Miss Earth 2009 Talent Competition to be Held in Bacolod

Negrenses will have a chance to watch and support Sandra Inez Seifert as the candidate of the Philippines in the Miss Earth 2009 at the pre-pageant Talent Competition on 09 November 2009 at the L’ Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City.

The pageant night will be held at Boracay Ecovillage Resort & Convention Center in Boracay Island on 22 November 2009. This will be the first time the pageant night will be held outside Luzon.

According to the news, the candidates will visit the mangrove area at Brgy. Pta. Taytay. This will be a great opportunity to showcase Bacolod City and Negros Occidental especially since the representative of the country is from Negros.

Just a little background on Miss Seifert from Wikipedia.

Sandra Inez Seifert (born 1984 in Taipei, Taiwan) is the daughter of Zenaida Suravilla of Bacolod City and Harald Seifert of Germany who are now based in the Philippines.

Seifert took her elementary education in a Montessori and at St. Scholastica’s Academy in Bacolod City and high school at Brent International School, Eurocampus – Philippines, an international, co-educational day and boarding school, where she graduated valedictorian, the highest rank among those who graduated during her time.

She is a “straight A” student at the City University of New York in the United States of America, where she obtained her healthcare nursing degree. She passed the New York nursing board examination in 2008 in the United States.

If you aren’t impressed enough by her educational background, you would be impressed that Seifert speaks four languages fluently: German, English, Filipino, French and of course, Hiligaynon.

The Miss Earth pageant, like the other international pageants, is very competitive but we believe Miss Seifert has got what it takes to win the crown. She is not only beautiful but also intelligent and eloquent and has also shown a higher level of awareness on environmental issues during the Miss Earth Philippines pageant.

Here’s our Miss Earth candidate and we will be cheering for her.

Nature’s Village Resort: A Hideaway Close To Nature

Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City is the nearest resort-hotel from the Bacolod-Silay Airport. At only 3.5 km away from downtown Bacolod City, the resort is likewise very accessible from the capital city.

When it was developed in 1992, the owners planted hundreds of eucalyptus  trees around the perimeter of the property. The trees are now towering over the resort, giving it shade and cool atmosphere. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Marapara and surrounded by sugarcane plantations, the resort has a tranquil atmosphere suited for a relaxing vacation.

Village Hotel

The ambiance of the Village Hotel is homey and rustic. The interior was designed by Nina Paras with interesting pieces from the collection of the owners. All furniture and fixtures were made at the Village Shop by long time employees utilizing local materials.

The dedication of the owners in the preservation of Negrense culture is very evident in the lobby which they successfully turned into a repository of distinctly Negrense items. Many of the items on display were once prized possessions in local households but have lost their functions over time as people would prefer the convenience of modern facilities.

There were chandeliers made from glass ocean buoys once used as net markers by fishermen in the province. There were also pottery jars from Tangub, lusong from Sipalay, coconut graters and stone grinders Railroad ties fashioned into other furniture items is a sad reminder of the once heyday of the Iron Dinosaurs.

Visitors can also buy authentic Negrense products for souvenirs from the resort souvenir shop. Items collected from the travels of the owners were also on display. Most prominent among the colelctions are the folk textiles painstakingly made by hand. These items were cultural icons and were made for a specific purpose. There were short notes attached to them so the visitors can appreciate their value.

Amenities

Function Hall

The Restaurant

Salvacion Park Pool

Camp Edgar

Commitment to Sustainable Tourism and Development

The commitment of the management of Nature’s Village to sustainable tourism is ingrained in the company’s Vision and Mission. This culture of environment awareness and protection is evident in the sustainable practices of the resort

• The staff are trained how to care for the environment and be an example to the guests
• The resort adheres to the Solid Waste Management Program of Talisay City
• An organic farm was set-up to make use of biodegradable wastes of the resort and the produce are also served to the guests
• Noise pollution control programs are in place to secure guests’ relaxation and

The efforts made by Nature’s Village toward sustainable tourism are really commendable and should be emulated by other hotels and resorts. It’s nice to stay in a resort with all the amenities for relaxation. But to stay in one where you are assured that their practices protect the environment will not only give you respite but also give you the satisfaction that you also help in the protection of the environment.

