Happy Christmas!!

Malipayong Pasko kaninyong tanan!

It's December once again. I've always loved this season of the year. And despite the tragedy that is typhoon Sendong that ravaged Northern Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities especially) just a few days before the 25th, leaving hundreds and hundreds of families wet, cold, hungry, and homeless.. Despite the sadness, grief and despair.. Let us find reasons to celebrate for there are many. In fact, the birth of our Savior Jesus is more than enough. What has happened was unwanted and was a consequence of our actions. Somehow. But let's look on the bright side. In this season of love, giving and sharing.. we have become more generous not just to our love ones and friends but also to our fellow brothers and sisters struck by tragedy and in need. And GOD gave us that love. Indeed, how huge GOD's love is for His people. Unfathomable.

A very blessed and merry Christmas to everyone!

Last days in Negros.

Despite the grey sky and the drizzle, I was able to see a bit more of Dumaguete all thanks to the kindness and hospitality of new found friends who I met through another friend.

We went resort-hopping in Dauin. Just a few minutes drive from the city. There were plenty in the area and we checked a few.


Atmosphere Resort.

Located in Maayong Tubig, National Road in Dauin. The resort, although not a very huge property, exudes luxurious tranquility that will surely give you the detoxifying pampering you need from work and life in the big city. The beach is not of Boracay quality with it's pebbly grey sand but the atmosphere itself more than makes up for that.

Check more of the resort's beauty at their official website here. (photos courtesy of resort's official website)

Bahura Resort and Spa.

Next stop was the Bahura Resort and Spa with its 2 outdoor swimming pools. The resort can accommodate far more guests and at lesser rates than the Atmosphere.

For more details, you can visit their website here.

Premium de Luxe king bed

We next visited The Treehouse.. with a local home decor/furniture shop just across it where you can buy stuff at such cheaper prices compared with the ones you can purchase at souvenir shops.

We were then driven high up in the mountains... to see the Twin Lakes.

It was a long drive up the mountains but it was well worth it. Before proceeding to the main lake, you have to stop by some tourism office where you will have to pay very minimal environmental fees and such. There was a smaller lake behind the building with leafless trees scattered in the middle. It was a bit eerie and picturesque at the same time. Too bad I lost the photos I took.


A few more minutes drive and you will see the main pavilion overlooking the lake where you can have lunch or just simply relax with a cold drink in hand.

The walk down to the lake with my new pals.

It wasn't exactly drizzling when we got to the lake itself. But still, the weather's pretty cold and bad enough that we din't dare venture out and drowned ourselves in pictures instead.

On the way up.

The view from the restaurant.

And of course, during my stay in Dumaguete, I tried some of the restaurants... and I had a grand time. Ambiance, company, and the food!

Homey Dumaguete!

Part III - Visayas series (8.11)

Dumaguete is the capital and largest city in the province of Negros Oriental and is just a few hours away from Negros Occidental's capital Bacolod. Travel time usually takes 5 to 6 hours depending on the route, coastal or inland. I traveled with my friend's family  in their SUV and honestly, I din't know which route we took. But we got there in just 3 or 4 hours. So maybe we took the inland route since it's said to be shorter.

A Walk Around Bacolod City!

Part II - Visayas series (8.11)

It's still raining. After  a rather long night of staring at the big screen playing some scary playstation game about a Japanese photographer fighting ghosts with a camera, I woke up from a dreamless sleep (which is a big relief on my part since I'm not really into any ghost -stuff because I kinda scare quite easily, no matter how tough I pretend to be).  We had a hearty breakfast of typical Chinese-Filipino dishes and more getting-to-know banter between me and my hosts in which a number of things to do and places to visit where passed around.  A quick see-around of Iloilo was seriously considered since I've never set foot on that island, and a friend was there at that time. Would've been a nice detour if the weather cooperated… but then it didn't. So with the morning plans dissolved, we were resigned to entertaining ourselves in front of the big screen. Again.

The morning rushed by fast, which was really okay with me if it didn't since I honestly wasn't very encouraged to go out as it was a bit cold and wet outside. Nevertheless, we headed out to explore the city right after lunch.

The San Sebastian Cathedral.

Our first stop (second actually since we first passed by the City Plaza which is right in front of it. But whichever.)  It   was the work of Fr. Mauricio Ferrero, then parish priest of Bacolod. It's quite old but certainly not the oldest in the country. The original church was built in 1825 while the cathedral was constructed in 1876. It is an imposing structure made of coral stones and lime from Guimaras and wood from Palawan.

Golden... This ain't that bad, really.

It was all dark inside the huge structure when we visited so I didn't get a good picture. Or so I thought.

A Run to the Ruins of Talisay.

Part I - Visayas series (8.11)

I've never been to anywhere in the western Visayas region. I was supposed to be a beach bum in Boracay for a weekend with friends a few months ago but it didn't push through. My sister and I didn't fly out to Palawan (I know..I know.. Palawan is part of Luzon) last July although the tickets were already booked and paid for. I've missed a lot of trips for this year (and wasted a lot of money too.. missed a trip to Davao last June - now that I remember).

I've never been to Bacolod or anywhere in Negros. And I have a long-standing invitation from a good friend's family to come visit . So the very moment I decided to quit work and put a period on my resignation letter, I booked my flight south and made a detour.