Saturday, April 18, 2015

Mambukal Mountain Resort Bacolod: a tourist destination for nature lovers

Mambukal Resort in Bacolod City is a mountain resort and a popular tourist destination.  It is located just 40 minutes by private car from Bacolod City.  It is actually part of Murcia, a town just after Bacolod, and the resort is owned and managed by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.

Mambukal Mountain Resort - a popular tourist spot

For locals and tourists who want a relaxing and refreshing experience, Mambukal Resort Bacolod is a great tourist destination especially for nature lovers.  Its location just outside the city, and along the footslopes of Mt. Kanlaon, makes it ideal for those wanting a getaway, a day trip and bonding with nature.  Being 1,200 feet above sea level, Mambukal has a cool and green environment. 
There are many activities that one can do at Mambukal. Day trips and picnics are common but for those who want to stay longer, they have a lodge and cottages for overnight stays.  For those seeking a quiet and peaceful visit, avoid the weekends and holidays as the resort gets really packed.
It has natural hot sulfur springs where one can take a nice dip and have a soothing bath in its healing waters.

Take a dip at the warm sulfur dipping pool

For the more active and adventurous, a trip up the waterfalls is a must.  Mambukal has 7 falls and can easily be accessed by a short trek. 

One of 7 falls in Mambukal

There are guides who can take you up.  Swimming in the waterfalls is a fun and awesome experience.  It is very refreshing especially on a hot summer day. 

Breath taking Mambukal waterfalls

For the more brave, there are some parts of the waterfalls where you can jump into the cool waters below the falls.  

It's more fun in Bacolod Philippines!  

Other amenities and activities include 3 swimming pools, a bath house, boating lagoon, butterfly garden, bird and bat watching, zip line, wall climbing and canopy walk.  They have a convention hall, picnic huts and food kiosks or food court.
A visit to Mambukal can be topped off with a soothing and relaxing massage at The Blade Spa located within Mambukal Resort.  They offer body massage, foot massage, and more. The Blade Spa is beside the hot spring and overlooks the green and scenic natural park of Mambukal.


Getting there

How to get to Mambukal Resort:
From Bacolod City to Mambukal Mountain Resort is a short 40-minute drive by private car passing through Murcia town. Public utility vehicles or buses are available at the northwestern side of the Libertad Public Market. Jeepney trips to Mambukal are also available starting at 7:20 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is about Php35 per person.
There is an entrance fee to get inside Mambukal Resort, 50 pesos for adult, 20 pesos for child, and 15 pesos for light vehicle.

For rates, accommodations, and more information, visit their official website at http://mambukalresortnegocc.com/index.html

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Top 10 Philippine Destinations



Are you planning a vacation to the Philippines for the first time?  Don’t know which of the 7,107 islands to choose from?  Have you been saving up for a 2-week vacation and want to make the most out of it? Or maybe you’ve traveled the Philippine Islands and want to discover more and go to somewhere you’ve never been to yet?

Our list of the top 10 Philippine tourist spots can give you a preview of what the Philippines can offer.  It can jumpstart your vacation plans as you have a travel guide and a shortlist of the Philippines destinations and their main attractions. 


Boracay Island, Philippines



Boracay is best known for its famous white sand beach that stretches for 4 kilometers.  Boracay Island has been voted many times over as one of the best beaches in the world. Aside from its powdery white sand beach and clear blue waters, it is a favorite destination because Boracay has a lot to offer. From the vibrant Boracay nightlife and party scene, to the many activities one can do in the island like diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and so much more! There are several Boracay beach resorts one can choose from.  



Palawan, Philippines

Palawan is one of the most biodiverse islands in the Philippines and was cited as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia by the National Geographic Traveler in 2007.  Palawan is composed of one big main island and several smaller islands and islets surrounding it.  Its capital, Puerto Princesa, boasts of the Underground River National Park, a finalist for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.  From Puerto Princesa, one can go island hopping to the nearby white sand islands or go diving in Tubbataha Reef – an underwater sanctuary and marine natural park with some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Both the Underground River Park and Tubbataha Reef has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.


Banawe Rice Terraces and Sagada

The Banawe Rice Terraces were carved some 2000 years ago by the ancestors of the Ifugao, the indigenous people of the Cordillera region where the terraces were built.  The rice terraces are often called the 8th Wonder of the World and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is located in Northern Luzon, some 240 kilometers north of Manila.  A further yet worthwhile trip into the Cordilleras in Mountain Province is the town of Sagada.  More popular as a backpacker’s destination, Sagada has a lot to offer. It also has rice terraces like in Banaue, plus other points of interest like the hanging coffins, waterfalls, underground river and caves.


