Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery: Only in Bacolod City

I pass by this intersection everyday for almost a year already yet I still wonder why the Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery is right smack in the middle of the street. The privately owned cemetery is actually in the Guinness Book of World Records as “the only cemetery in the world at the intersection of two highways”.

The  Familia Luzuriaga Cemetary is an island of Lopez Jaena Street which intersects with Burgos Street. This intersection is locally called Bangga Patyo. The cemetery belongs to a prominent clan in Negros, the Ruiz de Luzuriaga family. The first Ruiz de Luzuriaga in Negros was Don Eusebio Ruiz de Luzuriaga who settled in Bacolod City in 1840 after he exiled himself from Spain. His son, Jose Ruiz de Luzuriaga, later became an important figure in the Negros Revolution or the Al Cinco de Noviembre. In fact, the location of the Bacolod City Hall used to be the hacienda house of Don Jose Ruiz de Luzuriaga and was donated to the city government.  Other prominent members of the clan include movie director Peque Gallaga.

I don’t know the history of the cemetery and how it ended where it is right now.  For the benefit of those who haven’t been to the place, I copied an image from Google Maps where I also placed additional labels. A closer look at the image revealed that the intersection is surrounded by graves. To the east of the Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery is the Bacood Public Cemetery. Across the public cemetery is the mausoleum of the Lopez Family. Then to the west of the Luzuriaga Cemetery is the mausoleum of Jayme-Gamboa family.

These additional information led me to ask several questions. What came first, the Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery or the streets? Was the cemetery placed right in the middle of the street to give honor to the family who contributed a lot to Bacolod City? Or was the cemetery already there before the roads were  constructed but was allowed to remain in its location in reverence to the clan?

Only a family member would probably know the history of the cemetery. The mystery just adds to its charm and people like me would always wonder how in the world a cemetery was made into an island? Indeed, the Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery is for the books.

MassKara Festival: From a First-Timer’s Point of View

Been living here in Bacolod City for almost five years now but I haven’t watched MassKara Streetdance live on the streets, not even once. I can be a killjoy sometimes, preferring the peace and quiet of Mambukal over the revelry of MassKara Festival. This year was different, I decided to be where the action was, right there on the streets of Bacolod. A decision that made me look at MassKara from a different perspective.

It was supposed to be just a meet-up with fellow forumers of Skyscrapercity Bacolod thread. Eventually, I ended up joining our small “coverage team” of the streetdance competition. I, with my little point and shoot camera, was there on the streets, brushing elbows with professional photographers. We have IDs mind you, and even more powerful than those of the media.

The wide expanse of Araneta Street was already crowded with spectators. I was expecting a mob but it was very orderly. When told to move back to give dancers enough space, the crowd obliged.

I forgot to bring sunblock but I didn’t mind getting sunburned, it was the least of my worries. Taking pictures and enjoying the event was more important. The costumes were very colorful and although it looked as though dancing with a mask and headdress was a breeze, I’m sure it’s not. I heard that some costumes weigh as much as 4 kg.

This year’s MassKara Festival music was all instruments, which is a welcome relief. Although it was a rehash of the previous year’s music, without the vocals especially the rap, it sounded better. I agree with what most people say, a live music would bring MassKara to a higher level. This will also give MassKara a chance to participate in the Aliwan Festival.

We spent hours of under the sun and running around with the dancers, still you won’t hear us complain. How can we? We’re covering one of Philippine’s most colorful festivals, up close and personal. I’m not even intimidated that others carry powerful and expensive cameras. My photos may not be as good as theirs but the memories they conjure are as beautiful.

Aside from the streetdance along Araneta Street, another attraction was the Electric MassKara parade along Lacson Street. Here, streetdancers wore colorful costumes and masks with lights. After the parade, it’s party time! Yes, it’s true. When Bacoleños party, they party hard. I’ve never seen as many bandstands in one street as I did during MassKara.

Lacson, Araneta and the Public Plaza were all crowded yet you’ll feel safe. Good thing there’s no more videoke in kiosks at the Public Plaza, only food and drinks were allowed. There’s also a lot of policemen roving the streets so the crowd were all there to enjoy without having to worry about their safety.

It was tiring, I admit but I had so much fun that I thought I wore my smile like a mask the whole time. Where I was a TV viewer before, this year I was taking part in the festivities. Like a small piece of the puzzle, somehow I felt without me, MassKara wouldn’t have been as fabulous. I hope everybody who took part in the festivities felt the same way. May you be part of the crowd or one of the organizers, the success of MassKara Festival was not only because of the local government and the organizers.

It was the success of everybody, especially the people of Bacolod who despite all the adversities in life still find the reasons to smile. That is how MassKara Festival started. Until hope remains in the hearts of the people, that is enough reason to smile and for MassKara to continue. Next year, the 30th MassKara Festival, you will still find me there on the streets of Bacolod. I hope to see you there too.

