Who I am
I go for the name GK since it is short for Gloria Katherine. A nurse by profession but a traveler at heart. I hope you'll find my blog interesting and noteworthy.
A practicing nurse. A poor traveler. Sometimes mistaken as a nomad.
Silay and its Spanish Abode
The story of Silay started with an etymology that was being preserved by the historians. According to the old story there is a local legend where the name "Silay" originated. It says that, during the time of rajahs and datus, a princess who lived in the town of SIlay, "Kansilay" a very lovely and beautiful princess but very passionate to her villagers.
One day the village was attacked by the pirates that turns into a bloody battle because of such abused the princess led the villagers to fight the pirates. Kansilay bravely battled the oppressors just like a seasoned warrior with the used of “talibong” a native sword of villagers that usually used for farming. Although Kansilay successfully defended her villagers to the pirates but it only cost her life that really made the villagers into despair. They give the princess a very respectful burial, but they were surprised when a tree grew right over her grave, the first Kansilay tree a final gravce from the loving princess where the name of Silay came from.
During the Spanish colonization in 1565 the first settlements was called “Carubcub’ which mean ribcage in Hiligaynon, the official language of the city. In early days it was also called as “Calubcub” and “caraco” which mean snail or spiral in Spanish term. The said settlement was established near the mouth of the creek. Cristobal Nunez Paroja, one of the trusted soldier of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi accepted the Carobcob as his encomienda in January 25, 1571. In 1760 Silay was recognized as a town bein g referred to in a letter from Gobernador Juan Jose de Mijares putting Silay as the leading town in the north.
Silay was considered as the center of parish in 1776 by the bishop of Cebu., by 1896 the town became the no. 1 producer of sugar because of the sugar mill that being established by a Frenchman and later became a permanent resident of Silay, Yves Leopold Gaston.
The city of Silay was known as “Paris of Negros” and the “intellectual hub of Negros because of the cultural heritage left by the history and the passionate of people for loving and preserving the arts and works that still in the city. Today, Silay City is listed by the Department of Tourism as one of its 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is considered the seat of arts, culture and ecotourism in Western Visayas
How to get here:
Luckily, it will not cost you more than P100 from Bacolod-Silay Airport or just by commuting your way through bus/jeepney by going to this stunning city. Just tell the driver to drop you off near the plaza or have some hearty meal at El Ideal before exploring Silay. Don't be afraid to wander the streets and ask the locals of where you want to go. They are happy to accommodate you.
One day the village was attacked by the pirates that turns into a bloody battle because of such abused the princess led the villagers to fight the pirates. Kansilay bravely battled the oppressors just like a seasoned warrior with the used of “talibong” a native sword of villagers that usually used for farming. Although Kansilay successfully defended her villagers to the pirates but it only cost her life that really made the villagers into despair. They give the princess a very respectful burial, but they were surprised when a tree grew right over her grave, the first Kansilay tree a final gravce from the loving princess where the name of Silay came from.
During the Spanish colonization in 1565 the first settlements was called “Carubcub’ which mean ribcage in Hiligaynon, the official language of the city. In early days it was also called as “Calubcub” and “caraco” which mean snail or spiral in Spanish term. The said settlement was established near the mouth of the creek. Cristobal Nunez Paroja, one of the trusted soldier of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi accepted the Carobcob as his encomienda in January 25, 1571. In 1760 Silay was recognized as a town bein g referred to in a letter from Gobernador Juan Jose de Mijares putting Silay as the leading town in the north.
Silay was considered as the center of parish in 1776 by the bishop of Cebu., by 1896 the town became the no. 1 producer of sugar because of the sugar mill that being established by a Frenchman and later became a permanent resident of Silay, Yves Leopold Gaston.
