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.
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)
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.
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!
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.
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.
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. As part of Mt. Kanlaon National Park, Mambukal's forest is a creeding ground to many flora and fauna.
Challenges 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
The Actual HikeAs 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
Mother Nature's Secrets
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.
