Day 3...September Cebu

Today is our last day in Cebu City but before heading towards the airport after our hotel check out, we go first to Mactan Shrine, Lapu Lapu City thru Grab booking.

Mactan Shrine is a large open area where you can see the Mactan Shrine and read over the Mactan battle depiction. You will really remember Cebu from history for this Battle of Mactan when Ferdinand Magellan and his crew attacked Mactan Island and Lapu-Lapu and his men fought back and defeated them. It is believed that this place is where the battle took place and that the shrine was made in the area where Ferdinand Magellan died during the battle.

I noticed that most of the visitors in that area that day are foreigners in groups with their tour guide, probably relaying the history that had taken place in the area. Cebu is truly where fighters with great courage are born of.

I know that there is more of Cebu and not just its city. Three days may not be enough and actually it is the most relaxed province travel I had since I am with my mother. We needed to travel in a slow pace and in return I am just making the most of what is…the most important is that at least we have more time spent together. It really takes time, treasure, effort to plan and travel.

I will definitely go back to Cebu again and learn and explore more of this province. Thank you Cebu City, for a taste of your goodness, rich heritage, works of art, and your love of nature.

;D

September Cebu...Cebu Tops and Sirao Garden

Cebu “Tops” is actually on a mountain top, Busay Cebu. The road going to Cebu’s highlands is steep, narrow, and winding but our driver seems not minding and very familiar with the road. There is an entrance fee but at that day time seems to have very limited guests coming in. They said that the “Tops” is best at sunset until night.  

  

          

The “Tops” is a viewing deck where you could see the whole of Cebu city. It also has its interesting concrete circle architecture with tables and chairs for family picnic dining area. We do have a few shots there before finally going to our ultimate Busay destination, the Little Amsterdam of Cebu.

They have called Sirao Garden as the Little Amsterdam of Cebu. There are lots of colorful and beautifully arranged flowers inside like the sunflower. They have also placed many Bali-inspired photo accessories and background. In fact, I enjoyed taking Nanay’s picture with these beautiful backgrounds. It is a little bit crowded though at that time as people are posing and snapping pictures everywhere. There are also long lines towards the gigantic hand statue but it is worth the wait. I also enjoy the weather at that time and how the wind just blew in and around the place. So relaxing, not to mention the calming effect of the blooming flowers and the mountain horizons that has brought my eyes.    

I really wanted to stay more but we need to go. Kuya driver told us that there is one more Sirao Garden in that place but I could feel that Nanay wants to go already besides we still have one more major tourist attraction to visit…the Taoist Temple.  

The Taoist Temple is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision of Lahug, Cebu City. It is a place for Taoist meditation, built on hillside and so needs to climb almost a hundred steps from the gated entrance before reaching the temple. It was not easy for me to put my feet on every step up but Nanay still manage to put a few more steps going up. I thought initially that she will wait in the car but not as our curiosity find its way to step up towards the top and get to see and observe the Taoist Temple. Thank God that Nanay is still strong and manage to walk a long mile.

An almost five to six hours Busay tours including the Taoist temple, we decided to eat along Larsian, the “Dampa of Cebu”. We ordered fresh lapu lapu for sinigang and barbecue with lots of “puso” rice. Puso rice is a rice wrapped and boiled n a triangular casing made of woven coconut leaves.  After eating our sumptuous meal, we proceeded to the pasalubong area as the next day will be visiting first the Lapu Lapu Shrine in Mactan before heading to the airport back to Manila.

This pictures are at the Heritage of Cebu Monument, our last site stop for the day before our drop off at Cebu Cathedral to end the day with a mass...Thankful for the safe and wonderful sites of Cebu City.  

Next…Mactan Shrine

Day 2 September Cebu...Temple of Leah

Day 2.  The whole day of our second day in Cebu City is dedicated to just tour Cebu city by car. An eight (8) hour private car charter thru Klook advance booking made us possible to tour Cebu city with ease and comfort specially with Nanay. I have most of my Cebu city wish list “must-see” in our own pace because of the private car. I also appreciate the lobby guard from One Central hotel wishing us to enjoy the tour while also noting the car plate number as soon as we hop inside the private car as if telling us, “Mam, you will be monitored and we will be waiting for you to comeback safely.”

