The Flyover Experience

It always feels good and proud to have a milestone in your locality. The first flyover in Bacolod which has been a topic of debates and credit was formally launched last Friday.

People have been waiting so much for take a ride to the popular benchmark. Me and my friend Ian, out of curiosity, tried to pass thru it during the opening day itself and we enjoyed the ride.

I felt good and felt I was in Manila and other places while driving up the flyover. Joco too was enjoying and asked to pass thru it over and over again last Saturday. Sadly the u turn slot is in Talisay so I kind of consumed an unreasonable amount of gasoline for that vice of my son.

When you’re there above, you can see both roads to the side. The right sight show Bata Road going to Marapara Golf Club and the opposite shows the road going to Banago Wharf. You also can see the sea at the Banago Wharf. Beside the flyover stand big Chowking and Ayala billboards, similar to those in Edsa.

Going North, I can see the terminals being constructed and the wide highway leading to Talisay’s Class Subdivisions, Ayala Northpoint, Amaia, Plantazione and Active group. I am so happy and excited to live in La Costa Brava, it’s the subdivision nearest to the landmark and all the newly opened establishments nearby.

A few years back, I was really bored to stay in Bacolod. The phase of life was really slow and backwards. Lately, I refused an offer to transfer to Manila by my employer because it seems that my hometown underwent a lot of transformations and developments and I want to enjoy it first before other people would. After all, there’s no place like home.

10 reasons to visit Casino Filipino Hotel – Bacolod

Located just 30 minutes from the new Bacolod-Silay International Airport, it’s an easy drive going to Casino Filipino Hotel-Bacolod. As soon as you get within the Goldenfield Commercial Center—a misnomer as it’s considered the premiere night life area in the City of Smiles—it’s hard to miss the hotel with its Spanish-inspired architectural style towering amidst various restaurants, nightclubs, shops and other hotels/inns operating in the area. A mere five minutes away lie bustling Shoemart Bacolod, the Bacolod City Port Area and the city center downtown.

But the real reasons why guests keep coming back to Casino Filipino Hotel-Bacolod? Simply these:

1. Gaming tables

There’s never a dull moment from the 22 gaming tables that the casino operates in its main gaming floor. Find your Lady Luck on the exciting Baccarat and Super Six tables, then jump over to the Pontoon and Paigow games for more action. Check out the Roulette wheel if you’re just killing time, but there are also the more intimate VIP rooms if you’ve got the money to drop in private!

2. Slot machines

There are about 227 exciting slot machine units waiting to charm you, including Sports of Kings, Fire and Ice, Manny Pacquiao Link, Cash Express and the 12 newly-installed units of Fa Fa Fa. Try your luck, who knows you might be one of the 4 jackpot winners monthly!

3. Hotel

Casino Filipino Hotel-Bacolod has more than enough space to accommodate you with its 48 deluxe rooms, 16 deluxe double rooms, 3 suite rooms and a Presidential Suite. Among PAGCOR’s casinos, its Bacolod branch is its only property with a hotel. Room rates range from P1,188 to P6,600, with each air-conditioned room equipped with cable TV, hot and cold shower, a mini bar and WiFi connection to the Internet.

4. Dining

The hotel’s Café Tertulia operates at the main lobby, offering a delightful view of Goldenfield Commercial Complex by night. Its bill of fare is proudly Bacolod cuisine, with mostly Filipino specialties. Among its must-try bestsellers are Crispy Pata, Baby Back Ribs and Bulalo. There is also a mouth-watering weekend dinner buffet from Fridays to Sundays. There’s more: be entertained while dining with nightly bands at the lobby.

5. Function Rooms and Amenities

Poolside

Get tan while your kids go for a dip at the Poolside of the hotel. Take a sip from a wide choice of fruit smoothies while relaxing in the cabanas and tents surrounding the adult and kiddie pools. Poolside is also ideal for children’s swimming parties and Luau parties at night.

Amphitheatre

Standing just beside Poolside, the amphitheatre is a preferred venue for cockfighting events, boxing matches and bingo sessions. It can seat from 800 up to 1000 depending on the event set up. It has been a favorite venue for concerts and corporate parties.

The Cinco de Novembre

This is a function room comfortably located up the grand staircase at the second floor. It is perfect for meetings, seminars, conferences and training events. It can accommodate up 80 persons on a theatre set up, and up to 60 persons with a classroom-style arrangement.

The Taberna

The Taberna club can accommodate up to 150 guests. It is equipped with a sound system and videoke for music lovers and music makers. The stage is great for bands and performances while you sip your favorite cocktail drink. The center dance floor invites party-goers to swing the night away!

6. Bingo

Famous for its Bingo games, Casino Filipino Hotel-Bacolod holds twice-a-week Bingo session every Tuesday and Friday, as well as special Bingo Bonanza Events with big jackpot prizes throughout the year.

