Travel in Negros " Why you should visit Negros Province? "

The Philippines is composed of 7,641 islands in total from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

One of the known islands is the Negros province where the island consists of 2 regions the Negros Occidental and the Negros Oriental.

To give you some idea about our province, here is a brief description and geographical reviews from the web. The said context was copied and pasted here for reference purposes only/ not my own writing composition. Kindly visit the link for your further understanding and complete information to edify you about Negros.

Negros /ˈneɪɡrɒs/ is the fourth largest island of the Philippines, with a land area of 13,309.60 km2 (5,138.87 sq mi).[1] Negros is one of the many islands that comprise the Visayas, which forms the central division of the nation. The predominant inhabitants of the island region are mainly called Negrenses (locally Negrosanons). As of 2015, Negros' total population is 4,414,131 inhabitants.
Disclaimer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negros_Island

Why Visit Negros Negros Island

Negros is very rich in terms of historical background, where you can appreciate your vacation during your stay here. There's a lot of things where you can learn from historical landmarks, fascinating Ruins, Ancestral houses, old bridges, century-old churches and many more.

The famous Taj Mahal of Negros " The Ruins " in Talisay City and the abandoned port of Brgy. Mambulac Silay City is one of the fascinating ruins not only in the Philippines the world rather.

These images are just samples from the tons of must-see places that you can explore here. If you are a person like me who loves to discover places and learn the hidden history about them. Don't hesitate to come then include Negros on your bucket list.

Spanish Influence

During the Spanish colonization that invades Negros for how many decades. The influence of Spanish culture remains to every Negrosanon when it comes to building structures, languages, attitudes, habits, and personalities. Which our dialect or mode of conversation the Hiligaynon where some of the words are Spanish terms like kutsara, tinidor, pwertahan. mestizo, saborozo, bintana, labador and etc,.Then in any towns, cities, or municipalities, the Spanish churches are visible to locals and tourists.

The exterior and interior façade is very similar to basilicas, Shrines, churches, and cathedrals in Spain. Then the way it was constructed including the designs you can glimpse the Spanish details.

Most of these structures were built many centuries and more than 100 years old until the day it was inaugurated. But still, these amazing architectural signatures exist. Because the local government including local communities preserved these beautiful creations from history.

Bring the fun, adventure, excitement for every Negrosanon's

This tagline will boost your excitement to book your flight today going to Negros Island. Because these majestic places will give a glow to your both eyes when you see this beautiful creation of GOD.

These wonderful mountain peaks where you can take amazing photos plus the adventures you will experience during your mountain trekking. Definitely, your exhausted body will be relieved after you reach the top of the mountain hills. Where you can also sit on top of a big rock while the fresh cool air gently touching your skin.

These are Mayanas peak of San Carlos, and Jomax Peak of Don Salvador.

Fall in Love with Water

How long can you resist the freezing cold water coming from these waterfalls and blend into the turquoise color that magnificently splashes every time you jump into the water.

So never miss these opportunities to discover these hiding waterfalls in a secluded forest and cliffs in every mountain of Negros Island.

The location of these waterfalls requires your body to move extremely which will test your determination to reach the place. At the same time, it will help your sleeping muscles to work out quite some time.

You have nothing to worry about the accessibility of these places because there are public and private transportation available to cater to your concern about tripping schedules.

Nature Discoveries

Don't you know that one of the oldest and largest trees can be found in Negros Occidental nestled in Mt. Canlaon. You must visit the huge Balete tree and climb on the trunk then take pictures for your souvenir. Then the tree is very wide that needs 50 people to surround it and roots formed access looks like a cave.

Many tourists visited the century tree every day coming from different places in Negros and nearby provinces like Panay and Cebu.

You can also walk on the top of this trunk above the rushing water of Mag-aso falls in Kabankalan City Negros Occidental or feeling strong that you can carry this big trunk in Lacarlota mountain going to twin-falls.

There are newly opened places in Negros like this Lantawan view in Sitio Gimbalaon, Silay City where the amazing mountain background fills your photos with freshness like a painting.