We started our trip towards Cebu’s Taj Mahal…Temple of Leah in barangay Busay in Cebu City. It was told that Temple of Leah was owned by Adarna family and built as a symbol of the undying love and ceaseless devotion to Leah Adarna by his husband. With an entrance fee of P50, you could see how this 5,000 sqm land area with seven storeys high built because of love and devotion. The nine-foot bronze statue of Leah is its main element with a brass plaque on its podium signed by Teodorico Adarna that says “Beloved Wife and Mother: Leah V. Albino-Adarna was chosen Matron Queen of her Alma Mater the University of Southern Philippines. This bronze statue portrays her composure and regal bearing when she was crowned. May the beholder discern her innate beauty, poise, and gentleness.”

“May the beholder discern her innate beauty, poise, and gentleness”. Wow! It is possibly these features of her that captured his heart and love her timelessly and physically manifesting that timeless love by building this architectural design that can withstand time. Daydream while inside the temple and feel the love!

Next...Sirao Garden

September Cebu City Travel

Today is Mother’s Day year 2020. Finding an inspiration and timing to write, even just a few about my travel, is not so easy for me. Sometimes I blog, sometimes not at all. In honor of Mother’s Day and since we are still in Enhanced Community Quarantine in Manila as well as Cebu City, remembering and documenting about Nanay’s and I recent travel in Cebu City last September is as easy as pie.

Bohol is my mother’s hometown…and Cebu City is just an hour or two Ferry ride. Nope, we did not travel from Bohol but from Manila which is only an hour and 30 minutes flight. Being with Nanay is a breeze for me since she knows the Visayan dialect and I know that she can well relate to the Cebuanos. I am just surprised knowing that this travel inside Cebu City is also her first time. Our Cebu travel is just three days two nights stay. Of course, I have a list with the itinerary in and around Cebu City but I also need to make it more relaxed as I am travelling with a Senior Citizen, my Nanay.  

Day 1. We arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport at around 8:30am. I made an advance booking thru Klook noting our flight details and our hotel destination. There has been an advance info on the name of the driver and the car detail but there was a last-minute change that made me think twice of truly trusting Klook for our first time travel in Cebu City. I really do not want to play so rigid but I need to be safe than sorry. I still trust God that our travel will be guided and protected, I need to surrender because I will be enjoying the stay.

Our almost an hour ride to the hotel was an ease as Nanay has a Visayan conversation with the driver. It also made me comfortable hearing their exchange of stories living in and out of Visayas. While on the way to hotel, I am already familiarizing myself with my Cebu City goggle map on the phone. It really helps to already see with your own eyes your google map location-destination  especially if walking around Cebu downtown is part of the plan.  

It is still early to check in at the hotel and so we left our bags in the hotel to walk around Cebu downtown and find the Sto Nino Basilica. I thought, Cebu downtown is just like Manila downtown area but it is far from it as the streets are well kept and clean. I also feel comfortable walking from and along its streets than Manila downtown. Thanks for google map again that I can easily check on the streets and way to Basilica. There are also jeepneys around but I am not familiar yet with the coding.  I initially memorize the number codes I saw while we are walking so we could already ride a jeepney back to our hotel.

We attended the noon mass at Basilica and it is just great way to start our travel in Cebu City. We lighted candles and bought souvenirs from the church store. Nanay bought a life size green rosary that lights up in the dark. There are also photos displayed in a patio towards Sto Nino relic that depicts events related to the Christianization of the Philippines through the image of Senor Santo Niño de Cebu. I love Sto Nino as He always reminds me to be humble and be childlike…and to worry less.

We ride a jeepney back to the hotel but as soon as I saw a familiar street, we got off and walk back to our hotel. We rest first in the hotel and had our dinner in the nearby mall.

Next...Day 2

Bicol...More than Escapades

My vacation in Bicol does not end on Good Friday. Hey, there is always an Easter Sunday!

We travelled back the following day to Ate Fei’s house just in time for swimming at Villa Sotto resort at Castilla Sorsogon. This is to celebrate Ate Fei’s birthday with the family. As usual, children enjoy swimming so much with the warm water pool and having a grandeur time with the adults until about 7pm.