The city of Silay was known as “Paris of Negros” and the “intellectual hub of Negros because of the cultural heritage left by the history and the passionate of people for loving and preserving the arts and works that still in the city. Today, Silay City is listed by the Department of Tourism as one of its 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is considered the seat of arts, culture and ecotourism in Western Visayas
How to get here:
Luckily, it will not cost you more than P100 from Bacolod-Silay Airport or just by commuting your way through bus/jeepney by going to this stunning city. Just tell the driver to drop you off near the plaza or have some hearty meal at El Ideal before exploring Silay. Don't be afraid to wander the streets and ask the locals of where you want to go. They are happy to accommodate you.
Kabankalan's Mag-Aso Falls
I’ve travelled near and far from my hometown and it’s a shame to neglect the beauty of nature that our creator has given us. Being in an island surrounded by mountain ranges and white sand beaches with the sweet smiles of the world, there are so much that Negros Occidental has to offer. In this timely being, my fellow nurses and I went out of town after our company summer outing and decided to go to Mag-Aso Falls for a day trip. I have heard of this mountain resort years back and has been curious of their waterfalls. The 4 kilometer view from the highway won’t be a pain since you will have the opportunity to grasp the countryside from the top. You will never get lost since a signage of the falls can be seen, guests can park for free upon paying of the entrance fee per person which costs P50. Stairways to the pool are paved and railed that everybody is safe to get to the cottages. Currently, there are 12 open cottages and 2 closed cottages. A guide named Thomas said that the office of the governor will allot a budget for the expansion of the resort adding more cottages and zip line area as an activity. I even admired the idea of the government of giving partitions of income to the people in the area. To elaborate, the natives have been turned into staff and guides, making them part-owners of the resort and whatever their income will be at the end of the day, will be divided by the community. Thinking about helping others while having fun! Caves can also be reconnoitered here, I was lucky to be in one but I think I would be luckier to explore all 5 around it. Time was my enemy since we needed to go back to Bacolod by 4pm.
As we settled in our area, I had the luxury of going around the resort, streams, rivers, mini-falls and even basins of water I did see. Going down the waterfall is not for the faint of heart, a hundred steps might be easy for me but people with cardiac condition, better think back. A towering waterfall will greet you upon stepping the base. Cerulean waters will invite you to take a swim. As much as I wanted to take the plunge, but there are still some areas worth searching. Walking away from the falls, a 40 year old bridge that was made from a thunder-struck tree will connect you to another part of the falls. Kuya Thomas guided me to a small cave. Warmed by the human skin, the cave’s stalagmites and stalactites weren’t alive at all but the feeling of protection can be felt. As we proceed to another area, three boys followed me and my guide up to another side of the major falls. No definite pathways could be seen which made it difficult for them to follow us but seeing the other side of the waterfall vanished all the sweats away. As we trekked further, another fall can be seen but with minimal waters. I even saw a formation like the curtain in Sagada but in a darker shade. I was up for another trek but the guide was exhausted that I ended up my day with friends and rode our way back to Bacolod.
Fancy going to Mag-Aso Falls? Here are some rates to ponder:
Entrance fee per head : P50
Parking Fee: Free
Parking Space: May accommodate up to 20 vehicles
12 Open Cottages: P100 regardless of number of guests
2 Closed Cottages for overnight stay: P1000 fan room for 4 persons
Swimming Pool: Kiddie Pool until 5 feet. Free of charge.
Special Thanks to Sumagaysay Family of Himamaylan and Rent-A-Car service from the Ting Family.
As we settled in our area, I had the luxury of going around the resort, streams, rivers, mini-falls and even basins of water I did see. Going down the waterfall is not for the faint of heart, a hundred steps might be easy for me but people with cardiac condition, better think back. A towering waterfall will greet you upon stepping the base. Cerulean waters will invite you to take a swim. As much as I wanted to take the plunge, but there are still some areas worth searching. Walking away from the falls, a 40 year old bridge that was made from a thunder-struck tree will connect you to another part of the falls. Kuya Thomas guided me to a small cave. Warmed by the human skin, the cave’s stalagmites and stalactites weren’t alive at all but the feeling of protection can be felt. As we proceed to another area, three boys followed me and my guide up to another side of the major falls. No definite pathways could be seen which made it difficult for them to follow us but seeing the other side of the waterfall vanished all the sweats away. As we trekked further, another fall can be seen but with minimal waters. I even saw a formation like the curtain in Sagada but in a darker shade. I was up for another trek but the guide was exhausted that I ended up my day with friends and rode our way back to Bacolod.
