Negros Occidental Trip #2 ( The Ruins and Mangrove Trail, Weird Observations )

2/2 of Negros Occidental Trip Blog

Trip Highlights

First Breakfast at Silay City

It was weird walking in the streets hearing a dialect you've never known before. Since birth I have only known Tagalog and English language. A good thing in travelling to Negros, most negrenses can understand and speak tagalog and english.

Near our hotel, across the street, there is a place called " Kapehan Sang Silay". Since we've been itching for a good negrense breakfast, we've decided to give it a try. I ordered Tocino (Filipino cured meat), egg and rice and accompanied it with hot chocolate. I love their tocino, it is pretty much different from the usual sweet Pampanga's best-like tocino. Their hot chocolate tasted like the ones made with Tablea (Filipino chocolate).

We don't have a docket at the moment so we decided to go to The Ruins.  From Silay City, we rode a bus going to Bacolod City, when we have reached the Pepsi bottling plant there was a terminal, then we rode a tricycle which took us straight to The Ruins.

Bus ride to the terminal near Pepsi bottling plant

The Ruins, Talisay City

The owner of the mansion was Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. It was built for his Portuguese wife Maria Braga. According to our tour guide, the architecture of the mansion was renaissance type. The mansion was burned down during World War II to prevent the Japanese conquerors from using it.The Ruins was listed one of the 12 most fascinating ruins in the world.

The place is so tranquil, the scenery is so grand. It's a perfect place for photo shoots, weddings, parties, etc.It's one of my trip's highlights. I wonder what it was like when it was not yet burned. I bet Maria Braga was such a beauty that Don Mariano longed to build such a wonderful place.

The restaurant inside serves Italian cuisine although there's a menu under Zone 15 Bistro which has Filipino dishes. 

Here's some links for their menu:

A Taste of Italy at The Ruins

Appetizers, Soup, Salad and Pasta

Main Course, Pizza, Dessert, Coffee

Zone 15 Bistro

Breakfast, Specials, Others

Balaring Mangrove Resort Trail

Balaring is a barangay in Silay City known for seafood restaurants. However it also homes a 50 hectare mangrove eco-tourism area. The Mangrove Resort Trail has a 500 meter bamboo bridge. A great way to see the view is through the 30 feet watch tower. At the end of the trail, there is a resort. Cottages are available. It's a great place for picnics.

Weird things that I have observed during the trip:

♣ When you eat on a restaurant and ask for a patis or fish sauce they will give you soy sauce instead.It's pretty weird because it happened more than two times. I'm not sure if they have misunderstood or there is just no fish sauce in Negros Occidental.

♠ I am nocturnal and I find it weird that at 7:00 in the evening the streets of Silay City is like a ghost town. The stores are already closed. My advice is: If you need to buy some stuff at the grocery, you need to buy it before 7:00 pm.

Food/ Delicacies

Sweets: The best place for grabbing some sweet delicacies is Merci. I have tried their piaya, barquillos, pinagsubo, baquiron and my favorite, their tarts! Merci is located near the Silay City Public Market.

Chicken Inasal is also a must-try since it's a specialty in Negros Occidental.

During the trip, I have also tried eating Cansi, it is a negrense soup dish made with beef, bone marrow, jack fruit and a souring agent.

My trip to Negros Occidental was great although I wasn't able to visit other cities like Victoria and Cadiz. I hope next time I would be able to visit more places and restaurants in Negros Occidental, God willing.

Negros Occidental Trip #1 (Arrival at Silay & Heritage Houses)

This is another one for the culture travelers out there. Negros Occidental, specifically Silay City will make you feel you are back to the old days. For some readers who cannot relate, Negros Occidental is a province in The Philippines located on Western Visayas, its capital is Bacolod City. Our guide said Negros was originally known as Buglas but during the Spanish regime, the Spaniards named it Negros because the natives were dark-skinned. 

