LECHON :MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH

 LECHON de LECHE: 
THE PHILIPPINE'S NATIONAL DISH 
AND THE CRISPIEST OF THEM ALL 

The word lechon is actually a loan word from a Spanish term "piglet". And actually, it was the Spanish who introduced this tasty dish that Filipinos come to love and made as a national dish. Despite all regional cuisines winning palates of many Pinoys, still Lechon is the fairest of all.

Video of Roasting lechons for commercial quantity

Lechon is expected to be crispy, crunchy and delicious (with the wow factor at first bite.) In some variants, it should have that lemon grass taste to it that captures your senses at once and eating the inner meat should have that soft melting feeling in your mouth. That oily feeling when that crispy skin lands in your mound is heaven and adding to is the crunchy sound it makes.
Lechon's cooking producer is one of the most painstaking thing for people who wanted to try roasting a big pig. Though the pig is domesticated, it can really go insane when it felt something's amiss. That's why it needs two or more people to ease the challenges of doing this Philippines' Spanish-inspired culinary pride from start to finish. 

The pros slaughter the pig early in the morning because they knew lechon making requires a lot of time. There's a calculated time for each process from cleaning to slicing and putting ingredients and roasting. It should be done before the the occasion starts if there's family event and it should be done much earlier before the lechon seller opens his shop.
Not only that it requires time, but also it requires the proper cooking for the reach desired crispiness and delicious taste by controlling  the charcoal heat.  

And the tradition of having a lechon during fiesta is really a Filipino heritage worth noting. For most fiesta guests, lechon will be the highlight of the host's table. 
But tradition has evolved. Now lechon meat can be bought in kilos. Well, it's the result of economics. 

Some chose to order smaller pigs like the Cebu lechon that is spicier than the classic (original). There are also small lechons with seafood mix.
As a national dish it is not only eaten during fiestas but some families, see to it, that lechon is ever present during Christmas parties, birthdays, anniversaries and more occasions. After all, for the modern Filipinos, having a lechon during occasions, is a symbol of success or a celebration of life.

HELPFUL TIPS for COOKING LECHON:
1. Utilize White Vinegar: This chemical effect of white vinegar on pig's skin can help achieve a perfect crust

2. Achieve Desired Crispiness: To make lechon extra crispy, you can rub eual parts of salt and baking soda on the meat and let it sit for at least 8 hours. This takes out moisture. After this process, rinse off the baking soda with vinegar. 

3. Baste: Baste the lechon using a mixture of milk and soy sauce, this process will make the skin darker in color and flavorful.

Lechon is a slow-roasted pork dish that originated in Spain. The traditional lechon is made with a suckling pig that is 2–6 weeks old, but modern lechon can be made with pigs of various sizes. Aside from the Philippines, lechon is also a cultural  dish favorite in countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Portugal (Mostly former spanish colonies)

MASSKARA Street Dance Highlight (with video and results of winners)

 A RESOUNDING SUCCESS?

MASSKARA FESTIVAL DANCE PARADE

Sunday was an exciting day for Bacolod. Foreign and local tourists came in droves to witness the ever-colorful and  energy-filled Bacolod MassKara Festival. The 2024 edition was almost marred by Typhoon Kristine and another Typhoon named Leo. But somehow, luck was with the organizers on this fateful day. So, even me, with camera on hand, went to witness a historic parade in the downtown area of the City of Smiles (see video below) 

Video of the Dance Parade along Araneta St. Bacolod City. 

Of course, it was crowded. Parents were happy to bring their little ones as a bonding, a scene that is symbolic and as old as MassKara Festival itself. In the 80s, when the festival was born. Many flocked to the same area and parents with their little ones were in tow. They were piggybacking so they can see clearly the parade. And those little kids in the 80s are now grandparents or parents themselves and they continue the legacy the event has brought to families who wanted to enjoy and bond.

Foreigners were also enjoying the day full of fun and sun. I saw some foreigners dancing together with the MassKara performers. It means, they feel the cultural heritage and the meaning of the event which actually was created because of the sugar industry crisis and the sinking of M/V Don Juan in the 80s. 
However, perfomers and organizers look forward to the future as they wanted Bacolod to reach the Super City status as the city. Thus, their theme and concept for their dance portray the positive side and what the government had achieved. Like right now, the city is experiencing a massive development in infrastructure and business opportunities, a reality that was impossible to think of in the past.  

As usual the performers have to compete at the street before moving to Paglaum Stadium for the Grand Arena competition. Supporters, sponsors and dancers have to walk along Araneta street through   thousands of crowds are applauding the dances. The competition, which was broadcast live in social media, ended with a spectacular drone light show and fireworks.  

