DOT Slogan through the Years (HATE and LOVE RELATIONSHIP)
Remember when The Department of Tourism (DOT) unveiled its tourism campaign slogan "LOVE THE PHILIPPINES?" Well, it caused some controversy among Filipinos but the DOT was fast to counter that - by creating a campaign video and posters on how they can use wordplay on the slogan to capture attention.
Screen grab from the DOT's new
Love the Philippines advertisement in YouTube
Biting Backlash
However, the video was also met with a massive backlash when a netizen pointed out that some clips were taken from a stock website and worse, one video doesn't represent the Philippines at all but another country.
WATCH THIS VIDEO for all DOT Slogan through the years
From Fun to Love
The I LOVE THE PHILIPPINES replaced the 11-year-old slogan "MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES", a word play on tourism that was alsocontroversial when it was also launched. It caused rants social media platforms, a hate-love relationship among netizens who initially were against it but eventually, many came to love the idea and they realized the slogan has a creative purpose.
Screen grab from the DOT's new Love the Philippines advertisement in YouTube
Tourism Advertising Campaign
Indeed, there are many fun activities in the Philippines. The fact that the country is made of thousand of islands with beautiful and scenic tourist spots, one can say that spending time in the Philippines for one's vacation is indeed fun.
Many tried to explain why they hated it. Even the advertising agency that did the campaign was rocked with the controversies. Is it just that many are harder to please? or many netizens have a valid reason to be angry and critic it.
Fast Recall
WOW Philippines, meanwhile, under Sen. Gordon, was a well-loved slogan as it has a high recall among many locals and foreigners alike. But, of course, it should change after years of usage. For you, what's the best slogan among the slogans you've seen and liked?
CITI HARDWARE's Business model spawned many more Depots
like Triumph Depot, Wilcon Depot and AllHome (See videos below)
If you are into construction, DIY and Home Improvement, what comes to mind is a gargantuan task of searching for the right materials, equipment, interior ornaments and the like. During the 90s, all you need to do is go to many stores or hardware shops that specializes in different brands and materials. It takes days for you and your contractor to decide what's the best material with reasonable prices.
One Stop Shop
But when CITIHardware popularized the one-stop-shop hardware, everything changed. This time people can go check what they need and purchase them under one roof. The warehouse offer you almost all you need to build a shelter or furniture.
What's Inside
Inside CITI Hardware is an array of simple to beautifully-designed tiles. They sell a lot of lighting and bathroom fixtures. They do have garden decorations too. If you need a door, they do sell made to install doors from simple to complex design.
Paint Brands Also inside are many aisle of paint brands for different purpose and the great thing there are people who can electronically mix your paint. Brands like Boysen has a Mix and Match Paint Mixing Station inside and Davies has Computerized Paint Mixing Machine.
A Depot for Everyone
CITI Hardware pioneered this kind of business model and it inspired some companies to do the same. Now you can find many big names in this kind of industry with their own style of depot like Triumph Depot and Wilcon Depot.
HERE ARE OTHER DIY/HOME IMPROVEMENT WAREHOUSES
1. Triumph Hardware Depot (Hilado St. branch)This branch sells many local brands such as Firefly products for lighting. They also sell Off grid solar lighting systems, paints, read-made doors, bathroom fixtures and more.
2. Wilcon Depot (Villamonte branch near Villa Angela and Bacolod City Government Center - BCGC or NGC) Wincon Depot has a wide array of product offerings which include local and international brands of tiles and flooring, plumbing and sanitary wares, electrical andmore.
3. AllHome by Villar Group (Buri Road, Mandalagan, Bacolod City branch) The store is within the AllValue Home complex of stores that sells furnitures, decorations, ornaments, tiles, construction materials and more.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