We attended mass for Easter Sunday at St Gregory Church Legazpi City. Thank God that the mass celebration is in English. After the mass, Ate Fei and Phine also accompany me to tour around Legazpi city i.e visit the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, Gaisano mall and Embarcadero. I will always remember the first time to eat the sili ice cream level 1 and 2 at Colonial Grill. Sili ice cream is good although I would not dare try to finish level 2 as I am really not fond of spicy food. Phine also gave me pili nuts directly from their farm. The Farm is almost an hour trek form the main road and thank God that there is a fresh picked buko to quench our thirst. Her husband harvested almost 40 pili nuts for me take as pasalubong. I have also experienced riding at the back of their Carabao, Sinag. Sinag is pregnant at that time and I softly scream as Sinag sway its tail towards its back.

I have never thought of visiting my checklist on my last day at Bicol because I feel that it is more than what I have planned…

        …new words that I have learned : kagurangnan, tugang, dae, iyo

       …new food that I have tasted : lubi lubi gata, sili ice cream, pili nut ice cream, mazapan, fresh guava juice, kinunot, pinangat

      …new places that I have explored : Hoyop hoyopan cave, the chocolate hills in Albay, Jovellar underground river, Kawa Kawa Hill

       ...new faces I have met and shared happy and memorable moments.

I do not regret staying in Ate Fei’s family with Phine’s family. They are such a sweet, thoughtful, caring, and happy family. I also enjoyed bonding with the children as each of them called me “Ninang”.  

It’s been a full 6 days experience in Bicol, the longest out of town I have experienced so far. It is really more than escapades to share. It is really meeting people, feeling their warmth and hospitality, experiencing their traditions, and tasting the best food of the province. I have not expected much about this long vacation but God has given me another “more” to enjoy. Thank you again Lord for experiencing your blessings thru your wonderful creation and the wonderful people that come my way. ;D

Bicol Holy Week at Daraga, Albay

I and my friend, Phine stayed in Balay De la Rama in Albay for a Holy Thursday and Good Friday reflection at Daraga Church. Daraga Church is just a walking distance to/from Balay Dela Rama but for those who are not used to walking, there are tricycles around that can be hired.

Daraga church offers a vantage point of Mayon Volcano. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines. 

The church is also known as the Our Lady of the Gate or the church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria. The construction of this Baroque style building is done with the use of volcanic materials that makes it even more special and unique. To prevent it from regular exposure the outer was coated with lime stone so that the future generation can still see the beautiful facade of the church to save it from further degrading. 

We attend the Holy Thursday mass at 5:30pm with the "Washing of the Feet" until 7:30pm. The only thing that is different now is dialect that is used during the mass as I know little of Bicol dialect and most of the time, I will ask my friend to translate the word I just heard. It is just good to know that no matter what dialect the mass is…it will always be the same. Two words that have been used most of the time and thus retained in my mind…”Kagurangnan” and “Tugang” which means  “Lord” and “Brother/Sister”, respectively.

Good Friday hearing of seven last words, sharing and mass reflection were even more a challenge to me as I really have to “hear” the words or plainly “hear-between-the-lines”. I sometimes hear visayans words I am already familiar with. Although, I cannot fully understand, it is really quite heavenly staying in the church from 12nn because of the heavenly voice I am hearing in between the seven last words.

Good Friday procession follows after the mass and Cross adoration. We can see that there are lots of people, including children, who have joined the procession and more are coming in after the mass. I believe that each barangay is with their Patron image in the carriage joining the procession and they are doing this every Good Friday. People coming from the church are also joining the procession as I and Phine are watching the processions from the small patio of Daraga Church.

I could really feel the devotion from the people’s heart especially those joining the procession. I may have not really fully undertand the sharing of each of the people but I could see their faces and feel their hearts. It was really an intimate and meaningful holy week experience.

 Next...Concluding Bicol Experience ;D

Bicol Escapades...Kawa Kawa Hill Ligao City

Today I remember to finish my blog on my Bicol escapades. I almost forgot to finish but The Mayon volcano is currently erupting as if getting my attention to finish my blog and to share more of my beautiful holy week experience in Bicol.

Ligao City-Kawa Kawa Hill

It is still a day before holy Thursday but we already visited Kawa Kawa HIll at Ligao City right after Jovellar Underground adventure. Visting kawa kawa hill has been a regular experience for Bicolano's specially during holy week. It is also has become a popular religious site because of the unique, life size statues which depict the fourteen (14) Stations of the Cross. Theses stations are arranged at the slope of the hill overlooking Mayon Volcano. The Carmelites Nuns of the Holy Trinity put up the Divine Mercy and a life-size images of the Station of the Cross in the area. Divine Mercy Shrine and Carmelite monastery is already built at the foot of the hill.