Brgy Granada was declared the CHAMPION. The win marked a second three-peat for Granada after taking the titles in 2022 and 2023 as well as in 2014, 2015, and 2016

RESULTS  of the MASSKARA FESTIVAL 2024 
STREET DANCE AND ARENA COMPETITON

CHAMPION - BARANGAY Granada - 1,000,000

ADDITIONAL PRIZES sa CHAMPION BARANGAY

BINGOPLUS - 50,000

PLAYMAX- 30,000

BELLA EVE WINES SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 15,000

1st Runner-Up – Barangay Bata (P500,000)

2nd Runner-Up – Barangay 12 (P300,000)

SPECIAL AWARDS

TODO na DITO Champion - 100,000 - Barangay Granada

Pillar of MassKara Festival - 10,000 - Segundo Cabalcar Jr.

MINOR AWARDS

Best in Music - 25,000 - Barangay Granada

Best Theme and Concept 25,000 - Barangay Granada

Best Mask and Costume 25,000 - Barangay Granada

BYH Choice Award - 15,000 - Barangay Granada

ELECTRIC MASSKARA FLOAT PARADE (with VIDEO and results of winners)

 

THE GRANDEST MASSKARA 
FESTIVAL FLOAT PARADE

It was a Saturday with clear blue sky. Bacolod was still celebrating MassKara Festival and there was a stark contrast compared to the past few rainy days, when Typhoon Kristine, brought havoc in the city's merriment. There were reports that the organizers will move the parades and street competition to a later schedule because another typhoon (LPA) is at PAGASA's sight and the festivities will be marred with bad weather again.

VIDEO OF THE ELECTRIC MASSKARA FLOAT PARADE

However, that Saturday was different. It was blessed with a sunny disposition and there was excitement in the air once more. The festival's Electric MassKara Float Parade and Eletroika Diva did continue to spread magic (see video below) to street merrymakers.

Alas, people flocked to Megaworld The Upper East and Lopue's East area to witness another historic and grand parade of creativity. Parents with their little kids were already eagerly waiting at Mcdonald's East. At exactly 6 p.m., as the sunset turns into a bluer hue, the first float arrived. These floats were the events sponsors like Jollibee, Cebu Pacific, Bingo Plus and more. The second phase where the beautifully crafted Baranggay. floats that are entries for the Best Float contest and atop of them are the Eletroika Divas (dance competitors). 
However, from among the many amazing works, three stood out with the so-called a Wow Factor:

Electric MassKara Float Champion

Baranggay 29

1st runner-up and Best in Float Design and Designer

Baranggay Pahanocoy

2nd Runner-up

Barangay 17

CONGRATULATIONS ELECTRIC MASSKARA FLOAT WINNERS OF 2024!

 

BAMBOO ROCKS BACOLOD MASSKARA FESTIVAL DESPITE TYPHOON

 

MASSKARA FESTIVAL: RAIN OR SHINE

The MassKara week is almost over but then Typhoon Kristine started to wreak havoc and an LPA, possibly, another Typhoon (to be named Leo) threatens the rest of MassKara weekend. But despite all of these, most people didn't worry and still wanted to enjoy the festivities and one proof is Bamboo's concert at the Bacolod City Government Center last rainy Thursday (see video below)

Belting out songs from his Rivermaya years like Elesi, Mabuhay!, Hinahap-hanap Kita, Bamboo is so glad to see people braivng the rain just to see their The Voice  coach idol. 
However, rain did affect some eating stalls beside the area but still you can feel the Filipino resiliency still unstoppable. Many kiosk are ready for the rain. With smiles on their faces, they do run to protect their food as if it depends on their lives. 

Concertgoers at Bamboo Night 

The Thursday act was challenging compared to the sunny and non-rainyday concerts sponsored by PureGold and BingoPlus the next day. SB19 was the highlight artists of PureGold's MassKaravan wherein a record of 150,000 flocked to Bacolod City Government Center. Kz Tandingan and TJ Monteverde and Piolo Pascual, meanwhile, serenaded concertgoers during the Bingo Plus Night Concert. 

Kym's Grill

The typhoon maybe be harsh to revelers and the peope who do business during MassKara. But actually, through a historical flashback, the origins of the Bacolod MassKara Festival was actually sadder and harsher. It can be traced back to the 1980s when Negros Occidental, considered the sugar bowl of the Philippines, suffered a terrible crisis when its sugar was priced at an all-time low because of alternatives introduced in the market resulting in one of the infamous famines in the country’s history. 

