3D2N Food Trip in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental Philippines
Time really flies when you're having fun:-)
Just like our recent trip to Bacolod, the Capital City of Negros Occidental last weekend Oct. 11-13, 2013, time flew fast:-) Dubbed as the "City of Smiles" and home of the MassKara Festival, held every 3rd week of October.
Although our visit fell short of one week prior the actual festival, it's all good! We have great reason to come back next year. We took advantage of Air Asia's Seat Sale as well as Go Hotels promo. Our airfare and hotel accommodation was a steal for a little less than Php 2k each:-)
As soon as my good friend Panx sent me a message via fb about the seat sale (that was around first week of September), I immediately told hubby about it. After booking, I did some research from blogs on the internet to help me prepare our itinerary. It's great to know that it will be the first time for all of us to get there, we're so excited esp. after reading the reviews about all the food and the amazing place we are about to see.
They say that "happiness is only real when shared", so here's our travel story... Halika! byahe tayo!
First Day Oct. 11, 2013
We were up very early at 4:00 AM to get ready to catch the 5AM bus ride to Pasay City. It would have been nicer if we were to fly from Clark. However, as of Oct. 9 this year, Air Asia started concentrating on its Manila hub operations as they already acquired Zest Air.
The bus ride from home to Pasay took longer than usual. Normally, it only takes about 3 hours to get to Manila but due to traffic congestion in EDSA, our trip took us almost 5 hours!
At last we reached Manila! Right after getting off the bus, we hailed a taxi to take us to Terminal 4/Domestic Airport. We arrived right on time as our 4 other friends and the 3 of us-hubby, Koji and me were about to check in. No hassle whatsoever checking in, we were at the departures/waiting area for boarding in no time!
Boarding time was at 11:30 for our 12 noon flight. My first flight via Air Asia went smoothly, I didn't have time to nap as an hour long flight was not enough to finish travel3sixty!
We arrived Silay City Airport ahead of time. The airport looks nice and new. Since we didn't have any check-in baggage we we went straight to the arrival area and immediately negotiated with the shuttle/passenger van to transport us to Bacolod City. We paid 115 each for the 45 minutes ride.
While enroute to Bacolod City, I noticed huge fields filled with sugar canes. We were after all at the Sugar Capital of the Philippines!
Our hotel was situated near Robinson's Place, as we already booked on line, we only showed our bookings and presto! We were checked-in immediately.
We're so hungry, we don't want to eat a horse! Hehehe!
After asking directions from Robinson's friendly security guards, we hopped on a jeepney via Mandalagan/Bata and went straight to 21 Restaurant along Lacson Street for late lunch. We ordered all you can eat batchoy-their specialty! Sarap!
We were so full! We decided to walk to San Sebastian Cathedral not knowing that it's really far, we should have taken a jeepney! No regrets though, San Sebastian Cathedral was worth the walkathon. We prayed, lighted candles and thanked God for the safe trip.
After the church visit, we're so ready for merienda! So snacktime it is ... at Bongbong's -we had hot piaya, peanut candy and cold drinks.
After our merienda, we decided to go back to our hotel via jeepney this time. While on board the jeepney, we learned how the locals tell the jeepney driver to stop, they say "lugarrrr" in the sweetest manner. By the way, did I mention Bacolodnons are just the sweetest! The way they talk, they smile, we are indeed exploring the City of Smiles.
Back to our hotel, we freshened up then rest for a bit. Then we checked out Robinson's City Walk then ask for directions from the security guard on how to get to Manokan Country for dinner!
One jeepney ride and a bit of help from our fellow riders, we finally reached Manokan Country-at Aida's Chicken. We're all going to taste the authentic chicken inato/inasal for the first time. Too bad the chicken part we want called "pechopak" (which is actually the breast and wing parts) was not available anymore:( Nevertheless, we're still happy with our juicy native chicken bbq! It's delish! We also ordered Oysters for Php50 per order. I know, its yummy plus it's cheap!