Trip Highlights

Arriving at New Bacolod-Silay Airport

It took us 45 minutes from Manila to Silay City via Philippine Airlines. I enjoyed the flight because we made an advance seat reservation and I chose a window seat so that I can take some snapshots of the view. 

Arriving at Silay City was pretty nice the weather was great, it was neither hot nor too cold. A family friend, a local from Silay City, picked us up at the airport. 
Another thing I've noticed, there's a lot of sugar cane plantations, then  I remembered, Negros Occidental is the " Sugarbowl of the Philippines", it explains the numerous fields of sugar cane. 

People

People in Negros are called Negrense. Majority of the people in Negros Occidental speaks Hiligaynon, a dialect in Western Visayas, It is said that it is an Austronesian language. However most people I've been with in Negros Occidental are well conversant in English language. 
We visited Negros Occidental to visit a dear friend of my father, all throughout the trip, they have been hospitable and they smile and laugh a lot. I think Negrenses are way too happy people. Being with them feels light,no worries. They are the ones who gave us a tour to some well-known places in Negros Occidental.

Some of the Ancestral Houses

Balay Negrense, Silay City

Negros Occidental is the home of more than 50 heritage houses. One of those is Balay Negrense , balay is the hiligaynon word for house, it is also called as the Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House. Victor Gaston is the son of Yves  Leopold Gaston, a french pioneer of the sugarcane industry in Philippines. 
My favorite part of the Balay Negrense tour is the mini gallery which has plentiful dose of art. You can also buy souvenirs from the gallery. I liked the art made from wires, I never thought it can be admirable.
Here's their website: www.balaynegrense.com

Admission fees for Balay Negrense:

Adults ____________Php 40.00
Senior Citizen ______Php 35.00
Children & Students _Php 20.00

Location:
5 de Noviembre St., Silay City, 6116 
Contact no: (034) 714-7676

Bernardino Jalandoni Heritage House, Silay City

Some Negrense called it the Pink House because it is painted pale pink. It used to be the residence of Don Bernardino and Doña Ysabel Jalandoni. On November of year 1993, the National Historical Institute declared the Bernardino-Jalandoni House as National Historical Landmark. It is said that the Silay Heritage Foundation Inc., maintains the heritage house.

There's also a doll museum, it's like the mini version of some famed people we've known. Some are Cory Aquino, Lapu- lapu, there's also a Maria Clara doll, etc. 

Admission fees: 
Php 50.00 per head
Location: 
Rizal St., Silay City, 6116
Contact no: 
(034) 495-5093
Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays 9am to 5pm

We would like to visit some other heritage sites but some are only open by appointment. I truly admire the streets of Silay City, it somehow reminds me of Vigan although both are incomparable.I loved that it is so clean and away from earsplitting noises and pollution. 

I've decided to post the other half of my trip on the next blog.. Check it out too! It'll be my trip to The Ruins in Talisay City and the Mangrove Trail in Balaring, Silay City. 

Random Thoughts: Discouraged Newbie Blogger

Dear Fellow Newbie,

Being new to blogging is somehow difficult. There are instances that there will be low page views which might keep you dissuaded, there are instances when you will have second thoughts if your blog content doesn't appeal to your audience. The fact that there are more than 100 million bloggers out there who are more likable, more creative and more knowledgeable than you are,it may discourage you in continuing your blog and might drive you to think your working just a dump ready to populate the blogging industry.

cto theplanetd.com

First ask yourself WHY  DID YOU DECIDE TO BLOG?

Surely you've got a reason to blog. It maybe because you do want to share your experiences , your knowledge  or simply because you want to express yourself. As for me I decided to create a blog because I want to keep track of memories. Somehow I want to make my blog a portal to what I've been doing lately, I know it maybe weird for some and who would even care whatever I'm doing right? To prevent yourself from being discouraged, you have to know what is the main reason why you have decided to blog.

If you are blogging just because you want to earn through monetizing the blog, FORGET IT! It will only discourage you if you'll get fixated with the whole monetizing thingy.

Do you want to know why?

cto blog.endorphinadvisors.com

Yes, monetizing your blog is a great option, there is nothing wrong monetizing your blog. You can integrate your blog to Google Adsense, Infolinks, Bidvertiser or any other money generating ad companies, however if you'll just focus on monetizing it, you'll stress yourself. You'll get discouraged whenever no one clicks your ads. Your blogging will revolve around how to increase your page views, ad clicks, where will you post the ad banners, etc. Some people thought that by blogging you'll earn right away, well yes, maybe for some who's in the blogging industry for a couple of years and mind you you're not! As well as myself.

Just to set an expectation. You have to be tough if you want to pursue blogging, in any industry there will be a lot of factors that can hold you back. 

One of those is INTIMIDATION. It can either be criticism from other bloggers or you can get intimidated by other blogger's works or followers.

Here's what you can do:

1. Don't compare your works with other bloggers', instead of comparing, how about seek for tips?, Communicate to other bloggers. Join and participate to communities.

2. Accept the fact that there will be bloggers who can gain more followers than you, give it a time and hope for the best. Aim high! ☺

3. Accept criticism, negative or positive, it'll be a stepping stone!

4. Create the content from your heart! ♥♥♥

I don't know where my blogging frustration will lead me, but one thing's for sure I'll continue blogging in accordance to my reasons why and besides I thirst for learning! ☺

Food Review: Marina's Special Bibingka, Rosario Cavite

Holiday season is coming! I bet you guys have been eyeing Bibingka! I'll recommend a place where you can buy the oh-so-yummy delicacy. I'm sure some readers can relate to bibingka but for some who doesn't know, let me spill some information about Bibingka.

What is Bibingka?

Bibingka is a Filipino rice cake made from rice flour and coconut milk, there are also other variations.The bibingka's texture is soft and spongy. It is usually served on a charred banana leaf, as it gives an additional flavor. My favorite part is the toppings, grated coconut (niyog) and the slices of salted egg.

Haven't added the grated coconut yet.

What I liked about Marina's Bibingka?

I have been eating bibingka ever since I was a kid and the bibingka from Marina's is just the best ever bibingka for me, so far. Their bibingka made me set a standard when it comes to bibingka. I loved it because it is soft, moist and buttery. The topping is so delightful, there's a lot of it on top of the bibingka which balances the taste. It is not so sweet, the salted egg and melted cheese compliments the bibingka. It's a great companion to coffee or tea. Another good thing is that Marina's Bibingka is available all-year-round, hooray! I would definitely recommend it. You should add this to your must-try list! 

Add caption

For orders, you can call or text them at: 

0908-536-8716 or 0949-667-3047

Location

It is located in Marseilla, Rosario Cavite, few walks away from the church. As long as you see the plaza you'll know you're near. The location is on the innermost area beside the plaza. Marina's Special Bibingka is well-known by locals and other tourists, you can always ask. 

How to get there:

View Larger Map

Note: I thought it was Aling Luding's Bibingka, I have updated this blog and changed it to Marina's Special Bibingka. I do apologize. I ordered boxes of bibingka there yesterday to make it sure. It was still thumbs up for their bibingka, Marina's Special Bibingka. 

Price is Php 240.00 per box

Pan-fried Spicy Turmeric Chicken Recipe

Hey readers!

I've been cooking lately and from time to time I'm going to share some of my recipes. Today I'm going to share one of my favorites. I'd learn this recipe from a previous culinary class. This dish may look fancy but it's easy as 1-2-3! Hoping you guys would like it!

What you'll need?

1. Spicy Turmeric Marinade:

3 Tbs.            Apple Cider Vinegar            

5 Tbs.            Coconut Oil or Palm Oil      

3-4 Tbs.        Turmeric Powder                 

1 Tbs.            Brown Sugar                         

2 pcs.             Red Chilies ( sliced)                           

2 Tbs.            Fish Sauce                          

5 cloves         Garlic (chopped)
                      
(Note: you can add more garlic if you please, I love garlic so I usually add more.)

