2010 Danjugan Youth Marine and Wildlife Camp

The youth are the future steward of the environment so it’s better to teach them while they’re young. What better way to teach them environmental conservation than to let them appreciate the beauty of an unspoiled marine and wildlife sanctuary that is Danjugan Island? Let your kids experience the 2010 Danjugan Youth Marine and Wildlife Camp on April 13-17, 2010.

Since early 1990’s the Danjugan Youth Marine and Wildlife Camp has educated young people on marine and wildlife conservation through lectures and interactive exercises.  Danjugan Island, located in Brgy. Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, around 130 km south of Bacolod City, was declared a Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary by the provincial government in 2000. Through the efforts of the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PRRCFI), linkages with international conservation societies were forged to source for funds in the acquisition of the island in 1994 and its maintenance.

This small island (1.5km by 0.5km) is home to at least 70 bird species, 9 bat species, 22 butterfly species, 17 species of mangroves, 572 fish species belonging to 139 genera, and more.  With this diversity, Danjugan is a microcosm of the world before mankind destroyed most of its natural flora and fauna.

Danjugan is a nature’s classroom where young people can learn how to take care of nature through exposure to the island’s diverse ecosystem. The kids will hear lectures from scientists, experience snorkeling and trekking, close encounter with wildlife, and they will also have games and art activities. The five days and four nights that the kids will spend on the island will give them lessons they can take with them for life.

For more information, contact:

Jay Jalandoni: 09173000529, jalandonij@yaho.com
Gerry Ledesma: 09189008113, glledesma@gmail.com
Nikki Cajili: n_cajili@yahoo.com
Ramie Babac: 09092073865, ramie_babac@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.prrcf.org/about_danjugan.html

Agriculture and Tourism Potentials Don Salvador Benedicto

I passed by Don Salvador Benedicto for countless of times but the number of times I explored the town can be counted in my fingers. Aside from the Malatan-og Viewing Deck, the only place in Don Salvador that I spent more than 30 minutes was at the parish church when we were photo-documenting the churches in Negros Occidental.

We were invited to grace the opening of the 20^th Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival and 27^th Founding Anniversary of Don Salvador Benedicto on Saturday, February 6.  Kali or what is popularly known Arnis, is an ethnic Filipino martial arts which Salvadorans celebrate in the annual Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival.

I was there with my boss to present the programs and project of our office for the 3^rd Farmer’s Forum but I ended up cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Agro-Trade Fair. I was uncomfortable but Mayor Lawrence Marxlen “Mac” De la Cruz was very friendly and put us at ease.

The Agro-Trade Fair showcases the products of the seven barangays of Don Salvador. Visitors get a chance to buy various agricultural products such as root crops, fruits and vegetables at farm gate prices. Yakon which is known to thrive only in cold climate thrives well in Don Salvador.

Horticulture is also a potential industry for the town. Million flowers, Mickey Mouse plant, lirio and various variegated lampunaya are just some of the bestsellers of local growers. On ordinary days, these ornamental plants are displayed along the highway so motorists can stop over and buy.

Mayor Mac conceptualized the Fiesta sa nayon for this year’s celebration where every barangay were given a counterpart fund by the local government to set-up their booth at the Municipal Hall grounds. All barangays display their products and serve local cuisine to guests. Composo singers entertain the guests while they’re eating. Exotic dishes served were those of freshwater fish “bunog” and frogs. The local government wish to showcase their local culture and hoped to make this a future tourist attraction

The former Mayor of Don Salvador, now Board Member Nehemias “Nene” De La Cruz was instrumental in the passing of Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution declaring the town as the “Summer Capital of Negros Occidenal”.

Taking a cue from his father, Mayor Marxlen’s thrust is also on tourism with the theme “Turismo Isulong, Kauswagan Maagum”.  Mayor De la Cruz said that no matter how many times he visited the different places in his town, he’s still amazed at how blessed Don Salvador is. With more than sixty percent of the town still classified forest reserve, the town is still waiting for the approval and awarding of its Town Site which is pending at the House of Senate.

It’s also good to note that the Mayor is very aware of the ill-effects of unabated developments like what is happening to Boracay and other tourist destinations in the country. He said whatever developments in Don Salvador should benefit the people such as employment and should be regulated so that it won’t harm the environment.

I have to agree with him. Of what I have seen so far of Don Salvador, I can say there’s so much about this town that one needs to see and experience. The town is blessed with a good climate, fertile soil and beautiful landscape. These are some of the elements that make this young and small town stand out from the rest of the towns and cities in Negros Occidental. The Summer Capital of Negros Occidental beckons you to come and visit!

Piglets Brought Joy to Conservation Center

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

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.

What Lies Beneath

Negros Occidental is lucky to have two marine reserves. Sagay Marine Reserve can be found in the north while Danjugan Island Marine Reserve is located in the Cauayan in Southern Negros Occidental.

The fact that Carbin Reef has been included in the 22,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve speaks much of its teeming marine life and the need to maintain its biodiversity. For those who are not nature lovers, they’re in for a disappointment. After all, above the surface, Carbin Reef is nothing more than a sandbar. Those who love nature know that the beauty of Carbin Reef lies beneath the surface.

Carbin Reef can be reached only by rented boat and the going rate is P1,200 for a round trip. It is 15 minutes from Old Sagay Wharf and 30 minutes from Molocaboc Island. A watchtower and tents are available for rent for P300 each. If you come in early morning or late afternoon, you don’t need to rent since the sun is not so hot at this time. Besides, isn’t one of the reasons of your visit is to bask under the sun?

