Kabankalan Charter's Day : An Eco-Travel at Negros Occidental

Do you want to experience a different way of celebrating festival then proceed to Kabankalan City. Every first of August this city is celebrating their Udyakan festival and at the same time anniversary which show cases a varieties of fruit products from different barangays.

I had the opportunity to visit Kabankalan City and experience their festival on Kabankalan Charter's Day which falls every first week of August. This is my first time to witnessed different  types of exhibition  or displayed of fruits from their barangays and its amazing as I roam around the streets full of fruits and vegetables. It's really raining fruits...

Guess the height of this banana ?

It's raining fruits in here.

A unique presentation of  various products in each booth

added attraction  whoaah !!

  

Famous Landmarks to Visit while in Kabankalan:

Mag-aso Falls is a 20-minute drive from the city proper. With large mountain as backdrop, Mag-aso Falls releases a smoke-like shower of mist as it cascade down the natural pool with its turquoise green water.
Mag-aso Cave. Situated with the Balicaocao watershed, Mag-aso Cave invites spelunkers for real adventure and rewarding challenge in cave exploration. The cave spans 436.54 meters long and 149.29 meters deep, it is identified as one of the deepest caves in the country.
Balicaocao Highland Resort. Gently nestled on the hill more 500 feet above sea level, Balicaocao offers perfect ambiance for leisure while taking a breathtaking view and panorama of the coastal towns of southern Negros, the blue waters of Panay Gulf and the Island of Guimaras. It has two pavilions, four cottages, shed houses, swimming pool and cooking area perfect for family picnics.
Old Muscovado Mills – spread around the territory are haciendas of the landed gentry who used to control the large sugarcane plantations. Pre-war implements and farm tools can still be found in these haciendas.
Gabaldon Buildings was constructed during the American educational system. They now house  the public elementary schools. Named after its illustrious son Senator Esteban R. Abada, ERAMs (East/West) have already produced men and women who are now in the helm of government.
Carol-an Valley. Homeland of the indigenous people ruled by its legendary chief Manyabog whose death led to the infamous tribal suicide.
Udlom Cave in Barangay Tampalon can be reach in an hour walk. It lies hidden amidst huge boulders.
Lion’s Arch greets visitors at the doorway of the Poblacion which replicates the main trunk of the “bangkal tree”.
Freedom Fighter Shrine is a fitting memorial for the brave WW II soldiers. Constructed by the Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Kabankalan Chapter.

Festivals

Sinulog, the Kabankalan City version of the world famous “Ati-Atihan” indulged in by our ancestors, is celebrated on the third week of January. The search for Sinulog Queen highlights the festivities.
Traditional town fiesta is held on the third week of March, marking the city’s foundation day.
The month of May marks the religious festivity called “Santacruzan”, it is when the conversion of King Constantine and St. Helena’s founding of the Holy Cross are re-enacted.
Udyakan sa Kabankalan. A pre-Sinulog presentation of its history, culture and development through songs, dances and drama.

How to Get there:

Kabankalan is less than two hours drive south of Bacolod city by private car while public utility vehicles like Ceres buses reach the place in about two hours. The city, which serves as the center of economic activities in southern Negros, is also the take-off point for various destinations down south, and links the province to Dumaguete City, capital of nearby Negros Oriental via Kabankalan-Mabinay.

Scala Redemptorist Retreat House: An Eco-Spiritual Travel

Are you looking for a venue for seminar/training at the heart of Bacolod City? please consider Scala Retreat House in Negros Occidental.  Scala Retreat House is the best place to go. It is one of the three Redemptorist Retreat Houses, one is located at Lahug Cebu City and the other one is in La Paz, Iloilo City.
Scala Retreat House is located in Fortune Town, Bacolod City, Philippines. I'd been visiting this place twice during  our faculty seminar/training when I was a teacher at Nuestra Senora Delas Nieves school. 

Closer to Nature:

The green beautiful entrance of the Scala Retreat House will make you feel at home and immediately feels closer to nature. The ambiance is so cool and peaceful ideal for seminar/retreat activities. This is an old house with two storey building. I had the opportunity to attend  twice for 1 week retreat  on this place with the NSDN faculty and I should be thankful to Sis. Teresita who is the principal of the school. I really like the services and foods as well as the accommodating staff and sisters in charge. This place is accessible to SM city it takes 45 minutes to travel via jeepney.

The beautiful entrance and clean compound of Scala Retreat House

 

The Guest Rest house at back portion of the retreat house

The Centuries old wall rock located at the back of the Veranda of the second floor of Scala Retreat House

REASONABLE  RATES:

If you choose the most practical venue in Bacolod you might consider for your training or retreat is the SCALA Retreat House in Bacolod City. At the rate of 500++/person , you are already entitled to use the training hall,room,3 meals and 2 snacks. This rate is inclusive of the use of electric fans. Air-condition units are available on a per hour basis.The food is great too and yummy.

For more information please contact:

                                             Scala Retreat House

Sofia Gonzaga Ave., Fortune Town

Brgy. Estefania, 6100 Bacolod City, Phil.

Tel. (034)432-10-52

How to get there:
For Commuters: From Bacolod city proper take the jeepney with route to Fortune town just tell the driver to drop you at the entrance of  Scala Retreat House.

Kamay Ni Hesus: An Eco-Personal-Spritual Journey

For almost years I wanted to visit this place and one day  my dreams came into reality and here I am  writing and blessed about my  travel experiences at Kamay Ni Hesus which is located in Lucban, Quezon. So please have a tour for one day you will also visit this God gift place to us.

