Bacolod Manokan Country (Home of the BEST Chicken Inasal) is now DEMOLISHED

The End of an Era but a Signal of New Growth and Opportunities.
This is how I see the demolition of this popular landmark in Bacolod that is the Manokan Country. It's indeed time for a change. The place is ready for a P4-billion redevelopment project by SM Prime holdings.                                                                                                             

A LEGACY DISCONTINUED?

The Bacolod Manokan Country is more than just the famous authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal like that of Aida's, Rosing's, Cita's, Nena's. and more.  It is also known for oysters and it also popularized the use of chicken oil. This legacy spread to Bacolodnons, Negrenses and eventually to tourists who came to know about the legendary taste of the chicken inasal of the City of Smiles. 

PLACE OF UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

From its humble origins in the 80s in a solitary lot that is a former seashore turned into a reclamation area, the tenants saw success as large groups ate there to celebrate events like birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. Before the construction of SM Mall across its building, traffic and parking were already a headache but it was a sign that people just want to go there to dine. 

QUESTION OF HYGIENE
Decades pass by and Manokan Country has fallen into a landmark with food handling and safety issues problem. There were news of food poisoning and other issues such as customers seeing rats running in the kitchen area while others were witness to unhygienic practices of some tenants. Comfort rooms were stinky and some dining tables are near these areas. With these issues, the City Government stepped in. Thus, the plan to renovate the area took place but without objections from internal and external forces. The plan stalled for many years. 

THE BIG SHIFT

However, a major change began to rejuvenate the future of the Manokan Country as the Albee administration were seriously focused in overturning the stalled plans. There were challenges  as tenants felt they were losing the opportunity to do business and carry on the legacy. But with SM, as its partner, the local government breathe fresh air to this vision and also gave the tenants temporary solutions to continue business with SM providing them a temporary Manokan Country at their North Block area. As for the future plans, SM released their proposal that includes multi-level parking areas with elevators, twin BPO buildings, a comfortable and cleaner dining area with AC, and a bridge connecting SM City Bacolod mall.  

AN EXCITING ERA IS ABOUT TO COME
Tourists and locals who love to dine in Manokan country were so glad to see these changes coming. Of course, there were some who hated the modern design or the fact that it's SM again that is destroying heritage sites. Some pointed out, the contemporary look of the planned Manokan Country erases the street food vibes and culture but there are also many who praised the vision as these signals a better and safe place for families and tourists to eat and enjoy authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal.

SM City Bacolod Mall Opens NORTH BLOCK

Valentines Day was a great timing for SM City Bacolod's opening of its North Block. 
There was a rush of families and couples who wanted to eat with a different atmosphere and experience.

LOCATION
The North Block is strategically located at former parking area of the mall at the north side of the reclamation area. Hence, the name North Block. It's just below the NU campus building and the new SM City's multi-level parking which are so close to S&R membership shopping building.

WHAT TO EXPECT
SM CITY Bacolod welcomed tenants with different business models that caters Negrenses mallgoers different tastes. Inside the modern-designed space are restaurants and beauty care establishments. Though there are still spaces that are yet to open in the future.

INITIAL TENANTS
Initial tenants occupying the lengthy ground floor are Bigby's, J.CO donuts, Yayoi Ken, Al Forno, Seoul Black, local dining and cafe Coffee Guys, Lechoneria and more like: Suise Cakery, LGO's Senorita de Bacolod, Sushi Unlimited, Avocadoria.ph, Crazy Tori, Coco Ice Cream, Kohi Manju, K Tea, Oh Sugarbaby, Scopp and Stroop Gelato Station. Beauty Salons/Essentials providers include Michiko, Kesthetica

SNACKEE, a Bacolod's Classic Restaurant is COMING BACK SOON!

Social Media is indeed a powerful tool to spread news. Just days ago, there's a viral post that reverberated around Facebook about the reopening of a well-loved classic restaurant that was very popular in Bacolod. Before Jollibee, Mcdonald's and Chowking, there was Snackee.

Credit: Snackee Bacolod Facebook page

A JOLT OF NOSTALGIA
Thanks to the Snackee Bacolod Facebook page, news spread about the reopening of this classic Bacolod resto of the 80s. The FB posts have been giving little hints and photo teasers have been stirring younger people's curiosity and older individuals' childhood memories. 

