Somebody asked me, upon learning that I’m into tour guiding, where in Negros Melba’s Farm is. You see, she was amazed to see huge billboards of Melba’s Farm along EDSA. She thought the owner must be very rich to afford it. Or he could be the owner of that billboard too, I said. In this case, that is true since Mr. Alvin Carranza owns Melba’s Farm which he named after his mother and MacGraphics Carranz, an outdoor advertising company.

If you’re like this person who’s wondering where Melba’s Farm is located, let me walk you through it. It is located at Sitio Masanglad, Brgy. Cabatangan, Talisay City. It’s actually right at the boundary of Bacolod City and Talisay City. However, it is more accessible via a 2-km dirt road from Brgy. Alangilan, Bacolod City.

Our group from Negros Island Tourism Inc. (NITI) was invited by Mr. Carranza and though we were not able to meet him, his coordinator, Nicky Burgos eagerly accompanied us to their farm.

It was my second time to visit the place. The first time, we hiked from Brgy. Alangilan up to Melba’s farm. The terrain of Alangilan is quite rugged. One moment you’d be climbing a rolling hill, the next you’d go down several feet and get your feet wet in the stream. By the time we reached Melba’s Farm, we were all out of breath.

The second time was a breeze, Mr. Burgos met the group at Lopue’s East and drove us to Melba’s Farm. If you’re driving skill is not ready for the off road, never attempt to drive up to Melba’s Farm. Maneuvering on the rough road can be an adventure in itself and a 4-wheel drive vehicle would be the ideal choice. They can also arrange to pick you up for your convenience if you are staying overnight.

Located 600 meters above sea level, the first thing you’ll notice at Melba’s Farm is the cool breeze. Thanks to the different species of planted forest and fruit trees thrive together with the naturally-grown endemic trees in this 12-hectare property.

Farm Administrator Raymond de Asis guided as to the different trees at the farm and we didn’t miss to have our pictures taken at the trees planted by the Miss Earth 2009 candidates. Then we hiked to “the tube”, a trail used to transport timber from the logging sites of ILCO during its heyday. This is a preferred trail by mountain biking enthusiasts since it will require a lot of skills to maneuver through the sloping trail.

When you reach the clubhouse, you will surely appreciate the scenic view of Bacolod City. The buko juice that welcomed us was just what we needed after the hike. Imagine yourself sipping buko juice, enjoying the view of the city below and the cool gentle breeze touching your face, isn’t it bliss?

It’s a good thing that there’s still such a place within Bacolod City. Mr. Carranza’s conservationist principles are quite evident at Melba’s Farm. They use solar panels for power, they disallow the use of plastics and they use biodegradable materials.

The clubhouse is already equipped with phone, internet access, and a wide screen television which let you stay connected. There are currently two rooms which can accommodate guests. The Lauan room can accommodate 4-6 persons. This room is ideal for a family and has a deck with a nice view of the landscape below. Another room more ideal for couples is the Mahogany room located at the right side of the clubhouse. It has its own deck too, overlooking the organic greenhouse garden and the thick forest below. All the rooms and the bathrooms are quite spacious. Guests are free to use the infinity pool which is just big enough for a small group since management deliberately designed the place for intimate gatherings.

After inspecting the place, we are ready for lunch. Melba’s Farm has their own organic vegetable garden thus, the food they serve are not only fresh but also healthy. Lunch was prepared by Raymond’s wife Chinky. We had mixed tropical fruit platter for appetizer – Indian mango, pineapple and star fruit (galangan). All praises for Chinky’s cooking. She can turn a seemingly ordinary recipe into something really special. We had Camote Tops Salad, Carrot and Camote Okoy, Crispy Kangkong and Steamed Hainanese Chicken with Candied Ginger and Spicy Tamarind Sauce. The food will surely be one of the reasons to go back to Melba’s Farm.

