October 2007

Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 3

While I have been to this island sporadically, it is still not enough to familiarize me with the many wonderful things that the province has to offer. Below are additional photos from La Carlota and Villadolid, Negros Occidental. These are towns south of Bacolod.

The imposing late 19th century church in La Carlota (above). Its massiveness is really impressive. Like the churches in Bago City and Villadolid, it seems that the belfries doesn’t last as either these are gone or, as in the case of this church, its not original.

A fisherman trawling the shallows late in the afternoon in Villadolid. Just along the highway, this is a common scene just before the sun sets.Read More »Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 3

Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 2

Negros to a non local conjures images of Masskara, extensive sugarcane fields, old rich sugar barons with their haciendas and elegant turn of the century homes. Malnourished children during the height of the devastating economic situation in the 80s when world prices of sugar plunged or the ever suffering and long exploited plantation workers, the sacadas and many others. Well, while some of it are still true, our other images of the province needs to be updated.

I have been visiting Negros sporadically since I was in college since my best friend is from Bacolod. I was impressed with the clean and wide streets of the city. There is always good and fresh seafood in Palapala or enjoying napoleones from a bakery that I’ve already forgotten the name.

Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 1

If all things went as planned, I would’ve touched down in Dumaguete last Thursday to spend two days there and visit Dauin, Zamboanguita, Bacong, Amlan and Manjuyod for those old colonial era churches as well as have a taste of budbod kabog (steamed sweetened millet wrapped in banana leaves) that can often be found in the southern city. Or taking a whiff of fresh air in the coastal boulevard that is well lighted at night. Or visiting the park to watch city folks enjoying a night of dancing.

But instead of being there, I’m in Makati ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo trip. All I can do is look back on the photos that I’ve taken almost exactly a year ago.

Endiosdada Abellana-Eskarpnes, a balikbayan from Scandinavia boogies away the night with her dance partner as one of the couples enjoying a good time at the park in Dumaguete City. Read More »Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 1

Baguio on a wet weekend

Baguio City conjures images of misty mountains, cool weather and denizens neatly bundled in jackets even if Metro Manila is sizzling in high temperatures during the hot summer months. But what about Baguio City on a wet weekend with the ITCZ (intertropical convergent zone) playing up in this part of the world bringing the occasional rains and drizzles and just wet, wet weather? Not bad!

No trips to the strawberry fields or the obligatory pony ride at Wright Park. Not even a strenuous climb up the steps leading to the grotto or a trite view of Mines View Park and other tourist traps. Just a stroll up and down Session Road exercising ones leg muscles and a trip to the market. Or sitting and sipping a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee where, because of the weather, its not just another ordinary brewed beverage but it is COFFEE. Or enjoying bowl of not just mami or lugaw but MAMI or LUGAW.