I never expected to be visiting Bacolod City so frequently last year since most of my trips were unplanned decisions. Just before the year ended, an unfortunate circumstance hit our family (father’s side). We had to go to Bacolod to attend our Granpa’s funeral.
When we arrived in Muelle Loney (Downtown, Iloilo City), jump off point of Iloilo-Bacolod fastcrafts, we learned that the boat was going to arrive 1 hour late. While waiting, we decided to have a quick snack in Roberto’s, which is just a block away from Muelle Loney. I was so happy to discover that they were serving their signature Queen Siopao that day. The Queen Siopao is a larger than usual siopao with bacon, Chinese sausage, chicken pork adobo and egg and is served at only select days for the month.
The Iloilo-Bacolod Oceanjet Fastcraft that arrived was bigger boat with an al fresco area on the second floor. I was thankful since I was looking forward to take pictures of Iloilo City’s river wharf and ongoing construction of the coal-fired power plant located in the northern coast of the City.
Passengers waiting to board the “Iloilo – Bacolod” Oceanjet Fastcraft
Old Warehouses built during Iloilo’s Colonial Past
Iloilo Customs House
Iloilo River Wharf
Iloilo – Bacolod Weesam Express
Cargo Docks
Iloilo – Guimaras Parola Wharf
Iloilo City’s Coastal Seaports
Iloilo Domestic Passenger Terminal
Iloilo City’s Power Barges and Power Plants
P14B 164MW Coal-fired Power Plant in Brgy. Ingore, La Paz, Iloilo City
While in Bacolod, I got the chance to go around the city during my free time. I got to take pictures of the Northern Part of the City, mostly along Lacson St. Started from Lopues Mandalagan, turned to B.S. Aquino Drive, went to the Negros Occidental Capitol Complex, then the City Plaza and San Sebastian Church, and finally capping it off with a quick visit in SM City Bacolod.
Bacolod Chicken House
Pendy’s Restaurant and Pasalubong Shop
Orange Art Gallery
Riverside Medical Center
New Jollibee along BS Aquino Drive
Lacson St., with Robinsons Place Bacolod
Terra Dolce
Hua Ming Chinese High School
Kuppa Coffee and Tea
Negros Occidental Capitol and Lagoon Complex
Association of Negros Producer’s Showroom
Negros Museum
San Sebastian Church and Bell
New Deco’s Batchoy in SM Bacolod
Under construction Pope John Paul II Tower
My Grandparents’ house is located at the border of Bacolod City and Talisay City. Just in front of their house is already a vast sugarcane plantation or Hacienda.
Around 500 meters from their house is the ruins of the Lacson Mansion, one of the bourgeoning tourist attractions of the city. I was happy that I’ve finally got the chance to take night shots of the ruins. It was so beautiful during full moon.
My “father’s side” hails from Bantayan Island, Cebu. Some of them had to go to Bacolod City by plane from Cebu City so I was again, ecstatic that I’ll be able to take pictures of the new Silay-Bacolod Airport and the sceneries along the highway from Bacolod City to the new airport in Silay City.
New Bacolod – Silay Airport
The main intention of our visit was of a tragic nature but there were also a lot of things to be appreciative about. It provided an avenue for our family to reunite since we don’t get to see each other often. We’re spread out in almost every part of Central and Western Visayas not to mention those living in Manila and outside the Country. It was interesting to hear Bisaya (Cebuano), Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), Tagalog, and Akeanon all in one house.
In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.
First thing is, my condolence to you. I learned about your grandpa’s death thru Jan Mark in FB.
Second, ang Queen’s siopao is available all the time na, like King’s. That’s according to jorp.
Third, it would be interesting to know what was going in your mind while being ambivalent (happy-sad). For me it will be very hard, but life goes on, so they say… My uncle in Manila died this week, and just like you, kilit-anay kami mga palakaisahanay all over the world nxt week during the burial. I talked to them over the phone already and we made plans to spend time sa Boracay & Palawan after the burial. Now, how can I contain myself from grief, joy & excitement at the same time? Not to mention Dinagyang pa…it’s hard, but life goes on.
thanks lee. It’s kind of sad when you think about it but that reality… Life goes on gd man.
Subong ko lang ya nabal-an nga everyday na ya gle ang Queen Siopao.
off-topic: marc, buhi pa ang batchoyan strip sa may kilid sang SM Delgado (ung first SM store in Iloilo), lapit Marymart mall? Ang inguday bala ang Decos kag Ted’s kag iban pa nga mga batchoyan?
If you mean La Salette Building, then it’s still there. Is this it in the photo?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/3250520688_f72f2963f8.jpg
correct, marc. Thanks guid. It looks nicer na gali no… sang-una dumduman ko every batchoyan there has an altar with Sto. Nino statue on it. Tapos may parang electric candle light na bala nga chinese ang design… hehe. may gaagi na didto gali nga jeep? ano nga byahe?
last question, tupaday pa gyapon ang Ted’s kag Deco’s sa La Salette Bldg? madamo guid nga salamat
ahh huo… nag rennovate na subong and there are new shops but Deco’s and Ted’s is still there. Villa and Jaro Liko Jeepneys passes directly in front.
salamat sa liwat, marc. :)
hello, just want to know places in baoloc we can visit,its my first time there, dont have any idea where to stay and stroll? please help, thanks
Here’s a few places just at the top of my mind:
The (Lacson) Ruins in Talisay City, Bacolod New Government Center, Provincial Capitol and Lagood, Calea Cakes, Goldenfields Entertainment Complex, Mambukal Mountain Resort, Bob’s Cafe, Manokan Country near SM City Bacolod, Pope John Paul II Tower…
From Bacolod, it’s quite possible to tour Iloilo City in just a day. You could take the first trip to Iloilo (7AMish) and the last trip back to Bacolod (4-5PMish). Oceanjet has a P300 roundtrip promo, which is considerably cheaper than the other Iloilo-Bacolod fastcraft companies. Make ticket reservations ahead since Iloilo – Bacolod is a busy route and boats can get filled pretty quickly.
planning to side trip to iloilo as well… just wondering if its possible just for a day trip at iloilo…
Hi…
I’m visiting bacolod city this coming nov. i’m from manila..would you help me to do an itinerary for my bacolod trip??thanx!!
hello sir!
I just wanna know if its possible to tour bacolod and dumaguete in 3days. So thats a question. hehe. my friends booked a flight on a Friday morning at 7am and we will be returning on Monaday at 9am. I also thinking of going to Ilo-Ilo. What do you things is much better given the info that i’ve given?
thank you. i really appreciate your blog =)
Jherson Jaya
It’s possible but be advised that the land trip between Bacolod and Dumaguete is around 5-6 hours … you’d be spending a large chunk of your trip on the road. From Bacolod to Iloilo … it’s only a 1-hour ferry ride (fastcraft). If it were me, I’d go for Bacolod – Iloilo … you could just transit Iloilo City and spend more time in Guimaras instead (sightseeing in Iloilo City could be done even with just half a day).
Hi po, i really really liked your website and I may say, nakakaingit..I hope you can help to make iterinary for Iloilo Bacolod Guimaras this coming July 29 (AM) to Aug 1 (PM). Please please please!
Hello Tara, check out http://www.exploreiloilo.com/ for itinerary suggestions.
the photo “Tay Tung Chinese High School” is actually “St. John’s Institute” also known as “Hua Ming”… the structure at the background is the Queen of Peace Church inside the school campus SJI.
it’s nice to have stumbled on your blog.=)
oh… my mistake.. palagi ko lang na mixed up yung dalawang school na yan.