Added to it was the sinking Negros Navigation's MV Don Juan, a tragic ferry accident carrying mostly Negrosanons including those prominent families of Bacolod and most of them are fresh graduates from Manila's universities excited to go home to celebrate. These events overshadowed the usual life of Negrosanons. Many were too s
Local artists with LGU, in the spirit of resiliency, created MassKara  Festival out of these heartbreaking origins. The idea of covering one's face with a smiling mask gave birth to an annual competition that celebrates life despite the hardships.

MassKara Festival and Moonlight

 Another sad event, Covid Pandemic, also inspired the BALIK YUHUM MassKara anthem and bigger celebrations during Mayor Albee Benitez's term. Indeed, it's nice to look at the fireworks every salubong night of the MassKara, a symbol of hope and happiness despite the odds.

Let's enjoy at the Lacson St. this Masskara! 

NETFLIX's OUTSIDE: Loser or winner?

Netflix's OUTSIDE 
Did it Make You More Mad or so Glad?

By George Pontino Jr.

There's a lot of brouhaha over the issue whether the Pinoy flick OUTSIDE (now streaming globally on Netflix) is a bad Zombie movie or a good psychological thriller amidst a Zombie apocaplyse. These rants and reviews came out when people got to finally see the most anticipated Pinoy film marketed as "the first Zombie movie."

CREDIT: NETFLIX

THE PREMISE
For starters, OUTSIDE is about a family trying to outrun a zombie apocalypse while they also face a more sinister threat within. Released just before Halloween (All Saint's Day), the OUTSIDE universe has become a hot topic in social media with questions like: If Outside was not marketed as a zombie film, will you still watch it? (Let's Watch This FB group) which garnered lots of replies, some are transparent and some are not sure if they'll watch it if promoted differently. The film earned fans that they defended the film's premise, that the director made it clear that it's a psychological thriller amidst the backdrop of a spread of a mysterious infection, making the dead undead.  Well, watching the movie, the true horror lies in the family's conflicts and the way they handle survival. The zombies are just there for added scare fest. Without it, it will be just a normal Pinoy drama. Many also praised the "world-class quality" of the flick, story-wise aside cinematography and editing-wise, since the writer was able to make a suspenseful story within an already scary story. 

Well, this is my take on these two divided sides. This is just a sentiment on how zombie die-hard fans should look, from a serious personal vantage point of view, and on how they should embrace the zombie basics -  an apocalyptic world where a massive living dead are spreading out to wipe out humans because, well, they need also food to "live". And usually, to understand how to kill these creatures not usually possessed by evil but infected by a certain disease is hard to grasp. That's why most zombie movies have the notion that aiming for the head is the rule to eliminate any sign of abnormal life from them. And in the movie OUTSIDE, how the characters of movie handled the post-apocalyptic event can be seen as a product of their own confusion because, well, they don't know what's happening, what's causing it and why the dead are still moving and talking. And this utter confusion made their flaws to show. Hence, they are developing psychological disorders as they move on with their lives. They are just human and are too shocked with the sudden events. 

THE ZOMBIE TROPE
Now, if you're a fan of this genre, you should also know a little history of the zombie trope.  George Ramero, the director who explored the possibility of bringing back the dead through infectious diseases had his first Zs walk so slow that our protagonists still have the time to escape or fight. He has even has a talking corpse in The Living Dead - it answers clearly if questioned. Nowadays, with many new creative writers and directors,  zombies can evolve into something different. Some can do parkour and some can even detect you if you pour blood all over your body. Gone are the days that zombie movies used a certain formula. That's why, viewers should open their minds to any kind of new possibilities of Z storytelling. 

CREDIT: HBO THE LAST OF US

BUDGET ISSUE?
Now, going back to OUTSIDE. Many were irked because their expectations weren't met - less zombies and the characters are not exploring any other places and they are locked on in just a small hacienda house (In actuality, the film was shot in three different places in Negros Island Region in the Philippines. The bridge was in La Castellana, the church was shot in Kabankalan and the house was located in Ilog. All these places are in the south of Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occ.) If budget was really an issue, they could have shot it in Manila. Why shot it in a province where they need to move their gears and pay hotels for their actors. The producers believed that shooting in a farmland is breath of fresh air. Buildings and cities burning are usual scenes in zombie films and their treatment for the places they choose are intentional and not by accident.  That's the nice thing about filmmaking, you can trick people's mind and create a small environment by combining different locations which are far apart. As for the trailer, many had high hopes for the movie. Now the problem when one watches a trailer, he or she can get too overly excited, expectations run high. Sometimes it's better to save some excitement because it's only a teaser. That's why the film industry calls it a teaser trailer because the marketing team wants to give a sneak peek to potential viewers. 

