Bacolod City and Negros Occidental Province - Compiled Threads

[slerz]

but as I saw the pic, it is not that wide.. I thought their boulevards there have a minimum of 6 lanes as it is always said that Bacolod has very wide blvrds...

[FrancisXavier]

but as I saw the pic, it is not that wide.. I thought their boulevards there have a minimum of 6 lanes as it is always said that Bacolod has very wide blvrds...
i thought bacolod's boulevards has 8 lanes in average... so Iloilo's must be narower than this? for they always say that wide boulevards is bacolod's advantage over iloilo.

[slerz]

Cebu has an average of 6 and 4 lanes but they said Cebu's streets are narrower than that of Bacolods so I expect that Bacolod has about 6 to 8 lane roads.

[FrancisXavier]

Cebu has an average of 6 and 4 lanes but they said Cebu's streets are narrower than that of Bacolods so I expect that Bacolod has about 6 to 8 lane roads.

yeah, same with cdo.. Recto Ave(maharlika) has 6 lanes. Velez ave has 6 also.. Vamenta bouleverd has 4.. Osmena has also 4. Masterson ave has 4 lanes(from downtown to uptown in sm, sm to airport only 2 lanes).. Kauswagan high way has 4. And most of the atreets has 4 but the 2 outer lanes are used for parking.. you rarely can see 2 lane road here.. exept on far suburbs.

[FrancisXavier]

it just looks wide because there aren't so much buildings on both sides yet.. some lots are even vacant still... so much room for development.

[slerz]

I think so, so does it mean Bacolods streets tomorrow as it progresses will become as narrow as Cebu's today?

[FrancisXavier]

I think so, so does it mean Bacolods streets tomorrow as it progresses will become as narrow as Cebu's today?
yes i guess.. 1 factor which make a road look narrow is the buildings beside it... just look at the steets of manhattan and ayala ave in makati.... diba ang sikip tingnan.. to think ayala ave has 8 lanes...

[slerz]

^^yup, and also the size of a city or the volume of the traffic... kung ala masyadong sasakyan, napakalaki tignan ang daan, kung kahit 8 lane pa yan pero puno ng mga sasakyan, masikip tingnan... excellent analyzation, aight? :D

[c0kelitr0]

as i've said, the roads are RELATIVELY wide. it doesn't mean they're wider than cebu's. but the traffic flow is very fluid that's why you'd think the roads are really wide. and another thing, buildings are not built right beside the roads...there's always an ample space for sidewalks.

[slerz]

kase sinabi ng uyab ng cousin ko na taga bacolod, mas maliliit pa daw ang mga daan dito sa Cebu kaysa sa Bacolod, wa ra daw katunga :D
I based on her statement at kapanipaniwala naman ang mukha nya...

[c0kelitr0]

^^ lols slerz, you know what, that was my first impression too! i really thought cebu's roads are narrower than bacolod's. honestly, it feels that way at least.

cdo may be growing faster than bacolod but i must say that people of bacolod got class :D cdo still feels provincial imo

[slerz]

^^I also really thought that Cebu's roads are narrower than that of Bacolods...

IMO, CDO's people's sociality are the same that of Cebu's people... simple lang ba pariha nako... ;)

[FrancisXavier]

yup...CDO people are simple..but mostly owns big houses on high end villages and hectars of farms in bukidnon..

[slerz]

^^yup, mostly of my college classmates here are from CDO... mga hacienderong dagko... parang di nauubusan ng pera, sige lang suroy suroy...

[FrancisXavier]

maybe they want to explore your place cebu...lol

[Jimbu]

Friday, January 27, 2006
New Bacolod Airport 20% complete
By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan

THIRTEEN months from now, the New Bacolod Airport being constructed in Barangay Bagtic, Silay City is expected to be complete.

Transportation and Communications Assistant Secretary Ricardo "Cano" Tan disclosed Thursday that as of last month, about 21.904 percent of the construction works have already been accomplished.

Tan admitted though that the airport contractor, Japan-based Takenaka-Itochu Joint Venture, has also encountered a delay equivalent to about 0.877 percent or 15 days.

Constant raining in the previous months affected the construction, said Tan.

Tan, however, said they would be able to catch up with the delay and hopes to beat the 30-month target in the completion of the airport construction with the Revised Catch Up Program duly implemented by the contractor.

"By the first quarter of 2007, the airport will finally be completed. On the second quarter, it should already be operational," added Tan.

The construction of the P4.3-billion airport in Silay started in August 2004 on a 187.2-hectare land area.

The project is being funded by the 24th Yen Loan Package of the Japan Bank of International Cooperation with another Japan-based Hanjin Construction serving as TIJV sub-contractor.

Meanwhile, in an on-site ocular inspection Thursday, the Department of Transportation and Communications engineers presented to local media the soon-to-be completed two-kilometer runway and its apron.

Likewise presented were the on-going construction of a passenger terminal building, control tower, terminal building, embarkment and parking facilities among others.

Tan said the new airport would be patterned on the latest modern standards of the Civil Aviation Organization.

Its control tower would be equipped with the most modern aviation facilities.

The new airport's terminal lies on 6,187-square-meter area with a parking space that could accommodate up to 350 cars.

The P68-million diversion road, Tan said, is also almost finished.

Another proposal, which is to use the McKinley road as an access route leading to the airport or to utilize Barangay Guinhalaran as an alternate route, is now being considered.

As to the plan for the old Bacolod airport at Singcang area in the City, Tan said, this would depend on the Airport Disposal Committee that the President would be creating.

Tan, however, clarified that Bacolod has nothing to lose if the new airport in Silay becomes operational because the City collects nothing from the airport except on fighting cocks that are being transported to Manila or Cebu.

The old Bacolod airport has an area of about 40 hectares and the National Government owns 50 percent of the property while the other half belongs to the Philippine Airlines.

[Jimbu]

Friday, January 27, 2006
PEZA to declare more IT zones
By Roberto L. Bacasong

FOUR more buildings in Bacolod City would soon be converted into IT Centers, which is to realize as soon as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) approves their applications for accreditations as IT facilities.

At present, Peza has identified three establishments as IT buildings.

These are the Robinsons Metro Bacolod in Barangay Singcang-Airport, the Block in Barangay Villamonte, and the Bacolod City IT Park in Barangay Estefania.

Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue said the Bacolod IT Focus Team is targeting 2,000 job applicants this year.

Sigue, however, refused to divulge the names of the IT locators who are interested in putting up their businesses in the identified IT buildings.

She admitted though that these locators are US-based and Canadian companies and are evaluating the capacity of the buildings.

Peza allegedly requires for a building to have at least 2,000 square meters to accommodate 200 to 300 seats.

"There are many buildings here that are qualified for conversion into IT buildings. Right now, we are conducting an intensive data banking activity in order to evaluate the actual manpower," said Sigue.

Sigue added that her office received 1,000 applicants qualified to fill in the manpower.

We have a very good number of telecommunication facilities. We have three major telecommunication companies in the country. We have the strong support of the local government units, said Sigue.

She bared that in Western Visayas there were nine IT Zones.

About Peza

Peza is an investment promotion agency and a government-owned corporation attached to the Department of Trade and Industry.

It grants fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to developers of economic zones, export producers, and I.T. service exporters.

It also offers ready-to-occupy locations to foreign investors who are export producers or IT service exporters in world class and environment friendly Economic Zones and IT Parks and Buildings.

Peza's mission is to contribute to the accelerated creation of employment and other economic opportunities particularly in the countryside.

Call Center hiring

Sigue said the Teleperformance Global Telemarketing and Teleservices Solutions would conduct a month-long screening and interview of applicants for their first call center branch in the city starting February 8.

She said Narda Goñi-Miranda, recruitment manager of Teleperformance Philippines, informed her about the hiring Thursday.

The councilor added that her office is still accepting applications and resumes from the applicants.

Teleperformance announced last January 10 their decision to put up a site in the city as part of their plan for provincial expansion outside Metro Manila.

Last Tuesday, Interactive Outsource Asia, a partnership of a Canadian firm and local businessmen, announced their entry to the city. They are targeting to operate by March 2006.

The IT Team awaits the arrival of the Mayor Evelio Leonardia to discuss with him their plan of undertaking a comprehensive visioning workshop to collate a management plan to ensure the steady and sustainable growth of the IT industry in Bacolod City.

The multi-sectoral team envisions to work not only for Bacolod but for the benefit of the province of Negros Occidental and Western Visayas, Sigue said.

[TJ]

Slerz bacolod has 4 to 6 lanes too the most average is 4. The only 6 lanes i know are the new concrete highways but asphalted roads are 4 lanes which is what you mostly see in the city proper.

[TJ]

^^ lols slerz, you know what, that was my first impression too! i really thought cebu's roads are narrower than bacolod's. honestly, it feels that way at least.

cdo may be growing faster than bacolod but i must say that people of bacolod got class :D cdo still feels provincial imo

coke :cheers: class is not gonna help you when your broke. There are people i know like freinds and even relatives have lots of class they go casino's, big partys, exotic resorts and bars but at the end of the day they go broke and end up borrowing money from others or selling their assests like cars furnitures etc... I don't why people act this way this is stupid maybe it is because the way they were brought up by their family. Sometimes they even lie about what they have in order to project that they are wealthy and they look so pathetic. They spend whatever money they have on nonsense extravagant things and hobbies just so that people will notice they even don't care when they go home they got nothing to eat coz their fridge is empty. Napoleon once said sometimes people are ruled more easily by their vices than their virtues. Their is only a small step from the sublime to the ridicolous. I glad my only vice is computer games i just stay at home and don't have to spend a penny. lol

[Askal82]

coke :cheers: class is not gonna help you when your broke. There are people i know like freinds and even relatives have lots of class they go casino's, big partys, exotic resorts and bars but at the end of the day they go broke and end up borrowing money from others or selling their assests like cars furnitures etc... I don't why people act this way this is stupid maybe it is because the way they were brought up by their family. Sometimes they even lie about what they have in order to project that they are wealthy and they look so pathetic. They spend whatever money they have on nonsense extravagant things and hobbies just so that people will notice they even don't care when they go home they got nothing to eat coz their fridge is empty. Napoleon once said sometimes people are ruled more easily by their vices than their virtues. Their is only a small step from the sublime to the ridicolous. I glad my only vice is computer games i just stay at home and don't have to spend a penny. lol

I knew this family in Davao city who got their inheritance from their dad after he died 10 years ago. They spent their fortunes on non-sensical things that include lavish spending, gambling and touring binge like there is no tomorrow. The last time I was there (which is 2 years ago), you will actually feel sorry for them right now and their ancestral home is at risk of being taken away by the bank to pay off their debts.

[Askal82]

In addition to Bacolod's wider roads, the city seems well-planned as well similar to Davao city. Their streets form a grid pattern:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c60/Askal82/10bacol.jpg http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c60/Askal82/12davao.jpg

[slerz]

Slerz bacolod has 4 to 6 lanes too the most average is 4. The only 6 lanes i know are the new concrete highways but asphalted roads are 4 lanes which is what you mostly see in the city proper.

but still, it's not wide if we talk of a city, normal cguro and I think most cities here in vismin has 6 lane roads. Akala ko nga talaga kada kanto 6 lanes then others ay 8 to 10 lanes na. Yan talaga ang inisip ko dahil marami nag sabi sa akin na talagang super lalaki daw mga daan sa Bacolod.

[FrancisXavier]

In addition to Bacolod's wider roads, the city seems well-planned as well similar to Davao city. Their streets form a grid pattern:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c60/Askal82/10bacol.jpg http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c60/Askal82/12davao.jpg
davao's map looks like that of washington dc's.

[Askal82]

Yeupz, of all the Philippine city, Davao city's street scheme is very organized.

[FrancisXavier]

Yeupz, of all the Philippine city, Davao city's street scheme is very organized.
unlike here in CDO.. There are streets which end at nowhere...

[Askal82]

unlike here in CDO.. There are streets which end at nowhere...

Well, CDO is still developing and expanding so expect more in the near future. I don't know about General Santos city though. I'm hoping more cities in Mindanao to boom aside from Davao. :)

[Matteo]

whered you get those maps?

[Askal82]

I simply googled them and found it. Actually, these maps were way back in the 90's because I remember my uncle still had one of these the last time I was there. They were sold in the National Bookstore. They probably have newer versions now. I was surprised when I found them and they are the same ones that I saw back in Manila.

[Dinho]

but still, it's not wide if we talk of a city, normal cguro and I think most cities here in vismin has 6 lane roads. Akala ko nga talaga kada kanto 6 lanes then others ay 8 to 10 lanes na. Yan talaga ang inisip ko dahil marami nag sabi sa akin na talagang super lalaki daw mga daan sa Bacolod.

Bacolod's roads may not be wider than those found in Cebu but I think if we get the percentages, Bacolod would have a bigger percentage of wider roads. The widest roads in Metro Bacolod are found on the the north side going to Silay City. The widest road may be the road from Ayala Northpoint to the new airport.

[tigidig14]

whered you get those maps?
caltex yata

[Dinho]

i thought bacolod's boulevards has 8 lanes in average... so Iloilo's must be narower than this? for they always say that wide boulevards is bacolod's advantage over iloilo.

Yup, that's absolutely right. One other thing, though Bacolod has more vehicles than Iloilo, Bacolod's traffic is not as congested because a lot of the cars registered are 2nd, 3rd, or nth cars of Bacoleno's so that most cars stay in the garage.

[Dinho]

davao's map looks like that of washington dc's.

The Bacolod map looks a bit old because several bridges have been built over the Lupit River. Davao's map looks better planned with a wide avenue and park at the center but if it show's the extents of Davao City, Bacolod would have a bigger area even without the developed area across the Lupit river. So I take it that the Davao map is also a bit old.

[boybleauXx]

Well, CDO is still developing and expanding so expect more in the near future. I don't know about General Santos city though. I'm hoping more cities in Mindanao to boom aside from Davao. :)

you can count on Butuan.

some may be a bit ahead today.....but given all the ingredients Butuan now is receiving....with its strong infrstructure supports.....in the very very near future...we will be stepping on somebody elses tail :)

[Dinho]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/SCCmap02.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/sccityhall.jpg
San Carlos City Hall

Here is a map of San Carlos City at the northern tip of Negros Island. The city is incredibly well planned. Much better planned than Bacolod in fact. Its city hall is the focal point of the road that begins at the old city plaza. Its current population is about 120,000.

[Dinho]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/LopuesEastMall.jpg
Lopue's East Centre

This photo was taken before they built the "cyberpark" on the parking lot. It looked very nice when I left the P.I. almost two years ago. Across it is the McDonald's Villamonte. The area looked like an American suburb with wide parking lots in front of buildings, a standalone McDonald's fastfood joint, a sprawling gasoline station, and wide roads. Too bad they built that cyberpark as I think it now makes the place look a bit crowded, though not as congested as Iloilo.

[TJ]

but still, it's not wide if we talk of a city, normal cguro and I think most cities here in vismin has 6 lane roads. Akala ko nga talaga kada kanto 6 lanes then others ay 8 to 10 lanes na. Yan talaga ang inisip ko dahil marami nag sabi sa akin na talagang super lalaki daw mga daan sa Bacolod.

Well don't believe them you know that they are just exagerating things. heheh

[Askal82]

The Bacolod map looks a bit old because several bridges have been built over the Lupit River. Davao's map looks better planned with a wide avenue and park at the center but if it show's the extents of Davao City, Bacolod would have a bigger area even without the developed area across the Lupit river. So I take it that the Davao map is also a bit old.

It just shows how planned both cities were before than we even think.

[Askal82]

you can count on Butuan.

some may be a bit ahead today.....but given all the ingredients Butuan now is receiving....with its strong infrstructure supports.....in the very very near future...we will be stepping on somebody elses tail :)

I like the bridge that is being built there.

[Dinho]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/washington_dc.jpg
Washington D.C.

Here is L'Enfant's masterplan for Washington D.C. He cleverly designed streets to end at major government buildings, museums and other major civic facilities. At the center is the mall that leads up to the Capitol. Washington D.C. was intentionally designed to be a low rise city so as not to allow some buildings to overwhelm the government institutions in the city.

I wonder why Davao's Provincial Capitol and City Hall is located away from the park area. The Capitol should have been located at the north end of the Roxas Ave. Park where it'll serve as the terminus.

For Bacolod, they should have widened 6th street to give a more grander approach to the Capitol and Lagoon. The City Hall should definitely be located at a new undeveloped portion of the city so that it can serve as a new growth spurt and they should plan an entirely new centre with that new City Hall as the focal point. Best location for it would be the geographic center of Bacolod which remain undeveloped today. San Carlos' City Hall is an excellent example of how to plan a new area with a major governmental institution to serve as the terminating point.

[chymera00]

i thought bacolod's boulevards has 8 lanes in average... so Iloilo's must be narower than this? for they always say that wide boulevards is bacolod's advantage over iloilo.
the answer is a big YES!!!

[Dinho]

double posting

[Dinho]

Here is the population of Metro Bacolod and Metro Iloilo:

Metro Bacolod
Bacolod 429,076
Bago 141,721
Murcia 59,358
Talisay 79,146
Pulupandan 25,849
Silay 107,722
Valladolid 32,576
875,448

Metro Iloilo
Iloilo 336391
Pavia 32824
Sta. Barbara 46076
Oton 65374
Leganes 23475
Tigbauan 50446
San Miguel 20754
Zarraga 18252
Pototan 61206
Dumangas 56291
New Lucena 19490
Cabatuan 45935
Barotac Nuevo 45804
822318

This is just an estimate. Iloilo City has more towns around it that is with an hours travel distance and I added more neighboring towns to cover roughly the same area that Metro Bacolod would cover.

[slerz]

Bacolod's roads may not be wider than those found in Cebu but I think if we get the percentages, Bacolod would have a bigger percentage of wider roads. The widest roads in Metro Bacolod are found on the the north side going to Silay City. The widest road may be the road from Ayala Northpoint to the new airport.

That's why I never think that Cebu is better than those cities but I see Cebu's status just the same as the status of Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao etc. coz I see those cities are better than Cebu in some aspects.

[Dinho]

Friday, January 27, 2006
New Bacolod Airport 20% complete
By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan

THIRTEEN months from now, the New Bacolod Airport being constructed in Barangay Bagtic, Silay City is expected to be complete.

Transportation and Communications Assistant Secretary Ricardo "Cano" Tan disclosed Thursday that as of last month, about 21.904 percent of the construction works have already been accomplished.

Tan admitted though that the airport contractor, Japan-based Takenaka-Itochu Joint Venture, has also encountered a delay equivalent to about 0.877 percent or 15 days.

Constant raining in the previous months affected the construction, said Tan.

Tan, however, said they would be able to catch up with the delay and hopes to beat the 30-month target in the completion of the airport construction with the Revised Catch Up Program duly implemented by the contractor.

"By the first quarter of 2007, the airport will finally be completed. On the second quarter, it should already be operational," added Tan.

The construction of the P4.3-billion airport in Silay started in August 2004 on a 187.2-hectare land area.

The project is being funded by the 24th Yen Loan Package of the Japan Bank of International Cooperation with another Japan-based Hanjin Construction serving as TIJV sub-contractor.

Meanwhile, in an on-site ocular inspection Thursday, the Department of Transportation and Communications engineers presented to local media the soon-to-be completed two-kilometer runway and its apron.

Likewise presented were the on-going construction of a passenger terminal building, control tower, terminal building, embarkment and parking facilities among others.

Tan said the new airport would be patterned on the latest modern standards of the Civil Aviation Organization.

Its control tower would be equipped with the most modern aviation facilities.

The new airport's terminal lies on 6,187-square-meter area with a parking space that could accommodate up to 350 cars.

The P68-million diversion road, Tan said, is also almost finished.

Another proposal, which is to use the McKinley road as an access route leading to the airport or to utilize Barangay Guinhalaran as an alternate route, is now being considered.

As to the plan for the old Bacolod airport at Singcang area in the City, Tan said, this would depend on the Airport Disposal Committee that the President would be creating.

Tan, however, clarified that Bacolod has nothing to lose if the new airport in Silay becomes operational because the City collects nothing from the airport except on fighting cocks that are being transported to Manila or Cebu.

The old Bacolod airport has an area of about 40 hectares and the National Government owns 50 percent of the property while the other half belongs to the Philippine Airlines.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/airportbc.jpg
Metro Bacolod Airport (Silay International Airport) side view

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/airport2.jpg
view from tarmac

That's great news! Though I do not really like the design of the terminals for both the Metro Bacolod Airport and Metro Iloilo Airport. The design for both terminal buildings looks like a big domestic airport and not really an international airport terminal.

[Dinho]

uh, where's everybody?

[rustyboi]

^^ i think both upcoming airports are intended for domestic flights lang. they could have increased the size in the first place if they want to serve international flights dba. pero in the future siguro, who knows. and i'm aware that there are so many strict requirements to become an international airport. but those two new airports are still great news :D

[Askal82]

^^ Hey you just dissed out both our cities in your thread. May pa'tooot' effect ka pa. :lol:

[lewdsaint]

Do you have the facts?

Its interesting to note that between the three cities, Iloilo had the most number of houses made of nipa, and other less permanent building materials and Cagayan de Oro had the least while Bacolod City was in the middle. The figures were not in percentages so if they report it as a ratio, Iloilo would have a lot of poor people, while CDO would have the least considering that both CDO and Bacolod are a lot bigger in population.

[rustyboi]

Bacolod's roads may not be wider than those found in Cebu but I think if we get the percentages, Bacolod would have a bigger percentage of wider roads. The widest roads in Metro Bacolod are found on the the north side going to Silay City. The widest road may be the road from Ayala Northpoint to the new airport.

if we talk of percentage, i beg to disagree bro. ;) to clear things out, road networks (average) in Cebu is far wider than in any other cities outside MM. :)

[rustyboi]

^^ Hey you just dissed out both our cities in your thread. May pa'tooot' effect ka pa. :lol:

haha Nope, only those who attended the SSC Forums meet know what those 'toot' means. :lol:

[Askal82]

Nope, only those who attended the SSC Forums meet know what those 'toot' means. :lol:

Hmmm Hmmm. Bantay ka lang kai lagot ka jud. :lol:

[rustyboi]

Well don't believe them you know that they are just exagerating things. heheh

every claim should be supported with facts and figures para walang away dba? hehe

[Dinho]

Do you have the facts?

Look up the NSO national website on Population & Housing.

[Dinho]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/satviewbacolodcenter.jpg

Here is a satellite view of Bacolod City. Clouds cover much of Bacolod at the time this was taken but underneath the cloud cover, is a built up area. The airport is not included on this image as it is located more to the lower left side.

[Dinho]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/satviewcadizcitycu2.jpg
Satellite view of Cadiz City

Among the cities of Negros Occidental, Cadiz seems to have a more built up downtown area. The satellite picture shows that much of the development in Cadiz is concentrated in one area.

[Sinjin P.]

http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/index8a.jpghttp://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/index8b.jpghttp://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/index8c.jpg
http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/index8d.jpghttp://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/index8e.jpghttp://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/index8f.jpg

Welcome to the 2nd Thread of the Bacolod City and Negros Occidental Thread Series!

Thread I (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=301526)


Welcome to Bacolod City - the Cleanest and Greenest and the Most Livable City in the Philippines. The capital of the Province of Negros Occidental which is the Sugarbowl of the Philippines. Bacolod City serves as the entrance of the sugar-rich cities and towns of the Province. Visitor's facilities abound, modern means of in-land transport can take guests for business or leisure to any point in the island of Negros.

Bacolod will charm you with the genuine warmth and hospitality of her people in harmony with their lilting melodious accent. The Bacoleños will delight you with food and cuisine that is as vigorous yet as subtle as the legendary Ilonggo gentility and taste for the good life.

Kari Kamo sa Bacolod!

Why Bacolod is your destination


A Stable peace and order condition where incidence of crime is low, there is high police visibility and a crime solution of 97%.


Effective maintenance of clean and green surroundings as evidenced by a HALL OF FAME AWARD as the Cleanest and Greenest Highly Urbanized City in the Philippines.


Low percentage of illegal settlers.