Best Resorts

Have you tried sleeping in a Hobbit house like you are in the movie Lord of the rings or ever experience sleeping in an Indian village? Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City will grant that desire of yours. Leave your ordinary house into something extraordinary experience while enjoying the vast land with complete amenities. Or not moving that far from the city where Resort Negrense can satisfy and address your concerns.

Wonderful Parks

The Bantayan park of Bago, the white house of Bacolod the New government center, Panaad Park, and Stadium in Bacolod where you can see the landmark structures of each city and town in Negros and the ruins garden. Are perfect places to relax your body and free yourself from stress.

The said places are also perfect for tourists where you can try our local dishes near beside and within the park locations. They offer food cooking service we called it " Pala-Pala or Paluto " means you have to choose raw meat, fish, seafood's displayed on the stole and they will cook it for you. Then you can select to their list of what kind of menu or dish if you like soup, grilled, sinigang, buttered shrimp and etc.

Exploring the Beaches

Beaches in Negros are perfect for summer vacations, tourist, family bonding, hanging out with friends, or backpack travelers. There a magnificent view, gazillions of marine diversity, amazing diving spots, underwater shipwrecks, fine white sand, crystal water, and many more. These will help you to replenish your agitated mind and restore great memories to keep you away from worries. You will feel the full excitement that you really want to enjoy most of the time. Because of the ambiance and relaxing feeling brings to you by these amazing beaches.

You can visit the following beaches in Sipalay, Cauyan, Dumaguete, Bais, Hinobaan, Sipaway Island, Lakawon Island, Escalante, Sagay, Toboso, Apo Island, Danjugan island and etc. These are cities and municipalities with great beaches on Negros Island.

Then you can try fun activities like snorkeling, jet ski, kayak, scuba diving, surfboarding, island hopping, skimboarding, water jet, and other water activity.

Colorful Festival

Negros is a big province consist of 57 combined cities and municipalities not included in the barangays. Then every year these certain places celebrated their own festivals in the allocated month. We also have the showcase of all festival we called it Panaad festival held in Panaad Park and Stadium every month of April. Where all of these cities gathered together and participate in one's goal to promote Negros Province.

This month of September we have Minuluan festival in Talisay and this coming October we have Masskara Festival in the City of Smile the Bacolod. For the month of November, Isabela celebrates the Tigkalalag festival means all souls day then before the year ends. The Bailes De Luces where dancers performing when the light is off while holding assorted lighted color torch and costumes with colorful dancing lights on them.

Foods and Delicacies

Your vacation and trip will not be completed without trying our food including your pasalubong or Delicacies for your loved ones. We all know that in every place here in the Philippines we have our own way of cooking and the kinds of dishes we prepared have differences at some point.

Here in Negros we have local dishes that only exist in Negros, you can taste only in Negros or see only in our province. Same with our delectable food and delicacies like piaya, Biscocho, otap, napoleons, inasal in Bacolod, special puto of manapla, cruchy peanuts of San carlos, tsokolate and rice puto of Dumaguete, special buko pie of Hinigaran, mais alupe of Murcia and many more.

We also have healthy beverages like cows milk of Lacarlota, coco cider of bayawan, organic mango juice of lacastellana, calamansi juice of San Enrique and etc.

Souvenirs and Products

Before leaving Negros never forget to bring a souvenir with you together with the happy memories you experienced in our province. Each place in Negros has its pride product to represent their specialties in making crafts made from different kinds of materials like the bamboo signature of Bayawan. They promote a bike with a frame made of bamboo that can withstand any tensions including weather. They also create bamboo straws, mugs, pen holders, furniture, and many more.

Then other places have their one-of-a-kind creations that will absolutely fit to your style and desires.

The People

People in Negros are nice, kind, and very helpful if you need assistance. Don't be afraid or hesitant if you have questions or clarifications about the place. As a Negrosanon we are privilege to be visited by many tourists from different places or even foreign countries. We are willing to assist you with your concern whatever it is as long as we can manage.