Fancy going to Mag-Aso Falls? Here are some rates to ponder:
Entrance fee per head : P50
Parking Fee: Free
Parking Space: May accommodate up to 20 vehicles
12 Open Cottages: P100 regardless of number of guests
2 Closed Cottages for overnight stay: P1000 fan room for 4 persons
Swimming Pool: Kiddie Pool until 5 feet. Free of charge.
Special Thanks to Sumagaysay Family of Himamaylan and Rent-A-Car service from the Ting Family.
Don Salvador Benedicto's Damned Wonders
More than an hour away drive East of Negros hails the town of Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB). A mountainous area rich with fresh air, green trees and spring waters. A home to a new summer destination, Malatan-og Falls. A waterfall visible along the highway, people do stop overs to take pictures along it. But for adventure-seekers, stopping over at a highway is never enough.
It seems like the summer bug has bitten #teamalta since they were itching to go to another place. A lot of places arise, until DSB has chosen. Going to DSB isn’t complete without the photo ops with the Lion, Pine Trees and even just the freeway, making our arrival at the highway of the falls at 5pm.
We knew it is getting late and one of my friend, Kenny, said it will be more than a 30-minute hike. I am firm with my decision to hike and so was everybody. And I know for myself that I can hike faster than the average hike. Luckily, a resident offered to be a tour guide, settled P200 for the 7 of us, it is not heavy on the pocket.
Determined, we hiked through the bushy greens, rocky steps, little streams and even seeing dusk in the middle of two mountain hills. Listening to the surging waters make the hike more invigorating especially seeing the waterfall in the middle of the towering stoned wall. As I walked closer, a basin-like natural pool of spring water can be used to ease your weary feet and sultry bodies. Indeed, a hike worth walking for. We were the only ones who dared to go there in the wee hours so, basically, we owned the place. Our guide, Manong Tranquilino Dullantes, told us that they own a land surrounding the falls, together with his siblings, they own a hectare each. Lucky folks, the piece of land is indeed beneficial. One of his brothers, Manong Celso, sells honey for only P150/bottle. You may reach him at 09224337602.
The return hike was elevated making others’ pace slower. I opted to be the last so that I can be the sweeper but the darkness greeted us and we only have one flashlight so I decided to leave the 4 with Manong Celso and caught up with the other 2 with Manong Tranquilino. There was a 15 meter gap between us, even saw fireflies, and I swear they were pretty. And thanks to my good eyesight and of course, the Lord, I didn’t get lost nor gotten into any accident while finding my way with the others. I saw a shadow a couple of meters away from me, so I asked if it’s Pablo or Ruffy. One didn’t answer, as I walked closer, I called the name again. He looked back at me, it was Ruffy. Relieved, but I asked him why he didn’t answer, he said that he got out of breath. A few minutes of trek made our way to the highway where we waited for the others.
It seems like the summer bug has bitten #teamalta since they were itching to go to another place. A lot of places arise, until DSB has chosen. Going to DSB isn’t complete without the photo ops with the Lion, Pine Trees and even just the freeway, making our arrival at the highway of the falls at 5pm.
We knew it is getting late and one of my friend, Kenny, said it will be more than a 30-minute hike. I am firm with my decision to hike and so was everybody. And I know for myself that I can hike faster than the average hike. Luckily, a resident offered to be a tour guide, settled P200 for the 7 of us, it is not heavy on the pocket.
