Destination Diary: Back in Onse Islas + New Places Discovered

Now I can say that Onse Islas in Panubigan, Zamboanga City doesn’t fail to impress me.

Only an hour’s ride away at a steady pace in C’s Chevrolet Spark, I was curious to see Onse Islas again after a year. Last year we were island hopping and it was the soft opening as the LGU re-opened the group of islands to visitors after having protocols installed in place.

This weekend, we joined my cousin’s group as we discovered new corners that I haven’t been to before, this time with a different route, starting from Sirommon, stopping for a moment in Baung-Baung and ending the tour in Bisaya-Bisaya island. What makes this particular trip interesting is the visit to Playa de Isabelle and the hike atop Baung-Baung island to view Bisaya-Bisaya in a distance.

Another thing to note is that I immensely enjoyed the meal prepared by our guide in Sirommon island consisting of fresh lambay also known as kasag or crabs, and freshly harvested coconut, where we got to drink the juice and scrape off the meat for a hearty finish. Because we were so busy eating with our hands, none of us remembered to take photos of our fresh feast by the shore.

Even if I forgot my rash guard at home due to uncontained excitement and also there were doubts prior to sailing to the islands because of the fear of bad weather, the day kept surprising us with random sprinkles of rain, but nothing to be alarmed about.

There are two new places for me in Onse Islas, the first one is….

Playa de Isabelle

It’s a quick walk to Playa de Isabelle, just be careful not to step on slippery surfaces.

I’m someone who easily falls with bad balancing skills but with some slow pacing and careful footing, we made it to Playa de Isabelle. It’s the other side of Sirommon island and looks like a long-forgotten pier reached its weathering limits.

Took a few photos with C (my most favorite is the one lying on the sand) and I personally didn’t bother crossing the mangroves to reach the weathered port. A few photos and videos here and there and that was enough for me.

And the second place I want to share with you is…

Baung-Baung Hill

It’s on another island, which involves another quick boat ride to sprint onto Baung-Baung. Visitors should get ready for a steep hike, so a lot of breaks are encouraged until the summit is reached. It was no sweat for our guide but it took us a while though. The view is like something I’ve never seen, as it was rewarding enough for that hike.

Luckily I was bringing my Granite Gear backpack and Thermoflask with me. I honestly didn’t mind the weight. We took a few photos and videos, I jokingly told the group to take a jump shot there.

After touching base in Bisaya-Bisaya Island, Carl and I decided to stay behind while the others went on to visit the natural infinity pool. Having been there before, we decided to take a quick nap.

Two new experiences for me on a Sunday, spent with C and some fun company, plus all we did is eat and burn off those calories. It’s more memories to be cherished Onse Islas.

Reminders

•    It’s a Muslim community, so visitors are advised to respect people living in the area.

•  The LGU is strictly imposing a no garbage policy, so please be responsible in disposing your trash properly. Do not leave anything behind. 

Other Relevant Links: 

Quick Guide to Onse Islas, Panubigan, Zamboanga City 

Destination Diary: Sta. Cruz Island + Things to Do

Review: Granite Gear Echo Backpack in Verb Petal

Note: All input are based on my personal experiences in Onse Islas (Eleven Islands). Our group made arrangements prior to the island hopping date. This is not a sponsored post. 

*Photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy A50.

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Destination Diary: Bacolod

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. 

The Anatomy of a Road Trip