Titas de Bacolod

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Behind the Scenes - November 27, 2014 : The Aussies are Here!

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

They’re here!

Around 45 Australian teenage students from Southern Hills Christian College in Perth, Australia arrived in Bacolod Sunday as part of their training and exposure to cultures in various parts of the world.

These tours give the students the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, learn invaluable lessons for themselves, and are given the opportunity to assist in an under-privileged community.

From the airport, we had them sample our famous chicken inasal at Chicken House, where the other customers were taken aback by the sight of the mostly blonde and blue-eyed teenagers filling up the entire restaurant. They even tried dipping their chicken in our indescribable local dipping sauce - the sinamak!

Plans are being drawn up to have an international school in Bacolod as a counterpart of Southern Hills Christian College. Who knows? Someday, the students in the international school here might go on a similar tour in Perth Australia as part of their curriculum!

Early the next day, the group was interviewed on ABS-CBN’s “The Morning Show”. Some of the televiewers inquired about the visiting Australians and were delighted to know that, in the past two years, the school has put up an orphanage in Brgy. Cabacungan, La Castellana in Negros Occidental. Last year, after their short stay with the orphans, the Aussie students even cried when they had to leave, as they had bonded with the orphans who stole their hearts. Their latest project is to put up a basketball court, comfort rooms and a training center in Sagay City to help out-of-school youths in the area.

What a wonderful character-building program this is, where young people are exposed to different cultures and circumstances. Welcome to Negros, boys and girls!*

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Behind the Scenes - November 20, 2014 : Bacolod Welcomes Coyiuto House

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The Coyiuto House in Bacolod opened its doors last Tuesday with a spectacular blessing and inauguration of the newly-renovated building of Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc., or PGAI. Rizal Street was closed to traffic for the event and all the guests were given car passes to enter the area.

When we arrived, the atmosphere was delightfully festive with the throbbing sounds and music of the MassKara Festival dancers and the Chinese dragon dancers performing in front of the Coyiuto House. On hand to welcome the A-list guests were Ramon Kilayko, senior vice president of Prudential Guarantee, and his son, Allan, senior manager of PGAI. Everyone wanted to meet the elegant Robert Coyiuto Jr., chairman of the Coyiuto Group of Companies and his equally gracious brother, James, senior VP and treasurer - PGAI, who both came with a party of 50 executives from Manila.

The affair was a glittering constellation of top local officials, movers and shakers, VIPs of the local business community, civic clubs and socialites.

After the blessing and cutting of ribbon, everyone trooped to the hall where the tables were set for the reception. We enjoyed the hors d’oeuvre, capped by an excellent red wine that flowed throughout the evening. A lavish buffet of gourmet delights sated our appetites as we listened to messages from the top executives of PGAI. Mayor Monico Puentevella lavishly praised the organizers for the superb handling of the event. The guests went home laden with party favors from the hosts.

Kudos to PGAI for a grand blessing and inauguration!*

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Behind the Scenes - November 13, 2014 : A Spectacular Diwali Festival

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

Last week, Bacolod City was again treated to another dazzling festival when the local Indian community held the colorful Diwali Festival, an ancient Hindu Festival celebrated in autumn each year.

To witness the Diwali Festival here is a scintillating experience as it is complete with a colorful display of Indian costumes, dances, exotic food and, of course, a sample of “Bollywood” dancing.

The festival opened with formal ceremonies at the Bacolod Government Center, with local government officials headed by Mayor Monico and first lady Patching Puentevella, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, former congressman John Orola, and civic leaders gracing the affair. Special guest was Ram Prasad, first secretary consular of the Embassy of India to the Philippines.

We were all warmly welcomed by members of the local Indian community to the ceremony, and then treated to an array of delicious, scrumptious Indian delicacies that we thoroughly enjoyed.

It was a most delightful learning experience for us who only know India through the movies, Ghandi, Passage to India, and the popular “Slumdog Millionaire”. We have read about the most romantic tribute to love, the Taj Mahal, and of course, have made the chicken curry, one of our favorite staples hereabouts. But there are more exciting things to learn about India and this festival has certainly opened our eyes.