Visiting Kawa Kawa hill is like being with Jesus in each of the life size station of the cross. It is actually bigger the the life-size statues. Each station has its corresponding guides of readings and meditations. I remembered that we are still doing the final three stations of the cross during sunset on the summit with the cool, calming wind and where sunset rays flashed towards the station of the cross.

I have never felt really tired going up the 250-meter-high hill neither have I heard the children complaining going up until the last station. Maybe it is also because the hill offers a lush scenery and serene ambiance. When you reach the summit you will be amazed to see a six-hectare crater and also a breathtaking view of Ligao City.

Kawa Kawa Hill is a really a place for prayer and reflection.

We arrived back home at 9pm already having kinunot and pinangat. Next day will be another day as I and Phine will be in Daraga, Albay for a Holy week observance. 

Next...Holy week experience at Daraga, Albay ;D

Bicol Escapades…the Tour day (Jovellar Underground River and Sigpit Falls)

The Jovellar Underground River is yet to be discovered by tourists in Albay Bicol. It’s almost an hour of drive from Camalig Albay. Although the place is almost an end of a road...I would say that this is a real find!

We eat first our delicious adobo lunch inside “Salvacion”. Salvacion is the jeepney owned by Kuya Mike and it is been our constant companion throughout our travel. I would say that I have underestimated my travel this day as I only brought an extra shirt and a short. I have assumed that I will just dip my feet into the water and enjoy the view. 

A registration is required before you enter the underground river plus a fee for the underground river tour as you will be going inside the cave thru bamboo raft “balsa”. They will also not allow your group without a tour guide so better get one. We have a short trek first before the entrance of the cave. At the entrance of the cave, there is already a swimming area where people jump from a cliff. It is very exhilarating to watch them jump off the cliff and splash deep into the water. 

At first, I am hesitant to get inside the cave as the tour guide told us that we will definitely get wet. In addition, I am afraid to get in the boat to cross the cave. Who’s not afraid of going inside the dark unknown? Ate Fei’s just remind me that this is a once in a lifetime experience and besides I was the one who introduce them the place. And yes, I should be excited to experience it myself…setting beside all the fears…disregarding of what I have not, but of what I have at the moment…and be expectant that the view after the rafting is awesome.

We went down through this squeaky bamboo stairs, and got into the bamboo balsa. For just less than five minutes, we cross a 100 meter long quiet river, it as if I am experiencing the famous Palawan underground river. We can see the formation inside the cave through a flashlight of our tour guide. As we get closer, we heard this loud sound of water fall. Slowly as we made our way in, a light started to appear and made us too excited upon seeing this beautiful water cascading towards us. We are so mesmerized by numerous rock formations and just want to immediately play with the cold water. The exit point, as they call it, is actually a meeting place for the river, the cave and the waterfalls.

In order to get across, we also have to go through the water current. With a proper guide, we safely cross and climb rocks just to get to the other side. I would say that this adventure is not really very ideal for unprepared children and senior citizens. You must have that “real adventurer” guts to take the challenges but I can assure that the experience is so worth it. I am just so glad that I have immersed myself into this kind of place. 

I am already soaking wet but more prepared to get into the next water falls…Sigpit Falls. We have not used the Balsa anymore but instead we climb up a hill back to the cave entrance to meet Phine who is waiting with our slippers and towels. Mae also experience jumping off the cliff with the tour guide. I have realized that when you trust that at least "One" will be there to watch over you and rescue you when something goes wrong, you will be brave enough to do it. Did I say that there is my "One" that will convince me to jump off the cliff to the river? Whooah...I would dare not. I have to start from the basic first.

Sigpit Falls is about 350m from the underground river and is across the other side where we left Salvacion. This time, its children play time as the place is much safer. I remember that one kid who does not know how to swim, with his vest on, enjoys jumping from the rock to the river with much joy and giggles. At last, those kids that did not join the underground river tour for safety reasons, now enjoys the Sigpit falls.

I will always treasure these “water adventure” moments. I am still amazed by how nature could produce such a wonder! Indeed, God never fails to amaze His people. 

The day tour never ends here as we still have one more place to go.