CREDIT: TWD Rick Grimess and son

TO TELL OR NOT TELL (ORIGIN STORY)

Now, do we need to know the origin of the outbreak?

Well it's really up to the film's writer to really tell the origin of the zombie infection. Is it necessary or is better not to tell. 

Just like many American Z films, most scriptwriters leave the origins of the outbreak to the imaginative minds of viewers, this is helpful in creating mystery that could help if producers need to make a sequel or a prequel. However, there's one film that really divulged the origin of the infection because it's a must for them to introduce the universe where the zombie post-apocalypse is happening. The Last of Us is one film that shows the cause of the deadly outbreak. With this, gamers and viewers are able to immerse in the world of the game/movie's zombies called the infected (people with Cordysep brain infection). Telling the viewers the origin is also helpful in introducing more evolved form of infected like the clickers.  For one, the concept is based from the real world "ant zombies" controlled by parasites usually found in Indonesian forests. This real concept made a fictitious story solid and makes The Last of Us even scarier. They wanted people to think and ask: WHAT IF? while they are playing or watching the series.

Zombie ant 

OUTSIDE's TWD CONNECTION?
And here's my final take on Outside's family and psycholigcal drama. Remember TWD when it came out? Well, I love how The Mist-director Frank Darabont wrote and directed The Walking Dead when it was released over AMC. He gradually introduced characters. There was drama, lots chasing scenes, gore, lots of walkers and survivor characters. The Season 1 intro even tells you a little backstory of the main casts. However, the direction went from exciting to boring. I slowly  became disinterested with what's become with TWD in Season 2 because the new writers didn't focus on the original survivors' tales. Instead, they added new characters, unnecessary Zombie chase scenes and inner conflicts,  competing factions (communities made up just to cover a whole season) and how the writers poorly gave us a hint on how people can turn into zombies without even bitten or infected - but by just becoming full of rage and thinking negative thoughts. What? The survivors in the TWD universe becomes Walkers themselves just by hate and being paranoid? Well, I see this storyline as a poor innovation on the Zombie trope. This idea was a slap to many zombie fans.
Meanwhile, many original survivors who were introduced in the first season were left in a sorry state, forgotten in the sidelines. Some died in uninteresting fashion thus they are just probably victims of bad writing or poor ratings. The leader Rick Grimes, with all the fateful events he experienced like learning his wife is carrying a child from an affair, was a goner in later episodes. Well, it's okay to make him turn crazy .At least, they tried to tell the viewers that he is just human, very vulnerable. Now here is where I can connect OUTSIDE to the TWD series.
I guess the psychological family drama of TWD might have an influence to the OUTSIDE story premise.
Unlike in the TWD though, the people behind OUTSIDE focused and heavily invested their limited screen time on the characters on how, with a mysterious infection spreading and food becomes scarce, can affect the characters emotions, minds and relationships. Now, adding to the pressure are the past traumas the characters are carrying while the world is collapsing behind them. Everyone is becoming insane and having trust issues.
Now, seems familiar right?  It seems it's inspired by TWD's Rick Grimes sad tale, after all. Now, about the spin-off Fear The Walking Dead? Well, people lost interest despite the many hordes of zombies. 'nuff said.

ZOMBIE HUMOR OR SERIOUSNESS
Sometimes it's nice to have Zombie movies that are filled with humor like the Japanese and Korean ones, and, oh, Zombieland, yes that funny take surviving the zombie apocalypse with a list of survival tips. Yes, these kind of movies are very entertaining to watch because of the humor and fast-paced action. But, sometimes it's great when you get to watch Z flicks with utter seriousness. At least, you'll really feel that the apocalypse isn't a time for laughter, it's always a time to survive. OUTSIDE didn't fail to show us the seriousness of the situation.

OUTSIDE Bridge scene

RUNNING TIME AND A SEQUEL?
The only thing that OUTSIDE editor(s) didn't do is to, at least, cut the running time. Make a tight shorter story because it's too dragging to watch a lengthy drama with emotional effect on the viewer. There's nothing wrong with telling a dramatic story as part of the plot but by shortening it could have given the audience time to breathe.
One one hand, Cinematography is great. Zombie make up are also fantastic. Acting were solid. Lighting effects feel natural.  
In the meantime, the writers kept some stories untold and didn't gave answers to some lingering questions. This is a good idea if they are planning to do a sequel. Well, maybe, if they do, we will probably see more zombies (means more budget from Netflix), the kids grown up making awesome DIY weapons, the older sibling meeting her lady love once again against all odds, the mom has become a bad ass zombie killer too like Madmax's Furiosa amidst a backdrop of "real" post-apocalyptic outside world of the OUTSIDE universe. This will be cool!