Palmetto Floor Plans

Today I talked with a staff of St. Rafael Dev elopement Corp. (SRDC), the developer of Palmetto, and asked him for a copy of the floor plans for the proposed condominium units. As of now, no pricing is available although he told me that prices may start at P4M per unit and the minimum floor area is 120 sq.m. If you want to be prioritized once selling starts, you pay P10,000 reservation fee. This is refundable and deductible from the total cost of the unit.

True to what Mr. Felino Palafox announced during the launching of Palmetto, the units feature wide windows and balcony. Mr. Palafox said that this is the trend after 911 when people got more conscious for their safety. According to him study shows that the more visible you are to your neighbors, the safer you will be.

Wait for more updates on this blog or you can contact SRDC at 433-7308 to 11.

Palmetto Linear Park Development Plan

Palmetto Floor Plan for Cluster 1

Palmetto Floor Plan for Cluster 2

Palmetto Floor Plan for 3rd Floor, 3rd Floor Mezzanine and Roof Deck

2008 Masskara Festival Winners

Thousands trooped to the streets of Bacolod, braving the heat and the crowd, to watch the Streetdancing Competition of the 2008 MassKara Festival. They were not disappointed as dancers in colorful costumes and smiling masks performed to well choreographed and synchronized moves.

It was my first time to watch MassKara Festival live in the streets and I had a great time. The color and festivity really gets to you that you would want to join the street dancers in their revelry. Indeed, Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival is one, if not the most colorful festival of the Philippines.

Bacoleños and tourists were treated to three days of street dancing and fabulous costumes from the contestants of the Schools, Barangay and Open Categories. The Electric Masskara Streetdancing along Lacson Street is also a crowd drawer. The street was so crowded that organizers had a hard time controlling the crowd thus the Electric Masskara was late to start.

Many observed that the 29th Masskara Festival is the best so far. Considering this is the eve of the 30th Masskara Festival, people will surely expect more in the 2009 Masskara Festival.

Here are the list of winners for 2008 Masskara Festival.

School Category

Elementary Level

Grand Prize: Rafael Alunan Elementary School
First Runner Up: Jose Gonzaga Elementary School
Second Runner Up: Rizal Elementary School

Special Awards:

Best in Costume: Rafael Alunan Elementary School
Best in Mask: Jose Gonzaga Elementary School
Best in Concept: Rizal Elementary School
Best in Choreography: Rizal Elementary School
Best in Call and Response: Mandalagan Elementary School

Secondary Level

Grand Prize: Domingo Lacson National High School
First Runner Up: Bacolod City National High School
Second Runner Up: Alangilan National High School

Special Awards:

Best in Costume: Handumanan National High School
Best in Mask: Handumanan National High School
Best in Concept: Domingo Lacson National High School
Best in Choreography: Alangilan National High School
Best in Call and Response: Handumanan National High School

Electric Masskara

Grand Prize: Barangay Villamonte
First Runner Up: Barangay 33
Second Runner Up: Barangay Singcang-Airport

Barangay Category

Grand Prize: Barangay Bata
First Runner Up: Barangay Mandalagan
Second Runner Up: Barangay 23

Special Awards:

Best in Costume: Barangay Mandalagan
Best in Mask: Barangay 30
Best in Concept: Barangay Bata
Best in Choreography: Barangay Bata
Best in Call and Response: Barangay Mandalagan

Open Category

Grand Prize: Barangay Mandalagan
First Runner Up: Barangay Villamonte
Second Runner Up: Barangay 23

Special Awards:

Best in Costume: Barangay Villamonte
Best in Mask: Barangay Mandalagan
Best in Concept: Barangay 23
Best in Choreography: Barangay Villamonte
Best in Call and Response: Barangay Villamonte

Vega Crowned MassKara Queen 2008

Jan Maricris Vega bested nine contestants when she was crowned MassKara Queen 2008 in the coronation night held at the PNB Compound, Lacson St., Bacolod City. Krystalle Warns was 1st runner-up while Kazumi Mami Sakuma was second runner-up.

This year’s MassKara Queen was different from the previous years since the search was deconstructed into four segments which were held in different dates and venues. The contestants also wore their festival costumes during the parade for the streetdancing competition.

The MassKara Queen will receive a prize of P80,000 cash plus P10,000 bank account; First Runner up will receive P50,000 cash and the Second Runner Up P30,000 cash.

Special Awards

Jan Maricris Vega – Darling of the Press, Best in Interview, Miss SuperFerry and Girl of Ipanema
Krystalle Warns – Miss Congeniality
Kazumi Mami Sakuma – Best in Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic, Miss Ever Bilena, and Miss Natasha
Lalaine Lucasan – Best in Festival Costume and MassKara Queen Cover Girl

Watch out for Starbucks Coffee Bacolod

World famous Starbucks Coffee has finally reached the shores of Sugarlandia. The first Starbucks in Western Visayas will be located at 18th-Lacson St., Bacolod City. This development will further boost the designation of Lacson St. as Tourism Strip of Bacolod City. High end restaurants, bars and coffee shops already line up Lacson St. and the addition of Starbucks will be welcomed by foreigners who are familiar with the international brand.