Determined, we hiked through the bushy greens, rocky steps, little streams and even seeing dusk in the middle of two mountain hills. Listening to the surging waters make the hike more invigorating especially seeing the waterfall in the middle of the towering stoned wall. As I walked closer, a basin-like natural pool of spring water can be used to ease your weary feet and sultry bodies. Indeed, a hike worth walking for. We were the only ones who dared to go there in the wee hours so, basically, we owned the place. Our guide, Manong Tranquilino Dullantes, told us that they own a land surrounding the falls, together with his siblings, they own a hectare each. Lucky folks, the piece of land is indeed beneficial. One of his brothers, Manong Celso, sells honey for only P150/bottle. You may reach him at 09224337602.
The return hike was elevated making others’ pace slower. I opted to be the last so that I can be the sweeper but the darkness greeted us and we only have one flashlight so I decided to leave the 4 with Manong Celso and caught up with the other 2 with Manong Tranquilino. There was a 15 meter gap between us, even saw fireflies, and I swear they were pretty. And thanks to my good eyesight and of course, the Lord, I didn’t get lost nor gotten into any accident while finding my way with the others. I saw a shadow a couple of meters away from me, so I asked if it’s Pablo or Ruffy. One didn’t answer, as I walked closer, I called the name again. He looked back at me, it was Ruffy. Relieved, but I asked him why he didn’t answer, he said that he got out of breath. A few minutes of trek made our way to the highway where we waited for the others.
PANALACAY SA SAGAY (PANAL REEF, SAGAY CITY)
“It seems that it’s already high tide. I can’t see any reef or sandbar somewhere.”
This was our initial reaction approaching Panal Reef. Talks about our Manjuyod Sandbar arise but it seems Panal is nothing like Manjuyod. Our apprehension turned into glees as we were a couple of minutes nearer to the reef. A sweet surprise from one of Sagay’s Marine Reserves,
Panal Reef is approximately a 40-meter long white sandbar with a three-storey tower overlooking it. Upon arrival, you will be asked to log your name in a guest’s logbook by a Bantay-Dagat Personnel (guardians of the reef). After which, you are free to do whatever it is you want to do in the reef. As we arrived, there were already guests present in the reef, but thankfully, they left, which made us own the reef for hours! Wondering how we fed ourselves? We brought food from the city and ate it in the island. But if you want to cook in the tower, there is a grilling area on the second floor, but you have to bring charcoal and gas with you. Staying in the third floor of the tower gave an aerial view of the reef, the picturesque view of the Negros Island and the fishes surrounding it. It was indeed a view to remember.
I tried walking barefooted in the sandbar, it wasn’t as fine as El Nido’s Nacpan Beach, it has a grainy coral feel but it was soothing to my feet. The heat of the sun didn’t bother me as the appropriate coolness of the water dashed towards me. Average currents streaming the sea making swimming a little bit challenging, but seeing the birds, Seagulls specifically hanging out and flying in batches in an isolated unfinished turret makes the view more relaxing. Honestly, I didn’t even realized I was baked until somebody told me how dark I got.
Tagged as the Eco-Tourism Destination of Northern Negros, Sagay embarks a principle where
“Tourism enriches, protects and helps build community”. Wondering what this undiscovered gem is?
Name: Panal Reef
Location: Brgy. Old Sagay, Sagay City, Negros Occidental
Contact Number: Bebe – 09088116815
Pumpboat Rental: P1,500 / boat good for 15pax
Environmental Fee: P10
How to get there by commute: From Bacolod North Bound Ceres Terminal, take a bus bound to Escalante via Sagay (P127/person for air-conditioned buses). From Sagay Bus Terminal, ride a passenger tricycle (P10/person) to Old Sagay Port.
Additional Info: There is no washroom in the reef but you may be able to wash up in the Tourism Office upon docking from the port of Old Sagay.
Bring a huge amount of sunblock.