But for you to understand what I am talking about, you have to visit our province. Promise it is worth coming here and we will bring a smile to your face before leaving Negros.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog that was taken from my steemit.com account @jezmacher and sharing it here in my blogger.com account.

Travel in Negros Occidental Philippines

 

Gazillions of seashells at the seashore " Ang Su-so "

Recently this afternoon I went outside when the sun is perfectly shining. I am so happy because I discovered a new place in Bacolod that amazed me though it is not part of my plan. The said place is located in Barangay Pahanacoy which is 20 minutes away from my residence accessible via motorcycle and jeepney. Then for a change, I challenged myself to do some leg workouts and not to spend any single cent all throughout this day.

Walking took me more than an hour before I reached the place while wearing my hat and comfortable clothes to resist the heat. But after seeing these beautiful sceneries all the sacrifices are replaced by mixed of emotions.

Actually, I'm not supposed to be at the beach, because this travel plan is to visit the Nun Monastery in Brgy. Pahanocoy. Though I have no idea about this place and out of my curiosity I want to explore it as much as I could. But the sad thing the Monastery is closed during my visit and only available every Sunday from 10 AM till 5 in the afternoon.

I am very disappointed when I wasn't able to enter the Monastery after my long walking journey under the heat of the sun. Instead of having that bad feeling, I motivate myself to find a way on how to reach the beach area at the back of this Monastery. I walked slowly beside the concrete walls where it seems the grass is flattened. It means there are people passing by in this area. Then after a couple of minutes, this stagnant water with few stepping stones approach me along the way. Honestly, I hesitate to walk on the grass because I am wearing short pants at the same time I have skin allergies.

The blue sky and the tall coconut trees are perfect for taking a selfie photo.

I am thankful because during my visit it is low tide or we called it " Hunas" in Hiligaynon. But the challenge here is the muddy part that I need to step on just to take decent shots multiple steps away from the shoreline.

The funny thing is that when I forget that I am wearing a new pair of shoes where all I can do is ignore it and simply enjoy the rest of the time exploring the shore.

The clear water reflects the image of the sky including the sun.

The most interesting part about this beach is the gazillions of seashells we called " Su-so " in our dialect. I was so amazed seeing these massive and massive " Su-So " That almost cover the entire shore. It is my first time to see this in my 31 years of existence. I never knew that it could possibly breed these unable to count sea creatures.
Then you can make a delectable dish like cooking it with coconut milk " Su-so as ginataang gabe " or a healthy soup perfect relief during rainy seasons.

The Su-so shells are also the best material for making jewelry chests, customize mirrors, chandeliers, wall frames, decorative consoles, and many more.

Look at these collisions of shells at the shore where it looks like an accumulated mud from far. But try to zoom the image slowly and tell me what you can say about it.

What I always did when I am at the beach is to write my name on the sand using a piece of stone. Where most of the kids love to do this thing and I consider myself as one of them. Feel free to imagine that you are still young acting like a child.

Bacolod and other nearby cities never enjoy having black-sand beaches. Because most of the best white sand beaches can be found only in Northern and Southern Negros. Which is too far from our place that we need to travel 4 hours or more than that just to experience the blue water. But, this black sand is very useful in that we were able to make thousands of solar panels made from silica. Where most cities now are using Solar Energy that can supply electricity to numerous amount of households every single day. However, having black-sand beaches is not bad at all.

The presence of these tall coconut trees always added beauty to every beach. As far as I know why these coconut trees are mostly grown in the nearby sea. Because of the water waves that brought these coconut fruits to the seaside. Then after a couple of years, there are a new set of coconuts growing side by side.

After taking multiple photos I decided to go home as I need to walk for more than an hour again. While I'm on my way home I found this sugarcane flower or " Bilaho "in Hiligaynon beside the street. For your information, Bilaho is only visible every other 2 months and the flowers are collected to make dust brooms and the long stems are used to support the flying fireworks during December.