It's 8/10 for me.

OUTSIDE is a directed by Carlo Ledesma. The cast are Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzales, Marco Maza, Aiden Tyler Patdu, Enching Dee, Joel Torre and hordes of Zombies from Visayas. 

 

CREATIVE SUPPLIERS EVENTS EXPO of NEGROS ISLAND REGION

 KASALAN and KOTILYON EXPO 2024

CREATIVE SUPPLIERS HOLDS EXPO
at AYALA MALLS CAPITOL CENTRAL

It is the grandest gathering of creative event suppliers from Negros Island Region at the Kasalan & Kotilyon 2024, National Wedding Tourism Expo, by Kasal.com at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

Target Market Couples (To-be weds), dalagita debutantes, and families who are looking at affordable yet reliable event supplier options had a chance to choose amongst almost 50 event venues, wedding or birthday (debut) photo-video suppliers, photo or video booth, caterers, hotels, event stylists, food carts, custom wedding souvenir makers, wedding planners and a whole lot more.

WATCH VIDEO OF THE KASALAN & KOTILYON EXPO 

Event Suppliers to Choose

Every year, new innovations are being introduced to the creative event community. A wide range of suppliers came for this biggest wedding expo in Negros. One of the suppliers that really stood out was a 360 Video booth from Glambot.Bacolod, Due to the popularity of IG reels and TikTok short videos, the traditional photobooth has become an obsolete event favorite and was replaced by this more dynamic platform where guests can do dancing with families within a rotating device through vertical video clips.

Mobile Beverage Services from AM / PM

350 Glambot.bcd (Glambot Bacolod) Video Booth

From Food to Drink Services

Other booths that displayed their crafts and services are from the food industry, and it includes coffee and ice cream pop up carts like But First, Coffee, May's Organic, Paleta Gelato and AM/PM beverage services. A hot and fresh piaya stall, where a baker will show how a piaya is made from start to finish, was eye-catching. And we have a video to prove how satisfyingly it is to see the preparation and cooking (heating) of a piaya flatbread from start to finish. Indeed, in Sugarlandia, piaya should be in the centerstage in your wedding. and debut celebrations

Video of How to Cook Piaya (Hot and Fresh Organic way)

Hotel Industry
Hotels and venues like SugarLand Hotel, Hotels Negrense, Mansion de Bacolod, The Bam at Mango Ranch, Nabulao Beach and Dive Resort and L'Fisher Hotel-Bacolod showcased their services too to future bride and groom and, of course, debutantes. Mangley Couture. Other suppliers that joined the bridal/debut fair were Mangley Couture, Vaughnn's Gold, The Perfume Pals, Conceptu Bacolod Event Specialist and more.

BACON POP 2024: COSPLAYERS INVADE THE MALLtiverse

 

 MALLTIVERSE OF MADNESS

BACON POP TURNS AYALA MALLS CAPITOL CENTRAL INTO POP CULTURE HAVEN (with video)

With a mission to bring Pop culture enthusiasts, and local talents & artists together under one roof, BaCon Pop brings fun to mallgoers. 
Ayala Malls capitol Central became full of kids and parents who wandered around the booths filled with Pop culture stuff and merchandise. Around the mallgoers were local Cosplayers who are equally stunned in seeing others in costume play. 

VIDEO of BaCon Pop 2024

Pop Culture Extravaganza! You might misinterpret the brand BaCon Pop as a food event at first glance. Well, actually, it's an acronym for Bacolod Convention on Pop Culture, it's an annual event usually held during Bacolod MassKara Festival weeks in October. It's designed by  pop culture enthusiasts for Pop Culture fans (the fandom includes but not limited to Anime/Manga, Superhero flicks, Hollywood iconic characters, Music,  Gaming, Iconic Memes) 

Phenomena And when you speak about pop culture in general, you need to note how wide is this phenomena spreading in the island of Negros, considering how fast media spreads information and data nowadays and there are a lot of genres and fandom to choose from. 

Kids were amazed with BayMax Cosplayer

Asian and Western Influences
First and foremost, it's not only focused on Japanese animes and manga culture. There are also a lot of American comic and cinematic universes intertwining as pop culture fans' taste are so diverse these days. 

