More than a decade ago, I first set foot in this island of Negros in Western Visayas for a new work assignment. I was in Cagayan de Oro then, trying to establish a new carreer path after having a mere but good training in Metropolitan Manila for about five months. I was just starting to discover and familiarize the beauty of Cagayan de Oro at that time ( I will tell more of this wonderful place some other time), yet due to sudden twist of fate I was brought to Bacolod City here in Negros Occidental.
The morning of August 10, 2007 was fine, as I embark from the 2GO vessel ( t'was named Super Ferry at that time). And this was the start of my decade long adventure in this laid-back yet vibrant province called Negros.
The island of Negros is divided into two provinces. Negros Occidental on the western side and Negros Oriental on the eastern side. This is one amusing thing to note : the people in Occidental speaks Ilonggo Hiligaynon, while the people in the Oriental side speaks Visaya or Cebuano. If one is living within the boundaries of these two provinces, chances are they could speak both languages depending on whom they are speaking into.
If you are an outsider ( meaning, one that is not a native of a certain place), and its your first time to come in Negros ; you might be amused by their melodious tone of speaking. This is particulary distinct to the Bacolodnons.
It only took me three months to start speaking their native tounge. I did the extra effort to break that language barrier.
The people of Negros are generally called Negrenses or Negrosanons. Long time ago, one's social status can be identified by the way they affirm themselves. The elite, ( comprising of the wealthy sugar barons or hacienderos) are referred to as Negrenses while the obreros ( workers) and less priviledged are called Negrosanons. The social class was so distinct at that time. At present, such is no longer noticeable as much of the workers or obreros already have professionals in their family. They were able to send their children for higher education. Some have their own business now, while some are working overseas.
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Luckily, I was able to blend with them.
Negrenses are proud people. They take pride of their rich cultural history. They never fall short of things to tell how wonderful their place is, their native delicacies, artistic talents and skills, and their achievements.
Whenever a co-employee from Manila would come for a work-related visit, I make sure to take them to the best nearby places here so that they would have a wonderful time.
There is so much to love about this place. The drive from the airport in Silay City has scenic views of sugar plantations. Then as you come to its commercial center, you will be awed by the majestic century old houses and buildings. A reminder of the province's rich past. Silay City is a living museum as others would say. Though most of the places in this province are developing fast, life here is still laid back. So you definitely have time to sit, relax and take it all in.
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When we talk of Negros, we are not only referring to the usual vast sugar plantations. Pristine white sand beaches abound, like Lakawon Island in Cadiz City, Sipaway Island in San Carlos City, Jomabo Island in Escalante City, or the Carbin Reef in Sagay City and Sugar Beach in Sipalay City. There are amazing waterfalls, like the Kipot Twin Falls in Bago City, Mag-Aso Falls in Kabankalan City, Guintubdan Falls in La Carlota City and so on. Lush mountains in Patag and Tinagong Dagat in Silay City for the hikers or mountaineers. Cryptic caves in Calatrava. Therapeutic hot and cold springs of Mambukal in Murcia. Marine sanctuaries like Danjugan Island in Sipalay City.
Gastronomic foods and delicacies - not the usual chicken inasal or piaya. The steam locomotives in sugar refineries in Victorias, La Carlota and Sagay Cities. Ancestral houses buildings and ruins in Talisay and Silay Cities.
These are only some of the many tourist attractions that Negros Occidental has to offer. Interestingly, I have been to most of those places.
Of course, let us not forget, the province has various festivals ( one or two in each city or municipality). For example, Bacolod City has the world renowned Masskara Festival in October, Bacolodiat Festival ( Bacolod's version of Chinese New Year) celebrated either January or February depending on when the Lunar New Year falls, and the Panaad sa Negros Festival every April. Other famous festivals in the province are : Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos City, Bailes de Luces of La Castellana City, Pasalamat Festival of La Carlota City, etc. Negrenses definitely love to have fun and celebrate.
Moreover, Negros always have a favorable climate. It is rarely visited by typhoons. Perfect for business or investments. Perhaps, a contributing factor for the economic progress of the whole province.
All I can say, is Negros has a little of everything. No wonder, it is a livable place. A perfect retirement destination. My ten years of stay here in this place have been wondrously remarkable.
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