Negrenses woke up today when a magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook Negros at 4:47AM according to PHIVOLCS. The earthquake has an epicenter located at 78 km S 42° W of Cauayan (Negros Occidental) . Two aftershocks were also recorded at 5.7 and 5.5 magnitude at 5:03AM and 5:05AM, respectively.

The earthquakes are caused by the Negros Trench and Phivolcs has been monitoring the trench since yesterday when 6 earthquakes were recorded by Phivolcs. There are no damage or casualties reported as of now. The earthquake was also felt in Panay and Cebu islands.

It’s always best to stay calm during an earthquake and PhiVolcs recommends the following things to remember during an earthquake:

When you are inside a structurally sound building or home, stay there.

• If possible, quickly open the door for exit.
• Duck under a sturdy desk or table and hold on to it and protect your head with your arms.
• Stay away from glass windows, shelves, cabinets and other heavy objects.
• Beware of falling objects, be alert and keep your eyes open.

If you’re outside, move to an open area.

• Stay away from trees, powerlines, posts and concrete structures.
• Move away from steep slopes which maybe affected by landslides.
• If you’re near the shore and feel an earthquake, especially if it’s too strong, move quickly to higher grounds. Tsunamis might follow.

If you’re in a moving vehicle, stop and get out. Do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses, or flyovers which may have been damaged.

As part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of L’ Fisher Hotel, a wine pairing event for the local media at Ripples Restaurant was co-sponsored last night by Future Trade International (FTI), distributor of wine labels such as Hardy’s and Nederburg.

Never been much of a wine drinker, least of all a wine connoisseur, I was excited to experience a wine pairing and tasting event. Except for myself as a blogger and my friend Anton Manso, fellow forum member of Skyscrapercity, the rest of the guests were Bacolod media bigwigs.

Wine is much appreciated when it is paired with the right food. There are certain foods which are enhanced by a specific wine’s flavor and aroma. Let’s leave it to the expert, Mr. Eric Khan of FTI to choose the perfect wine for what Chef Pancho Bringas prepared for us.

Certainly, a Chef’s canvas is the plate but I have no regrets in consuming Chef Pancho’s masterpieces. The names on the menu are a mouthful but they sure do satisfy the palate. Obviously, I’m not alone since everybody seems to have empty plates.

It must have been the wine or the casual conversations which lead the guests to be quite relaxed. It is in this  circumstance where some people gets to talk more and if you have a keen sense, you will get to hear a lot of gossip. Well, not the gossip you probably want to hear but it’s business gossips I’m referring to. We’re not yet allowed to divulge the information but there are a lot of big developments coming up for Bacolod. That’s certainly a cause for celebration. Let’s drink to that!

Photos courtesy of Anton Manso

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

L’ Fisher Hotel in collaboration with the Wedding & Event Planners of Negros, Inc. (WEPON) is holding the Ultimate Wedding & Events Fair at  the Grand La Proa Ballroom of L’ Fisher Hotel. Different wedding & event suppliers in Negros Island gathered in one venue to showcase what they have to offer. The ribbon cutting followed the wine pairing at the Ripples Restaurant.

In the past 20 years of its existence, L’ Fisher Hotel has been one of the favorite venues by Negrenses for weddings and other occasions. Resident Manager, Mr. Robert Balde has been with the hotel for the past 18 years  bear witness to how the Negrenses patronized their hotel. He also enumerated the various developments made such as the L’ Fisher Chalet Tower II, renovation of the interior and the Grand La Proa Ballroom. The hotel facade is also currently undergoing renovation.

The new Marketing Officer, Ms. Imelda Tinsay, who by the way is a big asset to the hotel, invited the guests to sample the various offerings of the hotel in relation to L’ Fisher Hotel 20th anniversary. Imelda’s presentation says it all, why L’ Fisher should be the venue of your most memorable occasion.

Cocktails were served to guests who eagerly waited for the parade of wedding gowns from local designers. The whole La Proa Ballroom was turned into a one-stop shop for weddings and other events.

Photos courtesy of Anton Manso

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Today, Negrenses celebrate the Al Cinco de Noviembre to commemorate the Negrenses’ uprising against the colonizers on November 5, 1898. The uprising led to the surrender of the Spanish troops in the province and the establishment of the short-lived Cantonal Government of Negros reuniting Negros Occidental and Oriental.

Led by Gen. Juan Araneta from Bago and Gen. Aniceto Lacson from Silay, the rebels, mostly sugarcane workers, marched towards Bacolod armed only with farm implements. The revolutionaries augmented their lightly-armed men with fake arms consisting of rifles carved out of palm fronds and cannons of rolled bamboo mats painted black. Seeing the troops, the Spanish Governor Isidro de Castro surrendered.

The revolutionaries were gallant enough to let the Spanish save face by letting them sign a capitulation that Spanish forces surrendered only after a breath-taking hand-to-hand combat, that, they “fought valiantly and killed many”.

Cinco de Noviembre played a significant role in the history of Negros since it was the day that hacienderos and sugarcane workers fought together in battle. Its commemoration is not only to honor Generals Lacson and Araneta but also the countless sugar workers who remain nameless but are heroes just the same. Through the celebration of Al Cinco de Noviembre, may the ideals of those heroes remain steadfast in the hearts of the Negrenses.

Photo Credit: Negros Occidental Website