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A Little Place Called Bacolod Philippines
Sai Vallejos asked:
Experience a happy blending of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle in Negros Occidental, the sugar capital of the country. Celebrate nature’s blessings: waterfalls, caves, mountains, rivers, springs and valleys. Go hiking and camping, fishing and angling, scuba diving and snorkeling, mountain biking and sky diving with guidance from reliable locals. Travel centuries back in time visiting stately mansions in Silay City, one of the top 25 destinations of the Philippines. Or go on Iron Dinosaurs (steam locomotives) or other special interest tours.
There are varied accommodation and dining facilities from luxurious to simply modest. Rates are reasonable. Whatever you go for, Negros Occidental has it.
BRIEF HISTORY
Originally known as “Buglas” by its natives. This fourth largest island in the Philippine archipelago was given the name “Negros” by the Spanish navigators when Esteban de Rodriguez discovered the island in April, 1565 and found its earliest occupants to be dark-skinned natives belonging to the Negrito ethnic group. The natives then, occupied initially most of the southern portion of the province, being Binalbagan and Ilog. Two of the earliest native settlements which officially became towns in 1572 and 1584, respectively. Other settlements were Hinigaran, Bago, Marayo (now Pontevedra), Mamalan (now HImamaylan) and Candaguit.
In 1734, the island became a military district and Ilog became its first capital. Bacolod was made provincial capital in 1849. Then in 1856, Negros Occidental was raised to the category of a politico-military province. During this time, several more towns were established like San Carlos and Calatrava. Other towns were created, particularly Saravia, Escalante and Valladolid (1860) as a result of the growth of Population and the influx of immigrants coming from neighboring provinces such as Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, and Cebu. These growth in population and immigrants brought to the province in turn rapid material growth and development during the later part of the 18th century.
The major boon to the province at this time were two: the cultivation of sugar which brought economic boost as it later led Negros to pioneer other provinces in sugar production with its initial of 4,000 piculs of sugar in 1856 increasing to 2,000,000 piculs in 1897. With this, new machineries such as those operated by steam were used in the towns of Bacolod, Minuluan and Bago. Another boon was the opening of the ports like Iloilo and Cebu to foreign commerce.
During the last decade of the 19th century, several important events may be summarized: one, the making of Negros Occidental as a separate province in 1890. Two, the joining of the Negrense revolutionary leaders in the nationwide Katipunan Movement which overcame the Spanish garrison in the province on November 6, 1898 during one of the Filipinos?revolt against the Spanish rule. Three, the arrival of the Americans in the province in May, 1899 leading to the establishment of a Civil Government in Negros Occidental on April 20, 1901. Fouth, the ousting and surrender of the Japanese Forces in Negros (1945) after both civilian and military leaders in Negros Occidental pursued and organized a free government in the province.
After the upheaval and destruction brought by the first and second world wars, the next years following it, were dedicated to the rehabilitation and reconstructions of various sectors as Industry and Commerce, principally the sugar industry. Following this recuperation period, socio-economic growth in the province ensued.
LANGUAGE/DIALECT
Negrenses, as practically all Filipinos, are poly-lingual. Of the 87 dialects in the country, two Visayan dialects are predominantly used in the province: Ilonggo, which is spoken by 80% to 90% of the populace, and Cebuano which is used by the rest. English, however, is widely spoken; thus the English-speaking visitor will have little or no communication problem at all.
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
Negros Occidental is primarily an agricultural province. Of the total land area of 792,607 hectares, 588,145 hectares are arable land of which appoximately 419,305.084 hectares or 53% are devoted to agriculture.
With diversification as a major provincial development program, new land uses such as more inland fishing, livestock & poultry, grains and new crops like coffee, cacao, black pepper, orchards, ramie and others are increasing.
The province of Negros Occidental is reported by the Bureau of Mines to be rich in both metallic and non-metallic mineral resources, notably copper, gold, silver and molybdenum. Among the non-metallic minerals are stones, gravel, and sand and other construction materials, also salt and guano.
The socio-economic life of Negros Occidental from the 1950?s up to the 1980?s depended mainly on sugar, producing annually about 60% of the country?s sugar output. The four corners of the archipelago have focused their wide open eyes and melting mouth to the glory of the Negrenses. Negros is where high living and high eyebrows were. (Source:The Philippine Department of Tourism)
Experience a happy blending of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle in Negros Occidental, the sugar capital of the country. Celebrate nature’s blessings: waterfalls, caves, mountains, rivers, springs and valleys. Go hiking and camping, fishing and angling, scuba diving and snorkeling, mountain biking and sky diving with guidance from reliable locals. Travel centuries back in time visiting stately mansions in Silay City, one of the top 25 destinations of the Philippines. Or go on Iron Dinosaurs (steam locomotives) or other special interest tours.
There are varied accommodation and dining facilities from luxurious to simply modest. Rates are reasonable. Whatever you go for, Negros Occidental has it.
BRIEF HISTORY
Originally known as “Buglas” by its natives. This fourth largest island in the Philippine archipelago was given the name “Negros” by the Spanish navigators when Esteban de Rodriguez discovered the island in April, 1565 and found its earliest occupants to be dark-skinned natives belonging to the Negrito ethnic group. The natives then, occupied initially most of the southern portion of the province, being Binalbagan and Ilog. Two of the earliest native settlements which officially became towns in 1572 and 1584, respectively. Other settlements were Hinigaran, Bago, Marayo (now Pontevedra), Mamalan (now HImamaylan) and Candaguit.
In 1734, the island became a military district and Ilog became its first capital. Bacolod was made provincial capital in 1849. Then in 1856, Negros Occidental was raised to the category of a politico-military province. During this time, several more towns were established like San Carlos and Calatrava. Other towns were created, particularly Saravia, Escalante and Valladolid (1860) as a result of the growth of Population and the influx of immigrants coming from neighboring provinces such as Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, and Cebu. These growth in population and immigrants brought to the province in turn rapid material growth and development during the later part of the 18th century.
The major boon to the province at this time were two: the cultivation of sugar which brought economic boost as it later led Negros to pioneer other provinces in sugar production with its initial of 4,000 piculs of sugar in 1856 increasing to 2,000,000 piculs in 1897. With this, new machineries such as those operated by steam were used in the towns of Bacolod, Minuluan and Bago. Another boon was the opening of the ports like Iloilo and Cebu to foreign commerce.
During the last decade of the 19th century, several important events may be summarized: one, the making of Negros Occidental as a separate province in 1890. Two, the joining of the Negrense revolutionary leaders in the nationwide Katipunan Movement which overcame the Spanish garrison in the province on November 6, 1898 during one of the Filipinos?revolt against the Spanish rule. Three, the arrival of the Americans in the province in May, 1899 leading to the establishment of a Civil Government in Negros Occidental on April 20, 1901. Fouth, the ousting and surrender of the Japanese Forces in Negros (1945) after both civilian and military leaders in Negros Occidental pursued and organized a free government in the province.
After the upheaval and destruction brought by the first and second world wars, the next years following it, were dedicated to the rehabilitation and reconstructions of various sectors as Industry and Commerce, principally the sugar industry. Following this recuperation period, socio-economic growth in the province ensued.
LANGUAGE/DIALECT
Negrenses, as practically all Filipinos, are poly-lingual. Of the 87 dialects in the country, two Visayan dialects are predominantly used in the province: Ilonggo, which is spoken by 80% to 90% of the populace, and Cebuano which is used by the rest. English, however, is widely spoken; thus the English-speaking visitor will have little or no communication problem at all.
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
Negros Occidental is primarily an agricultural province. Of the total land area of 792,607 hectares, 588,145 hectares are arable land of which appoximately 419,305.084 hectares or 53% are devoted to agriculture.
With diversification as a major provincial development program, new land uses such as more inland fishing, livestock & poultry, grains and new crops like coffee, cacao, black pepper, orchards, ramie and others are increasing.
The province of Negros Occidental is reported by the Bureau of Mines to be rich in both metallic and non-metallic mineral resources, notably copper, gold, silver and molybdenum. Among the non-metallic minerals are stones, gravel, and sand and other construction materials, also salt and guano.