Upbeat local economy and unlimited opportunities for trade and investments because the city is home to a high percentage of the Philippines' top 20 corporations;


Intensified initiatives towards agri-based diversification like the production of food items, muscovado sugar, organic fertilizers, light farm equipment and home decor;


Inexpensive cost of doing business with numerous amenities, facilities and available opportunities;


A systematic traffic planning that offers the luxury of driving through wide roads in a highly urbanized center;


Greatly improved accessibility through an airport that connects the city to Manila 6 times daily through 3 major airlines and a seaport for large cargo and passenger vessels in addition to the fast sea crafts cruising the waters between Iloilo and Bacolod.


Strong involvement and partnership between the government and various private stakeholders plus that legendary hospitality and cuisine that make Bacolod City an ideal place to visit, to work and much more to live in this lifetime.


http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/index1k.jpg
http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/index1p.jpg
CLEANEST AND GREENEST HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY,
MOST COMPETITIVE & LIVABLE MID-SIZED CITY AND
HOME OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS MASSKARA FESTIVAL.



http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/icon26.jpgLOCATION. BACOLOD CITY is in the north-western coast of the Province of Negros Occidental which is in the Visayan Islands, Philippines. It is bounded in the north west by the cities of Talisay; in the north east by Silay and Victorias; in the east and south west by the town of Murcia; in the south west by the City of Bago; and in the west by Guimaras Strait.
It has the total land area of 16,171,007 hectares or 161.45 sq. km excluding straits and bodies of water. It is accessible by sea through the ports of Banago, the Reclamation area and the port of Pulupandan.

http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/icon19.jpg GETTING THERE. Some 300 statute miles from Manila, the main gateway and capital of the country, Bacolod is only 55-minute flight by plane or a 20-hour leisurely cruise on board any of the luxury vessels of Negros Navigation and WG&A Super Ferry. From Cebu City, Bacolod is a mere 20-minute flight. For the more adventurous traveller, Bacolod is a 7-hour land and sea travel through scenic areas of northern Negros to Cebu City or vice versa.
The Bacolod airport is approximately four (4) kilometers away from the city proper.

http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/icon20.jpg CLIMATE. Bacolod City has 2 pronounced seasons, wet and dry. The rainy season starts from May to January with heavy rains occurring during the months of August and September. Dry season starts from the month of February up to the last week of April. December and January are the coldest months while April is the warmest.

http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/icon21.jpg POPULATION.The National Statistics Office (NSO) revealed that the city population has reached 429,076 as of year 2000 survey. Bacolod City population comprises approximately 25% of the total population of the Province of Negros Occidental.

http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/icon22.jpg LANGUAGE/DIALECTS. Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) is the major dialect spoken in Bacolod City. English and Tagalog are also widely spoken and understood especially in the urban areas.

http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/icon23.jpg CURRENCY/CREDIT CARDS.Most foreign currencies can be changed in the banks. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops, and restaurants.

http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/icon24.jpg COMMUNICATION FACILITIES. International direct dialing, telex, facsimile, world-wide express delivery, postal service and telegraph service are available. Cellular phones are widely used. Pagers, info calls, email, and internets are also available.

ELECTRICITY. Most areas are supplied with 220 volts and 110 volts, 60 cycles. A plug with 2 flat prongs is the norm, but pack a universal adaptor to be safe.

WATER. Water is potable. Bottled mineral water is available in supermarkets, groceries, hotels, restaurants and in almost all eating establishments.

http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/icon25.jpg GETTING AROUND.
Modern air-conditioned taxis are numerous in the city. Public utility jeepneys are common modes of transport within the city. There are four (4) major jeepneys routes: Banago-Libertad, Mandalagan-Libertad, Bata-Libertad, Shopping-Libertad routes.
Buses and jeepneys provide service for intertown travel. Car rental services are available with rates depending on the vehicle used and distance traveled. Information for car rental services are available at most hotels' front desk.

B A C O L O D
Most Competitive Mid-sized City

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Fresh from the baptism of being in the Hall of Fame as the "Cleanest and Greenest Highlyluzuriaga-araneta sts, bacolod city Urbanized City in the Philippines", the City of Bacolod has recently catapulted into another national reputation. This time, in the realm of economic competitiveness.
This Capital City of the Sugarlandia is proud today as the "Most Competitive Mid-sized City in the Philippines" after she earned 6.62 points in the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2003 which was conducted to 50 cities nationwide.
Bestowed to her by the Asian Institute of Management in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The Asia Foundation, German Technical Cooperation, International Labor Organization, and various leading educational institutions in the country, the said title was based on various "competitiveness drivers" such as: Infrastructure Adequacy and Quality, Cost of Doing Business, Dynamism of the Local Economy, Human Resource and Training, Linkages and Accessibility, Responsiveness of Local Governance, and Quality of Life.
Among the 13 mid-sized cities, Bacolod City ranked FIRST, earning 6.46 points, in "Infrastructure Adequacy and Quality" which indicates that the city has sufficient physical, technological, and knowledge support services that are required in transacting business such as: road infrastructure, telecommunications, production factors and transport systems. This criterion includes the number of banks, road density, vehicle density, number of internet service providers, well-managed road network and traffic, road clearance during peak hours, reliability of electric power services, abundance of water supply, easy connection of telephone lines from other service providers, adequate cellular phone signals, reliability of internet service providers, and adequate garbage management.
In the same group of cities, Bacolod City also ranked FIRST in the "Quality of Life" after receiving a score of 7.04 points. This criterion which determine the quality of environment and life in the city is based on the incidence of theft per 100,000 population, incidence of murder per 100,000 population, hospital beds per 100,000 population, life expectancy at birth, cleanliness of roads and public open spaces, adequacy of rest and recreational facilities, conduciveness of the security environment to businesses.
Bacolod City got 7.36 points thus ranked FIRST in "Human Resources and Training" which measures the capacity of the city's population to build and take advantage of opportunity in the locality. This criterion measures number of tertiary education institutions, number of vocational institutions, skilled labor availability, easily trainable workforce, appropriate academic programs for local industry, adequate IT training programs, eagerness of workers to skill development, importance of investing in skills development, availability of training programs organized by schools and industry partners, expectation on workers performance, constructive labor-management relations, availability of businesses that allows on-the-job trainees, effective management of workers, link between job satisfaction and worker productivity, if poor labor practices are discouraged in the city, and strong worker suggestion on business operations.
Bacolod City ranked SECOND in terms of "Dynamism of the Local Economy" and "Responsiveness of the Local Government Unit" after earning a score of 6.58 points and 6.18 points, respectively.
The "Dynamism of the Local Economy" criterion indicates the capability of the city to attract and foster inward investments. It includes the measurement of the number of household income, local inflation rate, percentage of top 200 corporations, population versus fast food chain locators, market size, consumer price index, vibrancy of tourism sector, expectation in business revenue, business access to financing, and conduciveness of regulatory environment to business.
The "Responsiveness of the Local Government Unit" criterion suggests that the city has the ability to respond to systematic and short-lived issues with a well-grounded and focused vision. This considers the percentage of Internal Revenue Allotment to the local revenue, simplicity and efficiency of processing business permit, transparency of the local government, fairness in the administration of justice, relationships of policies and regulations to business needs, holding of regular public forums, appropriateness of development plan to business needs, reasonability and and flexibility of land use plan, involvement of the city in the development of the human resources, and effectiveness of assistance to displaced workers.
Bacolod City did not fair well only in the criterion of "Linkages and Accessibility" which indicates the ability of the city to transport goods and services. The references for this criterion are the location and the time of transporting the raw materials, location of international entry and exit points, availability of business support services, extent and benefits of business collaboration in the city, and the extent of services of the national government agencies.
Based upon the over-all result of the above-said survey criteria, the strength of the City of Bacolod is in the existence of more vocational institutions, higher vehicle density, negligible incidence of theft per 100,000 population, negligible incidence of murder per 100,000 population, average rent of commercial space, average installation cost of new telephone lines, adequate signals of cellular phones, reliability of internet service providers, business allowing on-the-job training for students, and skills training and development program.
The survey result also shows that Bacolod City has an average household income, market size, road density, percentage of IRA to local revenue, hospital beds per 100,000 population, and less worries of business on human resource.
However, according to the survey, Bacolod City needs to improve in the following areas: cost of power for industrial use, number of banks, life expectancy at birth, and the number of internet service providers.

P H O T O G A L L E R Y I

Provincial Capitol Building / Provincial Park and Lagoon
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Panaad Park and Stadium
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Supercat Fast Ferry, BREDCO Port, Bacolod City
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Manokan Country, Reclamation Area, Bacolod City
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Group K Entertainment
Tangub, Bacolod City
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La Consolacion College
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Gaisano City Mall
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Bacolod Airport
Singcang, Bacolod City
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Negros Navigation
Banago Port, Bacolod City
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Philippine National Bank
Lacson St., Bacolod City
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Bacolod City Hall
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BS Aquino Drive, Bacolod City
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P H O T O G A L L E R Y II

Pahanocoy Pottery
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Casino Filipino Hotel
Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Singcang, Bacolod City
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Sugarland Hotel
Singcang, Bacolod City
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Bethany Court Town House, Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City
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Negros Museum
South Capitol Road, Bacolod City
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Robinson's Place
Mandalagan, Bacolod City
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Palmas del Mar - Village & Beach Club
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Coca Cola Bottling Company, Mansilingan, Bacolod City
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Bacolod Convention Plaza Hotel, Bacolod City
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Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club Inc.
Barangay Bata, Bacolod City
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P H O T O G A L L E R Y III

San Miguel Beer Brewery, Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City
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L' Fisher Hotel, Lacson St., Bacolod City
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Luzuriaga Street, Bacolod City
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Bargain Square Mall, Bacolod City
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Barquillos making
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Luzuriaga - Araneta Streets, Bacolod City
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Bacolod Plaza Bandstand and Gazebo - Right at the Center of Bacolod Public Plaza, the bandstand was constructed in 1927 to complement to weekend cultural activities of the early Bacoleños. Names of world-famous composers like Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and Wagner circle the sides of the roofing, attesting to the early Bacolodnon's familiarity with European Culture.
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Bells of San Sebastian - The centennial bells of San Sebastian were brought down from their place in the belfry and mounted at the right side of the churchyard in 1976, the 100th year anniversary of the Cathedral. Large Bell donated 1866 by Fr. Mariano Avila , Bacolod Parish Priest (1963-1871). Small Bell installed 1890 by Fr. Mariano Ferrero, Recollect Parish Priest of Bacolod.
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Top Harbor International, Inc.
Reclamation Area, Bacolod City
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Bob's Restaurant
BS Aquino North Drive, Bacolod City
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P H O T O G A L L E R Y IV

The Palisades Subdivision, S. Gonzaga Avenue, Brgy, Estefania, Bacolod City
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Land Bank of the Philippines
Gatuslao St., Bacolod City
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Plaza Mart City Mall, Bacolod City
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Limmans Centre, Luzuriaga-Araneta Sts., Bacolod City
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BCG Computers, Lopez Jaena St., Bacolod City.
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Dr. Pablo O. Torre Pharmacy Laboratory / Medical Arts Building
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Circle Inn - Lopez Jaena St., Bacolod City
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Colegio San Agustin - Bacolod
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Centroplex Mall, Gonzaga St., Bacolod City
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Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Inc.
South Capitol Road, Bacolod City
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P H O T O G A L L E R Y V

Dr. Pablo O Torre Memorial Hospital
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Forest and Native Products -Bacolod Central Market
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Development Bank of the Philippines
Lacson St., Bacolod City
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St. John's Institute
Hilado St., Bacolod City
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La Consolacion College - HRM & TOURISM CENTER
Quezon Avenue, Bacolod City
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Celine Homes
Bacolod City
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Lopues Mandalagan
Bacolod City
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BO's Coffee Club
Piazza Sorrento, Lacson St., Bacolod City
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Krua Thai, Authentic Thai Cuisine
Piazza Sorrento, Lacson St., Bacolod City
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Piazza Sorrento
Lacson St., Bacolod City
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P H O T O G A L L E R Y VI

Masskara Festival
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[Sinjin P.]

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Manila - Bacolod
By Air
One could take Domestic flights from Manila to Bacolod at NAIA (NinoyAquino International
Airport) serviced by PAL (Philippine Airlines), Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines. Daily Flights
available.
By Sea
Going to Bacolod is easy. WG&A SuperFerry and Negros Navigation can take you to Bacolod
with regular shipping schedules.

Bacolod - Sagay
By Land
Sagay is approximately a two-hour drive by private car from Bacolod
City. Public utility vehicles regularly plying the northern Negros highway
pass by this newly-chartered city in the north.

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The name Sagay was inspired by these delicate, yellow, pearly, semi-spherical shell called
'Sigay'. Visit our City and experience Sagay's Sea, Sun and Sights. Know where to go, where
to stay and where to dine.

Sagay City, the “Garden City of the North,” has so much to showcase to its visitors.
The charm of its destinations, sand and water, exotic cuisine are tempting invitations . . .

We have every reason to invite tourists to experience our SEA, SAND and SIGHTS at
Carbin Reef, a marine sanctuary with its unique sandbar, clear water and virtually clean
environment.

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http://www.sagay-city.com.ph/images/smrpic1.gifBRIEF HISTORY

Sagay City is considered one of the major fishing grounds in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines; it is bounded in the north by the Visayan sea, a portion of the country known for vast marine resources.
Man’s wanton abuse of Sagay’s marine environment resulted to massive destruction in the area, sometime in the late 1970’s, the town mayor of Sagay initiated the conservation and management of the dying coral reefs with the help of the technical expertise of Silliman University Marine Laboratory In the 1980s, a marine sanctuary was established in Carbin Reef and was formally proclaimed as a protected area through a municipal ordinance and was extended to Panal, Maca and the fringing reefs of Molocaboc islands.

In 1995, the passage of Presidential Proclamation 592 declaring approximately 32,000 hectares of Sagay’s Territorial Waters as Protected Seascape under the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act was a major milestone for the fishing communities.

Among the salient activities of the program are resource management (mangrove reforestation, resource surveys and assessment, fish catch data gathering and monitoring of red tide occurrence), social development (community organizing, conduct related seminar workshops and 'pulong-pulong', provide micro-lending on alternative livelihood schemes and introduced sustainable fishing methods) and law enforcement (bantay dagat force).

In recognition of the program’s endeavor, a prestigious national award giving body, Gawad Galing Pook selected Sagay Marine Reserve as one of the ten innovative program initiated by an LGU in 1997 in the marine conservation and protection program.

In 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act. No. 9106 otherwise known as the Sagay Marine Law which bestowed concrete mechanism for the program's sustainability.

Authored and introduced by Negros Occidental 2nd District Congressman and forerunner of this program since the 1970s, Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. during the 2nd Regular Session of Congress, the Law establishes about 32,000 hectares of island barangays and coastal waters and reefs in Sagay as marine protected area, "to enable the reefs to regenerate and reestablish the stock of marine life."

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Museo sang Bata sa Negros, the first hands-on and interactive children's museum in Negros opened its door last July 11, 2004 at the Old Municipal Buiding in Sagay City with CEO and President of Museo Pambata Nina Lim Yuson as guest of Honor and speaker.

"This is envisioned to be a premiere children's hands-on and interactive museum that will awaken and stimulate the creative and intellectual potential of Negrense children, " says Mrs. Sonia Marañon-Sarrosa, the president of Museo sang Bata sa Negros Foundation, Inc. (MBNFI).

The museum has two main permament interactive exhibits featuring the highly acclaimed Cinco de Noviembre and the Hampangan of Mara Montelibano. The children will also enjoy varied activities at the museum such as arts anmd crafts, activities and workshops, storytelling, performances, puppet shows, filmshowings, educational talks and activities and literacy programs.

The Board of Trustees of the Museo sang Bata sa Negros Foundation, Inc. are Eusebio Lopez, Chairman Sonia M. Sarrosa, President Lyn B. Gamboa, Vice President Marilou S. Jalandoni, Treasurer Merle M. Severino, Assistant Treasurer Lourdes L. Escalante, Secretary Susan M. Javelosa, Assistant Secretary Leo Rafael M. Cueva, Corazon G. Escario, Mildred L. Garay, Anna P. Lacson, Aida L. Marañon and Alicia Barcelona. Governor Joseph Marañon has been elected as honorary chairman of the foundation. Ms. Lilibeth Lao is presently the director of the museum.





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This very church was established during the religious administration or Recollect Friars in the mid - 1850’s. Devotees flock to the Shrine of San Vicente de Ferrer at Brgy. Vito every Friday as part of their religious promise.



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Balay Kauswagan, the fastly becoming convention center of Northern Negros, symbolizes the commitment of the City Government of Sagay through the leadership of former Mayor now Governor Joseph G. Marañon and Mayor Fortunato S. Javelosa, in the total development of the people.

This center is the venue for seminars, skills training, art
exhibits, trade fair, etc. Through these activities, it is
hoped that the physical, social, cultural, political and
spiritual aspects of man will be enhanced and attain its
full potential.

Balay Kauswagan, the first and only of its kind, will serve not
only the Sagaynons but the people of Northern Negros
as well.

Balay Kauswagan is also a showcase of Sagay's key
attractions like the Marine Sanctuary, its beautiful, flora
and fauna, food and handicrafts through paintings and art
objects that decorate the center.

ROOM RATES

Private Room ---------------- Php 500.00
Suite Room ---------------- Php 1500.00
Conference Room ---------------- Php 1000.00
Function Room ---------------- Php 2000.00
Social Hall ---------------- Php 3000.00
Big Pool ---------------- Php 4000.00 whole day
Small Pool ---------------- Php 2000.00 whole day
Entrance
Adult - Php 50/head
Kids(13 & below) - Php 25/head


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Balay Kauswagan, the fastly becoming convention center of Northern Negros, symbolizes the commitment of the City Government of Sagay through the leadership of former Mayor now Governor Joseph G. Marañon and Mayor Fortunato S. Javelosa, in the total development of the people.

This center is the venue for seminars, skills training, art exhibits, trade fair, etc. Through these activities, it is hoped that the physical, social, cultural, political and spiritual aspects of man will be enhanced and attain its full potential.

Balay Kauswagan, the first and only of its kind, will serve not only the Sagaynons but the people of Northern Negros as well.

Balay Kauswagan is also a showcase of Sagay's key attractions like the Marine Sanctuary, its beautiful, flora and fauna, food and handicrafts through paintings and art objects that decorate the center.

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To rediscover the past of ILCO Train No. 7 fondly called by many as ‘siete’ brings silhouette memories even at the sound of her siren especially to those who have shared their lives with her.

Colin Garratt, author of the book, Iron Dinosaurs considered Train No. 7 as the “world’s most incredible steam survivor” and even proclaiming her a ‘portrait of a dinosaur’ at the date his book was published in 1976.

‘Siete’ is a 3 feet, 6 inches gauge 4-cylinder compound 0-6-6-0 mallet that was built in 1925 by Locomotive Baldwin Works in Philadelphia, U.S.A. Her body is ornated with green livery lined in red, her eight-wheel bogie tender was done in black with bold letters painted ‘INSULAR LUMBER CO.’

Most of those who experienced ‘siete’ says “she is a ghost who refuses to die.” After her birth in 1925, she served exhaustively somewhere in America believed to be hauling lumber and later was declared ‘retired.” Somehow she managed to arrive in 1930’s at Insular Lumber Co., in Brgy. Fabrica managed then by Harvie Pope, an Englishman. Soon enough she was revived by a team of talented mechanics at the local workshop then headed by Mr. William Allen while the railroad lines by Carlos Orleans.

During her hiatus with ILCO, she hauls thirty-two cars weighing 30 tons with boiler pressure of 280 lbs per square inch and was acclaimed to be the most powerful steam engine in Negros Island. She practically travel at least 21 miles everyday from “Maaslud” passing track to the sawmill site in Fabrica compound. “Siete” was instrumental in steering millions of dollars to ILCO, making it the world’s largest hardwood lumber company at that time and has provided jobs to the locals.

There were many accounts of disasters that were recollected by one that will forever remain in the minds of Fabricañans was the fatal accident in Piyok bridge. “In September 1957, fifty people were killed when four log cars broke away from the rear of a loaded train coming down from ‘Maaslud.’ Once the split had been notices, the brakemen signaled the driver to stop; this he did on a high trestle bridge. But when the breakaway cars caught up, they were travelling at high speed and, striking the train they knocked it down into a ravine far below. Most of the dead were passengers illicitly riding on the logs.”*
Also, another significant story about this 75-ton steam locomotive was the disaster that occurred one night after heavy rains. “She started off a huge landslide into a completely irretrievable position in a river bed far below. The mallet had to be dismantled where she lay and the pieces hauled back up to track level by wincing ropes.”*

More than four decades of serving ILCO as the main work-horse in hauling logs, the management decided to transfer its operations to Hinoba-an. But No. 7 was left in Sagay and was sold to Sagay Central Inc. in 1975 together with some other rolling stocks. Nevertheless, she served the said company in such a short stint because of the railway’s incapacity to carry her. After a year or so, she slumbered in the junkyard of the central’s compound for twenty long, silent years. Knowing the significance of Siete to the people of Sagay, particularly to the Fabricañans, Edgar and Sonia Sarrosa purchased the legendary steam locomotive.

For their love and affection to Sagay and so that the memories of siete will be perpetually relived, Edgar and Sonia Sarrosa and children, donated the

Upon her arrival at the city plaza sometime in November of the same year, she was in total disarray and was profusely rusted. After months of assiduous restoration work by the General Services Office headed then by Apolinario P. Malundo Jr. and through its mechanical shop general foreman Reynaldo Oreta, Siete now stands majestically at the city public plaza, attracting every tourist and passersby.


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http://www.sagay-city.com.ph/images/garden_1.gif

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Negros Occidental First Lady Mrs. Aida L. Marañon, Dra. Marilyn D. Marañon, Mrs. Sonia M. Sarrosa, Mrs. Shirley Javelosa, Mrs. Marnie Lobaton, Mayor Fortunato S. Javelosa and Vice Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva together with other guests and officials lead the initial opening of Sagay City Garden, Park and Living Tree Museum.

Set in a one hectare lot located at the city's new government center, this project is being spearheaded by Sagay Ladies Circle headed by Sagay City First Lady Mrs. Susan M. Javelosa in joint efforts with the City Government of Sagay.

Mayor Fortunato S. Javelosa lauded the effort of Sagay Ladies Circle for dreaming and implementing such a huge project. He further give his support for the completion of the project.

Mrs. Javelosa saiod this is the organization's humble way of supporting the thrust of the City Government, in making Sagay the Garden City of the North. She said that the reason of holding an initial opening is to present to the people and the donors what has been done so far.

Mrs. Sonia M. Sarrosa stressed that the success lies in the leadership and the ability of the people to unite. She said "this project reflect such leadership and unity of the City Government of Sagay and the Sagay Ladies Circle."

Sagay Ladies Circle Vice President Mrs. Anabelle Lobaton also narrated the history of the organization and the details of the project. She likewise acknowledged those who donated and helped out.

Included in the plan is the living tree museum area which will be composed of exotic fruit and non exotic fruit bearing trees, the flower section, the meditation area, lagoon, green house4 and nursery, and others.

Other organizations who participated in the planting are the Sagay Teachers Association of Retirees and Catholic Women's League - Sagay City Chapter.


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http://www.sagay-city.com.ph/frwrks/pic_sinea.gif



This festival is the City's way of preserving the heritage of her people. The gentle, joyful and hardworking Sagaynon whose name God chose to be symbolized by this humble spherical shell which dances as it allows the roaring waves to toss it to shore and pulls it back to the sea in ritual merrymaking.

Historically, Sagay derived her name from a semi-spherical shell, "Sigay" which abounds in many islets and shores of the City. The abundant marine resources continue to provide to this day sustainable economic benefits to her people.

The dynamism of the Sagaynons is the City's assurance of riding high above the waves of change in this new millennium. Sinigay is an expression of art and culture of the hardworking and God-fearing Sagaynons displayed and exhibited during the annual Sinigayan Festival as an eloquent assertion of thanksgiving for the bountiful blessings showered on the past year.

It is a native dance evolving out of the once religious rituals of our forefathers carried out through the ages and enriched by then intermingling of diverse Filipino customs and traditions, now gradually developing as a typically Sagaynon culture.

[Sinjin P.]