VIA DOLOROSA GROTTO (photo from kamay ni Hesus)The statue of kamay ni hesus lies on top of the hills and several steps up awaits you so please be careful in going up. This place is very ideal during holy week and other related activities. The compound here is huge wherein you can enjoy to meditate, pray and pose with the big statue of saints.

LUKLUKAN NI MARIA

TODAY, Noah’s Ark stands at Kamay ni Hesus grounds to serve as a place of prayer and meditation, a place where we can reevaluate our relationship with GOD.

FACILITIES

Accomodations

 – There are twenty one (21) air conditioned rooms available for the pilgrims and  
     retreatants to choose. Each with its own toilet and bath, and hot shower.

Function Hall

– The function hall can accomodate group retreats and other events. It is 
    equipped with state of the art multimedia equipments.

Dining

– Also serves healthy menu, and the popular and well loved Lucban foods and 
    delicacies.

Rates:

• Overnight Room Accommodation with Complimentary Breakfast for only Php 700.00 per person/day
• Whole Day Recollection with two (2) snacks & Lunch for only Php 400.00 per person/day.
• Overnight Retreat inclusive of two (2) meals & two (2) snacks for only Php 1,200.00 per person.

ROOM AMENITIES INCLUSIONS:

• Free Wifi Access and Hot & Cold Water.
• Check-In Time: 2:00 PM
• Check-Out Time: 12:00NN
  

THE SEA OF GALILEE - photo from kamay ni Hesus

DEVOTION ROOM - photo from kamay ni Hesus

PRAYER ROOM - photo from kamay ni Hesus

PASTORAL CENTER-photo from kamay ni Hesus

HOLY FAMILY PARK - photo from kamay ni hesus

HEALING CHURCH

A blessed day with baby Jesus

My guiding angel brought me here !!!

 

 
How to Get There:

FROM MANILA:
I reached this place via Jac liner and I really enjoy the trip. Take a taxi, jeepney or bus going to the designated bus terminals for Jac Liner, Jam Liner or Lucena Lines. The buses terminal is located along EDSA , kamuning, Quezon City.

 At the bus terminal, look for the bus with a signboard Lucena “Lucena City/Grand Central” or “Lucena/Dalahican”.  Tell the conductor to drop you at Diversion Road.

At Diversion Road, take a jeepney going to Lucban, it passes by the Kamay ni Hesus The terminal is located just beside Jollibee. Regular fare is Php30.00 and it takes less than an hour.

CONTACT INFORMATION AT KAMAY NI HESUS:

• noahark_knh@yahoo.com
• noaharks@kamaynihesus.ph
• Landline: (+63 42) 540 - 2206 local: 103
• +63-977-723-2024 (Pat Palomar)
• +63-912-184-7980 (Anna Libranda)

Ocean Care

Ocean Care

This  picture shows how our ocean are really  the dump site of  human   wastes. Sadly, but its  true , now is the time to  unite each other in   battling  this  world   worst  scenario.

Last May 2014 I have the opportunity to travel to Bacolod City via Negros Navigation Ship. I really witnessed that plenty of  plastic bottles and other scrap materials floating on the ocean. How I wish I could jump to the water and remove all those plastics materials floating. It's so sad  but I think I have to do something the best that I can. Now every travel that I made I make sure that I reminded politely other passengers not to throw their garbage on the ocean.

It was the happiest moment in my life during this travel that I witnessed a group of dolphins following  our ship just very close to us. For me I think it's a sign that  they are happy because of my awareness to help clean the ocean.

Save the Ocean

Help promote clean ocean

This photo was taken at Subic bay Olongapo City . The ocean is very clean and  sanctuary of beautiful creatures in sea. Promoting clean water should start form our self  through discipline and proper behaviour by following  rules and regulation not to damp waste in water.

http://www.seriousteachers.com/TEFL/TeflSchool.asp?idteflschool=10039099

Places and Resorts that Promotes Green Environment

Villa Escudero Promotes Green Environment

Villa Escudero, located in the Philippines is a private place  which promotes
 green environment and natural living habitat...

Celebrating Mother Earth Day

A Special Message from Kisseo E-card

Celebrate Mother Earth

This Sunday is Earth Day, a day to celebrate the amazing planet we live on. To kick off the weekend, here are some fun facts to impress your friends with:

• Earth Day is the largest non-religious holiday celebrated in the world, with 175 countries observing it.
• The energy gained from recycling one aluminum can could power a TV for three hours.
• Recyclying aluminum cans requires 90% less energy than making new ones.
• 1 bus carries as many people as 40 cars.
• Each person throws away about 4 pounds of garbage per day.
• 84% of household waste can be recycled.

And now for some quick and easy tips to help the planet:

• Reusable grocery bags: Not only do you save the energy used to produce all those plastic bags that eventually end up in landfills, but they're sturdier. Your next 6-pack or bottle of wine will thank you.
• Turn off the lights: Take a look around - do you really need all those lights on? I personally find dinner more romantic and TV-watching more relaxing when I only have one light on. Bonus points for using one with a dimmer switch.
• Walk to the ice cream shop: Instead of driving, walk there! You'll save gas and (minimal) wear and tear on your car, plus you'll burn off some of the calories before you even get there. Guilt-free ice cream tastes so much better!
• Send a free Earth Day ecard to your friends - awareness is one of the most important aspects in any cause!