The local Indian community has galvanized themselves into a dynamic group to make the people aware of the richness of their culture and traditions. Kudos to the organizers of the Indian Diwali Festival.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

A Breath of Fresh Air

What a breath of fresh air to read Bebol Carreon's column. I've gotten to the point where hers is the first column that I look for in the Sunstar (only that it doesn't come on a fixed day of the week). Her articulate writing with quotes from authors we've missed in ages past gently draw the reader in. She has a way of looking at the world that makes me smile.

She admits that she is new in this thing but the budding columnist demonstrates her skill for writing about both people and ideas interspersed with the events in the city. I can only assume that it goes back to the way young girls were trained in language in the St. Scholastica's Academy. Way back then, language was definitely considered an art. It still is. Only today, we've mangled it by using mixed dialects in one sentence or chopped up the spelling because of too much texting.

Now why do I consider her writing a breath of fresh air? Let me put it this way - Bebol's musings are the respite I find amidst the stories of politics in Negros on one end and the newfangled social chronicles on the other by Edouard-Garcia-wannabes. This is the quiet place where I stop and smell the roses and daydream back into the Bacolod I once knew. It's the much needed intellectual stimulation which gently massages your thoughts without pressuring you to immediately take sides as most opinion columns beg for.

If you haven't read her articles, it's not too late. Bebol has just begun.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2786/bebol-carreon

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Why People From Bacolod Spend Tomorrow's Money Today

Issues, Negros

Now listen here. Your Tita will tell a story....

There is a saying that the people from Davao spend yesterday's money today, the people from Cebu spend today's money today, but the people from Bacolod spend ...well, tomorrow's money today.

How did it get to this point? What triggered such behavior? If you still have these lingering questions, allow me to take the first step in breaking apart the mystery.

Spending versus one's future earnings comes naturally to the Negrense. This was triggered before the turn of the 20th century when sugar as a product was picking up in terms of price in the world market. Demand was beginning to grow among the Commonwealth domains in South East Asia including Australia and New Zealand.

The principal catalyst in this little "Story of Sugar" is a man by the name of Nicholas Loney. He was the son of a British admiral, born in the naval town of Plymouth, and well-educated. He left England at the age of 24 to seek his fortune and travelled to South America, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and finally to the Philippines in 1852. He became a clerk in Manila of the British firm Ker & Co.

In 1856, Loney was assigned to Iloilo and became a vice-consul and eventually opened the firm of Loney & Ker & Co. In those days, British ships came to the Negros and Panay region to be loaded up with sugar for export to Australia and the other states in the region under the British flag. Once docked in the ports of Negros and Iloilo, the ships would be stationed for some time until it was fully loaded with sugar for export. Precious days were lost in this exercise.

To arrest the situation, sugar crops and produce were paid for in advance the year before so as not to hamper the loading of sugar on British vessels. This is where the practice of receiving money against standing crops began in the Philippines. From those days, the crop loan had entrenched its way into Negrense lifestyle. This was further fortified by the sugar quota system under the Jones-Costigan Act of 1934 wherein year on year, the Philippines had a great quota to fill, not only for the British but for the almighty US of A.

Imagine receiving the bumper reward of money months before the crops were to be harvested! Loney even convinced the American financial house of Russel & Sturgis to open a branch in the Negros-Panay region in order give crop loans to planters.

Now with cash on hand to spend long before the harvest has actually come, I guess I need not elaborate how Negrense decadence came about and how the phenomenon has become legendary.

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Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Related Post:

Negros : An Island of People With Super Short Memories

To see Imelda at the food court without the pomp and splendor normally attached to her wherever she goes brought up a myriad of emotions. I felt a bit sad seeing this. It reminded me of my Mama's last days. But I quickly snapped out of that sadness because I was reminded of the incident two years ago ......Read More

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Behind the Scenes - October 30, 2014 : Leaves are Supposed to Fall Not People

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

“Have you had any falls in the last 12 months?” was the first question that Jonathan Fidel Zulueta asked the audience during a gathering of the WoW Club members at the GT Hotel in Bacolod City recently.

Jonathan is a former Bacoleño, who has been a successful physiotherapist in London for the past years. When the club learned from his mother, Virgie Fidel Zulueta, who is also a WoW member, that Jonathan was coming to Bacolod for a visit, the WoW president, Inday Pefianco, immediately invited him to talk to the club members and some invited guests from other clubs in Bacolod, on how ageing affects balance and what older folks can do to avoid injury.