For inquiries, contact:

Nature’s Village Resort Talisay City, Negros Occidental 6115
Philippines
Phone: (63) (34) 495-0808 / 4953369 / 712-1272
Fax: (63) (34) 495-3368
Mobile: (63) (920)902-3075 / (920)812-4924
Email: info@naturesvillageresort.net
Website: www.naturesvillageresort.net

Photo by: Anne Valdez

A Livelier MassKara with Ipanema Drum Dance

An estimated 250,000 people from all walks of life convergde at Lacson St. on October 17 to join the party along what is known as Bacolod City’s Tourism Strip.

Excitement was in the air, people were restless, everybody was on their feet. Then we heard the  drumbeats and the crowd were not able to resist the infectious island music of congas, bongos and cowbells of the famed Patiqueros and DJ Leandro Zayco.

It was the first ever Ipanema Drum Dance which was tailored after the conga line being celebrated in Brazil during merry-makings where people dance in lines. There was no doubt the night was made livelier with the thumping drum beats and Brazilian music.

The Ipanema Drum Dance started at Ramos-Lacson intersection to 6th Street-Lacson and back. Those who were really game and danced all out were given PhP1,000 Ipanema GC’s. A great party with freebies.. what more can you ask?

The Ipanema Drum Dance was part of the “Live the Fantasy” campaign of Ipanema flip flops which aims to bring the Brazilian spirit of carnival and street dancing to everyone. According to Islandscape Distributors, the distributor of Ipanema for Western Visayas, they will definitely make the Ipanema Drum Dance a yearly event which will surely add more festivities to the MassKara Festival.

MassKara 2009: A Kaleidoscope of Colors and Culture

Thirty years of smile, thirty years of inspiration. The MassKara Festival was conceived 30 years ago to remind and inspire the Negrenses to remain hopeful despite tragedies and crisis. This year’s Pearl MassKara celebration will hopefully inspire the nation as well. If the Negrenses overcame the sugar crisis and tragedy of the sinking of Don Juan, the country can also rise above Ondoy and Pepeng.

Over the years, the MassKara Festival has evolved into a celebration showcasing Negrense art and culture. The mask itself has evolved from papier-mâché to fiberglass and is an artwork in itself. Every year, new features are added in the festival making it one of the most colorful and one of the most attended festivals  in the country.

MassKara Village
(Photos by Anton Manso)

MassKara Street and Party Scenes

MassKara Street Dancing

Rica Paras Enters Pinoy Big Brother

Most Negrenses were glued on their TV screen last night as a housemate from Bacolod enters the Pinoy Big Brother House. Rica Paras, 26 is the Math Goddess from Bacolod Iloilo. Don’t be fooled by the looks, Rica is in fact a transvestite. But she has very impressive credentials – she graduated from the Philippine Science High School and  Ateneo.

She will surely make PBB house more exciting especially since her special task is to make the housemates believe that she and Rob are partners.

Update: Rica or Richard Paras is from Iloilo and not from Bacolod.

Next Stop Negros: Showing You A Different Negros

We are all too familiar with MassKara Festival and the mouth-watering delicacies of Bacolod but other than that what else about Bacolod and Negros do you know by heart? There are so many interesting sights to see but there’s more to Negros than what meets the eye. In every facet of Negrense life, there’s something interesting to discover and experience. And the more you experience, the more you will come to love Negros. The question is, do you know where to start?

I recently met a fellow Ilongga from Iloilo who’s as passionate about Negros as I am. Whereas I can only dream about traveling abroad, Imelda Tinsay has been around the world as a flight attendant for 14 years. When she decided she’s had enough turbulence, she moved to Bacolod and opened her own tour guiding company. She now manages Next Stop Negros Tours and shares her passion for travelling and love for Negros through her company’s unique tour packages which will give you a different perspective of Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

Heritage Negros – Hacienda Tour Lunch

Take a scenic one hour drive to Manapla, pass by the sugarcane plantations, and have lunch at the table of Jose and Consuelo Gaston at Hda. Sta. Rosalia. Grandson and international chef, Jomi Gaston of Trattoria Uma and TV Show The Promdi Chef, cooks up a fantastic buffet lunch made up of heritage recipes set in a modern setting.

For movie buffs, the Gaston Ancestral House at Hda. Sta Rosalia was featured in the 1982 classic film Oro, Plata Mata of Director Peque Gallaga.

