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:

[View with PicLens]

Some photos courtesy of Maricar Dabao of Viaje Negrense

We were lucky to be part of the exclusive guests of Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa recently courtesy of Havaianas. It was my first time to visit the resort and I was quite impressed.

Located in the Municipality of Cauayan in Southern Negros Occidental, Punta Bulata should be on your list of resorts to visit if you are looking for an exclusive and private hideaway in Negros Island.

We were billeted at Room 2A at the Ayu Spa and I think we had one of the best rooms. We had a beautiful view of the garden, pool and the sea.and a very spacious bathroom too! Just outside our room was a small receiving area with a balcony which was also a good spot for relaxation.

The resort has a long stretch of white sand where you can take a leisurely walk in the morning and during late afternoon. The sunset overlooking Sulu Sea can be quite romantic too. Swimming is one of the activities you can do either at the beach or at the infinity pool. For the adventurous, you can visit Danjugan Island which is only 10 minutes away by boat from Punta Bulata.

Because of its location, you can have the privacy you long for at Punta Bulata. They have different room accommodations depending on your preference. They have the hotel spa rooms, cabana, family suites, aircon van – all scattered in different locations around the resort.

Going there, the first challenge you’ll have to hurdle is the travel time. Punta Bulata is 154 km from Bacolod City of roughly 3 hours of travel. If you are traveling with a group, you can hire a vehicle from Bacolod City. But if you are the backpacker type, you can take the Ceres bus. The resort is still 4 kilometers away from the highway so you have to take a tricycle from the crossing. Make sure you tell the driver you are going to Punta Bulata so he’ll know where to drop you off.

Punta Bulata is a exclusive resort so you can expect the rates to be a little higher that the usual resorts. I personally suggest the hotel spa rooms because of their spacious rooms and bathrooms. Because of its distance from Bacolod, a 3D 2N stay would be ideal so you can really explore the place and try their services such as the spa.

For more information, visit their website.

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

About 30 minutes drive away from Bacolod City lies a picturesque mountain resort manged by the Provincial Government. The Mambukal Mountain Resort locate in the town of Murcia, Negros Occidental lies is 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as gateway to Mt. kanlaon.

The resort was originally developed by a Japanese architect named Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927. The resort started as a bath house and picnic garden and has provided cool haven for Negrenses and their guests.

Spread over 23.6 hectares at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon, the Maambukal Mountain Resort boasts of a number of hot sulfur springs. A big mountain stream, fed by several tributaries, descends in a series of seven falls feeding the swimming pools and boating lagoon.

Things to Do in Mambukal

To commune with nature, the resort has strategically located viewing decks and a Canopy Walk with hanging bridges. If relaxation is what you’re after, there’s the boating lagoon, swimming and dipping pool. You can likewise bring children along since they will surely enjoy the butterfly garden and the kiddie pool.

For a more physical challenge, there’s the Rock Climbing Wall and the Slide for Life. For more adventure, one can trek to the seventh falls where your endurance can be tested.

Accommodation

Mambukal is ideal for family outings and business conferences. For those on a budget, there’s the Tourist Lodge which offers standard rooms and suites. There are single air conditioned cottages or campsites to choose from as well as picnic sheds for day visitors. There are stalls at the resort serving local dishes at reasonable price so don’t worry about going hungry.

How to Get There

Mambukal is a favorite vacation destination of local and foreign tourists since it is very accessible from Bacolod City. The resort is around 30 minutes by private vehicle and 45 minutes by public utility vehicle. From downtown Bacolod, take the “double tire” mini-buses going to Murcia from the Libertad terminal. Fare is around 30. Double Tires are almost always available from Mambukal going to Bacolod City.

Rates

Entrance

Adult – P 35.00
11 years & below – P 10.00
Light Vehicles – P 15.00
Trucks/Buses – P 30.00

Swimming Pools

(Kiddie/Adult Pool/ Mambo Pool, Dipping Pool)
Adult – P 50.00
11 years old and below – P 20.00

Picnic Huts

Big – P 600.00
Small – P 300.00

Activities

Wall Climbing – P 25.00
Slide for Life – P 100.00 – 2 trips
Canopy Walk – P 50.00
Boating – P 30.00 / person
Butterfly Garden – P 20.00 / person

Accommodation Facilities:

LGU Cottage
- P 900.00- Single beds / Matrimonial
- P 1,200.00 – 4 single beds
- P 1,500.00 – 2 single beds and 2 double decks
- P 4,000.00 – 2 bedrooms with Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen

Tourist Lodge
- P 600.00 – Ordinary
- P 750.00 – Deluxe
- P 1,000.00 – Suite
- P 2,000.00 – Exclusive use
Camping – P 30.00 / person

Check In – 2:00PM
Check Out – 12:00 Noon

Tables with 4 Chairs – P 100.00
Additional Foam – P 100.00
Canopy with 1 table and chairs – P 300.00

Transport Service:
Coaster 25-Seater
Urvan 12-Seater

Conference Hall:

• Entirely versatile with audio visual, lighting and meeting equipment for seminar, conferences, and banquets
• The entire hall is divisilbe into 3 sections and can accommodate up to 400 persons.
• Caterings Service Is Available – with set meals and buffet choices.

For Reservations:

(034) 709-0990 or (034) 433-8516 – Mambukal Reservation Office
(034) 710-0801 or (034) 473-0610 – Mambukal Resort

Had my grandma not have her hair permed that weekend, we would have not known that Bago City is home to another marvel, the Pataan Mountain Resort. From Kipot Twin Falls, we travelled three (3) kilometers following the road to PNOC (thanks to the locals who gladly gave us directions). Along the way, a lady hailed to hitch a ride with us. Incidentally, she was going to the resort too. Turns out she works for the owner of the resort and her folks work there too. Knowing that, my folks didn’t wait long before they could ask her more questions about the resort. So she gave us a little backgrounder.

It’s owned by a retired police who bought the property in 1998. Many people had showed interest in co-financing the development of the resort but the owner declined them all. Too many cooks spoil the broth, so they say. Instead, they relied on the concerted efforts of family members who contributed to the growth of the property from a simple bahay bakasyunan to a resort ready to accommodate picknickers,backpackers and nature lovers.

The resort has now at least 9 picnic cottages (much like the day cottages at Mambucal, but built with wood) situated near the pool of water from the falls. Big groups can rent the space which doubles up as a canteen, the pavillion or the other bigger structure (restaurant set-up) at the opposite side of the day cottages. Two overnight rooms are available for group accommodations: one good for 6 and the other good for 15. There is a swimming pool which, during our stay, was dominated by kids. From there, you get a good view of the rice terraces in the lowland plus a good view of your parked vehicle, in case you feel like checking on it once in a while. If you think you are too old for the pool or just didn’t want to pay PHP50.00 to get wet, there is the many pools of water from the waterfalls at no extra cost.

And the waterfalls. Wow… it’s a different sight from the ones I’ve seen in Mambucal. It’s wider and covered with greens all over. My folks took a dip in the pool under the waterfalls but didn’t stay long because the water was cold. I would have gone with them had I been in better health during our visit. (poor me huhuhu).

If you want a new mountain resort experience, do check out Pataan Mountain Resort while it’s not yet known to many. The owners didn’t want to advertise so they rely on word of mouth and referrals of satisfied customers who bring friends and relatives along during their next visits. Works for them really, as they feel that they are not yet ready to draw more crowd than they could serve.

Here’s some useful info about the resort:
Location: Sitio Pata-an, Brgy.Mailum, Bago City

How to Get There:

• By Public Transport

Travel Details	Mode of Transport	Fare
Libertad Market to Ma-ao Public Market	Road Star Bus	P30.00/head
Ma-ao Public Market to Pataan	Tricycle	P30.00/ head; P150 for hire

• Private Transport

Alternative Routes:

1. Bacolod City > Araneta St > Brgy Sum-ag > Crossing Abuanan > Maao Public Market>
2. Bago City > Crossing Mining > Maao Public Market

When you reach the market, you just go straight up following the concrete road til you pass by the signboard to Buenos Aires, then Kipot Twin Falls. No harm in asking locals for directions to be sure (LOL!)

Useful tips:

1. There are no PUJs passing by the resort so you have to work out your transpo details
2. Bring your own food and drinks, if you can help it. They don’t charge corkage fee except for liquor (I’m not sure about the beer though). And bring only what you can consume so you wouldn’t have to bring them all back home.
3. Make reservations in advance.Especially if you plan to stay overnight. You may call any of the following numbers: 476-1330 or 433-0443 or 434-6854
4. Be prepared to get wet.
5. You can’t get your camera too close to the falls because of the mist so I suggest you bring one with a powerful zoom to get a good close-up of the falls.

Enjoy Pataan!

Text and Photos by: Roxie Yap