The 14th Minulu-an Festival of Talisay City

                                                      Photo by: Arnel Dats of Dats Snapshot

It is my second time watching minulu-an festival. Last year it was raining before the competition start. This year it was a sunny afternoon and a good weather greeted every contestants. Though i was late and haven't seen the first performer. I focus on the next until the last. But unlucky i was unable to witness the announcement of winners, it happened that my sister is tired and want to refresh. So we gone home.

Out of 27 Barangays only 8 tribes participate in this year competition. Every contestant give their best to empress the board of judges.The term Minulu-an was the old name of the city. The story evolve in a very brave man who was Kapitan Sabi. He was so brave that he drove away the moro bandits to keep the city safe.

The festival was celebrated every 10th day of September which is also the feast of the city's patron saint San Nicolas de Tolentino.  Talisaynon only shows us how their ancestors live before and how rich is their culture. This year the theme was "Sa Pagpanikasog sang Tanan Bugay nga Naaguman Pasalamatan...Padulong sa Balanse nga Kauswagan." Waswas Bugsay Talisay!.

Here are some of my videos. I was late so i was unable to take good caption sorry guys!

Mt. Silay (Brgy. Patag)

 Enjoy the ride

 As a local here in Silay i always visit Brgy. Patag. A small village  nestled in the foothills of Mt. Mandalagan and Mt. Marapara. Approximately 490 above sea level. It is called "Patag" because the area is flat. The place is perfect  for nature enthusiast and outdoor buffs. Its fresh and cold temperature will entice you to keep coming back. Flora and fauna is abundant in the whole area. If you are traveling from the city proper it may takes 2 to 3hrs. The long and winding road makes you catch your breath as if you were riding a roller coaster when you go up to the mountain. Patag is the last frontier of the Japanese soldiers during World War II. Almost 6,000 Japanese soldiers died in its wilderness and serve as war memorial.

Where to stay:

*Silay Outdoor and Recreation Area: Its always the choice of the most because it is the nearest and the safest area. The area is guarded by Brgy. Police the whole day. In night time they are not accommodating outsiders who are not logged in there log book. The place is always the venue of Jamborees and other big gatherings. The kitchen is very large that it can cater everybody. With an entrance of PHP 10.00, swimming is PHP 30.00 . When you want to rent a room they are charging PHP 80.00 per head. But if you want to save more you can bring your tent and pay PHP 50.00 per day. You can set up your tent at the field, function hall or anywhere at your convenience. Silay Outdoor and Recreation Area is an abandoned hospital. It is the hospital built for Japanese soldiers during World War II. Warning: becareful many experienced ghost stories in that place but luckily i was not one of them. By the way the whole are is wonderful and the staff is accommodating and approachable. Lastly, you can also visit the Japanese Shrine its a nice place just around the area. Also a war artifact at the entrance awaits you when you visit.

                                                 At Silay Outdoor and recreation area

* Ladlad Resort: The resort is located at the foothills so if your from the hospital you need to take a walk atleast 15mins. They have different types of  rooms depends on what you want or you can rent a house. Cottages is also available it range from PHP 250.00 to PHP 500.00. If you are a budget conscious you can bring your tent and pay PHP 100.00 per day. The entrance is PHP 20.00 , pool is PHP 20.00. But, i cannot guarantee bout the safety. I've stay at ladlad several times and luckily nothing happens and nothing stolen from me. I am saying this because there tent don't have a fence so any body can mingle with you. Also the tent area has no light the last time i visit it so if night time you need to bring your flashlight. The place is much colder at night than at hospital because it is elevated area. At early 5pm the fog already occupying the area so be careful not to go everywhere if you are not familiar with the place.

                                                          Ladlad Resort (old Photo)

*Elen Resort: It is a resort before the Ladlad Resort. Elen resort is under construction today but they accommodate visitors. Most of the ares and rooms are underconstruction for beautification . Accommodation , cottages and rooms are almost the same as Ladlad resort.

What to expect:

Well i can say alot of adventures awaits you. Patag caters not just cold weather  but a total package adventure. You can do:
*Skyline for cliff hangers.
* Explore flora and fauna,
*Encounter endemic species such as the spotted dear and several birds that can only be seen here and onl in tha Phillipines. According to orientalbirdimages.org until now more species can be seen in Brgy. Patag.

                                                      Philippine Pgymy Woodpecker

                                                                   Metallic Pigeon

*Visit Japanese underground tunnels.
*Take a photo with war artifacts.

                                                                    War Artifacts
*Visit the friendship shrine that commemorates the heroism of the WWII veterans.
 *Sullfur springs.
*Enchanted caves and
*Several waterfalls like pulang tubig (red water). A waterfall that according to legend , many died in that area thats why it was called pulang tubig which means red water. But the truth behind that legend is the red stones that reflects in water which makes the water becomes red.

                                                                    Pulang Tubig
* Another waterfall is dumalabdab falls.
*The dam is also a must visit water fall. Before it was planned to operate the dam to supply electricity but it was not operational today. The place has a couple of waterfalls that will make you enjoy the place. Make sure to ask for a guide if you want to visit those waterfalls its so dangerous and the way is so narrow and slippery.

                                                                       Scene at Dam
* Another great place to visit is the tinagong dagat. You must prepare yourself if you want to get there the place is about 6 hrs. from the proper of Brgy. Patag. The place is so magnificent that will replenish your  your body soul. Local said that it is enchanted because there are times that the whole area is filled with water (remember it is a mountain). So make sure it is summer when you plan to visit the place.

       
                                                                  Tinagong Dagat

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The Old Port of Silay City

When i was a child i always seen the old wharf every time we gone boating and when we visit the coastal area if we want to get sea shells. My first impression was it was supposed to be a bridge connecting Negros island to Panay island. It is located at Brgy. Mambulak. According to elders it was a project of Pres. Marcos as i always encounter stories like that. But as i read articles and blogs this months it fascinates me to search the true story behind that ruins. Maybe i grew up in Silay City but no knowledge about this landmark. But today i know what exactly it is and what was it before.

                                                            Photo by: MelGallegos

It was built and completed in 1933. Designed by Lucio Bernasconi an Italian architect who is also responsible of tha San Diego Pro-Cathedral of Silay City. Consider to be the 1st operational seaport in Negros, Occidental and was one of the longest wharf in Asia at that time. It is approximately 1.7 km. This abandoned wharf was used by the province of Negros for transport and commodities trading. During the Japanese occupation it was struck by a bomb and until today we can only see its remnants.

Now, the ruins of the old port is part of the historical landmarks that fascinates everyone who sees it. I dont know if the city have any plans to develop the area. Many photographers and enthusiast drop by and took picture of ruins everytime they visit Silay. Silay was one of the featured City in Asia Travel Mag in the past years.

How to get there: DIY via Barrio Mambulak.  You can ask a tricycle driver to bring you at the ruins of the old port and they know it. You can also visit the Tourism Office of Silay City located at Silay City Civic Center to get a guide or directions. Dont hesitate to ask. Silaynon is friendly. You can also visit Sunburst Bay Resort its also a good spot to see the ruins from afar.