2. Your choice of either meat or poultry, I used CHICKEN. The marinade is also great with tenderloin. 

                    

Procedure:

1. In a bowl mix the apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, turmeric powder, brown sugar, chilies, fish sauce and garlic.

2. Prick the fillet with fork, so that it can absorb the marinade.

3. Combine the marinade and chicken in a ziplock bag, release the air out. After zipping the bag, make sure that the chicken fillet is coated by the marinade. Set a side for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, pan-fry the chicken fillet until it is caramelized don't over do it and you're done! 

Note: The marinade has oil in it,  it's alright if you don't add oil in the skillet when pan-frying. I love eating it with rice and Romanian lettuce. Eating it together with lettuce neutralizes the taste. 

So there you go! Enjoy! :) Let me know if you have tried this recipe comment below and don't forget to recommend! 

Travelling to Cebu City

Trip Highlights

Travelling in Cebu City is perfect for travelers who's into History. Cebu is one of the oldest settlement site established by the Spaniards, in line with this, Cebu offers some historical sites that depicts some of Philippines' cultural heritage.

Magellan's Cross

It is a giant cross planted by the spanish and portuguese conquerors; It was ordered by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who arranged the Spanish expedition to East Indies (South East Asia), including The Philippines.

The Magellan's Cross is located in Sto. Niño Church in downtown Cebu City. It was planted on April 21, 1521. 

Mactan Shrine

Mactan Shrine is located in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island Cebu. It is the location where the historical Battle of Mactan took place in year 1521.  A 100 year-old  monument of Lapu-lapu is located in the shrine. Lapu- lapu is a legendary Cebuano hero who fought for freedom against the Spanish and Portuguese conquerors. 

I personally liked the Shrine, though I think it is better to stroll the shrine in the morning or late afternoon because it was too hot.  For someone who likes to shop for some random items, there are souvenir shops within the premises.

Aside from the historical sites, as part of our tour, we went to the Taoist Temple. One thing that I admire was the architecture of the place. Have you guys seen the Disney movie, Mulan?, the temple premises was a lot like the structures in that movie. It was so amazing. 

Taoist Temple, Beverly Hills, Cebu City

There's an area inside the temple where you can wish your heart's desire, as they say. However I'm not into Taoist beliefs but to give you a picture, it is like praying to their gods, they will instruct you to go to their altar, get some incense sticks and bow down, they said that gesture is to ask permission to their gods. After asking permission you will be instructed to take two kidney bean shaped wood and wish, after wishing you have to throw the wood, in order for you to know if the answer is yes or no. 

Restaurants

During the tour we ate breakfasts at Sugbahan restaurant, it is near our hotel, it is located in Mandaue Cebu. Because it's breakfast they have breakfast buffet which has sinangag (fried rice), danggit (dried fish), eggs , tocino, pretty much the typical filipino breakfast. For more details about their menu CLICK HERE. 

We also dined in to an eat-all-you-can restaurant named Royal Concourse, the food was so delicious. I loved it because they've got everything from asian dishes to mexican dishes and a whole lot more.  Just having a thought of it right now makes me crave for their delish food. It's a total thumbs up for me. Check out their Facebook page CLICK HERE

Where to buy delicacies in Cebu City?

There is a market called Tabo-an Market, where you can find various delicacies. Delicacies that you can find from the market are: 

Ocean Jet Ferry

Chorizo de Cebu, It's a longganisa (Filipino sausage), Cebu's version of longganisa was sweet unlike the one from Lucban, Quezon and the one from Vigan City. 

dried fishes like danggit and fish tocino, otap ( it is an oval shaped pastry, it's good accompaniment to coffee) , their famous dried mango and chicharon.

If given a chance to return to Cebu, I want to try the sky walk at Crown Regency Hotel and I want to taste a legit spicy lechon!

