Where to stay in Bacolod during Masskara Festival

I know a lot of people at this time are looking for the 2009 Masskara Festival Schedule. A lot of people are scrambling to book for a room at any Bacolod Hotel or Bacolod Resort this early to avoid the rush. Please check on our Bacolod Hotels and Resorts Directory and visit the respective websites of the different hotels and resorts. The directory will hopefully give you an idea of the different options you have for accommodations during MassKara Festival.

For MassKara Festival first timers, please read our feature on the history of MassKara Festival and here are photos from last year’s MassKara Festial.

2009 Masskara Festival Schedule

Those who are aware of the history of Masskara Festival can say that it is as colorful as the masks and costume of the dancers. With the support of everybody, the festival has come a long way and this year will be the 30th Masskara Festival.

Every Masskara Festival is better than the last and this year, people are expecting no less. Bacolod City has more reasons to celebrate this year since the city has been blessed with various awards and investments especially in the BPO sector. The people of Bacolod are cordially inviting everyone to celebrate with us in this year’s Masskara Festival.

Below is the 2009 Masskara Festival Schedule of Activities. I have also attached here a downloadable copy of the MassKara 2009 Schedule.

DATE	EVENT	VENUE
September 12	MassKara sa Makati	Makati, Metro Manila
October 1	· Opening Program · Senior Citizen Day · Dep. Ed Opening Day · Festival Sites Opening (Open until October 19)	· Bacolod Public Plaza · BAYS Center · Bacolod Public Plaza · Bacolod Public Plaza
October 3	Dept. of Education Cultural Presentation	BAYS Center
October 4	Senior Citizen Cultural Presentation	BAYS Center
October 5	Parade and Coronation Night of the Elderly	BAYS Center
October 7	Just Dance… G Force Live in Concert	West Negros University
October 9	MassKara 2009 Arnis Open Competition	BAYS Center
October 10	· Night of the Press Club Stars · Ms. Gay MassKara Talent Night · Karera sa MassKara ’09 – Motorcycle Drag Race (on going until October 11)	· BAYS Center · Old Bacolod Airport
October 11	Ms. Gay MassKara Pageant Night	BAYS Center
October 15	· Search for MassKara Queen ‘09 · IPAO Mid Year Convention sa MassKara (Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrist) -on going until October 18	- USLS Coliseum · L’Fisher Hotel
October 16	· MassKara Drag Race Competition (on going until October 17) · Street Dancing School Category · Opening Electric MassKara (on going until October 18)	· Old Bacolod Airport · Araneta St. – Plaza · Tourism Strip, Lacson Streets
October 17	Barangay Category Street Dance Competition	Araneta St. to Plaza
October 18	· Street Dancing Open Category · Countdown to Charter Day with Satellite Stages in Lacson St. and Araneta St.	· Araneta St. to Plaza · New Government Center (main stage)
October 19	Bacolod City 71st Charter Day

The 24th Negros Trade Fair

The Association of Negros Producers (ANP) will once again hold the annual Negros Trade Fair. Now on its 24th year, the Negros trade Fair is touted as the country’s longest running provincially organized trade fair in Manila.  The 24^th Negros Trade Fair will be held at The Rockwell Tent in Makati City on Sept. 11-16,2009.

This annual event is always looked forward to both by Negrenses and non-Negrenses.  Negrenses who want to cure their homesickness visit the fair to savor authentic Ilonggo dishes, bring home pasalubong items and reunite with friends and relatives who will also be at the fair. The Negros Trade Fair also attracts numerous buyers every year since Negrenses are noted for creating innovative designs and world class quality products reflective of the Negrense culture.

The ANP operates the Negros Showroom considered as one of the best trade houses in the country. ANP will also launch its online store, www.bestofnegrosisland.com during the opening. The launching of the online store is another trailblazing initiative of the ANP.  Those who will not be able to come to the trade fair can browse through the list of products in the online store and place their orders.

