a shy of a month prior to leaving Jakarta for good, i have arranged travels with family. one was with my siblings and nieces in Bangkok and the other was a local trip with my parents.
I chose Bacolod for my trip with the parentals because the three of us haven't been to this destination inspite of my dad traveled almost the entire Philippines.
I have always been a DIY travel itinerary enthusiast and this trip with senior citizens was not an exemption BUT of course there were considerations.
Let me share our trip and some tips along the way...
GETTING TO/FROM/AROUND
Manila to Bacolod via Cebu Pacific - 985 php* (round trip fare)
*excluding taxes and surcharges
*excluding taxes and surcharges
we were lucky to score promo fares for our trip. wuhoo!
Bacolod - Silay International Airport to O hotel via airport pick up service - 500 php (one way) [Vice Versa]
i have opted to avail of the airport pick up service of the hotel as it would be more convenient for the 3 of us.
Tip: for more DIY experience, airport van shuttles to city costs 150 php each pax, taxi costs around 500 php
Around Bacolod - Silay city via taxi and O Hotel's car rental - 1000 php*/per day (with driver)
*excluding gas and driver's tip
on our first and third day, we spent our day just around Bacolod city so we took cab most of the time. However, on our second day, we availed the hotel's car rental service to bring us to all tourist sites within Bacolod and nearby towns.
Tip: Besides renting a car and taking a cab, there are plethora of transportations to go around the city. you may opt to take jeepney or tricycle for cheaper alternatives.
ACCOMMODATION
i've researched online for affordable and nice reviews of hotel in Bacolod city. Based on tripadvisor during the time of planning for this trip, O Hotel was rated as #1 hotel in Bacolod. So i decided to email the hotel directly to inquire their local rates plus airport transfer. Originally they asked for payment via bank deposit, however, they agreed to settle the total amount upon check in.
i have booked their double executive room* for 1,800 php/night + 200 php/extra person
*rate is based on 2 occupants, inclusive of buffet breakfast
Based on their website, double executive room has the following amenities:
PROs
SM Bacolod was just beside the manokan country. So, after our sumptuous lunch, we decided to check out the nearby mall. the parentals decided to pamper themselves so off they went to salon for some maniped and haircut/haircolor. as for me, i walked around the mall until i found myself entering one of the famous cake shops in Bacolod, Felicia's Pastry Cafe. i ordered their famous chocolate cake and the cake just blew me away. it was one of the best chocolate cakes i have ever tried.
i wasn't able to contain my bliss so after the pamper sesh of the parentals, we went back again to Felicia's for some merienda. they ordered the ensaymada and local chocolate drink. My mom liked the ensaymada that she bought some to have as midnight snack back in the hotel. haha!
the parentals, especially my mom likes visiting churches of different cities so from SM Bacolod, we walked towards San Sebastian Cathedral. We prayed inside the cathedral and lighted some candles.
it was still early for dinner so we hang out at the plaza in front of the church to kill some time.
we went to Aboy's Restaurant for early dinner. we ordered various local dishes. This restaurant was actually my dad's favorite in all the places we've dined in bacolod.
Bacolod - Silay International Airport to O hotel via airport pick up service - 500 php (one way) [Vice Versa]
i have opted to avail of the airport pick up service of the hotel as it would be more convenient for the 3 of us.
Tip: for more DIY experience, airport van shuttles to city costs 150 php each pax, taxi costs around 500 php
Around Bacolod - Silay city via taxi and O Hotel's car rental - 1000 php*/per day (with driver)
*excluding gas and driver's tip
on our first and third day, we spent our day just around Bacolod city so we took cab most of the time. However, on our second day, we availed the hotel's car rental service to bring us to all tourist sites within Bacolod and nearby towns.
Tip: Besides renting a car and taking a cab, there are plethora of transportations to go around the city. you may opt to take jeepney or tricycle for cheaper alternatives.
