Phil Travel Mart 2014

As an inbound tour operator for Bacolod and Negros, I always make it a point to attend the annual  Philippine Travel Mart held at SMX MOA.  It is the time to meet new friends in the tourism industry and to promote Bacolod and Negros Occ as their next travel destination.

This year, it was held on Sept. 5-7, 2014.  Zamboanga City will have a presentation during the day and no less than Congressman Celso Lobregat with son Marco and Councilor VP Elago were there to support.  I introduced myself to the congressman as he was the boss of my late dad many years ago.

From left, Marco Lobregat, Congressman Celso Lobregat, myself and Councilor VP Elago

Our RD for Region 6 Atty. Helen Catalbas and our provincial tourism office Tin Mansinares at the booth of Negros Occidental.

Atty. Helen Catalbas and Tintin Mansinares

Nancy Pestano, the province's tourism consultant and a fellow who frequented Negros for his research.

The Masskara Dancers performed on Day 2.

This booth won 3rd place as Best in Booth.

This won 2nd place as Best in Booth. 

 My other favorite pavilion designs:

Bacolod-Korea Friendship Festival

Bacolod may be the only city in the country that promotes a Bacolod-Korea Friendship Festival.  On August 15, 2014, I  joined  the airport reception for the Korean Director, who was the only guest for this festival, after having been requested by the Mayor's Office.  Incidentally, the mayor himself was on the same flight.  Some prominent people who came on the same flight were Tacloban City Mayor Philip Romualdez and wife Cristina.

We can't deny that Koreans abound our city.  The record shows!

The event was held at the People's Hall in Bacolod City and was participated by Korean students all over Bacolod City.

The special guest was Mr. Oh Choong-suk who is the Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Taguig City.

Culinary students from ICA in La Salle prepared Korean dishes which were served to  the guests.

Even though that this was Mr. Oh's first visit to Bacolod, he promise to come back and bring some of his events to Bacolod City.

Victorias Food Products now available in Bacolod

As a Negrosanon, Victorias products mean world class.  Victorias Milling Co. produces refined sugar and that is the sugar that we grew up to.  Established in 1919 by Don Miguel Ossorio, VMC is held with high esteem in the province.

From sugar, it has diversified into canned sardines, the Victorias sardines that we top our crackers or pan de sal. I like to eat it for snacks.

Have you ever wondered what this little store along Lacson St is?  This little kiosk houses all products manufactured by Victorias Food Products, a subsidiary of VMC.  

This kiosk is open daily from 730am to 630pm. 

The following Victorias products are available at the kiosk.

What are you waiting for?  Let's patronize our very own Negros products.  We help our province, we care for our people.

Blessing of Victorias kiosk

On March 18, 2014, the VFC kiosk located at  Lacson-16th Sts., Bacolod City was blessed. VMC company officials, members of media, travel agents and friends from tourism related establishments were invited to grace the occasion.

I love to organize events such as this.  I get to see old friends and meet new ones.  Oh, I love what I do.

Anne Tiongco, VMC Corporate Communications Director, Bambi Borromeo, Bacolod First Lady Mrs. Patching Puentevella, myself and Artie Lacson

VMC company officials with guests from HRANO and Fr. Farley Santillan

The ladies from VMC

Tour operators and tour guides

More friends with VMC Management

Don't forget to get your favorites here.  The kiosk opens from 730am to 630pm daily.

January 2014 Events in Bacolod City

Here's the schedule of events for January, 2014 in Bacolod City.  Come One, Come All!  Bring your family and friends to Bacolod City, the City of Smiles!

To know more about Batang Pinoy, pls. visit this link. http://bp2012.psc.gov.ph/  

pls click image to enlarge

pls click image to enlarge

Bacolod City celebrates the Chinese New Year in cooperation with the Chinese community on January 30 - February 2, 2014.  For details click here .

For details, please contact:

Bacolod City Tourism Office                 Tel. No. (034) 434-6751/708-3066

Bacolod City Public Information Office  Tel. No. (034) 434-9122

For local tours, pls call 0917-3000060 or click  this link  for our tour packages.

Boracay

 It is always a looooong trip going to the island of Boracay.  Especially since I come from Bacolod City, I will have to take a 75-min ferry ride to Iloilo City. Then a 5-hour drive to Caticlan, the jump off point in going to the island of Boracay.  I always love the scenic highway passing thru the province of Antique.  Long coastline, many long bridges, mountain ranges.  I love them!

This was my first time to go to the other side of the island. I was amazed to see the different activities going on there.  Lots of windsurfing, Asian tourists driving the ATVs among other activities.  I was also surprised to see 3-4 storey buildings built along the roadside.

lowtide

windsurfers

A man taking a video of ATV riders.

a welcome arch made of bamboo

I think this is more than 4 levels!

This is the famous Puka Beach.  The sand is powder white.  And the water is so blue and so tempting.  Many years ago, when Boracay was not 'discovered' yet, bracelets and necklaces made of puka shells were so popular.  It may have come from this place.

The waters are really so good.  Others would say that the island is not as natural as it is now.  It is part of commercialization and development.  The waters may be affected but it is still an experience you don't wanna miss.

a welcome arch made of bamboo

souvenir shops abound

Carabao island

view  from Shangrila Hotel

trying my hand at paddleboard.  since I can't balance myself when standing, better to sit and paddle away.