SNACKEE'S HISTORY

A fast food by design, Snackee is one of the 1st Restaurants in Negros Occidental. It was established in April 1983 in the capitl city, Bacolod. This dearly-missed homegrown diner offered burgers, spaghettis, shakes and even siopao to patrons back in its heyday. Surviving Snackee Restaurants are still operating til this day if you go down South of Negros. There's one in Kabankalan and also in Binalbagan with retro 80s vibe to them.

HUSHED COME BACK
With a tagline 'Mula Noon hanggang Ngayon', there's no stopping for Snackee to be revived in the modern era. It's return though has been hushed in secrecy. There's no definite date and place yet of when and where it will finally open as owners are still adamant to give exact dates of its reopening. Location will be revealed soon.

DEARLY MISSED RESTAURANTS
Along with Snackee, there are more dearly missed 80s restaurants that still lingered in the many memories of Negrenses. These restos are Popeye's, Coney's Island, Tavie's, Junie's, Snack Plaza, Bacolod Ice Cream House, Reming's, and Holidays. 

UNLI HOT POT iN BACOLOD FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR OR ALL YEAR ROUND?

We were curious to know where's this new Unli Hot Pot Restaurant called Jin Long  that just opened in front of the Bacolod's Yuan Thong Taoist Chinese temple. Indeed, we decided to eat there one Saturday, weeks before the Chinese Lunar New Year, Year of the Snake. We were on time for lunch.

 AESTHETIC 80s CHINESE VIBE
Aesthetically, the building doesn't really represents Chinese architecture overall. However, the red signage and door handles, golden dragon knockers, give away a hint that indeed we are entering a Chinese resto. Upon entering, there's a nostalgic vibe to the surroundings though as they utilized those cemented air flow wall vents which are popular in the 80s construction in homes and buildings. 

INGREDIENTS GALORE

We were greeted by a pretty and nice receptionist who showed us their menu options and promotions. Upon entering, some diners are already lining up at the freezer to choose their array of veggies, noodles and soy-based food to dip on a solo 'golden' hot pot container. Meats like pork and beef as well as seafoods  like raw squid and shrimp are ordered at the table. Unlike other hot pot or steamboat dining, which uses one big pot, here, each one is given his or her own pot with his own choice of soup.

    

EAT UNLIMITED 
Well, there are  many kinds of soup and lots of sauce to choose from. Just check the video above for our full dining experience. If you're full, there's also ice cream as a dessert that's part of the promo. As this is an eat-all-you-can Chinese restaurant, there are some rules to follow. 

RULES AND LIMITATIONS
One is strictly no sharing and "touched" meat will considered paid. Note that this is not a review blog as each person has his own taste preferences. 

If you wanted a different oriental dining experience with friends or families, do check out the video above  and decide if you're in to this kind of cuisine, too.

HELPFUL INFORMATION for LOCALS and TOURISTS:

JIN LONG HOT POT restaurant

Address: Anahaw Arcade, Anahaw St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental, NIR, Philippines Asia

Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RMwtC1fZ6Q5Wa1LH6

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/jinlonghotpotph/

SILAY FOOD FEAST and CINCO DE NOVIEMBRE IN ART

When we went to KAON TA! Silay Food Festival, everything seems relaxed. People were chatting and enjoying great food and drinks from local sources. Well, not only there's acoustic music and songs being belted at a open air event but also the place itself breathes essential history. Just beside the festival is the BALAY NEGRENSE and also the Cinco de Noviembre street.

KAON TA! Sila Food Festival at Balay Negrense in SIlay's Cinco de Noviembre street (VIDEO)

CELEBRATING THE REVOLUTION
KAON TA! is an event not only just for eating though. Going around the place, you will see art alive. There are local artist selling their crafts as well as kids yearning to have their face painted. There are also Cinco de Noviembre coloring books being sold for P500 and it's limited edition. 

