Vintage Glasses Museum

A new place to visit in Bacolod City.  This is the vintage glasses collection of Tomas Casiano.  Having worked in the US of A for more than 30 years, he has added more to his  glasses collection into what we see now in his museum at Sum-ag, Bacolod City.  When he decided to retire, he would send his collection in balikbayan boxes to his home for two years.  Each piece carefully wrapped and packed in their respective boxes.

Having worked as a floral arranger for 9  Beverly Homes mansions each week, he has acquired an eye for beauty.  He built this museum in just about four months.  You may visit his place by appointment only.

How to get there:

While traversing the National Road along Brgy. Sum-ag, turn left at the Abuanan Road.  Take another left turn and that's his house on the left just before the corner.  You would see red and green flags on his perimeter gate.  Take another left turn to go to the museum.  You wouldn't miss it!

If you have done your best effort and still missed it, email viajenegrense@gmail.com.

Shangrila in the city

Only 30 minutes away from the Bacolod Government Center, you feel you are transformed into a magical breath taking secluded greenery of shangrila.  The spring water which flows freely unto a small tiled pool.  The scent of green grass, the cook waft of breeze on your skin.  One wonders if you are on the mountainside.  And, yes!  It is still within the boundary within Bacolod City.

a koi pond

and the tropical flowers that I love..................  anthurium

and these beehive  complete my flower arrangement that I bring to my beloveds.  http://www.tropicalflowerscairns.com.au/products/gingers/beehive-gingers-zingiber-spectabile/

Etlingera elatior, more commonly known as torch ginger  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etlingera_elatior

When I looked this up, its name is Red Ginger, native to Malaysia.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Ginger

First time I've seen this....

These tropical flowers abound in the areas of Alangilan.  So beautiful!

Bacolod Public Plaza

circa 1901

Photo courtesy of Penn T. Villanueva-Larena

This tindalo tree was planted by Pres. Manuel L. Quezon during the inauguration of Bacolod as a charter city on October 19, 1938 with Mayor Alfredo Montelibano and Gov. Valeriano Gatuslao.

circa 2012

The Bacolod Plaza was built in 1927 with music as the theme.  At the center you will see the bandstand where names of famous Western classical composers are inscripted  along the sides of the roof.  This is one of the notable landmarks in Bacolod City, being at the heart of the city in front of the San Sebastian Cathedral

One of the 4 circular fountains that operates from  7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm.  As of this writing, only 2 fountains are operational.

The benches are even shaped like a lyre

The Bacolod Plaza is also the final destination of the streetdance competition during the Masskara Festival held every 3rd Sunday of October.

A new place in Bacolod

This area used to be the parking lot of Robinsons Place.  For maybe six months or so, when construction was going on, we have to bear the heat of the sun to await for the shuttle from the parking area to the mall entrance.  But it all paid well when we see the beauty of what is now the Central Citywalk.

More specialty stores are seen to open before the year ends.

cool at night

The Negros Showroom opened its first branch on Nov. 26, 2011 with a BANG!!!

Special guests include Sen. Serge Osmena, III and ANP's 'godfather' GSIS Chairman Daniel Lacson, Jr.

Fresh Start had its soft opening Nov. 28, 2011.

 They have a juice bar where you can get your freshest calamansi or sugarcane juice.  Also available are a variety of fresh produce and  herbs such as basil, tarragon, mint, stevia and many others.

Electric Masskara Night

The electric Masskara Night is on its 5th year now.  Lacson St, from the South Capitol Road to B.S. Aquino Drive, has been converted into what is now called the Tourism Strip.  

Restaurants and other business establishments along the main Lacson St. would put out tables and chairs at the sidewalk and it is transformed into a big street party by 6pm of the 3rd Friday & Saturday of October.  

Everyone would be walking around.  A number of platforms or stages were put up in strategic locations along the strip for bands and event sponsors.

Even Manong is ready to party!

Just wondering how many head of chicken were sacrificed to feed  the street partygoers?

This was how Chicken Deli looked like.  At about 8pm, the queue to their 'Pay as you Order' counter has lengthened.

Electric masskara dancers atop their float.

Dancers fully lighted up

Friends get to pose at Merci's photo booth.  They also handed out freebies to partygoers like us.

Masskara Costumes 2011

Masskara Festival is held every 3rd weekend of October in Bacolod City. This started in 1980. This was the time when the sugar industry was at its low and tragedy happened in April 1980 when M/V Don Juan sunk where an estimated 700 passengers perished. This also included the incumbent mayor's wife and daughter too. How tragic it could be for all Negrenses.

Bacolod City was already known as the City of Smiles back then. It was then decided by the local artists and local government to hold a festival of smiles. It would also be a good opportunity for the people to rise from their grief and come out as strong and triumphant people inspite of adversities.

Thus, the smiling faces in the masks was used to hide the grief of the people.

The word Masskara was coined from two words. "Mass" meaning a multitude and "kara" a Spanish word for face. Thus, Masskara is a multitude of smiling faces.

Bacolod City's Charter was signed on June 18, 1933 and was inaugurated as a city on October 19, 1938 by Pres. Manuel L. Quezon. Hence, Masskara Festival is celebrated every Charter Day.

Photos shown here were the costumes worn during the streetdance competition held every 3rd Saturday and 3rd Sunday for the School and Barangay Categories, respectively. These photos were on display at Robinsons Place, Bacolod City for judging.

For more details about the Masskara Festival, pls click on this link. http://www.themasskarafestival.com/about-masskara/why-masskara/

To learn more about Bacolod City, pls click on this link: http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/

For details or inquiries regarding tours for Bacolod and Negros, pls email viajenegrense@gmail.com

An Experience at the Grand Royal Spa

One fine Saturday afternoon, we were invited to visit and experience the service of the Grand Royal Spa at the East Block, Bacolod City. I live nearby but haven't had the chance to experience their services. So I accepted the invite and we were graciously received by Ms. Vicky Que, the franchisee and a good friend to mine too.

My friend here is selecting what type of massage she would have.

I was given the hour-long Swedish massage in one of these beds. It was very relaxing, indeed. Having a body massage is always good for our body. It helps in our blood circulation. It is advisable to have a massage every two weeks. So, when you need one, think of Grand Royal Spa. Main branch is located at San Isidro Bldg., 6th St. and the other branch is at 2/F of Villa Angela Arcade, The East Block, Burgos Ext., Bacolod City.