Next…Kawa Kawa Hill at Ligao City  ;D

Bicol Escapades…the Tour day (Hoyop-hoyopan Cave and Camalig Greenhills)

This day will be a Tour day…a day to tour what I have been planning to visit. A day before this, I have given Ate Fei my list so her husband, Kuya Mike, our ever patient tour driver, can check if he knows the way. Can google, map our way? Well, I have no intention to push what’s all in my paper as long as I enjoy the tour with the whole family.

Hoyop hoyopan cave

Caving…the third that I will get through…first in Sagada, second in Bohol…now in Bicol. Hoyop hoyopan cave is located in Camalig Albay and is privately maintained. Its name was derived from the word “hoyop” which means “blowing of air or wind” in Bicolano. An entrance fee of P50/pax is needed to enter the cave with the cave tour guide. We are just lucky that all of the children are free of the entrance fee as we are almost a dozen.

Tourists are expected to observe the rules inside the cave to maintain its natural form and avoid untoward accidents i.e no touching of stones. The cave is really different from all other caves that I have been through. A claustrophobic person might enjoy this as we surely enjoy the cool, fresh air as the wind passes freely through the different opening in the cave. Of course, nobody else is the perfect man to capture our moments inside the cave than our tour guide as he knows where the “perfect spots” are. 

The Cave Rules

At the Cave Entrance

see the concrete stairs?

imagine what this is?

just one angle of a shot

another angle of a shot

Concrete steps are mounted at the rear of the main entrance and incandescent light bulbs are strategically placed around the cave, making it easy for the visitors to navigate the area. Though, the passageways will test your skill in squeezing, crawling, and kneeling to get through in order to reach the different chambers, including a mini-pond and a dance floor. Inside the cave are wonderful formations of stalagmites and stalactites, as well as hidden sacred knowledge of the life of our ancestors — the early inhabitants of the area. I remember, manong tour guide would relate the dance floor as where parties are held inside the cave as curfew were strictly imposed during the martial law era.   

Camalig Greehills (Solong Eco Adventure Park)

Just a few minutes travel away from Hoyop hoyopan cave, we visit the greenhills of Camalig. It is just like the chocolate hills of Bohol. A few hundred steps up the mountain, you can see the numerous hills mountain formation. 

the view down from atop

the Solong cave...a seat beside the entrance

The Solong cave was explored for a few minutes by some of our brave companions with just a flashlight, not to mention that most of them are just teens. (",) Perhaps, if you are a real cave explorer, you will enjoy the challenge as they told us that it will take you more than hours to explore the whole part of the cave.

Next…Jovellar Underground River ;D

The Beautiful “Magayon” … Bicol Escapades

This is Mount Mayon view as I arrived at Legazpi City Airport

Mount Mayon or Mayon Volcano. The Local folklore refers to the volcano being named after the legendary princess-heroine Daragang Mayon (English: Beautiful Lady). The cone is considered the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetry, which was formed through layers of lava flows and pyroclastic surges from past eruptions and erosion erupting over 49 times in the past 400 years. It stands majestically at 2,462 meters and is geographically shared by the eight cities and mucipalities of Legazpi, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Tabaco, Malilipot and Santo Domingo. 

Astonished by its majestic shape, will fear conquer me by just being alone in this trip? Nope! In fact I was just alone in my airplane trip but not my whole time in Bicol. I planned this trip since last year and of course with all the must “see”, must “experience”, must “eat”, must “buy”, and must “do”. I can never imagine doing all these just by being alone but at least with my long lost best friend, who is now residing in Bicol together with her family and almost near to her sister.

Excitement overflows as it is my first time to be in Bicol area also knowing that I will be with Phine and family for almost a week of stay. It will also be my first to personally meet all of her children and Ate Fei’s children too…well, except my god children with them. It will also be a different “holy week” as this will also be my first to observe and join lenten activities in a province.

They picked me up at Legazpi airport by 7am. We hugged as if time nor distance has never passed between us. We have so many stories to tell and I know that a day is never enough to compensate the lost time. They have already in mind where they would tour me that day but I just have one wish that I would not let pass…to visit the a church in Legazpi before any tour of the day.

St Rafael Church is only three (3) kilometers east of Legazpi Airport in front of Plaza Rizal, Legazpi City. Just a short visit to thank God for the safe trip and wonderful memories and meaningful holy week that will be set me on this province.  

This what struck me in this church...with a message of comfort...

 After our church visit, we then went straight to Cagsawa Church Ruins.  