Al Cinco de Noviembre History through Art (VIDEO)

NIGHT OF FOOD AND FUN
We got to see also a group of antique collectors who also sell rare stuff from Jollibee toys of yesteryears to Spanish era cabinets to obsolete Nokia phones which, by the way, are still working. These guys knew that there is money in a supposedly junk pieces or garbage to some. Memorable scenes included a sorbetero beside a Negrense-pride famous alcoholic drink Don Papa's tropical-themed booth. Ice cream and a spirit-filled beveage doesn't mix but they have one thing in common - a living heritage

Mcdonald's Silay

THE PAST IS ALIVE
And speaking of heritage, Silay has great amounts of it and it makes the night in the city romantic. You're like a traveler lost in time. Caught between two timelines. The remnants of past is too strong to ignore.  As you roam around the city in a fiesta week, you'll be amazed how the old Spanish era-structures can still accommodate modern buildings and business such as McDonald's which utilizes one of the buildings beside the Plaza.

Jollibee Silay

LIVING HERITAGE
Meanwhile, Jollibee Silay designed its store in line with Silay's heritage rules, it's a respect to the living traditions every Silaynon and Negrense knew. Well, when passing in Silay when we were still kids it's like we are traveling to a portal of Spanish rule. Indeed, the romantic and nostalgic feeling you'll feel in Silay gives respect to the now popular line: Silay is the Paris of Negros.

BACOLOD's ELECTRIC MASSKARA FLOAT PARADE 2024 (with results of winners)

It was a Saturday with clear blue sky. Bacolod was still celebrating MassKara Festival and there was a stark contrast compared to the past few rainy days, when Typhoon Kristine, brought havoc in the city's merriment. There were reports that the organizers will move the parades and street competition to a later schedule because another typhoon (LPA) is at PAGASA's sight and the festivities will be marred with bad weather again.

VIDEO OF THE ELECTRIC MASSKARA FLOAT PARADE

SUNSHINY DAY
However, that Saturday was different. It was blessed with a sunny disposition and there was excitement in the air once more. The festival's Electric MassKara Float Parade and Elelectroika Diva did continue to spread magic to street merrymakers.

People flocked to Megaworld The Upper East and Lopue's East area to witness another historic and grand parade of creativity. Parents with their little kids were already eagerly waiting at Mcdonald's East.


READY, LIGHTS ON
At exactly 6 p.m., as the sunset turns into a bluer hue, the first float arrived. People were surprise to see floats sponsors like Jollibee, Cebu Pacific, Bingo Plus and more. The second phase where the beautifully crafted Baranggay floats that are entries for the Best Float contest and atop of th em are the Eletroika Divas (dance competitors). 

However, from among the many amazing works, three stood out with the so-called a Wow Factor.

CREATIVE SUPPLIERS EVENTS EXPO of NEGROS ISLAND REGION

It is the grandest gathering of creative event suppliers from Negros Island Region at the Kasalan & Kotilyon 2024, National Wedding Tourism Expo, by Kasal.com at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

Target Market Couples (To-be weds), dalagita debutantes, and families who are looking at affordable yet reliable event supplier options had a chance to choose amongst almost 50 event venues, wedding or birthday (debut) photo-video suppliers, photo or video booth, caterers, hotels, event stylists, food carts, custom wedding souvenir makers, wedding planners and a whole lot more.

WATCH VIDEO OF THE KASALAN & KOTILYON EXPO 

Event Suppliers to Choose

Every year, new innovations are being introduced to the creative event community. A wide range of suppliers came for this biggest wedding expo in Negros. One of the suppliers that really stood out was a 360 Video booth from Glambot.Bacolod, Due to the popularity of IG reels and TikTok short videos, the traditional photobooth has become an obsolete event favorite and was replaced by this more dynamic platform where guests can do dancing with families within a rotating device through vertical video clips.

Mobile Beverage Services from AM / PM

350 Glambot.bcd (Glambot Bacolod) Video Booth

From Food to Drink Services

Other booths that displayed their crafts and services are from the food industry, and it includes coffee and ice cream pop up carts like But First, Coffee, May's Organic, Paleta Gelato and AM/PM beverage services. A hot and fresh piaya stall, where a baker will show how a piaya is made from start to finish, was eye-catching. And we have a video to prove how satisfyingly it is to see the preparation and cooking (heating) of a piaya flatbread from start to finish. Indeed, in Sugarlandia, piaya should be in the centerstage in your wedding. and debut celebrations.