I finally got home after my four hours travel walking adventures. Though my feet hurt so bad still I am proud of myself that I was able to complete the challenge successfully.

The most important thing that I learned from these adventures is the lessons. That no matter what will happen along your journey whether your expectations are not met or you fail to pursue your plans. You must learn how to find an alternative way despite disappointments.

All images are taken using my Vivo mobile phone

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog that was taken from my steemit.com account @jezmacher and sharing it here in my blogger.com account.

The best pots in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.

Pottery shops in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City Negros Occidental

What is pottery?

Pottery is the art of using ceramic material to make pottery wares, of which major types include earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. The place where such wares are made by a potter is also called pottery (plural "potteries"). The definition of pottery used by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is "all fired ceramic wares that contain clay when formed, except technical, structural, and refractory products.

The short description I provided about pottery is not my own writing composition. It was copied and pasted for reference purposes only.

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery

These set of pots are visible along the highway within the area of Brgy. Pahanocoy in the City of Bacolod. If you are plying the south access main road no reason for you not to notice the bunch of displayed products from different shops.

Most of the commercial establishments are ordering hundreds up to thousands of products originally made in Brgy. Pahanocoy. Because they already trusted the quality, finish, and unique designs plus the reasonable price. Then if you have a plan to buy here in bulk orders you can ask the shop owner to lower the price so that you can save some money.

For those people who are looking for a " Kalan " or portable clay stove for cooking. You can choose here for your desired size and type (Whether you are looking for charcoal or wood type). The price ranges from 25 pesos up to 130 pesos for the large size. They also sell the traditional " Banga " or water dispenser, small food plates that usually used in poultry farms and holders for cooking " Bibingka or Puto " a famous Filipino Delicacy made of sticky rice.

For the interior design of your home, you can choose from these bunch of pot designs like round type, elongated, small pieces, middle size, and many more.

They are also selling figurines for garden improvement like animal figures, dwarfs, frogs, swans and painted with vibrant glossy enamel paint. You can also place these figurines beside your growing plants to highlight your favorite flowers.

They also have huge vases with dragon details and assorted massive pots that are commonly seen inside commercial complexes like malls or five-star hotels.

Shop owners are responsible enough to dispose of the accumulated water stored inside the pots during rainy days. They always make sure that no mosquitoes or others insects will breed in the stagnant water.

" PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE "

This piled of " Kugon " or dried grass are burned together with the pots to cook the clay and ready for final retouching of colorant. This will complete the process to harden the mud and turned like a solid rock.

All images are taken using my Vivo mobile phone

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

The context was taken from my steemit.com account @jezmacher and sharing it here in my blogger account.

Negros Travel ( Endangered Species) Negros Forest & Ecological Foundation, Inc. Biodiversity Conservation Center

 

NEEFI - BCC is a non-stock, non-profit private organization strongly committed to protect, conserve and preserve the environment and safeguarding the sustainable use of the Island's natural resources. Since 1986, it has channeled its efforts into the restoration of forests, the rescue and captive breeding of endangering species, the creation of wildlife reserves, forest community organization conservation education, alternative livelihood, and sustainable projects. The Biodiversity Conservation Center aims to breed the endangered species under captivity.

ADVOCACY
To educate farmers, students, communities, and civic organizations on the importance of preserving our forest and protecting the wildlife that lives there.

MISSION STATEMENT
NFEFI - BCC, believing that a balanced ecosystem ensures a better quality of life, is committed to the conservation and restoration of GOD given resources primarily in the Island of Negros.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

• Community Organization and Sustainable Development.
• Habitat Restoration.
• Biodiversity and Conservation Education.
• Wildlife Rescue and Captive Breeding.
• Green Volunteers

TECHNICAL CAPABILITY
NFEFI - BCC has proof of staff and science advisers from various fields of expertise such as ANR, nursery development, and management for endemic plant species, wildlife management, forest community and cooperative development, sustainable agriculture, and other fields of interest for the attainment of the foundation's mission in Negros Occidental.