SAN CARLOS CITY, Negros Occidental


Hataw
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/hataw.jpg

http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/lagoon.jpg
Located in Sitio Katingal-an, Barangay Buluangan, owned by the Ledesma Family. About 12 kilometers from the city proper. Of the 10.4 hectares land area, 5 hectares with a 7 meter depth is a man-made lagoon & the rest planted to various trees which serves as a sanctuary for birds and animals.
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/lagoon/Lagoon6_366.jpg

Mt. Kanlaon
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/kanlaon.jpg

http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/peoplespark.jpg
Originally a garbage dumpsite, it took a bold decision on the part of the local government unit to allocate an amount close to a hundred million pesos and turned the place into a realization of a long time dream, the own park.

The conversion of the reclamation area into People's Park is backed by Resolution Number 255 passed by the Sanggunian Panlungsod on November 14, 1996.

Last July 1 of 2003, phase 1 of the park was completed and opened to the public in time of the City's 43rd Charter Day celebration. Construction of Phase II is on-going, including the fresh-water swimming pool which could be ready for the public in time for the Pintaflores Festival.

Features includes fresh & sea-water swimming pools, marina, children's playground, kiosks, festival area, promenades, picnic areas, sports areas & other typical features of a modern park.

The place has been a favorite hang-out for those who simply want to enjoy a quite afternoon while watching sail boats slowly inching their way against the back-draft of the setting sun. Wedding receptions and other social gatherings are made romantic and meaningful under a canopy of stars.

Like a beautiful butterfly breaking from its chrysalis, the 18-hectare San Carlos City People's Park promises of beauty and splendor when it completes its metamorphosis from a revolting garbage dumpsite into a scenic and enchanting tourist destination in Negros Island, a recreation of nature and its most artistic form.

Once an eye-sore, the former garbage dumpsite-turned reclamation-turned tourist park is now an eyeful. No visit to San Carlos City is complete without a view of the park.
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/peoplespark/pp7_366.jpg

Pedicab
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/pedicab.jpg




Pintabata Festival
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/pintabata.jpg

Pintaflores Festival
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/pintaflores.jpg

Pintalawas
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/pintalawas.jpg

SCCFC Balik-Laro
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/sccfcbaliklaro.jpg

Acacia Playground
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/acacia.jpg





Miss San Carlos 2004
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/missscc2004.jpg

Gaisano City San Carlos
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/gaisanocitysancarlos.jpg

Pawikan
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/pawikan.jpg

Lite Ferry
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/ferry.jpg

Pumpboat
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/pumpboat.jpg





Koi
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/koi.JPG

http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/gpa_bfp.jpg
What was primarily conceived as a project designed to answer a pressing needs of residents of Barangay Buluangan, the Buluangan Fishport project turned out to be more than just a local activity. It brought national fame and one (1) unit ambulance to the city.

This locally funded Fishport project brought the name of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental into the national limelight as one of the top 20 outstanding programs in the country in the 1994-1995 Galing Pook Awards sponsored by the Asian Institute of Management and the Local Government Academy due to its socio-economic and environmental impact to the Buluangan community. The ambulance came later as a prize for winning the award.

The project which cost the city government P3.75 million from its general fund was undertaken by the city government. It has a 204 lineal meter concrete and modern facility where economic growth convenience and safety of the fishermen are the prime consideration in its construction.

The fishport is provided with lighting facilities, railings, concrete steps and shed housed. With this modern docking facility, residents of Brgy. Buluangan who depend on fishing for their daily living are able to increase their income and improve their standard of living.
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http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/gpa_dsk.jpg
"Daan sa Kaunlaran" road project (locally known as the 'P70-million' road) is a locally funded 42 km. road network that spans across tough mountain terrains up to the boundary of Don Salvador Benedicto linking five of the city's eight mountain barangays to the city proper.

It's more than just a farm-to-market road, a fitting answer to the needs of the city's rich agricultural barangays.

It facilitated the extension of basic services like health, education, technical assistance and others to the mountain folks.

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http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/sipaway.jpg
Situated in the eastern part of the city, geographically known as Refugio Island. Travel time is 10-15 minutes by pumpboat to Dapdap wharf in Barangay San Juan and 20-25 minutes to Barangay Ermita. Land is approximately 391.9 hectares of coral stones and white silica sands.

The island has century-old Balete tree, Basilia white sand beach resort, Whispering Palms Island Resort, Lopez beach house for snorkeling & scuba diving, a private wharf and recreation center, and a huge public swimming pool.

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http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/sipaway_us.jpg

http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/cathedral.jpg
Became a Parish on 1895 and was constructed on 1891 during the term of Fr. Pedro Chivite, OAR. Present Bishop is Msgr. Jose Fuerte Advincula, DD. It became a Diocese on February 10, 1988 covering the Municipality of Manapla, Negros Occidental to La Libertad of Negros Oriental.

http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/cathedral_185.jpg






http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/alinsyawan.jpg
Situated in Sitio Aglolo-od, Barangay Palampas, this city. About 35 minutes by private vehicles, 1 hour or less by public conveyance (jeepney/ motorcab), fares about P7.00 to Pamahawan and P15.00 to the falls. From the city to the falls is about 7 kilometers passing Hacienda Euzcara, Hacienda Neguri, Pamahawan, Hacienda Vasconia going to Sitio Aglolo-od.
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/alinsyawanfalls.jpg

http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/codcod.jpg
Situated at the foot of the Kanla-on Volcano within the boundary of Barangay Codcod. Approxi- mately 1 hour travel time and about 30 kilometers from the city proper. The area is the granary of agri-products. Rice and vegetables are planted in a stair-like paddies that depicts stairway to heaven or terraces.
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/pics/ss/riceterraces.jpg

http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/grotto1.jpg
Located in Barangay Rizal. Owned and managed by the Eusebio and Cui Families. Just 5-10 minutes away from the city proper. Features are life-size religious icons depicting the 14 stations of the cross and the miraculous image of Our Lady of Lourdes at the grotto. Travel distance is about 2.5 kilometers.
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/grotto.jpg

http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/peebles.jpg
Located in Barangay Buluangan and is about 20 minutes or 16 kilometers away from the city proper. It features volleyball court, large cottage for 150 PAX and small cottages for 10 PAX with toilets. Entrance fee per head is charged when entering this 1.5-hectare resort.
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/visitors/pics/peebles_366.jpg

Community Center
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/algers.jpg






Whale Shark
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/whaleshark.jpg

Century Old Balete
http://www.sancarloscity.gov.ph/about/pics/balete.jpg

[Sinjin P.]

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=311875

^^Thread II

Let's fill this up first. :D

[chymera00]

Here is the population of Metro Bacolod and Metro Iloilo:

Metro Bacolod
Bacolod 429,076
Bago 141,721
Murcia 59,358
Talisay 79,146
Pulupandan 25,849
Silay 107,722
Valladolid 32,576
875,448

Metro Iloilo
Iloilo 336391
Pavia 32824
Sta. Barbara 46076
Oton 65374
Leganes 23475
Tigbauan 50446
San Miguel 20754
Zarraga 18252
Pototan 61206
Dumangas 56291
New Lucena 19490
Cabatuan 45935
Barotac Nuevo 45804
822318

This is just an estimate. Iloilo City has more towns around it that is with an hours travel distance and I added more neighboring towns to cover roughly the same area that Metro Bacolod would cover.
I reviewed the list you made:

Total Land Area (sq. km.)
Bacolod 161.45
Bago 402
Murcia 386
Talisay 201
Pulupandan 23.01
Silay 201
Valladolid 48
1422.49

Iloilo 56
Pavia 38
Sta. Barbara 77
Oton 90
Leganes 32
Tigbauan 88
San Miguel 31
Zarraga 54
Pototan 94
Dumangas 127
New Lucena 44
Cabatuan 112
Barotac Nuevo 97
940

The land areas has a huge difference :D ... What is the "distance from the city center" did you consider?

Look up the NSO national website on Population & Housing.
I'd prefferably chose "Family Income" as basis of the number of poor families rather than the ratio of nipa huts...

You'll be surprised at what you see inside nipa huts, these days. Some of them even have complete appliances, and I'm not just talking about nia huts in Iloilo. I think it goes for the whole country ...
^^ Hey you just dissed out both our cities in your thread. May pa'tooot' effect ka pa. :lol:
:|

[lewdsaint]

ok!

Look up the NSO national website on Population & Housing.

[Askal82]

Oh Chyme, Im just playing around with rustyboy. :lol:

[Dinho]

I reviewed the list you made:

Total Land Area (sq. km.)
Bacolod 161.45
Bago 402
Murcia 386
Talisay 201
Pulupandan 23.01
Silay 201
Valladolid 48
1422.49

Iloilo 56
Pavia 38
Sta. Barbara 77
Oton 90
Leganes 32
Tigbauan 88
San Miguel 31
Zarraga 54
Pototan 94
Dumangas 127
New Lucena 44
Cabatuan 112
Barotac Nuevo 97
940

The land areas has a huge difference :D ... What is the "distance from the city center" did you consider?


I'd prefferably chose "Family Income" as basis of the number of poor families rather than the ratio of nipa huts...

You'll be surprised at what you see inside nipa huts, these days. Some of them even have complete appliances, and I'm not just talking about nia huts in Iloilo. I think it goes for the whole country ...

:|

Thanks for the research you did. You must be aware though that most of the population of Metro Bacolod is on its coast and that the only inland portion that is relatively populated is the area from Bacolod to Murcia. Take away those farmlands and Metro Bacolod would have roughly the same population.

Also the average family income is only an average and it may mean that Iloilo has a lot of poor people but because of the presence of a lot of OFW's, the average income was considerably increased. Too bad for those people living in those shanties. They really should prioritize housing over having appliances. Having expensive appliances do not make a person rich since appliances all depreciate significantly over a short period.

Bacolod has a very capable and industrious population. Much of the wealth & resources remain in the hands of the elite but because these hacienderos do not hold on tightly to their cash, a lot of money is circulating in the economy. We may not have as much money in our economy right now as compared to Iloilo because our population is not like Iloilo's where a big percentage of the families have someone working outside the country. Bacolod would not have been where it is today without a hardworking population and its resource rich land.

[slerz]

oh the *toot* thing, wala na un. Sara na kase City vs City thread...
*toot* is not in the Philippines... walang ganito sa *tooot*, diba? ;)

[Sinjin P.]

:lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock:


Bacolod City and Negros Occidental Thread II (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=311875)

[Dinho]

[CENTER]

Fresh from the baptism of being in the Hall of Fame as the "Cleanest and Greenest Highlyluzuriaga-araneta sts, bacolod city Urbanized City in the Philippines", the City of Bacolod has recently catapulted into another national reputation. This time, in the realm of economic competitiveness.
This Capital City of the Sugarlandia is proud today as the "Most Competitive Mid-sized City in the Philippines" after she earned 6.62 points in the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2003 which was conducted to 50 cities nationwide.
Bestowed to her by the Asian Institute of Management in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The Asia Foundation, German Technical Cooperation, International Labor Organization, and various leading educational institutions in the country, the said title was based on various "competitiveness drivers" such as: Infrastructure Adequacy and Quality, Cost of Doing Business, Dynamism of the Local Economy, Human Resource and Training, Linkages and Accessibility, Responsiveness of Local Governance, and Quality of Life.
Among the 13 mid-sized cities, Bacolod City ranked FIRST, earning 6.46 points, in "Infrastructure Adequacy and Quality" which indicates that the city has sufficient physical, technological, and knowledge support services that are required in transacting business such as: road infrastructure, telecommunications, production factors and transport systems. This criterion includes the number of banks, road density, vehicle density, number of internet service providers, well-managed road network and traffic, road clearance during peak hours, reliability of electric power services, abundance of water supply, easy connection of telephone lines from other service providers, adequate cellular phone signals, reliability of internet service providers, and adequate garbage management.
In the same group of cities, Bacolod City also ranked FIRST in the "Quality of Life" after receiving a score of 7.04 points. This criterion which determine the quality of environment and life in the city is based on the incidence of theft per 100,000 population, incidence of murder per 100,000 population, hospital beds per 100,000 population, life expectancy at birth, cleanliness of roads and public open spaces, adequacy of rest and recreational facilities, conduciveness of the security environment to businesses.
Bacolod City got 7.36 points thus ranked FIRST in "Human Resources and Training" which measures the capacity of the city's population to build and take advantage of opportunity in the locality. This criterion measures number of tertiary education institutions, number of vocational institutions, skilled labor availability, easily trainable workforce, appropriate academic programs for local industry, adequate IT training programs, eagerness of workers to skill development, importance of investing in skills development, availability of training programs organized by schools and industry partners, expectation on workers performance, constructive labor-management relations, availability of businesses that allows on-the-job trainees, effective management of workers, link between job satisfaction and worker productivity, if poor labor practices are discouraged in the city, and strong worker suggestion on business operations.
Bacolod City ranked SECOND in terms of "Dynamism of the Local Economy" and "Responsiveness of the Local Government Unit" after earning a score of 6.58 points and 6.18 points, respectively.
The "Dynamism of the Local Economy" criterion indicates the capability of the city to attract and foster inward investments. It includes the measurement of the number of household income, local inflation rate, percentage of top 200 corporations, population versus fast food chain locators, market size, consumer price index, vibrancy of tourism sector, expectation in business revenue, business access to financing, and conduciveness of regulatory environment to business.
The "Responsiveness of the Local Government Unit" criterion suggests that the city has the ability to respond to systematic and short-lived issues with a well-grounded and focused vision. This considers the percentage of Internal Revenue Allotment to the local revenue, simplicity and efficiency of processing business permit, transparency of the local government, fairness in the administration of justice, relationships of policies and regulations to business needs, holding of regular public forums, appropriateness of development plan to business needs, reasonability and and flexibility of land use plan, involvement of the city in the development of the human resources, and effectiveness of assistance to displaced workers.
Bacolod City did not fair well only in the criterion of "Linkages and Accessibility" which indicates the ability of the city to transport goods and services. The references for this criterion are the location and the time of transporting the raw materials, location of international entry and exit points, availability of business support services, extent and benefits of business collaboration in the city, and the extent of services of the national government agencies.
Based upon the over-all result of the above-said survey criteria, the strength of the City of Bacolod is in the existence of more vocational institutions, higher vehicle density, negligible incidence of theft per 100,000 population, negligible incidence of murder per 100,000 population, average rent of commercial space, average installation cost of new telephone lines, adequate signals of cellular phones, reliability of internet service providers, business allowing on-the-job training for students, and skills training and development program.
The survey result also shows that Bacolod City has an average household income, market size, road density, percentage of IRA to local revenue, hospital beds per 100,000 population, and less worries of business on human resource.

Do you have the results for 2004 and 2005?

[daks2003]

from NCSB region VI

(BACOLOD CITY)
No. of Motor Vehicles Registered: 43,204 (2004)

(ILOILO CITY)
No. of Motor Vehicles Registered: 49,408 (2004)

Yup, that's absolutely right. One other thing, though Bacolod has more vehicles than Iloilo, Bacolod's traffic is not as congested because a lot of the cars registered are 2nd, 3rd, or nth cars of Bacoleno's so that most cars stay in the garage.

[Dinho]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/satviewsancarloscitycu2.jpg

San Carlos City

In this image, you can see that San Carlos has a well planned new business district.

[Dinho]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/satviewkabankalancitycu2.jpg
Aerial view of Kabankalan City

[Dinho]

from NCSB region VI

(BACOLOD CITY)
No. of Motor Vehicles Registered: 43,204 (2004)

(ILOILO CITY)
No. of Motor Vehicles Registered: 49,408 (2004)

That is because there are only two district office in Iloilo Province as opposed to 4 in Neg. Occ.

Negros Occidental LTO District Offices
Bacolod City District Office
Himamaylan District Office
Cadiz City District Office
San Carlos City District Office

Iloilo Province LTO District Offices
Calinog District Office
Region VI Head Office

Negros Occidental registered vehicles:105,127 (2004)
Iloilo Province registered vehicles:74,316 (2003)

I don't think there would be much difference in 1 year. Iloilo City only had the lead in registered motor vehicles because the bulk of vehicle registrations in the province are registered in Iloilo City including some of Guimaras' vehicle registrations.

We had two unregistered excess cars at home between 2001 and 2004 since we did not need them. Another friend has 4 vehicles and only 3 are registered and regularly used. I am sure a lot of Bacolenos could say the same.

[Dinho]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/satviewayalavicinity.jpg
Aerial view of Bacolod-Talisay border

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/plantazionne.jpg
Ayala Plantazionne

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/ayalanorthpoint2.jpg
Ayala Northpoint and Windsor

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/uniwideunfinished.jpg
Unfinished Uniwide Harbor City Mall

Most of the Ayala Northpoint Estate is under cloud cover as is 66% of Windsor. Only one or two farms now stand between Bacolod and Talisay. The white spot on the right side going north near the bend of the river is the Honda Dealership. A few meters down across the street is the unfinished Uniwide Harbor City Mall and an unfinished residential development around it.

[daks2003]

This is a bad idea my friend. I really can't get the logic on this.

That is because there are only two district office in Iloilo Province as opposed to 4 in Neg. Occ.

Negros Occidental LTO District Offices
Bacolod City District Office
Himamaylan District Office
Cadiz City District Office
San Carlos City District Office

Iloilo Province LTO District Offices
Calinog District Office
Region VI Head Office

Negros Occidental registered vehicles:105,127 (2004)
Iloilo Province registered vehicles:74,316 (2003)

I don't think there would be much difference in 1 year. Iloilo City only had the lead in registered motor vehicles because the bulk of vehicle registrations in the province are registered in Iloilo City including some of Guimaras' vehicle registrations.

We had two unregistered excess cars at home between 2001 and 2004 since we did not need them. Another friend has 4 vehicles and only 3 are registered and regularly used. I am sure a lot of Bacolenos could say the same.

[TJ]

This is a bad idea my friend. I really can't get the logic on this.

yep, i argree. But you can't blame him for being overly zealous. But in my view lamang parin ang iloilo sa bacolod regarding family income and motor vehicles commerce industry and population density. Im from bacolod but i stick with the truths. And if the facts don't fit the truths just fuck the facts. :cheers:

[slerz]

I think Average Family Income is not a measurement if a city is progressive IMO.
It can be measured by the opportunities that the city can give to its residents...
Can the city give enough job opportunities to its people? Coz for me, if a city can give enough livelihood to almost all of its city residents, I can say that the city is progressive. The more the opportunities, the better the economy... aight?

[Dinho]

I think Average Family Income is not a measurement if a city is progressive IMO.
It can be measured by the opportunities that the city can give to its residents...
Can the city give enough job opportunities to its people? Coz for me, if a city can give enough livelihood to almost all of its city residents, I can say that the city is progressive. The more the opportunities, the better the economy... aight?

You are right about that. Having the highest average family income outside Metro Manila doesn't really mean that Iloilo would be more progressive than Bacolod. After all, much of the population of Iloilo derives their income from outside the country. This would be considered more of an artificial boost to the economy. No problem with this if the foreign countries would continue accepting expatriate workers.

Bacolod does not have many overseas workers but its people still has a decent average family income. It simply shows that the city in itself is self sufficient to be able to allow its citizens a good standard of living. Bacolod is also disadvantaged in being only a provincial capital and not a regional capital. This means there are less government jobs in Bacolod. Good thing some of the banks have located their regional head office in Bacolod. But despite all this setbacks, the city manages to keep its rank as one of the top metropolitan areas in the country with Iloilo and Cagayan De Oro at a close distance. In fact, it is not really clear which among this three cities is the most progressive.

[kianshi]

hello friends...
can u post a pic of the latest development of SM-bacolod??
thanx..!!also other u/c projects in bacolod... :)

[Dinho]

yep, i argree. But you can't blame him for being overly zealous. But in my view lamang parin ang iloilo sa bacolod regarding family income and motor vehicles commerce industry and population density. Im from bacolod but i stick with the truths. And if the facts don't fit the truths just fuck the facts. :cheers:

HEY! True, Iloilo has a higher average family income BUT Iloilo has more makeshift houses than Bacolod. True, more vehicles are registered in Iloilo City because there are only two LTO District Offices in the province while Bacolod has four.

Want me to come out with a list of hotels and their corresponding number of guest rooms? I am sure Bacolod is not far behind Iloilo. Somebody reported in the Iloilo thread that Bacolod ony had 500+ guest rooms and Iloilo had 4000+ hotel rooms. After doing my own research of all the major hotels and other accomodations, I found out that Iloilo had more or less a thousand guest rooms while Bacolod is about a hundred rooms behind. I admit I could not find some data on some hotels on both sides but still I would say the gap is not too far.

Taller buildings? Tallest buildings on both sides are about the same height! Malls? Sure they have bigger malls but Iloilo is the sole shopping, financial and educational center for the whole province and most of Panay Island while Bacolod is not. Universities? Yup, I know they have more, but again, Iloilo is the sole educational center of Panay. Iloilo has five universities in the city. Bacolod has two but then Dumaguete has four and it is a lot smaller than Iloilo City. Besides, Bacolod has a higher percentage of people who had finished college despite having fewer universities and colleges.

And be civilized! No Cuss words here please!

[Dinho]

Residential Construction for Bacolod and Iloilo.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/housingiloilo.jpg
Iloilo

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/housingbacolod.jpg
Bacolod

The data above shows that a higher percentage of Bacolenos live in better houses than the people of Iloilo. Iloilo had more makeshift houses despite having a smaller population. Got this from government statistics.

[slerz]

sus, naunsa na gud mo, sigi man mog kinuparahay sa inyong syudad... :ohno:
ma bad trip man sad ta! Imbes nuon maganahan ta's inyong syudad, makalagot na nuon :bash:

[lewdsaint]

That is NSCB 2000 data.
Here's the List of Poorest 44 Provinces in Year 2000.

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/poverty/2000/44_poorestprov.asp


Residential Construction for Bacolod and Iloilo.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/housingiloilo.jpg
Iloilo

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hatonson/housingbacolod.jpg
Bacolod

The data above shows that a higher percentage of Bacolenos live in better houses than the people of Iloilo. Iloilo had more makeshift houses despite having a smaller population. Got this from government statistics.

[lewdsaint]

lol :weirdo:
:runaway:

sus, naunsa na gud mo, sigi man mog kinuparahay sa inyong syudad... :ohno:
ma bad trip man sad ta! Imbes nuon maganahan ta's inyong syudad, makalagot na nuon :bash:

[Dinho]

sus, naunsa na gud mo, sigi man mog kinuparahay sa inyong syudad... :ohno:
ma bad trip man sad ta! Imbes nuon maganahan ta's inyong syudad, makalagot na nuon :bash:

Sorry Slerz, Just needed to point out that Bacolod is not far behind. It might in fact be ahead of Cagayan De Oro and Iloilo in some aspects.

[slerz]

^^Kelangan pa bang iprove? we all know that cities of Bacolod, Iloilo and CDO are major and important cities of the Philippines. Ok lang if we compare our cities to Manado, Surabaya, Petaling Jaya etc. coz they're our close competitors interms of globalization, diba? ;)

[Dinho]

That is NSCB 2000 data.
Here's the List of Poorest 44 Provinces in Year 2000.

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/poverty/2000/44_poorestprov.asp

I was talking about Bacolod. Negros did suffer rather badly between the 70's and 80's. But all that will change with all the effort that people in Negros are doing to help alleviate the situation of the poor.

[Sinjin P.]

^Sorry, but I don't have. :(

[slerz]

^^Bitaw, sorry bai ha... I didn't mean it...
pero magubot man gud nya mo init man gud ako ulo kung makabasa ko og conflict...:D

[MarkiiBoi]

pamalhin na mo sa pikas nga thread oi. hehehe

[MarkiiBoi]

parang sumubra naman yata sa dami jin. and this is only the sixth post, and we still have to wait 14 more to go to the second page. kaya ayaw mag post ng mga tao dito. hehehe :D :nocrook:

[sugarboy]

Guys, the discussion on Bacolod ought to continue on this thread. Mods, hope we get the other thread locked up now.

[Sinjin P.]

THREAD UNOFFICIALLY CLOSED! ;)

Bacolod City and Negros Occidental Thread II (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=311875)

:lock: :lock: :lock: :lock: :lock:

[Dinho]

Could somebody post pictures of new buildings and those under construction in Metro Bacolod?

[Dinho]

How many guest rooms are there at Balay Kauswagan? It seems like a nice resort. They should change the name though.

