she know someone there, and that person could guide and help us. Another cool whisper in my ears. I right away booked our flight.
Welcome to "The Ruins"!
Like my previous travels, we decided to make it 3 days 2 nights, DIY (Do-It-Yourself), we were not sure initially where to go, the tourist spots to visit. All we know was, we had to go to the beach, because it was March, the start of the hot dry season. Well, we're thalassophiles, perhaps going to the beach is fine for us, at any season.
So beautiful and famous! -"The Ruins Mansion", in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
The Ruins and Lakawon Island, we already heard about those two places before, and guess what? We went there, but let me park my stories for later. Because COVID-19 cases were still high, there were things we had to do before our flight, travel protocols/requirements like the VAXCertPH and S-Pass.
Okay, stop! Let's forget COVID, my bad, it's already 2024. Apologies, sadly, I had a long hiatus again. Things were really hectic(honestly, up until now), but, not to worry, I'm back again, to finish this blog post, and my other travel articles. So, shall we?
Closing my eyes, because I'm trying to remember everything. Breathe in, breathe out. It was hot Saturday morning when we arrived in New Bacolod-Silay International Airport. We were picked up by my friend's friend, who also later on, became our "on-call driver", while we were touring the province. He was nice and kind, by the way. Same with other airports in the country, it's small and busy, nothing really special, but, hell yeah, it was my first time. Proud and grateful!
Introduction of this blog, I said that Bacolod is known as the "City of Smiles". How about Negros Occidental? Well, it would sound unfair if we're not going to discuss that. Talking about its history and geography, according to the website of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental (https://www.negros-occ.gov.ph/the-history-geography/). Negros Occidental, can be found near the central part of the country. It is one of the five provinces that compose Western Visayas or Region VI. It is located in the northwestern portion of Negros Island, the fourth biggest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is bounded on the north by the Visayan Sea, and on the south by the Sulu Sea. It is southeast of Panay Island from which is separated by the Guimaras Strait. On the east are the Tanon Strait and Negros Oriental, which forms part of the Central Visayas or Region VII.
Per the website, Negros Island was originally called "Buglas", an old native word that is thought to mean "cut-off".
"Experience a happy blending of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle in Negros Occidental, the sugar capital of the Philippines and aiming to be the Organic Food Bowl of Asia. Celebrate nature’s blessings, go hiking & camping, fishing & angling, scuba diving & snorkeling and mountain biking. Travel centuries back in time visiting stately mansions in Silay City, one of the Top 25 destinations of the Philippines or go on Iron Dinosaurs (steam locomotives) and other specialty tours." -(https://www.negros-occ.gov.ph/the-history-geography/)
Welcome to Campuestohan Highland Resort!
I felt somewhat happy when we were in Bacolod, because of the festive atmosphere, even though there was a very high risk of having COVID. The pandemic was not yet over, but, it was election season, and we were there amid campaign period. We saw cars with pink flags, and there were a lot of happenings in the streets. After airport, our first stop was the iconic Manokan Country, to try the iconic too, Chicken Inasal.
Very welcoming locals. That was my first impression when we went there. Everyone was accommodating and cheerful. They would usher you to their stall and offer their best-sellers.
"The local government established the complex in the 1980s to provide a space where the various chicken inasal vendors could sell their food. It is located along Father M. Ferrero St., just across SM City Bacolod. The majority of the stalls found in the complex were part of the first set and continue to keep their original recipes alive." -https://guidetothephilippines.ph/destinations-and-attractions/manokan-country
Boon or bane? I think it's better to share to you, the news that I read about Manokan Country.
According to GMA Network online article, "Bacolod's Manokan Country was first established in 1983 and serves authentic chicken inasal. Another iconic food destination is closing down, this time all the way in Bacolod. Rappler reports that Bacolod City's Manokan Country was closed yesterday, July 16, after Bacolod City Hall implemented its closure order and placed yellow police tape around the iconic location's stalls." -https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/food/114266/bacolods-manokan-country-closes-after-41-years/story
Really sad to hear, but for sure, it's for the better. We'll read better news about it, as months go by. In fact, I can share one, from this article https://digicastnegros.com/new-manokan-country-to-open-in-2026-smphi/.
"The new Manokan Country will be a fusion of tradition and progress in Bacolod City, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) said on Monday, August 19. To further boost tourism and the local economy, the city government has partnered with SMPHI for the Manokan Country Redevelopment Project."
"The new Manokan Country will pay homage to the existing outdoor hawker stalls that sell chicken inasal, as well as classic Filipino street food. It also features a striking exterior that combines modern industrial and vernacular Filipino architecture." -digicastnegros.com
From food to church. Next stop, we visited San Sebastian Cathedral, not in Manila, and still in Bacolod. We stayed there for only less than half an hour. It was tranquil and solemn inside, I felt that they were the answer to the hot and humid midday. Simply beautiful old Catholic church. I prayed a lot, and definitely, didn't miss the chance to say my personal wishes, because there's a belief that, if it's your first time to visit that church, you should do it.
"The story of San Sebastian Cathedral began in the 1700s when Spanish missionaries established Magsungay. This village would later become Bacolod City under the patronage of Saint Sebastian. In 1876, the cathedral's construction began. The church was constructed over six years and finished in 1882. It was intended to represent the Catholic church's expanding dominance in the Philippines. Coral stones were used as the primary building material, creating a stunning fusion of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Beyond its historical and architectural importance, San Sebastian Cathedral is essential for the residents as a religious and cultural center. The cathedral serves as the diocese of Bacolod's headquarters. It is a center of worship and pilgrimage for Catholics in the area and around the world. In addition to its revered status, the cathedral conducts several cultural events and activities year-round. It serves as a unique gathering hub for residents and tourists, demonstrating the significance of culture and religion in Bacolod." -https://leonesnapoleones.com/blogs/bacolod-travel-guide/san-sebastian-cathedral-in-bacolod-a-rich-history-and-stunning-architecture?srsltid=AfmBOoproTqVGxkKY5R_glcTXkcoQxbVfz1OccEb4g75klhG-cd2miJk
Our first day was busy and tiring, we also went to SM City Bacolod, and The Ruins. But before we continue, we went to Nature's Village Resort to check in, put our bags down, and take power nap. Our accommodation for 3 days and 2 nights, it was cozy and affordable place to stay.
Roughly 6 in the evening when we went to the popular and Instagram worthy, The Ruins. This tourist spot comes highly recommended, whether you ask a local or someone who already visited Bacolod. It's not that far from the place where we stayed, and I remember, there was an entrance fee of 120 PHP (2 USD), each adult, not sure if it's still the same price today, because that was three years ago.
The place has "romantic ambience", it's a great historical-themed date idea for couples. Speaking of romance, the love is indeed, in the air there, based on the article of rappler.com, with a title "A serene getaway at Negros Occidental’s historic The Ruins".
Known as the “Taj Mahal of Negros,” The Ruins is a beautiful structure born out of love. It was built in the 1920s by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, who constructed the mansion to honor his deceased wife. Embedded within the details of the mansion’s architecture and design are mementos of Don Mariano and his wife Maria Braga Lacson’s love.
But during World War II, American troops burned down the mansion to prevent Japanese forces from using the residence as headquarters. In 1942, the mansion burned for three days, leaving behind only the mansion’s concrete structure. -https://www.rappler.com/brandrap/shareasia-serene-getaway-negros-occidental-the-ruins/
Flying to Bacolod was also my first travel outside Manila, during COVID-19 pandemic. It was scary and risky, there was fear of getting sick. I had to be very cautious, like wear face mask for long periods of time, always bring rubbing alcohol, and all that jazz. But at the same time, I felt that it was a "courageous act", to be brave to travel again, regaining the freedom and normalcy. Yes, it was a "Revenge travel".
Talking about "Revenge travel", according to itilite.com, it refers to the global phenomenon of people booking trips and going on vacation to 'take revenge' against the COVID-19 pandemic. -https://www.itilite.com/blog/revenge-travel/
On top of that, from Forbes article, "Revenge travel" is a term that was passed around after the COVID-19 travel restrictions began to lift. For those unfamiliar, "revenge travel" is seemingly taking a trip that hasn't been able to happen due to the pandemic.