As recently as the early 1800s Negros Island was still a virgin forest, with barely 30,000 people living on a total land area of 7,926 sq. km. Unfortunately with the combined effects of commercial logging, large-scale agriculture, and rapid population growth, the island has only 4% forest left today to sustain the whole ecosystem, including its human inhabitants.

With fewer forests, floods have become a major concern along the clogged rivers and waterways of the island. With fewer trees, there are fewer homes and less food for the plants and animals that are found only int his island, resulting in more and more species being placed on the endangered and critical lists. The damage wrought on the land has also affected the treasures of the sea. With more coastal land accretion due to floods and erosion, plant and animal life in the sea has become endangered too.

Source : The Causes and Effects of Deforestation
By: Lawrence R. Heaney c. 1998

NEGROS AN ENDANGERED ISLAND

Little was known about our country's diversity until recent studies on Philippine Flora and fauna revealed its tremendous wealth. Unknown to most Filipinos, the Philippines is one of the ten most biologically diverse countries in the world.
The forest of the Philippines contains over 15,000 plant species, representing 5% of the total number recorded the world over. More than 510 species of land mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians exist only in the Philippines.
The Philippines seas host more than 2,000 species of fish and 488 out of 500 known coral species are found in our territorial water. 6 out of the 8 species of sea turtles and at least 23 species of marine mammals.

Since last 3 decades, scientists have been coming to Negros to help in the study of our rich biodiversity. They marveled at the natural wealth of our Island, but surveys in the last decade revealed a horror story.

Negros and its related major islands ( Panay, Guimaras, Cebu, and Masbate ) which collectively comprise the " West Visayas Faunal Region ", has by far the worst rate and extent of habitat destruction, the weakest protected areas system and the highest concentrations of severely threatened endemic species than any other country in the world. Our Visayan Spotted Deer, Visayan Warty Pig, Visayan Hornbills, Negros Bleeding Heart, and most of our unique ( endemic ) species are amongst the most endangered of their kind in the world.
The provincial government of Negros supports environmental projects, however, government alone can not reserve our direct ecological trend; neither can NGOs. We need a partnership that will involve YOU, civic organizations, schools, and responsible businesses. We have to move fast to create real alternatives for people if we are to relieve the growing pressure on the environment.

Here at NFEFI-BCC, we have a conservation program, the restoration of our forests, the rescue and captive breeding of endangered species, the creation of wildlife reserves, forest community organizations, alternative livelihood, and sustainable development. With our commitment and involvement, we are certain that there may hope to end this nightmare.

GET INVOLVED! Visit the NFEFI Office and make a tangible contribution to our environment by getting involved in its different projects.

Blue-crowned Racket-tail Parrot

Racket-tail Parrots are very vocal birds. They have 2 distinctive tail features in the shape of rackets. Not much is known about their population, but they are observed to occupy primary and secondary forests up to 1750 m.

Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN

Blue-naped Parrot ( Pikoy )

The species is found throughout the Philippines, however, habitat loss and poaching have made them rare on most islands except Mindoro and Palawan. They usually occur in flocks in secondary forests, and in plantations. They feed on fruits, seeds, nuts, and grains.

Conservation Status: NEAR THREATENED

Philippine Cockatoo ( katala or kalangay )

This Cockatoo used to be found all over the Philippines, but, most of its remaining population is now confined to Palawan. Perhaps the most threatened species in the country, with nearly every known nest robbed, hatching, and adult individuals are collected to supply the illegal pet trade, both locally, and internationally.

Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

Philippine Doves and Pigeons

Doves and Pigeons belong to the same bird family Columbidae. They primarily feed on seeds and fruits. They are becoming more difficult to find in the Philippines due to hunting and habitat loss.

Visayan Tarictic Hornbill ( Tularik )

In the 19th century, this hornbill was widespread in Panay, Guimaras, Negros, and Masbate. Today, few in Negros and increasingly rare in Masbate.

