Wednesday, September 10, 2014

CAUAYAN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL: A School Search in Visit

          I had the opportunity to travel to Cauayan, Negros Occidental during the search in activity of Christian Brother at Cabarruz College. I was excited and happy because this is my first time to visit this place. The environmental surroundings which is clean and green and you can observe the simplicity of life here although there are some buildings beautifully built. One thing I liked most going on this place was the overlooking ocean view beside the road as you are heading and reaching the place of Cauayan. Stunning and breathtaking view of blue and clear ocean. It takes more than 2 hours by private car from Kabankalan city to reach this place.

Interesting History

         Interesting to learn that long before the Spaniards came to Negros, this town was a wilderness and primitive people depended on hunting and fishing for a living. The town was covered with bamboo thickets called Kawayanin the local dialect, hence the name "Cauayan".

          In 1822, Cauayan was formally founded by Don Vicente Paulo Decena, believed to have come from Cebu. He was enticed into Cauayan by the legendary beauty of a native girl who subsequently became his wife, and Don Vicente Paulo Decena's family is still living in Cauayan and it is making its progress with their help.
During the Spanish era, a seat for the municipal government was sought. Guiljungan, Cauayan and Isio were candidates but Isio prevailed as it was more populated. It got the honor of being the center of government although gobernadorcillos were accorded to Cauayan and Guiljungan.
Not much progress happened to the town at that time since the Spanish rulers were reluctant to educate their subjects. Even when they built schools, only a few privileged were admitted to them. There were no roads and most people were required to render forced labor.
All these changed when the Americans came in 1904. The tribunal in Isio was shifted to Cauayan and this fostered development. The natives were taught modern ways to raise crops, and schoolhouses, roads and bridges were constructed. Not even the Japanese occupation could disrupt the development of the town since then.


THIS IS THE SCHOOL WE VISITED  AT CAUAYAN NEGROS


        Cauayan is a first class municipality in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. Located on the southern portion of the province, it is bounded on the east by the Municipality of Ilog; on the south by the Municipality of Candoni; on the west by the progressive mining City of Sipalay and on the north by the Panay Gulf with its bountiful fishing grounds.
        Tourism has recently picked up in the Cauayan Municipality, with its fine white sand beaches and diverse marine and wildlife.
         I have not seen other beaches in Cauayan but there are lots of beautiful hidden beautiful beaches in this municipality.
        Punta Bulata White Beach Resort, is the most developed resort in the area, with an AA accreditation from the Department of Tourism, has seen tourists from all parts of the world who come to relax.
       Danjugan Island Marine Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary in Brgy. Bulata is also one of the most recognized dive spots in the region. Once featured on the cover of Mabuhay Magazine.
         Danjugan Island is the largest of the Bulata Islands in Cauayan.        
       Suha Cave is almost 20 kilometers away from the town proper. Located in Sitio Suha, Brgy. Camalandaan, the cave has stalagmites and stalactites.
        If I have the chance to come back on this place I will visit this  places which is interesting to visit.

         BELOW ARE  THE STUNNING  SHOTS ALONG THE ROADS OF CAUAYAN
 









Other Points of Interest:


Punta Bulata Beach Resort
Danjugan Island (Marine Sanctuary)
Bulata Island



FESTIVALS

Lubay-Lubay Festival and
Feast of St. Paul
(January 25)


MARKET DAYS

Monday (Brgy. Poblacion)

HOW TO GET THERE:


Cauayan is approximately three-and-a-half hours drive from Bacolod City by public utility vehicles and about three hours by private car. Air conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses are available at the Bacolod City South Terminal.

Monday, August 4, 2014

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.

Monday, June 2, 2014

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.