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.
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 inguinity - 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 portmanteu of post-war words "jeep" (brand) and pre-war "jitney" (a bus or other vehicle carrying passengers for a low fare.
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.
WATCH THIS VIDEO
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.
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). There's the Megaworld The Upper East where Herald Parksuites Condominium, new McDonald's, Landers Superstore Bacolod and other buildings. Tthen along the circumferential road are new establishments like the DIY/Home improvement store, Triumph Depot. There's Rockwell to the North too.
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.
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
The 2nd floor is idea for those who are looking to CoWork or work away from home. Virtual assistans, those who are coders, social media managers can work on the large large table good provided by the coffee chain.
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.
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 come October.
Street Food 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.
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.
Singing Karaoke songs Bring Family and Friends closer to each other
LIFESTYLE
Karaoke is a very popular Japanese innovation. It's a type of interactive entertainment that changed the night lifestyle of partygoers. If swaying in the dance floor was the in-thing in the 90s, Karaoke singing has become the staple of restobar hunters these days.
For one, they can sing their heart out. Karaoke systems are popular in clubs, bars and beach resorts or at home. People get to sing along to their fave pre-recorded accompaniment using a mic and imagine themselves they are the star and in a concert. In Asia, it became a staple entertainment system then spread worldwide. The Philippines is one country that took karaoke and made it a cultural element.
Here's Casa 2375 Bar and Restaurant with karaoke (KTV) rooms in Bacolod City, Philippines (CL Montelibano Ave, in front of Bascon Cafe, near Lasalle USLS): Google Maps direction (Click here)
Watch this YouTube Video from Manng Interesado
Through the years, Karaoke culture and lifestyle have evolved. There are private rooms catering to groups who just wanted to be with themselves. There are also public KTVs but deemed dangerous in the Philippines where some unlucky patrons were killed during Karaoke session. It's seemed to a a mystery, a phenomenon of some sorts. We may never know what's the real motive behind the KTV deaths but the song "My Way" by Frank Sinatra is seen as the culprit. it's odd but it made headlines.
Here are some Karaoke Bar Etiquette to be followed (Subject to change).
9 Rules to follow:
1. R.E.S.P.E.C.T - When someone is singing, don't grab his or her mic. Even he or she sings in out of tune. Still respect to avoid problems esp if it's a public karaoke bar.
2. Don't force anyone to sing. Some people are shy and introvert.
3. Never Boo anyone (esp if there is a score system)
4. Don't stand in front of the screen when somebody is singing . This is a practice that is annoying.
5. Don't destroy equipment. These are not cheap. Don't throw mirophones or remote control.
6. Drink Moderately. Too much drinking can cause fights or misunderstanding in the bar.
7. Share the mic, Give others a chance to sing.
8. Don't brag if you feel you have a high score. It will make others feel low.
9. Don't sing "My Way" if you are in public KTV Bars. It's better to sing it alone at home.
Ten local shorts filmmakers competeBacolod Film Festival Boosts
Local Creative Economy
(BACOLOD FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS NIGHT RESULTS BELOW)
Filmmaking
The Government of Bacolod City finally made history by finally recognizing and celebrating emerging local filmmakers through a short film festival. The success of the Bacolod Film Festival (despite the stormy weather) did prove that Bacolod has rich creative talents that fits the film industry.
It's great to note that boosting the creative economy is one of the projects of Mayor Albee Benitez and this endeavor is a big welcome and change for the City of Smiles.
The awards ceremony was held on September 15 at SM Cinema 1 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. The jurors were Joey Javier Reyes, Joji Alonso, Philip Cheah, Law Fajardo and Wanggo Gallaga.
Winners of the first ever Bacolod Film Festival are:
BEST PICTURE - Sa Pwesto ni Pistong
BEST DIRECTOR - Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna (Sa Pwesto ni Pistong)
BEST ACTOR - Dante Macam - Laragway sa Karon
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Rene Hinojales - Puli na, Diche Lesly
BEST SCREENPLAY- Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna (Sa Pwesto ni Pistong)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Rosco Cofreros - Aninaw
BEST EDITING - Xavier Nojas and Fahleen Fang - Laragway sa Karon
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN - Margaret Kathryn-Baynosa Entuna - Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS - Poli Gonzales - Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)
BEST MUSICAL SCORE - Khyle Zedrick Anasta - A Flower in a Day
BEST SOUND - Rolf Baynosa - Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)
BEST MAKE- UP - Alvin Belesario - Glub
JURY'S PRIZE WINNER - Milton Dionzon, Reynaldo Amagun and Louis Dormido - Aninaw
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD - Laragway sa Karon
GET TO KNOW THE 10 Entries:
1. A FLOWER A DAY
Directed by Chelsea Tasic
Produced by Dulaab Productions
🏆Award (1):
BEST MUSICAL SCORE - Khyle Zedrick Anasta
A young woman finds solace amid the faded charm of a quiet, rundown café. She returns to the café routinely, drawing the attention of an intrigued barista.
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2. ANINAW
Directed by Charlene Mead Tupas
Produced by Zone Studios
🏆Awards (2):
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Rosco Cofreros
JURY'S PRIZE WINNER - Milton Dionzon, Reynaldo Amagun and Louis Dormido - Aninaw
In pursuit of finding the place where their deepest desires will come true, three friends embark on a journey against the backdrop of an evolving city and their failing memory.
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3. BLIND DATE
Directed by Victor Villanueva
Produced by Juan Carlo Miguel for JCM Films
Two savvy social media stars get set up, and they struggle to meet up at all.
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As home to the authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal cuisine and its annual festival (video above), one of the entries is a story based on this tasty dish but with a futuristic twist.
Directed by Poli Gonzales and Massah Gonzales-Gamboa
Produced by Massah Gonzales-Gamboa and Georgia Elardo for Kwentista Produksyon
🏆Awards (3):
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN - Margaret Kathryn-Baynosa Entuna
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS - Poli Gonzales
BEST SOUND - Rolf Baynosa
Set in 2222 in the cyberpunk city of Bacolod, a teenager goes through her usual day with her father with no idea that the best surprise of her life was going to happen.
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5. GLUB
Directed by Zack Verzosa
Produced by Champorado Productions, Zol Films, Kantiaha Prod., Anggulo Community, and Playback Productions
🏆Award (1): BEST MAKE- UP - Alvin Belesario - Glub
An outcast who wants to have someone who understands him, meets a person who he thinks would be the one.
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6. LARAGWAY SA KARON
Directed by Pau Ortaliz Santos and Nina Aira Villanueva
Produced by Three Wheels Production in collaboration with Xouvenir Studios.
🏆Award (1):
BEST ACTOR - Dante Macam
BEST EDITING -Xavier Nojas and Fahleen Fang
An old man aims to win a photography contest to solve his financial challenges. There, he meets a young and spirited photographer – unveiling an unexpected friendship full of colors.
The true story of the old Manokan Country (video above) inspired one of the entries in the Bacolod FIlm Festival
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7. MANOKAN COUNTRY
Directed by Banjo Hinolan
Produced by Banjo Hinolan Films
A determined restaurant owner in Bacolod City faces off against a ruthless real estate developer in a high-stakes Chicken Inasal cooking competition to save his family's eatery and preserve the heart of his community.
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8. PULI NA, DICHE LESLY
Directed by Willbryan Garcia
Produced by Salekula Dahlia Studios
🏆Award (1):
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Rene Hinojales
A bittersweet story of family ties and the things we do for love. A successful Filipino-Chinese artist drives home to her hometown of Bacolod for her father's heart surgery.
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9. SA PWESTO NI PISTONG (The Barber's Chair)
Directed by VinJo Entuna
Produced by Maragtas Film Productions🏆Awards (3): BEST PICTUREBEST DIRECTOR - Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna
BEST SCREENPLAY- Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna
A humble barber navigates a tumultuous era while serving a diverse array of customers including a prominent haciendero and an idealistic nephew.
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10. THE MANSION
Directed by Alvin "Swoop" Diaz and Oscar Villanueva
Produced by T3 Studios
A videographer accidentally meets someone while doing his job, leading him to a rude awakening.
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From out of 33 entries screened for the Bacolod Film Festival, ten finalist made it. These entries are visions of Bacolod residents Chelsea Taisc, Charlene Mae Tupas, Juan Carlo Miguel Araullo, Georgia Mari Elardo, reginald Amador Zack Versoza, Mary Pauline Santos, Rodolfo "Banjo" Hinolan Jr. Willbryan Garcia, Vicent Hoset Entuna, and Oscar Villanueva.
Filmmaking is a dynamic and intricate art form that demands creativity, resilience, and collaboration at every stage.
The grantees received 300,000 pesos each to fund and finish their films.
Trailers of their films were launched via the Bacolod Film Festival Facebook page on September 1. All 10 short films were screened on September 12-15, 2024 at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central and SM City Bacolod Cinemas.
Meanwhile, the official poster for the Bacolod Film Festival captured the essence of the festival's spirit. The iconic smiling eyes from the logo seamlessly morph into ten dynamic waves, each symbolizing the fresh and powerful visions of Bacolodnon filmmakers. These waves serve as a striking metaphor for the boundless creativity and visionary storytelling that these filmmakers will bring to Philippine cinema. Their collective energy, symbolized by these fluid forms, reflects an unstoppable force of artistic expression.