The term "revenge travel" started gaining popularity on social media in 2021. It can mean several things, including taking an ultra-exotic vacation, staying at a wellness center, revisiting a favorite city, or as simple as finally staying with friends and family a few hours away. Ultimately, "revenge travel" is about payback and taking that trip that was lost due to the global pandemic. -https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffwhitmore/2023/10/11/what-is-revenge-travel-and-is-it-still-happening/
If Hong Kong has Disneyland, famously known as "The Happiest Place on Earth". Based on experience, and this is not sponsored, by the way, I can say, the happiest place in Negros Occidental is the "Campuestohan Highland Resort".
We went to this tourist attraction the next day, and my friend was talking about Campuestohan multiple times before flying to Bacolod, she said that it was really a nice place, and we should go there. Well, she was right, it's a joyful and literally a cool place. Because of the weather, I felt like I was in Tagaytay or Baguio that time, but inside Enchanted Kingdom or Star City. It can be everybody's dream destination.
Kids at heart like me will definitely enjoy this place because of their awesome life-size sculptures of animals, superheroes, sci-fi movie characters, and their dinosaurs. Oh my, there's one that is enormous. There's a lot to see and things to do, so, don't forget to put Campuestohan in your itinerary.
Campuestohan Highland Resort is a theme park and resort in Talisay, Negros Occidental. According to their website, it has a new structure, the 1st Guiness World Record title holder for "Largest Building in the shape of a Chicken".
"Situated right in the boundaries of two of the most progressive cities in the province, Bacolod City and Talisay City. Campuestohan is a 5-hectare property that radiates the splendor of the lush green forests of Mt. Makawili. From this vantage point, one can see the breathtaking view of almost half of the entire province of Negros Occidental, and even that of Panay Island. Most of the time, the weather in the resort is downright cool while one can see the seemingly merciless heat in the plains below." -https://campuestohanhighlandresort.com.ph/
It was already afternoon when we left the theme park, and had our late lunch at the nearby restaurant, Breakpoint. The place was cozy and mellow. We enjoyed the pizza, black coffee, birds, and the green surroundings.
Sadly, we were not able to experience the "MassKara Festival", meaning "many faces" in Hiligaynon. It is an annual festival celebrated in Bacolod City, the Philippines, every fourth Sunday of October. They said that the festival emerged in the 1980s as a way to uplift the spirits of the people of Bacolod during a period of economic hardship and tragedy, symbolized by the smiling masks representing resilience and joy.
Hi, beautiful paradise! Hi, Lakawon!
It is a vibrant celebration featuring street dances, parades, and other cultural events that showcase the creativity and joy of the locals.
Our last day in Negros Occidental was also our special day in the province. For people like us who really love going to the beach, it was an icing on the cake. Like playing the song Starships by our Queen Barbie Nicki Minaj, she's telling us there to, "let's go to the beach-each, let's go get away, they say, what they gonna say?". Period!
It was the breathtaking paradise, Lakawon Island. I remember, we had to commute, rode a bus, a trike, and a boat, to get to the island. It was worth waiting for, because of the pandemic, it took a while for me to swim at the beach again, under a scorching sun, and that was the day. That was the moment.
Going there, we experienced again the attractive white, powdery sand, warm turquoise sea, drinking real tropical juice, and listening to reggae songs at the beach.
Also from the same site, the island is located 48 kilometers north of Bacolod City. It is a 16-hectare island that was previously a fishermen's village. In 2013, it was devastated by the typhoon Yolanda, and the residents were forced to relocate. The island was developed into a resort, giving job opportunities to its former residents.
According to klook.com, while you're in the island, you may want to enjoy water sports facilities, or spend time on the Tawhai, said to be the "largest floating boat in Asia". Tawhai is the local word for "calm", and the cozy seats and daybeds around this floating bar, coupled with the island breeze, will give you exactly that.
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