Sipalay City: What to Expect and How to get there

Brief Hstory

Phot by: http://s2kd.blogspot.com/

Sipalay – Hundreds of years ago “tumandoks” or the natives were the first settlers of the place. They were a Malay and Bornean roots. Sipalay is bounded by Hinobaan in the south, Cauayan in the north, and Candoni in the East. To its west is the Sulu Sea. The unspoiled beauty of Sipalay is a living testimony of its rich marine and natural resources. Several shipwrecks can be found in its pristine beaches including the S/S Panay during World War II. Forty two dive sites were Sipalaynons jewel and treasures.

Early inhabitants settled in the river banks. The Canman-og River (Sipalay River) in where the tumandoks built their houses in rows along the roads is the source of living at that time. Plaza and Church were also constructed. Although there was already a church in the community it could not become a town. During Spanish rule in order to become a town there must be a resident priest. The place doesn’t have a resident priest at that time. Instead, a priest from Iloilo came to visit once a year.

Under the leadership of Basilio Debuyan the established community was happy and prosperous. But they are not aware that this happiness is short-live. Debuyan became the first Cabeza under Capitan Mayor at Isio, about 52 kilometers to the north. Later on the Canman-og River (Naga River and recently Sipalay River) brought havoc and destruction through flood and inundation. The place was swallowed up little by little until the plaza and the church were also carried away by the flood. The villagers decided to abandon the dilapidated community and transfer the place to a flat terrain. The new village was across the river to the north. It was a forestland and Debuyan himself felled down the first Narra tree to start building new homes. The place testifies a happy and prosperous place that once lived. The place is now called Sipalay Diotay.

During the first half of the 19^th century several towns were created. In 1813 Cauayan was established as a town. Sipalay was a full pledge barrio of the Municipality of Cauayan when the Americans arrived. It was the most biggest and progressive district in the community. During American regime Debuyan became the first Barrio Delegado. The villagers noticed that the officials do not have time for the construction of new roads going to Poblacion in Cauayan which is 54 kilometers away. They asked for the separation of Sipalay from its mother town. They perceive the following reasons why they should be separated: no roads connecting the barrio from Poblacion of Cauayan which is very hard for travelers, the danger and hardships of the villagers during travel on both places, and also the much delayed of mails due to no of access roads. Due to the separation of the barrio from Cauayan, a society, La Liga del Sur was formedin 19 20’s. Leaders of the society came from prominent families they were: Don Severo Alejano, Mariano Mueda, Sr., Maximo Selveron, Inocencio Debuyan, Sr., Amando Zaragoza, Basilio Debuyan, and Alfonso Custioso. Sipalay became the chief advocate for the southern district separation movement.

The term Sipalay came from the old native phrase “si paray” which means “there is rice,” in which rice is abundantly growing and freely traded. During that time many Chinese traders came here to trade rice. These Chinese traders could not pronounce the letter “R” in the word paray, believe to played a big role disseminating the term Sipalay which later on became the town’s name.

What to expect:

Silapay is perfectly a hideaway for nature lover, adventurer, beachcombers and divers. Bounded by Sulu Sea on the west, its crystal clear water is a tempting retreat. It hosts forty two dive sites and several shipwrecks including the sunken S/S Panay during World War II. Stalagmites and stalactites from numerous cave abound the coastal and upland areas of Sipalay, is an additional spice to its beauty. Beaches of Nauhang (Sugar Beach) and Punta Ballo are perfect place for eco-tour, adventure, and relaxing. A few minutes boat ride from the city proper is a marine protected area, Campomanes Bay, host the city eco-port and two shipwrecks. To make a worth visit, one must experience the Pasaway sa Sipalay Festival. This is celebrated every last week of March which is also the town’s charter anniversary.

Attractions:

Campomanes Bay Photo by: markstravelandadventure from flickr

Philex Gold Mines - Located at Brgy. Nabulao, it is one of the special destinations ideal for industrial tour. A training center and condominium were some of its amenities. The area is 15 kilometers away from the national road.

Maricalum Mines - A two kilometers away from the highway. It has an open pit that looks like a big lagoon. It has a complete facility before like school, wet market, hospital and an airship until it was shutdown. The place is accessible all year round. 

Tinagong Dagat - Tinagong dagat is a local term which means "hidden sea" which is surrounded by islets and green hills. Naturally formed corals were its main attraction. The place is accessible during dry season. 

Campomanes Bay - The place is perfect for nature lover and adventure traveler. Several water sports can be done at Campomanes including artistic diving, easy diving, kayaking, snorkeling, jet skiing, boating and island hopping. The bay has an eco-port which can cater small to medium size sea craft. What makes Campomanes interesting is that shipwrecks are just around the bay. It is one of the favorite tourist attractions in the city. 

Malinab Lagoon - A hectare wide freshwater lagoon. It is ideal for picnics, fishing and family bonding. Malinab Lagoon is located at Brgy. Mamboroto.

Mamara Cave - Another attraction in Brgy. Mamboroto which is 25 minutes’ drive from the city proper and another 10-15 minutes hike to reach the cave. 

Matlag Cave - It was discovered in 1972 and during the road construction to Punta Ballo on 1992. The cave is not totally explored. Only 5% of it was reached by human due to the gaping hole in its entrance.

Canturay Mangrove Plantation 

Photo by: http://s2kd.blogspot.com/

Sugar Beach - A 20 minute boat ride is a long stretch sugary light brown sand beach. It was formerly called Langub Beach. Several resorts can be found along the stretch like Taka tuka Beach and Diving Resort, Bermuda Beach Resort, Driftwood Village Resort, Sulu Sunset Resort, and Langub Beach Resort. 

Punta Ballo Beach - Blessed with white sand and crystal clear water, Puntal Ballo hosts first class diving resorts and several accommodations. Located at Brgy. IV which is a 3o minutes ride from the city proper. Punta Ballo is one of the frequently visited tourist attraction in Sipalay.

Festivals: 

Pasaway sa Sipalay - Pasaway sa Sipalay is an annual celebration held every last week March. It showcases streetdancing and merry making as participants from seventeen barangays were clad in mardigras and exotic costumes in the semblance of copper minerals.

Handurawon Fetival - An annual fiesta celebration to commemorate the official declaration of Sipalay as a town in 1948. The festival is held every December 18-20.

Accomodations: 

note: The list below was taken from http://tourism.negros-occ.gov.ph/places-to-go/cities/sipalay-city/

Artistic Diving and Beach Resort Punta Ballo, Brgy. IV, Sipalay City Contact Person/s: Arthur & Evalyn Mueller Cell #: +63194095594 Landline #: (034) 453-27-10 Website: www.artisticdiving.com E-mail Add: info@artisticdiving.com Total # of cottages: 16 (4 villas, 4 dive lodge, 6 deluxe rooms, and 2 family rooms) Capacity: 55 pax Easy Diving and Beach Resort Punta Ballo, Brgy. IV, Sipalay City Contact Person: Christian Reinwald Cell #: +639189792804, +639104926622 Website: www.sipalay.com E-mail Add: diving@sipalay.com Total # of rooms: 22 (20 aircon, 2 non-aircon) Capacity: 48 pax Nataasan Beach Resort Punta Ballo, Brgy. IV, Sipalay City Contact Person/s: Lou & Joyce Simkins,John & Gisela Allertz Cell #: +639216119107 Landline #: (034) 453-89-36 Website: www.nataasan.com E-mail Add: nataasan@aol.com Total # of rooms: 8 Capacity: 32 pax Robinson @ Cruse Beach Resort (Special Interest Resort) Punta Ballo, Brgy. IV, Sipalay City Contact Person/s: Jozsef and Elmie Lakatos Cell #: +63208890139, +639203318508 Website: www.robinsoncruse.com E-mail Add: robinsoncruse@sipalay.com Total # of rooms: 8 Capacity: 25 pax Takatuka Lodge and Dive Resort (Special Interest Resort) Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay City Contact Person’s: Evarose, Marc, Cathy, and Kalle Kalitta Cell #: +639202309174, +639206792349 Website: www.takatuka-lodge.com E-mail add: relax@takatuka-lodge.com Total # of rooms: 9 Capacity: 25 pax Bermuda Beach Resort (Special Interest Resort) Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay City Contact Person/s: Francis and Zenaida Buchwalder Cell #: +639205292582, +639195913805 Website: www.bermuda-beach-resort.com E-mail: francis.buchwalder@bluewin.ph Total # of rooms: 10 Capacity: 28 pax Tawhay Beach Resort Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay City Contact Person/s: Norma Hubscher/Eriberto Enriquez Cell #: +639292976554 Total # of rooms: 8 Capacity: 45 pax

