Hey yah! Sharing another beautiful place that I've visited last month. It is my second domestic travel for the year (guess it shall be the last for now, since we are preparing for the wedding. Yass! I'm getting married guys! Haven't finished the blog post about the proposal yet...but it shall be up real soon *whew* I hope so.)
Okay, so we traveled down south to the marvelous City of Smiles *drumrolls* BACOLOD! It was my first time in Negros, and I must say, all of my senses were satisfied by its simplicity and sweetness. So here we go, let's start exploring!
On July 15, 2018, we boarded Cebu Pacific (5J) flight 473 at 4 o'clock in the morning. We experienced a bit of delay, that's why we took of at around 4:45 AM. It was still dark, but the view above the clouds was majestic. Turbulence hit us a few times, making me a bit dizzy (motion sickness problems), but still, it was a smooth flight. We landed at New Bacolod-Silay airport at exactly 5:30 AM---just in time!
We took an airport shuttle going to our hotel (but honestly, we haven't booked any hotel yet, clever me). Our kind driver suggested a nearby hotel, but unfortunately, since it's only 6:30 in the morning, they won't allow us to check-in early so we had to leave. Left the hotel lobby and rode a jeep without knowing where to go (how unfortunate).
I searched on the web and saw a top recommendation. Hoping this one would allow us to check-in early...and they did! So we settled our tired bones at The Bell Hotel.
A standard room costs PHP1,700 per night, while a deluxe room is around PHP2,500. Since the former was no longer available, the manager offered a deluxe room for the price of a standard (lucky us!). Aside from that, we were allowed to check-in early for an additional of PHP300 only! It was indeed a great deal for a 3D-2N stay! (Oh, there were two beds which can be combined, or left as is).
We rested for an hour before we decided to take our breakfast, since our last meal was past midnight. There was a Continental / Filipino breakfast buffet offered to all hotel guests for only 200 php, yum!
After our meal, we freshen up and went out to start exploring. Our first stop, The Ruins.
The Ruins a must-see place in Bacolod, though it is actually located in Talisay City. Built in the early 1900, it was originally the ancestral mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson.
Today, it is considered as a popular tourist site. We paid PHP100 each for the entrance fee, and took unlimited photos of course! There is also cafe there where you can chill for a while.
Who wants some fresh sugarcane juice? :)
How to get there? From our hotel, we rode a jeep bound to Mandalagan (fare: PHP8) and alighted at the tricycle terminal (fare: PHP300, back and forth). More photos and full story here: Visiting The Ruins
When we got back, we decided to check out SM City Bacolod, because it's just a few blocks away from our hotel. Let's see what they've got there!
SM City Bacolod was just like other SM Supermalls. The Bacolenos seem to be updated with the latest trend as well! They've got almost the same boutiques just like here at the metro. We actually shop for a few stuff there...hehe! After an hour, it started raining really hard outside, but we must visit the famous Manokan Country (which is just across the street) to experience authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal. So we braved the rain!
Bacolod Chicken Inasal is rather savory than sweet. It was far from the flavour of chicken served in Mang Inasal, but I do like it since it has this nice herb taste. You can check out my separate post about it here: Aida's Chicken.
Day 2 started at seven o'clock in the morning. We had to leave the hotel as early as possible because we planned to visit Lakawon Island, and the estimated travel time was about 2 1/2 hours. We packed light and brought waterproof containers since we expected a boat ride.
Lakawon Island is a nice place; serene is the best word to describe it. I've never set my expectations, though the place has become the talk-of-the-town since its operation two years ago. Good thing, the island successfully surprised and satisfied me.
Check this separate post for the details of my Lakawon experience, which is indeed a must-see place when you visit Negros here: A Day at Lakawon Island
Day 3 was dedicated in touring around the city, and buying 'pasalubong'. There are actually other places that we can still visit outside Bacolod, but we opted not to explore anymore in the fear of getting stranded, and worst, missing our flight back to Manila.
San Sebastian Cathedral
Bacolod Public Plaza
Pope John Paul Tower
I'm not sure when will I return to this city again, so I hoarded their delicacies like crazy! Visited Bongbong's for the famous Piayaya and Broas; dropped by at Merzci for the delicious Napolones and Butterscotch; and lastly at Calea to grab some slices of their heavenly cakes.
We were fetched by an airport service provided by the hotel at around 5:00 PM for our flight at 8:30 PM. We had to leave early because of the inclement weather, would rather wait at the airport than be stuck in traffic or stranded due to flood.
And since we bought so many stuff, plus our luggages, we were required to check-in some of our baggage when we approached the counter. it costs us 800 php for 15 kg baggage (our actual check-in baggage was 12 kg only). And as expected, our flight was delayed for about an hour and a half. Exhausted? Yes. Happy? Definitely!
EPILOGUE
Landed safely at NAIA Terminal 3, still missing the city which served as our home for three days. I would love to visit again of course! Hoping I could personally witness the beauty of Sipalay, which is famous for its beaches, on my next visit.
For now, this picture of their "jeep" will be a reminder of how simple yet lovely my stay in Bacolod has been.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Make sure to check the links to my The Ruins, Lakawon Island and Aida's Chicken blog posts as well :) If you have questions or you want to share some thoughts, please don't be shy to comment down below!
Smile always...it makes life easier and lovelier,
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