Day of the Cosplay That's why, walking along the mall,  there are a barrage of  superheroes characters meeting horror movie characters. And yes, they get along. It seems to be an unlikely scene but you will know how massive is the influence BaCon Pop have created among Negrenses. 

Asian Dr. Strange in the MALLtiverse

Merch, Anyone? The presence of cosplayers are equally important as the merch booths at the event center of Ayala Malls Capitol Central. The men and women in costume are so entertaining that are cool to look at. They really get the attention of families.

Larger-than-life Baymax
You'll find lots of sci-fi characters and gaming console icons taking to each other. Seeing a larger-than-life Baymax is a sight to behold and kids and Big hero 6 fans are going crazy over the all white white "mascot". You'll just be curious on how the cosplayer behind it can breathe inside of it. 

Cosplayers are enthralled with each other's costumes

Dr. Strange is no Stranger The Sorcerer Supreme Dr. Strange is even a hit to many as the cosplayer personifying him looks and moves like Benedict Cumberbatch's acting in MCU movies. 

Real-Life Gaming
BaConPop has exciting events like Fightsaber, Asian Pop Quiz, Random Play Dance, FanClub Fanchant Clash,  Bee for Superfans, Cosplay Parade, Pro Cosplay Showdown, Meet and Greet and more.

CAMPUESTOHAN AWARDED By GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

 LARGEST ROOSTER BUILDING 

HOW DID CAMPUESTOHAN HIGHLAND RESORT APPLIED AND WON A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS AWARD? (with videos)

In the Philippines, a gigantic rooster building rose in the mountains of Talisay city, just an hour drive from the capital, Bacolod. This giant rooster is the newest attraction of Campuestohan Highland Resort. However, it's  not just a simple tourist destination but a product of a great vision.  Inside are rooms intended to welcome visitors and guests who wanted to sleep overnight in this resort. Imagine that creativity! And now let's get to another story.

New Cock Addition
To add to all of this amazing things the owners are doing, they applied for Guinness World Records to help put their resort not only locally but also in the international map of travel. Called "Manok ni Gwapo Cano Tan", this towering hotel is worth to set a record not only in Asia but in the world. And how did the owners do that? 

Guinness Criteria
It turns out applying and setting for Guinness World of Records is not that easy. Guinness World Records, a global authority on World Record Breaking Achievements, have lists of criteria. One of them is how to record the precise size of the structure using modern surveying techniques. So, the owners rented the services of professional surveyors to map out the big rooster hotel (which was still under construction at the time). 

WATCH: VIDEO OF LASER SURVEY for GUINESS WORLD OF RECORDS

Drone Survey

The engineers used a LIDAR (laser scanner) attached to a DJI drone and let it automatically fly and scan to record it from above, 360 degrees. (see YT video above)
The surveyors from Manila also used other tools to scan the building perimeter and submitted it to the award institution as basis for their judgment - to set it as it is the biggest rooster building or not. 

Awarding Day

On October 19 2024, Saturday, a Guineess World of Records adjudicator declared "Manok ni Cano Gwapo Tan" at Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City as the Largest Rooster Building.

Facing Challenges
Indeed, the sacrifices of those who envisioned and built it, especially the owner Ricardo Cano Tan and his team,  who were braving the rains and hot sunny weather are worth it. Indeed, we can't wait for the book to be published.

CAMPUESTOHAN ACTIVITY GUIDE VIDEO

For Newcomers (About the Resort)

For those who are not yet familiar with the place or still planning to visit it, Campuestohan Highland Resort has many activities ranging from swimming to Bike in the Sky to Slide for Life and more. (See campuestohan Guide video above) The place will also feature the longest slide race that could also be worthy for Guiness World Records.

CAMPUESTOHAN AT NIGHT
(VIRTUAL VIDEO OF LIGHT TUNNELS)

Lights at Night

At night and especially during ber Months and post Christmas, Campuestohan attracts more visitors because of their beautiful night effects like tunnels scattered all around the vicinity. These light effects, ranging from Sci Fi portals to Alien plants, can be experienced through the video above that will give you a virtual tour.

JOLLIBEE COLLECTIBLES, HISTORY and BIRTHDAY PARTY

THE BEST JOLLIBEE KIDDE MEAL CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR'S ITEMS?

 If you are an avid Jollibee Kiddie Meal Toy collector, you've come to the right place. Jollibee, as all we know, is a more than a mascot. One can't deny its magic. For kids and families Jollibee makes them whole when they dine in a certain branch. 