Verdana Homes ASYANA Grand Launch Interview

(The following are exclusive interviews of TheSugarFairy during the Verdana Homes ASYANA Grand Launch. Photos courtesy of Annie May Alegato-Valdez)

Hon Cong. Monico Puentevella:

TheSugarFairy: I am a Professional Nurse and I find it very hard to cross both straits (Iloilo and Cebu) just to process my Professional License Card. How about Bacolod having a satellite PRC Office just like DFA?

Monico: “I have always thought about that, and right now, I am working on that possibility. Soon enough, Bacolod will have its own PRC.”

TheSugarFairy: What can you say about The Verdana Homes ASYANA? Its whole concept and its target market?

Monico: “I am very happy for Ayala Land’s 3rd Residential Project in Negros. And the whole thing is very beautiful, unique and very Asian. What makes me happier is the fact that this project is affordable and more Negrenses could benefit from it.”

TheSugarFairy: (I Introduced SSC to Congressman Monico, our purpose, our objectives and our passion in Promoting the City of Bacolod and the Province of Negros Occidental in general through Open Forum and Blogging)

Monico: “Thank you for doing all this for the betterment of Bacolod and Negros. And it is nice to know that there are people like you who are active in promoting our City and Province. Whatever support you want for your group, please don’t hesitate to approach me and I will be very happy to help you.”

Mr. Jay Visco, VisMin Head for Marketing and Sales – ALI

TheSugarFairy: ASYANA launch for me is a Success. And I believe that this project would be a hit just like Plantazzione. Are there more to come from the Ayala after this?

Jay Visco: “Ayala has been very optimistic about the market in Negros, and definitely, ASYANA wont be the last on its list of developments.

TheSugarFairy: I heard from a very reliable source that you are going to start the construction of up coming retail strip “ala Serendra” as soon as possible. How true is this?

Jay Visco: “We are certainly hoping that it will commence soon…”

TheSugarFairy: But what are the chances?

Jay Visco: “The chance is high. The plan is already there. And what we need now is the right timing… we are very bullish with Bacolod and Negros and that the good news…”

TheSugarFairy: Don’t you think its RIPE time to put up such projects in Bacolod?

Jay Visco: “We can see that Bacolod is now ripe for all these developments. With three large Malls and a lot of Local Malls in the city, it’s no wonder that the city is doing quite impressive. And to think that Bacolod City isn’t what it used to be 5-7 years ago, its pretty impressive for a city to be developing this fast. That is why ALI has decided not to put up a BIG mall in Bacolod/Talisay because of the already based Big and Local Players. Instead, we have come up with the retail strip project and we certainly hope this is a change in trend that the Negrenses would like to have and would openly accept.”

TheSugarFairy: I certainly would love that kind of change. And I believe that Negrenses would be able to accept it with arms wide open. I also heard of ALI’s plans to put up BPO spaces within the AYALA Property. How true is this?

Jay Visco: “This is Very true. But we have no definite date when to start it. It’s high time for Bacolod/Talisay/Silay for the BPO business and Bacolod is quite intimidating with all these BIG BPO PLAYERS already set foot in the city. I am very happy that Bacolod is getting a big share of the Pie and we can see the BIG POTENTIAL in the coming years. That is why the ALI BPO Building won’t be that long. Who knows, maybe next year, the Retail Strip and the BPO Buildings will be a reality.”

TheSugarFairy: Is that statement some sort of a riddle? I would like to see ALI in Action for Metro Bacolod. Because I’m pretty sure that when ALI plays the game, it plays to be the Winner.

Jay Visco: “I don’t mean that statement to be true or false. But all I can say is that, ALI is very Bullish about Metro Bacolod. And when ALI prepares for the Game, it prepares Hard.”

TheSugarFairy: Do you have the Master plan for the whole AYALA Project in Metro Bacolod? Can I see it? (With laughs).

Jay Visco: “Yes we do have the Master plan, but it remains to be a top secret to most. But be patient, everything will be slowly revealed and you will be surprised with what Ayala has in store for you.”

