I have always wondered how the participants felt while doing the Amazing Race, and I was given a taste of it when we had to catch the last trip to Bacolod from Iloilo.
We just came from Guimaras for a day tour, we weren't able to estimate the length of our stay at the island that we almost didn't make it Bacolod, but then we did, with a little strategy.
We split our group into two: the two boys to ride a cab, return to Ong Bun and get our things and two girls (including myself) to ride a trike to the Iloilo Ferry Terminal and buy the tickets. If you're going to Bacolod from Iloilo, fast crafts are available daily, but the last trip leaves at around 5:30pm via Oceanjet.
We arrived at the ferry terminal as the ticket counter was about to close. We had to ask the counter if they can accommodate 4 more passengers. Luckily, they agreed. We got Economy tickets for Php 250 per person. The crew was already asking that we ride the boat, but we pleaded that we wait for our other companions. Though hesitant, they agreed. In no time, our friends arrived with all our bags, and so we rode the fast craft with such relief that we made it. (And yes, being a girl is such an advantage on our part).
We arrived in Bacolod after an hour, took a trike to our pension house (Ong Bun Bacolod) to leave our things and freshen up before we had dinner. We had dinner at Manokan Country, near SM Bacolod. Not all locals know where Manokan Country is located, so keep this in mind: it's at the back of SM Bacolod (landmark: Bongbong's and Andok's).
Pope John Paul II Tower
After our dinner, we went to Pope John Paul II Tower, located in front of SM Bacolod.
Pope John Paul II Tower |
The eight-story tower was opened 2 years ago and was built to commemorate the Pope's visit to Bacolod more than 30 years ago. Each floor displays memorabilia related to the Pope's historical visit. The tower also gives you a nice view of the city. We paid an entrance fee of Php 20 per person.
the cross on top of the tower |
We then rushed to Starbucks for my city mug and Calea for desserts. More about Calea in a separate post.
The Ruins, Talisay City
The next morning, we went to The Ruins, which is called the "Taj Mahal of Negros". We rode a taxi to the place since we were concerned about the travel time, but it was a short ride after all. We should have just ridden a jeepney.
The Ruins, Talisay City
The next morning, we went to The Ruins, which is called the "Taj Mahal of Negros". We rode a taxi to the place since we were concerned about the travel time, but it was a short ride after all. We should have just ridden a jeepney.
The Ruins, Talisay City |
The mansion dates back to the 1900s when it was built by the sugar baron, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson for his first wife, Maria Braga, a Portuguese from Macau whom he met in his vacations in Hongkong. The mansion’s structure is of Italianate architecture enhanced by a belvedere complete with renaissance-type balustrading typical of the homes of English ship captains. - http://www.experiencenegros.com/the-ruins-talisay-city-a-gem-from-the-rubble/
Cafe by The Ruins |
Entrance Fee: Php 60 for adults, Php 40 for students, Php 20 for children below 8 years old.
More information about The Ruins here.
Bongbong's Pasalubong Center
For pasalubong, we went to Bongbong's (near Manokan Country and SM Bacolod). They sell piaya, butterscotch and other goodies. They also sell other souvenir items. What's nice about them is that they automatically put your goodies in a box.
What did I like most? The freshly cooked piaya that you can buy at Php 3.50 per piece for plain and Php 4 per piece for the ube flavor.
Freshly cooked Ube Piaya |
Other Bacolod photos here:
The dirty ice cream is also a must-try as it has real mango flavor compared to the ones here in Manila |
It was sad that I had to leave too soon as we had to go back to Iloilo for our afternoon flight back to Manila. We traveled back to Iloilo via SuperCat at Php 250 per person (economy rate). From the port, we took a cab to Iloilo airport at Php 600, which was such a rip-off, in my opinion.
But aside from the rip-off taxi ride, our Iloilo-Guimaras-Bacolod trip was such a wonderful experience. I'd love to go back for a longer vacation soon.
Foodie posts from this vacation in my future posts.
Beautiful pics!!!i'm following you!!!if you like mine, do the same!!
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ZAGU FACEBOOK PAGE
bloglovin follower
Hoping na makarating na ako diyan soon. hehehe
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll do, Jay! :)
DeleteHey Michy , love the visual tour :D I'm a Bacolodnon but haven't been to some of those places that you've been to ! :P You should come back and experience the Masskara !
ReplyDeleteThis is actually a late post, we went there the week after the Masskara. I personally wouldn't go there if the place is too crowded but I'll consider it next time. :) Thanks for dropping by, Anne! :)
DeleteYou have really good pictures to entice peeps to see Bacolod. Hmmm, now I'm interested. :)
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Thanks Chai! Will check out your blog too. :)
DeleteThat was an action and info filled read :) Love to visit Bacolod too - The Ruins looks really lovely :)
ReplyDeleteToo bad we didn't get to meet you the other day, hope you received my tweets about where we were.
Thanks Zai! I wasn't able to read your tweets actually. Maybe because your twitter account is in private and your didn't approve my follow request when you tweeted me. :|
DeleteThis post reminded me that I never got to post anything about my Bacolod trip. I loved Bacolod! Aside from it being a foodie haven, there were a lot of interesting things to see and do...
ReplyDeleteP.S. I replied to your comment about the books, which one are you interested in? :)
Our trip was super bitin! :( Anyway, I could always book a flight, right? :) Re: books, will check it out. Thanks!
DeleteBacolod looks like a really fine place to in longer. Too bad nagmamadali kayo. I want to visit Bacolod too, preferably during their MassKara Festival.
ReplyDeletehttp://ahintofsunlight.blogspot.com/
I'd love to revisit and stay longer. :)
DeleteI miss Bacolod!
ReplyDeleteMichy, I love your travel posts to bits! :D
ReplyDeleteGee, thanks Yedy! *blush*
DeleteWow, I love what I am seeing. Bacolod is a great way to spend vacation and leisure time.
ReplyDeleteI agree. :) Thanks for dropping by, Jo-Ann! ;)
Deletethose photos ondeed looks so great! I wanted to go around philippines one day! xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll do, MaryJane! ;)
DeleteLovely lovely photos, Michy. I realyl would love to see Bacolod soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Pretty/Ugly! :)
Deleteive never been to bacolod, and i can see how the place is filled of beautiful and historical places :)
ReplyDeleteRovie,
The Bargain Doll
:)
I hope you'll visit Bacolod. It's an awesome place! :)
DeleteIs that how a piaya should be? Oozing with ube goodness? I am missing a lot pala!
ReplyDelete