I was recently recruited by Betsy Gazo to be part of Bacolod’s elite (ehem) food critic, Team Tikim. I was elated and apprehensive at the same time.  I mean, look at the team’s composition – Betsy Gazo, Bambi Borromeo and Ruth Cruz – all well-traveled, accomplished in their fields, and very cosmopolitan.

Am I competent enough? Can I meet their expectations? These were my thoughts as I pondered on Betsy’s invitation to join them. However, I believe it’s an opportunity that seldom comes, so I grabbed it not only for myself but for my blog Experience Negros. I will consider myself as an apprentice and learn from the experts and at the same time I will also get to feature the different dining places in Bacolod we review.

My first assignment was with the review of O Hotel’s offerings. Ruth wasn’t able to go with us so we had to call in tour guide Raymund Bayot to take her place.

As you may know, O Hotel was the former Bacolod Executive Inn. The hotel has undergone major renovations when the new owners took over. The sleeker new look is perfect for business meetings as well as for informal gatherings.

We were met by hotel manager Mrs. Aida Sy and Em Em Ong, a member of the family who owns the hotel. Although it wasn’t our first time to eat at the hotel, we let them chose what to serve us for dinner.

We were served two salads, Tossed Green & Fruits and Chicken Almond Salad. The bowls were filled to the brim and can already be a meal for those on a diet. Both passed our discriminating taste but I personally prefer the Tossed Green & Fruits. The mix of lettuce, apple slices, papaya and mango chunks was very invigorating.

Tossed Green & Fruits and Chicken Almond Salad

The Grilled Back Ribs was tender and the sauce was very tasty. Although for value-for-money, I’d still go for that other place for the low-priced backribs in Bacolod.

Grilled Back Ribs

The Quartered Chicken in Marsala Sauce was good but I think the sauce was a bit thick. We took a long time to sample it so it’s probably one of the factors. It could have been better if we immediately ate it.

Quartered Chicken in Marsala Sauce

Steamed Dory Teriyaki got our two thumbs up. It has just the right amount of sauce and you can savor the freshness of the fish.

Steamed Dory Teriyaki

We all agreed that the Beef Salpicao of O Hotel was one of the best, if not the best, in Bacolod. Ours was medium well and it was very tender, juicy and with just a tinge of pinkness in the middle.

Beef Salpicao

Would I recommend O Hotel? Definitely. The food is very commendable and the staff were accommodating even when they didn’t know we are about to review their food. I know this since I arrived earlier and I was treated very well by the staff. Price-wise, it’s about the same as any standard hotel in Bacolod. If you eat in group and share, about P300 per person would be your budget.

I guess my first foray into food review with a team was a success and a worthwhile experience. It’s quite interesting to listen to the other Team Tikim members describe the flavors of the food. It’s not enough just to say it’s delicious but you have to describe why it’s delicious. In addition to a discriminating taste, I should bring with me a lot of adjectives for the next Team Tikim review.

Bon appétit!

L’ Fisher Hotel will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a lot of events which will surely liven up the whole month of September. L’ Fisher Hotel has been a big part of the Negrense lifestyle from its function rooms, restaurant and hotel rooms. As a proof of their continued excellent service,  L’ Fisher Hotel was awarded by the  Department of Tourism as the Best Hotel in Western Visayas First Class Category in 2009.

The hotel went through renovation last year and it has now a much bigger convention hall, the Grand La Proa Ballroom, which has 1,000 seating capacity. The interior of the hotel also showcases Negrense ingenuity with the use of locally produced furniture and fixtures.

L’ Fisher Chalet Tower II also opened last year offering standard hotel rates at the same quality of service as L’ Fisher Hotel. It is the first hotel in Bacolod to have a swimming pool at the rooftop. It has also a very scenic view of the port area and downtown Bacolod City.

In preparation for the 2010 Masskara Festival and in celebration of its 20th year anniversary, L’ Fisher Hotel is having a facade renovation. Surely, it will be another great design to look forward to and will become another landmark in Bacolod.

