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.

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!!!

A Heartfelt Birthday

Mayor Palanca flanked in between by Gov. Maranon, VG Alvarez, BM Ko, and Cong. Benitez

During the recently celebrated 78th birthday of Mayor Severo A. Palanca, the Victorias City Coliseum was jam- packed with special guests, VIP’s and the people who love him and consider him the one and only father of Victorias.

Cong. Albee Benitez, his grand nephew told him in his message “ Lolo, I will not be here without you (referring to his political career and at the same time, literally, in the coliseum) and all these people here who love you dearly. This fabulous coliseum will not be standing here if not for you.” He thanked the Mayor for the all wonderful things and accomplishments he did for the City of Victorias mentioning that some years back, it was Mayor Palanca who authored the Cityhood of Victorias.

The Mayor in return, aside from thanking the guests especially the presence of the Governor, Hon. Alfredo Maranon and former Mayor Remedios Bantug who is the sister of the celebrator, thanked the young solon for being there for Victorias stating that Victorias has found gem in Cong. Albee, who happens to be an enterprising genius. Victorias will be going through a lot of evolution because Cong. Benitez will see to it that the city is his priority and that all roads in our city will lead to progress and beyond. He also stressed how proud Cong. Albee has made him because it is the first time the District‘s Congressman is from his beloved City Victorias.

The Governor in his greetings said that the Mayor is a good friend of the Maranon family as he was a best buddy of his brother , the late Gov. Joseph Maranon (my Ninong).

Greeters like his son Dr. Chris Palanca from the US, NOHS classmates and a lot more were shown in the video presentation.

Some of the guests who were there were: Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez, former Congressman Kako Lacson, Board Member Manman Ko, Board Member Bading Escalante, Board Member Patrick Lacson, EA to the Governor and Former Manapla Mayor Manolet Escalante, another former Manapla Mayor Edilberto Vocal who is also a relative of the family. Relatives and good friends also came to celebrate the revelry with the celebrator.

Everybody feasted with the mouth watering food on the buffet table with overflowing drinks and cocktails to heat up the party. No tediousness throughout the evening as the guests were entertained by Pinoy Dream Academy Winner, Kulay Pitaka Band and Viva Hot Babes compliments of Cong. Benitez.

The night’s theme was Western so the city employees dig into their closets and wore their checkered blouses and boots. I was the judge for the best dressed and it was Dorlia Bingco who won the prize of the night.

Lolo Vero, you’re such an angel to the people of Victorias, we love you dearly and we wish you long life and good health. Happy Happy Birthday!

Let’s Go North!

It’s great to know that Bacolod and Negros Occidental are finally developing into business and tourism hubs.

The growths, especially in Northern Bacolod up to Talisay City will tell you how profitable and booming our place will turn, in the next few years.

Bata - Mandalagan Flyover

First and foremost, the New Bacolod – Silay Airport is in Silay City. Silay is the second city going north.

Let’s start with Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City. It’s a haven where you can find hotel and function rooms, pools and driving range. After that, is high-end subdivision, the Active Group.

There are talks that Ayala Center will rise by the entrance of Ayala Northpoint where other Ayala subdivisions like Plantazione and Amaya already rise. Also,St. Johns Institute Extensions is already under construction beside the entrance of Ayala North. Next, there‘s Ford Negros and Honda Cars Negros.

Following that, is La Costa Brava, a high end subdivision developed by HDL Development Corp. It is the Borderline of Talisay and Bacolod. Ceres Liner’s new terminal is already operational. It is located just before the Bata and Lacson Mandalagan Crossing where you will see the new and first flyover of the city.

Sta. Clara and Villa Valderrama are the next villages where the old rich families of the city reside, with Countrymart Supermarket nearby, BDO Equitable Building and Live well Spa. Lopue’s Mandalagan is still renovating and in its extension building, the Art District, lie a chain of restaurants including Chicken House, Orange Gallery, Miren’s Pastry to name a few.Right in front of it is the newly opened Jollibee Mandalagan. Going nearer is the Convergy’s Bldg with Spa Natura and some restaurants too.

Directing toward the city proper lies Flow Resto Bar is in front of developing Robinsons Department Store. IT Park will soon rise beside the mall. Alongside it, is the Bacolod Metropolis Tower where the Cellars wine shop and Jacoppo Restaurant stand.

Less than 100 meters closer is Ice Bar and Westown Hotel where some restaurants and shops can also be on sight.

Relax and rejuvenate at Phaat Thai Spa situated beside the new Bascon Restaurant across Rolling Hills Memorial Chapels. In 23rd Street, there’s a cozy place named Korean Grill Bar where you can relax, sing and dine at the same time. If you’d like to feast on Chicken Inasal, or buy some pasalubong, Chicken House and Pendy’s are just in front of each other at 25th Street.

Once you’ve cross Ramos or the Lacson Northdrive Intersection, an array of establishments are visible from the highway– Cafe Bob’s, Inaka Japanese Restaurant, 21 Restaurant, Mushu Bar and Restaurant, Starbucks Café, Enting’s of Sagay,Café Uma, L’Sea and the New L’ Fisher Hotel and L’ Chalet Hotel where the Pagcor Casino Arcade is located are the hang outs to choose from for gourmands, party goers, coffee addicts and city buzzers.

Quincy Bldg. right in front of L Fisher Hotel has been opened and it houses the famous Calea Pastries, some boutiques and a salon.

Piazza Sorrento is also a place to go where good food and great music, little gambling and beauty enhancement are all doable. Crossways is Mayfair Plaza where there are shops, a Korean Restaurant on the second floor, and Bistro Negrense on the ground Floor.