CAGSAWA CHURCH RUINS 

For almost two centuries the Cagsawa Ruins has stood as a symbol of Bicol region’s impressive landscape, rich history and the people’s strength and resiliency to face and to rise from the ravages of Mother Nature. The 1814 eruption was recorded to be worst eruption of Mt. Mayon. Some 1,200 people who took refuge and sought the sanctuary of the church during the eruption all died when the church was engulfed by the flowing lava.

I will never forget the great shots we have here with my friend. We are playing with the camera phone thru the great hands of the tourist photographer in Cagsawa. He instructed us a lot of poses that will capture the moment and of course, the beauty of Mt Mayon and the Church.  For just a minimal tip for taking our pictures thru my camera…we already have these historical shots.

the wonder woman jumpshot!

what a great camera trick! amazing shots!

We also briefly visit Daraga Church just before we went to Ate Fei’s home, where I will stay for the rest of my holy week vacation. Thanks to you and your family goodness ate Fei!

More stories of Bicol in next blog…"Bicol Escapades...the Tour Day" ;D

Bacolod City Tour and Silay City

During my Bacolod stay, I always made sure that I attend the morning mass or just visit the Carmelites monastery. It is my way of being grateful for each day that passed and a new bright morning to attend to. It always works to be grateful always..why would not I? A granted prayer request just happened that very early morning! Thank God!

The Garden of the Carmelites monastery - Bacolod City

I was left alone on the fourth and last day. Arnie decided to just change her flight to early in the AM to catch up with her birthday celebration with her family. I decided to just continue on the journey as the original flight back to Manila is still 7pm. It is just making the most of what you already have! 

After the mass at Carmelites, I immediately proceeded to the remaining itineraries...small walk to the park and municipal hall. 

The Capitol Lagoon Park is located at the very heart of the central business district of Bacolod City. The Lagoon is a quick sanctuary to breathe fresh air. They say that the Lagoon is simply at its best in the morning.

That same morning, people of different ages have their physical activities like tai chi and jogging. I also have some small chat with the gardener in charge who happens to once lived in manila. 

After breakfast near the park, I went back to the hotel to check out at exactly 10am. It doesn't end there as I still have  one courageous act to do...for the first time...going to place I have never been alone...in a city I rarely know. What makes me continue to do so? A big smile and a confident answer from a hotel receptionist made me decide to proceed with joy and peace in my heart...to Silay City!

Thanks to blogs and google map that made it easy for me to travel to Silay City alone without the hassle. Even if I do not understand the Bacolod dialect,, there is just one thing that is common that makes you feel at ease around each other...the Smile! 

I arrived in Silay City at 11AM after a 30 minute bus ride from Bacolod city bus terminal. My purpose is to visit the ancestral houses in Silay City and eat a special dessert in the famous El Ideal Bakery. 

My first stop is the church of Silay City as I am still thinking where to go first. I have no ancestral houses map and according to the blog I need to go to the tourism office to get the map. There is no signage of the tourism office but I immediately saw the Silay City Hall. I went inside the City Hall to ask for a map of the ancestral houses that I can visit. The City hall personnel was so generous and welcoming enough to accompany me to the tourism office at the other side of the road. The welcome was so warm with their big smiles that radiates thru the heart. I can really feel that I am indeed a special tourist deserving to have a special attention! Thank you Genevieve! It was indeed  a pleasure to have met you.

After my Silay City tourism office historical tour, I then proceeded to the only open ancestral house for inside tour...the Balay Negrense. Balay Negrense is the 1897 ancestral house of the Gaston family, one of Negros' pioneering sugar plantation owners. There is a entrance fee for the inside house tour but it is just a minimal fee considering that there is a tour guide that shares a story behind each room and corner of the house.

                                                                  The Balay Negrense

The Balay Negrense

Silay City - Ancestral Houses, the Church, and El Ideal

After the Balay Negrense ancestral house tour, I took my lunch for another Inasal meal. Then to El ideal for the Guable pie and pasalubong. I still manage to have a picture of the facade of a few more Silay City ancestral houses. I then proceeded to the airport at 3pm to catch my 7pm flight back to Manila. I still feel ill at ease riding a plane in solo but not that night as God gave me an angel who sat beside me, a mother and a baby.

What a wonderful and meaningful trip! Thank you Lord for an enjoyable and safe trip during our Bacolod stay! 

;Des