Thursday, July 19, 2012

Negros Occidental: Bacolod City

And to continue this loooooong series... Nakakabored magbasa no? Di bale, nakakabored din magblog! Haha.

This is officially the last day of our Western Visayas escapade but I still have a lot to share! Wait for more posts. :) I pre-rented a taxi for the entire tour. We checked out in the hotel early in the morning and proceeded with the tour, dala na namin lahat ng gamit. Tour will be Bacolod, Talisay, Victorias and Silay where the airport is. Less gastos and sagad ang time ng tour. :)

SAN SEBASTIAN CATHEDRAL
in front of Bacolod Public Plaza

Here's a closer look of the cathedral. As what I've mentioned in my previous post, we were able to pass by the cathedral the night before but it was already closed. This is the first place we visited in our Negros tour.

It was originally a small chapel and was declared as a cathedral when Bacolod was raised to the status of a diocese with a jurisdiction comprising the island of Negros in 1933. The structure was made of coral stones from Guimaras.
Historical marker of the Cathedral
Would love to go around the church but they are currently having a mass.
Centennial Belfry
was removed in the bell tower during the centennial celebration of the church

BISHOP'S PALACE
in front of Bacolod Public Plaza and beside San Sebastian Cathedral


Palacio Episcopal also known as Bishop's Palace, is considered one of the not so-so popular attraction in the city. It was established 46 years prior to the building of San Sebastian Cathedral.
(c) Gladys Villasaya
anti-abortion campaign

BACOLOD PUBLIC PLAZA

The plaza was constructed in 1927 as a place for recreation, political, spiritual and cultural activities. It is quite a popular site for outdoor picnics and concerts. The Masskara Festival is also held here yearly.
 Gazebo with inscribed names of Western Classical Musicians, Beethoven, Haydn, Wagner, Mozart
TindaloTree 
planted by Pres. Manuel L. Quezon on October 19, 1938 during the inaguration of Bacolod as a chartered city
 Built in honor of an unknown soldier
"He fought for flag, for God, for you and me that we may live forever free."

POPE JOHN PAUL II TOWER 

This seven-story tower built in honor of Pope John Paul II was inaugurated and opened to the public February 2010. It houses memorabilia during the Pope's visit in the province on 1981. There are also photos, newspaper and magazine clippings about the Pope.

We were there before 8am and I believe it is still closed but our driver/tour guide asked the caretakers if they can let us in. And they did. Solo namin ang buong tower. Each floor showcases different stories in life of the Pope.

Entrance Fee: Student with valid ID - Php 5.00 ; Regular fee - Php 20.00
My ka-birthday, Pope John Paull II :)
 Chair used during the Pope's visit
 Pictures of his family and childhood.
 The pope is known of his love for the youth.
cross on the top-most deck of the tower

CAPITOL PARK AND LAGOON

Just a glimpse of the place during day time. Here's my previous post - http://chingkyquijano.blogspot.com/2012/07/travel-from-guimaras-to-bacolod-city-of.html

NEGROS MUSEUM

We again arrived early than its usual operating hours. Kuya, our driver/tour guide asked the care takers to let us in. They did! Thanks to Kuya again!! :)

Conceived in 1987, the Negros Museum opened on March 16, 1996 and served as Negros Occidental's provincial museum. The Negros Museum was the former Provincial Capitol building where the past governors of Negros Occidental held office until the early 1970's.

Student Entrance fee is Php 20.00
life sized replica of a train used to transport sugar cane has been donated to the museum by the foremost sugar company in the province and in the country, Victorias Milling Company.
A 40-foot "batil" or boat recontructed by Negrense boat builders from the original 200 year-old keel is set upon a platform where visitors can peer into its interiors, loaded with items that it once carried from a bygone era up.

Antonio Chan Gallery - the greatest exporter of sugar all over the Philippines. He is also the father of Jose Mari Chan which still has a vast plantation in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental with Pepsi Co as one of their main clients.
(c) Gladys Villasaya
This piano was personally donated by Jose Mari Chan.
 (c) Gladys Villasaya
exhibit which centers on the life in sugar plantation
(c) Majo Regilme
(c) Majo Regilme
(c) Majo Regilme

There is a personnel who approached us right after we finish touring ourselves in museum. He told us that if we still have a time, he will tour us in a toy gallery. Of course we agreed! It is the JMG Gallery of International Folk Art and Toys. (taking pictures inside is not allowed)

The Gallery houses a permanent exhibition of international folk art and toys, the core of a collection put together over a period of 20 years by Mara Montelibano. The collection on display consists of more than 2,000 items, representing work from 60 countries. The exhibition boasts of increasingly rare native toys, which are items of folk art handcrafted meticulously to entertain, amuse and encourage socializing among children in communities. The museum is named in memory of the donor's father, Jose Garcia Montelibano.

We enjoyed the tour! It is a must visit exhibit! Ms. Mara Montelibano is amazing! The many many many toys displayed is just 1/3 of her collection!

BONGBONG'S

Looking for pasalubong? Go for Bongbong's! There are also other pasalubong centers around the city. Also visit ANP Showroom and Merci's!

ST. JUDE THADDEUS
along the highway of Brgy. Alijis


PANAAD PARK AND SPORTS COMPLEX

Owned by the Negros Occidental provincial government, it is used for football matches, and is the adopted home of the Philippines national football team. The stadium itself features replicas of the landmarks of the thirteen cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental.
(c) Gladys Villasaya
Sample replicas:
City of Kabankalan
 The stadium where my boyfriends used to play. Hahaha.
We were there June 7 and they have a game on June 10, sayang much!

BACOLOD CITY HALL

Di ko alam bakit walang wala yung city hall namin sa city hall nila! Ang bongga lang!!
 A huge smile from the City of Smiles :D


Related posts:
Travel from Guimaras to Bacolod | The City of Smiles at night!

Next post: Talisay City!!

Chinx♥

4 comments:

  1. been here last February this year:) ang ganda ng the Ruins db? luv reading ur post. I am now following u on GFC. if u have time u can visit my phototravel blog www.morionworld.blogspot.com ty

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    Replies
    1. Yes! Panalo ang The Ruins, ang ganda lang! Hehe. I just finished my post on The Ruins, you may check it. :) Had a glimpse of your photos, ang bongga ng shots! Also following you on GFC now. :)

      Thanks for dropping by!! :)

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  2. Hello Chingky, I am from Sri Lanka. I love Philippines country. Your photos are very beautiful. You have very beautiful bright smiles. Philippines is very beautiful country for southeast Asia. Negros and bacolod very beautiful cities. I will try come back negros and bacolod city. I love travel. Travel is my life and passion. I like see different places and like strange friends.

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