Bohol


Bohol in Central Visayas is home to the famous Chocolate Hills.  It is also a major tourist destination because of the other major attractions of this island.  The white sand beaches in Panglao Island are very popular and from there, one can go dolphin watching, island hopping and diving in Balicasag Island and nearby dive spots.  Bohol is also home to the second smallest primate in the world, the Philippine Tarsier.   There are also the old Churches in Bohol that are worth visiting, although some have been destroyed by the 2013 earthquake.




Siargao

Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines because of its famous world class surfing break called Cloud Nine.  There are numerous surfing breaks in and around Siargao as it is located at the Southeast part of the Philippines where it meets the Pacific Ocean swells.  Aside from its fabulous surf spots, Siargao is a beautiful island and because of its remoteness, it has unspoiled beaches and a distinct idyllic charm.  For non-surfers, there is plenty to see, do and discover.  One can go kayaking around the island’s vast natural mangrove forest, go diving or island hopping in the lagoon and nearby islands which have natural white sand and crystal clear blue waters.

Mt. Pinatubo
Mt. Pinatubo is an active volcano in Luzon, about 87 km northwest of Manila. It erupted in June 1991, after 500 years of being dormant.  The catastrophic event affected many lives and had a major environmental impact globally.  But several years after the devastation, Mt. Pinatubo has become a major tourist destination.  Day trips and treks to the Mt. Pinatubo and its crater has been a favorite activity and destination to both local and foreign tourists.  One can also take an aerial tour from Clark Airport.  Recently a volcanic ash spa has opened offering spa services and unique treatments from the mineral rich surroundings such as a volcanic mud pack, hot springs and a treatment using hot volcanic ash.

Cebu

Cebu is a narrow island located in the center of the Philippines, particularly in Central Visayas.  It’s capital, Cebu City, is the oldest city in the country.  It was the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines and a number of significant Spanish colonial buildings can be found in the city such as the Santo NiƱo Basilica and Magellan’s Cross.  Aside from the Cebu mainland, there are 167 surrounding islands that are part of Cebu, making island hopping an ideal tourist activity.  Nearby Mactan Island offers an several world-class beach resorts.  For those seeking a quieter and idyllic island experience, a few hours away is Bantayan, Malapascua and Camotes Islands.  Cebu is also a jump off point for other island destinations such as Bohol, Dumaguete and Siargao.


Manila

Manila is the Capital of the Philippines and Metro Manila is the center of business, government and trade in the country.  It is the gateway to most international flights as well as domestic.  A notable tourist spot is the old Spanish walled city called Intramuros where there are centuries old churches, buildings and walkways.  Nearby is the Manila Ocean Park, an oceanarium with several species of marine life including those found in the waters of the Philippines.  For a wide array of hotels, restaurants and bars to go to at night, Makati City, which is the central business district, offers a lot to choose from. It’s neighbor, Fort Bonifacio, which is a new “global” city, also offers several restaurants, bars and clubs.

Bicol Region – Donsol and Mt. Mayon Volcano


The Bicol Region is in the southeast part of Luzon and has 6 provinces.  One of which is Albay province, home to the world-renowned perfect-coned volcano due to its almost perfect conical shape.  Further down south is Donsol, in the province of Sorsogon, a popular tourist destination because of the whale sharks that swim in its seas.  This has attracted thousands of tourists where one can actually swim with the harmless whale shark and have a unique experience and memorable encounter with the friendly marine creature.  



Camiguin

Camiguin is a small island province in the northern coast of Mindanao.  It has 7 volcanoes, with more volcanoes in the island that towns. Although only there is only 1 active volcano, Camiguin has the most number of volcanoes per square kilometer than any island on earth.  It has several unspoiled natural resources for the traveler and tourist such as a lush forest, hot and cold springs, white sand beaches and sand bar, majestic waterfalls and exotic marine life.  It is also know for its underwater sunken cemetery, submerged by a volcanic eruption in 1871, marked with a huge cross.  All these plus its mystical charm and idyllic island lifestyle make Camiguin a great Philippine destination.


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

The Panaad sa Negros Festival is happening now!


The 22nd Panaad sa Negros Festival officially opens today at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City, with Dept. of Interior and Local Government

Sec. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II
(DILG) Sec. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as guest of honor.
The ceremony kicks-off with a motorcade and floats parade at 3 p.m. from the Provincial Capitol Grounds passing through the main streets of Bacolod going to the Panaad Stadium.
The opening program will start thereafter, Negros Occ. Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson will give his welcome address, followed by the raising of banners to be led by Negros Occ. Board Member Patrick Leonard Lacson and Festival Executive Director, Dr. Ma. Lina P. Sanogal together with the mayors of the 32 towns and cities of the province.
Negros Oriental Vice Gov. Edward Mark L. Macias will also give his message during the program.
Sec. Roxas will then give his keynote speech, followed by the message and declaration of the official opening of the festival by Gov. Alfredo G. Maranon, Jr.
The Best of Festival Dance Competition to be participated in by 20 groups representing their respective local government units will start after the program.
Panaad is a thanksgiving celebration and an exhibition of the best of Negros Occidental.
Panaad Festival brings together all the towns and cities of Negros Occidental in an array of themed pavilions that showcase their history, arts and culture, tourism, commerce, trade and industry, in the 25-hectare Panaad Park and Sports Complex.
The festival attracts most of the close to 3 million strong Negrenses, their balikbayan relatives and friends, who get a glimpse of the best offerings of the towns and cities in a tour of the uniquely designed pavilions, as well as the cultural presentations for beauty, talent, skills, and in sports.
The opening ceremonies will be capped with a fireworks display.
This year’s theme is “Negros: One Island, One Dream”.* (Capitol News)

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The First Yoga Retreat in Negros Occidental this July



Yoga Beach Holiday

A Yoga Retreat at the Beach



Are you stressed out and tired from the hectic city life?


Are you confused and trying to tune in to your inner compass?


Do you need some quiet time and a soulful retreat?


Take 3 days off and give your Mind, Body and Soul a break and the Balance that you deserve....


Join us for a soulful experience on July 23 to 25, 2010 (Friday to Sunday) at the
Punta Bulata Resort and Spa in Negros Occidental Philippines


The Yoga Retreat Package includes 3-Days & 2 Nights Resort Accommodation
at Punta Bulata Resort and Spa, all meals for the duration of the retreat,
Teacher's fees and all yoga sessions for the weekend.

Yoga Retreat Package:
P6,450 (triple sharing)
P6,950 (twin sharing)


The Beach Yoga Retreat will be conducted by Joy Geronca of Anahata Yoga Philippines.


Now, it's Your time to Relax, Refresh and Recharge....


The Yoga Beach Holiday - A Yoga Retreat


Limited Slots available so book early!

For Metro Manila Inquiries and Reservations, call 9721838 or 7034346
For Outside Metro Manila, Bacolod Residents and others, call 0918-9457648

Email: yogaretreatphilippines@gmail.com



Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Vist Bacolod and Negros!

See this short video on the sights and beauty of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City...


Saturday, March 27, 2010

Bacolod City Celebrates Chinese New Year with Bacolodiat 2010

Bacolod City celebrated the Chinese New Year for 2010 with an elaborate and festive event called the Bacolodiat. Last February 12-14, 2010, the Tourism Strip at Lacson Street was closed off to all traffic as it was the venue for most of the festivities in the city including a lantern dance parade!


There were dozens of food booths near the Bacolod Lagoon area and fireworks display every night during the 3-night festivities.


All in all, the Bacolodiat 2010 was a great and terrific way to welcome the Year of the Tiger. We hope that this will be a yearly celebration for the City of Bacolod in addition to the very popular Masskara Festival that draws thousands of tourists and party goers to the city.


Watch the Lantern Dance Parade video here:

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Sagay Sand bar - Carbin Reef is a white sand beach less than an hour from Bacolod City

Carbin Reef is a white sand bar located off Sagay City and the island of Negros in the Visayas (the central islands of the archipelago).

This tiny island is 150 meters long and 30 meters wide, it is ideal for a relaxing day for tourists who discover the island of Negros and nearby Bacolod.

It's about a 1 hour drive from Bacolod City and is accessible via a "pumpboat" (a small local boat) from the port of Sagay.


The comfort of the island is very basic but there shaded areas ideal for a picnic and day trip.

You'll probably one of the few visitors of this tranquil and calm islet. The proposed activities are mainly relaxing and swimming.



This beautiful island is in fact a Marine Sanctuary where aquatic life can recover. The rules are so strict on the use of waste and it is forbidden to take anything from the island.

I recommend spending the day on this island because you feel alone in the world. Plan a picnic and bring your own food and drinks. Remember to bring water and sunscreen.