7. Nightly entertainment

Taking a break from gaming action? Relax and be amused from the nightly entertainment available at the casino gaming floor itself. There’s another band playing at Cafe Tertulia from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am daily, not to mention the lively pianist playing favorites at the main lobby of the hotel. Get the urge to sing along? Feel free. Why not ask our pianist for more? He will gladly oblige with your accompaniment.

8. Chapel

Who says meditation and prayers don’t go along with casino playing? Casino Filipino Hotel-Bacolod boasts an air-conditioned chapel off its Poolside where guests and employees can hear Sunday and First Friday Mass.

9. Goldenfield Commercial Complex

As already mentioned, Casino Filipino Hotel-Bacolod is situated within the Goldenfield Commercial Complex area, where the city’s night life pulses till the wee hours. Some notable establishments include Caribbean Water Park where the family can rest while children enjoy the swimming pools and slides. If you like bowling with your friends, check out the Super Bowling Center beside the hotel itself. Party and celebrate till you drop at the Mo2 Restobar, which also features billiards and a videoke club. Feast on more seafoods, exotic fruits, Filipino and Ilonggo specialty food at nearby Aboy’s Restaurant, but don’t forget to savor the authentic Bacolod chicken inasal at the Chicken Alley right smack in the center of the Complex.

10. Employees and excellent customer service

From the drivers to the chamber maids, the concierge and the card dealers, waiters and the top management, the service of CF Bacolod is their biggest asset. Upon entry to the hotel, a warm smile welcomes the guests. According the Branch Manager, Ms. Estrella Luz Cabebe who herself is very accommodating and ebullient, customer service is a top priority to CF Bacolod and is the best thing that the keeps the beloved patron coming back.

The 1st Cong. Albee Cup

First in the history of the Third District of Negros Occidental, The 1st Cong. Albee Cup kicked off last Saturday at the Victorias Coliseum and Sports Complex. The event started with a motorcade from the Talisay, Silay and EBMagalona up to Victorias. Unfortunately, the motorcade was not able to pass the other town, Murcia because it’s far and out of the way.

Basketball and volleyball players from the district sported their jersey uniforms during the entrance parade while the muses held their streamers and the drumbeating groups showcased their talents in Latin beat as the different teams enter the fabulous Victorias Coliseum.

Each town and city was presented by their respective mayors. Seen during the event were Victorias Mayor Vero Palanca who welcomed the guests, Mayors David Lacson, Oti Montelibano, Eric Saratan, Andrew Montelibano, Vice Mayors Mark Golez (in Jersey Uniform) and Gerry Rojas, Board Member Patrick Lacson, Third District Councilors, Barangay Captains and their Council.

In his inspirational message, Congressman Albee Benitez thanked all the mayors and LGU officials for their support to his project and noted that everybody should work in synergy and not compete with each other. He also brought up what Mayor Palanca had suggested, that Third District cities will give additional 100,000 to the prizes. “I am not the Congressman of Victorias, but I am the Congressman of the Third District who hails from Victorias”, The Congressman added, assuring the third district community that he will equally exert effort to all cities and towns of his district and not in Victorias alone.

Congressman Benitez happily announced that the Albee Cup is a yearly event so that the cities’ and town’s sports enthusiasts can actively participate not only to sweat it off and scrap those flabs but most especially promote camaraderie among district constituents.

Masskara 2011 Schedule of Activities

MassKara Festival 2011 Schedule
* updated as of August 10, 2011
Friday, Sept. 2, 2011
* Launch Bacolod Public Plaza

Saturday, Oct. 1, 201
* Opening Bacolod Public Plaza
New Government Center
SM City MassKara Village
[Carnival Site]

Saturday, Oct. 7
* Majica MassKara Opening

Sunday, Oct. 8
* Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary * San Sebastian Cathedral, Plaza

Friday, Oct. 14
* Electric MassKara * SM City, Rizal Street
* Bacolod Public Plaza
* Tourism Strip, Lacson Street

Saturday, Oct. 15
* Streetdancing [Schools] * Araneta Street to Plaza
* Electric MassKara * SM City Rizal St.
* Bacolod Public Plaza
* Tourism Strip, Lacson Street

Sunday, Oct. 16
* Streetdancing [Barangays] * Araneta Street to Public Plaza
* Concerts * Public Plaza
* Old City Hall
* SM City, Rizal Street

Monday, Oct. 17
* MassKara Queen
[Reception for Balik Bacolod] Bacolod Government Center Grounds

Wednesday, Oct. 19
* Closing Program * Bacolod Public Plaza
* Concert/Fireworks
* Awarding Rites

* Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

*Courtesy of Masskara Festival Official Website

You know you’re from Bacolod, Philippines If….

It’s been 4 days that my maximum number of sleeping hours is only 4…My maids wonder why I don’t sleep and I laugh alone facing the computer!! I bring my netbook to the office and every break time, I don’t eat or talk to anybody!