[Dinho]

Bacolod City hotels

grand regal - 50 guest rooms
L Fisher - 105 guest rooms
BCPH - 112 guest rooms
Kundutel - 73 guest rooms
Sea Breeze - 14 guest rooms
Bascon - 34 guest rooms
Sugarland - 89 guest rooms
Kings - 45 guest rooms
Alhambra - 32 guest rooms
Royal Am Rei - 32 guest rooms
Casino Filipino - 94 guest rooms
Executive Inn - 36 guest rooms
Business Inn - 52 guest rooms
Prominence Inn - 24 guest rooms
Check Inn - 64 guest rooms
Circle Inn - 64 guest rooms
Sylvia Manor Hotel - 52 guest rooms
Bacolod Pavillion - ____guest rooms
Palmas Del Mar - 29 guest rooms
Las Rocas Hotel - ____guest rooms
BP Plaza Hotel - 60 guest rooms
Natures Resort - ____guest rooms
Sta. Fe Resort - ____guest rooms

Could somebody please update the list?

[richard fischer]

any pictures of the construction-site of the new airport ?

[FrancisXavier]

Bacolod City hotels

grand regal - 50 guest rooms
L Fisher - 105 guest rooms
BCPH - 112 guest rooms
Kundutel - 73 guest rooms
Sea Breeze - 14 guest rooms
Bascon - 34 guest rooms
Sugarland - 89 guest rooms
Kings - 45 guest rooms
Alhambra - 32 guest rooms
Royal Am Rei - 32 guest rooms
Casino Filipino - 94 guest rooms
Executive Inn - 36 guest rooms
Business Inn - 52 guest rooms
Prominence Inn - 24 guest rooms
Check Inn - 64 guest rooms
Circle Inn - 64 guest rooms
Sylvia Manor Hotel - 52 guest rooms
Bacolod Pavillion - ____guest rooms
Palmas Del Mar - 29 guest rooms
Las Rocas Hotel - ____guest rooms
BP Plaza Hotel - 60 guest rooms
Natures Resort - ____guest rooms
Sta. Fe Resort - ____guest rooms

Could somebody please update the list?

do you have classifications of these? i mean how many stars... lol

[Kaiser]

Congrats on Bacolods 2nd thread:applause::applause:

[slerz]

Vendors' Plaza groomed to become model market

The Bacolod City government would like to put order in the markets and now is the chance to come up with a major market in the city that is properly managed, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday.

Leonardia said the assessment of the Vendor's Plaza was done way before and it is on record that the markets are being subsidized by the city. "So this our chance to come up with a major market in the city that is properly managed," he said. If this endeavor becomes a success then we would like to make it a model for other markets, he added.

Leonardia said this is the time to put things in order because all the occupants have no valid awards. However, they will be given due process, he added. The city is willing to accept applications from the vendors but they have to go through a process in order for the city to screen the eventual occupants, Leonardia said. "We want to ensure that whatever problems had occurred before in the Vendor's Plaza and the other markets will not happen again," he added.

City Administrator Lorendo Dilag said the Market Committee, which he chairs, acceded to the request of Vice Mayor Renecito Novero to hold in abeyance the closure of the remaining 20 percent of the blocks or stalls at the Vendor's Plaza on Jan. 18. He said the Market Committee instructed him to write Novero informing him that the three days grace period he had asked for to allow the occupants to vacate the premises had already expired. The committee also passed a resolution reiterating and enforcing the previous resolutions it had passed concerning the temporary closure of the Vendor's Plaza, he said.

Dilag said the Market Committee will meet today for a final assessment of the situation at the Vendor's Plaza.

[Dinho]

do you have classifications of these? i mean how many stars... lol

Why the lol? L'Fisher is 4 star as is your Pryce Plaza Hotel. Iloilo's Sarabia Manor Hotel is also a 4 star hotel though some guests are saying it should be demoted to a 3 or 2 star hotel because of bad service. Sarabia is presently the biggest hotel between the cities of Bacolod, Iloilo, and CDO.

[daks2003]

ok...as long as it is still operating and not closing down...if they still continue to receive bookings...it only means that they have still a lot of satisfied guests

Why the lol? L'Fisher is 4 star as is your Pryce Plaza Hotel. Iloilo's Sarabia Manor Hotel is also a 4 star hotel though some guests are saying it should be demoted to a 3 or 2 star hotel because of bad service. Sarabia is presently the biggest hotel between the cities of Bacolod, Iloilo, and CDO.

[manileño]

Congratulations Bacolod on your 2nd Thread :applause: :applause:
:dance:

[FrancisXavier]

Why the lol? L'Fisher is 4 star as is your Pryce Plaza Hotel. Iloilo's Sarabia Manor Hotel is also a 4 star hotel though some guests are saying it should be demoted to a 3 or 2 star hotel because of bad service. Sarabia is presently the biggest hotel between the cities of Bacolod, Iloilo, and CDO.
no,pryce plaza is now 5 star..it used to be 3 and 4 but they improved their services making it 5 star. the new hotel in CDO(koresco hotel w/c is owned by koreans) is also 5star..

[Dinho]

no,pryce plaza is now 5 star..it used to be 3 and 4 but they improved their services making it 5 star. the new hotel in CDO(koresco hotel w/c is owned by koreans) is also 5star..

L'fisher should have been upgraded too because of their excellent service. Only problem with L'Fisher is it is hemmed in by residences and other buildings whose owners are not willing to sell their respective properties. As a result, L, Fisher cannot improve much on their facilities and has not yard to speak of. Its swimming pool is probably the smallest in the city among hotel and residential swimming pools. They should just demolish the old structure and rebuild upward. One good development lately is that they were able to avail of a small lot for use as a parking lot for the guests and clients. It is about two structures away from the hotel itself. I do not know if they have been actually able to purchase the property or whether they are just leasing it.

I think Casino Filipino Hotel should also be a 5 star hotel but I haven't been able to see any reviews or comments from guests who've stayed there. I know that the reviews and comments are not the official basis on rating a hotel but they are indicators of how good a particular hotel is.

Pryce Plaza Hotel and Bacolod Convention Plaza Hotel opened at about the same time during the early nineties. Both hotels opened with a 3 star status. BCPH is bigger but it has lagged behind in terms of service and F&B. I do not know of any Bacoleno ever going to one of their restaurants to eat because their food is not so good. We sometimes go to L'Fisher, Sugarland, and Business Inn for dinner because their food is excellent but I've never even been to BCPH's restaurants. BCPH's hotel facilities are good for a five star hotel. Lobby, grounds, and pool are very spacious. They even have tennis courts and a wide service area. It could definitely get upgraded to 5 star status if the management is able to upgrade its service or if another major hotel chain acquires the property and improves on it.

Sarabia Manor Hotel is the best hotel in Iloilo so far. Amigo Terrace Hotel and Del Rio Hotel would be good hotels but not really excellent.

[FrancisXavier]

it's 5star now..i'll try to find some proof

[FrancisXavier]

Click these links..
http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/bacolod/bacolod_convention.htm

http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/bacolod/i_fisher.htm

http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/cagayan_de_oro/pryce_plaza.htm

http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/iloilo/sarabia_manor.htm

it seems that there's no 5 star hotel in bacolod. Pryce plaza is a 5 star hotel.

[daks2003]

thanks for the links! i didnt know sarabia manor is a 5 star hotel now :) hehehehe

Click these links..
http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/bacolod/bacolod_convention.htm

http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/bacolod/i_fisher.htm

http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/cagayan_de_oro/pryce_plaza.htm

http://www.hoteltravel.com/philippines/iloilo/sarabia_manor.htm

it seems that there's no 5 star hotel in bacolod. Pryce plaza is a 5 star hotel.

[FrancisXavier]

it is i guess.

[Dinho]

That is according to one website only. Other hotel directories say a different thing. One thing though, Pryce Plaza is consistently the highest rated among the 3 cities because it has good facilities and excellent service. L'Fisher only has excellent service but not enough facilities to qualify it as a five star hotel.

[kyle@1008]

....a new thread,.. was I gone that long..??

[kyle@1008]

L'fisher should have been upgraded too because of their excellent service. Only problem with L'Fisher is it is hemmed in by residences and other buildings whose owners are not willing to sell their respective properties. As a result, L, Fisher cannot improve much on their facilities and has not yard to speak of. Its swimming pool is probably the smallest in the city among hotel and residential swimming pools. They should just demolish the old structure and rebuild upward. One good development lately is that they were able to avail of a small lot for use as a parking lot for the guests and clients. It is about two structures away from the hotel itself. I do not know if they have been actually able to purchase the property or whether they are just leasing it.

I think Casino Filipino Hotel should also be a 5 star hotel but I haven't been able to see any reviews or comments from guests who've stayed there. I know that the reviews and comments are not the official basis on rating a hotel but they are indicators of how good a particular hotel is.

Pryce Plaza Hotel and Bacolod Convention Plaza Hotel opened at about the same time during the early nineties. Both hotels opened with a 3 star status. BCPH is bigger but it has lagged behind in terms of service and F&B. I do not know of any Bacoleno ever going to one of their restaurants to eat because their food is not so good. We sometimes go to L'Fisher, Sugarland, and Business Inn for dinner because their food is excellent but I've never even been to BCPH's restaurants. BCPH's hotel facilities are good for a five star hotel. Lobby, grounds, and pool are very spacious. They even have tennis courts and a wide service area. It could definitely get upgraded to 5 star status if the management is able to upgrade its service or if another major hotel chain acquires the property and improves on it.

Sarabia Manor Hotel is the best hotel in Iloilo so far. Amigo Terrace Hotel and Del Rio Hotel would be good hotels but not really excellent.

They've opened two new restaurants at BCPH,... I haven't eaten there, but it is said to be earning well....

[kianshi]

[QUOTE=Dinho]Why the lol? L'Fisher is 4 star as is your Pryce Plaza Hotel. Iloilo's Sarabia Manor Hotel is also a 4 star hotel though some guests are saying it should be demoted to a 3 or 2 star hotel because of bad service.

Rili!!??!I guess ur wrong...Ever since Sarabia has an excellent service..!!!hehe....!!!thts why they obtained 5-star status...

[sugarboy]

THE MEN OF THE SUGAR INDUSTRY - MYTH AND POWER

Primarily to chronicle the evolution of the "Negrense" as a hardy migrant turned monied lord, but more importantly, to draw on the lessons of the past, the principal researcher of this study interviewed on different occasions in 1986 four key actors in the sugar industry and national politics from the post-war period through the early 1960s. These men, Fernando "Nanding" Lopez, Alfredo "Peding" Montelibano, Carlos Hilado and Oscar Ledesma, share a common history: their forefathers came from Panay and their wealth started with sugar.

The interviews disclosed several points of critical reference, all of them revealing the dynamics obtaining within the sugar industry in particular, and the country in general. Here then are the more salient revelations contained in the interviews.

Before the consolidation of Marcos's power under Martial Law, the "sugar bloc" reportedly a powerful clique of planters and millers was credited with powers of undue influence "apt to shake the confidence of any politician, regardless of rank" (Lynch 1970: 2). Carlos Hilado, the progressive editor of a pro-labor Bacolod newspaper in the 1930s, The Commoner, cited during the interview that the sugar bloc emerged only after the creation of the sugar centrals. According to him, the central owners and big planters banded together to form the “sugar bloc”. He traced the beginnings of this strategic social formation to the bid of Jose Yulo, (the brother-in-law of miller Amado Araneta) to run for Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Yet while Hilado acknowledged the existence of a "sugar bloc", he described this coalition more as a form of strategic alliance, easily subject to segmentation when particular economic interests were at stake. Thus, the bloc easily broke into segmentary opposition between the millers and planters over sugar crop sharing. The planters as a social bloc emerged shortly after Liberation over the issue of Republic Act 809, authored by Hilado, prescribing the crop sharing at 60 percent share for the planter, and 40 percent share for the millers. The conflict between these two factions was manifested in their opposing support of the presidential candidates in the 1953 elections - Elpidio Quirino supported by the sugar central owners, but Ramon Magsaysay was brought to power by the planters (cf. Hilado interview 1986).

By his own recounting, Peding Montelibano denied that Negros Occidental was ever a seat of political power. “Negros was never a real seat of political power, but because Negros was the biggest producer of sugarcane in the whole Philippines, the economic importance of that (was) translated into politics”. He demurred the existence of a sugar bloc saying “that is not true. That is fake medicine, exaggeration”, maintaining that if the bloc could make and unmake presidents, why then did it oppose and defeat Jose Yulo, a Negrense who ran for president against Carlos P. Garcia. Declared Peding, “…It is an exaggeration that the Negrenses make and depose presidents. We were maybe one of the biggest or most important factor in national elections because: first, (Negros) is quite an important province and has a big number of voters; second, we were quite well-organised and (could) easily raise funds. But to say that we were making and unmaking presidents, that is a little bit exaggerated. Because if that (were) true, how come we defeated our own fellow provinciano?"

Montelibano divulged that he was the one who led the opposition against the bid of Yulo for the presidency mainly because of the latter's alignment with miller Araneta - a decision he later regretted "when I saw that every president (had) improved his province. "Montelibano's basic disagreement, which centered around the planter-miller sharing basis, was not with Yulo himself, but with Yulo's brother-in-law, J. Amado Araneta. In his own words:

As the president of the sugar association of Bacolod-Murcia I was demanding increased share for the planters in the same portion that Yulo had given to the planters of Canlubang, but the controlling interest here was not Yulo, but his brother-in-law Amado Araneta. We did not agree. I told him (Araneta): As a Negrense I want to help because I see the advantages, but unless you give us the same sharing that Yulo himself gives to Canlubang, how will I convince the planters to vote? It will appear that you have just bought me! We have been fighting for the control of sugar mills for tens of years and then all of a sudden I will change! You give us the same, so we will have a reason.... Yulo is a good man, but Amading (who) controlled then the sugar mill, (would) not agree....

Montelibano charged that Yulo was only able to assume the Speakership of the House because of Quezon's protection. "When he ran (for President), he lost. Now who are the other Negrense politician(s) (who) really (have) been there? None!" To further destroy the myth of the "sugar bloc" Peding pointed to the economic prosperity of the Negrenses as a factor in the difficulty of their uniting: "How come small provinces like Bohol were able to elect a President? Negros with two-thirds of the sugar industry was harder to unite. Negros being more prosperous economically, the Negrenses were more independent...."

On the other hand, Peding affirmed that the main power base of the Negrenses was really rooted in sugar for without sugar, it would have been doubly difficult for the Negrenses to impress national politics. Nevertheless, there was a downside to this as the disunity between the sugar men was also directly traceable to their economic independence.

In assessing the variables which directly resulted in the crisis besetting Negros, Montelibano referred especially to the exploitation of the Philippine economy by no less than Marcos himself. This was quite ironical, too, in view of the fact that it was Montelibano himself who placed Marcos into the presidency. "People who helped Marcos get elected in 1965, I will claim of the few, three or four of us in the Philippines, I was number ONE”. Being an influential and respected figure in the industry, Peding could have openly protested at the manner in which the sugar industry was being handled. Yet he never did criticize the inept and corrupt way in which the sugar industry was being run by Marcos' cronies. The old man admitted his awareness of what was happening but rationalized:

... I was getting away from politics. I was quite old enough already. In the 1970s, I was 65 years old. I (wanted) to dedicate thy time to my business and be happy, go around the world....

Peding expressed that had Marcos not intervened in the sugar industry in the '70s despite the crisis in the world market, the industry would still have survived. A similar crisis had occurred in the past -during the 1920s -and even then the planters managed to keep the industry alive. Montelibano attributed the success of Marcos's corrupt policies on the sugar industry to the indiferrence of the majority of planters. While a few were fearful of landing in jail were they to openly voice out their dissatisfaction, Montelibano declared, "the majority were indifferent and allowed themselves to be exploited."

Ambassador Oscar Ledesma, like Peding Montelibano denied the existence of a "sugar bloc" and said that what was actually a bloc was merely a “consortium of boys in the sugar industry”. Furthermore, he denied that the bloc had any political influence although he admitted that what influence there was reached a peak during Magsaysay's time. Previous to Magsaysay leadership, the sugar men manifested their support for the candidate of their choice through the ballot. But when Magsaysay ran for President, "...we came out, we (came) all out in exercise”, was how Ledesma put it (underscoring supplied). Apart from Magsaysay, sugar money also supported Garcia, Quirino, and Marcos

Ledesma revealed that before the so-called bloc became a force to be reckoned with, it was composed of different planter groups who milled their canes in their own mills. Later, the introduction of centrals involved a reorganization of the whole set-up. Planters associations were formed - each association essentially composed of planters specific to a mill district (e.g., the La Carlota Planters Association which is composed of planters within the La Carlota, La Castellana, and Pontevedra districts). In addition, the millers formed their own association, the Philippine Sugar Association (PSA), to attend to their own interests. Each milling district had its own Planters' association. Eventually, these fractious groups clustered together and organized themselves into a Federation, which essentially spoke for all of the planters. From this evolved the so-called "bloc."

In tracing the evolution of the sugar bloc (which he claims did exist), Fernando "Nanding" Lopez divulged that one of the reasons why Marcos instituted a monopoly of the sugar industry was to clip the powers of the bloc. Turning traitor to the party which propelled him to the presidency, Marcos was understandably fearful of the magnitude and scope of the bloc's authority. Hence, he lost no time in castrating the "oligarchs" of their power base - the sugar industry.

According to Lopez, an illustration of the encompassing shadow of the bloc on the national life was revealed in the presidential elections of the 1950s. Magsaysay was running against the incumbent Quirino who had Jose Yulo for his running mate for the Vice Presidency. Magsaysay's partner was Garcia while a third man running for the position was Carlos Romulo with "Nanding" Lopez for Vice-President. According to Lopez, he and Romulo campaigned for only three months because the bloc soon withdrew their support.I

... at the end of August, we decided, the sugar bloc decided, that we could not go on with our candidacy (with Romulo) because they (the bloc) could not afford to give us all the financial help .... the Americans (had) promised Romulo financial help (but) they did not comply with their word. They were backing Magsaysay (underscoring supplied).

Renato Constantino documents that the bloc withdrew their support when it became apparent that Romulo did not have a chance of winning against the charismatic "Big Guy" Magsaysay (cf. Constantino 1969: 191-3). What happened instead was that Romulo and Lopez withdrew their candidacy for President and Vice-president respectively, and threw in their lot with the coalition of Magsaysay., Laurel, and Recto. "So rather than being candidate for Vice President, I only became the candidate for senator of the coalition."

It had become clear that the backing of sugar men had much to do with the chances for victory of a political aspirant. Among others, Lopez listed Roxas, Quirino, Magsaysay, and Garcia as men who enjoyed backing by the sugar producers. He cited the contest between Quirino and Magsaysay:

...you know, when we withdrew it made more possible the election of Magsaysay. Because if we (had) continued with our candidacy, Quirino (would) have been re-elected.

When Lopez and Romulo withdrew from the president race, all their support went to Magsaysay, rather than Quirino. As if to contradict his earlier statement, Lopez said the bloc did not support Quirino because "he was not in favor or of giving g much help to the sugar industry”. To prove his own claims that the bloc exercised awesome powers, Lopez declared, "in every election the leaders of the sugar bloc studied all the angles" (underscoring supplied). Not all of the perceived leaders of the bloc, however, were Negrenses. Some came from Central Luzon, particularly Parnpanga, Tarlac, and even Mindanao.

Lopez attributed the beginning of the decline of the sugar industry to the monopolies created by Marcos and handled by Roberto Benedicto -the National Sugar Trading Co. and the Philippine Sugar Commission. The following exchange between the author and Lopez captures the social changes which occurred when Marcos and his cronies came into power.

Lopez implied that unfamiliarity with the trappings of power led to the drunkenness of the cronies.

VLG: "My impression is that the creation NASUTRA/PHILSUCOM and the declaration of Martial Law was really aimed at..."

FL: "Yes, because Marcos wanted to help his cronies like Benedicto."

VLG: "Were the Benedictos ever popular?"

FL: "No, they were unknown before."

VLG: "Were they not influential?"

FL: "Bobby Benedicto was only a mere secretary of my brother."

VLG: "Where?"

FL: "In Manila, The Chronicle newspaper...

VLG: "You mean, Roberto Benedicto?"

FL: "Yes, Roberto. Yes, and his father. My brother (made) him manager there in our central in Floridablanca, Pampanga."

VLG: "So they were not really landed, they were not really rich?"

FL: "He is a new rich, that Benedicto" (underscoring supplied)

Lopez claimed that Marcos was so afraid of the sugar bloc that his first move was to destroy it. With the dissolution of the bloc, Marcos then proceeded to create a sugar monopoly. Lopez attributed the Negros crisis of the 1980s to the creation of this monopoly and to the fact that money was siphoned off to Switzerland and to the United States. The crisis was further intensified by the ill-advised policies of Marcos and the meddling of his cronies.

To be continued....

[Dinho]

Here are Bacolod's restaurants and entertainment strip.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/1328330680566s.jpg
Goldenfields Complex

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/gh.jpg
Casino Filipino Hotel
This is where you will find the Casino Filipino, another hotel, a bowling center, nightclubs, Quorum Discotheque, and lots of restaurants. Aboy's Restaurant is where most Tagalogs eat when they visit Bacolod. It serves good Negrense food. Bacolod Convention Plaza Hotel is a few hundred meters away, as is the airport, Robinson's Metro Bacolod, Gaisano City Bacolod and the Police HQ.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/cafebobs1.jpg
Bob's Cafe

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/bobs2.jpg
Bob's Northdrive

This is Bob's first restaurant. You get to meet all of Bacolod's middle and upper class families. It really is a great family place where people don't smoke and are generally very friendly. Waiters would usually call diners by their first name. A few of the waiters have been there since my brother was a baby.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/cafebobs1.jpg
Bob's Cafe - Lacson St.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/bobscourtyard.jpg
Bob's Courtyard - La Salle Avenue

This is where expats and the elite would usually gather for a late night dessert or coffee. Parking is difficult especially if you came in earlier. Nice place to enjoy dessert outdoors if it is not raining.

Other good restaurants in Bacolod that are worth visiting:
-Calea - the best dessert and sandwiches in Bacolod
-Pendy's - great food
-El Ideal - Silay City - try their guapple pie
-Carlo Ristorante Italiano
-Chicken Deli - chicken inasal
-Inaka
-L'Sea Dimsum
-L'Fisher Hotel's restaurants
-Bar 21

I do not know much about the nightlife in Bacolod because I only get to go to restaurants and cafes.

[FrancisXavier]

That is according to one website only. Other hotel directories say a different thing. One thing though, Pryce Plaza is consistently the highest rated among the 3 cities because it has good facilities and excellent service. L'Fisher only has excellent service but not enough facilities to qualify it as a five star hotel.
But it says in Pryce's brochure that it is a 5 star hotel. In our telephone directory also says the same thing. Pryce is definitely a 5star hotel.

[ramvingar]

@sugarboy - Thanks for that great read. I have to admit that I never realized the scope of the power that the Negrenses had in the politics of the past. But in the end, it was politics that led to their troubles too. How is the sugar industry now? Last I spoke with Tito Jerry (during Estrada's time) he said that they were having trouble competing with the prices of imported sugar. He told me that he was barely breaking even. He lamented the need to import sugar. I also remember him insinuating that it was due to politics again. Was that true? I see that you have a "to be continued" at the bottom of your post. I will wait for the next installment. :)

[sugarboy]

But it says in Pryce's brochure that it is a 5 star hotel. In our telephone directory also says the same thing. Pryce is definitely a 5star hotel.

Pryce may be a 5 star hotel by listing. One thing I feel though that it does not exude is a 5 star ambiance. This is my own personal opinion. Most people can easily sense the 5 star ambiance. In the case of Pryce, it may be classified as such and there is no disputing that as that is clearly on record in the brochure and in the phone book but, in my mind, I didn't feel that it was. Yun lang po.