ACCOMMODATION
i've researched online for affordable and nice reviews of hotel in Bacolod city. Based on tripadvisor during the time of planning for this trip, O Hotel was rated as #1 hotel in Bacolod. So i decided to email the hotel directly to inquire their local rates plus airport transfer. Originally they asked for payment via bank deposit, however, they agreed to settle the total amount upon check in.
i have booked their double executive room* for 1,800 php/night + 200 php/extra person
*rate is based on 2 occupants, inclusive of buffet breakfast
Based on their website, double executive room has the following amenities:
- 1 single bed
- 1 double bed
- Warm and cold shower
- Telephone
- 21" cable TV
- Safety deposit box
- Refrigerator
- Complimentary bottled water
- Complimentary coffee/tea facility
PROs
- friendly and accommodating hotel staff (reception, driver, housekeeping)
- relatively clean hotel room
CONs
- thin towels
- low pressure and hardly hot water from shower
- a bit out of the way from the main street
ITINERARY/TOUR
Day 1
after we checked in and freshened up, we requested a cab from the reception, which arrived a couple of minutes. Our first stop was lunch at the famous Aida's chicken inasal in Manokan Country.
the chicken inasal was yummy! one piece for each person was not enough. i should've ordered more.
the chicken inasal was yummy! one piece for each person was not enough. i should've ordered more.
SM Bacolod was just beside the manokan country. So, after our sumptuous lunch, we decided to check out the nearby mall. the parentals decided to pamper themselves so off they went to salon for some maniped and haircut/haircolor. as for me, i walked around the mall until i found myself entering one of the famous cake shops in Bacolod, Felicia's Pastry Cafe. i ordered their famous chocolate cake and the cake just blew me away. it was one of the best chocolate cakes i have ever tried.
i wasn't able to contain my bliss so after the pamper sesh of the parentals, we went back again to Felicia's for some merienda. they ordered the ensaymada and local chocolate drink. My mom liked the ensaymada that she bought some to have as midnight snack back in the hotel. haha!
it was still early for dinner so we hang out at the plaza in front of the church to kill some time.
we went to Aboy's Restaurant for early dinner. we ordered various local dishes. This restaurant was actually my dad's favorite in all the places we've dined in bacolod.
It was still early so we drop by Calea Pastries and Cake Bakeshop for some dessert. we shared a slice of mocha cake and blueberry cheesecake. i found them just ok. I thought maybe i should try different cake next time.
Day 2
We rented a car with driver to bring us to touristy places in and out of Bacolod City. The rent of the car covered 8 hours of use; it was plenty of time for us to do some sight seeing.
Hofilena Ancestral House
Tip: Take the guided tour, you'll enjoy exploring the house
We rented a car with driver to bring us to touristy places in and out of Bacolod City. The rent of the car covered 8 hours of use; it was plenty of time for us to do some sight seeing.
Hofilena Ancestral House
Tip: Take the guided tour, you'll enjoy exploring the house
Tip: their restroom is clean, airy with a touch of the old house furnishings
Cansi
Tip: try their napoleones and half moon cake. This is an upscale cafe so prices are higher than other cafes.
The Ruins of Talisay City
The MAIN reason why i extremely wanted to go to Bacolod (Negros). this was certainly the highlight of the day!
Tip: best seen at late afternoon to sunset to watch the ruins light up
Dinner at Sandok Comfort Food
I've read about KBL (kadios, baboy, langka) a dish known in Sandok. Sadly, they were all out when we there for dinner. Thus, we ordered other dish instead.
Day 3
Lunch at Bob's
Tip: try their BBQ and ribs
Calea Pastries and Cake
Last Thoughts about Bacolod
Trips with the parentals were not really a new experience for me. I've been traveling (third wheeling) with them ever since i started going overseas. However, this is the first trip that i planned everything, from tickets to itinerary. It was actually my post - christmas gift to the parentals and they were happy with the travel experience.
Anyway, i have bucket list of places to see in the Philippines and Bacolod was on of them. I am delighted that i finally visited this city. The highlights of this trip were 2 things: cakes and The Ruins. I would actually go back to this city just to stuff myself with their amazing cakes.
drooling aside, our food trip itinerary was made possible with the help of Our Awesome Planet's Bacolod Food trip.
As of this writing, i am already semi - planning my trip back to the Philippines. thinking of crossing another place in my bucketlist, so watch out for it...next year! hahaha!
photos by Madel
No comments
Post a Comment