So far, this has been one of the tiring yet funny and thrilling days of my life. I can’t help it, it’s so addicting! Right now, my sleepless eyes are so very tired, but why do I not lay down and sleep to prepare for the night’s duty?

This new page in Facebook is the best so far — “You know you’re from Bacolod if”.. People speak about the yesteryears, the fun stuff, how Bacolod was 30 years ago, the establishments, the streets, the dialects, the hobbies of the people. It is awesome to know that almost 4,000 people grew up in almost the same way and practiced the same routine since childhood.

Looking though the threads of this page, I realized that indeed, life as a child is incomparable. All you do is eat, play and have a good time!

Through this page, I realize I am a lucky and normal girl. I’m so thankful for my parents, they gave me an experience na “indi man mapierde sang iban”.

To all my childhood friends, classmates, cousin,siblings I miss you all. Thank you for the memories, for the games we played, the jokes we shared, the secrets we kept, the clothes we borrowed from each other, the food we ate, the places we hang out, the movies we watched, the funny experiences we had, for being part of the life for the last 37 years.

And to all my new found FB friends, that’s why you’re so familiar, we might have met before. Just keep it coming!! Cheers all!!

Joco in the Metro!

This is a very late post. I flew to Manila last July 12 – 16 together with my son Joaquin. Joco was 4 months old when he was first brought to Manila. Until he was almost 2 years old that he went back to Bacolod. Joco had several trips back and forth to visit me in Manila.

Anyway since he was so little before he really thought it was his first time to ride a plane.

Of course, I brought him to MOA for the Science Center, Manila Ocean Park, were he also had gone way back, MRT Ride which he already did too.
There was one thing though that he was not able to do before, to party with Mom.

It was bff Ziggy’s going away party. The close friends gathered in Garage 88 at the Fort. Joco was also there.
Aside from those, I did not miss to bring him to my favorite restaurants in Manila. Of course, Banapple in Ayala Triangle was a must be, California Pizza Kitchen was one thing too. We also went to Passion Restaurant in Resorts World and feast with some Chinese Food. He also savored the Pancake House’s Classic Fried Chicken and at pasta at Sbarro’s.

Anyway, it was fun and I am so glad I took time to bond with my one and only. Maybe in Novemebr, Joco and I will invade Singapore or HK with the Acuna Sibs!!!

PAGCOR MISSION and VISION revealed at CF Bacolod Anniversary

CF Bacolod recently celebrated its 25 years of existence in the City of Smiles. Pagcor Bacolod opened its branch in Senyang , also in Goldenfields in 1986. Then in the 1990’s it transferred to the Little Cinema location which is now the Garden Royale. In the year 2000, it finally transferred to where it is now at the Garden Hotel. Pagcor later leased the whole space, operated the hotel and named it PAGCOR Hotel.

The branch did a lot of preparations for the event. 25 years Service Awardees prepared a music video of the song “What’s Going On” representing what they’ve been through for the pass 25 years. The 20 years of Service Awardees were also recognized and the model employees and supervisors awards were also rewarded.

One of the highlights of the revelry was the opening of the New Private Gaming Room with one midi and one mini table to cater the needs of our growing market.

The Employees Party headed by groovy Branch Manager Estrella Luz Cabebe who herself sported different Spunky Silver, was such fun. Employees contended with each other for the night’s best spunky attire and for the inter division’s presentation themed “Spunky at 25”

Some of the Officers in sight were: Directors Enriquito Nuguid and Jose Tanjuatco, GM Rogelio Bangsil, GM Jose Tulio, BM Michael Bailey, BM Tomas Consolacion, BM Fidel Fuentes and former GM Alex Betita while Congressman Albee Benitez was their special guest.

The program went through the whole afternoon until the wee hours of the morning. Director Tanjuatco in his speech disclosed the Mision and Vision of PAGCOR under the new management headed by Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat hereunder:

PAGCOR Vision
A SURE BET for PROGRESS
- In gaming and entertainment.
- In nation building.

 We will dazzle our customers with a world-class gaming and entertainment experience, upgraded and competitive facilities and infrastructure, and skilled manpower;
 We will showcase to the world the best in Filipino customer service; and
 We will be a pillar for national progress by instilling integrity as the backbone in our regulatory duties; investing in the education of all Filipinos; prime moving and championing Philippine tourism, culture and arts.

PAGCOR MISSION
 To achieve operational excellence, revenue growth and competitive advantage.
 To attain a regulatory framework that preserves the integrity and drives the development of the gaming industry.
 To continue being a responsive partner of the government in its nation building programs.
 To actively participate in efforts of the tourism sector to transform the Philippines into an exciting R&R and entertainment haven for foreign travelers.

So there you go, Happy Anniversary CF Bacolod and good luck to all PAGCORians!!!