Video of How to Cook Piaya (Hot and Fresh Organic way)

Hotel Industry
Hotels and venues like SugarLand Hotel, Hotels Negrense, Mansion de Bacolod, The Bam at Mango Ranch, Nabulao Beach and Dive Resort and L'Fisher Hotel-Bacolod showcased their services too to future bride and groom and, of course, debutantes. Mangley Couture. Other suppliers that joined the bridal/debut fair were Mangley Couture, Vaughnn's Gold, The Perfume Pals, Conceptu Bacolod Event Specialist and more.

BACON POP 2024: COSPLAYERS INVADE THE MALLtiverse

With a mission to bring Pop culture enthusiasts, and local talents & artists together under one roof, BaCon Pop brings fun to mallgoers. Ayala Malls capitol Central became full of kids and parents who wandered around the booths filled with Pop culture stuff and merchandise. Around the mallgoers were local Cosplayers who are equally stunned in seeing others in costume play. 

Kids were amazed with BayMax Cosplayer

Pop Culture Extravaganza! You might misinterpret the brand BaCon Pop as a food event at first glance. Well, actually, it's an acronym for Bacolod Convention on Pop Culture, it's an annual event usually held during Bacolod MassKara Festival weeks in October. It's designed by  pop culture enthusiasts for Pop Culture fans (the fandom includes but not limited to Anime/Manga, Superhero flicks, Hollywood iconic characters, Music,  Gaming, Iconic Memes).

Phenomena And when you speak about pop culture in general, you need to note how wide is this phenomena spreading in the island of Negros, considering how fast media spreads information and data nowadays and there are a lot of genres and fandom to choose from. 

VIDEO of BaCon Pop 2024

Asian and Western Influences
First and foremost, it's not only focused on Japanese animes and manga culture. There are also a lot of American comic and cinematic universes intertwining as pop culture fans' taste are so diverse these days. 

Day of the Cosplay That's why, walking along the mall,  there are a barrage of  superheroes characters meeting horror movie characters. And yes, they get along. It seems to be an unlikely scene but you will know how massive is the influence BaCon Pop have created among Negrenses. 

Asian Dr. Strange in the MALLtiverse

Merch, Anyone? The presence of cosplayers are equally important as the merch booths at the event center of Ayala Malls Capitol Central. The men and women in costume are so entertaining that are cool to look at. They really get the attention of families.

Larger-than-life Baymax
You'll find lots of sci-fi characters and gaming console icons taking to each other. Seeing a larger-than-life Baymax is a sight to behold and kids and Big hero 6 fans are going crazy over the all white white "mascot". You'll just be curious on how the cosplayer behind it can breathe inside of it. 

Cosplayers are enthralled with each other's costumes

Dr. Strange is no Stranger The Sorcerer Supreme Dr. Strange is even a hit to many as the cosplayer personifying him looks and moves like Benedict Cumberbatch's acting in MCU movies. 

Real-Life Gaming
BaConPop has exciting events like Fightsaber, Asian Pop Quiz, Random Play Dance, FanClub Fanchant Clash,  Bee for Superfans, Cosplay Parade, Pro Cosplay Showdown, Meet and Greet and more.

BATCHOY: THE PERFECT RAINY DAY FOOD

It's a stormy week again? Well, one thing that can cure our hunger on a rainy day and gives us a comforting feeling is one soup that really is satisfying to the stomach. BATCHOY or batsoy is a very popular FIlipino noodle soup cuisine that originated in the Visayas. And it is one perfect rainy day food.

21 resto's batchoy

It is usually composed of pork offal, crushed pork cracklings, chicken stock, beef loin, and round noodles. There are many origin stories about this delicious dish. The original and most popular variant, the La Paz Batchoy, traces its roots to the Iloilo City district of La Paz, in the Philippines. However, the origin of the La Paz Batchoy is unclear with several accounts claiming credit for the dish.

One restaurant that's filled to to brim especially during rainy days is Super Batchoy House. Super Batchoy House is located in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. They have branches spread all over the city. Their delicious Batchoy has been sold for many years and still has the consistent flavor that many are still hooked to eat even up to this day.

