Hop On Hop Off Bus in Sugarlandia

 Guess what? I have found a cheap way to explore the sugarlandia countryside, its by doing the Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus to Northern Negros. HOHO is a popular way to travel to a destination like when I was in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, riding a HOHO bus can take you anywhere, safe and comfortable in an airconditioned couch. Tour guides are also available to talk about a little information about the place.

However, my HOHO Sugarlandia is off from nice comfortable seats but a no-frills travel style, riding an old non airconditioned buses, being stormed by waves of dust and sweating in the heat of the sun and it was for me the best way to discover the countryside. The locals are really friendly, I was confident that they wont run away my camera. 

I have made a video using the collection of my recent trip to the countryside. Hope you like it. 

Cheap Thrills in Bacolod: Lagoon and San Sebastian Church

Just a minute ride from my pension house inBacolod is a popular tourist attraction called the Lagoon. There it holds a huge pool with tilapia fishes and a famous landmark, the 2 carabaos and their another colonial inspired Provincial Capitol Building. What a lovely day it was, bright morning sunshine around the city of Smiles. 

THE LAGOON, PROVINCIAL CAPITOL BUILDING

Since this is like the heart of Bacolod, most jeeps pass here and you can connect to other great destinations in Bacolod. If you are hungry, McDonalds, Jollibee, Chowking are just across the street and a one ride away to fine dining in Bacolod and number of coffee shops. 

The park is open to the public and is closes at night, Im not sure though what particular time they close. 

SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH

A 3 minute ride from the Lagoon is another amazing destination, the San Sebastian Church. To get here, ride a jeep bound for Bata/Libertad route although there are lots of jeep that goes there too from the Lagoon. Ask the driver to drop you to the church. Short jeepney trips arounf the city is P7. 

A piece of miracle happened to me after visiting and sharing my coins to the beggars outside the church. It taught me the importance of sharing and receiving more from God. You know, my P20 coins I gave to the poor became P1400. After leaving Bacolod, for a countryside tour, I recieved a text from my colleagues that my affiliation fee of P1400 is now posted. I was so happy I received this text. I really need money to continue my trips and it was a perfect timing since my fund is almost empty. Perhaps, this was a blessing from sharing something to the poor despite your own financial woes. 

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Best of Bacolod: New Government Center

Bacolod City, the City of Smiles, boasts its new Government Center which is truly to be proud of. For me, its the best City Hall that I have ever been. Its a piece of White House, Washington DC in Negros Occidental. 

According to some locals Ive talked to, this project was also a subject of controversy, well I say, whats new? Its now become part of the normal politics that play the country. But what the heck, I know where the tax payers of Bacolod goes to.

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Going back to times @ The Ruins

Classical and Magical.

This are two words that best describes The Ruins at Talisay City, Negros Occidental. With just a few minutes ride from Bacolod, one should not miss this exciting destination for a picture perfect opportunity. As soon as I stepped out of the cab, I could immediately feel that I was being time warped into the 90’s where rich hacienderos rule this bustling sugar rich island of Negros.

The Ruins is built in 1920’s and owned by the Lacson. The site is still cornered with vast sugarcanes and continues to be a major industry in the island. They say the best time to visit this place is late afternoon because a golden glow will light over the building and the place just come alive. Night viewing is also great because of the lights. 

I am very happy with the result of the picture, the waiter is really a pro. He got this amazing reflection picture below. The place is perfectly landscaped and additional touches are being mad to exemplify the beauty of the site. 

At first I was puzzled, what could be the waiter doing at this time, he was taking pictures of me in this part of the house. The picture was brilliantly creative, dont you think? Abstract photography.

 
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Breakfasts and Crazy ferry ride to Bacolod

Before hitting out to Bacolod, I went back to Marymart Mall to look for some shades because I lost it yesterday while shopping and fitting at the dressing room. So I got his blue shades for P80, so long for my D&G shades. Never go out without shades these days or you will hurt your eye. These imitations will provide protection from dust and a little of UV rays, haha. 

So hungry, I look for batchoy and I am on the right place, Teds Old Timer Lapaz Batchoy is just inside the mall. Ordered a porkchop value meal with batchoy and a drink for P90. 

After the fulfilling breakfast, I headed to the port terminal of Ocean Jet. To go here from Ong Bon, just cross the street and look for the La Paz Jeep and ask the driver to take you to the area, from there you can walk or ride a trike. While on the way, enjoy the old buildings along Iznart St of Iloilo. 

 Before entering in to the main gate of the terminal, you will see the Custom House of Iloilo. A pedicab costs P30 (or the driver charged me too much for less than 5 minute ride) and additional P5 if you want the cab to go inside the terminal which I reccomend because its really hot. 

The port is also very busy, there are lots of passengers. Get your ticket at the Ocean Jet counter. A ride to Bacolod is P270, if you are a government employee like me, you pay P250 but unfortunately I didn’t bring my ID. 

Finally I have the ticket. Hold on to them till your not onboard or you will pay again. When I board, my ticket has no seat number so the conductor told me to sit anywhere vacant. 

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Cheap finds and eats at Iloilo and Party the Ilongo way

It was raining yesterday morning in Iloilo and my countryside tour to Southern loilo was cancelled. 

What I did yesterday was doing bargain hunting for some cheap finds at Marymart boutique shops. Marymart is located at the back of Ongbun Pension, there is an alley takes you directly to Marymart for less than a minute. I was not disappointed to what I have found, there are lots of clothes to choose from and they had really great designs especially in mens fashion. For me, its really difficult to find good bargain (aka Ukay) shops in Davao for men but I found some shops here that are comparable to signature clothes. Now I know where do guys at Smashville got their outfit for party. I bought pair of sandals, shorts and couple of t-shirts for my Bacolod trip today. 

Speaking of Smallville, I was there last night and I can say that it is more beautiful than in Davao. The ambiance, buildings and music are way better than Davao’s Torres, Rizal or Damosa. The place is classy, youthful and vibrant. There was even a Mardi Gras and a firedance show at Club 21. There are lots of clubs here and the food are fantastic. Illongos really know how to party well. The guys actually also dress up that Im not used too back home. Beer is quite expensive here though. 

Anyway, after bargain hunting at Marymart, my online friends reccommended me to try Green Mango Restaurant located near SM Delgado just a 3 minute walk from Marymart. The restaurant is very modern, they use LCD or plasma TV displaying their menu. The ambiance is also nice for a place so affordable. 

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