Cebu is near Bohol Province, I would recommend extending your adventures to Bohol. From Cebu, the fastest way to get to Bohol is by riding a ferry it's either Super Cat, Ocean Jet, Kinswell or Starcraft ferries. 

Superferry Ride

Superferry 5

Hey Readers! 

I want to share my Superferry experience. It was my first ship ride. We joined a tour and it includes the Superferry's On Board Learning Program via Superferry 5 , travelling from Manila to Cebu. I thought it will be boring because it will be hours of travelling by water and I might catch motion sickness but I WAS WRONG!

Superferry provides different accommodations that can suit your preferences. The type of accommodation that we have tried was their tourist accommodation. 

What I liked about Tourist Accommodation?

♥ It was comfortable enough, I felt a sense of privacy compared to their super value and mega value accommodations. 
♥ The common toilet and bathroom is clean, it has hot & cold showers, wash area was nice too.
♥ Housekeeping is always on the go.
♥ We are bound to Cebu which takes only a day, so it's just right for a short stay.






Here's what to expect:

Types of Accommodation

• Super Value Accommodation

* Non air-conditioned section

* Bunk beds

* Common toilet & bath

* Pillows and complete set of linens are available for rent.

• Mega Value Accommodation

* Air-conditioned section

* Bunk beds

* Common toilet and bath

Tourist Accomodation

* Pillows and complete set of linens are available for rent

• Tourist Accomodation

* Air-conditioned section

* Bunk beds with partition

* Common toilet and bath

* Pillows are provided

* Complete set of linens are available for rent

• Cabins

* Air-conditioned quarters

* Bunk beds

* Cable television

* Private toilet and bath

* Pillows and complete set of linens are provided

•State Rooms

* Air-conditioned room

* Either 1 matrimonial bed or 2 single beds

* Receiving area

* Cable television

* Private toilet & bath

* Towels, pillows and complete set of linens are provided

FOOD

Island Fiesta

You can choose eating out to either Island Fiesta or Horizon Cafe. It is thumbs-up for their food handling. I saw it myself that they strictly follow sanitary guidelines in preparing and serving the food. 

They serve Filipino food, don't expect much as the taste is quite the usuals, nothing abberant. 

Amenities and Facilities

Horizon Cafe, Island Fiesta, Convenience Stores , Parlor, Clinic, Sun Deck, Lobby, Multi-Purpose Room, Common Restrooms, Common Wash Area, Karaoke, Front Desk, Charging Area

What to bring for a no hassle experience?

☼ Medicine for motion sickness, it would be so bummer if you'll get sea-sick during the whole ship experience. You need to be dizzy-free because honestly there are times that you will literally feel the ship is swaying. I recommend Bonamine (Meclizone). It must be the reason why I didn't catch motion sickness, so Hooray for Bonamine! 

☼ Extra munchies, in our tour, breakfast, lunch and dinner was inclusive BUT I would recommend bringing some snacks. There are stores in the ship, however, the prices of goods are insanely high. 

☼Jacket, during night time it gets too cold, and I would also suggest bringing your own blanket, although complete set of linens can be rented, it is too thin.

Pros and Cons of Travelling by Water

Pros

☺ It is fun. Seeing sunrise and sunset is perfect. Dolphins are seen early in the morning. You can enjoy some scenery from the nearby islands.

☺ There are amenities and facilities that can make your trip less hassle.

Cons

☻ It takes time to reach your destination. 

☻ Prices of goods are higher than the usual.

☻ It's not the best option if you've got motion sickness.

Over-all experience

It was great and I would love to experience Superferry again. I haven't took enough snapshots the last time, so maybe next time I will. I also received some freebies from Superferry, it was a shirt and a jacket. It's definitely a must-try! 

FYI: Superferry is under 2Go Travel and there has been changes regarding the name of some of the vessels. For other details about Superferry Click Here

Rates depends on the vessel or if they've got promos, it would be better to check out their website. If you want to book tickets, rates, promotions, check accommodations, the schedules and destinations Click Here