eulapanda: February 2016

The Backpacker's Guide to Bacolod City

by eulapanda - 10:14 AM

Whenever I hear of Bacolod, the first thing that comes to mind is chicken inasal - that sweet, tangy chicken grilled to perfection. Well.. That's probably the main reason why we booked promo tickets to Bacolod in the first place last 2015.

Coming up with an itinerary was fairly easy. Just add in chicken inasal, Mambukal, the Ruins, chicken inasal, Campuestohan, inasal again and you're good to go. But what I originally thought as just an ordinary holiday weekend in another city turned out to be one sweet surprise.

So here's a quick travel guide for you to enjoy the City of Smiles --- Bacolod City!

CITY TOUR

This one's the easiest because these attractions are well within the city (duh, obviously haha) and some are even adjacent with each other. You can either devote an entire day for this (if you're gonna spend more hours in the museum) or half a day which is already more than enough to cover everything.

Quick tip: Use these attractions as fillers for your day if you have limited time in Bacolod City.

Capitol Park & Lagoon

This attraction houses the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Building that seats the governor of the province. Right in front of the capitol is a park with a big lagoon. You'd enjoy eating street foods here like ice cream or kwek-kwek while watching the locals exercise and families having picnics.

Admission: Free

Negros Museum

Get to know more the Negrenses' history and culture preserved through the arts and artifacts from the olden times. The Negros Museum is just a short walk from the capitol and is located near the Hall of Justice in Bacolod City.

Address: Old Agricultural Bldg, Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City

Operating Hours: 10 am - 8 pm, Tuesdays - Sundays

Admission: Php 100 (General Admission), Php 80 (Senior Citizens), Php 70 (Students and Children)

New Government Center

With its expansive facade, humongous pillars, and impressive neo-Classical Renaissance architecture, you may think NGC was built in the olden times. It's actually a fairly new building which functions as a civic and government center by day and a hang out place in the afternoon or at night.

Admission: Free

San Sebastian Cathedral

The San Sebastian Cathedral was inaugurated in 1882 and then became a cathedral in 1933. You can find this along Rizal Street, right across the Bacolod City Public Plaza.

Pope John Paul II Tower

A few meters away from SM City Bacolod is the Pope John Paul II Tower to commemorate the pope's historic visit in the city in 1981. This eight-foot sculpture of the late pope is made of synthetic bronze and fiberglass.

Baywalk

Just a stone's throw away from the Pope John Paul II Tower is Bacolod City's newest attraction. Baywalk features open-air entertainment, food stalls, and is a great place to chill and to watch the sunset.

Admission: Php 20

FOOD TRIP

What's Bacolod without the food trip? Just like Cagayan de Oro City, Bacolod also has a myriad of awesome food finds at an affordable price.

Manokan Country

Why else would you come to Bacolod but for the chicken, right? At Manokan country, you'd get a taste of the authentic chicken inasal right off the grill. Pair it with sinamak (spiced vinegar) and I guarantee, you would wish Bacolod is just one jeepney ride away. Bacolod's chicken inasal is so good that Aida's even opened in Manila!

Address: Fr. M. Ferrero Street, Bacolod City (at the back of SM City)

Chicken Inasal for Php 80.00

Calea Pastries and Cakes

When in Bacolod, Calea is the best place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake with its homey ambience. Not only do the cakes and pastries look so lovely, they are very yummy too. I'm not a cake person but I sure did love that White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce.

Address: 15th Lacson Street, Bacolod City

Operating Hours: 9 am - 11 pm

Cafe Bob / Cafe Bob Open Grounds

You wouldn't have a hard time finding Cafe Bob along Lacson Street (Bacolod's main road) with its sophisticated look. Cafe Bob Open Grounds is on the opposite side of the main restaurant. Composed of several food concessionaires, it's a great place to sample local cuisine while enjoying with booze, art, and music.
Address: 21st Lacson Street, Bacolod City

21 Restaurant
This is a classic fine dining restaurant in Bacolod City which is perfect for events and functions. Don't get intimidated by 21's classy ambiance though because it's actually a good place to enjoy batchoy for merienda.
Address: 21st Lacson Street, Bacolod City

Batchoy at 21 Restaurant

Pendy's
I did a bit of research on Bacolod's food places and have read good reviews about Pendy's. We find the prices a bit pricey though so we decided to buy delicacies for pasalubong there instead. I highly recommend their napoleones and half moon cake to bring home to your folks.
Address: Lacson Street, Bacolod, Cebu City

Bongbong's

This is probably Bacolod's most famous brand of pasalubong found in grocery stores nationwide. I love their barquillos and piaya.

OUT OF TOWN
Now let's go out of Bacolod City and visit the nearby towns of Murcia and Talisay. Bacolod City in itself may be a bit small if you are planning a three-day, two-night visit so going to nearby attractions will make your stay more memorable.

The Ruins

There are a lot of stories of love and sadness hidden behind every pillar of The Ruins. It was the grandest and biggest mansion of the area when it was destroyed during the Second World War. What we see today are remnants of what was once a symbol of power and influence of the affluent society.
Address: Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Operating Hours: 8am to 8pm
Admission: Php 95

Mambukal Mountain Resort

This government-owned mountain resort located in the town of Murcia serves as the primary gateway to Mt. Kanlaon, an active volcano and the most notable land formation in all of Negros. There are a lot of things you can enjoy here such as the swimming pool, hot spring bath, seven waterfall trek, zipline, among the others. This is a perfect place to bring the whole family with you.
Address: Murcia, Negros Occidental
Admission: Php 50 (Adult), Php 20 (Child)

Campuestohan Highland Resort
I wasn't able to personally go to Campuestohan Highland Resort in the town of Talisay but I have friends who visit the place every now and then. This resort is the perfect place to get away from the city life because of its cool climate and laid-back atmosphere. Just like Mambukal, this place is perfect for families too --- they have pools, sky bicycle, hamster wheel, and the like. Getting to and from the resort may be a bit of a challenge so better arrange for transportation or use their shuttle service for a fee.
Address: Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Admission: Fee depends on the ride/facilities availed

Silay City Heritage Tour
If you are arriving in or leaving Bacolod by plane, we highly recommend going on a heritage tour around Silay City if you are into culture and history. If you're lucky, you'll be meeting one very charismatic homeowner who tours you around his house himself. I'll post something detailed about this soon.

Bacolod City's slow and laid-back atmosphere may repel some tourists who want more action and pace but these characteristics plus the very affordable food would definitely make you love Bacolod City's quaint and simple charm.

How about you? What do you recommend to do and see in the City of Smiles, Bacolod City?

Other Bacolod-related Posts You May Like:

The Ruins: Tale of Love and Tragedy in Talisay City, Negros Occidental

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The Ruins, Bacolod: A Tale of Love and Tragedy

by eulapanda - 11:01 PM

"There's nothing a man can't do for love."

The Ruins in Talisay City, Negros Occidental is one great example of how a man's love and loss could inspire him to immortalize his beloved in one grand concrete edifice similar to the Taj Mahal of India and the Temple of Leah in Cebu. It may be an iconic landmark and a popular tourist destination in Negros today but there's more story resounding behind the remaining pillars and walls of the mansion.

Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson was a well-known sugar baron, owner of a 440-hectare plantation in Talisay City, who fell in love with a beautiful Portuguese lady named Maria Braga from Macau.

Their great love for each other bore them 10 children but on the 11th pregnancy, Maria had an accident which resulted to her untimely demise and that of her child. Overwhelmed with grief and sadness, Don Mariano decided to build a mansion in loving memory of his late wife.

The expansive mansion was made of high end and expensive materials which explains why it took them three days to burn it down during the height of World War II for fear that the Japanese forces may occupy it. Since then, it was never rebuilt and now has become a living tale of love, power, and tragedy.

What It Is Today

At present, The Ruins has become a popular tourist destination near Bacolod City with hundreds of people coming in during the peak season.

That's me smiling for the camera on the second floor of the mansion, overlooking the entrance and fountain area below.

Tour guides explain the history of the place at regular intervals.

We even got the chance to see the tour guide who became popular because of his creative narrative of the history of the place interjected with jokes and witty remarks to the amusement of the crowd.

Though the main activity may be learning the history behind this impressive facade, you can also enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of local sugarcane juice at their outdoor cafe.

Fancy having a game of chess?

We even explored the back area of the mansion, way past the parking area, and discovered this huge space with a small lagoon in the middle. We saw quite a handful of people on a date or having picnic while we all watched with awe the majestic sunset beyond.

How to Get There

Via Public Transport:

We got there by riding a jeepney with Bata signage (Php 7.50/person) and then we got off at the North Bus Terminal. We then rode a motorcycle (Php 50.00/person) towards The Ruins.

The Ruins
Address: Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Operating Hours: 8 am to 8 pm
Entrance Fee: Php 95

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Bulalohan sa Mabolo: No Fuss, No Drama, Just Good Food

by eulapanda - 2:00 PM

Have you ever eaten in a place where there's no drama? No fancy cutlery, no expensive decor, no cheesy music but you're just there for the great food? That's how I felt with Bulalohan sa Mabolo. Except that I only realized how great the food was after we've finished devouring all the plates clean.

Maybe the only thing you'd find fancy-looking in the restaurant are these chandeliers.

This tiny hole-in-the-wall is tucked in a quiet side street across Persimmon Condominium in Mabolo. Finding the place may be a bit difficult for first timers since there isn't any signage at all and the people in the area may not have heard of it yet. It turns out, they are still on their soft opening and are due to fully open in the coming weeks.

Don't expect too much of the interiors. It's basically just an old house converted into a restaurant. I think they are slowly trying to renovate the place as they gain momentum in penetrating the local market and earning word of mouth referrals from people.

But who's to say the interiors influence how good the food is? Don't let the looks deceive yah.

Their signature dish - Bulalo (350 Php).

I often get confused with the terms Bulalo and Pochero. As someone explained, Bulalo is just the Tagalog term for its Pochero counterpart in the Visayas (though there may be a few ingredients added here and there).

Whichever name you use, this dish is made of beef shank with the bone marrow still intact and slow cooked until the meat almost falls off the bone. This hearty soup is a perfect comfort meal after a long day's work and most especially during the rainy season which we do get often here in the Philippines.

Every now and then I crave for Pochero but I find it too expensive in well-known restaurants. There's a place here in Cebu that serves dirt cheap Pochero but there just doesn't seem any meat left at all. The Bulalohan in Mabolo is somewhere in between the spectrum - not too expensive but has more meat and tastes way better than the expensive ones.

Bopis at 80 Php.

I first tried Bopis when I was in Manila several years ago and it tasted good. Here in Cebu, we have our own version of cooking pig innards called Paklay though it's way different from the Bopis being served in Luzon. Talk about diversity in cuisine, eh?

Bopis is a spicy dish made up of minced pig's heart and lungs sauteed with tomatoes, chilis and onions (thanks Wikipedia). If you get grossed out with "innards", just think of these as ground pork instead but you'll soon forget you're eating the pig's internal organs anyway because the Bopis served in Bulalohan in Mabolo is really tasty and flavorful.

Lumpia Shanghai (90 Php).

I love lumpia shanghai and the ones being served at Bulalohan sa Mabolo were good though I kinda wish they were a bit thicker.

There you go, folks! That's our superb and comforting dinner at Bulalohan sa Mabolo. We will definitely be back when they fully open and when I crave for Bulalo/Pochero again.

I do believe this hole-in-the-wall restaurant with humble beginnings will go a long way. Here's their menu, just in case you'd want to have a bang for your buck at Bulalohan sa Mabolo.

Bulalohan sa Mabolo
116 H. Joaquino Street, Mabolo, Cebu City
Opens from 5 pm to 10 pm (Reservations are encouraged)

For reservations, call/text: 0936-991-8924
Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BulalohanSaMabolo/
Follow them on Instagram: BulalohanSaMabolo

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Misamis Oriental, Philippines: The Divine Mercy Shrine at El Salvador

by eulapanda - 8:45 PM

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CDO Eats: Three Awesome Food Finds in the City of Golden Friendship

by eulapanda - 10:53 AM

One of the things that surprised me on my recent work-related trip in Cagayan de Oro City (apart from the crazy traffic brought about by some drivers) was the ridiculously cheap food served in cafes and restaurants. You can find a lot of hole-in-the-walls tucked away in some corners and quiet side streets of this bustling metropolis.