Bring tons of water, food and camera (any camera will do)
You may do a side trip to Carbin Reef, Suyac Island and Molocaboc for a fee.
This was our initial reaction approaching Panal Reef. Talks about our Manjuyod Sandbar arise but it seems Panal is nothing like Manjuyod. Our apprehension turned into glees as we were a couple of minutes nearer to the reef. A sweet surprise from one of Sagay’s Marine Reserves,
Panal Reef is approximately a 40-meter long white sandbar with a three-storey tower overlooking it. Upon arrival, you will be asked to log your name in a guest’s logbook by a Bantay-Dagat Personnel (guardians of the reef). After which, you are free to do whatever it is you want to do in the reef. As we arrived, there were already guests present in the reef, but thankfully, they left, which made us own the reef for hours! Wondering how we fed ourselves? We brought food from the city and ate it in the island. But if you want to cook in the tower, there is a grilling area on the second floor, but you have to bring charcoal and gas with you. Staying in the third floor of the tower gave an aerial view of the reef, the picturesque view of the Negros Island and the fishes surrounding it. It was indeed a view to remember.
I tried walking barefooted in the sandbar, it wasn’t as fine as El Nido’s Nacpan Beach, it has a grainy coral feel but it was soothing to my feet. The heat of the sun didn’t bother me as the appropriate coolness of the water dashed towards me. Average currents streaming the sea making swimming a little bit challenging, but seeing the birds, Seagulls specifically hanging out and flying in batches in an isolated unfinished turret makes the view more relaxing. Honestly, I didn’t even realized I was baked until somebody told me how dark I got.
Tagged as the Eco-Tourism Destination of Northern Negros, Sagay embarks a principle where
“Tourism enriches, protects and helps build community”. Wondering what this undiscovered gem is?
Name: Panal Reef
Location: Brgy. Old Sagay, Sagay City, Negros Occidental
Contact Number: Bebe – 09088116815
Pumpboat Rental: P1,500 / boat good for 15pax
Environmental Fee: P10
How to get there by commute: From Bacolod North Bound Ceres Terminal, take a bus bound to Escalante via Sagay (P127/person for air-conditioned buses). From Sagay Bus Terminal, ride a passenger tricycle (P10/person) to Old Sagay Port.
Additional Info: There is no washroom in the reef but you may be able to wash up in the Tourism Office upon docking from the port of Old Sagay.
Bring a huge amount of sunblock.
Bring tons of water, food and camera (any camera will do)
You may do a side trip to Carbin Reef, Suyac Island and Molocaboc for a fee.
Bocal-Bocal Spring Resort. Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City
What can we do in Bacolod except eating delectable sweets and luscious food? I sincerely have no idea where to let my guests go in exploring the City. Indeed, Bacolod is a capital city but just like any other capital cities, it is surrounded by establishments.
Didn't expect that somewhere, in the outskirts somewhere inclined from the city, will be something more refreshing than any other body of water.
A homegrown of the barangay, my head nurse, Mama In, mentioned that she is going on a Saturday to which I've decided to tag along. A 30-minute ride east from the city is where you'll find Bocal Bocal Resort in Brgy. Alangilan.
An ordinary, quaint place with a regular pool and a kiddie pool with a variety of cottages. There is not much to expect in this resort. What I loved about their waters is, it came directly from a spring, that it doesn't sting your eyes when you open it under the pool. The breeze of the summer air touching the trees with the clouds waving at you as you float on the water. A soothing feel for that weary body.
Tip: Better to bring a car with you, the one that can last long in trails.
Entrance Fee: P50/head
Pool Fee: None
Cottages/Tables: P250-P450
Didn't expect that somewhere, in the outskirts somewhere inclined from the city, will be something more refreshing than any other body of water.
A homegrown of the barangay, my head nurse, Mama In, mentioned that she is going on a Saturday to which I've decided to tag along. A 30-minute ride east from the city is where you'll find Bocal Bocal Resort in Brgy. Alangilan.