TheSugarFairy: Oh… I’m Getting excited about it already… but Bacolod and Negros would be patient enough to wait. We just can’t stop our excitement and anticipation for the whole Ayala Development.

Jay Visco: “In due time, everything will unfold right before your very eyes.” “In Due Time….”

Mr. Francis Monera – VP Ayala Land Inc.,

TheSugarFairy: I have talked to Sir Jay earlier, and we have discussed about the future plans of AYALA in Metro Bacolod and Negros. Including the Retail Strip, BPO Spaces, etc… Can you shed light on this, sir?

Francis Monera: “Ayala has long been bullish with Bacolod and Negros and we remained to be bullish up to this date. That is why we have the ASYANA. And regarding the Retail Strip, we have the PLAN but no definite date when to build it. But the thing is, it is there ready to rise up soon. And it will be a unique development especially made for the market of Bacolod and its surrounding neighbors. With regards to the BPO Spaces, it is also in our plans and I can see Bacolod is now ready to host more major call centers because its location is prime and you are one if not the best city to have adequate and 1st class infrastructures. Bacolod is Booming Fast and I don’t think AYALA would be left behind by others. Sooner than every Negrenses have expected, you will see these AYALA Developments unfold in your very eyes.”

The Company

TheSugarFairy: We are the SSC and we promote Bacolod City and Negros Occidental in General. Tourism, Developments, Infrastructure, Services, etc…

The Company: “We always frequent Bacolod City even before. Bacolod City is very close to our hearts and we would never be The Company without Bacolod. Before, we are very sad that the development in Bacolod is very slow paced yet everyone can see the potential of the city to excel in almost all corners of developments. It’s very sad back then how Bacolod has been viewed by many as a city with 10% Elites and 90% Poor. But now, we are very happy with Bacolod. Personally, your developments here are the best in the country. No tall buildings but the old world charm are unsurpassed by others. The light feeling when you’re driving down the streets, the gentle feel of the people’s hospitality. (One of the members said) Personally, I find your SM mall here the best and the most crowded in the country. But the people flocking in your mall are very enthusiastic. SM Design is one of the best I had been to. Robinsons on the other hand is one Hot Giant. The same feeling of grandeur and splendor is still there as of 10 years ago.”

“Bacolod City will forever be in the Company’s hearts and we feel proud of what Bacolod has achieved in the past few years. And I personally believe Bacolod will go a Long Way. And Ayala will be here to put you one step ahead among others.”

Celebrate Asia! Verdana Homes ASYANA Grand Launch

Celebrate Asia! Verdana Homes ASYANA Grand Launch
Club Verdana in Plantazzione Ayala
August 15, 2009

In the sprawling hectares of ALI (Ayala Land Incorporated) Property in Talisay City, a few kilometers North of Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, A new Premiere Residential Address is born! Celebrate Asia! Celebrate ASYANA!

It was a night full of colors, and the foods being served simply complimented the whole concept of the party – Celebrate Asia! From the Sumptuous Thai Chicken Sautee and Beef Teriyaki, the flavorful Shanghai Rolls, Tongkatsu, Tempuras, and “Another Pork Dish.” The Japanese Favourites – Sushis and Sashimis (which anime and I ate our hearts out) to the Filipino Favourites – The Lechon, Pork Inasal, and Bam-I Noodles. Betso-Betso, and Minatamis na Saging for the Dessert and Lots of Cocktail Picks as side dishes.

The Night started with an Audio-Visual Presentation about ALI in Negros and its ASYANA Project. It showcases what ALI has achieved in the Past 12 years of presence in Negros Occidental and it shows how Promising the ASYANA project not just only for Talisay and Bacolod Cities, but for the whole Province of Negros Occidental.