Below are the lined up events of L’ Fisher Hotel for the month of September:

The Ultimate Wedding & Events Fair 2010
September 7-9, 2010
New Grand La Proa Ballroom, L’ Fisher Hotel

All You Can Eat Food Festival by Chef Pancho Bringas
Mongolian Nights – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (P299.00)
Soup, Salad, & Past bar – Thursday & Friday Nights (P299.00)
Paella & Sangria Nights – Saturday & Sunday (P399.00)

Saturday Chill with the Sober Club
w/ DJ Lian Zayco & the Patikiros
September 18, 2010, 8:00pm
L’ Fisher Chalet Roofdeck
Unlimited Drink for only P299.00

Dance to the Beat of Spirit of ’67
September 29, 2010 – 9:00pm
Grand La Proa Ballroom
P699 – with Dinner Buffet, P399 – without buffet

Themed Weekend Buffet at Ripples Restaurant w/ Live Entertainment
Thai – September 4 & 5, 2010 (P399.00)
Italian – September 11 & 12, 2010 (P450.00)
Spanish – September 18 & 19, 2010 (P450.00)
American – September 25 & 26, 2010 (P399.00)
Saturday: Dinner (6:00pm to 10:00pm)
Sunday: Lunch (10:00am to 2:00pm)

For more info, visit their website at www.lfisherhotelbacolod.com

Sylvia Manor opened its doors to the public in 2006 as Bacolod City’s first boutique hotel. Since then, it has become one of Bacolod City’s most preferred accommodations. Numerous celebrities have already stayed at Sylvia Manor Hotel.

Sylvia Manor was awarded as Western Visayas’ Best Standard Hotel during the 2009 Western Visayas Tourism Assembly. A major feat for a considerably new player in the hotel industry.

From Wikipedia:

Boutique hotel is a term popularised in North America and the United Kingdom to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain/branded hotels and motels by providing personalized accommodation and services / facilities.

What makes Sylvia Manor very attractive to visitors is its location. Located at San Juan St., it is right at the heart of Bacolod City where it is within walking distance from major establishments like SM City Mall and Bacolod City landmarks like Bacolod City Plaza, Central Market and old city hall.

Amenities include WiFi internet access at the lobby, restaurant and in all 52 rooms. Basically everywhere in the hotel!  There are also function rooms suitable for business meetings and small banquets.  In fact, Sylvia Manor is the favorite meeting place of Skyscrapercity.com forum members since we usually need reliable WiFi connection during meet-ups.

Food is also another consideration for us why we prefer Sylvia Manor. Café Felice is open 24 hours serving delectable local and international cuisine. If you need  to have that caffeine fix, then you would be glad to know that Sylvia Manor has unlimited refills.

What you will remember most with Sylvia Manor is the quality of service. I once had a small business meeting at one of their function rooms and I was quite impressed by their service.  The staff is always around to assist you and attend to your needs. They are likewise very courteous and friendly, making you feel at home. I just wished they had bigger function rooms.

Next time you’re in Bacolod, either for business or leisure, you might want to consider staying at Sylvia Manor.

For inquiries and reservation, contact:

Sylvia Manor
San Juan St.,  Bacolod City, Negros Occidental • Philippines 6100
Phone: +63 34 434 9801 • +63 34 709 0927 • +63 2 542 6026 (Metro Manila)
+63 32 511 8247 (Cebu) • +63 33 396 5844 (iloilo) • Telefax: +63 34 434 9833 •
E-mail: stay(at)sylviamanor.com • Website www.sylviamanor.com

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.  If you want to know where to stay in Bacolod during Masskara Festival, please check on our list of Bacolod Hotels and Resorts and visit the respective websites of the different hotels and resorts. The list will hopefully give you an idea of the different options you have for accommodations during MassKara Festival.

BACOLOD & NEARBY RESORTS

BACOLOD PAVILION RESORT HOTEL
Reclamation Area, Bacolod City
Tel. No. 434-1824

CARIBBEAN WATERPARK AND RESOTEL
Golden Field Commercial Complex, Bacolod City,
Tel.  No. 709-6059, 433-6683, 435-2643
E-mail: info@caribbean-waterpark.com
Website: http://www.caribbean-waterpark.com

NATURE’S VILLAGE RESORT
Talisay City, Negros Occidental 6115
Phone: (63) (34) 495-0808 / 4953368 to 69 / 712-1272
Fax: (63) (34) 495-3368
Mobile: (63) (922)870 2643
Email: info@naturesvillageresort.net
Website: www.naturesvillageresort.net

PALMAS DEL MAR
JR Torres Ave., Bacolod City
Tel No. 435-3527/ 434-7971-72
Email: palmasdelmar_bcd07@yahoo.com
Website: http://palmasdelmarresort.net/

STA. FE RESORT
Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City
Tel No. 432-1073
Email: staferesort@gmail.com
Website: http://staferesort.com

FIRST CLASS BACOLOD HOTELS

L’FISHER HOTEL
14th Lacson Street, Bacolod City, Philippines
Tel Nos. 63 34 433-3731 to 39; Fax 63 34 433-0951
E-mail: lfisher@globelines.com.ph
Website: http://lfisherhotelbacolod.com

LUXUR PLACE (Formerly Convention Plaza Hotel)
Magsaysay Avenue, Bacolod City, Philippines
Tel. Nos. 63 34 434-4551 to 55, 63 34 707-1919
Fax:63 34 433-3757
Email: sales@luxurplace.com
Website: www.luxurplacehotel.com

PAGCOR HOTEL & CASINO (Formerly Casino Filipino)
Goldenfield Commercial Complex
Singcang, Bacolod City, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: 63 34 434-8901 to 10
Fax: 63 34 434-4433
E-mail: info.bacolod@pagcor.ph
Website: www.pagcor.ph/bacolod

PLANTA CENTRO BACOLOD HOTEL & RESIDENCES
Corner Araneta- Rojas Sts., Bacolod City, Philippines
Tel No. 63 34 468-0400, 63 34 468-0408
E-mail: info@bacolodplantahotel.com, banquetsales@bacolodplantahotel.com
Website: www.bacolodplantahotel.com

ECONOMY BACOLOD HOTELS

BASCON HOTEL
Gonzaga Locsin Street, Bacolod City
Tel No.435-4071-72

CHECK INN PENSION
Ponce Building, Luzuriaga St, Bacolod City
Tel. No. (034)432-3755

O HOTEL (Formerly Bacolod Executive Inn)
San Sebastian-Locsin Sts., Bacolod City
Tel No.433-7401 to 04
E-mail: info@ohotel.com.ph
Website: www.ohotel.com.ph

PROMINENCE INN
Araneta Street, Singcang, Bacolod City
Tel No.435-0021
E-mail: prominence@mozcom.com

SEA BREEZE HOTEL
San Juan Street, Bacolod City
Tel No.(034) 433-7370/ Fax: 4337994
Email: seabreeze_ph@yahoo.com

TAMERA PLAZA INN
#79 Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 432-1708; Fax: 709-0886

STANDARD BACOLOD HOTELS

BUSINESS INN HOTEL
#28 Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-8877; Fax: (034) 434-2114
E-mail: info@businessin.net
Website: www.bacolodbusinessinn.com

CIRCLE INN
Lopez Jaena – Malaspina Streets, Capitol Shopping Center
Bacolod City 6100 Philippines
Telephone: +63-34-709-9111
Telefax: +63-34-433-2538
Mobile/Text Messaging: +63-917-445-9972
E-Mail: info@circleinnph.com
Website: www.circleinnph.com

EAST VIEW HOTEL
Carlos Hilado Circumferential Road corner Esperanza Diola Street
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
6100 Philippines
Telephone No: (034) 7072222; (034) 4330596Email
Address:contact@eastviewhotel.com
Website:http://www.eastviewhotel.com

GRAND REGAL HOTEL
Araneta St., Singcang, Bacolod City
Tel No. 708-5888 / 708-5588

GOLDENFIELDS KUNDUTEL
Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Bacolod City
Tel No.433-7211 to 16
Fax: (034) 433-7202
E-mail: kundutel@bcd.wbw.ph

MO2 DAYS INN
Goldenfields Commercial Complex
Tel. No. 432-2317; Fax: 709-4368

MO2 WESTOWN HOTEL
Lacson Street, Mandalagan, B.C.
Tel No. 441-1481/ Fax: 709-6500
E-mail: mo2westown_bcd@yahoo.com

NORTHWEST INN
JB Corner, Rizal-Mabino Sts
Tel No. 434-4077

ROYAL AM REI
13th Lacson Street, Bacolod City
Tel No.433-8881; Fax: 4330222

SUGARLAND HOTEL
Araneta-Singcang Sts., Bacolod City
Tel No.435-2690
Fax: (034) 433-2645 ; Fax: 435-2645
E-mail: sugarland@mozom.com

SYLVIA MANOR HOTEL
San Juan St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-9801 / 709-0927; Fax: 434-9833
E-mail: stay@sylviamanor.com/
Website: http://www.sylviamanor.com

BACOLOD TOURIST INNS

7R RESIDENCE INN
#56 Luzuriaga St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-5674