Meanwhile, a Shell gasoline station in Bacolod where its convenience store serves Special Batchoy with cheaper price. It's very tasty for its price. However, drinks are sold with the usual convenience store pricing which is usually higher compared in restaurant or eatery. Batchoy is a Filipino noodle soup of pork offal, crushed pork cracklings, chicken stock, beef loin and round noodles. There are more restaurants that serve batchoy and these are Ted's, Deco, 21 restaurant in Bacolod, Nick's in Manapla, and even Shell convenience stores.

Different VARIANTS of BATCHOY:

ORDINARY or REGULAR BATCHOY - no egg and no offals or chicharon (sometimes smaller serving) SPECIAL BATCHOY - with egg, chicaron and offals (bigger serving) SUPER BATCHOY - with raw egg, offals, chicharon, bone marrow. usually served in bigger bowl

Your Future Home: Megaworld The Upper East Herald Parksuites Showrooms

 Looking for a Condo in Bacolod? Then you've come to the right web page. Megaworld The Upper East is bringing dynamic and vibrant life in Bacolod with the development of their township projects. 

FUTURE HOME
The Upper East is one of the two brands (the other is Forbes Hill) that are fueling growth in the Eastern side of the City of Smiles. 

Below are some videos of the Herald Parksuite showrooms: 

TRANSFORMING BACOLOD
Being a realty powerhouse, Megaworld appreciates business to mix with leisure. That's why the people behind The Upper East took to the table a former milling space to be transformed to a New York-inspired ( A Mini-Manhattan) community where people can have a balanced lifestyle. 

CONDO FEATURES
Herald Parksuites is the 4th residential condo development inside the 34 hectare land. Each unit boasting of spacious floor plans and wireless smart home systems. For a township living like this, people can enjoy amenities like swimming pools, reading books, children's playground and daycare center, a private dining room, and game room. 

Megaworld The Upper East MAP

PRIME LOCATION
The building is also near big establishments like Lander's Superstore, Splash Park Bacolod, McDonald's East, Lopue's East Department Store, Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Starbucks Circumferential Road, Jollibee East, KFC East and more.

HELPFUL GUIDE/INFO for BUYERS (LOCALS and FOREIGNERS)

HERALD PARKSUITES CONDOMINIUM 🗺️ Address: The Upper East, Galo St. Bacolod City Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oUpKSvHjBkLJmUtR8 FB page: https://www.facebook.com/MegaworldBacolodOfficial6100

HELLO E-JEEPNEY (Philippine Transport Modernization)

Jeepneys are rare these days. These transports are truly endangered with the sudden changes in the Philippine transport industry. Considered to be a cultural icon and heritage, jeepneys has been considered as obsolete and are now slowly phased out to pave way for modernization.

JEEPNEY HISTORY
Many knew that this transport was a product of Pinoy ingenuity - wherein military jeeps used in World War 2. That's why it's hard for its existence to vanish without considering its cultural vale. Jeepneys were actually forgotten. Americans left many jeeps in the country after World War 2. 

POSTWAR EFFECT
Because pinoys were out job after the war, they saw the opportunity to develop  the parts that were salvaged and dismantled from the Army jeeps into something useful and can be a source of income. The product of that endeavor was a hit - the Jeep became Jeepney.  It is a portmanteau of post-war words "jeep" (brand) and pre-war "jitney" (a bus or other vehicle carrying passengers for a low fare.

A TOURISM POSTER BOY
The jeepney ruled the Philippines streets for decades. It has become one of the so-called poster boys of the Tourism Industry just like the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier and the Philippine Eagle.

ENDANGERED TRANSPORT
Foreign and local tourists are enamored by this road beast. However, time and also new modern innovations endangered this well-loved  mode of transportation.  When the biggest jeepney maker Sarao company closed due to financial difficulties, it was a telltale sign that Modernization of the transport industry is at the horizon.

BACOLOD BUSES
Indeed, the inevitable happened. Nowadays, modern buses with AC and other amenities, replaced the Sarao-type transport and even the boxed ones. Many were sad that the new buses were too ugly, too modern and are stiff looking. Gone are the colorful motif that truly gave jeepneys its identities. 

