SILAY FOOD FEAST and CINCO DE NOVIEMBRE IN ART

EXPLORING KAON FESTIVAL! 
SILAY FOOD FESTIVAL 2024 at BALAY NEGRENSE

When we went to KAON TA! Silay Food Festival, everything seems relaxed. People were chatting and enjoying great food and drinks from local sources. Well, not only there's acoustic music and songs being belted at a open air event but also the place itself breathes essential history. Just beside the festival is the BALAY NEGRENSE and also the Cinco de Noviembre street.

KAON TA! Sila Food Festival at Balay Negrense in SIlay's Cinco de Noviembre street (VIDEO)

KAON TA! is an event not only just for eating though. Going around the place, you will see art alive. There are local artist selling their crafts as well as kids yearning to have their face painted. There are also Cinco de Noviembre coloring books being sold for P500 and it's limited edition. 

Al Cinco de Noviembre History through Art (VIDEO)

We got to see also a group of antique collectors who also sell rare stuff from Jollibee toys of yesteryears to Spanish era cabinets to obsolete Nokia phones which, by the way, are still working. These guys knew that there is money in a supposedly junk pieces or garbage to some. Memorable scenes included a sorbetero beside a Negrense-pride famous alcoholic drink Don Papa's tropical-themed booth. Ice cream and a spirit-filled beveage doesn't mix but they have one thing in common - a living heritage

Mcdonald's Silay

And speaking of heritage, Silay has great amounts of it and it makes the night in the city romantic. You're like a traveler lost in time. Caught between two timelines. The remnants of past is too strong to ignore.  s you roam around the city in a fiesta week, you'll be amazed how the old Spanish era-structures can still accommodate modern buildings and business such as McDonald's which utilizes one of the buildings beside the Plaza.

Jollibee Silay

Meanwhile, Jollibee Silay designed its store in line with Silay's heritage rules, it's a respect to the living traditions every Silaynon and Negrense knew. Well, when passing in Silay when we were still kids it's like we are traveling to a portal of Spanish rule. Indeed, the romantic and nostalgic feeling you'll feel in Silay gives respect to the now popular line: Silay is the Paris of Negros.

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TRAVEL TIPS

HOW TO GET TO SILAY (From Bacolod)

1. Ride a Bata-Libertad Jeepney that will bring you to Bacolod North Terminal 

2. Options:
You can either Ride a Ceres Bus or a Silay-Bacolod Jeepney 


HOW TO GET BACK TO BACOLOD from SILAY:
- Wait for a Ceres Bus going to Bacolod at a Loading/Unloading Area in Silay 

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

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! 

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.

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

Your Future Home: Megaworld The Upper East Herald Parksuites Showroom

 HERALD PARKSUITES at The UPPER EAST

Megaworld's first Smart Condo in Bacolod

Looking for a Condo in Bacolod? 
Then you've come to the right web page. Megaworld The Upper East is bringing dynamic and vibrant life in Bacolod with the development of their township projects. The Upper East is one of the two brands (the other is Forbes Hill) that are fueling growth in the Eastern side of the City of Smiles. 

Below are some videos of the Herald Parksuite showroom (WATCH THE VIDEOS) 

Video of Studio Unit Showroom

Being a realty powerhouse, Megaworld appreciates business to mix with leisure. That's why the people behind The Upper East took to the table a former milling space to be transformed to a New York-inspired community where people can have a balanced lifestyle. 
Herald Parksuites is the 4th residential condo development inside the 34 hectare land. Each unit boasting of spacious floor plans and wireless smart home systems.

Video of 2-bedroom unit Showroom

Megaworld The Upper East MAP

For a township living like this, people can enjoy amenities like swimming pools, reading books, children's playground and daycare center, a private dining room, and game room. The building is also near big establishments like Lander's Superstore, Splash Park Bacolod McDonald's East, Lopue's East Department Store, Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Starbucks Circumferential Road, Jollibee East, KFC East and more.

E-JEEPNEY (Philippine Transport Modernization)

 Goodbye JEEPNEYS! Hello e-jeepneys

Jeepneys are rare these days. These transports are truly endangered with the sudden changes in the Philippine transport industry. Considered to be a cultural icon and heritage, jeepneys has been considered as obsolete and are now slowly phased out to pave way for modernization.

Many knew that this transport was a product of Pinoy ingenuity - wherein military jeeps used in World War 2. That's why it's hard for its existence to vanish without considering its cultural vale. Jeepneys were actually forgotten. Americans left many jeeps in the country after World War 2. Because pinoys were out job after the war, they saw the opportunity to develop  the parts that were salvaged and dismantled from the Army jeeps into something useful and can be a source of income. The product of that endeavor was a hit - the Jeep became Jeepney.  It is a portmanteau of post-war words "jeep" (brand) and pre-war "jitney" (a bus or other vehicle carrying passengers for a low fare.

WATCH THIS VIDEO

The jeepney ruled the Philippines streets for decades. It has become one of the so-called poster boys of the Tourism Industry just like the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier and the Philippine Eagle.

Foreign and local tourists are enamored by this road beast. However, time and also new modern innovations endangered this well-loved  mode of transportation.  When the biggest jeepney maker Sarao company closed due to financial difficulties, it was a telltale sign that Modernization of the transport industry is at the horizon.

Indeed, the inevitable happened. Nowadays, modern buses with AC and other amenities, replaced the Sarao-type transport and even the boxed ones. Many were sad that the new buses were too ugly, too modern and are stiff looking. Gone are the colorful motif that truly gave jeepneys its identities. 
However, there were others who are okay with the change but wanted to preserve the traditional image of a Jeepney. Thus, a hybrid was born, the e-jeepneys, an innovative form of Pinoy transportation that looks modern but with the some old-fashion form.

INSIDE Starbucks BACOLOD CIRCUMFERENTIAL during Opening

STARBUCKS opens another Branch in the EAST side of Bacolod, the City of Smiles
Just in time for the Bacolod MassKara Festival

 Bacolod coffee lovers have a new reason to celebrate - STARBUCKS Circumrenal Road has finally opened. And this time, it's in the EAST area where new developments are sprouting like mushrooms. First, there's the city resort Splash Park Bacolod near BCGC (Bacolod Government Center). 

Developments at the East
There's the Megaworld The Upper East where Herald Parksuites Condominium, new McDonald's, Landers Superstore Bacolod and other buildings. Then along the circumferential road are new establishments like the DIY/Home improvement store, Triumph Depot. There's Rockwell to the North too. 

Branches in Bacolod The new standalone branch, compared to its, predecessor, the first ever Starbucks in Lacson St., has 3 distinct new features: a Drive-Thru, a 2nd floor and a balcony area. 

Starbucks for Riders Though the parking area is limited, the Drive-Thru serves as an option for those who have cars yet they wanted to have their morning coffee, a hot Starbucks cup.

WATCH THIS VIDEO

Second Floor Area The 2nd floor is idea for those who are looking to CoWork or work away from home. Virtual assistants, those who are coders, social media managers can work on the large large table good provided by the coffee chain. 

Balcony Area The balcony is welcome idea especially those who just wanted to drink coffee or relax. This is a place that you can look at time without worrying or just watch passing cars while thinking of new ideas or a new business. Couples will find the balcony an ideal dating area too. From the balcony, one can see a vantage view of mountains of Negros Occidental.

Tambayan at the East Well, it's good to have an international chain opening in a once solitary place. It's a sign that Bacolod, indeed, is growing and new opportunities are coming. It's an added tambayan for Bacolod MassKara Festival revelers every October. 

Pinoy Streetfood Overload WALKING TOUR

 Street Food CRAZE in the Philippines
(With YouTube Videos)

Asia is one of continents in the world that has a different street vibe compared to other places. For one, like in Thailand and China, exotic street food abound. The different aroma in the air are so strong that you get easily hungry. Being a tourist, cultural food should be a must on the list in the itinerary. 

Grilled Balut

Street food is a big industry albeit however some see the people behind it, the vendors as nuisance or illegals. However, this thriving economy has become a part of Asian or Filipino culture.

Originally, kanto food is focused on carinderias (food eatery by the road) but now, it has evolved into something mobile. Vendors now show up at any places like parks, townships (like in the Megaworld The Upper East or at the back of Bacolod City Government Center in Bacolod City, and pop-up carts or food trucks.  

On sticks and plastic cups

Now, with these foldable or mobile trucks, people can pay affordable food and enjoy it outdoors or simply, order them as a take away. The only drawback with this kind of business is the weather. When it rains, few customers might show up.