The WoW members came to the gathering wearing their MassKara masks for the Best in Mask contest. Everyone waited with anticipation to hear what Jonathan would say. The minute Jonathan went up front, there was a buzz among the ladies. He certainly impressed the crowd with his clean-cut looks and suave manner. The audience tittered when told that he was still a bachelor and “very available”.

Thus, when Jonathan asked his first question, most of the ladies raised their hands. He then launched into a very interesting lecture on why older people are prone to falling and what can be done about it. We were asked to perform simple exercises to find out how balanced we are. It was a mind-opening experience.

One of the exercises he recommended was tai chi, that he said would be very good for proper balance. He also gave us tips on simple exercises that we can do while performing our daily tasks. The audience peppered him with lots of questions and he answered each one with authority. The thing he emphasized the most was to keep exercising to keep the body in good shape.

What an interesting evening it was. Kudos to the WoW organizers for putting up such activities where we learn so much.*

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Behind the Scenes - October 23, 2014 : Bacolod's Newest Attractions

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

“Stupendous!”

This was how the huge crowd described the P1.5 billion SM City Bacolod expanded north wing at its inauguration last week. The affair was attended by top local officials as well as Hans Sy, president of SM Prime Holdings, who came with top Manila executives of the company.

It was certainly an awesome experience to walk around the gleaming edifice that spelled opulence and luxury at every corner. The new section is almost double the size of the original mall. It features 200 more retail stores for global and national brands. Our eyes were mesmerized by the grand atrium and amazing cyberzone.

Being a hopeless foodie, I quickly checked out the new Food Court that is bigger and grander than ever. I was told that this area was designed by a famous Australian designer, that spells “world class”. Smiling faces and delicious aroma greeted me at each turn. I even got a most scrumptious serving of “to-die-for” Italian pasta given away by a famous Italian food concessionaire. Yummy!

The next day, I was again at SM for the opening of the new 4,000-seater SMX Convention Center. It was fantabulous! Really something to rave about, with its humongous size and ultra-modern accoutrements. The place was overflowing with VIPs, guests and program performers for the opening of the First Bacolod Trade, Expo and Conferences.

Special guests were Mark Lapid, chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprise Zone Authority, who impressed the audience with his movie star good looks, and Senator Cynthia Villar, who couldn't help raving at the new addition to the attractions of Bacolod City.

One of the booths opened was the Orola Group of Companies and VMA Global College that presented its accomplishments in education, maritime industry, overseas employment, and promotion of southern Bacolod for eco-tourism.*

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Thursday, October 09, 2014

Behind the Scenes - October 9, 2014 : A Spectacular Homecoming

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was a glorious Ruby Jubilee celebration that the 40th La Consolacion College High School Class '69 held in Bacolod City recently. The group decided to hold a reunion every five years thereafter, realizing that “we are not getting any younger and so we shouldenjoyeach reunion to the fullestas if it will be our last”.

So,for their45th class reunionspearheaded by classmates from theU.S.A. and in agreement with classmates from PH, the plan for the LCC High School Class '69 45th alumni homecoming materialized.

It was a three-day affair with the overall theme of "Kalipay sa Pag-Inupdanay". The venue of the first two days was Sta. Fe Resort where everybody stayed at the cottages while bonding with teachers and former classmates. Everyone had a great timereminiscing about the good old days of their high school life. Every night, there was an event with its own theme and attire.

The highlight was the “Glamour Night" held at the Sta. Fe Resort Cactus Hall.The gentlemen looked so handsome in their sartorial elegance while the ladieslooked über-gorgeous and veryglamorous indeed in theirdazzling, beaded eveninggowns. There was fantastic entertainment with singing, dancing andafashion showof the 60s by the children and relativesof Class '69, followed by “dancing till you dropped” with The Buklod Band.

The day after, a sumptuous lunch was held at The Virginia Hall, followed by thecolorful"Caribbean Night" at the Cactus Hall,sponsored by classmates from the Philippines as host. There was a variety show ofgames, dancesand “Best in Costume” contests. The atmosphere was very festive and colorful, with the guests savoring the superb cuisine. The contestants looked fabulousand radiant in their snazzycostumes. There werelots of prizesgiven away!