[sugarboy]

@sugarboy - Thanks for that great read. I have to admit that I never realized the scope of the power that the Negrenses had in the politics of the past. But in the end, it was politics that led to their troubles too. How is the sugar industry now? Last I spoke with Tito Jerry (during Estrada's time) he said that they were having trouble competing with the prices of imported sugar. He told me that he was barely breaking even. He lamented the need to import sugar. I also remember him insinuating that it was due to politics again. Was that true? I see that you have a "to be continued" at the bottom of your post. I will wait for the next installment. :)

The sugar industry is always in the perpetual cycle of ups and downs. One day sugar millgate prices are up, next month they're down. There are so many factors revolving around the industry but one thing that's for sure is that the importation of sugar is not helping the industry. Let me be more specific...the ILLEGAL importation of sugar has severely damaged the industry. ILLEGAL importation meaning smuggling. This does not only go for sugar but for all other agri products as well. Forget the hacenderos for now, the smuggling of sugar and rice hurts the common farmer more than anyone else. If there is any good at all which Marcos has done before, he executed smugglers.

Today, smuggling is tolerated because the Chinese traders who smuggle in cheap sugar from abroad make a killing and are the ones now financing the campaign coffers of the powers that be. So how can we actually stop them? It's next to impossible! The powers that be are coddling them.

The power once wielded by the so called "sugar bloc" has long been handed over to the "Binondo Mafia" (if I can use that term).

It is frustrating to see this happen. Kaya sometimes, when I hear of another Chinoy kidnapping, I do not feel sorry for the victims at all. We should all feel more sorry for the farmers in the hills whose toils and labors are waylaid by the greed of the smugglers who have sabotaged the economy of the Philippines and have held as hostage, the nation's principal source of livelihood which is - agriculture.

[ramvingar]

^same thing happened (is happening?) to the chicken/poultry industry

[FrancisXavier]

Pryce may be a 5 star hotel by listing. One thing I feel though that it does not exude is a 5 star ambiance. This is my own personal opinion. Most people can easily sense the 5 star ambiance. In the case of Pryce, it may be classified as such and there is no disputing that as that is clearly on record in the brochure and in the phone book but, in my mind, I didn't feel that it was. Yun lang po.
5star is not measured on its ambiance. it's the service.

[sugarboy]

5star is not measured on its ambiance. it's the service.

Yes I know. I will not even dispute the service of Pryce. The staff is courteous, helpful, and what have you. All the pluses are there. It's just that I didn't get that five star feeling when I walked into Pryce. It's just a subjective evaluation on my end.

[FrancisXavier]

ok i understand.. it doesnt have the grand lobby u might be expecting. if you're looking for a grand lobby 5star.. maybe you could check out our newest one. Koresco Hotel.. it's also 5 star, owned by Koreans.

[sugarboy]

ok i understand.. it doesnt have the grand lobby u might be expecting. if you're looking for a grand lobby 5star.. maybe you could check out our newest one. Koresco Hotel.. it's also 5 star, owned by Koreans.

yes, well lobby may just be a part of it. but visit the Cebu Marriot which has a wide lobby too and yet....mmmmmm.....it seems like we're missing something.

will check out Koresco the next time I'm there :)

[dominique]

Please check with the DOT on hotels' official classification. I doubt if Pryze Hotel or L'Fisher can be classified as 5 star. DOT has stringent criteria on its classification scheme. A number of international restaurants, superb amenities, suites are among their criteria. Even the massive waterfront hotel in cebu city is under study for it to receive the 5 star rating. Century park sheraton, hyatt regency and traders hotel in manila are still 4 star hotels.

[slerz]

yes, well lobby may just be a part of it. but visit the Cebu Marriot which has a wide lobby too and yet....mmmmmm.....it seems like we're missing something.

will check out Koresco the next time I'm there :)

Cebu Marriot Hotel and Waterfront Cebu City is not a 5 star but only a 4 star... imagine that and to those who doesn't know their status yet, they think that these hotels are 5 star hotels...

[rustyboi]

Please check with the DOT on hotels' official classification. I doubt if Pryze Hotel or L'Fisher can be classified as 5 star. DOT has stringent criteria on its classification scheme. A number of international restaurants, superb amenities, suites are among their criteria. Even the massive waterfront hotel in cebu city is under study for it to receive the 5 star rating. Century park sheraton, hyatt regency and traders hotel in manila are still 4 star hotels.

"Star rating" depends on the hotel operator as well. Waterfront Cebu City for instance is technically a 5-star hotel but chooses to remain as 4-star. it's a marketing strategy i think. upgrading to 5-star could mean an increase on hotel rates, salaries of employees etc. it was published on one of the dailies last year. and if i remember it right, Waterfront Lahug said Cebu has more than enough 5-star hotel rooms available today and might reconsider upgrading to 5-star when the market starts to mature or sumthin like that. basta! hehe. :D

[Dinho]

Daily Star - Bacolod City, Philippines Thursday, February 2, 2006

Foreign tourist arrivals
in city hit record high
Bacolod City registered a record number of foreign tourist arrivals in 2005, hitting a total of 25,438 visitors from other countries, statistics released by the City Tourism Office yesterday showed.

Domestic tourist arrivals, however, decreased for the first time since 1999, with only 197,652 Filipino visitors last year, compared to 201,419 in 2004.

Despite the fall in the number of domestic visitors, Bacolod's overall tourist arrivals, including domestic, foreign and overseas workers, still increased by five percent in 2005, reaching 218,282 from only 205,355 in the previous year.

City Tourism Officer Imogene Kana-an said they will now go into direct marketing with travel agencies to promote Bacolod as a tourist destination.

FOREIGN TOURISTS

BCTO statistics indicate that, in 2004, total foreign tourist arrivals was only 16,863; 2003, 15,323; 2002, 14,414; 2001, 9,285; 2000, 10,585 and 1999, 8,601.

Of the 25,438 foreigners who visited the city last year, Americans topped the arrival data, with 6,283 visitors.

Others in the Top 10 are: Japan, 3,752; and South Korea, 1,983; Australia, 1,634; Singapore, 1,500; Thailand, 1,409; Canada, 1,275; Great Britain/UK, 1,116; China, 878; and Myanmar, 805.

2005 STATISTICS

Last year, the highest tourist arrivals in Bacolod were registered in May, with 23,424 visitors. It is followed by February with 22,113, and March, 21,810.

The city had the lowest number of visitors in December, with only 12,408.*NLG/CGS

[Dinho]

Daily Star - Jan.30,2006

Dads to set public hearing for new City Hall

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod members will meet on Thursday to take up the schedule of a public hearing and the final deadline for accepting offers for the proposed new City Hall for Bacolod City, Bacolod Councilor Lyndon Caña said yesterday.

Caña said that after the SP passed a resolution Thursday declaring the inadequacy of the present City Hall, the next thing it needs to comply with under the Local Government Code is the conduct of a public hearing in order to get the opinion, comment and reaction of the public on the 15 or so proposed city hall sites, including the proposals of former Vice Mayor Ramiro Garcia and former Councilor Juan Ramon Guanzon. Garcia wrote the SP asking its members to seriously consider the Bacolod Airport as the new site for the City Hall, while Guanzon proposed to donate to the city his 5-hectare property in Brgy. Mansilingan.

Hopefully the public hearing will be held in February, Caña said.

He said the SP will also get reactions on what should be done with the present City Hall, which certainly will still serve a public purpose or function. Although there were suggestions that the present site be sold and its proceeds used to partly finance the construction of a new site, he said, however, nothing is final yet.

Caña said that if the SP decides on a site, this may probably be in March or within the first quarter. " But the final challenge is not so much on the site since we have a good number of sites being offered, but the way to finance the project, "he said.

Caña said it is possible that the SP may be able to select a site but if there is no feasible and doable funding plan for the building of the structure or the acquisition of the site, it may still be a problem.

He said the SP should have to decide what funding approach to take, either to use local funds, consider a Build-Operate-Transfer scheme, or sell the old site to partly finance the new building or solicit donations. These matters remain to be debated and discussed, he added.*CGS

[Dinho]

Daily Star - Bacolod City, Philippines Thursday, February 2, 2006


Final deadline for new
city hall proposed

An omnibus resolution proposing a final deadline for all offers for a new city hall site for Bacolod City will be submitted today by Bacolod Councilor Lyndon Caña during the Sangguniang Panlungsod session.

Caña said he is proposing that the deadline be set in February and that a public hearing be held in March to consider all offers. He said he is also proposing that Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia join the SP in the public hearing and request his technical men to be ready to discuss the proposed new site.

The city has received about 16 options, which include the proposal of former Bacolod Vice Mayor Ramiro Garcia for the SP to consider the present Bacolod Airport as a new site for the City Hall. The airport is scheduled to be transferred by mid 2007 to Silay City.

He said having the airport as a site for the new city hall will help spur the development of the southern portion of the city. He said the land on which the airport stands (northern portion) is owned by the Philippine Airlines and the other half (southern portion) by the Republic of the Philippines.

Garcia said an experienced architect, or group of architects, together with a team of engineers, should prepare the master plan.

The present lot acquired by the City Hall, Lot No. 22, was donated by Don Jose Ruiz de Luzuriaga to the Provincial Government on Nov. 21, 1906, Garcia said. The Deed of Donation has reportedly never been found, but a Certificate of Title in the name of the province exists, he said.*CGS

[Dinho]

Daily Star - Bacolod City, Philippines Thursday, February 2, 2006


Final deadline for new
city hall proposed

An omnibus resolution proposing a final deadline for all offers for a new city hall site for Bacolod City will be submitted today by Bacolod Councilor Lyndon Caña during the Sangguniang Panlungsod session.

Caña said he is proposing that the deadline be set in February and that a public hearing be held in March to consider all offers. He said he is also proposing that Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia join the SP in the public hearing and request his technical men to be ready to discuss the proposed new site.

The city has received about 16 options, which include the proposal of former Bacolod Vice Mayor Ramiro Garcia for the SP to consider the present Bacolod Airport as a new site for the City Hall. The airport is scheduled to be transferred by mid 2007 to Silay City.

He said having the airport as a site for the new city hall will help spur the development of the southern portion of the city. He said the land on which the airport stands (northern portion) is owned by the Philippine Airlines and the other half (southern portion) by the Republic of the Philippines.

Garcia said an experienced architect, or group of architects, together with a team of engineers, should prepare the master plan.

The present lot acquired by the City Hall, Lot No. 22, was donated by Don Jose Ruiz de Luzuriaga to the Provincial Government on Nov. 21, 1906, Garcia said. The Deed of Donation has reportedly never been found, but a Certificate of Title in the name of the province exists, he said.*CGS


I am releived to learn that they are at least looking for a better location than either Taculing or BCPH. The old airport site would be indeed a very sensible location as it will serve as a catalyst for new development after the airport is transferred. They could probably build taller buildings after the airport is transferred to Silay City.

[Dinho]

Daily Star - Bacolod City, Philippines Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Call center opens March,
to provide 300 new jobs

BY NANETTE GUADALQUIVER
Bacolod City makes a major leap in its bid to become the next IT hub in the Visayas as it opens its doors to the city's first call center in the middle of March.

Interactive Source Asia Inc., a joint venture between a Canadian-based solutions company and a group of prominent local entrepreneurs, is investing P200 million for the call center that is seen to provide jobs to more than 300 Bacoleños this year.

Frank Lai, CD, vice president and general manager, of GoldTech Computer Telephony Inc., the Canadian partner of the venture, told the DAILY STAR yesterday they will initially put up a 100-agent call center that will offer telemarketing services and engage in inbound campaign.

Specifically, the call center will bring back-office customer support and sales and marketing services to North American, Asian and Philippine market.

GC-CTI will provide I/O Asia with the state-of-the-art contact center solution presently installed all over the world.

Lai, who came with GT-CTI Phils. Inc. president Hans Dee in Bacolod yesterday, said they are now in the process of hiring people who will man the call center, including Bacolenos working in call centers in Metro Manila who have decided to return to the city.

Lai said they have yet to finalize the location of the call center, but their group will decide next week which among three areas they are considering will be chosen.

The Canadian investor said they chose Bacolod because the cost of doing business in the city is lower compared to other areas and because of its impressive educational system.

I like the school system here, they have good candidates, he said, adding that their company will work closely with schools in conducting formal call center trainings for students.

"We should have enough supply of call center agents from schools," Lai said.

PRISTINE LOCATION

I/O Asia said in a statement that it "sees Bacolod City as a pristine location to build the (call center) industry." "Support is coming from all sectors of the city, including the region and especially the city government, through its IT Focus Team, the academic body and the private business sector."

This tremendous boost in helping I/O Asia establish its call center has been the principal reason for choosing Bacolod as its location of choice, the company said.

Supplementing such support is "the abundance of highly-educated, highly-trainable, English-speaking people capable of sound judgement when communicating with foreigners," it added.*NLG

[Dinho]

Daily Star - Bacolod City, Philippines Wednesday, December 14, 2005


Cebu Pacific
cuts costs; hikes capacity to Bacolod City

Cebu Pacific will continue with its re-fleeting program until February 2007, in a move expected to cut its operating and maintenance costs by 20 percent while increasing its passenger capacity, airline officials said yesterday.

Its general manager, Bong Mojica, said the airline is increasing its aircraft capacity by 36 percent and offering the lowest fare levels to show its commitment to the domestic tourism industry.

"This will definitely help boost local tourism as we would be able to carry more passengers at lower fares," he said.

At a press conference at the Casino Filipino Hotel yesterday, launching the maiden flight of the airline's third brand new Airbus A319 from Manila to Bacolod, marketing director Candice Iyog said that the airline has adopted various strategies that enabled the airline to lower its fare rates, including the fleet simplification program, which drives Cebu Pacific's lower cost base.

It launched last month its year-round "Go" fares, allowing passengers to travel from Bacolod to Manila for only P888 one-way.

With its re-fleeting program, the airline will utilize only Airbus aircrafts by February 2007 to service its 14 domestic destinations, Hongkong and South Korea. By then, it will have a total of 10 A319s and four A320s.

Its current DC9 aircrafts can only accommodate 110 passengers for every flight while an A319 can transport 150 passengers and an A320, 179.

The airline now flies five brand-new aircraft and will bring in another A319 this month. Eight more will be delivered until February 2007.

Iyog said they are also going into increased fleet utilization that drives lower aircraft ownership cost; online distribution, for real-time booking and ticketing; and market stimulation, by increasing passenger capacity.

Responding to peak season demand, the airline will increase its Bacolod to Manila flights from three times daily to four times daily starting Dec. 21.*NLG

[sugarboy]

Daily Star - Bacolod City, Philippines Wednesday, December 14, 2005


Cebu Pacific
cuts costs; hikes capacity to Bacolod City

Cebu Pacific will continue with its re-fleeting program until February 2007, in a move expected to cut its operating and maintenance costs by 20 percent while increasing its passenger capacity, airline officials said yesterday.

Its general manager, Bong Mojica, said the airline is increasing its aircraft capacity by 36 percent and offering the lowest fare levels to show its commitment to the domestic tourism industry.

"This will definitely help boost local tourism as we would be able to carry more passengers at lower fares," he said.

At a press conference at the Casino Filipino Hotel yesterday, launching the maiden flight of the airline's third brand new Airbus A319 from Manila to Bacolod, marketing director Candice Iyog said that the airline has adopted various strategies that enabled the airline to lower its fare rates, including the fleet simplification program, which drives Cebu Pacific's lower cost base.

It launched last month its year-round "Go" fares, allowing passengers to travel from Bacolod to Manila for only P888 one-way.

With its re-fleeting program, the airline will utilize only Airbus aircrafts by February 2007 to service its 14 domestic destinations, Hongkong and South Korea. By then, it will have a total of 10 A319s and four A320s.

Its current DC9 aircrafts can only accommodate 110 passengers for every flight while an A319 can transport 150 passengers and an A320, 179.

The airline now flies five brand-new aircraft and will bring in another A319 this month. Eight more will be delivered until February 2007.

Iyog said they are also going into increased fleet utilization that drives lower aircraft ownership cost; online distribution, for real-time booking and ticketing; and market stimulation, by increasing passenger capacity.

Responding to peak season demand, the airline will increase its Bacolod to Manila flights from three times daily to four times daily starting Dec. 21.*NLG


I rode the A319 to Bacolod last week. Nice!

[ashton]

being a hotelier I would say: room size, room amenities, BATHROOM ameneties, 'soundproof rooms', lighting eqiupments, food quality, quality of service, POOL SIZE, and a whole lot more are the requirements before a hotel can get a 5* status, that is why Waterfront Cebu (if they go 5 star, they have to do a lot of training 'service wise') and hehe, have you been to the kiddie pool at Cebu Marriott? :)


yes, well lobby may just be a part of it. but visit the Cebu Marriot which has a wide lobby too and yet....mmmmmm.....it seems like we're missing something.

will check out Koresco the next time I'm there :)

[Dinho]

I rode the A319 to Bacolod last week. Nice!

It's great that Cebu Pacific is now using newer airplanes for the Bacolod route. I always advice my parents not to fly Cebu Pacific simply because their planes are so old - older than me in fact. They have some of the best maintainance crews in the world but a lot of things could go wrong in an older plane. Well, at least I could now say they could fly with CEbu Pacific now because they now have newer aircraft - one problem though with airbus aircraft is that it is harder to correct or adjust the flying plane because it operates on a "fly-by-wire" system. Just pray your plane doesn't encounter windshear and that the pilot doesn't make any mistakes.

That is the reason why the PAL A320 crashed in Bacolod several years ago. It encountered some turbulence and the pilot had to pull up but because the computer had been set to touch down, the pilot failed to clear pull up. I know that airbus doesn't want anybody to know of this but the evidence is just there. Happened with Thai airways in Thailand with some survivors. In Taiwan an airbus plowed into apartment and there was total loss of life on board. Even the maiden flight of the first "fly by wire" Airbus crashed into a wooded area during an airshow.

I'd still prefer to fly on PAL's Boeing 737-400's. Most B737's only crash due to sloppy maintenance. The recent plane crash in Greece or Cyprus would most probably be due to inadequate maintenance on an old B737.

What I've said here is subject to correction because crash investigation results are often discreetly published and as much as possible, the manufacturers would try to hush things up. You can search on google for aviation disasters.

[Dinho]

International Hotel Star Rating Description

***** - These luxury properties are members of an elite group of hotels that exhibit an exceptionally high degree of service and hospitality. These properties display an original design, elegant room decor, exceptional dining, and meticulous grounds. The flawless execution of guest services is the staff's prevailing concern.
**** - These superior properties distinguish themselves with a high level of service and hospitality, as well as a wide variety of amenities and upscale facilities. A well-integrated design, stylized room decor, excellent restaurant facilities, and landscaped grounds are all present. The comfort and convenience of the guest is the staff's prevailing concern.
*** - These properties offer a higher level of service with additional amenities, features, and facilities. The property grounds, decor, and quality of furnishings are a noticeable upgrade in terms of style and class. Most properties in this category feature restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service availability may vary. Valet parking, pools, and fitness centers are often provided.
** - These properties meet a traveler's basic needs for comfort and convenience while offering moderate aesthetic enhancements in the property grounds, room decor, and quality of furnishings. Some may offer limited restaurant service, however room service is usually not provided.
* - These properties meet a budget-traveler's basic needs for comfort and convenience. They tend to be located near major attractions or thoroughfares and provide clean guest rooms. Many properties do not have a restaurant on site but are usually located within walking distance of dining establishments.

DOT Hotel Accreditation Standard

Hotels are classified and certified by the Department of Tourism. Hotels falling hereunder have complied with its minimum standards in the operation of the establishment concerned to ensure the safety, comfort, and convenience of tourists.


DELUXE CLASS | FIRST CLASS | STANDARD CLASS | ECONOMY CLASS |

LIST OF DOT-ACCREDITED HOTELS
INQUIRIES OR COMPLAINTS ABOUT DOT-ACCREDITED HOTELS

DELUXE CLASS

Following are the minimum requirements for the operation of a DELUXE CLASS Hotel in the Philippines when accredited by the Department of Tourism:

BEDROOMS
• rooms are at least twenty-five (25) sqm
• private bathroom with bathtub and shower and 24-hour running hot and cold water
• telephone
• radio and television
• cold drinking water
• in-room refrigerator and well-stocked mini-bar
• 24-hour room service

FACILITIES
• Function/Conference Facilities
• Swimming Pool
• Tennis, Golf, Squash or Gym Facilities
• Live entertainment
• Barber Shop, Beauty Parlor and Sundry Shop
• DOT-accredited Travel Agency/Tour Counter

SERVICES
• Porter*
• Foreign Exchange
• Mailing
• Long Distance/Overseas calls
• Left Luggage and Safety Deposit Boxes
• Telex and Facsimile
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning
• Parking/Valet Services
• Medical Services*
• Business Center
• Limousine Service, Airport Transfers
* available 24 hours

FIRST CLASS

Following are the minimum requirements for the operation of a FIRST CLASS Hotel in the Philippines when accredited by the Department of Tourism:

BEDROOMS
• rooms are at least twenty-five (25) sqm
• private bathroom with bathtub and/or shower and 24-hour running hot and cold water
• telephone
• radio, television or piped-in music
• cold drinking water
• 24-hour room service

FACILITIES
• Function/Conference Facilities
• Swimming Pool
• Tennis, Golf, Squash or Gym Facilities or a tie-up within the vicinity of the hotel
• Live entertainment
• Barber Shop, Beauty Parlor and Sundry Shop
• DOT-accredited Travel Agency/Tour Counter

SERVICES
• Porter*
• Foreign Exchange
• Mailing
• Long Distance/Overseas calls
• Left Luggage and Safety Deposit Boxes
• Telex and Facsimile
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning
• Parking/Valet Services
• Medical Services*
• Limousine Service, Airport Transfers
* available 24 hours

STANDARD CLASS

Following are the minimum requirements for the operation of a STANDARD CLASS Hotel in the Philippines when accredited by the Department of Tourism:

BEDROOMS
• rooms are at least eighteen (18) sqm
• private bathroom with shower and 24-hour cold running water and hot water at selected hours
• telephone
• cold drinking water
• room service

FACILITIES
• Sundry Shop

SERVICES
• Porter
• Foreign Exchange
• Mailing
• Long Distance/Overseas calls
• Telex
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning by arrangement
• Parking
• 24- hour Medical Services
• Airport Transfers

ECONOMY CLASS

Following are the minimum requirements for the operation of an ECONOMY CLASS Hotel in the Philippines when accredited by the Department of Tourism:

BEDROOMS
• rooms are at least eighteen (18) sqm
• private bathroom with shower and 24-hour cold running water and hot water at selected hours
• cold drinking water
• room service

SERVICES
• Porter
• Mailing
• Long Distance/Overseas calls
• Telex
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning by arrangement
• Medical Services upon request

Resorts are classified and certified by the Department of Tourism. Resorts falling hereunder have complied with its minimum standards in the operation of the establishment concerned to ensure the safety, comfort, and convenience of tourists.

CLASS AAA | CLASS AA | CLASS A | SPECIAL INTEREST

CLASS AAA

Following are the minimum requirements for the operation of a Class AAA Resort l in the Philippines when accredited by the Department of Tourism:

• in a suitable location free of noise, atmospheric, and • marine pollution
• free parking for guests (if applicable)
• First Class guest rooms
• public washrooms
• at least four (4) sports and recreational facilities
• conference and convention facilities
• employee facilities

CLASS AA

Following are the minimum requirements for the operation of a Class AA Resort in the Philippines when accredited by the Department of Tourism:

in a suitable location free of noise, atmospheric, and marine pollution

• free parking for guests (if applicable)
• Standard class guest rooms
• public washrooms
• at least three (3) sports and recreational facilities
• conference and convention facilities
• employee facilities


CLASS A

Following are the minimum requirements for the operation of a Class A Resort in the Philippines when accredited by the Department of Tourism:

in a suitable location free of noise, atmospheric, and marine pollution

• free parking for guests (if applicable)
• Economy class guest rooms
• public washrooms
• at least two (2) sports and recreational facilities
• employee facilities
• at least one (1) food & beverage outlet

SPECIAL INTEREST

Following are the minimum requirements for the operation of Special Interest Resort in the Philippines when accredited by the Department of Tourism:

• camp and ground sites shall be distant from any form of nuisance and shall not endanger any sources of water supply or other natural resources
• spacious guest rooms with comfortable bed/s
• separate clean toilet and bath facilities for Male and Female guests with running water (if available in the area)

GENERAL RULES ON THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF RESORTS

Maintenance and Housekeeping. Maintenance of all sections of the resort shall be of acceptable standard, and shall be on a continuing basis, taking into consideration the quality of materials used as well as its upkeep. Housekeeping shall be of such a standard ensuring well-kept, clean and pollution-free premises. A vermin control program shall be regularly maintained in all areas of the resort. Regular and hygienic garbage disposal systems shall be maintained. Sanitation measures shall be adopted in accordance with the standards prescribed under P.D. 856, the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines.

