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Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 4

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    map_iloilo_negros.gif Iloilo is a beauty that beckons. I have long read and heard of its rich history, culture, food, people and many wonderful things that it has to offer. Unfortunately, in my lifetime, I have only stepped on its hallowed ground thrice: a half day’s trip from Bacolod just to gaze at the marvel that is the fortress church of Miag-ao and to eat the much touted La Paz batchoy in the La Paz district of the city; a brief stop in transit to Bacolod and, again, in transit from Bacolod but this time, spent a night before boarding a boat bound for Cuyo, Palawan.

    What a loss. If only I have more time to kill in my hands and I would want to soak in its built religious wonders with its multitude coral and brick Spanish era churches and cemeteries; fill my tummy with Ilongo cuisine sampling the much written and praised gustatory delights ranging from fresh oysters offered at seaside diners along the highway going west of the city, angel wings shellfish, a Thai food from a known Thai restaurant turo-turo style, and various homegrown dishes in restaurants that are sprouting in the city.

    If only my trip pushed through and I would’ve done all this and more.

    Above, the neogothic style church of Molo known for its architecture and the all female statues of saints in its interior. Talk about female power!

    Read More »Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 4

    Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 3

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      map_iloilo_negros.gif 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.

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      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

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        map_iloilo_negros.gif 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.

        Read More »Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 2

        Ruing on my supposed Negros/Iloilo sojourn, 1

          map_dumaguete.gif 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.

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          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

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            map_baguio.gif 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.

            Read More »Baguio on a wet weekend

            Travel history: Makati 2005 – present

              It seems that I cannot stay long in a particular place. I’m always moving and in my 9 years of being a telecoms engineer, I have worked in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and then in Makati. My transfers were either voluntary or offered to me and I always say yes, always seeing that there’s something new for me. With my Makati stint, I didn’t realize that this change would be too great.

              Travel history: Mindanao 2000 – 2004

                Travel history: Mindanao 2000 - 2004

                I’m tracing my travel history from 1974 up to the present. This post is 4th of 5 in the series.

                I just can’t explain it. But it seems I cannot just keep put in Cebu. After three years working in my home province, I felt that I need to move out again. When the mobile switch in the telecoms company that I worked in opened in Davao, I was the first one to be assigned there as I volunteered. Nevermind if I don’t have family there. I thought, if I made it in Manila for five years without the next of kin then there was no difference with Davao.

                In my four years in Mindanao, I spent half and half in Davao and Cagayan de Oro cities

                • Except for places beyond Tigbao in Zamboanga del Sur and Basilan, I have visited each and every province either for work or liesure.
                • I made my first and only visit to Siargao and Bucas Grande
                • no longer collecting butterflies, I switched to collecting beetles and often frequented Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, Davao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon where I had contacts

                Being based in Mindanao did not hinder me in going out to more far and remote places: