Saturday, September 4, 2010

Traveling A-Z: Negros Occidental



By VINCE G. LOPEZ
August 14, 2010
Guintubdan Waterfalls
Guintubdan Waterfalls
Known for its enigmatic Masskara Festival or Mask Festival, the western side of Negros Island is also known as the “Sugar bowl of the Philippines.” 
The nickname of the province is given as it produces more than half of the sugar output of the country. Negros Occidental is the second biggest province in the Philippines next to Cebu. The province contains 13 cities and 19 municipalities.
The province’s capital is Bacolod, known for the warmth and graciousness of its people, hence the name “City of Smiles”. The capital is also one of the oldest cities in the Philippines and contains numerous old churches of Spanish influence.
Negros Occidental is located within Negros Island which is situated in the Visayas Region. The island is home to 50 inland beaches which the province shares with its Eastern counterpart - Negros Oriental.
Negros Occidental is described as a “a happy blend of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle” by tourists who have been to this wonderful destination. The province boasts of a number of adventure trails and the local’s fondness for culture and traditions. The destination is exceptionally packed with local and foreign tourists every October to witness the famous Masskara Festival.
Fast facts
Local Dialects: Ilonggo, Hiligaynon
Festivals:
Masskara Festival – A tribute to Bacolod’s reputation as the City of Smiles, the Masskara Festival is one of the most famous festivals in the country. The celebration is marked with cheerful performers and parades with participants wearing large colorful masks with the trademark wide smiles.
Panaad Festival – Negros Occidental’s festival held every April of each year which combines the feasts of the 13 provinces including the famous Masskara Festival.
Heritage Sites:
Talisay Church - Built sometime during the American Occupation in the late 1800s, the shrine is frequented by devotees as well as tourists.
San Sebastian Cathedral – The coral-made cathedral is rich in history and one of the most famous churches in Negros Occidental.
Natural Wonders:
Mt. Kanlaon – The highest peak in Central Luzon with an elevation of 2,465 meters above sea level.
Guintubdan Waterfalls – One of the most famous scenic sites in the province.
Patag Valley Trekking - Situated between Mount Marapara and Mount Silay, the 640-feet Patag Valley is considered as “the ultimate trekker’s delight”.
Scenic Beaches:
Campomanes Bay - A favorite dive site for divers for its beautiful coral gardens and sunken warships. The bay also boasts of pristine waters and white sands.
Punta Ballo Beach -This area is blessed with white sands and cool blue waters and is also an ideal place for easy diving
Sipaway Island - A favorite rendezvous point for local and foreign guests. It has a beautiful century-old Balete tree, white sand beach resorts and natural reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Other interests:
Christmas Village - A unique and attractive display of different houses, ski resort, parks, and candy factories that depict the Filipino’s fondness for Christmas celebration. It is open for the entire year.
Must Try: Bacolod Chicken – The province’s version of the Chicken barbecue.
HOW TO GET THERE: Negros Occidental can be reached through its capital, Bacolod City, which is 55 minutes from Manila by air on a daily basis. In the province’s capital, the usual modes of transportation such as buses, jeepneys and private shuttles are readily available to take you around.
Published in Manila Bulletin April 14, 2010.

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