Lifeguard and Security. All resorts shall provide the services of a sufficient number of well-trained lifeguards duly accredited by either the Philippine National Red Cross, the Water Life Saving Association of the Philippines or any recognized organization training or promoting safety objectives, and adequate security whenever there are guests.

Medical Services. All resorts shall provided the services of a physical, either on-call or on full-time basis, depending on their volume of operation and accessibility to hospitals or medical centers. In addition, resorts shall employ adequate first-aiders who have completed a course in First Aid duly certified by the National Red Cross or any other organization accredited by the same. Adequate First Aid medicines and necessary life-saving equipment shall be provided within the premises.

Fire-Fighting Facilities. Fire-fighting facilities shall be provided in accordance with the Fire Code of the Philippines.

Signboards. Appropriate signboards shall be conspicuously displayed outside the Establishment showing clearly the name and classification of the resort as determined by the Department of Tourism

Beach and Lakeside Resort. There shall be placed on a beach or lakeside resort an adequate number of buoys which shall be spread within the area to be determined by the Resort Owner or keeper as safe for swimming purposes, and in compliance with existing government regulations and/or local ordinances on the placing of such buoys.

Designated Areas. the distance fronting the area of the resort with adequate number of buoys as provided in the preceding section shall be designated as the area for swimming purposes, and no boat, banca, or other crafts shall be allowed to enter the area so designated. The Resort Owner or his duly authorized representative shall be empowered under these rules to enforce the above, and shall likewise designate a portion of the beach front to be used exclusively for loading and unloading of resort guests, unless otherwise designated elsewhere by rules and regulations specific to the area

Precautionary Measures

In no case shall resort management allow swimming at the beach front beyond 10:00 pm and appropriate notice shall be posted to inform guests of such.

night swimming at the pool shall be allowed only if there are adequate lifeguards on duty and when the pool premises and sufficiently lighted.

Management shall post sufficient and visible signs in strategic areas in the resort or at the beach to warn guests of the presence of artificial or natural hazards, danger areas, or occurrences thereat.

_________________________________________________________________

You can see that the DOT's standards are quite stringent. The DOT does not rate hotels by the star rating system therefore, it would be quite true that Cagayan, Bacolod, and Iloilo already have 5 star hotels but no Deluxe hotel as yet. Cagayan has two according to FrancisXavier (though Koresco Hotel has not been rated anywhere so...), Bacolod has L'Fisher Hotel, Bacolod Convention Plaza Hotel and Casino Filipino Hotel (been verified by several websites), and Iloilo has Sarabia Manor/Barcello Sarabia Hotel and Convention Center (been verified by one webiste only as mentioned by Xavier).

The DOT has classified all the above hotels as 1st class hotels - not much difference between a deluxe and 1st class hotel anyway. The rest of the hotels in each respective city are standard class hotels - which should include Koresco Hotel, Sugarland Hotel, Hotel Del Rio, Business Inn, and Kundutel. Being a 1st class hotel by DOT's standards does not automatically qualify a hotel as a 5 star hotel as is the case with Days Hotel and Amigo Terrace Hotel because they are lacking in some facilities and excellent service. Days Inn is marketed as a 3 star hotel chain with an excellent reputation for cleanliness and safety. I've read somewhere that some of their hotels do not even have its own restaurant.

Here are some links for you to check out to verify my statements.

travel.yahoo.com
www.hoteliers.com
www.interhotel.com

I do not have the complete URL, but you should be able to easily find it.

Here is a shortlist of Bacolod's hotels with their respective International Star Rating and the DOT Accreditation:

hotel name - # of rooms - DOT rating - international rating*
L'Fisher - 105 - 1st Class - 5 Star
BCPH - 179 - 1st Class - 5 Star
Casino Filipino Hotel - 94 - 1st Class - 5 Star
Sugarland - 91 - Standard - 4 Star
Grand Regal - 50 - Standard - 3 Star
Kundutel - 76 - Standard - 3 Star
Alhambra - 32 - Standard - 3 Star
Royal Am Rei Hotel - 32 - Standard - 3 Star
Bacolod Executive Inn - 36 - Standard - 3 Star
Business Inn - 73 - standard - 3 star
Sylvia Manor Hotel - 52 - Standard - 3 Star
Bacolod Pension Plaza Hotel - 60 - Economy - 3 Star

*rating based on international hotel associations and travel bureaus.

One other thing, somebody from Iloilo tried to discredit Bacolod City and Metro Bacolod by saying that Bacolod Only has 500 ++ hotel rooms and Iloilo had 4,000 ++ hotel/guest rooms. I did a research on it and found out that according to the City Hall here, Bacolod has about 1,800++ hotel rooms. I seriously doubt that Iloilo has that much hotel rooms since the number of hotels and the hotel size are almost the same as Bacolod - this despite Bacolod not being a regional capital!

I hope this settles everything!

[ashton]

your L'Fisher hotel is a champion! very nice!

[TJ]

THE MEN OF THE SUGAR INDUSTRY - MYTH AND POWER

Primarily to chronicle the evolution of the "Negrense" as a hardy migrant turned monied lord, but more importantly, to draw on the lessons of the past, the principal researcher of this study interviewed on different occasions in 1986 four key actors in the sugar industry and national politics from the post-war period through the early 1960s. These men, Fernando "Nanding" Lopez, Alfredo "Peding" Montelibano, Carlos Hilado and Oscar Ledesma, share a common history: their forefathers came from Panay and their wealth started with sugar.

The interviews disclosed several points of critical reference, all of them revealing the dynamics obtaining within the sugar industry in particular, and the country in general. Here then are the more salient revelations contained in the interviews.

Before the consolidation of Marcos's power under Martial Law, the "sugar bloc" reportedly a powerful clique of planters and millers was credited with powers of undue influence "apt to shake the confidence of any politician, regardless of rank" (Lynch 1970: 2). Carlos Hilado, the progressive editor of a pro-labor Bacolod newspaper in the 1930s, The Commoner, cited during the interview that the sugar bloc emerged only after the creation of the sugar centrals. According to him, the central owners and big planters banded together to form the “sugar bloc”. He traced the beginnings of this strategic social formation to the bid of Jose Yulo, (the brother-in-law of miller Amado Araneta) to run for Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Yet while Hilado acknowledged the existence of a "sugar bloc", he described this coalition more as a form of strategic alliance, easily subject to segmentation when particular economic interests were at stake. Thus, the bloc easily broke into segmentary opposition between the millers and planters over sugar crop sharing. The planters as a social bloc emerged shortly after Liberation over the issue of Republic Act 809, authored by Hilado, prescribing the crop sharing at 60 percent share for the planter, and 40 percent share for the millers. The conflict between these two factions was manifested in their opposing support of the presidential candidates in the 1953 elections - Elpidio Quirino supported by the sugar central owners, but Ramon Magsaysay was brought to power by the planters (cf. Hilado interview 1986).

By his own recounting, Peding Montelibano denied that Negros Occidental was ever a seat of political power. “Negros was never a real seat of political power, but because Negros was the biggest producer of sugarcane in the whole Philippines, the economic importance of that (was) translated into politics”. He demurred the existence of a sugar bloc saying “that is not true. That is fake medicine, exaggeration”, maintaining that if the bloc could make and unmake presidents, why then did it oppose and defeat Jose Yulo, a Negrense who ran for president against Carlos P. Garcia. Declared Peding, “…It is an exaggeration that the Negrenses make and depose presidents. We were maybe one of the biggest or most important factor in national elections because: first, (Negros) is quite an important province and has a big number of voters; second, we were quite well-organised and (could) easily raise funds. But to say that we were making and unmaking presidents, that is a little bit exaggerated. Because if that (were) true, how come we defeated our own fellow provinciano?"

Montelibano divulged that he was the one who led the opposition against the bid of Yulo for the presidency mainly because of the latter's alignment with miller Araneta - a decision he later regretted "when I saw that every president (had) improved his province. "Montelibano's basic disagreement, which centered around the planter-miller sharing basis, was not with Yulo himself, but with Yulo's brother-in-law, J. Amado Araneta. In his own words:

As the president of the sugar association of Bacolod-Murcia I was demanding increased share for the planters in the same portion that Yulo had given to the planters of Canlubang, but the controlling interest here was not Yulo, but his brother-in-law Amado Araneta. We did not agree. I told him (Araneta): As a Negrense I want to help because I see the advantages, but unless you give us the same sharing that Yulo himself gives to Canlubang, how will I convince the planters to vote? It will appear that you have just bought me! We have been fighting for the control of sugar mills for tens of years and then all of a sudden I will change! You give us the same, so we will have a reason.... Yulo is a good man, but Amading (who) controlled then the sugar mill, (would) not agree....

Montelibano charged that Yulo was only able to assume the Speakership of the House because of Quezon's protection. "When he ran (for President), he lost. Now who are the other Negrense politician(s) (who) really (have) been there? None!" To further destroy the myth of the "sugar bloc" Peding pointed to the economic prosperity of the Negrenses as a factor in the difficulty of their uniting: "How come small provinces like Bohol were able to elect a President? Negros with two-thirds of the sugar industry was harder to unite. Negros being more prosperous economically, the Negrenses were more independent...."

On the other hand, Peding affirmed that the main power base of the Negrenses was really rooted in sugar for without sugar, it would have been doubly difficult for the Negrenses to impress national politics. Nevertheless, there was a downside to this as the disunity between the sugar men was also directly traceable to their economic independence.

In assessing the variables which directly resulted in the crisis besetting Negros, Montelibano referred especially to the exploitation of the Philippine economy by no less than Marcos himself. This was quite ironical, too, in view of the fact that it was Montelibano himself who placed Marcos into the presidency. "People who helped Marcos get elected in 1965, I will claim of the few, three or four of us in the Philippines, I was number ONE”. Being an influential and respected figure in the industry, Peding could have openly protested at the manner in which the sugar industry was being handled. Yet he never did criticize the inept and corrupt way in which the sugar industry was being run by Marcos' cronies. The old man admitted his awareness of what was happening but rationalized:

... I was getting away from politics. I was quite old enough already. In the 1970s, I was 65 years old. I (wanted) to dedicate thy time to my business and be happy, go around the world....

Peding expressed that had Marcos not intervened in the sugar industry in the '70s despite the crisis in the world market, the industry would still have survived. A similar crisis had occurred in the past -during the 1920s -and even then the planters managed to keep the industry alive. Montelibano attributed the success of Marcos's corrupt policies on the sugar industry to the indiferrence of the majority of planters. While a few were fearful of landing in jail were they to openly voice out their dissatisfaction, Montelibano declared, "the majority were indifferent and allowed themselves to be exploited."

Ambassador Oscar Ledesma, like Peding Montelibano denied the existence of a "sugar bloc" and said that what was actually a bloc was merely a “consortium of boys in the sugar industry”. Furthermore, he denied that the bloc had any political influence although he admitted that what influence there was reached a peak during Magsaysay's time. Previous to Magsaysay leadership, the sugar men manifested their support for the candidate of their choice through the ballot. But when Magsaysay ran for President, "...we came out, we (came) all out in exercise”, was how Ledesma put it (underscoring supplied). Apart from Magsaysay, sugar money also supported Garcia, Quirino, and Marcos

Ledesma revealed that before the so-called bloc became a force to be reckoned with, it was composed of different planter groups who milled their canes in their own mills. Later, the introduction of centrals involved a reorganization of the whole set-up. Planters associations were formed - each association essentially composed of planters specific to a mill district (e.g., the La Carlota Planters Association which is composed of planters within the La Carlota, La Castellana, and Pontevedra districts). In addition, the millers formed their own association, the Philippine Sugar Association (PSA), to attend to their own interests. Each milling district had its own Planters' association. Eventually, these fractious groups clustered together and organized themselves into a Federation, which essentially spoke for all of the planters. From this evolved the so-called "bloc."

In tracing the evolution of the sugar bloc (which he claims did exist), Fernando "Nanding" Lopez divulged that one of the reasons why Marcos instituted a monopoly of the sugar industry was to clip the powers of the bloc. Turning traitor to the party which propelled him to the presidency, Marcos was understandably fearful of the magnitude and scope of the bloc's authority. Hence, he lost no time in castrating the "oligarchs" of their power base - the sugar industry.

According to Lopez, an illustration of the encompassing shadow of the bloc on the national life was revealed in the presidential elections of the 1950s. Magsaysay was running against the incumbent Quirino who had Jose Yulo for his running mate for the Vice Presidency. Magsaysay's partner was Garcia while a third man running for the position was Carlos Romulo with "Nanding" Lopez for Vice-President. According to Lopez, he and Romulo campaigned for only three months because the bloc soon withdrew their support.I

... at the end of August, we decided, the sugar bloc decided, that we could not go on with our candidacy (with Romulo) because they (the bloc) could not afford to give us all the financial help .... the Americans (had) promised Romulo financial help (but) they did not comply with their word. They were backing Magsaysay (underscoring supplied).

Renato Constantino documents that the bloc withdrew their support when it became apparent that Romulo did not have a chance of winning against the charismatic "Big Guy" Magsaysay (cf. Constantino 1969: 191-3). What happened instead was that Romulo and Lopez withdrew their candidacy for President and Vice-president respectively, and threw in their lot with the coalition of Magsaysay., Laurel, and Recto. "So rather than being candidate for Vice President, I only became the candidate for senator of the coalition."

It had become clear that the backing of sugar men had much to do with the chances for victory of a political aspirant. Among others, Lopez listed Roxas, Quirino, Magsaysay, and Garcia as men who enjoyed backing by the sugar producers. He cited the contest between Quirino and Magsaysay:

...you know, when we withdrew it made more possible the election of Magsaysay. Because if we (had) continued with our candidacy, Quirino (would) have been re-elected.

When Lopez and Romulo withdrew from the president race, all their support went to Magsaysay, rather than Quirino. As if to contradict his earlier statement, Lopez said the bloc did not support Quirino because "he was not in favor or of giving g much help to the sugar industry”. To prove his own claims that the bloc exercised awesome powers, Lopez declared, "in every election the leaders of the sugar bloc studied all the angles" (underscoring supplied). Not all of the perceived leaders of the bloc, however, were Negrenses. Some came from Central Luzon, particularly Parnpanga, Tarlac, and even Mindanao.

Lopez attributed the beginning of the decline of the sugar industry to the monopolies created by Marcos and handled by Roberto Benedicto -the National Sugar Trading Co. and the Philippine Sugar Commission. The following exchange between the author and Lopez captures the social changes which occurred when Marcos and his cronies came into power.

Lopez implied that unfamiliarity with the trappings of power led to the drunkenness of the cronies.

VLG: "My impression is that the creation NASUTRA/PHILSUCOM and the declaration of Martial Law was really aimed at..."

FL: "Yes, because Marcos wanted to help his cronies like Benedicto."

VLG: "Were the Benedictos ever popular?"

FL: "No, they were unknown before."

VLG: "Were they not influential?"

FL: "Bobby Benedicto was only a mere secretary of my brother."

VLG: "Where?"

FL: "In Manila, The Chronicle newspaper...

VLG: "You mean, Roberto Benedicto?"

FL: "Yes, Roberto. Yes, and his father. My brother (made) him manager there in our central in Floridablanca, Pampanga."

VLG: "So they were not really landed, they were not really rich?"

FL: "He is a new rich, that Benedicto" (underscoring supplied)

Lopez claimed that Marcos was so afraid of the sugar bloc that his first move was to destroy it. With the dissolution of the bloc, Marcos then proceeded to create a sugar monopoly. Lopez attributed the Negros crisis of the 1980s to the creation of this monopoly and to the fact that money was siphoned off to Switzerland and to the United States. The crisis was further intensified by the ill-advised policies of Marcos and the meddling of his cronies.

To be continued....


Bacolod was really a boom town back in the day, they say a kwarta gin piko lang kag gina pala.

But today bisan ang pala kag ang piko gina pa kilo kag ginahimu scrap kay wala na gid sang kwarta.

[drfeelgood17]

^ Does anyone have pics of Bacolod mansions? Apparently there are a lot of leftovers from this era of prosperity.

[ramvingar]

^I went to the Gaston Ancestral House before. It's a museum now. Really great looking and I felt like I was transported back in time. It also conjured up images of what may be our own Victorian era. :) Sadly, I left the pics back in Manila.

[drfeelgood17]

^Umuwi ka at kunin mo yung pics!! hehe
It's great that they're starting to care for these ancestral homes. Some have really fallen by the wayside and are in need of repair.

[Sinjin P.]

Bump! :colgate: This thread is still open. :D

[Dinho]

^ Does anyone have pics of Bacolod mansions? Apparently there are a lot of leftovers from this era of prosperity.

I have some pictures of the new mansions in Bacolod but I guess you are more interested in getting pictures of the older ones. The newest and most expensive mansion in Metro Bacolod costs about $3 million US. It is owned by a transport magnate. According to some people, the house has its own cinema and the materials are very, very, very expensive. It was designed by the son of Arch't. Leandro Locsin. I had designed one of the less expensive mansions in Metro Bacolod. It is about 900+ sq. meters in floor area.

So... I guess Bacolod is still prosperous considering that there are a lot of new mansions being built in CApitolville, Sta. Clara, Ayala Northpoint and Windsor. The really old mansions your are talking about are found in Silay City.

[sugarboy]

I have some pictures of the new mansions in Bacolod but I guess you are more interested in getting pictures of the older ones. The newest and most expensive mansion in Metro Bacolod costs about $3 million US. It is owned by a transport magnate. According to some people, the house has its own cinema and the materials are very, very, very expensive. It was designed by the son of Arch't. Leandro Locsin. I had designed one of the less expensive mansions in Metro Bacolod. It is about 900+ sq. meters in floor area.

So... I guess Bacolod is still prosperous considering that there are a lot of new mansions being built in CApitolville, Sta. Clara, Ayala Northpoint and Windsor. The really old mansions your are talking about are found in Silay City.

I agree that there are more mansions in Silay. However, unbeknown to most of the public is that the remaining mansions within Bacolod were more grandiose than any of those in Silay. i.e. the Lizares Mansion on Lizares Ave.

[rustyboi]

I have some pictures of the new mansions in Bacolod but I guess you are more interested in getting pictures of the older ones. The newest and most expensive mansion in Metro Bacolod costs about $3 million US. It is owned by a transport magnate. According to some people, the house has its own cinema and the materials are very, very, very expensive. It was designed by the son of Arch't. Leandro Locsin. I had designed one of the less expensive mansions in Metro Bacolod. It is about 900+ sq. meters in floor area.
awesome! my dream home! :cool: i didn't know u design mansions dinho. i bet u own one too! or two, three mansions? ;)

i'm a fan of Leandro Locsin's works. Leandro JR designed the Boardwalk Mall in Cebu. very impressive :D

So... I guess Bacolod is still prosperous considering that there are a lot of new mansions being built in CApitolville, Sta. Clara, Ayala Northpoint and Windsor. The really old mansions your are talking about are found in Silay City. that makes Bacolod richest in the region? :dunno:

[kianshi]

rili??!!hehehe....

[Dinho]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/keulshouseonad.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/docshouse.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/25-11-05_1707.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/colemanhouse.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/somebodyshouse.jpg

Some of the mansions at Ayala Northpoint

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/AyalaCLp.jpg

Aerial view of Ayala Northpoint

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/Windsor.jpg

Aerial View of Windsor

[Dinho]

awesome! my dream home! :cool: i didn't know u design mansions dinho. i bet u own one too! or two, three mansions? ;)

i'm a fan of Leandro Locsin's works. Leandro JR designed the Boardwalk Mall in Cebu. very impressive :D

that makes Bacolod richest in the region? :dunno:

Nope, I'm not rich. I wouldn't exactly say that Bacolod is the richest yet this days... Cebu would have wealthier businessmen I think. Iloilo still has the Lopezes.

[sugarboy]

I have some pictures of the new mansions in Bacolod but I guess you are more interested in getting pictures of the older ones. The newest and most expensive mansion in Metro Bacolod costs about $3 million US. It is owned by a transport magnate. According to some people, the house has its own cinema and the materials are very, very, very expensive. It was designed by the son of Arch't. Leandro Locsin. I had designed one of the less expensive mansions in Metro Bacolod. It is about 900+ sq. meters in floor area.

So... I guess Bacolod is still prosperous considering that there are a lot of new mansions being built in CApitolville, Sta. Clara, Ayala Northpoint and Windsor. The really old mansions your are talking about are found in Silay City.

The transport magnate can have a very lavish mansion but surely there is one thing he may never have. Can you guess what it is Dinho? ...any other guesses by Bacolodnons on this forum?

[Dinho]

The transport magnate can have a very lavish mansion but surely there is one thing he may never have. Can you guess what it is Dinho? ...any other guesses by Bacolodnons on this forum?

Yup, I think so. Unless he has someone up there watching out for him. Am I right?

[sugarboy]

Well, I was actually referring to something more material. Anyways, no mater what kind of mansion will be built, the transport magnate will never lay claim to having an ancestral home in typical Negrense fashion. :)

[Dinho]

Well, I was actually referring to something more material. Anyways, no mater what kind of mansion will be built, the transport magnate will never lay claim to having an ancestral home in typical Negrense fashion. :)

Ah, well, I admire him for what he was able to acheive with his life. I've seen the "palace" while it was under construction about two years ago. I was often at Capitolville because we had a project there. We were just finishing another one of Capitolville's impressive houses. Our project had an indoor half-court basketball court, a fitness gym, and swimming pool-all in a 1,200 sq.m. lot.

Last time I visited Sta. Clara, I was saddened to see that our friends old house (a sprawling 4 bedroom ranch style) had already been demolished to make way for a much bigger mansion. It seemed like the new house is 3 times bigger than the old house. A few meters away from this house is a new mansion which would be the biggest in Sta. Clara I think. It was also recently finished. My project at Sta. Clara would be the smallest because I designed it for a couple with no children. It stood above a six car garage though. That one was designed in the Balinese-Filipino style. I dunno how it turned out because they were just working on the foundation when I left.

Bacolod still has the money. I just hope that the people would be responsible enough postpone building big houses until they have expanded their businesses to a more national or global scale like what this transport magnate had acheived. I also hope that our haciendero class would wake up and start productive firms on a bigger scale.

[Dinho]

....a new thread,.. was I gone that long..??

Yup, you were gone for a long time and seem to be away again. Listen, I owe you one for taking the effort to take those pictures I requested. How about lunch sometime in June at either Pendy's or Bob's? Where's everyone? Coke, you still there? It's getting boring here!

[rustyboi]

has someone posted the total number of hotel rooms in Bacolod? Thanks!

[Bitoy_]

Exactly what I've been saying. The three cities are tied at the 4th place. Each has its own advantage. Just because CDO had more income doesn't necessarily mean it is totally ahead. Just because Iloilo has 5 universities and had the 1st SM Mall outside doesn't mean it is ahead of the two other cities. I'd love to visit CDO sometime when I get home though just to see the city.

meron bang link na nagpapatunay na numero 4 lahat kayo?

or guni guni mo lang iyan iho

huwag naman sobrang mahangin iho, at baka sa mga susunod na panahon eh sa kangkongan na pupulutin ang pride ng bacolod mo okeys

[Dinho]

Pinoy Cities on the Rise
AIM to announce results of Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2005
By the AIM Policy Center
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


THE AIM Policy Center, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the German Development Cooperation, has completed the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) 2005.

The results of the study will be made public in a national presentation at the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Intercontinental Makati from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on February 13, 2006. Expected to come are about 250 representatives from the business sector, civil society, and government, including international diplomats and policymakers from different parts of the country.

[Dinho]

meron bang link na nagpapatunay na numero 4 lahat kayo?

or guni guni mo lang iyan iho

huwag naman sobrang mahangin iho, at baka sa mga susunod na panahon eh sa kangkongan na pupulutin ang pride ng bacolod mo okeys

English please!!!

[rustyboi]

EDIT

[Dinho]

has someone posted the total number of hotel rooms in Bacolod? Thanks!

