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.
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?
WATCH: VIDEO OF LASER SURVEY for GUINESS WORLD OF RECORDS
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). 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.
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. 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 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)
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.
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.
However, there's always an endless debate if the modernization of the island did harm than good. 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 surrounded by tropical forests. Then massive development began due to influx of tourists thanks to a 70s Hollywood film. International hotels (some with gold courses), stores and brands 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
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.
7 Family-friendly Outdoor Resorts near and within Bacolod City (with swimming pools) The last is a multi-awarded innovative mountain resort
DESTINATIONS
Are you searching for a place for family outing with a pool but near or within Bacolod City? Fret no more! Here are some public resorts that has swimming pools and activities that the family will do and enjoy. Here's your guide (with YouTube Video features)
1. Bacolod Splash Park Bacolod Splash Park is just within the city centre. It is the most accessible resort in the city as it is just in front of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Megaworld The Upper East and beside Sixty Fifth Hotel along circumferential road. Inside are modern giant slides, train ride, playground, animal statues, food stalls, a JT Manokan Restaurant, and a Safari lazy river. At night, the place glows with beautifully-placed lamp posts and light effects that adorn its garden landscape. Splash Park is one of the locations of the new Bacolod MassKara Festival 2024 official theme song's music video featuring Josh Collen of SB19 and Tiana Kocher.
WATCH: SPLASH PARK BACOLOD DURING THE DAY
WATCH: SPLASH PARK BACOLOD AT NIGHT
2. Bantug Lake Ranch A mountain resort, Bantug Lake Ranch is very accessible via the roads of Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City. Amenities include rooms for overnight stay, a large man-made lake where families can go boating or fish on it, two swimming pools, and a horse riding area. Cabanas for rent are spread all over beside its open air restaurant with a picturesque garden and playground.
WATCH: BANTUG LAKE RANCH WITH DRONE SHOTS
3.Forest Park Resort
Located in Taculing, this resort boasts a large swimming pool with a giant mushroom scuplture in the middle and a bridge connecting the two corners of the cabanas. Forest Park is open from 9 am to 6pm from Mondays to Fridays and 8pm to 7pm during Saturdays and Sundays. There's a mini zoo for the kids, a lazy pool river and a promenade.
4. Palmas del Mar (hotel seaside resort) A seaside resort, Palmas del Mar has been serving Negrenses for decades already with its hotel and leisure amenities. Inside are three pools with different shapes and theme. One of the pools are adorned with cute cherubim angels. Next pool has a mini bridge. The main pool is the larget and features a slide and a kiddie pool beside it. Palmas del Mar's name is based on what you'll really find within its vicinity. Beside the sea are palm trees that add to the tropical vibe. On a good day, as the sun sets, one can see magical reflection hues on a man-made lake with an island connected via a wooden bridge..
VIDEO OF PALMAS DEL MAR ON A GOOD DAY UNTIL SUNSET (BLUE HOUR)
5. Bocal Bocal Spring Resort Alangilan As the name of the resort suggests, you will find two swimming pools that utilize fresh spring water. Thanks to Mother Nature, the unlimited flow of water replenishes the area's adult and kiddie pools with freshwater daily. Also inside are wooden huts for rent and wide barbecue grilling areas. There's not much activity this place can offer but swimming under a lush forest and sounds of birds around make your family outing a memorable moment. This resort is near the Alangilan town center where the Catholic church is located.
VIDEO OF A FAMILY WEEKEND OUTING AT BOCAL BOCAL SPRING RESORT ALANGILAN
6. Mambucal Sanctuary and Wildlife Sanctuary
In our list, Mambucal, situated in the mountain ranges of Murcia town, is the oldest resort for the public that has been revamped many times. There was once restaurant where you can eat by the river and also a slide for life activity but these two were discontinued. But, many things stayed as usual in this resort owned by the Negros Occidental Provincial Government. It's the only tourist spot in Negros Occidental that has hot springs pools (Japanese onsen) and a massage spa beside the vicinity. With Mount Kanlaon's hot steam, boiling muds and sulfuric water, this destination has become a popular place for people who love dipping.in a hot spring and believe it can cure some ailments.
VIDEO: HIKING AT MAMBUCAL NATURE AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY'S WATERFALLS
The cold pool and the river with man-made lake are popular amenities for families who are not used to bathe in hot sulfur water. Inside Mambucal's vicinity is a hotel, open cottages, mini cabanas for families and a contemporary restaurant. Large flying foxes and other faunas are present within the lush forest of Brgy. Minuyan in Murcia. Mambucal has 7 Falls for trekkers to hike and bathe. Along the hiking area are zigzagging paths with lush forest and rare insect species.
7.Campuestohan Highland Resort For years, Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay has attracted so many visitors, bringing arrivals in Bacolod, which is the jump point to this mountain destination. Currently, the resort owners are building the Biggest/Largest Rooster Hotel and the longest water slide race which they are trying to verified for Guinness Book of Records.
Here are two videos about Campuestohan's Night Light Tunnels and a General Activity Guide:
WATCH: Virtual Night Tour of Campuestohan's Light Tunnels (Amazing Sci-fi/Science Fiction, Romantic and Christmas Holiday Light Effects)
WATCH: Campuestohan Activity Guide
With its owner Bacolodnon Ricardo "Cano" Tan, it has received many accolades and multiple awards from different Tourism sectors for being a creative and innovative place for families to gather and enjoy. The place has many activities and it caters not only to the kids and adults, but even to the elderly. Activities include horseback riding, outdoor play place, swimming in its many pools especially in the wave pool near its outdoor cafe, overnight staycation, karaoke, selfies with many dinosaurs and other pop culture statues, foam bath, free gym, relaxing at a spa, strolling around its amazing areas, hamster wheel, bike in sky, walking along its hanging bridge, Life-sized dinosaurs, whimsical statues, giant chess game. New added attractions/amenities are bright light effects tunnel at night, and as earlier written, a giant rooster hotel (biggest in Asia and will be adjudged for Guinness Book Records), longest slide race and free use of its outdoor gym.
Negros Occidental is home to the mystic Mt. Kanlaon and other neighboring volcanoes. In these mountain ranges, thousands of waterfalls abound. And in Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, you can find seven power waterfalls feeding the resorts' man-made lake and swimming pool with its cool waters.
Hiking to these 7 falls, however, takes time, patience and energy plus a lot of safety nets should be considered as there are occasional landslides and, of course, the terrain can get muddy and slippery on rainy season. Flashfloods are also a given phenomenon as the North Negros Forest is catch basin and can bring high levels of water. That's why the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, the institution that owns and maintains MambuKal, closed down the hiking trail, for the meantime, for the safety of tourists.
It is advised to do the trail during summer to avoid these muddy paths. Of course, water is much more clean and bluer.
WATCH THIS VIDEO FEATURE
As you can see in the video above, we only reached the 3rd falls as we were saving our energy back to the main resort plus for another adventure to Don Salvador Benedicto in the afternoon. We ate a light breakfast at the resort before we trekked so it gave a extra jolt for our us to walk around the forest. The stairs to the 2nd falls was so steep and slippery, you need more energy to go up safely. The 3rd waterfalls was even more challenging to reach. The sheer power of the falls blow off the dew drops to the stairs, making it slippery.
BRIDGE OVER SERENE WATERS
Going back, we took some group and selfie photos. But, one can wonder how such picturesque place exist. There's a speechless wonderment while we were taking photos of the ecology that overpowers us. Our nature photographs and videos for MANG INTERESADO youtube channel can tell it vividly and these images included some stick insects that are seemingly saying hello to us. These little creatures are indeed amazing to look at as it blends well with the flora of the place. On top of it all, you will be awe-struck with Mother Nature's bounty: stunning scenery, clear waters, the living flora and refreshing environment.
Indeed, hiking to these natural wonders is worth it.
HIKING TIPS If you have the energy, determination and passion to hike to these 7 falls, we have some tips for you to keep in mind:
1. You need to ask for a personal guide (comes with a fee) 2. You have to list your full names on a manifest at the gate 3. If you hike in groups, you need to check each other 4. Wear non-slippery shoes (hiking shoes are ideal). Don't wear slippers 5. Watch out for falling rocks 6. Be aware of the cliffs and zigzaging pathway (you might fall down if you don't check the mountainside pathway 7. Wear comfortable shorts 8. Bring canteen of container of water 9. Careful in moving up the steep cemented stairs to the other falls 10. Don't throw garbage in the forest. Take pictures only 11. Appreciate nature but don't disturb their habitats 12. Just in case, put some sunscreen and anti-mosquito lotion 13. During rainy season, be careful as the water stream is stronger and deadly 14. When hiking avoid making pranks and jokes 15. Watch out for venomous snakes 16. Don't eat too much before hiking 17. Bring first aid kit 18. Bring some reflective materials for easy detection (you can this when get stranded or lost in the forest. 19. Don't cook, don't smoke or bring materials that can cause fire in the forest 20. Always Remember: Safety First! (Hold on to Railings, Don't Run, Don't Jump esp on wet stones, Walk slowly in slippery cliffs and don't swim during a rainy day (Flashflood might be happen)
LONG EXPOSURE SHOT MAKES WATERFALL PHOTOS MAGICAL
HOW TO GET HERE: 1. By CEBRO Bus In Bacolod, go to the Mambukal-Bacolod Bus Terminal in Libertad (facing Jollibee) and near UNO-R school. The bus stops at the gate of Mambukal resort 2. By Private Car From Bacolod, drive to via the new Economic highway or via Bangga Cory and pass by Mansilingan-Murcia border. Once you reach Murcia town, just go straight towards Brgy. San Miguel and finally, Brgy. Minoyan, where Mambukal is located.