THE ADVENT OF MODERN BUS (E-JEEPNEYS)

However, there were others who are okay with the change but wanted to preserve the traditional image of a Jeepney. Thus, a hybrid was born, the e-jeepneys, an innovative form of Pinoy transportation that looks modern but with the some old-fashion form. So, is Bacolod really going further as a Super City starting from this electric transport?

INSIDE STARBUCKS EAST CIRCUMFERENTIAL BACOLOD

Bacolod coffee lovers have a new reason to celebrate - STARBUCKS EAST CIRCUMFERENTIAL has finally opened. And this time, it's in the EAST area where new developments are sprouting like mushrooms. First, there's the city resort Splash Park Bacolod near BCGC (Bacolod Government Center). 

Developments at the East
There's the Megaworld The Upper East where Herald Parksuites Condominium, new McDonald's, Landers Superstore Bacolod and other buildings. Then along the circumferential road are new establishments like the DIY/Home improvement store, Triumph Depot. There's Rockwell to the North too. 

Branches in Bacolod The new standalone branch, compared to its, predecessor, the first ever Starbucks in Lacson St., has 3 distinct new features: a Drive-Thru, a 2nd floor and a balcony area. 

Starbucks for Riders Though the parking area is limited, the Drive-Thru serves as an option for those who have cars yet they wanted to have their morning coffee, a hot Starbucks cup.

Second Floor Area The 2nd floor is idea for those who are looking to CoWork or work away from home. Virtual assistants, those who are coders, social media managers can work on the large large table good provided by the coffee chain. 

Balcony Area The balcony is welcome idea especially those who just wanted to drink coffee or relax. This is a place that you can look at time without worrying or just watch passing cars while thinking of new ideas or a new business. Couples will find the balcony an ideal dating area too. From the balcony, one can see a vantage view of mountains of Negros Occidental.

Tambayan at the East Well, it's good to have an international chain opening in a once solitary place. It's a sign that Bacolod, indeed, is growing and new opportunities are coming. It's an added tambayan for Bacolod MassKara Festival revelers every October. 

1ST BACOLOD FILM FESTIVAL (WITH LIST OF ENTRIES and WINNERS)

 The Government of Bacolod City finally made history by finally recognizing and celebrating emerging local filmmakers through a short film festival. The success of the Bacolod Film Festival (despite the stormy weather) did prove that Bacolod has rich creative talents that fits the film industry.

It's great to note that boosting the creative economy is one of the projects of Mayor Albee Benitez and this endeavor is a big welcome and change for the City of Smiles.

The awards ceremony was held on September 15 at SM Cinema 1 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. The jurors were Joey Javier Reyes, Joji Alonso, Philip Cheah, Law Fajardo and Wanggo Gallaga. Winners of the first ever Bacolod Film Festival are:

BEST PICTURE - Sa Pwesto ni Pistong BEST DIRECTOR - Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna (Sa Pwesto ni Pistong)

BEST ACTOR - Dante Macam - Laragway sa Karon

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Rene Hinojales - Puli na, Diche Lesly

BEST SCREENPLAY- Vincent Joseph "VinJo" Entuna (Sa Pwesto ni Pistong)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Rosco Cofreros - Aninaw

BEST EDITING - Xavier Nojas and Fahleen Fang - Laragway sa Karon

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN - Margaret Kathryn-Baynosa Entuna - Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS - Poli Gonzales - Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)

BEST MUSICAL SCORE - Khyle Zedrick Anasta - A Flower in a Day

BEST SOUND - Rolf Baynosa - Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)

BEST MAKE- UP - Alvin Belesario - Glub

JURY'S PRIZE WINNER - Milton Dionzon, Reynaldo Amagun and Louis Dormido - Aninaw

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD - Laragway sa Karon

THE PATH TO BACOLOD's BURI ROAD (GM Cordova, Mandalagan)

To many Bacolodnons, Brgy, Mandalagan's famous Buri Road in the 90s was a dark, secluded and lonely road. The only thing that comes to mind about this less known path is that it's a shortcut point to the Lady of Mercy Hospital and Eroreco subd or to the Circumferential Road that also connects to Brgy. Bata

ROAD TO NOWHERE
Buri Road was known also for being the road to one of Bacolod's elite subdivisions, the Mountain View Subdivision. At night, nobody seemed to dare to pass by this area unless it's an emergency situation or if you live within the area. 