It is about 1,827 rooms according to the city government. Just enough to host a convention of 2,000 delegates considering most delegates share rooms. Bacolod has to have more hotels to host bigger conventions. A new hotel will soon be opening adding another 52 rooms to Bacolod's hotel capacity. I surveyed both Bacolod and Iloilo and the results are about tied at around that figure.

[rustyboi]

oh i see. thanks a lot!

[Dinho]

oh i see. thanks a lot! Making a survey yourself?

[c0kelitr0]

Well, I was actually referring to something more material. Anyways, no mater what kind of mansion will be built, the transport magnate will never lay claim to having an ancestral home in typical Negrense fashion. :)

lols you're right. he'd have to wait for another 100 years to make his mansion "ancestral". :lol:

[sugarboy]

lols you're right. he'd have to wait for another 100 years to make his mansion "ancestral". :lol:

lol! ikaw talaga cokelitro, ang lupit mo. why did you have to say it as blunt as that? rumor has it that the magnate built this mansion in capitolville because natusok daw ang ego niya by some comment that he didn't reside there. and now this,... e how can you go back in time to buy an ancestral home?

[c0kelitr0]

^^ wala ba syang mabili na old mansion? P150 million should be more than enough i think?

[sugarboy]

^^ wala ba syang mabili na old mansion? P150 million should be more than enough i think?

may mabibili naman siya. kahit sa P50 million sapat na. however, that could worsen the stigma. bacolod is such a small town that everyone would talk about it. the "titas" there could easily consider it a laughing matter. i could just imagine all the comments over the mah jongg table. :)

[c0kelitr0]

hmmm, 'di ba "old rich" yang magnate na yan?

[sugarboy]

hmmm, 'di ba "old rich" yang magnate na yan?

i will leave that to Dinho or kyle for any of them to answer :)

[c0kelitr0]

lol, i think i know the answer ;)

[kyle@1008]

hmmm, 'di ba "old rich" yang magnate na yan?


:banana: no comment.......:banana:

[kyle@1008]

The transport magnate can have a very lavish mansion but surely there is one thing he may never have. Can you guess what it is Dinho? ...any other guesses by Bacolodnons on this forum?

..... sangre... real....... :runaway:

[kyle@1008]

^I went to the Gaston Ancestral House before. It's a museum now. Really great looking and I felt like I was transported back in time. It also conjured up images of what may be our own Victorian era. :) Sadly, I left the pics back in Manila.

the mansions are mostly in Silay...but, what the heck metro bacolod daw...

so here they are...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/2.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/casa20hofilena2C20silay2C20negros.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay15.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay14.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay04.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay03.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay7.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay3.jpg

[kyle@1008]

^^ the last house is where they filmed,... ang kabit ni mrs. montero....
I'm trying to look for the one where they shot Oro Plata Mata,.... and other films...
Bacolod has always been a favorite site for film makers...

[kyle@1008]

THE MEN OF THE SUGAR INDUSTRY - MYTH AND POWER

Primarily to chronicle the evolution of the "Negrense" as a hardy migrant turned monied lord, but more importantly, to draw on the lessons of the past, the principal researcher of this study interviewed on different occasions in 1986 four key actors in the sugar industry and national politics from the post-war period through the early 1960s. These men, Fernando "Nanding" Lopez, Alfredo "Peding" Montelibano, Carlos Hilado and Oscar Ledesma, share a common history: their forefathers came from Panay and their wealth started with sugar.

The interviews disclosed several points of critical reference, all of them revealing the dynamics obtaining within the sugar industry in particular, and the country in general. Here then are the more salient revelations contained in the interviews.

Before the consolidation of Marcos's power under Martial Law, the "sugar bloc" reportedly a powerful clique of planters and millers was credited with powers of undue influence "apt to shake the confidence of any politician, regardless of rank" (Lynch 1970: 2). Carlos Hilado, the progressive editor of a pro-labor Bacolod newspaper in the 1930s, The Commoner, cited during the interview that the sugar bloc emerged only after the creation of the sugar centrals. According to him, the central owners and big planters banded together to form the “sugar bloc”. He traced the beginnings of this strategic social formation to the bid of Jose Yulo, (the brother-in-law of miller Amado Araneta) to run for Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Yet while Hilado acknowledged the existence of a "sugar bloc", he described this coalition more as a form of strategic alliance, easily subject to segmentation when particular economic interests were at stake. Thus, the bloc easily broke into segmentary opposition between the millers and planters over sugar crop sharing. The planters as a social bloc emerged shortly after Liberation over the issue of Republic Act 809, authored by Hilado, prescribing the crop sharing at 60 percent share for the planter, and 40 percent share for the millers. The conflict between these two factions was manifested in their opposing support of the presidential candidates in the 1953 elections - Elpidio Quirino supported by the sugar central owners, but Ramon Magsaysay was brought to power by the planters (cf. Hilado interview 1986).

By his own recounting, Peding Montelibano denied that Negros Occidental was ever a seat of political power. “Negros was never a real seat of political power, but because Negros was the biggest producer of sugarcane in the whole Philippines, the economic importance of that (was) translated into politics”. He demurred the existence of a sugar bloc saying “that is not true. That is fake medicine, exaggeration”, maintaining that if the bloc could make and unmake presidents, why then did it oppose and defeat Jose Yulo, a Negrense who ran for president against Carlos P. Garcia. Declared Peding, “…It is an exaggeration that the Negrenses make and depose presidents. We were maybe one of the biggest or most important factor in national elections because: first, (Negros) is quite an important province and has a big number of voters; second, we were quite well-organised and (could) easily raise funds. But to say that we were making and unmaking presidents, that is a little bit exaggerated. Because if that (were) true, how come we defeated our own fellow provinciano?"

Montelibano divulged that he was the one who led the opposition against the bid of Yulo for the presidency mainly because of the latter's alignment with miller Araneta - a decision he later regretted "when I saw that every president (had) improved his province. "Montelibano's basic disagreement, which centered around the planter-miller sharing basis, was not with Yulo himself, but with Yulo's brother-in-law, J. Amado Araneta. In his own words:

As the president of the sugar association of Bacolod-Murcia I was demanding increased share for the planters in the same portion that Yulo had given to the planters of Canlubang, but the controlling interest here was not Yulo, but his brother-in-law Amado Araneta. We did not agree. I told him (Araneta): As a Negrense I want to help because I see the advantages, but unless you give us the same sharing that Yulo himself gives to Canlubang, how will I convince the planters to vote? It will appear that you have just bought me! We have been fighting for the control of sugar mills for tens of years and then all of a sudden I will change! You give us the same, so we will have a reason.... Yulo is a good man, but Amading (who) controlled then the sugar mill, (would) not agree....

Montelibano charged that Yulo was only able to assume the Speakership of the House because of Quezon's protection. "When he ran (for President), he lost. Now who are the other Negrense politician(s) (who) really (have) been there? None!" To further destroy the myth of the "sugar bloc" Peding pointed to the economic prosperity of the Negrenses as a factor in the difficulty of their uniting: "How come small provinces like Bohol were able to elect a President? Negros with two-thirds of the sugar industry was harder to unite. Negros being more prosperous economically, the Negrenses were more independent...."

On the other hand, Peding affirmed that the main power base of the Negrenses was really rooted in sugar for without sugar, it would have been doubly difficult for the Negrenses to impress national politics. Nevertheless, there was a downside to this as the disunity between the sugar men was also directly traceable to their economic independence.

In assessing the variables which directly resulted in the crisis besetting Negros, Montelibano referred especially to the exploitation of the Philippine economy by no less than Marcos himself. This was quite ironical, too, in view of the fact that it was Montelibano himself who placed Marcos into the presidency. "People who helped Marcos get elected in 1965, I will claim of the few, three or four of us in the Philippines, I was number ONE”. Being an influential and respected figure in the industry, Peding could have openly protested at the manner in which the sugar industry was being handled. Yet he never did criticize the inept and corrupt way in which the sugar industry was being run by Marcos' cronies. The old man admitted his awareness of what was happening but rationalized:

... I was getting away from politics. I was quite old enough already. In the 1970s, I was 65 years old. I (wanted) to dedicate thy time to my business and be happy, go around the world....

Peding expressed that had Marcos not intervened in the sugar industry in the '70s despite the crisis in the world market, the industry would still have survived. A similar crisis had occurred in the past -during the 1920s -and even then the planters managed to keep the industry alive. Montelibano attributed the success of Marcos's corrupt policies on the sugar industry to the indiferrence of the majority of planters. While a few were fearful of landing in jail were they to openly voice out their dissatisfaction, Montelibano declared, "the majority were indifferent and allowed themselves to be exploited."

Ambassador Oscar Ledesma, like Peding Montelibano denied the existence of a "sugar bloc" and said that what was actually a bloc was merely a “consortium of boys in the sugar industry”. Furthermore, he denied that the bloc had any political influence although he admitted that what influence there was reached a peak during Magsaysay's time. Previous to Magsaysay leadership, the sugar men manifested their support for the candidate of their choice through the ballot. But when Magsaysay ran for President, "...we came out, we (came) all out in exercise”, was how Ledesma put it (underscoring supplied). Apart from Magsaysay, sugar money also supported Garcia, Quirino, and Marcos

Ledesma revealed that before the so-called bloc became a force to be reckoned with, it was composed of different planter groups who milled their canes in their own mills. Later, the introduction of centrals involved a reorganization of the whole set-up. Planters associations were formed - each association essentially composed of planters specific to a mill district (e.g., the La Carlota Planters Association which is composed of planters within the La Carlota, La Castellana, and Pontevedra districts). In addition, the millers formed their own association, the Philippine Sugar Association (PSA), to attend to their own interests. Each milling district had its own Planters' association. Eventually, these fractious groups clustered together and organized themselves into a Federation, which essentially spoke for all of the planters. From this evolved the so-called "bloc."

In tracing the evolution of the sugar bloc (which he claims did exist), Fernando "Nanding" Lopez divulged that one of the reasons why Marcos instituted a monopoly of the sugar industry was to clip the powers of the bloc. Turning traitor to the party which propelled him to the presidency, Marcos was understandably fearful of the magnitude and scope of the bloc's authority. Hence, he lost no time in castrating the "oligarchs" of their power base - the sugar industry.

According to Lopez, an illustration of the encompassing shadow of the bloc on the national life was revealed in the presidential elections of the 1950s. Magsaysay was running against the incumbent Quirino who had Jose Yulo for his running mate for the Vice Presidency. Magsaysay's partner was Garcia while a third man running for the position was Carlos Romulo with "Nanding" Lopez for Vice-President. According to Lopez, he and Romulo campaigned for only three months because the bloc soon withdrew their support.I

... at the end of August, we decided, the sugar bloc decided, that we could not go on with our candidacy (with Romulo) because they (the bloc) could not afford to give us all the financial help .... the Americans (had) promised Romulo financial help (but) they did not comply with their word. They were backing Magsaysay (underscoring supplied).

Renato Constantino documents that the bloc withdrew their support when it became apparent that Romulo did not have a chance of winning against the charismatic "Big Guy" Magsaysay (cf. Constantino 1969: 191-3). What happened instead was that Romulo and Lopez withdrew their candidacy for President and Vice-president respectively, and threw in their lot with the coalition of Magsaysay., Laurel, and Recto. "So rather than being candidate for Vice President, I only became the candidate for senator of the coalition."

It had become clear that the backing of sugar men had much to do with the chances for victory of a political aspirant. Among others, Lopez listed Roxas, Quirino, Magsaysay, and Garcia as men who enjoyed backing by the sugar producers. He cited the contest between Quirino and Magsaysay:

...you know, when we withdrew it made more possible the election of Magsaysay. Because if we (had) continued with our candidacy, Quirino (would) have been re-elected.

When Lopez and Romulo withdrew from the president race, all their support went to Magsaysay, rather than Quirino. As if to contradict his earlier statement, Lopez said the bloc did not support Quirino because "he was not in favor or of giving g much help to the sugar industry”. To prove his own claims that the bloc exercised awesome powers, Lopez declared, "in every election the leaders of the sugar bloc studied all the angles" (underscoring supplied). Not all of the perceived leaders of the bloc, however, were Negrenses. Some came from Central Luzon, particularly Parnpanga, Tarlac, and even Mindanao.

Lopez attributed the beginning of the decline of the sugar industry to the monopolies created by Marcos and handled by Roberto Benedicto -the National Sugar Trading Co. and the Philippine Sugar Commission. The following exchange between the author and Lopez captures the social changes which occurred when Marcos and his cronies came into power.

Lopez implied that unfamiliarity with the trappings of power led to the drunkenness of the cronies.

VLG: "My impression is that the creation NASUTRA/PHILSUCOM and the declaration of Martial Law was really aimed at..."

FL: "Yes, because Marcos wanted to help his cronies like Benedicto."

VLG: "Were the Benedictos ever popular?"

FL: "No, they were unknown before."

VLG: "Were they not influential?"

FL: "Bobby Benedicto was only a mere secretary of my brother."

VLG: "Where?"

FL: "In Manila, The Chronicle newspaper...

VLG: "You mean, Roberto Benedicto?"

FL: "Yes, Roberto. Yes, and his father. My brother (made) him manager there in our central in Floridablanca, Pampanga."

VLG: "So they were not really landed, they were not really rich?"

FL: "He is a new rich, that Benedicto" (underscoring supplied)

Lopez claimed that Marcos was so afraid of the sugar bloc that his first move was to destroy it. With the dissolution of the bloc, Marcos then proceeded to create a sugar monopoly. Lopez attributed the Negros crisis of the 1980s to the creation of this monopoly and to the fact that money was siphoned off to Switzerland and to the United States. The crisis was further intensified by the ill-advised policies of Marcos and the meddling of his cronies.

To be continued....

An excerpt from Dr. Violeta Lopez Gonzaga's book as i take it....

just a comment if you remember the book correctly the sugar industry's rise and fall is cyclic,.. the first sugar crash happened during the 1880's and again on 1980.... quite a coincidence,... I remember reading an article on how history is more cyclic and spiral in pattern... if this is true, the sugar industry might regain prominence by 2030,...again (well I hope so).... but nonetheless, feudalism should end,... Negros must continuo its diversification...

[kyle@1008]

^^ akala ko closed na.... all right close na, I wanna be the last here...

[c0kelitr0]

i've been to that mansion once where Oro, Plata, Mata was filmed. It was just beside the Garcia's orchard. i forgot what town it was; but i think it's near e.b. magalona(?).

[Dinho]

Thanks for the pictures again Kyle. I do not watch Tagalog movies because I don't understand Tagalog well. But I think I will have to watch the two movies you mentioned. Oro, Plata is so famous that everytime it is mentioned I'm quite embarassed not to know anything about the movie. I have to watch the other one because I owe it to my cousin and best friend who were extras in the movie. Or I might be mistaken, what other movies were shot in Bacolod?

[kyle@1008]

.... well, there was, sa piling ng aswang,.... and a couple I forgot the titles...

Oro Plata Mata is a classic considered one of the best films this nation has produced.
And to top it off,.. it is about Negros....

I remember during the film fest a couple of years back Direk made this speech, and he said the following words to us:

"this is our story, this is my lolo's story, my yaya's your father's, grandfather's ,... this is about us this is who we are....not just as filipinos but negrenses"

[kyle@1008]

Yup, you were gone for a long time and seem to be away again. Listen, I owe you one for taking the effort to take those pictures I requested. How about lunch sometime in June at either Pendy's or Bob's? Where's everyone? Coke, you still there? It's getting boring here!

fine by me... sugarboy was kind enough to ring me when he got here... :colgate:.... oh btw,... how did you like the new spic and span MCdo at lacson....???

[boybleauXx]

the mansions are mostly in Silay...but, what the heck metro bacolod daw...

so here they are...



Wow....Negrense colonial grandeur!

Is there a possibility that these old mansions of Silay be included in the UN Heritage site conservation just like what happened to Vigan City's colonial houses?

[Dinho]

fine by me... sugarboy was kind enough to ring me when he got here... :colgate:.... oh btw,... how did you like the new spic and span MCdo at lacson....???

THEY RENOVATED THE PLACE AGAIN? I GUESS THEY COULD GET THE AWARD FOR BEING THE MOST RENOVATED, AND MOST EXPANDED MCDONALD'S OUTLET IN THE COUNTRY. COULD ALSO BE THE BIGGEST OUTLET IN THE VISAYAS AND MINDANAO. DO YOU HAVE PICTURES? COULD YOU POST IT PLEASE? HOW MANY MCDONALD'S DO WE HAVE IN METRO BACOLOD AND NEGROS OCCIDENTAL? Where are the newest ones located?

[kyle@1008]

Dinho, its the largest in the nation... plus it has a McCafe outlet,.. (the only branch outside MM)... and the Happymeal museum,... it looks great,... and ditto the jollibee beside it got so insecure,... they also decided to renovate their place, ... the jolib is huge now...:colgate:

[c0kelitr0]

the last time i went to Bacolod, the second floor of McDonald's Lacson was closed. is it open now?

i did hear that it is the largest in the Philippines. well...it does look very big. and lots of cute boys :D

[rustyboi]

Drivers of Competitiveness in the Philippines 2003

Linkages and Accessibility
Metro Cities
1. Davao 6.48
2. Cebu 6.31
3. Las Piñas 6.28

Mid-sized Cities
1. General Santos 6.59
2. Batangas 6.42
3. San Fernando Pampanga 6.42

Small Cities
1. Legaspi 6.41
2. Koronadal 6.32
3. Tacloban 5.25

Human Resources and Training
Metro Cities
1. Pasig 7.32
2. Cebu 7.19
3. Makati 7.14

Mid-sized Cities
1. Bacolod 7.36
2. Iloilo 7.29
3. Cagayan de Oro 6.84

Small Cities
1. San Fernando Pampanga 6.76
2. Koronadal 6.56
3. Legaspi 5.56

Responsive of Local Govt Unit
Metro Cities
1. Marikina 7.15
2. Muntinlupa 6.35
3. Las Piñas 6.24

Mid-sized Cities
1. San Fernando Pampanga 6.52
2. Bacolod 6.18
3. Cagayan de Oro 6.13

Small Cities
1. San Carlos 6.59
2. Tagaytay 6.44
3. Legaspi 6.3

[kyle@1008]

the last time i went to Bacolod, the second floor of McDonald's Lacson was closed. is it open now?

i did hear that it is the largest in the Philippines. well...it does look very big. and lots of cute boys :D

I'm one of them :colgate:,...

well coke right now it doesn't look like a mcdonald's.....more like an ultratech pad.......

[Dinho]

the last time i went to Bacolod, the second floor of McDonald's Lacson was closed. is it open now?

i did hear that it is the largest in the Philippines. well...it does look very big. and lots of cute boys :D

YOU'RE SO NAUGHTY! THE 2ND FLOOR COULD HAVE BEEN CLOSED FOR AN UPCOMING FUNCTION OR BECAUSE IT WAS THE LEAST BUSY PART OF THE DAY. TRY GOING THERE SUNDAY MORNING, NOON AND EVENING AND YOU'D END UP BUMPING INTO SO MANY PEOPLE. MCDONALD'S FOOD WOULD NOT BE THE BEST BUT IT IS A GOOD PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS AND BE WITH THEM.

[Dinho]

Drivers of Competitiveness in the Philippines 2003

Linkages and Accessibility
Metro Cities
1. Davao 6.48
2. Cebu 6.31
3. Las Piñas 6.28

Mid-sized Cities
1. General Santos 6.59
2. Batangas 6.42
3. San Fernando Pampanga 6.42

Small Cities
1. Legaspi 6.41
2. Koronadal 6.32
3. Tacloban 5.25

Human Resources and Training
Metro Cities
1. Pasig 7.32
2. Cebu 7.19
3. Makati 7.14

Mid-sized Cities
1. Bacolod 7.36
2. Iloilo 7.29
3. Cagayan de Oro 6.84

Small Cities
1. San Fernando Pampanga 6.76
2. Koronadal 6.56
3. Legaspi 5.56

Responsive of Local Govt Unit
Metro Cities
1. Marikina 7.15
2. Muntinlupa 6.35
3. Las Piñas 6.24

Mid-sized Cities
1. San Fernando Pampanga 6.52
2. Bacolod 6.18
3. Cagayan de Oro 6.13

Small Cities
1. San Carlos 6.59
2. Tagaytay 6.44
3. Legaspi 6.3

THANKS, IT IS QUITE INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT BACOLOD IS RANKED NUMBER ONE FOR HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING DESPITE HAVING TWO UNIVERSITIES ONLY UNLIKE ILOILO WHICH HAS 5 AND DUMAGUETE WHICH HAS 4.

I ALSO WONDER WHY DUMAGUETE IS NOT RANKED THE BEST SMALL CITY IN THE COUNTRY CONSIDERING ITS EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT. I AM HAPPY TO KNOW THAT SAN CARLOS IS FINALLY EMERGING AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SMALL CITIES IN THE COUNTRY. I LONG FOR THE DAY WHEN ALL THE SMALL CITIES IN NEGROS ISLAND WOULD FINALLY GET RID OF THOSE ANNOYING THREE WHEELED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS THEY CURRENTLY HAVE. SAN CARLOS REALLY IS A NICE PLACE. I'D LOVE TO HAVE A VACATION HOUSE THERE SOMEDAY.

[Dinho]

I'm one of them :colgate:,...

well coke right now it doesn't look like a mcdonald's.....more like an ultratech pad.......

PICTURES PLEASE!

[c0kelitr0]

my tito (not my real uncle, sort of a family friend, a professor in UNO-R) said he never saw the second floor opened before. but anyway, i would always sit outside. i don't like air-conditioners that much.

and since i would always sit near the entrance, obviously, dumadaan lahat sa tingin ko except for those who go in through the backside entrance :D haay, dami talaga cute sa bacolod.

[kyle@1008]

working on it.... lots of people know me.... so it would be kinda wierd taking pics round the place.... :colgate:

[c0kelitr0]

regarding tricycles, i never saw one in Bacolod! i think Bacolod is the only city with no tricycles.

@kyle, so sikat ka pala dyan :D

[Dinho]

BESIDES FINDING US BACOLENO GUYS ATTRACTIVE, WHAT ARE THE OTHER THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT BACOLOD? WHICH RESTAURANTS DO YOU LIKE? BUILDINGS YOU LIKE TO LOOK AT? HAVE YOU BEEN TO OUR MUSEUMS?

[Dinho]

regarding tricycles, i never saw one in Bacolod! i think Bacolod is the only city with no tricycles.

@kyle, so sikat ka pala dyan :D

I WAS REFERRING TO THE SMALLER CITIES LIKE KABANKALAN, SAN CARLOS, DUMAGUETE, AND ABOUT A DOOZEN OTHERS. I HOPE THAT THEY COULD GET RID OF THOSE TRIBIKES AND I WISH BACOLOD WOULD GET RID OF THOSE JEEPNEYS AND MOVE ON TO HAVING AIRCONDITIONED BUSES. BUT I GUESS THAT IS SUCH A TALL ORDER.

[rustyboi]

regarding tricycles, i never saw one in Bacolod! i think Bacolod is the only city with no tricycles.


interesting. so what's the mode of transportation (public) in Bacolod? :)

[kyle@1008]

here coke... feast your eyes on some of me highschool batchmates...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/act3.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/act8.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/grad1.jpg

[c0kelitr0]

@dinho, there are so many things that i love sa bacolod. i have actually fallen in love with the place...but too many bitter memories, kaya di ko pa kaya bumalik dun :lol:

yes, i've been to the negros museum and balay negrense. i've visited a lot of churches. my favorite among them are the church where there's a portrait of an angry jesus and the san sebastian cathedral. and i've been invited sa maraming old mansions which gave the impression na mayaman pala talaga mga bacoleños.

on my first visit, i stayed at my tito's house along lizares ave. and then at my ex-boyfriend's house which is along lizares ave din (just a block away from my tito's actually) on my second visit. on my suceeding visits, always at kundutel.

every sunday, we would have lunch at Kaisei. and everyone there seems to know each other. kasi before lunch, beso-beso muna with the people there. and then, pag may bago dumating, stop muna kain para beso-beso ulit :D the food was great.

we would also have coffee at this small shop owned by denise gaston sa may negros showroom(?).

then, hang-out kami sa stimpy's sa likod ng la salle pag afternoon to play pool. tapos, sa gabi, clubbing. bar 21, and the bars around it. buhay pa cyberazia that time hehe. minsan, sa goldenfields. tapos meron din sa may north area, i forgot the name of that place.

most of the time, we would just drive from bacolod to talisay, silay and all the way up north and back. or south to bago. once or twice, when we run out of cash, we would drive all the way to the orchard para kumuha ng mga basketfuls of chico para maibenta namin sa mga fruit shops :D then, may pera na kami pang gimik that night.