What’s the best thing to do after a sumptuous lunch? Siesta! It’s a pity we didn’t get to do that. We had to go back to our busy life at the city. But the good news is, we have our experience at Melba’s Farm to share to friends and family. And we’re sure they don’t need much convincing to visit Melba’s Farm.

How to get to Melba’s Farm

For first timers, the easiest way is to contact them and arrange for you to be picked up. For those already familiar with Alangilan, you’ll pass by Buro-Buro Farm in going to Melba’s Farm through a 2-km rough road but call the management first so that they can give you instructions. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is a must.

Suggested Side Trip

The Granada-Alangilan area is fast becoming an eco-tourism destination because of its cooler climate and fertile soil. Going to Melba’s Farm, there are several interesting sites we recommend you check out.

• USLS Granada Eco Park
• Bacolod Polo Club
• Buro-Buro Farm

For more info, visit their website: http://melbasfarm.multiply.com

More photos:

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Some photos courtesy of Maricar Dabao of Viaje Negrense

FUN and ADVENTURE Starts at Home!
Verdana Homes ASYANA Phase 2 Launch
Ayala Land Negros

By:          Jaime H. Baloyo Jr.

June 19, 2010 — It was an afternoon of Fun and Activities for the Young ones and the Young-at-hearts alike at the Launching of Verdana Homes ASYANA Phase 2 held at the Club Verdana, Plantazionne Verdana Homes in the vast Ayala Property in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Verdana Homes ASYANA is Ayala Land’s newest residential offering in Negros designed to bring home countless possibilities for fun and adventure.

Envisioned as a community for active families, the village amenities place value on quality family time through open space planning, numerous parks, long trails and other recreational conveniences. Verdana Homes ASYANA showcases the best of Asian designs through Modern-Asian Architecture.

Located 7 kilometers North of Bacolod City, the Provincial Capital of the Province of Negros Occidental, Verdana Homes ASYANA is adjacent to Plantazionne Verdana Homes, also an Ayala Land project. It is 10 minutes away from major centers like Malls, Hospitals and the Bacolod City Lacson Tourism Strip.

The Launch was graced by people from all walks of life. During the Program Proper, The Wu Shu Federation of the Philippines – Bacolod Negros Chapter performed a very energetic Lion Dance and a Wu Shu Presentation after it. Ms. Therese Borromeo, Ayala Land Negros Branch Manager also gave her Welcome Remarks to the Guests.

It was truly Fun at the launch. With Asian Festival Inspired theme, different Food Kiosks invaded Club Verdana. From the Filipino Ensaymaditas and Puto Cheese, Ginataan and Bibingka; The Chinese Buchi, Siopao and Siomai to the Japanese Tempura and Fishball and my Uber favourite, California Maki, it sure satisfied mine and my comrades’ (from Skyscrapercity) palate.

SSC-Bacolod: (From Left) Anton, Anime, Dominic, Jamie,Tiffany and Hainzel

The kid’s were also the happiest of the bunch, with Carnival Fair, Anime Sketching and Caricature Workshops and lots of classic Filipino Games to enjoy, everything was a blast!

I and my group were also busy entertaining ourselves during the launch. We had fun at the Photo Booth and we almost drown ourselves with photos. Photoshoot here, Photoshoot there, Photoshoot everywhere. The scenery in Beautiful Ayala Negros is incomparable. It almost makes you feel like you’re in a foreign land.

Verdana Homes ASYANA offers more than Fun and Adventure. It also offers Comfort Living as Ayala Land Negros will turn this vast Landscape into a Community within a Community, A City within a City. Future developments include a Community Mall, BPO Park, Schools, Sports Center and a lot more.

Skyscrapercity Bacolod Forumer, Jamie Baloyo was given the chance to Interview Ayala Land Negros Branch Manager, Ms. Therese Borromeo and here is what she has to say:

From Left to Right: Ms. Therese Borromeo, Branch Manager ALI Negros; Jaime H. Baloyo, Skyscrapercity Forumer/Blogger; Ms. Jeanette Japzon, Corporate Communications Officer ALI VisMin.

Jamie: Ms. Therese, what makes Verdana Homes ASYANA unique among other residential projects?

Ms. Therese:     Verdana Homes ASYANA is the First (if not the Only) of its kind Project in Negros or even the Philippines that Incorporates Nature as its inspiration in creating a Resort – like community with a Balinese design – inspired clubhouse, set on a linear park along the river. Each of the four Pocket Parks in Verdana homes ASYANA is conceptually themed. Inspired by four natural elements: Wood, Wind, Water and Earth, exemplifying creative use of materials to provide a sustainable setting for community enjoyment.

Jamie:   You said that Verdana Homes ASYANA will be a community within a community, a city within a city. What do you mean by this?

Ms. Therese:     Ayala Land Negros future developments include the community mall, the BPO Park, an Integrated School and a Sports Complex all designed to create a community within a community. We will be launching series of Developments within this year to realize this concept of a City within a City. It will not only bring comfort living to our Homeowners, but it will also create a new Hub in Metro Bacolod.

Jamie:   Ayala Land Negros will be Launching series of projects within this year. Can you give me a hint about the Upcoming Projects of Ayala Land Negros?

Ms. Therese:     We will be launching projects in August and October. But I will not disclose any as there was no formal Press Release yet. But soon as I have it, I will inform you guys. And you will again be our invited guests for these Launches.

Verdana Homes ASYANA is the newest residential offering of Ayala Land Negros offering Quality comfortable living with your family and the first to fully integrate 4 Natural Elements in a Residential Development and Ayala Land Negros is a Community where comfort and luxury co-exists.

With Ayala’s superior property management and 24 – hour security to constantly ensure peace of mind and enduring value for your property, YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG.

Ms. Anne Lizares and Mr. Ferdinand Limsiaco, Property Specialist ALI Negros

For Site tours and inquiries, please contact the AYALA LAND Sales Team.

Ayala Land VisMin Sales Office
Ayala North Point Village
National Highway, Talisay City
Negros Occidental, 6115
Tel Nos. 63 (34) 7088900 – 02
Facsimile No: 63 (34) 7088880

Look for: Ferdinand Limsiaco

Property Specialist

Mobile: (63) (919) 481.8892
Email: asyana@ayalalandvismin.com.ph
E – Mail: flimsiaco@yahoo.com | felimsiaco@ayalalandvismin.com.ph

Or Contact:

Jamie H. Baloyo
Mobile: (63) (927) 9722883
E – Mail: jhbaloyo@yahoo.com.ph | jhbaloyo@gmail.com

Special Thanks to Mr. Ferdinand Limsiaco, Property Specialist – ALI Negros for the Invites and Ms. Jeanette Japzon, Corporate Communications Officer – ALI VisMin for the future VIP Invites.

The Havaianaticos still have the hangover from the Havaianas Summer Games held at Punta Bulata White Beach Resort. Thanks to Havaianas, the party isn’t over yet. This time, it’s a Havaianas Beach Bar at the historic Ruins in Talisay.

I came with blogging and Skyscrapercity.com buddies who were just too willing to come in white and their favorite pair of Havaianas.

The evening started with cocktails and an awarding dinner for the contestants of the Havaianas Summer Games held last May 18 – 19 at Punta Bulata. The Havaianas contestants received their brand new iPods, Havaianas merchandise and Rubber Ducky products.

Professor Sapo and his students at the Bacolod Escola Brasileira Capoeira performed and showed Bacolod how to party, Brazilian style. Brazilian and Latin Beats were played featuring the music of Tribo Manila and DJ Christian Raeuber. Guests enjoyed free-flowing Havaianas Tropical Spike and Piña Colada.

Fire dancers added to the beach ambiance with their skilled performance.

Kudos to Havaianas and In Touch Events for a great party!