Conservation Status: ENDANGERED

Large Flying Fox ( Kabog )

This species generally ranges through much of continental and insular Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, this species formerly occurred in many large colonies, but these are now greatly reduced in size and number, with the largest colony found in Subic's protected forest regeneration as they help pollinate flowers and disperse seeds.

Conservation Status: NEAR THREATENED

Palawan Peacock Pheasant ( Tandikan )

The Palawan peacock-pheasant is endemic to Palawan and featured in the culture of the indigenous peoples of Palawan.
Peacock-pheasants are highly invertivorous, taking isopods, earwigs, insect larvae, mollusks, centipedes, and termites as well as small frogs, drupes, seeds, and berries.

Conservation Status: VULNERABLE

Coleto ( songku langit, sal-ing )

This species is endemic to the Philippines, Distinctive grey-and black sturnid with bare skin covering most of the face from the base of the bill back to the side of nape, ear-coverts, and cheek, and to top of the head. Diet includes fruits, insects, and flower nectar.

Conservation Status: LEAST CONCERN

Negros Bleeding Herat Pigeon ( badlitan )

This pigeon is a ground-dwelling bird. It prefers closed-canopy forests from 300 - 1000m. They have been recorded to breed between March to June with their chicks fledging only after 12 days.

Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

Philippine Spotted Deer ( Usa )

The female spotted deer reaches sexual maturity under 2 years of age. It is possible for a female to end up having 2 calves within a year since the gestation period is only 7 months. Fawns are usually weaned at 6 months of age, but some mothers allow them to stay until fully mature.

Conservation Status: ENDANGERED

Philippine Eagle Owl ( bukaw, kwago )

The Large owl is endemic o the Philippines, where it is found in Luzon, Catanduanes, Samar, Leyte, Bohol, Mindanao, and possibly Sibuyan. This species lives in lowland forests and due to widespread deforestation, their numbers have declined rapidly.

Conservation Status : VULNERABLE

Yellow-headed Monitor Lizard ( Halo )

This species is endemic to the Philippines and so far found only in Samar, Leyte, and Bohol. It feels like birds, fish, mammals, and many times are scavengers feeding on decaying animals. The species thrives in forest and water margins in tropical refuges.

Conservation Status: NOT ASSESSED

South Philippine Hawk-Eagle ( Agila )*

This species is a medium-sized eagle with a notable long black crest. They are still seen in Mindanao, but have become very rare on Negros and probably already extinct on some smaller islands within their former range. Populations continue to decline due to habitat loss.

Conservation Status: ENDANGERED

Visayan Warty Pig ( baboy talunon )

This species is now extinct in three of the six islands where they were known to occur, namely in Cebu, Guimaras, and Ticao. In Masbate, the last confirmed sighting was in 1993. They now only survive on Negros and Panay Islands.
They are now classified as Critically Endangered, with a population decline of more than 80% over a period of three generations, mainly caused by habitat loss, hunting, and hybridization.

Conservation Status: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

SOME RULES BEFORE YOU ENTER

• STEP ON THE FOOTBATH
• STAY ON THE PATHWAYS
• DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS
• DO NOT TOUCH THE WIRES
• DO NOT TEASE THE ANIMALS
• THROW GARBAGE IN GARBAGE BINS
• MINIMISE NOISE
• STRICTLY NO SMOKING

The Negros Forest & Ecological Foundation, Inc. Biodiversity Conservation Center is located beside Capitol Park and Lagoon, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The entrance fee is 100.00 pesos per person for adults and 50.00 pesos per person for students/children/senior citizens. Upon entering the Conservation Center go directly to the office where the information desk is available for issuance of the ticket. Then kindly follow the rules and policies implemented for visitors to protect the animals inside the center. Which some of them are under rehabilitation or rescued from hunting.

Thank you for taking the time to read my content as I exert too much effort on this one even though I am suffering from Acute Conjunctivitis ( Soreeyes ). I went outside just to make content to be more active after a couple of weeks that I am busy with my work.

this content was taken from my account in steemit.com @jezmacher and sharing it here in my blogger account.