[Dinho]

interesting. so what's the mode of transportation (public) in Bacolod? :)

TAXICABS AND JEEPNEYS. BACOLOD LOOKS LIKE AN AMERICAN CITY ON SUNDAYS WITH MOST JEEPNEYS NOT IN OPERATION.

[kyle@1008]

^^ @coke my bro owned the coffe shop besides stimpy's!!!! I used to hang out there a lot... kilala mo si Luisa Torre???

[c0kelitr0]

@kyle, ang cute naman mga classmates mo hehe. where ka nag-high school? asan ka dyan sa mga pics?

Yup, i know Luisa and Katha too! and of course, si Paulie :drool:

i can't remember a coffee shop beside stimpy's though. kasi beer pinupunta namin dun :D

[kyle@1008]

oh and d place owned by denis gaston is cafe uma.... and the name of the bar yer talkin about is north...

[kyle@1008]

..... Paulie is my big bro sa spirit night and yes I graduated in the same school sa IS...
ditto he was the big man on campus too damn popular...

[c0kelitr0]

oh yeah i remember! the name is indeed just North hehehe. and i really love El Ideal in Silay. and i also love their domed church.

OMG, you personally know THE Paulie Torre hehehe. are you two close friends?

[kyle@1008]

you mean this one... it's actually a pro-cathedral

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay10.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay11.jpg

[c0kelitr0]

yes, that one hehe!

from what class are you sa St. La Salle Integrated School?
do you know someone from hua ming?

[kyle@1008]

oh yeah i remember! the name is indeed just North hehehe. and i really love El Ideal in Silay. and i also love their domed church.

OMG, you personally know THE Paulie Torre hehehe. are you two close friends?

just friends...not close, hes a cool dude not an airhead , I also know hes bro Lean,.. and I'm friends with his cousins Borjie and Pablo :colgate:

[Dinho]

you mean this one... it's actually a pro-cathedral

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay10.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay11.jpg

WHAT IS A "PRO-CATHEDRAL"?

[kyle@1008]

yes, that one hehe!

from what class are you sa St. La Salle Integrated School?
do you know someone from hua ming?

Lots... my bestfriend is from Hua ming I'm batch 2001....

[kyle@1008]

...... a pro-cathedral is a title granted to a catholic church to denote it's importance ,.. not to be confused with a diocesan cathedral which is the bishop's center of office....

[c0kelitr0]

@kyle...so, you're around 24-25 now? :D

cool, taga hua ming kasi ex ko. tapos yung niece ng tito ko taga usls.

i know mabait si paulie but, you know, yung mga ayaw sa kanya say otherwise.

[kyle@1008]

^^ I'm 21 coke.... don't you read the how old are you thread, sa samahan...

which ex? the garcia,... or the DJ?

[Dinho]

KYLE, THANKS FOR THE INFO. I AM SO IGNORANT WITH CATHOLIC MATTERS BECAUSE I AM NOT CATHOLIC. I AM AWARE THAT ST. JOHN'S CHURCH AT HUAMING IS AIRCONDITIONED. IS IT THE ONLY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE WESTERN VISAYAS THAT IS FULLY AIRCONDITIONED? I KNOW A LOT OF PROTESTANT CHURCHES ARE FULLY AIRCONDITIONED IN BACOLOD ALONE. TRINITY CHURCH AT LACSON STREET I THINK WAS THE FIRST TO HAVE A FULLY AIRCONDITIONED CHURCH IN METRO BACOLOD.

[kyle@1008]

I think the church in santa clara is fully airconditioned,... with unique windowpanes... made of shells I think...

[sugarboy]

KYLE, THANKS FOR THE INFO. I AM SO IGNORANT WITH CATHOLIC MATTERS BECAUSE I AM NOT CATHOLIC. I AM AWARE THAT ST. JOHN'S CHURCH AT HUAMING IS AIRCONDITIONED. IS IT THE ONLY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE WESTERN VISAYAS THAT IS FULLY AIRCONDITIONED? I KNOW A LOT OF PROTESTANT CHURCHES ARE FULLY AIRCONDITIONED IN BACOLOD ALONE. TRINITY CHURCH AT LACSON STREET I THINK WAS THE FIRST TO HAVE A FULLY AIRCONDITIONED CHURCH IN METRO BACOLOD.

diin ka ya ga simba dinho haw? ako indi man katoliko

[Dinho]

diin ka ya ga simba dinho haw? ako indi man katoliko

EITHER BCCB/PASTOR JOE ASCALON'S OR HIS LIFE (ROBINSON'S CINEMA 4). I ENJOY BCCB BETTER THOUGH THE PLACE AT THE OLD PENDY'S COULD GET TOO CROWDED SOMETIMES.

[c0kelitr0]

^^ I'm 21 coke.... don't you read the how old are you thread, sa samahan...

which ex? the garcia,... or the DJ?

DJ?? lols may sinabi ba ako about a DJ before? :D

class 2001 aahhh HIGH SCHOOL!! lols

[nykz020732]

hello everyone... may ara kmo latest pic sang new airport? and ang construction sng SM Bacolod.. share da bi.. btw pwd ka request p gd? pics b sang nga main road sang bacolod..tnx

hi to Dinho, sugarboy, kyle, cokelitro..etc. and sa tanan.. tnx for your posts

[Dinho]

diin ka ya ga simba dinho haw? ako indi man katoliko

How about you? Which church did you go to?

[sugarboy]

EITHER BCCB/PASTOR JOE ASCALON'S OR HIS LIFE (ROBINSON'S CINEMA 4). I ENJOY BCCB BETTER THOUGH THE PLACE AT THE OLD PENDY'S COULD GET TOO CROWDED SOMETIMES.

my wife was from BCCB when she was still single.

[Dinho]

hello everyone... may ara kmo latest pic sang new airport? and ang construction sng SM Bacolod.. share da bi.. btw pwd ka request p gd? pics b sang nga main road sang bacolod..tnx

hi to Dinho, sugarboy, kyle, cokelitro..etc. and sa tanan.. tnx for your posts

I'll post a picture of the airport terminal model tomorrow. Don't worry though, our airport and SM City is a bit smaller than Iloilo's. Could you post a picture of the Iloilo Grand Hotel on the Iloilo thread. Just wondering how it looks like. I heard its the biggest new hotel in Iloilo.

[sugarboy]

How about you? Which church did you go to? i used to be from the church in 4th street pero pagpakasal namon sang wife ko, we both moved to Victory.

[sugarboy]

DJ?? lols may sinabi ba ako about a DJ before? :D

class 2001 aahhh HIGH SCHOOL!! lols

@coke. you need to quit typing now. you're beginning to show what's inside again. natatandaan mo naman si ehem; and it shows that there seems to be a fair amount of unfinished biz. abi kyle, quit probing coke. :)

[Dinho]

my wife was from BCCB when she was still single.

That is why I loved to go there. All the pretty and nice Christian ladies seem to go to that church. So where did you go before you moved to MAnila?

[sugarboy]

That is why I loved to go there. All the pretty and nice Christian ladies seem to go to that church. So where did you go before you moved to MAnila?

aaa, daw lain na ina ya haw? pati ah.

[c0kelitr0]

@coke. you need to quit typing now. you're beginning to show what's inside again. natatandaan mo naman si ehem; and it shows that there seems to be a fair amount of unfinished biz. abi kyle, quit probing coke. :)

first love never dies hahaha :puke:

[sugarboy]

sige lang coke. basi may "karmic link" (if i can use that term) ka gid man sa bacolod galing kay indi lang si quan. maybe in your past life you were really a landed matriarch in negros. LOL!

pati ka na. i don't believe in past lives. just making you laugh para malipatan mo si quan.

[c0kelitr0]

^^ maybe! the first time i was there, i walked around and never got lost. i seem to know the place very well hehehe.

[sugarboy]

tsakto na ni coke. basi indi ka na makatulog karon. LOL!

[c0kelitr0]

LOL. nah...i'm fine with it.

i just wish i'd be brave enough to visit bacolod again hehehe.

[Dinho]

aaa, daw lain na ina ya haw? pati ah.

I did go there for so many other reasons. I liked the way the pastor handles everything. Despite having the biggest congregation and wealthiest protestant church in Bacolod, he and his wife remain very humble -at all times. Another thing is that the message is good and most of the people there are level headed.

I must say though that the best church I have been to is the one I am currently attending here in the middle east. The people are very nice, very friendly and compassionate. If I get sick and have not been able to go to church for just one friday, I can count on them to call me within a couple of days to check on me. Most of the people at the church here are Westerners and S. Africans and yet they never look down other people. When you meet the Singaporean, Malaysian, and MAinland Chinese here, you'd be appalled at the way they look down at other people.

I haven't been too long with BCCB to really, really know the people and build up friendships, so the people there might very well be much better than I expect them to be. Anyway, I've heard that both HLM and BCCB are on the process of acquiring their own property for a church building. I hope they will be able to build nice big churches later on. I also hope they will reach out some more to help the poor as this is what the church should really be about.

[sugarboy]

I did go there for so many other reasons. I liked the way the pastor handles everything. Despite having the biggest congregation and wealthiest protestant church in Bacolod, he and his wife remain very humble -at all times. Another thing is that the message is good and most of the people there are level headed.

I must say though that the best church I have been to is the one I am currently attending here in the middle east. The people are very nice, very friendly and compassionate. If I get sick and have not been able to go to church for just one friday, I can count on them to call me within a couple of days to check on me. Most of the people at the church here are Westerners and S. Africans and yet they never look down other people. When you meet the Singaporean, Malaysian, and MAinland Chinese here, you'd be appalled at the way they look down at other people.

I haven't been too long with BCCB to really, really know the people and build up friendships, so the people there might very well be much better than I expect them to be. Anyway, I've heard that both HLM and BCCB are on the process of acquiring their own property for a church building. I hope they will be able to build nice big churches later on. I also hope they will reach out some more to help the poor as this is what the church should really be about.


i-email ta ka about something else. indi ta lang di pag storyahan kay malawig-lawig

[Dinho]

i-email ta ka about something else. indi ta lang di pag storyahan kay malawig-lawig

Okay

[Dinho]

Blue Sky's inaugural trip buoyed up my confidence that in the forthcoming days, the trip between Iloilo and Bacolod will be served by the brand new "Blue Sky", a fast craft as comfortable as the Supercats of the Aboitiz Company which had been phased out.

IS THIS TRUE? ARE THE SUPERCATS GONE? HOW'D THIS HAPPEN? I THOUGHT THEY WERE HAVING GOOD BUSINESS THERE?

[ramvingar]

the mansions are mostly in Silay...but, what the heck metro bacolod daw...

so here they are...


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/casa20hofilena2C20silay2C20negros.jpg


thanks for the pics of the mansions kyle. this particular one looks a lot like my mom's ancestral home. gulat ako! :)

what i found interesting about some of these homes is their natural "airconditioning". There were actually air passageways and vents throughout the houses that brought fresh from the outside into the house. Such was the case with the Gaston house. I'm guessing that most of them had those too.

[Dinho]

Here is a picture of the scale model for the new Silay Airport located at the fringes of Metro Bacolod. The terminal building is very similar in design to Iloilo's Sta. Barbara Airport. The size of the Silay terminal building seems only a wee bit smaller. The new airport is designed to accomodate aircraft up to the size of an A330. This means that if their should be a demand for international routes from Metro, Bacolod will be able to accomodate flights beyond the regional level as the A330 is being used mainly for long haul flights. The A320 and B737-400's that are now serving Bacolod with PAL, CEbu PAcific Airways, and Air Philippines are what could be considered regional or medium haul aircraft. PAL is using their A320's for flights between Singapore and the P.I.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/t-sairport.jpg
Side View

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/dinho1224/airport2.jpg
View from tarmac

[Dinho]

BACOLOD AIRPORT (BCD), NEGROS ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

Bacolod Airport is a new domestic airport being constructed from scratch on a green field site in Barangay, Bagtic, Silay City; this is located 24km north of an existing airport that it will replace once completed - also called Bacolod Airport - in Bacolod City on Negros Island. The airport is being constructed as part of a major Philippine government transport infrastructure development plan covering air, road and sea transport.

The new Bacolod Airport is the first stage in the air transport infrastructure development strategy of the Department of Transport and Communications (DOTC) - Air Transportation Office to improve air transportation and safety in compliance with international standards, and which includes a major contribution by private companies towards finance. The airport will be for domestic flights in an effort to trigger business and tourism for the central Philippines (Visayas) area; this area includes Negros Island, where the new airport is to be situated, and Cebu Island, a popular tourist destination.

Construction work for the project started on schedule in August 2004 following the appointment of the major contractors in July 2004. The construction and outfitting contract for the new airport is worth an estimated ¥8.2 billion. Much of the required finance for the airport project (77%) will come from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and the national government will provide the rest (23%). The construction should be completed by January 2007, 900 days from the project start. The owners of the new airport will be the government of the Philippines, Department of Transportation and Communications - Air Transportation Office.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

In 1997, the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a study on selected airports' master planning projects and set out the long-term development requirements of four trunk-line airports. The new Bacolod Airport was among the four identified as key trunk-line airports. The three other airports in this category were in Iloilo, Tacloban and Legaspi. It was with these that JICA found the highest rate of growth of air passenger numbers and cargo volume.

In addition, the DOTC implemented the selected airports development project in the same year and recommended a medium-term development plan for the new Bacolod Airport within the framework of future longer term plans.

The study (JICA) found the existing facilities of the old Bacolod Airport insufficient to accommodate even the 1997 volume of air traffic. The passenger terminal buildings are owned by the airlines operating in the area, and this limited the possibility of other operators using the facilities. In addition, the area surrounding the existing airport has been densely urbanised so that to carry out any significant expansion plan would be difficult, time-consuming and costly. Finally the study recommended that Bacolod Airport be relocated and a new site was identified in Negros Island, Bagtic, Silay City.

In February 1999, the Philippine government (through the DOTC) requested that Japan (through JICA) undertake the detailed design study of the selected airport development project. This study was funded by a grant by JICA of ¥430 million and was completed in March 2000. Upon completion, JICA commissioned Pacific Consultants International as project consultants to supervise the project and advise on the design. On 25 August 2003, the proposed new airport was put out to bid-tender and was awarded to the lowest complying bidder, Takenaka-Itochu Joint Venture (TI JV).

CONTRACTORS

The lowest tendered bid for the construction of the new airport was from TI JV, which is comprised of two Japanese engineering and construction companies - Takenaka Corporation and Itochu Corporation. The project was started with preliminary works in August 2004, but by September 2004 full-scale construction work was underway.

The airport will have a 2,000m runway and will incorporate design specifications on par with an international airport (part of the longer term plans), which will comply with all international standards. As previously mentioned, design and supervision will be carried out by Pacific Consultants International (PCI), although detailed design of some of the air traffic control, lighting, meteorological and aviation fuel facilities will be handled solely by TI JV.

TI JV will be responsible for all construction works, including terminal buildings and facilities, special airport buildings and facilities (fire stations and airport services buildings), and all civil engineering work including construction and paving of the main runway and taxiway areas and terminal aprons.

The terminal and other associated administration buildings will be of reinforced concrete (partly steel) structure. The terminal will have three floors and will incorporate three air-bridges designed to accommodate aircraft of a size up to and including the Boeing 737 and the Airbus 330. The airport site will incorporate 21 buildings with a total floor space of 10,075m² and the total site area including the runway and taxiways totals 1,810,000m².

FUTURE PLANS

Government officials have hinted towards the eventual development of the new Bacolod Airport as an international airport; if this is to be done, the runway could be extended to accommodate larger aircraft by reclaiming land from the sea.

The carriers that will initially use the new Bacolod Airport include Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific Airways. In addition, mixed passenger / cargo services will be provided by RG Air Charter Services, Gumayan Air Charter Services and Pacific Airways, while cargo-only service will be provided by Aboitiz Air Transport.

The new airport is designed to handle over one million passengers and 16,715t/yr cargo per year.

The Philippines government wants to promote a new growth centre for commerce and tourism - the San Carlos Corridor Development Plan - the objective of which is to develop a 45,000ha agro-industrial zone with an integrated satellite micro-city to serve as a gateway linking the capital cities of the Visayas region (San Carlos City, Bacolod, Cebu City and Dumaguete). The new Bacolod Airport will play an important part in the transportation infrastructure required for the plan.

[c0kelitr0]

omg, i have just read that sugar prices are going up!

this may signal the return of the sugar barons!

[Dinho]

omg, i have just read that sugar prices are going up!

this may signal the return of the sugar barons!

Hope that they will be more responsible and put their regained wealth to good use this time around. Where'd you see the news? Could you post it please together with the source and date?

[c0kelitr0]

It's posted in the Good News Thread.

[Dinho]

It's posted in the Good News Thread.

WHERE'S THAT?

[nykz020732]

wow.. tnx dinho.. btw about sa iloilo grand hotel ayawan k pangita kng diin na ang pic.. all i knw i viewed it in iloilo thread lipat lang k kng ano nga thread..

anywayz.. daw 4 storey lng bla mo.. it is located i downtown iloilo..

visit iloilo thread na lang.. im sori wala k nkita kay nalipat k kng diin na..

tnx for the pics.. nice2 inyo airport..

dis summer ma visit k sguro sa bacolod.. hehee

[c0kelitr0]

WHERE'S THAT?

Click Here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=7286167#post7286167)

[kyle@1008]

..... I reitirate... the sugar industry is cylcic,... ok moi prediction the sugar industry will regain its former glory 2030,... and another sugar crash will occur in 2080... let's just hope we'll be better prepared for it.....

[kyle@1008]

thanks for the pics of the mansions kyle. this particular one looks a lot like my mom's ancestral home. gulat ako! :)

what i found interesting about some of these homes is their natural "airconditioning". There were actually air passageways and vents throughout the houses that brought fresh from the outside into the house. Such was the case with the Gaston house. I'm guessing that most of them had those too.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/silay.jpg

those are referred to as ventanillas.... small windows with intricate designs, like the one above the doorposts.... they are placed to facilitate airflows between room and temperature could be adjusted by sliding panels that could shut down rooms,... and usually they are found on the second level,.. 1st level is reserved for the kitchen and cuadra.... the reason for these is to catch cooler breezes from the top,... that's why dining rooms and the larger ante-sala are often on the second level as well......

aside from that all the bedrooms are often interconnected by doors,... like one giant maze....

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b198/kyle_Lark/4.jpg

[kyle@1008]

.... Oh dinho,.. do you now Joana Ascalon,... daughter of Pastor ascalon...

[Dinho]

I've only seen the youngest daughter I think. Why?

[Dinho]

Click Here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=7286167#post7286167)

Thanks for the link!!!

[kyle@1008]

I've only seen the youngest daughter I think. Why?

wala lang she's a friend of mine..... ang lapit pa naman ng house nya sa lasalle... we used to hang out a lot but not anymor :cheers:

[Dinho]

That was a really interesting discussion at the "Population of Philippine Largest Cities and Towns (2000)" thread. It would have been better named "Largest Metropolitan Areas of the Philippine Islands." Good to know that Bacolod is definitely the 4th largest metropolitan area in the country. All we need now is a sort of a governor to organize the development of Metro Bacolod. First thing that should be done is the creation of a direct road link between Pulupandan and Bago to hasten the growth of this corner of the metropolis. Will be posting a map of the built up and populated area that I am currently making based on satellite pictures I've acquired.

[kyle@1008]

^^ I thought there is already one.....the pulupandan jeep does pass through Bago city proper.....

[kyle@1008]

Airport site not realistic now
for new city hall, mayor says
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the idea of having the new city hall at the present Bacolod Airport site may sound good, but he believes it may not be practical and realistic to consider it as of the moment.


The proposal came from former Bacolod Vice Mayor Ramiro Garcia, who asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod to consider the present Bacolod Airport as a new site, saying it will help spur the development of the southern portion of the city.


Leonardia said he does not know if the SP will consider the proposal. "I'm wondering why we would talk about the airport as a site for the city hall when in the first place, the new airport, at the earliest, is supposed to open in the middle of 2007? "he asked. The schedule for opening the new airport in 2007 is not even a sure thing, he said.


"I believe that if we want a new city hall, we must have our own financial plan on how to build a new government center," Leonardia said. He also said that, although the city has recommended the government-owned property in Brgy. Taculing, he is open to other proposals since his concern is to build the new city hall during their term.


The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has set the final deadline for all offers for a new city hall site for Bacolod City on Feb. 13, and a public hearing on the offers on Feb. 17. The city has received about 17 offers.


Meanwhile, Leonardia said he believes the Tsinoy community is happy with the result of the first Bacolaodiat festival which gave them enough inspiration. He said he plans to sit down with them again and they might consider it as the first meeting for the 2007 Chinese New Year.


Leonardia said "We will see to it that the Bacolaodiat festival will not be held simultaneously with the Chinese New Year of Iloilo so there will be no competition in terms of visitors."*CGS

[Dinho]

^^ I thought there is already one.....the pulupandan jeep does pass through Bago city proper.....

That would be good if there was one. By the way, have you tried checking out Google Earth. It is an amazaing tool! You could see from the Satellite view that the only distance remaining between Bago and Pulupandan is about 1-2 kilometers along the coastline. Would have been better if they had a bridge linking the two communities a long time ago.

Bacolod and Talisay is almost fully built up along the coastline. Distance between Silay and Talisay is only three kilometers I think or even less as new subdivisions have sprouted along the highway before you enter Silay City.

I hope they start thinking of setting up a metropolitan development authority for Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, Murcia, Bago, Valladolid, and Pulupandan so that they can better coordinate and strategize.

[Dinho]

Airport site not realistic now
for new city hall, mayor says
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the idea of having the new city hall at the present Bacolod Airport site may sound good, but he believes it may not be practical and realistic to consider it as of the moment.


The proposal came from former Bacolod Vice Mayor Ramiro Garcia, who asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod to consider the present Bacolod Airport as a new site, saying it will help spur the development of the southern portion of the city.


Leonardia said he does not know if the SP will consider the proposal. "I'm wondering why we would talk about the airport as a site for the city hall when in the first place, the new airport, at the earliest, is supposed to open in the middle of 2007? "he asked. The schedule for opening the new airport in 2007 is not even a sure thing, he said.


"I believe that if we want a new city hall, we must have our own financial plan on how to build a new government center," Leonardia said. He also said that, although the city has recommended the government-owned property in Brgy. Taculing, he is open to other proposals since his concern is to build the new city hall during their term.


The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has set the final deadline for all offers for a new city hall site for Bacolod City on Feb. 13, and a public hearing on the offers on Feb. 17. The city has received about 17 offers.


Meanwhile, Leonardia said he believes the Tsinoy community is happy with the result of the first Bacolaodiat festival which gave them enough inspiration. He said he plans to sit down with them again and they might consider it as the first meeting for the 2007 Chinese New Year.


Leonardia said "We will see to it that the Bacolaodiat festival will not be held simultaneously with the Chinese New Year of Iloilo so there will be no competition in terms of visitors."*CGS

As I've said earlier, I am quite relieved that they are not mentioning BCPH as the new CITY HALL as it will be impractical and might cost the city more in the long run with the loss of the convention hall and 112 hotel rooms. It would be good if the owners would sell it to some hotel chain instead who will be better able to manage it. It is a prime property and it should never go to waste.

I think the best site would be the Alangilan area so as to spur growth in the geographic center of MEtro Bacolod and to link the Granada road with the Murcia highway. The airport site would be good, but there are enough facilities there already to spur growth there. The same would go for the reclamation area since the SM City mall is already being built there.

[kyle@1008]

^^ the name is already recognized by real estate devlopers and business leaders... that's why they named the Rob in front of the airport as ... : Robinson's Metro bacolod and Silay airport is named as the New Bacolod airport... :colgate: