Philippine Travel Advisor

If you are looking for a unique dinning experience Punong Gary's Place in Silay City , Negros Occidental is a perfect place to go. The place offers not only great food but also serene ambiance. Punong Gary's Place is an Asian Fusion restaurant that serves five course-plated meal from appetizer, salad, soup, main course and dessert.  The Punong is not a usual “fishpond” we normally see. The place is inspired in a Balinese Oasis surrounded by old big trees like narra, coconut, mahogany, lunok, rubber and bamboo. Punong Gary's Place is designed by the owner itself – Nonoy Ledesma, an architect by profession. Managed by his daughter Bing and her husband Chef Joey Benin. Joey Benin is a former Side A member, singer and songwriter. He was famous in his composition of “forevermore” that was used as a theme song in the hit series of the hottest love team – Liza Soberano and Enrique Gill. Sounds very interesting right? Now back to the topic, Nonoy Ledesma inj...

Located in the western part of Negros Island, Negros Occidental is known for its colorful and diverse festivals in which the world famous Masskara Festival is one of the most awaited festival every 3rd week of October. The province is approximately 375 kilometers long from south to north and known as the sugar bowl of the Philippines. Colorful festivals was part of Negros Occidental's cities and municipalities.  This is how the province gave thanks for the good harvest, city or municipalities charter days and veneration of Saints. Let me now introduce to you the best, culturally unique and colorful festivals of Negros Occidental. Bacolod City      * Masskara Festival -  Bacolod City is known as the city o smile. The home of Masskara festival. The festival is simply world class and unique. It is a combination of two words "Mass" which means many and a Spanish word "Kara" for face. It was conceptualized during the downfall of sugar industry and the ...

The city of Guihulngan houses several natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Maybe you’ll be one of the first person to visit and experience this hidden jewels of Guihulngan. Guihulngan is a component city in the northern part of Negros Oriental. Composed of 33 barangays and a total population of 95,000, according to the 2010 census. Guihulngan City has so much to offer. Aside from the Hinakpan Hills which resembles to that of Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Kansalakan Enchanted River is gaining popularity in social media. Its crystal clear water is very inviting and very charming. Kansalakan Enchanted River is also similar to that of Hinatuan Enchanted River o f Surigao del Sur. They both possess weird stories though. According to the story from the locals many lives had been taken and their souls became the guardian of the river. Having a natural shape and design make Kansalakan unique. One can enjoy the natural pool with underwater swim. The river have its deepest part...

The affluence of sugar industry made Silay and Silaynon rich. Palatial mansions built by affluent families has been a living testament of how Silaynon lived during their heyday. Cultural heritage has been well preserved up to this day, the proof of which are the 29 plus surviving ancestral houses. Silay is acclaimed as the "Paris de Negros." Also considered as the Seat of Arts, Culture and Ecotourism in Western Visayas and declared as a Museum City. HISTORY SPANISH COLONIZATION The first settlement in Negros is “Carobcob,” founded in 1565. It serves as the landmark and civilization in Silay. It is a village by the sea formerly situated between the present barangay Balaring properand Sitio Bungol. Villagers make a living through scratching for “Tuway” shells which were abundant in the shores. Thus, Spaniards named the place Carobcob because of the occupation of the people. To date nothing is left as it was devastated by the typhoons. On January 25, 1571, Carob...

Bacolod City is the capital of Negros Occidental, it is the largest highly urbanized mid-size Philippine city in the province. Bacolod City is also one of the best destinations in the Philippines. The city offers great food, great places, renowned festivals, serene community and off course very hospitable people. It is also dubbed as the "City of Smiles." Bacolod is home to MassKara Festival, an annual celebration held every third week of October. This renowned festival is one of the most awaited festivals not only in the province of Negros but also the whole Philippines! Profile Land Area:  15,610.00 hectares Classification:  Highly Urbanized City No. of Barangays:  61 Barangays – (41 Urban, 20 Rural) Population:  429,076 (May 1, 2000) – 453,873 (2005 Projection) Language:  Hiligaynon/Ilonggo/English is spoken and understood Website:   www.bacolodcity.gov.ph How To Get There Bacolod City is 55 minutes from Manila by air, with  Ph...

Imagine yourself sipping unlimited cup of coffee while enjoying sea of cl ouds in Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), Negros Occidental. Or Maybe watch the sunset and moonrise right on their balcony and mountain ranges as your backdrop! It is really possible if you can pay a visit to Jomax Peak . The place will surely give you a memorable and indelible experience. Although it is not as spectacular as Mt. Pulag and Sagada but it is great alternative. The place is very accessible. Its picture perfect location is very promising and the place is a sight to behold. The cold weather and the scenic view is a great way to commune with nature and spend quality time with family and loved ones. Jomax Peak is a place for you to relax and get rid from the pollution of the metro. Find peace and serenity while enjoying a panoramic view of the lush mountains and say hi to Mt. Canlaon from afar. This new haven is must visit place whenever you're in the province. Happened to be placed in...

Bacolod, dubbed as the “ City of Smiles.” It is home of the renowned MassKara Festival. A colorful and festive celebration which is held every third week of October annually. Bacolod is a progressive city and the capital of Negros Occidental. This travel guide is not limited to the city itself. We will also featuring nearby towns and cities for your side trips. Among its neighboring cities, Silay is a notable one. It is known as the “ Seat of Art and Culture “ in Negros. It is also dubbed as the “ Paris of Negros.” HOW TO GET TO BACOLOD Bacolod is an hour away by plane from Manila via International Airport situated in Silay City. Air conditioned vans and taxis awaiting the airport parking lot to downtown Bacolod. An 18 hour ferry service is also regularly plies Manila to Bacolod. GETTING AROUND DURING MASSKARA FESTIVAL Jeepney is the main mode of transportation in Bacolod. Some tourist spots and venue during the festival celebration is a walking distance only. During th...