Our country has surpassed natural calamities, political crisis and tragic blows in the economy because the Filipinos continue to thrive. An example of this particular Filipino trait is the present situation of my hometown Bacolor, Pampanga which was badly hit by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in year 1991.
Fifteen years later the San Guillermo Parish Church is still half buried in lahar, and due to the comradeship of the townsfolk, renovation is underway. What used to be a hall on its left wing now houses the Museo de Bacolor. A museum that serves as an aide-memoire of the once charming town. Old pictures depicting the lives of our ancestors are found hanging on the old, damaged walls.
Miraculously, the altar was spared from destruction and some parts of the church refurbished, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the parish priest, the Mayor and the residents.

Bacolor’s restoration is possible because of the people’s ingenuity. The Filipino adapts and always find ways to turn something good out of the bad. Aside from the museum, a small portion of the church was converted into a mini store selling products made out of lahar and some goodies from Neli-Mar’s. A portion of the proceeds go to the funding of the church repairs.

The next time you go to Pampanga, don’t fail to pass by my birthplace and marvel in the rise of a town from ashes. And please, if you have a spare change – donate. It will come back to you a thousand fold. Thank you in advance.

When you are stressed out with work like me, you would probably end up surfing the net for a favorable vacation spot. By chance, I saw this picture in lakbay pilipinas and grabbed it. Cute, isn’t it? It’s a tarsier, a small nocturnal mammal who dwells in the forest. It is found in Asian countries, but here in the Philippines, Tarsier is synonymous to Bohol. A few years back, I went to this beautiful place and immediately fell in love with the scenic island and pristine sandy beaches. I don’t have pictures to share with you because I didn’t own a digital camera then but here’s an overview of what to expect in Bohol :

* Chocolate Hills are the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Be amazed by the picturesque landscapes which can only be created by the Divine.

* The beaches are not as lovely as the famous Boracay and Palawan beaches but are equally appealing. Alona Beach in Panglao Island is a personal choice. Dolphin watching, jet skiing and snorkeling are few of the water activities we enjoyed.

* Take a river cruise along the Loboc River and check out the renowned Hanging Bridge.

* If you have enough time, go visit the waterfalls and caves.

* The months of May and June are festival days so don’t forget to catch their town fiestas.

* And don’t fail to grab a bite of local delicacies – peanut kisses, maruya and Edelweiss Food Products.

Bohol may not be my choice at the moment (I want to explore other parts of the country) but I would want to visit it again someday.

I had lunch with my in-laws at Chicken Inasal in Makati yesterday, right before grocery shopping in Shopwise. Inasal is a Bacolod original. The tasty inasal, barbequed to perfection…nam-it (Bacolod term for delicious)!

I visited the place about three years ago, and enjoyed every bit of my stay. The inasal wasn’t the only one that delighted me, I discovered Bongbong’s Pasalubong and fell in love with their piyaya, butterscotch and tarts, too.

Bacolod City is a perfect place for a vacation. I feel it’s best to go there in October during the Maskara Festival, a merry making event that will trully delight you. On the streets, a dance is performed in a Latin theme, and the costumed dancers don colorful masks. Tour the city and appreciate the beauty of old houses and antique churches (especially San Sebastian Cathedral).

And yes, the Bacolodnon (locals) are warm and friendly, so it is true indeed when they say Bacolod City ~ is the City of Smiles.

Photo grabbed from Lakbay Pilipinas