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Some photos courtesy of Anton Manso

In celebration of  the National Heritage Month, the Negrense Heritage Society will be holding the Ilonggo Food Festival on May 12, 2010 at The Ruins, Talisay City from 11am to 8pm.

The event will be highlighted by Food Booths of Local Restaurants highlighting Traditional Ilonggo fare and modern interpretations of classic dishes. There will also be musical entertainment  featuring Ilonggo Music and Ilonggo Folk Singers.

Featured Restaurants

• Aboy’s
• Bob’s
• Eastview Hotel
• El Ideal
• FIC Ice Cream
• Kusina Mia
• ICA La Salle
• Mushu & Mai Pao Restaurant
• Planta Hotel & Restaurant
• Restaurant at The Ruins
• Sweet Greens

Photo Credit: May Mee Mojeno

The Ayala Land Inc. has unveiled to the public last March 27 another unique attraction, two putting greens inside a 3,159 square meters park right in the middle of Ayala North Point’s Phase 3. Skyscrapercity forum members were among the invited guests during the event.

The launching of the putting greens was part of Ayala North Point’s Summer Fun Days which was also a venue for its homeowners to enjoy and bond among friends and families. Food stalls were also set-up around the 9-hole putting area. The putting green will be another reason to enjoy being home at Ayala North Point.

Ayala Land Inc. has 3 major projects in Negros Occidental: the Ayala North Point, the Verdana Homes Plantazionne; and the Verdana Homes Asyana.  Ayala Norht Point is the first  Ayala land Premier subdivision in Western Visayas and the only subdivision in the region with an existing village management program which ensures customers satisfaction, comfort and security.

Additional facilities at Ayala North Point are the St. John Institute, Sadhana Garden, for meditation, and Wetlands for sewage treatment.

For more info, visit Ayala North Point

Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) was the top performing school for the Civil Engineering November 2009 Licensure Examinations with its 16 takers passing the Board or a 100% passing rate.

This is the second batch of graduates for Civil Engineering from CHMSC and it is already making a name as one of the top performing schools. Its first batch of CE graduates placed 2nd and 4th in the November 2008 Board Exams.

On the other hand, two graduates of the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos made it in the Top 10. Romyr Zamora Iwayan placed 3rd with a rating of 96.35% while Francis Jay Nava Bordaje was 7th placer with a rating of 95%.

Negros Occidental schools have consistently produced top graduates as evidenced by the number of passers and even placers in the board exams. In the November 2009 Chemical Engineering Licensure Examination, two graduates from the University of St. La Salle were also in the Top 10. Cathy Tan Ng placed 7th with a rating of 81.10% and Sheldon Lemuel Tan Lim placed 8th with 80.90% rating.

Congratulations to our New Engineers!

Source: http://www.pinoyboardresults.co.cc

The remaining 16,487 hectares of forest cover at the Northern Negros Natural Park are nor protected from commercial logging with Republic Act 3680 imposing a logging ban in the 3rd District of Negros Occiental which comprise the cities of Silay, Talisay and Victorias and two municipalities, E.B. Magalona and Murcia.

President Arroyo signed into law last November 3 House Bill 3680 known as “An Act Imposing a Logging Ban in the Third District of the Province of Negros Occidental” which was authored by Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson seeks to prohibit the cutting down of trees for commercial purposes.

The Northern Negros Natural Park is Negros Occidental’s major watershed area where rare flora and fauna species can be found such as hornbill, bleeding heart pigeon, Visayan warty pig and Philippine spotted deer. Mambukal Resort in Murcia and Gawahon Eco-Park in Victorias City are located inside the Northern Negros Natural Park.

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

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(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.”

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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!

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(This article was contributed by TheSugarFairy and photos by Annie May Alegato Valdez. Both are very active forum members of SSC Bacolod and die-hard Negrenses. Annie May is a regular photo contributor of this blog.)