After that tiresome but
enjoyable road trip with the gang, we woke up the next day rested and recharged. The last
time I was in Sugarlandia was in 1999, and my memories of the place were rather
faded spare for a park which I can’t quite point out, and summer memories spent
with my cousins and uncles. Naturally, it was time for the locals to show us
around.
Like it’s monicker Sugarland, the
city is associated with sugarcanes, and of course, an endless array of popular
desserts, pasalubong and the famous chicken inasal which C and I don’t mind getting
heaps of servings of. Here’s my quick guide to exploring this beautiful city and
my advice is to savor the food, enjoy the sights and make friends for keeps. Because
as they say, life is definitely sweeter in Bacolod.
Visit The Ruins at Talisay
Look at the details of the Italian-style architecture. The Ruins is an ancestral home mansion
of the wealthy sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. The home was built in
the early 1900s for his Portuguese wife. She passed away during the birth of
their eleventh child. The home is situated in a 440-hectare plantation in
Talisay, Negros Occidental. It was burned down by the guerillas during the Second
World War to prevent the Japanese forces from using it as a headquarters. It burnt
down to its current state for three days.
Popularly called the Taj Mahal of
Negros, it is a tourist attraction today and is a popular event place for
pre-nuptial shoots and weddings. It is said that egg whites were mixed with the
cement so that it can withstand the tests of time.
Today there is a café and
lemonade stand nearby, as well as a fountain and wishing well. A souvenir shop operates
downstairs, and portraits of the family is still in display.
Taste Authentic Chicken Inasal in Manukan Country But Approach the Talaba With Caution
In Manukan Country, we got a
taste of the authentic Chicken Inasal which originated in Bacolod. And as they
say, for a taste of the real thing, one has to go to the source. There’s a long
queue outside, as tables are easily filled by regular patrons, moreso if it’s
the weekend because families populate the area. Luckily, our companions knew where
to reserve and whom to talk to. There were other dishes on the table but of
coure, the most star of the show is none other than the Chicken Inasal.
I always go for the thigh, I like
my chicken like that. I have to say that getting a taste of the authentic version
is mouth-watering and a cross off the bucket list already. The best way to enjoy Chicken Inasal is by
pouring the oil on the garlic-adorned hot, white rice and then slowly peeling
off a piece of the chicken thigh. Then, use one’s hands to top it on the rice
and finally deposit in wide mouth and enjoy the festival that’s going on in the
tastebuds.
Here, I learned the words “namit
gid” which means, so delicious. Not bad for a late lunch and our first day
exploring Bacolod.
Well, what I didn’t enjoy is the
talaba. It gave me an embarrassing scenario and I threw up shortly after we
arrived in the gates of P’s home. It’s been a while since I ate talaba and I
think after that, I’m not going to go near it again.
Take A Dip in Mambukal Hot Springs
I have to admit that this was a
gem and a valid reason to go back to Bacolod when the opportunity presents
itself. This is one of the highlights of the trip because of nature and a
priceless experience of dipping in hot sulfur springs and with fruit bats
flying overhead.
Mambukal is a resort in Murcia,
the town where P’s mom grew up. We even passed by the street where her home was
in. it’s a charming old town which shows off the leisurely, simple life. But the
main attraction is the sulfur hot springs in the mountain resort that
constantly attract nature lovers at a steady pace.
Visitors can picnic around the
springs and buy plants of different varieties that are for sale right at the
parking lot.
Go early where it’s not so
crowded and if you can, go to the Japanese Ofaru to experience the sulfuric hot
springs that’s great for the skin. From a distance, you can easily see the
steam from the springs. And take lots of photos too. Changing rooms are clean
and well-maintained, food and drinks are allowed as long as you leave the place
the same way you found it.
Try Your Luck in Casino Filipino
If you’re of legal age and are
feeling lucky, you can enter Casino Filipino and see where your chips take you.
As long as you are dressed appropriately, you can easily take your chances.
Although small, the casino
already has digitized slot machines that are easy to manipulate, taking bills
and automating increments, and also churning out electronic tickets precisely. Of
course, when it comes to gambling, it takes a lot of self-control to know when
to stop and when to go on. Someone was lucky on the first night and won a small
fortune, which led us to an island visit. As for me, I wasn’t lucky in that
department, but I did pick up a few inspirations for short stories to write.
Here’s a mild warning, the drinks
are free but the juices and coffee are sugar loaded lol. Take a break from the
slot machines and grab a bite outside the hotel, there’s a café there and it’s
better to have a snack al fresco by the avenue.
Feed the Fishes in Front of the Provincial Hall
One time we woke up late and
thought of going to the mall, do a little walking around. B thought that we
could try feeding the tilapias in front of the Provincial Hall, which according
to P, was actually being harvested and fed to inmates in the local prison. The management
thought that it was a good strategy to sell the fish pellets at Php 10 per pack
and let visitors feed the fishes anytime they felt like it. We thought it was a
pretty valid mindless thing to do before heading on to the mall. A few pointing
out here and there about what life in Bacolod really is like, and we went on
our way.
Breakfast at D'Horizon on the way to San Carlos City and A View of Malatan-og Falls
Here’s what I also didn’t know
about going on a road trip to San Carlos City. The highlights of this side trip
are a hearty breakfast, buying succulents as well as getting a peak of Malatan-og
Falls.
D’Horizon is a small, humble café
at the side of the road that offers barako coffee and the popular “silog” meals
for breakfast. There’s also suman to choose from. But what’s not to miss is the
view that’s just great for early morning, fresh air breakfast.
There’s also a lot of healthy honey-fried
banana chips along the way, and who would have thought that there will also be mini
rice terraces to spot. We didn’t get to stay long though because it started to
drizzle.
There is a viewing deck that
happens to give a good view of Malatan-og Falls, but is also the pit stop for
those who want to buy plants. With a quick survey, I was able to purchase some Graptoveria
Debbie and flowering sedum. I now proudly call them my Bacolod Tribe lol.
Stay Overnight in Lakawon Island
If you can, pay a visit to
Lakawon Island. Go aboard Tawhai, the
floating bar that’s anchored in the middle of the ocean and try to sit on the
sand along the beach while the sun sets. This is how I started my New Year’s
Day. Even if my mind was full of questions, at least I got to immerse myself in
the beauty of this modern island paradise.
It’s one of the well-kept secrets
of Negros and I honestly won’t get tired of it. It’s more of a family island
rather than a party island escape, and I found out that being surrounded by
cerulean waters is a good form of therapy by itself.
The island operates on a cashless
scheme, meaning each group will be issued a preloaded card and it can be used
for accommodations, meals and drinks in the island. It’s pretty convenient and
saves the hassle of bringing a wallet around when your hands are wet. In the meantime, watch out for a
full feature on our experience in Lakawon Island.