The USLS Artians Cheerdance Squad opened the show with a blast. They displayed the colorful and diverse culture of Asia in one extravagant dance number. But the Highlight of the show is when they performed the Original AR Rahman Version of Jai Ho – made famous by the movie Slumdog Millionaire. And the Famous Masskara Festival Dance complete with Mask and Props (as if they were performing in the Street dance Competition) ended the show.

Ang Tribu ni Juan Patik played an ethnic inspired music and they did not disappoint either. Everything is perfect.

Mr. Jay Visco, VisMin Head for Marketing and Sales – Ayala Land Inc., gave the opening remarks. He stated that “ASYANA has been the source of Pride and Enthusiasm of ALI in the past few months and they are all excited about the project.” He also said that “Asia in General is a form of Multiplicity but in ASYANA, it is what we call “FUSION.”

ASYANA, as seen in the AV Presentation, will boast of Integrated Nature Themed Parks and Asian Inspired Linear Parks. It is a Resort-like community with a contemporary Asian Theme. It will also boast of a Pool that will resemble like a river.

Launch Speaker Mr. Francis Monera – VP Ayala Land Inc., stated that when they ventured into the market of Negros 12 years ago, all they want is “to build superior communities.” And with ALI’s Superior Property Management, rest assured that the investment with an Ayala Property is an Investment to last.

Mr. Monera also stated that “ASYANA is not just a new project. But it is “Another Project”, one who resembles and proof to the Market Attractiveness in Negros.” “Ayala Land is simply happy with what is happening to ASYANA right now. And as a sign of success, I am Happy to tell you, that, out of 100 lots in the Phase 1 Development, we already sold 20 Percent – In only 3 days!” he added.

Guests of Honors Bacolod City Congressman Monico Puentevella, Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan and Silay Mayor Jose “Oti” Montelibano joined Mr. Francis Monera and Mr. Jay Visco together with other ALI executives for the formal Launch of Newest Premiere Residential Address in Negros, The Verdana Homes ASYANA.

A colorful display of fireworks put the guests in awe and Congressman Monico’s grandson had a wonderful time watching the fireworks smolder in the sky.
After the formal launch, The Company serenaded the crowd with their strictly OPM performances. The blending and harmony of their voices are exceptional. They got the crowd on their feet and danced to their rendition of 80’s Hit, Sumayaw, Sumunod and Rock Baby Rock among others.

The Verdana Homes ASYANA Launch is simply a Success! And the people are very enthusiastic about the project.

This is an Ayala Project so marvelous to think of. Asian-inspired Themed Parks, Man-made River Pool, Contemporary Asian Houses, Nature Complimented Parks and Bamboo Parks, Superior Property Management of Ayala Land Incorporated which includes State-of-the-art facilities and 24/7 security, picturesque backdrop from the plains to the mountains and awesome community makes this newest Ayala Project stand out from the rest.

Negros is truly blessed, with another Ayala Residential Project on the rise; this part of the Island could soon become the next Ayala Alabang – with a twist!

SM City Celebrates With Us Through The Years

I was born and raised in Iloilo and when I transferred here in Bacolod in 2004, I thought it was perfect. There’s only one thing that was missing. There was no SM City in Bacolod back then.

SM Delgado in Iloilo was the first SM outside of Manila when it opened in 1976. I am as old as SM Delgado and practically grew up with it. I had so many happy memories with SM Delgado.

When SM City Bacolod opened its doors to the public in March 1, 2007, I was one of those who trooped to the mall. I thought, this is history. Something I would tell my grandchildren. If it was possible, I would have written, “I was here” on the walls of SM City Bacolod.

“Ari sa amon ang tanan nga para sa inyo”, goes SM City Bacolod’s slogan. SM City not only has almost everything we need in our daily life. SM City also celebrates with us in almost every event that’s important to us. Every Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Grandparents Day… you name it, SM City has been there to celebrate and share the occasion with us.

How many birthdays have you celebrated at a restaurant or fast food at SM City? I’m sure you’ve had at least once. With all the amenities that can be found at SM City, it’s easy to celebrate there, whoever you’re celebrating the occasion with.