On the third day, the group joined the LCC motorcade around the city and mass at the LCCauditorium. Then the "Luau Night" was held at Anne Seago's place inVilla Angela to celebrate the birthdays of September celebrators Editha Jolingan Benjamin, Mabel Jayme, Coca Yolola, Lydia Lacson and Menchu Cuadra Kabigting. A slumber party at the same place culminated the three-day affair, where classmates spent the last night bonding.

What a reunion!Its success was due to the full cooperation and support of every member of Class 69, who all played a vital role in making the event a reality. Mabuhay ang LCC High School Class '69!*

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Thursday, October 02, 2014

Behind the Scenes - October 2, 2014 : A Most Romantic Wedding

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was one of the happiest weddings we’ve ever been to (and we’ve been to so many). The wedding ceremony of Joebert and Jen (Concepcion) Leonardia last Saturday afternoon at the Birhen sang Barangay Chapel at Santa Clara Subdivision was an intimate family affair with mostly family and close friends present.

Joebert looked so happy as he marched down the aisle with his parents Nene and Mellie Leonardia. The principal sponsors looked elegant in their rose pink gowns for the ladies and barong for the gents. Suddenly, there was a collective gasp of admiration from the crowd as the radiant bride appeared in her stunning wedding gown. She glided down the aisle while the violin played the haunting theme “For A Thousand Years” from the movie, “Twilight”. I noticed that this beautiful song seems to be the romantic favorite during weddings or any affair in town. Fr. Ruel Jundos officiated at the wedding mass and gave a most meaningful homily.

After the wedding ceremony, everyone trooped to L’Fisher Hotel where refreshing cocktails and canapés were served. Soon, the doors to La Proa were opened and guests oohed and aahed at the fabulous décor of the grand ballroom. Adding to the romantic ambience of roses, orchids and tiger lilies at each table were huge swaths of shimmering white cloths billowing from the ceiling highlighted by dramatic lights and the glow of chandeliers.

Seen among the guests was Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, a good friend of the groom’s brother Glenn. A musical fanfare was heard and the arrival of the newlyweds was met with rousing applause. After the prayer before meals, everyone enjoyed the delectable array of mouth-watering dishes specially prepared for the occasion.

The groom’s father Adolfo (Nene) gave a heartfelt speech where he spoke of the secret of a happy marriage: patience, humility, mutual understanding and most of all, love. This guy sure knows whereof he speaks, judging from the successful 45 years of his married life with wife, Mellie. There were other speeches from the best man, bride’s best friend, etc. Family members also rendered songs to the delight of the audience. Laughter and cheers could be heard during the brief audio-visual presentation showing the couple and their friends. Dancing and singing went on, nobody wanted to leave until past midnight.

To Joebert and Jen, we wish you all the happiness in your married life. Cheers!*

Monday, September 22, 2014

Behind The Scenes - September 25, 2014 : Big Night at Casa Orola

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

When John Orola throws a party, you can be sure it’s done with flair and pizzazz.

Last weekend, Casa Orola was filled with lights, music and sounds of people’s laughter to celebrate the birthday of his sister, Fannie Balenia, and to welcome the VIP executives of Swan Christian Education Ass. Inc., the Australian group from Perth, who came to finalize plans for putting up an international school in Bacolod: Southern Hills Christian International School.

The Aussies were delighted with the turn-of-the-century, old-world charm of Casa Orola, that they found most interesting, while British guests Hazel Stuart and Robert Harland were busy filming the affair for a TV documentary.

The evening started well, everybody feeling at ease over wine and hors d’oeuvres. Dinner was a superb presentation of dining pleasure with an array of epicurean delights specially created for the occasion. The biggest hit for the Aussies was our very own lechon that they enjoyed with an excellent paella.

The guests were blown away with the varied repertoire of the entertainment: good-looking Rey Segovia, who sang ala Michael Buble; Nick Tugaff with his magnificent Pavarotti-like tenor that shook the chandeliers, accompanied by the thunderous piano of musical guru, Norma Garbanzos. Our cheeky host John even got me to sing with him “C’est Magnifique”, while soprano Hazel Stuart sang “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” from My Fair Lady. (Julie Andrews, eat your heart out!). Not to be outdone, our Aussie guests bravely performed “Waltzing Matilda” to the delight of the crowd.

Wotta night! I’m sure our guests from Down Under still haven’t recovered from the crazy way we let our hair down at parties. After all, it’s more fun in the Philippines, isn’t it? Kudos to John, our host with the most! You’re a hard act to follow, my friend!*