PLACES | Victorias City the City of Victory
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| Courtesy: www.lakatan.info |
Early History
The city is already a settlement even before the Spaniards came. Aborigenes of the place were Negritos. When Spaniards came they named it as Malihaw due to vast and abuntantly growing Malihaw trees in the riverbanks. Barrio Malihaw is a fishing village that later became a pueblo or town, it was ruled by Capitan Gregorio Conlu. He was married to Faustina Gosiaco ( Capitana Tutang).One day, the household of Capitan Conlu was robbed by the Moros and Tulisanes. He and his secretary, Alfonso Pachera were able to escape and his beloved wife together with their servant Micay were left and brought aboard the sailboat by Moros. The boat immediately sailed across the sea. Capitana Tutang was asked by the Moro if they could swim, they answered they could not. They thrown overboard Capitana tutang and Mikay to the sea without knowing they are good swimmers. Moros expected they will be drowned and departed.
Both of them were strugling in the water and suddenly Capitana Tutang saw a beautiful lady that she believed was the Blessed Virgin Mary. As soon as they got home she promised herself to buy an image of the lady who helped them, but took her several months to purchase the image in Barcelona Spain. Although she could not specify the image she wanted, Nuestra Senora de las Victorias were sent to her.
The Making of Victorias
Because of miraculous incedent happened to Capitana Tutang, towns men enjoined Capitan Goryo to ask the Governor for the change of towns name. With the Governors consent the town was named as Victorias which means "victory" by Father Casimiro Hinolan in honor of their patron saint Nuestra Senora de las Victorias. By the year 1900s, 20 hectares of land was donated to the Municipality of Victorias which is now the present town by Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña, a Philantrophist of Chinese ancestry.
It was on October 31, 1907 when the Official seat of Government from Malihaw now called Daan Banwa ( old town) were transfer to its new Municipal building. Later on February 11, 1998, the Municipality of Victorias became a Component City under the Republict Actn No. 8488 signed into law by the President Fidel V. Ramos. The signing was witnessed by Hon. Mayor Severo Acuña Palanca, key officials and members of the Senate and the House of Congress at Malacañan Palace. Henceafter, a yearly celebration which is called Kadalag-an festival were held every March 21.
Festivals
Kadalag-an festival, a week-long celebration that highlights every 21st of March in commemoration of Victoria's Cityhood. Celebrated annualy along with the Search kadalag-an Queen, Street and Arena dance competition. Kadalag-an which means "victory", victory that symbolizes the triumph against adversities and hindrance thats slows the pace of its development.
Malihaw Festival, is an annual fiesta in celebration of their patron saint Nuestra Senora de las Victorias. Celebrated every April 26. The fluvial parade in the shoreline of the City is the main highlight of this event.
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| Gawahon Falls Courtesy: http://ph.geoview.info/ |
Tourist Spots
First on the list is the very well known Gawahon Eco-Park. Elevated 800m above sea level. Nestled within Northern Negros Forest Reserved, the last forest frontier of the Negros Island which also have the largest watershed in the province. Within the eco-park is the Gawahon falls that has seven natural pristine water falls that trekkers, climbers and nature lovers will truely loved. The cool breeze of the wind, the scenic view of the place and the primary growth forest will unwind and refresh you. Facilities like rooms, cottages, open shed house and picnic cabanas is open for rent and they still adding more facilities for the convenince of the tourist and guests.
The Sprawling Victorias Milling Company ( VMC ), considered to be Asias biggest integrated sugar mill and refinery in the world which was established on 1919. More than 7000 hectares that houses its self-contained agro-industrial complex within the compound. VMC was the first sugar mill in the country to earn ISO 9002 certification.
VMC golf and country club, which rest within the Milling Company. It has 18 golf hole course.
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| The Antique Steam Locomotive Coutesy by: pinoygolfer.com |
Church of St. Joseph the Worker, rest at the heart of Victorias Milling Company. The church is very popular because of its Angry Christ Mural a "craggy- faced Christ in psychedelic colors. It was done by Alfonso Ossorio, artist-son of VMC founder Don Miguel Ossorio. The church is also unique because it is the only church in Negros that depicts Filipino liturgical arts.
Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral,considered as one of the biggest church in Visayas and in Mindanao. It is a monumental edifice in Canetown Subdivision.
The Victorias Public Plaza, famed as it was one of the most beautiful plaza in the Province. Surrounded by well landscape horticulture plants. It houses an amphitheater, skating rink, SK pavillion and Senior Citizens pavilion. Added attraction to the plaza was the small lagoon with a man made water falls.
How to Get There?
It is a 34 kilometers from the City of Smile Bacolod. A 40 to 45 minutes travel via public utility vehecles or private car.
Best Time to Visit Victorias.
March is the best time. Witness the Kadalag-an Festival and it was the start of summer season, perfect to vist the Gawahon Falls.
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