BACOLOD KING’S HOTEL
San Sebastian-Gatuslao Street
Tel No.434-4500, 434-4600; Fax: 433-0576

BACOLOD PENSION PLAZA
Cuadra St., Bacolod City
Tel No.433-4547/ (034) 433-2203

BALDEVIA PENSION HOUSE
San Juan-san Sebastian Sts., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-8107-09

BELLE’S PENSION HOUSE
17th Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-5575

CASA AMPARO
Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-3592

G & J HORIZON PENSION
Locsin-Libertad, Bacolod City
Tel No.433-3098

G & V PENSIONNE ROYALE
Burgos North Drive., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-5234

KIMAS PENSION HOUSE
Mandalagan, Bacolod City
Tel No. 435-4293 / 709-8529; Fax:709-8527

MERCENARY INN (Formerly Bacolod Legacy Inn)
Liroville Subd., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-6181

OMAR PENSION
Narra Avenue, Bacolod City
Tel No. 709-0062

PEARL MANOR
North Drive – Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-5091 / 433-5092

PENSION BACOLOD
11th St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-7065

REGENCY PLAZA
Lacson Extension, Bacolod City
Tel No.433-1458

SALTIMBOCA PENSION
17th Lacson, Bacolod City
Tel No.432-3617, 432-1145, 432-3179

STAR PLUS
Lacson-Rosario St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-2949

TINDALO PENSION
Tindalo St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 709-0006

TRAVELLER’S INN
BS Aquino Drive- Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 432-2966

BACOLOD PENSION HOUSES

11TH BED AND BREAKFAST
11th Street, Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-9191

BALAY PUEBLO ROSARIO
No 15 Sta Filomena St., Eroreco, Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-4243, 434-0424

ESTER PENSION
Araneta-Libertad St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-4879

HIRO PENSION
Alijis Road
Tel No. 434-7313

ISADORA’S PLACE
Magsaysay Ave, Singcang
Tel No. 707-8993

JACQUELINE’S PENSION
13th Gatuslao St.
Tel No. 709-8580

KARMEN PENSION I
Cor. Lopez Jaena-Sta Ana Sts
Tel No. 431-9001

LAS ROCAS PENSION/ BACOLOD INN
Gatuslao St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 431-7288

LD PENSION
San Juan-Luzuriaga Sts., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-6920, 434-4979

MAINSTREET PENSION
Lacson South Extension
Tel No. 435-3675

MONIC PENSION (Pension Phoenix)
Rosario St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 432-0397

POLOYs PENSION
Bonifacio St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-6817

RAINBOW PENSION
Mabini St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 707-7931

ROSITA’S HOMETEL
Mabini St., Bacolod City
Tel No. 434-5136

SWEET CITY CAPTEL (Formerly NOBC Hostel)
Kadiwa Center, Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-5391

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.

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I recently discovered a new budget accommodation in Negros Occidental. The Sweet City Captel was inaugurated last February 2, 2009 by Gov. Isidro P. Zayco. The hostel located at the North Capitol Road corner Gatuslao Street in Bacolod City is now being managed by the Capitol Government Employees Multi Purpose Cooperative (CAPGEM).

The newly renovated Sweet City Captel is a budget traveler’s haven right at the heart of Bacolod City. It’s strategic location makes it accessible to public transportation and major business establishments in  Bacolod City.

Dorm-type accommodations are available in aircon and nonaircon. For organizations having seminars and trainings, the Marañon and Montelibano Halls are available for lease. Currently, 2 and 4-bed standard rooms are being remodeled. Captel also provides discounts for government employees and senior citizens.

Below are the rates:

Dorm-type rooms, non aircon             P100/head

Dorm-type rooms, aircon                     P200/head

Marañon Function Room                      P800/day + P250/day for use of electricity

Montelibano Function Hall                  P2,000/day + P250/day for use of electricity

Standard room, 2-bed                           P600/day

Standard room, 4-bed                           P800/day

For inquiries, call Sweet City Captel at (034) 432-2089 0r send your e-mail to capgem_coop@yahoo.com

The East Point Hotel is the newest addition to Bacolod City hotels. The 5-Storey hotel is located along Circumferential Road near Burgos corner. It’s worth noting that since the New Government Center was constructed along the Circumferential Road, there were a lot developments going east of the city.

Construction of the East Point Hotel is already on the fifth floor so hopefully the building will be completed before the year ends or early next year in time for Panaad Festival.

Here are photo updates courtesy of Tony Manso.