You want to treat your friends to a movie after dinner? You want to buy your father a new tie for Fathers Day? You want to treat your mom to the salon on her birthday? First and foremost on your mind would be SM City. Where else is it convenient to have all these things?

Festivals are also more festive with SM City. I think it’s safe to assume that every city in the Philippines has a festival. Filipinos love to celebrate and the Negerenses are no exception. In Bacolod City, MassKara Festival is the most famous festival. Held every October, MassKara features Street Dancing Competition where dancers perform to Latin-inspired music wearing colorful smiling masks and costumes which showcase the artistic talent of the Negrenses.

In celebration of the MassKara Festival, SM City Bacolod also had MassKara dancers perform at the mall to entertain the shoppers and tourists. To those who were not familiar with the MassKara, especially the tourists, it was a sneak preview of what to expect in the actual street dancing competition.

In addition, to showcase the artistic ability of the Negrenses, a Giant Mask Making Contest was conducted by SM City. The theme was giant masks of the world in line with the theme of 2008 MassKara which was Bacolod, City of the World. There are so many talented artists in Negros and the contest was an excellent venue for them to showcase their talents.

Of course, Christmas is the most awaited celebration of the whole year and SM City Bacolod did not miss to celebrate with us. In a scale that you can only call grand, SM City lined up a lot of activities last December. There were two activities which I will look forward to this year. These are the Christmas Village display and the Pyromagic.

The Christmas Village features the collection of Negrense artist Bamboo Tonogbanua. The collection were miniature figures that has something to do with Christmas. Most were snow-covered Victorian and New England villages which even for an adult like me, are fascinating. It brings happy memories of Christmas and childhood.

The Pyromagic is a fireworks display at the SM City Bacolod grounds. Started in December 2007, Pyromagic draws a very large crowd eager to watch the sky light up in a multitude of colors. Children enjoyed the magical show of colors synchronized with the Disney musical backgrounds. Adults were similarly awed and were children once again.

Everybody who watched had a smile on their faces when they went home and forever treasured the memories. That includes my friends and I who watched the fireworks from a room on the third floor of Sylvia Manor Hotel. We had a very good vantage point so we watched as the sky broke out in colors and anybody who might have heard our shrieks would think we were a bunch of kids.

How many celebrations have you had at SM City? How many happy memories have you treasured? I had so many memories with SM Delgado as a child and teenager. Bacolod is now home for me and I now treasure a lot of happy memories with SM City Bacolod. Hopefully, there will be more happy memories for the years to come.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Alive and Vibrant in Negros Occidental

July is celebrated as the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Month in the Philippines. In Negros Occidental, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved last July 15 Resolution No. 0951 declaring the last week of July every year as Negros Business Week.

The resolution, authored by 3rd District Board Member Patrick Leonard Lacson and 5th District SPM Nehemias de la Cruz, stressed the need to promote awareness on the importance of MSMEs as the access of the poor to livelihood opportunities and which can be attained through the development of MSMEs.

To celebrate, private and public sectors in Negros Occidental joined hands in conducting business forums and trade shows. These events showcase the entrepreneurial skills and ingenuity of the Negrenses in the eclectic array of products and the trendsetting innovative designs.

OTOP … Bugal Sg Negros Trade Fair

OTOP is a flagship program of President Arroyo and it’s also actively supported byt local govenrment units in Negros Occidental. In celebration of the SME Month, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Association of Negros Producers organized the “OTOP … Bugal sg Negros“ held on July 9-11, 2009. The trade fair featured OTOP products of the different towns and cities in Negros Occidental.

1st Negros Occidental OTOP Congress

DTI Negros Occidental organized the 1stNegros Occidental OTOP Congress on July 30,2009 at Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel and Residences. The congress was organized by DTI and was attended by Local Government Units and OTOP entrepreneurs.