You’ll be shocked on how fast the New Shakey’s Restaurant was built at the TRB Building. And there’s another building being constructed in front of Shakey’s. Finally there’s this Japanese Restaurant Kai Sei and Sweet Greens before you reach the 00 kilometer of Negros Occidental, the Capitol Lagoon. In the years to come, the Henry Sy Group of Companies and The Provincial Government will realize their plans of a convention center and an IT BPO site the back of the Provincial Capitol

Whew, did I miss anything? It’s just half of the City, or actually just one major street in Bacolod but you’ll be puzzled which place to check out first.

Anyway, let’s help market our very own, cause in that way, we can boost our tourism, we can help employ our people, give income to establishments to generate taxes and make Bacolod and Negros Occidental a business district and a tourism giant yet maintain the “Most Livable City” honor awarded to us years back.

Happy Birthday DVH!

It’s been a while since I attended a lavish and extravagant party. Actually it’s the first time I attended a gathering like this. Well, anyway, I was so exultant to be part of the revelry.

Mr. Danilo V. Hinlo or DVH to many, one of the country’s top game fowl breeders and one of Negros’ pillars in the cockfighting industry— celebrated his 70th birthday at the La Proa Ballroom of ‘L Fisher Hotel last May 24, 2011. The venue was decorated all over with cockfighting effects, which was the theme of the shindig.

Thanks to the celebrator’s ever beautiful wife, Tita Ninfa and his 3 children, Amor, Banjo, who flew in all the way from the US and Dante with his wife Honey, all good friends of mine. They crafted everything to make their Daddy and his well wishers well-entertained. Planning and preparations took the kids more than 3 months.

DVH's love for cockfighting started early; shown above is a picture of a young and naughty DVH stroking a bullstag with cigarette on his lips, as little brother +Jessie Hinlo looked on.

A number of big-time breeders and cockfighting aficionados from all over the country were in sight all throughout the evening. Drinks were overflowing and everybody was energized to party the night away. All his family members and relatives were there to push the boat out with him. The grandkids rendered some special numbers to the amazement of the crowd. San Enrique’s Bulang Bulang Festival dancers were lent by the town’s Vice Mayor to perform for DVH.

Daughter Amor with DVH grandkids Nina, Ianna Paolo and Luigi rendering a dance number for DVH and guests

The guests were all taken aback by the video presentation. Breeders and pillars in cockfighting led by no less than the Philippine’s Cock fighting King and father of Araneta Coliseum, Jorge “Nene” Araneta greeted Tito Danilo in the video. What more, even ABS CBN stars greeted him like Gary V., Randy Santiago, John Estrada, Mariel Rodriguez, Bea Alonzo, Jericho Rosales to name a few. It was a barrel of laughs when PBB winner Melay introduced herself as Tito Danilo’s “nawawalang anak” and Piolo Pascual was introduced as the kids’ half brother that’s why “may hawig sila ni Banjo, Dante and son Paolo”.

The party went on with the beat of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s music played by the 11th Hour band, as dance instructors moved around and started grooving with the guests.

Teary eyed daughter Amor said in her thank you speech, “Dad, when we were younger, you showered us with all the LOVE, now that we’re older, it’s your LEGACY that we bring with us all the time, and that makes us so proud and lucky to be your children.” So moving and so true indeed! Happy birthday DVH!

Cousins Paul and Nico Hinlo posed by the stage backdrop of their great Lolo's bday party

DVH Family L-r Paul, Ianna, Honey, Dante, Nick, Banjo, Nina, Luigi, Amor and Bobong with DVH and wife Tita Ninfa

Manila in May

I thought it was just one the Manila trips I had in the last couple of years…I was totally wrong. Well, first, my hotel and airfare were free. It’s not rare since it happened in the past but I did not expect it this time.

with Sylvia Amorsolo Laza

Meeting Sylvia Amorsolo, daughter of first National Artist Awardee Master Fernando Amorsolo was just so bizarre. Stories she told of her father were really fascinating.I saw her works as well as her father’s too. They were all totally exquisite.

Although I was alone in my room, it’s ok..it was an executive suite and all I did was sign for whatever I ordered. There was a car who transported us wherever we were going.

Some of the dine outs where either sponsored by a relative or a close friend.

Chancing on two of Manila’s DJ’s and Masters of 80′s Music was also one I could not forget. I had a chat with DJ Jon Tupaz and Dj Boyet Almazan while attending an 80s party at New World Hotel.

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The following night Friday, was reserved for Jill’s but I had a side trip at Icon Bar in Intercon Makati (the old Where-else Disco).

It was unexcusable not to watch Kaos Musical Acrobatic Show at Resorts World if what’s printed in your ticket are — section: VIP, row/seat: D27-D30, meaning you should seat in the VIP fourth row seats. From there you can feel the trembling of the stage as the acrobats and circus were powerful.If you’re kind enough, good samaritans are just around to give you free tickets for shows like these.

Lastly, these ones are really priceless— my friends. Being with them, chatting about anything in the world, dancing with them, driving and eating with them, sipping a glass of martini or a shot tequila with them is invaluable…those are my therapy.

What more, upon landing at the Bacolod Silay Domestic Airport, somebody says Happy Mother’s Day Mom, with a kiss!!! Life couldn’t be better!!

Boracay 2011

Wow, tourist arrival in Boracay is never decreasing. This year’s visit was just like last year.

We were checked in at La Carmela de Boracay and since the action place is somewhere in D Mall, all we did is walk the shores more or less 3 x a day.

I was with my siblings during this trip and we all had a good time. Of course my little one Joco also had fun. It is his 3rd time in Bora at the age of 3. So meaning every year in his life, he is there.

I really found time to relax and eat. The seafoods are just so tempting, not to mention the alcohol intakes every night.

I really think that it will take years to duplicate Boracay and every year is must place to visit.