After dinner, we still have space in our tummys for desserts. From Manokan Country we walked a bit to where the jeepney stops and took a ride and then we went to C's just beside L Fisher Chalet. We ordered the famous croinuts and cork croinuts which is really affordable @ Php 50 per 3 pcs.
Right after having our desserts, we checked out L Fisher's rooftop but unfortunately, there's no space/not enough chairs left for us...we ended up just taking pictures.
I observed that most establishments in Bacolod City close really early . So we went back to our hotel for snooze time.
After a quick shower, I am ready to hit the sack, I sooo love Go Hotels shower head by the way.
Lights off around midnight.
Excited for tomorrow!
Second Day- Oct. 12, 2013
Woke up early, showered and went to Cafe 21 (right next to Go Hotel's front desk) for breakfast to meet the group.
We decided to rent a van for 10 hours to take us around Silay's Ancestral Houses and Talisay's The Ruins. Our call time with the driver was at 8:30 AM.
We believe that "time is of the essence". I'm happy we're always on time:-)
Our Itinerary for the second day:
1. Hofileña Museum
2. Balay Negrense
3. Emma Lacson's famous homemade pili nut cake, fresh lumpia and empanada as recommended by Sir Mon Hofileña.
4. Silay's Sweet Pastries and Pasalubongs
5. Negros Museum
6. Bacolod City Hall/New Government
7. Lunch at Bob's
8. Desserts at Calea's
9. Pasalubong Shopping at Negros Showroom
10. Sweets at Pendy's
11. Talisay City's The Ruins
The following caption came with the ref magnet I bought from the Pasalubong Shop at the Ruins.
"The stucture of the Ruins is Italianate with neo-Romantesque paired columns rising to wide arches at the upper levels. It was built in the early 1900s by the sugar baron, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948) in loving memory of his deceased wife Maria Braga (+1911)."
Watched UAAP Finals via live streaming over pizza and beer.
We did tons of picture taking at the Ruins at dusk.
We went back to our hotel and rested for a bit. Then later that night, we strolled at Robinson's and took photos of Masskara festival decors at the mall.
After window shopping, we went to Eron's Cansi House for dinner!
We ordered Cansi or bulalo with batuan. It was superb! Only in Bacolod!
After dinner we went back to the hotel. My mind is still willing to walk some more to explore the city at night, but my body is telling me to rest, hehehe! The boys went out for a few drinks, while us girls had our beauty rest.
Last Day Oct. 13, 2013
Woke up past 5am and went to the ff:
1. City market for batuan
2. Shop at Bongbong's for pasalubong
3. Pendy's for 2 boxes of Napoleones
4. Back to the hotel to fix our stuff
5. Free buffet breakfast at the Ripples, L Fisher Chalet
We checked out from Go Hotels at 11am and hired a van to take us to Silay airport for Php 100 each.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end including this one. Hope you enjoyed our trip as much as we did!
Till my next travel story!
Just like our recent trip to Bacolod, the Capital City of Negros Occidental last weekend Oct. 11-13, 2013, time flew fast:-) Dubbed as the "City of Smiles" and home of the MassKara Festival, held every 3rd week of October.
Although our visit fell short of one week prior the actual festival, it's all good! We have great reason to come back next year. We took advantage of Air Asia's Seat Sale as well as Go Hotels promo. Our airfare and hotel accommodation was a steal for a little less than Php 2k each:-)
As soon as my good friend Panx sent me a message via fb about the seat sale (that was around first week of September), I immediately told hubby about it. After booking, I did some research from blogs on the internet to help me prepare our itinerary. It's great to know that it will be the first time for all of us to get there, we're so excited esp. after reading the reviews about all the food and the amazing place we are about to see.
They say that "happiness is only real when shared", so here's our travel story... Halika! byahe tayo!