Hda. Sta Rosalia is also where the Chapel of Cartwheels is located. Designed by Mrgr. Gigi Gaston, the chapel reflects the daily life of farmers and uses indigenous farm implements within its structure.

How it goes:
• Pick up at your hotel lobby in Bacolod City
• Duration: 9am – 2pm
• Minimum 4 guests

Inclusions:
• English speaking guide
• Buffet lunch
• Transportation

Biking Negros

Trail1 – Just for Fun (Beginner’s Trail)

Pedal thru sugarcane plantations, hacienda roads lined with mango trees and rocky trails with great views of Mt.Kanlaon and other mountains. An easy ride for beginners who just want a little fun. 2-3 Hours.

Trail 2 – Getting Serious (Novice to advanced riders)

Navigate mango trails thru single tracks, technical trails, fire roads and beautiful paths enroute to the mahogany trees. For advanced riders looking for a challenge. 3-4 Hours.

Trail3 – Mad Max (Expert Riders)

Attack technical trails with drops,steep climbs and river crossings thru the famous Bacolod trail – The Tube – a carabao trail that villagers cut through a small hill. For experienced riders searching for new thrills. 5-6 Hours.

Inclusions
• Minimum 4 bikers. Rates will vary fro 1-3 bikers.
• Helmets are available to buy or rent
• Bike rental is double for Specialized full suspension FSR XC/Stumpjumper FSR/Enduro Bikes. Night rides can alsobe arranged.

Climbing Negros

Explore the foothills of Mt. Kanlaon and visit 4 waterfalls around the area. Take a dip and feel refreshed, then take a picnic lunch beside the natural pool. Leave Bacolod City at 6 am and be back by 3-4 pm

Location: Rafael Salas national Park (a one hour drive from Bacolod City to the foot of Mt. Kanlaon)
Duration: 5 Hour Treak

Inclusions
• Guide/porter thru 4 waterfalls
• Lunch
• Snack

Local Life Negros

The busy market is a kaleidoscope of color, sound, taste and smell. Visit Bacolod City’s Central Market where you get to experience local life firsthand. Get to buy a pendant that drives away bad spirits, look for a knife that specifically cuts sugarcane, and learn how to fold betel nut and lime for chewing. This tour is as interactive as you can get, as local as you can go.

Meetup:
Bascon Hotel Coffee Shop along Gonzaga St., Bacolod City across BDO
Time: 9 am or 2:30 pm
2 schedules. Your choice
How long: 3 Hours.

Conservation Negros – Danjugan Tour Package

Danjugan Island is a 43-hectare uninhabited island in Barangay Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. It is one of the two marine reserves in Negros Occidental, the other being the Sagay Marines Reserve. The marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary’s mission is to ensure the long term conservation of the marine and terrestrial environment in the Philippines thru education and poverty alleviation.

In Danjugan Island, electricity and power to run communication equipment is provided by 14 solar modules, and soon, 2 wind turbines. Water comes from the mainland, and will soon be a livelihood project of the fishermen during off fishing days. With limestone and mangrove forests, beach, caves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and open sea. Danjugan is a big natural classroom waiting for you to discover and experience.

Things to do in Danjugan

Scuba diving and snorkeling. Located in the eastern part of the Sulu Sea, it has a rich marine life and is a haven for skin and scuba divers.

Kayaking. Explore its biodiverse shoreline, beaches and lagoons.

Morning guided forest treks. Explore the islands’ forests, wetlands and limestone caves with a local guide.
Birdwatching. With 72 different species, Danjugan is a bird watcher’s paradise.

If you are by any chance traveling to Negros, I suggest you try one of these tour packages. It will surely spice up your travel and make it more memorable.

For inquiries, contact Imelda Tinsay of Next Stop Negros Tours
Tel. No.+63.34.4355377
Mobile:+63.917.5122071
Email: nextstopnegrostours@gmail.com
www.nextstop-negros-tours.com

Image Credit: Next Stop Negros Tour

Tubo Kag Madamo Pa Video

negros Island has sugar and more! The “Tubo Kag Madamo Pa” music video showcases the best that Negros Island can offer. According to the  Department Of Tourism, both Negros Occidental and Oriental are among the Top 16 Destinations in the country for the first semester of 2009. Isn’t time for you to discover what the others were raving about? How about going to the Masskara Festival 2009?

Watch the music video to convince you.