Let me to share to you three of our awesome finds in the City of Golden Friendship:

Cecil’s Snack Inn and Bakeshoppe

This quaint little cafe located near Bonifacio Park and Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is heaven for those with sweet tooth. From cakes to pies to pastries and other sweet delights, Cecil’s is the place to be when in Cagayan.

The place may be a bit small but is tastefully decorated with chic interiors and is kept clean and tidy. Service is good; the manager (owner?) even fixed our wobbly table himself.

Lovin' the chandelier!

Chic little corner at the shoppe.

A quote on canvas to remind us that we are the masters of our fate.

Though they are known for their sweet delectable choices, they also serve breakfast meals and quick orders for those who want to have the main meal first before the most awaited dessert.

Top - Tocilog (95 Php);

Bottom - Hungarian Sausage with Beef Tapa and Egg (125 Php)

And of course, a slice of Red Velvet Cake (65 Php).
I am not really a fan of red velvet cakes because I feel that I'm just eating red food coloring (haha) but this one is good - the cream cheese made me take one bite after another.

Here's their menu for reference (as of February 2016)

Address: Corrales Corner Hayes Streets, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

Butcher’s Best Barbeque

Looking for budget-friendly grilled meals? Butcher’s Best Barbeque is the answer!

I love barbecue and grilled food so it was a treat trying Cagayan’s version of one of my comfort foods. Though it looked dated and the lavatory may need some serious upkeep; the food certainly do not disappoint.

Here’s a quick rundown of the items we ordered:

Sinugwow (80 Php)
I originally thought this was their version of Sinuglaw (grilled pork & fish ceviche) of which Cagayan de Oro was known for. It turned out to be just grilled pork belly swimming in soy sauce and topped with lots of chopped white onions. Still good, though.

Pork BBQ in Sweet (left) and Spicy (right) sauce at 15 Php.
Perfect for those on a tight budget. No wonder there were lots of students there.

Grilled Angus Beef Belly (120 Php)
A real value for money! It was good though there were some slices that were a bit rubbery when chewed. But considering the price, it was well worth it.

Butcher's Best Barbecue Menu as of February 2016.

Address: Hayes Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

The Old Blue Burger

A good friend of mine has been raving of Old Blue Burgers for the longest time and when it was my turn to go to CDO with her, she didn’t pass up the chance to introduce me to one of the awesome hole-in-the-wall finds. Guess what? I’m a believer! LOL

I wasn't expecting it to be just a small food cart right on the sidewalk but don't let this fool you because, oh boy, you'd definitely be in for a big surprise.

The Old Blue Classic (99 Php)

100% beef patty, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and Old Blue's special sauce served with Old Blue fries. What should I say? Hands down to this yummy burger without the hefty price tag! The melted cheese and the special sauce together with the well-seasoned beef patty took this burger to a whole new level.

The Old Blue Fries (50 Php).

These potato wedges are too thick for my liking (I like the thinner ones - a bit on the crispy side) but the spiced coat balanced well with the thicker cut.

Here's the Old Blue Burger's menu just in case you'd find yourself in CDO (as of February 2016). Would love to try Philly Cheese Steak next time as it was not available when we visited.

Address: Don A. Velez corner J. Gaerlan Streets, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental (they are also serving burgers on Chingkeetea's newest branch).

There you go, folks! That concludes another fattening food trip session with EulaPanda. Until next time!

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Pages

The Backpacker's Guide to Bacolod City

The Ruins, Bacolod: A Tale of Love and Tragedy

Bulalohan sa Mabolo: No Fuss, No Drama, Just Good Food

Misamis Oriental, Philippines: The Divine Mercy Shrine at El Salvador

CDO Eats: Three Awesome Food Finds in the City of Golden Friendship

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