JOLLIBEE CHRISTMAS SEASON SANTA-INSPIRED COLLECTIBLES (VIDEO)

Jollibee's main target are wide range but they tapped on to the kid's market as they knew how their mascot has become a beloved icon by kids. And the kids, who are now, grown up and have their own families. And it turns out, their own children also love Jollibee. As a company, Jollibee is spreading more magic worldwide with branches in the Philippines,  Brunei, Taiwan, Jakarta, Indonesia, Singapore, Hongkong, Qatar, Vietnam, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, UK and more places. 

But how did Jollibee even began? From a humble ice cream parlor in 1975 located in Cubao, Quezon City, the outlet later began selling hot meals and sandwiches. When the food became more popular than the ice cream products, the family decided to convert the parlor into a fast food restaurant which became the first Jollibee branch in 1978.  Even its original name Jolibe was changed to what is now. Adding one l and e really helped the brand stood out from its competitors. 

And now the Kidde Meal toys are worth collecting. The one that really stood out was the Santa Claus Paskong Pinoy "Filipino Christmas"-themed collector's items which portrays a mascot wearing Santa costume. Each is also doing significant Xmas traditions and cultural stuff like drums, lanterns, and more. Not only these are toys, but they are also made decoration that you can hang on your own Christmas trees. Just one click of a button, each toy moves or alights. 

Aside from just selling Chicken Joys and Jolliburgers and Kiddie Meals Collectibles, one of Jollibee's oozing pride is bringing fun to children especially on their birthdays. True to the character of their ever-smiling and friendly mascot. That's why most Jollibee standalone stores have event spaces or rooms for bday celebrations. 

KIDDIE MEALS with TOYS INSIDE 

Guests are entertained by crews with icebreakers, parlor games, prizes and most of all a surprise meet ang greet with a real Jollibee Mascot (not just the statue) who will dance with the crew and also assist in giving the giveaways and kiddie meal collectible toys (shown  in the video above).
Well, the famous Jollibee advertising song I LOVE YOU, SABADO still resonates to many, as weekend kickstarts ,so as many scheduled parties in their branches.

BATCHOY: THE PERFECT RAINY DAY FOOD

BATCHOY IS A PERFECT RAINY DAYS COMFORT FOOD, WOULD YOU AGREE? It's a stormy week again? Well, one thing that can cure our hunger on a rainy day and gives us a comforting feeling is one soup that really is satisfying to the stomach. BATCHOY or batsoy is a very popular FIlipino noodle soup cuisine that originated in the Visayas. And it is one perfect rainy day food.

21 resto's batchoy

It is usually composed of pork offal, crushed pork cracklings, chicken stock, beef loin, and round noodles. There are many origin stories about this delicious dish. The original and most popular variant, the La Paz Batchoy, traces its roots to the Iloilo City district of La Paz, in the Philippines. However, the origin of the La Paz Batchoy is unclear with several accounts claiming credit for the dish.

One restaurant that's filled to to brim especially during rainy days is Super Batchoy House. Super Batchoy House is located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. They have branches spread all over the city. Their delicious Batchoy has been sold for many years and still has the consistent flavor that many are still hooked to eat even up to this day.

Meanwhile, a Shell gasoline station in Bacolod where its convenience store serves Special Batchoy with cheaper price. It's very tasty for its price. However, drinks are sold with the usual convenience store pricing which is usually higher compared in restaurant or eatery. Batchoy is a Filipino noodle soup of pork offal, crushed pork cracklings, chicken stock, beef loin and round noodles. There are more restaurants that serve batchoy and these are Ted's, Deco, 21 restaurant in Bacolod, Nick's in Manapla, and even Shell convenience stores.

Different VARIANTS of BATCHOY:

ORDINARY or REGULAR BATCHOY - no egg and no offals or chicharon (sometimes smaller serving) SPECIAL BATCHOY - with egg, chicaron and offals (bigger serving) SUPER BATCHOY - with raw egg, offals, chicharon, bone marrow. usually served in bigger bowl

WHAT'S INSIDE A JOLLIBEE PARTY (with video tips)

WHAT TO EXPECT in a JOLLIBEE CHILDREN'S PARTY
(What are the secrets and surprises?)

What happens in a Jollibee party?

Well, every Jollibee Children's Birthday Party follows a template - play parlor games, eat food, award prizes, dancing and more.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A USUAL JOLLIBEE PARTY? (WATCH VIDEO)

But of course, when you are present in one of these birthdays, you will always see the kids' excitement and that the love for the endearing mascot is overwhelming. Thanks to the Jolli Crew, the event is always fun and full of surprises.
Watch the video (above) where Jollibee (mascot) has to hide in one of the rooms before he shows itself and its dance antics in a Meet and Greet session -  a surprise that always make guests and the birthday celebrator jump up with glee.