An ordinary, quaint place with a regular pool and a kiddie pool with a variety of cottages. There is not much to expect in this resort. What I loved about their waters is, it came directly from a spring, that it doesn't sting your eyes when you open it under the pool. The breeze of the summer air touching the trees with the clouds waving at you as you float on the water. A soothing feel for that weary body.
Tip: Better to bring a car with you, the one that can last long in trails.
Entrance Fee: P50/head
Pool Fee: None
Cottages/Tables: P250-P450
LAKAWON. The island beyond imaginable.
Long have I heard of this place. Long have I not been curious of it. But there are things yet to know. Places yet to discover. And Lakawon is never an exception. Me and my family needed a quick getaway from the city and this is the solution. An hour and a half up north from Bacolod lies a town of Cadiz, by Ceres Liner from the Northbound Terminal, fare ranges from Php70-120. Kindly tell the conductor or the bus driver to drop you off Cadiz Viejo or just tell them that you will go to Lakawon. From the bus stop, get a tricycle (P120/way/group) to the Lakawon Port. Lakawon has its ferry costing P150/roundtrip.
AROUND THE ISLAND.
You can never get lost in the island. What makes it different than the others is on how they beautified the island. Huts and Tents from here and there. A panoramic view of the Negros Island, couch and tanning beds laid on the fine white sand. Starfishes, corals just under the rustic bridge. You can even Jetski for a fee and go on your way to Tawhai Floating Bar. Thinking of being a pirate in the Mediterranean Sea. And yes, for a fee as well.
RESOURCES SAY.
It is still owned by the PUEYS. The Gonzales' only rented a part of the area for 50 years. Well, with all those ads and guests, he has been well-paid off.
AROUND THE ISLAND.
You can never get lost in the island. What makes it different than the others is on how they beautified the island. Huts and Tents from here and there. A panoramic view of the Negros Island, couch and tanning beds laid on the fine white sand. Starfishes, corals just under the rustic bridge. You can even Jetski for a fee and go on your way to Tawhai Floating Bar. Thinking of being a pirate in the Mediterranean Sea. And yes, for a fee as well.
RESOURCES SAY.
It is still owned by the PUEYS. The Gonzales' only rented a part of the area for 50 years. Well, with all those ads and guests, he has been well-paid off.
SOMEWHERE IN SIPALAY
Have you ever been in a place where you just want to get back again? A place where the mountain meets the sands. Where innocence and serenity meets a lifetime. Where the only music that you yearn are the sounds of nature?
WHITE SAND BEACHES, UNDERGROUND CAVE, DIVING AND SNORKELING SITES, ROCK CLIMBING.
These are only a few of what you can do in Sipalay.
Well I know of a place since 2009 and have been going there annually since then. It may be a long car ride, 4 hours to say the least but I guarantee you, it will all be worth it.
WHITE SAND BEACHES, UNDERGROUND CAVE, DIVING AND SNORKELING SITES, ROCK CLIMBING.
These are only a few of what you can do in Sipalay.
Well I know of a place since 2009 and have been going there annually since then. It may be a long car ride, 4 hours to say the least but I guarantee you, it will all be worth it.
MOLOCABOC
Just a couple of kilometers north away from PANAL REEF in Sagay also lies an island not open to many. But how did we visit this place? Let's say we just are too blessed to be nurses.
What to spend. A bus ride to Vito (tell the conductor that you'll go to Sagay Vito). Then ride a tricycle to the wharf. There are boats bound for Molocaboc which ranges from P700-P1000 for a day.
Thrifty Tip: Since you don't know anyone, bring food and water with you.
What to spend. A bus ride to Vito (tell the conductor that you'll go to Sagay Vito). Then ride a tricycle to the wharf. There are boats bound for Molocaboc which ranges from P700-P1000 for a day.
Thrifty Tip: Since you don't know anyone, bring food and water with you.