The socio-economic life of Negros Occidental from the 1950?s up to the 1980?s depended mainly on sugar, producing annually about 60% of the country?s sugar output. The four corners of the archipelago have focused their wide open eyes and melting mouth to the glory of the Negrenses. Negros is where high living and high eyebrows were. (Source:The Philippine Department of Tourism)
Banaue Philippines – Home of One of the Great World Wonders
August 28, 2009 by Anita
Filed under Destinations
Sai Vallejos asked:
The mere mention of Banaue immediately brings to mind the world-famous rice terraces, a 20,000-hectare engineering marvel built more than 2,000 years ago by Ifugao tribes people, using only their bare hands and crude implements.
The terraces, which have drawn awe-struck tourists from all over the globe, have merited a place in the World Heritage List and are touted, with good reason, as the Eight Wonder of the World. A long hard trek through the “Stairway to the Sky” is best rewarded by a refreshing dip in the spring-fed stream of Guihob or the magnificent Tappiya Waterfalls, which has an enormous basin for swimming.
Bontoc, not to be outdone features such picturesque attractions as Tucucan, with its hanging bridges of vines and logs, Mainit Hot Springs, and its medicinal sulphuric waters, and the petroglyphs of Alab, which have been declared as a national cultural treasure.
Sagada is the country’s answer to Shangri-la. The long, arduous journey on the Halsema Highway, is well worth what awaits: sylvan landscapes, natural marvels, and some of the most friendly people this side of the archipelago.
It’s no surprise that many visitors have decided to forego the wearying return trip and make this quiet mountain town their new home. the morbidly attractive “hanging coffins,” the astonishing limestone formations of Sumaguing Cave, and the invigorating waters of Bokong Falls are just a handful of reasons to explore this areas but the chilly mountain weather, irresistible mountain brew, and pleasant company of the laid-back townsfolk and travelers are equally good reasons to stay in town and watch the day lazily crawl by.
BRIEF HISTORY
Mountain Province became a special province of the Philippines in 1907. It was made up of the sub-provinces of Bontoc-Lepanto, Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga. The Provincial Supervisor, Samuel Kane, was appointed Governor of the province and Bontoc was then the capital town.
In February 1942, the dreaded Japanese Army arrived in Bontoc via the Nueva Viscaya and Kalinga route. A garrison was established in the town. The Anglican Mission dormitories were served as quarters for the officers. Dr. Hillary Clapp was made governor of Mountain Province and during his term, the people were spared from so much suffering from the Japanese colonizers.
On January 9, 1945, the American Forces landed in Lingayen and the Japanese forces retreated northwards. In February of the same year, American planes dropped incendiary bombs in Bontoc and bombed again the place the following month. It razed the town so the people fled to the mountains for cover while the Japanese troops arrived daily fleeing towards Aparri and Kiangan to join the troops of General Yamashita.
In August 1945, USAFE troops arrived and the people came out from their hiding. Peace came earlier in Bontoc than the rest of the country.
On July 4, 1945, the Philippine Republic was born. Bontoc slowly rose from the ruins of the war and the following years marked the changes and developments. Being the provincial capital, people flocked to Bontoc and business flourished. Hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, stores and houses sprouted.
The Baguio-Bontoc road was rehabilitated with the assistance of Lepanto Mining Corporation and the Dangwa Development Corporation. Mountain Province became an independent province on March 25, 1967 when President Ferdinand E. Marcos officially appointed and inducted into office the first set of provincial officials: Alfredo Lamen as Governor; Victor Dominguez as Vice-Governor; and Pablo Felva and Alejo Manao as Board Members. On April 7, 1967, the new Mountain Province came into operation.
This date was unanimously adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on their regular meeting held on June 10, 1980 as the Mountain Province Day.
To date, Mt. Province is growing in popularity as a “Spelunkers Delight and Weavers Paradise”. It is becoming a favorite destination of both local and foreign visitors.
LANGUAGE/DIALECT
The inhabitants are generally speaking Kankanaey with Bontoc as their major dialect. Others speak Gaddang and Kalinga. English and Ilocano are widely spoken and understood.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Manila, the quickest way to Banaue is by bus 9 hours. From Banaue to Sagada take a jeepney to Bontoc (2.5 hrs) and connect with another jeepney to Sagada (40 minutes).
Source: The Philippine Department of Tourism
The mere mention of Banaue immediately brings to mind the world-famous rice terraces, a 20,000-hectare engineering marvel built more than 2,000 years ago by Ifugao tribes people, using only their bare hands and crude implements.
The terraces, which have drawn awe-struck tourists from all over the globe, have merited a place in the World Heritage List and are touted, with good reason, as the Eight Wonder of the World. A long hard trek through the “Stairway to the Sky” is best rewarded by a refreshing dip in the spring-fed stream of Guihob or the magnificent Tappiya Waterfalls, which has an enormous basin for swimming.
Bontoc, not to be outdone features such picturesque attractions as Tucucan, with its hanging bridges of vines and logs, Mainit Hot Springs, and its medicinal sulphuric waters, and the petroglyphs of Alab, which have been declared as a national cultural treasure.
Sagada is the country’s answer to Shangri-la. The long, arduous journey on the Halsema Highway, is well worth what awaits: sylvan landscapes, natural marvels, and some of the most friendly people this side of the archipelago.
It’s no surprise that many visitors have decided to forego the wearying return trip and make this quiet mountain town their new home. the morbidly attractive “hanging coffins,” the astonishing limestone formations of Sumaguing Cave, and the invigorating waters of Bokong Falls are just a handful of reasons to explore this areas but the chilly mountain weather, irresistible mountain brew, and pleasant company of the laid-back townsfolk and travelers are equally good reasons to stay in town and watch the day lazily crawl by.
BRIEF HISTORY
Mountain Province became a special province of the Philippines in 1907. It was made up of the sub-provinces of Bontoc-Lepanto, Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga. The Provincial Supervisor, Samuel Kane, was appointed Governor of the province and Bontoc was then the capital town.
In February 1942, the dreaded Japanese Army arrived in Bontoc via the Nueva Viscaya and Kalinga route. A garrison was established in the town. The Anglican Mission dormitories were served as quarters for the officers. Dr. Hillary Clapp was made governor of Mountain Province and during his term, the people were spared from so much suffering from the Japanese colonizers.
On January 9, 1945, the American Forces landed in Lingayen and the Japanese forces retreated northwards. In February of the same year, American planes dropped incendiary bombs in Bontoc and bombed again the place the following month. It razed the town so the people fled to the mountains for cover while the Japanese troops arrived daily fleeing towards Aparri and Kiangan to join the troops of General Yamashita.
In August 1945, USAFE troops arrived and the people came out from their hiding. Peace came earlier in Bontoc than the rest of the country.
On July 4, 1945, the Philippine Republic was born. Bontoc slowly rose from the ruins of the war and the following years marked the changes and developments. Being the provincial capital, people flocked to Bontoc and business flourished. Hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, stores and houses sprouted.
The Baguio-Bontoc road was rehabilitated with the assistance of Lepanto Mining Corporation and the Dangwa Development Corporation. Mountain Province became an independent province on March 25, 1967 when President Ferdinand E. Marcos officially appointed and inducted into office the first set of provincial officials: Alfredo Lamen as Governor; Victor Dominguez as Vice-Governor; and Pablo Felva and Alejo Manao as Board Members. On April 7, 1967, the new Mountain Province came into operation.
This date was unanimously adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on their regular meeting held on June 10, 1980 as the Mountain Province Day.
To date, Mt. Province is growing in popularity as a “Spelunkers Delight and Weavers Paradise”. It is becoming a favorite destination of both local and foreign visitors.
LANGUAGE/DIALECT
The inhabitants are generally speaking Kankanaey with Bontoc as their major dialect. Others speak Gaddang and Kalinga. English and Ilocano are widely spoken and understood.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Manila, the quickest way to Banaue is by bus 9 hours. From Banaue to Sagada take a jeepney to Bontoc (2.5 hrs) and connect with another jeepney to Sagada (40 minutes).
Source: The Philippine Department of Tourism