THE MAJOR TWIST
However, with the transfer of the Vallacar's Ceres Bus Terminal and other small transportation players to the North Terminal at Bata area plus the opening of the Bacolod-SIlay Airport access road, Buri Road eventually became, not only a shortcut, but one of major arteries for transport traffic in the north of city which helped spawn the rise of business establishments like SME (Small to Medium Enterprises). Nowadays, there are clear signs of massive development in the area - a far cry back decades ago.  

A GOOD PLACE FOR BUSINESS
CitiMall Mandalagan is the first major landmark that signals you're already at this road. Driving along, you can find some car wash, resto bars, cafes, subdivisions, grocery stores, water refilling stations, gasoline stations, laundry hubs, pet shop and more like Tawhai Spa. If you are entering from the circumferential road, the landmark you'll see first is Home Improvement Mandaue Foam and Furniture's showroom.

NEW TOWNSHIPS TO LIVE
But what makes Buri Road, a modern stopover and destination are the presence of major property developers and popular local cafes and restaurants. 
First, there's the flagship of Vistaland - Camella Homes Subdivision which dominates other small subdivisions like Estancia Subd. Then beside is the high-rise condo apartment the Camella Manors Olivera and Vistaland's affiliate AllValue establishment which has AllHome (homebuilder depot), All Value Supermarket, Coffee Project, All American (Pizza),  Chicken Deli in its vicinity. 

A HUB TO CHILL (THE PAVILIONS by ROCKWELL)
At the adjacent side, you can find Rockwell's Nara Residences. Just in front of the entrance of this condominium development is The Pavilions at Nara. This lifestyle hub has stores like UCC Cafe Terrace (coffeeshop), Mitsuyado Sei-Men (Japanese Ramen - Tsukemen noodles resto), Coco Ichibanya (Japanese Curry Rice Toppings) diner, Firehook Boulangerie Et Patisserie (Artesan bakery restaurant) and soon Buri Road Coffee.

NEW HOTSPOT TO EAT AND DRINK
Meanwhile, local coffee and cake shop Quino's, restaurant Masskara Chicken Inasal, At Ani Building, you can find Steamin' Cup, Romantic Baboy, a Baan Thai Homm (a Resto that offers authentic Thai cuisine), Edibowl, Sizzling Station Mandalagan, Kapehan ni Roney, and Keeka. 

NEW CENTER FOR SERVICES
In front of All Value is a marketplace with establishments like Cafe Milan, Taste Station pop up cart, Community Clinic, Two Spot restobar, Carbin Seafood, Wash Buddies laundry station, Aqua Touch Water Refilling Station, Kakao Chicken Korean Grill Restaurant, and Ninik's Kandingan.
 
If you and your friends are in this area of Bacolod and hunters of great tasting food and tambayan, Buri Road  is more than a path but a prime destination that has lots to offer. 

CoWORKING SPACE IN BACOLOD: BENEFITS ESPECIALLY DURING BLACKOUTS

When the Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC) took over CENECO, Bacolod's long-time electric company, many feared that the joint venture would cause more problems just like what happened with the consolidation of Primewater with BACIWA, the water provider of the city. NEPC, on the other hand, promised fewer brownouts or unannounced power outages when they took over until... 

Damaged Feeder Transformer in Bacolod (left photo: Negros Power)

POWER FAILURES
August became a fateful month for many consumers when, according to NEPC-CENECO, the 13-year-old transformer of the Alijis substation caused 7 Feeders to fail. It was beyond repair and needed a new one. This event took NEPC's engineers by surprise. It caused a massive blackout in many areas of Bacolod especially down South, affecting a lot of consumers whose businesses and lifestyles rely on electricity.

AFFECTED CONSUMERS
One of the consumer sectors affected a lot is the WFH or Virtual Assistant (VA) workers who relied heavily on steady power at home. Also, without power, internet connection is cut off. Trouble is no longer a friend to these people who have overseas bosses to report to.