First Day Oct. 11, 2013
We were up very early at 4:00 AM to get ready to catch the 5AM bus ride to Pasay City. It would have been nicer if we were to fly from Clark. However, as of Oct. 9 this year, Air Asia started concentrating on its Manila hub operations as they already acquired Zest Air.
The bus ride from home to Pasay took longer than usual. Normally, it only takes about 3 hours to get to Manila but due to traffic congestion in EDSA, our trip took us almost 5 hours!
At last we reached Manila! Right after getting off the bus, we hailed a taxi to take us to Terminal 4/Domestic Airport. We arrived right on time as our 4 other friends and the 3 of us-hubby, Koji and me were about to check in. No hassle whatsoever checking in, we were at the departures/waiting area for boarding in no time!
 |
| I love Cinnabon! @ Departures NAIA Terminal 4 |
 |
| Picture taking while waiting... |
Boarding time was at 11:30 for our 12 noon flight. My first flight via Air Asia went smoothly, I didn't have time to nap as an hour long flight was not enough to finish travel3sixty!
 |
| The best travel buddies ever on board Air Asia to Bacolod City! |
We arrived Silay City Airport ahead of time. The airport looks nice and new. Since we didn't have any check-in baggage we we went straight to the arrival area and immediately negotiated with the shuttle/passenger van to transport us to Bacolod City. We paid 115 each for the 45 minutes ride.
 |
| Just landed at Silay City Airport. |
While enroute to Bacolod City, I noticed huge fields filled with sugar canes. We were after all at the Sugar Capital of the Philippines!
 |
| Sugar Cane Fields along the way. |
 |
| @ GO Hotels Bacolod - our accommodation for 3D2N! |
We're so hungry, we don't want to eat a horse! Hehehe!
After asking directions from Robinson's friendly security guards, we hopped on a jeepney via Mandalagan/Bata and went straight to 21 Restaurant along Lacson Street for late lunch. We ordered all you can eat batchoy-their specialty! Sarap!
 |
| All You Can Eat Batchoy for PhP 80! Yummy = Happy Tummy! |
 |
| We also ordered fresh lumpia for PhP 35! |
We were so full! We decided to walk to San Sebastian Cathedral not knowing that it's really far, we should have taken a jeepney! No regrets though, San Sebastian Cathedral was worth the walkathon. We prayed, lighted candles and thanked God for the safe trip.
 |
| In front of San Sebastian Cathedral |
After the church visit, we're so ready for merienda! So snacktime it is ... at Bongbong's -we had hot piaya, peanut candy and cold drinks.
 |
| My first bite of Hot Piaya- Bacolod's Finest! |
 |
| Hot Piaya at BongBong's |
After our merienda, we decided to go back to our hotel via jeepney this time. While on board the jeepney, we learned how the locals tell the jeepney driver to stop, they say "lugarrrr" in the sweetest manner. By the way, did I mention Bacolodnons are just the sweetest! The way they talk, they smile, we are indeed exploring the City of Smiles.
Back to our hotel, we freshened up then rest for a bit. Then we checked out Robinson's City Walk then ask for directions from the security guard on how to get to Manokan Country for dinner!
 |
| Robinson's Place Bacolod |
One jeepney ride and a bit of help from our fellow riders, we finally reached Manokan Country-at Aida's Chicken. We're all going to taste the authentic chicken inato/inasal for the first time. Too bad the chicken part we want called "pechopak" (which is actually the breast and wing parts) was not available anymore:( Nevertheless, we're still happy with our juicy native chicken bbq! It's delish! We also ordered Oysters for Php50 per order. I know, its yummy plus it's cheap!
 |
| Dinner at Manokan Country |
After dinner, we still have space in our tummys for desserts. From Manokan Country we walked a bit to where the jeepney stops and took a ride and then we went to C's just beside L Fisher Chalet. We ordered the famous croinuts and cork croinuts which is really affordable @ Php 50 per 3 pcs.
 |
| Desserts @ C's right beside L Fisher Chalet |
Right after having our desserts, we checked out L Fisher's rooftop but unfortunately, there's no space/not enough chairs left for us...we ended up just taking pictures.
 |
| Koji and me at the poolside. |
 |
| @ L Fisher Chalet lobby |
I observed that most establishments in Bacolod City close really early . So we went back to our hotel for snooze time.
After a quick shower, I am ready to hit the sack, I sooo love Go Hotels shower head by the way.
Lights off around midnight.
Excited for tomorrow!
Second Day- Oct. 12, 2013
Woke up early, showered and went to Cafe 21 (right next to Go Hotel's front desk) for breakfast to meet the group.
 |
| Breakfast at Cafe 21, Go Hotels |
We decided to rent a van for 10 hours to take us around Silay's Ancestral Houses and Talisay's The Ruins. Our call time with the driver was at 8:30 AM.
We believe that "time is of the essence". I'm happy we're always on time:-)
Our Itinerary for the second day:
1. Hofileña Museum
 |
| We have no less than the owner of the house Mr. Ramon Hofileña as our official tour guide. |
2. Balay Negrense
 |
| Balay Negrense Tour |
 |
| @ Emma Lacson's |
4. Silay's Sweet Pastries and Pasalubongs
 |
| Lots of pasalubongs to choose from:) |
 |
| Facade of the Negros Museum |
 |
| Busy listening to our Tour Guide @ Negros Museum. |
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| "Bagosbos" Exhibit @ Negros Museum |
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| Very nice city hall :) |
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| Hubby took this group pic @ Bacolod City Hall |
7. Lunch at Bob's
 |
| Hubby holding the Menu for lunch at Bob's |
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| Pork Ribs Terriyaki -yum!yum! |
8. Desserts at Calea's
 |
| Stressed is desserts spelled backwards:) |
 |
| @ CALEA's so many cakes to choose from! |
9. Pasalubong Shopping at Negros Showroom
 |
| @ Negros Showroom: Quality Shirts and Accessories |
 |
| MassKara Festival Decors |
10. Sweets at Pendy's
 |
| PENDY's famous for their pastries and goodies. |
11. Talisay City's The Ruins
 |
| "The Ruins" |
"The stucture of the Ruins is Italianate with neo-Romantesque paired columns rising to wide arches at the upper levels. It was built in the early 1900s by the sugar baron, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948) in loving memory of his deceased wife Maria Braga (+1911)."
 |
| Couples at the Ruins |
 |
| Watching the UAAP Finals on live streaming... |
We did tons of picture taking at the Ruins at dusk.
 |
| Prettier sight at night |
 |
| The Ruins at night... |
We went back to our hotel and rested for a bit. Then later that night, we strolled at Robinson's and took photos of Masskara festival decors at the mall.
 |
| Koji looking excited to see MassKara Festival:) |
 |
| Goofing around @ Robinson's Mall |
After window shopping, we went to Eron's Cansi House for dinner!
 |
| Bulalo with batuan "Cansi" |
 |
| Happy bunch! Eh kasi busog na naman:) |
After dinner we went back to the hotel. My mind is still willing to walk some more to explore the city at night, but my body is telling me to rest, hehehe! The boys went out for a few drinks, while us girls had our beauty rest.
Last Day Oct. 13, 2013
Woke up past 5am and went to the ff:
1. City market for batuan
2. Shop at Bongbong's for pasalubong
3. Pendy's for 2 boxes of Napoleones
4. Back to the hotel to fix our stuff
5. Free buffet breakfast at the Ripples, L Fisher Chalet
 |
| @ the Ripples, L Fisher Chalet |
We checked out from Go Hotels at 11am and hired a van to take us to Silay airport for Php 100 each.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end including this one. Hope you enjoyed our trip as much as we did!
Till my next travel story!
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