JOLLIBEE KIDDIE PARTY IN SAUDI? (WATCH VIDEO)

Even Jollibee branches around the world and specifically in Saudi Arabia have Children's birthday celebration event space which welcomes local and expat families alike to celebrate there. (See video above) But is the party the same in the Philippines? Well, try to find with the videos shared here,
Do check out 10 What to Expect inside the usual Jollibee event also in the video.
Don't forget to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

S&R Bacolod Christmas Decors (with video)

 S&R Decorations will light up 
your Homes and Offices

Christmas season is here. The Ber months are almost over soon. With this in mind, we need not to rush for our holiday's needs. You name it- colorful Christmas decors.
As early as October, establishments like S&R has already selling beautiful Christmas decorations.

Holiday Special S&R, a membership shopping store, are providing their members a lot of options for Xmas ornaments from the usual giant Christmas tree to unique decorations such as lamp posts, a giant ball ornament, Santa and white bear soap collection, Belen (Holy Family), Xmas Gingerbread man baking set, Cute Christmas Village and more.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Ornaments for the Holiday
These ornaments are or not your usual displays. These are innovations with class and are crafted well.

The YouTube video above is a walk through guide for the holiday products that are displayed in their Bacolod city branch, Philippines just beside SM mall Bacolod.

10 Usual Decorations in a Filipino Home

1. Santa socks 

2. Christmas Lights

3. Star Lanterns or Parols

4. Christmas Tree

5. Belen (Holy Family)

6. Merry Christmas Letter Banners

7. Santa Claus statues or paper hangers

8. Images of Angels Blowing Horns 

9. Bethlehem Star

10. Santa driving his sleigh posters

TWO FACES OF BORACAY: NATURE and BUSINESS

THE BORACAY THAT 
WE USED TO KNOW
(Nature and More Modernity) 
WITH TIPS for Tourists

No doubt, Boracay is one of the top tourist destinations 
in the Philippines. With its long white beach and strings of leisure hotels, travelers love to spend their vacation because they wanted to enjoy the best of both worlds. The picturesque places of Boracay indeed are worth a thousand words.

Boracay: Past and Present There's always an endless debate if the modernization of the island did harm than good. You can see rows of buildings and houses along its white long beach. If compared to decades ago, the Boracay that few knew, esp the locals, is a virgin island where the only shelter you'll see is a kubo (wooden house) surrounded by tropical forests.

How The Island Became Popular
Then massive development began due to influx of tourists thanks to a 70s Hollywood film that was shot in the island. It was entitled Too Late the Hero starring Michael Caine. With this, international hotels (some with gold courses), stores and brands soon sprouted like mushrooms, changing the island's landscape. (See videos below)

Walking Tour video at Boracay's Station 2 and D*Mall

Road Trip video at Boracay's Station 2

Mall by the Bay

Also, there was only D*Mall, an array of stores lined up beside the shore, selling stuff from shirt to bikinis to sandals and souvenir.

It was just the beginning. Now, the streets of Boracay is mostly establishments ranging from banks to hotels to pop up stores to restaurants, one can be surprised of new developments each year. you'll see this if you look around. Ride a motorcyle or e-bike, if you will. 

TIPS for VISITORS IN BORACAY:
1. Travel light (there are lots of stores in Boracay)

2. Bring enough cash but be wary of the prices (Before you buy, check if you are buying or paying an overpriced food, goods, souvenirs or services like tattoos or massage. 

3. Observe safety when riding risky rides like parasailing and banana boat (Unfortunately, these exciting fun rides caused deaths to some of tourists in the past due to accidents and the lack of checking or following safety nets). Don't make pranks when you're riding.

4. Observe safety when swimming. Use a floating device if you must. Always check the head counts if you are a group.

5. If you have a drone, check out for places that are ok for flying one. Most of the places in Boracay have a strict ordinance on drone use as crashes can hit tourists.

6. Don't drink too much and get crazy during a party. Just enjoy! Check your phone always. It could slip through and lost in the sand.

7. No lovemaking on the beach (It's illegal).

8. Be aware of people forcing visitors to join their dinner seminars in the guise of free good, fast profitable returns or a famous star (their endorser) Usually, you can't get out easily once you ate the free food and they will force you to invest spot on. Just say No! to them and the free food. 

9. Keep your phones and laptops safe always. Some hostels have reports of burglars and thievery. Report your missing items by filing a blotter report at the island police station.

10. Throw garbage on the proper bin. Make Boracay's beach clean always.