Philippines' street food scene is not focused solely on Pinoy cuisine as a whole but it has become a fusion of cultures, traditions, tastes, cooking and styles. It has evolved so much. 
  Now, you can find  Arabic cuisines like Shawarma, Hummus, Shawarma Rice as well as Chinese ice candy Tanghulu and siomai; Japanese Tempura and Kikiam, Korean's Kimbop and Cordog, Mexican Burritos, Tacos, Nachos, Chimi Changa, Italian's Pizza and there's the Taiwanese Milk Tea too. 

Beef Pares Overload is so trendy now thanks to Paresan queen, Diwata in Manila

And for authentic Filipino traditional street food, there's the tasty and popular Balut, bbq on sticks like the Chicken Inasal,  Beef Pares Overload,

For the kids, there are pancake, cotton candy, choros and popcorn.

 If given the training and support from Government like from DOT (Department of Trade), people especially those who are jobless can embrace this kind of opportunities, giving them hope to start small, but also to dream big. Having a street venture with value, cleanliness and respect customer is an honest work, after all. 

SANYOG MANAPLA: The FIESTA in the land of PUTO and DINUGUAN

More than Puto and Dinuguan
A GRAND CULTURAL-RICH AND SECTORAL FIESTA IN MANAPLA

 EVENT | TOWN FIESTA

In Manapla, a town one-hour drive from Bacolod going to North of Negros, August is the most exciting, colorful, and vibrant month of the year. It's aside from the BER months which Manapla also celebrates with glee. 
And why August? The town's patron saint St. Roch's, feast falls on August 16 and in lieu with this Manaplahanons get to celebrate their annual fiesta that now goes beyond religious practices but also now commemorates culture, heritage and living legacies. 

Manapla's fiesta has evolved into a more modern approach but with focus on on the livelihood of the people like farming, fishing, puto making, dinuguan cooking, art and more.
Innovation has changed how Manaplahanons celebrate fiesta. Powerful sound systems, music sync to hi-tech lights and  large LED monitors don the stage. However, the heart of the festivity is more than just these innovative visuals. Under the leadership of Mayor Escalante, councilors and municipal staff, they opted a different approach. A myriad of activities were lined up for different sectors of the municipality. 

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This sectoral kind of fiesta encompasses different members of the community from the children to the youth to adults to senior citizens, women, LGBT members and more.
Geographically Manapla is beside the sea. So, the fishermen had their boat race (bangkarero). It is a salute to the fishing sector that thrives in the town. The sport lovers got to see action in the ring through boxing at the plaza, basketball league and biking events that showcased the sporting abilities of local and individuals in Negros island who were invited to join. The party lovers, meanwhile, were treated with nights of music from well-known acts, DJs and bands from Manila. 

The local artists were also given a platform to showcase their raw talents through an art competition which, again, is a success as the artworks were so done well. The LGBT+ community of Manapla had their fun evening by showcasing costumes inspired by the products of Manapla.

On the last day of the the 154th Manang Pula Festival, despite some setbacks like an occasional brownout and rain, the events were resounding success. Merrymakers were treated to a thousand free Manapla puto and a bowl of dinuguan cuisine. There was happiness and fun! It was an infectious fun! It was evident in the vigor and smiles of participants of the puto cooking and dinuguan contest as well as in the participants of the Manang Pula dance showdown which had 12 entries from different barangays. The dancers and prop people braved the heat to perform in the street and arena dance competitions. The performance and the announcement of the results were shot live in social media through influencers Arkipila Go, Couple Feet and I Love Manapla.

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HERE ARE THE RESULTS:

Street Dance Competition 

2nd Prize - Brgy Purisima
1st prize - Brgy. 1A
Champion - Brgy 1                                      

SPECIAL AWARDS:

Most Disciplined Tribe - Brgy. Punta Mesa
Best in Costume Design -  Brgy. San Pablo 
Best in Manang Pula in Character - Brgy. 2-A
Best Bernardo in Character - Brgy 1-A
Best in Production Design - Brgy. Punta Salong
Best in Choreography - Brgy 1 A

Best in Arena Dance Competition  

2nd Place - Brgy. Punta Mesa 
1st Place - Brgy. San Pablo  
Champion - Brgy. 1-A 

Many OFWs went to home to experience again the fun and food. Surrounding the plaza were the usual features of a festival: food park, ukay ukay tents, rides and others. On the eve of the fiesta, the Manapla National High School also spent their homecoming/reunion gathering and show at the public plaza.