Arendo Coworking Space has Globe and PLDT internet providers 

for WiFi connectivity redundancy

PANIC MODE 
So, these remote workers have been in panic mode. Some were looking for temporary ways to do their jobs by buying expensive generators that only last four hours. Gas prices, as we all know, are not that cheap these days. When NEPC told consumers through press releases that this could take two weeks to be solved, the affected Work at Home individuals had a big question in mind - What to do next?

COWORKING SPACE BENEFITS
If you are one of these VAs or someone who do Work from Home jobs, one great solution to this uncontrollable event is to look for a place that has a steady generator, two fast internet providers (Globe and PLDT Fiber connection), private rooms, clean toilet, electric sockets and most of all a relaxing atmosphere with a pantry for unlimited coffee. This way you can reach productivity without worrying that anytime another major outage could happen.

BACOLOD'S PRIME COWORKING SPACE
In Bacolod, there is one place that offers all of these mentioned. Arendo CoWorking Space, now in its 7th year, is a tried and tested place for students and freelancers to study and work with high productivity in mind. Arendo, as a business, has even survived the trials of Covid lockdowns in 2020. 

Pantry at Arendo Coworking Space

WHAT'S AROUND ARENDO?
This secure CoWorking space is also very accessible as it is located at Roli's Arcade building along Lasalle Avenue and it is near to many establishments like McDonald's, Jollibee, 711, Watson's, and iMart.

HELPFUL TO THOSE WHO WORK REMOTELY or TOURISTS WHO DO COWORKING 

ARENDO CoWorking's Website: https://arendo.com.ph/ 

FOLLOW ARENDO CoWorking's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ArendoCoworking 

TANDUAY RUM FESTIVAL (FOOD PARK WALKING TOUR and MORE)

Go eat! Go drink! Go Drunk! Go Enjoy! But don't sin! The Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival is a merriment that targets not only rum aficionados but also the entire family who want to take a respite and break from life's monotony away from home. 

BCGC TURNS INTO A BAR
Despite the event's title, the Rum Festival actually is a merriment that also targets everyone. The food park Bacolod City Government Center is the hub of the festivity where drinking alcohol isn't a problem.
During this time, different street food kiosks are lined up to tame everyone's gastronomic and alcoholic demands. 

FUN AT THE FOOD PARK
Name it and you have the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal leading the array of grilled cuisines. With hotdogs to isaw to pork bbq and more, unli rice is up for grabs as well as free soup to complement them. While  those who love talaba (oysters) so much, won't be disappointed as kiosks have those fresh ones, too. Right there and then, after you choose what you desire, it's up for waiting and grilling time before the eating begiins. Well, as the song goes, smoke gets in your eyes, literally.

INSTAGRAMMABLE 
Two giant balloon replicas of Tanduay bottles were installed and  lighted up at the BCGC park grounds while barrels of the famous rum maker adorned the Bacolod letters icon. At the entrance of the food park, there's an Instagrammable wall that greets everyone. The wall is painted with a visual story about Filipino and Bacolod culture, focusing on bayanihan, blue collar job employees seemingly preparing and sharing food and, well, drinking a beverage (which we assume is Tanduay).

POP UP TENTS
Meanwhile, walking around the food park, you get to meet some pretty Tanduay promo models in their red and white dress, duo musicians who plays pop and classic music, friendly security people, and ukay ukay sellers. Of course, as the name suggests, you get to see bartenders inviting you to taste their mixes of alcohol drinks (not for free).

THE FESTIVAL AS A WHOLE
The Bacolod Rum Festival started in 2019 and returned after the pandemic in 2022. Usual activities include, Rum Barrel Painting contest, Flairtending & Mixology Competition, Rum Education Day (Field Trips to Tanduay plant in bacolod), Culinaria Competition, Parade and Street Dance Competition, Motorcade of Tanduay's Ambassadors and Special Guests, Food Park, Music Festival and it usually culminates with a free concert at the BCGC grounds like Ely Buendia of Eraserheads who performed on August 19, 2023. For year 2023, Juan Karlos and Allmost Music will sing their hearts out LIVE at the BCGC where the Rum Festival food park is located.