Driftwood Village Resort (Special Interest Resort) Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay City Contact Person: Peter and Daisy Ganz Cell No. 09202529474 Website: www.driftwood-village.com Email Ad: info@driftwood-village.com LANGUB BEACH RESORT Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay City Contact Person: Redemy Palic Cell Phone #: 09185738952 Total # of Cottages: 17 cottages (8 aircon, 9 non-aircon) Capacity: 66 Sulu Sunset Sugar Beach, Brgy. Nauhang, Sipalay City Contact Person/s: Jurgen Fahrner Cell Phone #: +63 9197167182 Website: www.sulusunset.com Email: mail@sulusunset.com Total # of rooms: 9 (3 bungalows, 1 family room, 2 economy rooms, 3 standard rooms) Capacity: 24 pax Campomanes Beach Resort Brgy. Mariclaum, Sipalay City Contact Person: Linda Balag Cell Phone #: + 63 9076432233 Total # of rooms: 12 rooms Capacity: 69 pax Aussie Inn Brgy. 3, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental Contact Person: Jessan Palaraw Cell Phone #: +63 9392001055 Landline: 034 473-0611 Total # of rooms: 11 Capacity: 22 Langub Pension Brgy. 1, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental Contact Person: Redemy Palic Cell Phone #: +63 9185738952 Email: langub_beachresort@yahoo.com Total # of rooms: 13 (6 aircon, 7 non-aircon) Capacity: 32 pax Manna Pension Brgy. 1, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental Contact: Asunce Clarito/Elsie Villaflor Cell Phone #: 09197754391 Total # of rooms: 13 (3 aircon, 10 non-aircon) Capacity: 28 pax Matlag Farm House Brgy. IV, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental Contact Person: Anthony and Judith Nicolas Cell Phone #: + 63 9208881200 Total # of rooms: 10 (4 aircon and 6 non-aircon) Capacity: 20 pax Sipalay Suites (DOT-Accredited) Mercedez Blvd., Brgy. 1, Sipalay City Contact Person: Mrs. Jane Montilla Cell Phone #: + 63 9269248410 Telephone #: (034) 473-0350 Website: www.sipalaysuites.com Email Ad: sipalaysuites@yahoo.com.ph Total # of rooms: 27 aircon rooms Capacit 8y:2 pax

How To Get There:

Sipalay is almost four hours drive south of Bacolod by public utility vehicle and over three hours by private car.  

Aliwan Fiesta 2018 Schedule of Events

The Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) is once again inviting everyone to witness the hottest and grandest festival this summer. Known as the mother of all festivals in the Philippines, Aliwan Fiesta 2018 is soon to unfold.

This 3-day celebration will set on April 26-28 at Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City. Aliwan Fiesta is country’s most anticipated cultural extravagance which is celebrated annually.

The said event highlights Float Parades, Reyna ng Aliwan, Street Dance Competition ant etc;. So book your tickets and hotel accommodation now if you want to experience this kind of cultural extravagance.

Last year’s champion were Tribu Salognon of Iloilo who also bagged the Best in Costume and Best in Musical accompaniment. This year the hall of famer Tribu Panayanon will once again conquer the dance arena. This is gonna be so exciting!

Aliwan Fiesta 2018 Schedule of Event

April 26 - Opening of Shoppers Bazaar
April 27-     Reyna ng Aliwan Pre Pageant
April 28-  Street Dance Competition

Carbin Reef: The Hidden Jewel of Sagay City

Good day fellas! If ever you’ll gonna visit Negros Occidental Carbin Reef is a must visit place. I will ne sharing to you on how to get there and the fees you will be paying during your day tour in the beautiful Carbin Reef a marine reserve in Sagay City, Negros Occidental. Carbin Reef is a 200-hectare marine sanctuary with tongue-shape sand bar with white sand made of coral rubbles. Its white sand is not as fine as of Boracay yet the crystal clear water is best for swimming and snorkeling.

Photo by: unofficialguide

Carbin Reef is part of the 32,000-hectare Sagay's protected seascape, infrastructure is minimal to maintain the ecological balance of the area. In 1980s it was established as the first fish sanctuary. Nature lover and beach enthusiast would surely fell in love with its simplicity and its serenity. The place is quite and not crowded as they only limit 100 persons per day to visit the reef.

Photo by: unofficialguide

How to get to Carbin Reef:

Sagay is approximately 2 hours drive via PUV and private car. From Bacolod North bound terminal look for Sagay , San Carlos and Minapasok bound bus. Bus bound to this places would stop at the Sagay terminal just tell the conductor to drop you or tell you if you are already at the Sagay terminal. From Sagay terminal look for yellow tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at Old Sagay Tourism office the pantalan is just a few steps away. Register at the tourism office and pay for your entrance, boat and cottage.

Where to Stay:

For safety reasons, the tourism office of Sagay is not allowing overnight stay in Carbin Reef. Tourists can only stay in the sandbar until 4:00 PM. If ever you want to stay longer in Sagay, there are several inns, pension house and hotels in the city proper.

Rates:

Entrance Fee: 20.00
Kayak: 100.00
Tents: 300.00 – 600.00

Pumpboat Rates (Roundtrip)

1 to 5 Persons        1,000
6 to 10 Persons.     1,200
11 to 15 Persons    1,500
16 to 20 Persons    1,700

Notes:

If ever you are planning to visit Carbin Reef please book ahead to secure your tents and entrance. They only allow 100 guest per day to secure that the sandbar will not be abused. Walk ins are welcome but during summer it will be difficult if you don’t book ahead of time. You must bring your own food and water. There is no available store in the sandbar. Bring in bring out policy.

The tourism office will provide the permit, boat transfer and reserve your tents. Also don’t forget to put your life vest when your heading to the sand bar. During our visit they don’t provide us with life vest but upon reading their fliers, it is stated that the passengers must put the life vest while onboard.

Old Sagay is also the jump off point going to Bantayan, Cebu.

For booking and Inquiries:

Sagay City Tourism and Information Office: 488-0649
Sagay Marine Reserve Office: 488-0101
Email Address: inquiry@sagay-city.com.ph / sagaycityinfo@yahoo.com

Villas by Eco Hotel in Batangas

Villas by Eco Hotel in Mataas Na Kahoy, Batangas‼️👍🏽

It’s just an hour and a half drive from Makati or 2-3 hours from Manila by commute. This new place in Batangas will give you a peaceful & relaxing quick getaway from the city. Visit Villas for a day and experience the exquisite view of Taal Volcano. The day tour is available from 8am-5pm and includes lunch + pool access for only Php 499.00

Expenses: not more than 500 pesos (back & forth) fare already.

• Cubao - Batangas (132)
• Tambo - Mataas Na Kahoy (13)
• Tricycle going Eco Hotel (80) one person if you’re 2 or more less expenses by individual.

How to get there?

• Ride a bus from Cubao bound to Batangas.
• Ride a jeepney from Tambo to Mataas Na Kahoy. Alight in 7-11, take tricycle and mention ECO at Balok-balok. Most drivers already knows ECO.

• With Car: Just download the apps waze. They are already in waze.

Ammenities, Services & More:

• Pet friendly hotel but please limit the size of the dog up to 5 kilos only.
• Each room have bluetooth speaker, binocular, safety box, mini ref with beverages (with corresponding charges on consumption).
• They have trecking & boat ride to taal crater. Inside the property, not much. They have two stationary bikes for guests to use.
• Strictly No Smoking Inside The Property.
• Day Tour for only 300 pesos per head but No Meal. But don’t you worry, the meal costs around 250 pesos. No entrance fee.
• For standard room with massage it is 6,499 (Good For 2) Overnight Stay. Plus free access on their infinity pool. The standard room is okay up to 3 persons with No Extra Person Charge but with Extra Bed Charge for 750 pesos.
• All the therapists are DOH accredited.
• Personalized service from the staff, that’s one thing others do not have.

So, What are you waiting for? BOOK with them today and experience the serenity of Villas by Eco Hotel in Mataas Na Kahoy, Batangas!

For more details and inquiries, please call them at 881-5318 to 19 or send an email to info@ecohotels.com.ph

©️: Info by Mr. James Castillo & 📸: on their official facebook page.

Places You Must Visit This Holy Week 2018

Lent season (kwaresma) had just started last Wednesday, started it with ash smudge in foreheads in the shape of cross. Reminding us of Christ's passion from his suffering to death and resurrection. Lent is a forty days tradition of solemn prayers. Holy Week (Semana Santa) is one of the longest holidays in the Philippines. It started from Palm Sunday, which commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem, to black Saturday, then Easter Sunday.

We Filipinos is very rich in culture and tradition but as time gone by, we slowly forgot those traditions that makes us unique and renowned. Now that we are in the age of modern world where everything is already computerized and very high technology, we forgot the essence that God created us to govern everything that He has created. But instead, we are governed by what man has created.

