The Ruins (Talisay, Bacolod)

I was at the entrance The Ruins, in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, when I saw its artistic and gigantic shadow. With my backpack, of course on my back, that’s why it’s called backpack because it’s really on my back, right? Upon paying the entrance fee, I headed to the fountain area, sat on the bench and was staring at the structure for 20 minutes. The ambiance was relaxing because the area is surrounded by gorgeous landscape. Below are the facts written on the printed materials on the wall - courtesy of the Management.

Negros Occidental Tourist Spots

1. The Ruins, Talisay

Negros Occidental or Western Negros holds most historical sites of the region. Below are some of the top tourist destinations and a list of what to do in the province. VISIT THE RUINS IN TALISAY CITY (Photo Above) | This mansion was owned by the sugar baron Don Mariano “Anoy” Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948). The construction of this mansion was non-stop until the entire structure is completed. It was the largest mansion built during that time, however, was burnt to prevent the Japanese forces from making it their headquarters during World War II. Because of the A-Grade mixture of concrete that was used, its ruins remain today. READ: THE RUINS

Silay City: Historical Sites (Top Tourist Spots)

1. Balay Negrense

Balay Negrense is one of the century old houses along Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City. This street is remarkable because of the historical value that transpires to the people. Balay Negrense is a Hiligaynon phrase which means: Balay or a house and Negrense refers to the people living in the province of Negros. It is a century old house in Silay City owned by Victor Fernandez Gaston, the eldest son of a prominent sugar baron Yves Leopold Germain Gaston and Prudencia Fernandez. It was built between 1897 to 1901, then abandoned in the mid-1970’s, repaired by the government and was inaugurated on October 6, 1990.

Solo-Backpacking: Tourist Spots in Negros Occidental, Iloilo

After my successful Cebu Solo-Backpacking, another solo-backpacking in the Visayas was planned - this is it, a solo-backpacking in Western Visayas. Language barrier wasn't a problem because Hiligaynon has similarity to our native language in Romblon. During my travel, I found out that the Negrenses are really accommodating and has a good sense of direction. In a simple question like: "where is it located?" they provided me a detailed instruction. In general, Negros Occidental and the province of Ilo-Ilo are Must Visit provinces in the Philippines. Sorted according to my itinerary, historical, heritage and tourist spots below were my destinations.

Negros Museum, Bacolod City

Negros Museum is almost in front of the Negros Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City. It serves as the provincial museum of Negros Occidental which was opened on March 16, 1996 at the Provincial Capitol Building. May 2003, it was transferred to its current location which is the former Agricultural Building. The Agricultural Extension Building was built in 1941 and was renovated in 1991.

Cinco de Noviembre, Silay City

Cinco de Noviembre is a small landmark in Silay City that played a huge part during the revolution. It served as the drugstore and a hideout where Negrense Revolutionaries secretly helped plan the revolution against the Spanish Colonial Forces on November 5, 1898. This is the perfect location where Negros Republic was created.

Balay Negrense

Balay Negrense is just one of the century old houses along Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City. This street is remarkable because of the historical value that transpires to the people. Its name is a Hiligaynon phrase; Negrense refers to the people living in the province of Negros and Balay or a House.

Cinco de Noviembre Festival from Negros Occidental

Sigabong sang mga Kanyon means “explosion of cannons.” It is also  part of an annual Fiesta dubbed as “Cinco de Nobyembre” by the City of Bago, Negros Occidental, commemorating the uprising of the Negrenses and the rather   “explosive” true story behind the province’s independence. History accounts relate the siege of Bago City, then a poblacion, which was liberated by the Philippine revolutionary General Juan Araneta in the early hours of November 5, 1898.  Info from Aliwan Fiesta Website

Centuries Old Churches in Negros Occidental and Iloilo

 This Lenten season, one of the cultural practices by some of the Filipinos is Visita Iglesia or visiting several churches. Here are some of the Centuries Old Churches in Negros Occidental and Ilo-Ilo. Let's start with Miag-ao Church, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1787 while Fray Francisco M. Gonzales. O.S.A. was the parish priest of Miag-ao and Domingo Libo-on  was the Gobernadorcillo. The Church was completed in 1797 and it served as the fortress against Muslim Raiders. During revolution, this church was destroyed but was rebuilt. Like other heritage churches, it was damaged by fire and earthquake. Restoration work began in 1960 and was completed in 1962.