The white sand beach and pristine waters of Carbin Reef is also ideal for swimming. However, Carbin Reef is best experienced when snorkeling or diving. Even in shallow water, there are corals and coral fishes to see. Make sure you bring your own gears since there are no available rentals at the site. For those who are not into snorkeling, there’s also a glass bottom boat rented out for P30 per person.

Carbin Reef is for the adventurous nature lover. A wealth of natural beauty lies beneath its surface. See it so you can also appreciate and understand why it should be protected so that the next generation can enjoy its bounty.

Our deep gratitude to the City Tourism Office of Sagay City for accommodating us. If you want to visit the Sagay Marine Reserve or any tourist attraction in Sagay, contact the Tourism Office at sagaycityinfo@yahoo.com, inquiry@sagay-city.com.ph or call (034) 488-064 during office hours.

Life’s Simple Pleasures in Molocaboc Island

For those of us who have grown accustomed to the finer things in life, a day in an island with limited electricity and water would be a big no no. Perhaps, one would contemplate on staying in such an island only if it’s for the Survivor challenge.

That’s why I admire the people of Molocaboc Island in Sagay City, Negros Occidental. Life is hard but life on this 428-hectare barangay is even harder. It’s like Survivor challenge, only they have to deal with it not in 39 days but their whole lives.

Molocaboc Island is just 15 minutes boat ride from Vito Wharf and is part of the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve. This part of the Visayan Sea is teeming with marine life and with the efforts of the stakeholders remained protected from illegal fishing.

Molocaboc is made up of three islands – Molocaboc Daku (120 hectares), Molocaboc Diut (80 hectares) and Matabas (20 hectares). Pumpboats dock at the tip of the 1.5 km cement pathwalk leading to the village. The path walk disappears during high tide and people walking along it appears walking on water. Another 1.2 km cement pathwalk connects Molocaboc Diut to Molocaboc Daku. Electricity is limited from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through a generator. There are no fresh water from wells that’s why the people have developed the use of giant jars for collecting rainwater which they use for bathing and cooking. The modes of transportation in the island are motorcycles and tricycles.

The sea has been generous to the people of Molocaboc. Around 85% of the residents make a living from the sea, from fishing to shellcraft making. If it’s seafoods you want, there is seemingly an endless supply, from the usual fish and crabs to the exotic deep sea shells. Residents also gather sea cucumber and seahorse for medicinal purposes which they sell to Chinese traders. Dried sea cucumber is sold for P1,000/kg and dried seahorse fetch a whooping price of P10,000/kg.

The residents practice “sea ranching” which was introduced by Mayor Alfredo Maranon, Jr. It is done by creating a hole or an artificial habitat on tidal flats in the sea using used tires and large stones. Fishermen then lure the fish to their holes and in three to four months are able to harvest about 20 kilos of mature fish. Too bad they just harvested the holes a week before our visit for their fiesta.

The shells which the residents made into fashion accessories and home decors were gathered from “sea mines”. These are dead shells deposited in shallow craters off the shores of the three islets of Molocaboc. They call them sea mines because no matter how many sacks they gather, more bubble shells are deposited in the mines.

Despite the lack of modern facilities in the island, the residents are quite happy and maintains a positive disposition. There seem to be a smiling face that will greet you whenever you meet a local. And they are very hospitable too. We were served with a sumptuous meal from the freshest catch. It was my first time to eat deep sea shells like “budyong”. We ate a feast but we still have take homes left. And for dessert, we had the sweetest “atis” grown in the island.

When I brought my friends from Iloilo to tour Sagay Marine Reserve, I didn’t know what to expect since it was my first time too. But I know they wouldn’t be disappointed since they love the sea and adventure. What we discovered were what most of us took for granted – to find simple pleasures in our daily lives. To be like children who find happiness in watching the rise and fall of the waves at sea. Like them, the people of Molocaboc remain happy despite their simple lifestyle because they don’t have the complications that modernity brings. They have kept their islands unspoiled and for their sake and our children’s future, let’s help them keep it that way.

Our deep gratitude to the City Tourism Office of Sagay City for accommodating us. If you want to visit the Sagay Marine Reserve or any tourist attraction in Sagay, contact the Tourism Office at sagaycityinfo@yahoo.com, inquiry@sagay-city.com.ph or call (034) 488-064 during office hours.

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.

Sta. Fe Resort: Bacolod City’s First

The pioneer will always have a first mover advantage over it’s competitors. That’s why if you ask people in Bacolod to give you a resort’s name, Sta Fe Resort would come to mind. Sta. Fe Resort is the oldest privately owned resort in Bacolod City established in the 1940’s.

Sta. Fe Resort is ideal for weekend family outings, family gatherings and events and also for company outings, conferences and conventions. Dorm and room accommodation is available and there are function rooms with different capacities to choose from.

Sta. Fe Resort also has several distinctions aside from being the first resort in Bacolod. It’s the only resort with a chapel, a mini zoo and a complete gun club facility.

How to get there:

Sta. Fe Resort is located in Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City and is very accessible. It is around 7 km. from Bacolod City and about 20 minutes travel by private car and public utility vehicle.

When taking public utility jeep, take the jeepneys plying the Sta. Fe-Burgos route at the Burgos Market. This will take you right at the gate of Sta. Fe Resort. It’s hard to miss Sta. Fe Resort since it is located in front of San Muguel Brewery.

For more information, visit their website:  Sta. Fe Bacolod Resort

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