Part of Filipino culture to take advantage of long holidays during Holy Week. It is one of the best moment to give quality time to family and love ones. But remember that Holy Week is not a vacation holiday but a days of prayer, abstinence, penitence, repentance, fasting and forgiving. Let us remember how Jesus Christ suffer and died to free us from sins. Lets enriched this long traditions so that next generations will see and continue this kind of tradition.What we disregard today might be the lost of tomorrow.

Here are some places to visit to spend Holy Week:

Bathing Ritual in Paete, Laguna

Nestled in the foothills of Sierra Madre by the coast of Laguna de Bay. Famous for woodcarvings where the place was derived "Paet"(chisel). Spectacular celebration of Holy Week in Paete starts on Palm Sunday. On Holy Wednesday the pre-Spanish ritual of the century old wooden image Santo Sepulkro (dead body of Christ) was given a bathing rites after a "pabasa"(a singing of Christ's life and passion). The body is washed with coconut wine and agua de cologne in the kubol (a kind of tent). The image is smoked with charcoal and incense for exactly five hours. The devotees slide their legs and feet inside the kubol while chanting prayers and devotional supplications.This ritual is not only practiced in Paete but also in other towns in the Philippines but the ritual in Paete is unique.

Marinduque Moriones festival

Courtesy of visitmarinduque.com

   

Marinduque is very popular destination during lent season because of its Moriones Festival. Moriones came from the word "Morion" which means "mask". Moriones is the reenactment of the story of Longinus, the Roman centurion who was blind in one eye, who pierced Jesus in the cross and believed that was converted to Christian.

Live Crucifixions: San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga

Courtesy of http://mithunonthe.net

Witness true re enactment of Christ passion and crucifixions in Cutud, San Fernando. This solemn tradition of Kapampangans is a more than 50 years old. Thousand of spectators gather to witness this event every year. Dozens of hooded flagellants walking around and beating their bloody back with bamboo floggers as a sign of penance. This extreme mortification tradition during Good Friday at Cutud commemorate Jesus sacrifices for us.

Monasterio de Tarlac, Tarlac

The Philippines is very blessed to house the Arqueta encasing the relic of the Cross of Christ . The relic came from the Diocese of Essen, Germany. The relic is enshrined within the Eco-tourism Park of Tarlac. Pilgrims come to the monastery to pray their personal intentions. Also a 30-foot risen Christ facing the valley and mountain ranges in the west can be seen in the monastery.

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

Courtesy: leeaboutourdoors.blogspot.com

It is an exact replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France. It features a mock hill calvary where life-sized statue depicts the passion and death of Jesus Christ. During Lent season Grotto is very crowded. Thousands of devotees come to grotto for their vows and render devotion. As i was staying at Marilao Bulacan i could remember how busy is the streets from Tabing- Ilog, Marilao Bulacan to San Jose del Monte. People of all ages walk on their way to the Grotto as a sign of devotion.

Manila Visita Iglesia

Photo by: digitalphotographer.com.ph

digitalphotographer.com.ph#sthash.PHe3g7Fy.dpuf

Visita Iglesia or Church Visit is one of the religious activity that most Filipino Catholic engage in.In the past years,Visita Iglesia is usually done on Maundy Thursday, but today it is celebrate in any day within the Holy week. In general practice is to visit seven churches and recite the station of the cross while in the church. As there is 14 stations, two stations in every church. Why seven churches? it is an early Christian practice of visiting seven great Basilicas in Rome.

Below are the list of churches you can visit

*Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral)

*Our Lady of Abandoned Parish (Sta. Anna Church)

*Shrine of Our Lady of Correa (San Agustin church)

*Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church)

*Sta. Cruz parish

*Minor Basilica of San Sebastian

*Minor Basilica of Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church)

*Our Lady of Remedios Parish (Malate Church)

San  Vicente Ferrer (Vito Church) Sagay City

Courtesy of : pinoychurches.wordpress.com

 Nestled along the coastline of Sagay City facing the Molocaboc Island, Vito Church in Negros Occidental is few of the places to visit during Holy Week. Thousands of pilgrims visited it every lent season to pray and ask for healing. People visited Vito Church specially those who are ill to ask for healing. Religious tradition practiced in Vito is the "palapak" , wherein the statue of St. Vincent Ferrer is slightly pressed on the head of the devotee. Thus the word palapak was taken from "lapak" which means "to step on" in Hiligaynon. Best time to visit the church is first Friday of the month to witness the the religious tradition.