Construction is currently ongoing for the stand-alone Starbucks branch at Lacson St. It was speculated that Starbucks will open its first branch in Bacolod City at the San Antonio Park Square (SanParq) where Convergys is located. However, with the current construction going on at the Lacson branch, it’s being speculated that the SanParq will be the second branch of Starbucks. This still remains to be seen.

Personally, I’m interested to observe how Starbucks will compete with local favorite Cafe Bob’s which already has loyal patrons and is located quite near Starbucks.

Here are  Starbucks construction updates. Photos courtesy of Tony Manso.

Update: As of October 22, 2008

Did you see the sign? The first Starbucks in Western Visayas coming soon!
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Update: As of November 28, 2008
(Photos courtesy of Bacolodlive.com)

Starbucks opening this December!
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East Point Hotel Construction Updates

The East Point Hotel is the newest addition to Bacolod City hotels. The 5-Storey hotel is located along Circumferential Road near Burgos corner. It’s worth noting that since the New Government Center was constructed along the Circumferential Road, there were a lot developments going east of the city.

Construction of the East Point Hotel is already on the fifth floor so hopefully the building will be completed before the year ends or early next year in time for Panaad Festival.

Here are photo updates courtesy of Tony Manso.

PALumba sa Masskara 2008: A Big Success

The old Bacolod Airport runway still has a good use after all. For three days, October 10-12, 2008, it was packed with a large crowd of drag racing enthusiasts for the PALumba sa MssKara 2008 which is the First National Drag Race.

Racers from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Bacolod City joined in the competition which is hoped to help eliminate illegal drag racing in the streets and give racers a chance to show their skills in the proper venue.

The large turnout of people is an indication that the event was a success and hopefully will be continued in the coming years.

Here are photos of the event courtesy of Annie May Valdez.

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Bacolod City Among Emerging Global Outsourcing Cities

Bacolod online communities are buzzing with the news about a study by CyberMedia s Global Services, titled Top 8 Global Outsourcing Cities. The study shortlisted Bacolod City as one of Tier II cities globally which has a potential to be in the Top 50 Global Outsourcing Cities. This is no doubt an affirmation of Bacolod City as the BPO Hub of Western Visayas with major outsourcing companies locating in the city.

The study  named six Indian cities, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and the national capital region (NCR), Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune among the Top 8 Global Outsourcing Cities. Completing the list are Dublin in Ireland and Makati City in the Philippines. The study also included Cebu City as one of the Top 50 Global Outsourcing Cities.

The report quoted Global Services editor Ed Nair saying, “The concept of an individual location being a ‘one-stop-shop’ has given way to ’smart, multi, selective sourcing’ models, wherein selected processes are outsourced only to the most appropriate destination,”

The study says that the choice where to set up an outsourcing center is determined by factors such as quality of workforce and infrastructure. These factors are already present in Bacolod City. Local Universities and Colleges provide highly-skilled, highly-trainable and English proficient graduates. Special economic zones, IT parks and buildings are likewise already established. These are the same factors which make Bacolod City attractive to PBO companies such as Convergys, Teletech, and Teleperformance already employ thousands of Negrenses and are already planning on expanding.

With President Arroyo’s Cyber Corridor initiative, which include Bacolod, and the support of the local government to the BPO industry, investors are assured of a business-friendly environment.  Moreover, the competitiveness of Bacolod City is already recognized. The local government has been awarded the 2007 Most Business-Friendly Government Unit in the Philippines. The Bacolod IT Focus Team has been awarded 2007 Most Inspiring Business Support Organization by GoNegosyo and its Bacolod IT Investment Program as Best Public Sector Project in Western Visayas in LGU Category.

Welcome to Bacolod, City of the World

Last October 1, no less than the Philippine President Gloria Arroyo officially opened the 29th MassKara Festival. It was a historic event since it was the first in the 29 years of MassKara Festival that a Philippine President graced the occasion.

This year’s theme is “Bacolod, City of the World” truly reflects the recent wave of developments in the city making it a major destination both for leisure and business. President Arroyo herself was very bullish for Bacolod citing it as a major tourism and call center destination inher speech during the MassKara Festival Opening.

To further boost economic growth and tourism in Bacolod and Negros Occidental, President Arroyo led the groundbreaking rites for the construction of a P1.5 billion, 10.12-kilometer access road from Bacolod City to the New Silay-Bacolod Airport in SIlay City. Motorists will be able to save 20 minutes of travel time using the access road compared when traveling via the coastal road. She has likewise directed DPWH  Undersecretary Rafael Yabut to release P200 million to start the construction of the access road.

The President likewise inaugurated the Convergys contact center. The 6,000-square meter facility is located at One SanParq Square and currently employees 700 and is expected to increase to a thousand by the end of 2008. Convergys is just one of several BPO locators in Bacolod, which include Teletech and Teleperformance to name two of the major players.

More investments are expected for Bacolod City with these recent developments. Indeed, Bacolod is a city that is ready for the world and welcome those who wish to visit. For business or leisure, Bacolod has it.

Watch the 29th Masskara Festival Opening Ceremony speech of President Arroyo.

Photos by Tony Manso