The OTOP Congress was held to review the accomplishments of the program after three years of implementation and also to find out how far the program was implemented and to review the commitments of the LGUs and stakeholders such as the SMEs.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of OTOP Most Supportive LGU and Outstanding SME. Hinigaran won as the most supportive OTOP LGU, followed by Kabankalan City and Talisay City as first and second runners up, respectively. Outstanding OTOP SME winners included the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) of Bago City, Diana’s Toron de Mani of Kabankalan City, and Veloria’s Squid Rings of Sagay City.

1st Negros Business Week.

The 1st Negros Business Week was organized by the Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Council (PSMEDC) and chaired by the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MBCCI). With a theme “Negosyo… Kaya mo!”, the event ran from July 27 to August 2 and highlighted a week-long trade fair at Robinsons Bacolod.

During the opening ceremonies, national awardees for the first ever Presidential Awards for Outstanding Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise were given recognition. DTI Regional Director Dominic Abad said he is very happy that all awards for the Visayas were given to firms in Region 6, two of which are from Negros Occidental.

Dood’s Enterprises was awarded Outstanding MSME for Visayas under the Micro Category and Vicmik Enterprises for Medium Category. Receiving the award for Dood’s Enterprises was Rose Marie Madejanon, the proprietress. Isabel Lovina , President of Vicmik received the award.

The vibrancy of the business sector in Negros Occidental is due to the cooperation among government agencies and private sector. It is also in support of the provincial government’s thrust for self-sufficiency and to counter the effects of off-milling season or ‘tiempo muerto’ (dead season).

Visayas Gastronomic Adventure With Negrense Chef

Aside from nourishing the body, food plays an integral part in the life of the Filipinos. We eat at least five meals a day and every celebration in our life is mark by a feast. It’s no surprise then how our cuisine evolved over time with influences from our Asian neighbors and Western colonizers.

Filipino cuisine is as diverse as our culture. Each 7,107 islands comprising the Philippines has a unique food offering for the adventurous. Each has its own version of the common Filipino food making each distinct from the other. Just imagine how many versions of adobo there are!

Discover the different cuisines of the Filipinos by journeying to the provinces, where authentic Pinoy dishes are still prepared today. Let the Promdi Chef take you on a gastronomic adventure every Tuesday, 11:30 PM at TV5

Follow the adventure of the Promdi Chef and Negrense Juan Miguel “Jomi” Gaston in discovering the rich culture of the Visayans and the delectable Visayan dishes he serves every Tuesday with a different guest every week. Chef Jomi is the man behind Café Uma and Trattoria Uma in Bacolod City. The Promdi Chef is directed by another Negrense, Jay Abello. Yes, the one who brought us the romantic comedy Namets.

Promdi is a slang for somebody from the province. Promdi Chef gives attention to the simple life and cuisine in the provinces. The comfort food that your Nanay or Yaya prepared for you when you were sick. The food may be as grand as the banquet served during fiestas or as simple as the bodbod you eat for merienda, this is home cooking at its best.

Don’t forget, every Tuesday, 11:30 PM at TV5. And keep your midnight snack ready lest you feel hungry after watching the Promdi Chef.

Here’s a mouth watering teaser.

PROMDI CHEF (large format) from fiona borres on Vimeo.

SM City Bacolod Now WiFi Connected

SM City Bacolod has launched yesterday its mallwide Free WiFi internet simultaneously with SM City Iloilo and Cebu. Members of the Negros Bloggers Guild were invited to try the new feature of  SM City Bacolod. We had lots of fun since it’s another bonding moment for us. Of course, another fruitful meeting for the activities ahead for the Negros Bloggers.

SM City has also provided us with a regular meeting place at the Food Court area. Now that there’s free WiFi at SM City Bacolod, we will be hanging out there often.

There were freebies but what we were all looking forward to was the Nokia cellphone raffled off. Oh well, May was the luckiest of us since she was the one who won the phone. I just have to try my luck in the Best Blog Contest which SM City has also launched.  Check out their blog for the mechanics.

SM WiFi Launching in pictures: