Birthday Series: Balay Negrense, Silay City

The Balay Negrense was originally the ancestral house of Victor F. Gaston, a son of Yves Leopold Germain Gaston and Prudencia Fernandez. Built in 1897,[2] the structure housed Victor Gaston and his twelve children from 1901 until his death in 1927. Left unused by the family, the structure was abandoned in the mid-1970s and fell into disrepair until a group of concerned Negrenses formed what would later become the Negros Cultural Foundation and managed to acquire the house from the heirs of Gaston through a donation. With donations from prominent individuals and later the Department of Tourism, the structure was repaired and furnished with period furniture and fixtures. The museum was officially inaugurated on October 6, 1990.

This museum/ancestral house is in the same city as with the airport so this is the nearest tourist spot that you can visit from the Silay-Bacolod Airport. T'was our last day in Bacolod and we had an early flight the next day so we opted to visit Balay Negrense before leaving.

You will see the house's original furniture and decorations inside, but we're not allowed to touch any of the antique items on display. The reception area at the ground floor is spacious and airy. 

We came there around 4:30 pm, almost near closing time. Entrance fee is PHP50.

Music is an integral part in the lives of Silaynon (natives of Silay). They say most houses there have pianos. The city is known to have produced several Sopranos like Conchita Gaston, granddaughter of Victor Gaston.

Once you get to the second floor, you will immediately see a wide window with the view of Silay and the San Diego Cathedral Church.

This table shows the genealogy of the Gaston Family from Yves and Filomena down to the current descendants.  

We went inside the Museum Gift shop to buy souvenirs.  

They also sell artworks of Silay artists there.

We bought refrigerator magnets and key chains, as we usually do when we visit a new place. 

It's our tradition.

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Note: 

Balay Negrense is open from Tuesdays to Sundays. 

Closed on Mondays, and also on holidays. 

Birthday Series: Calea Cake House

The cakes inside the glass chiller were overwhelming. I stood there staring at the cakes, God knows how long and I couldn't decide which to pick. 

Travelers consider the place a must-visit, and its cakes a must-have! 

I never thought that the prices were really that affordable! Compared to the other coffee shops I tried Calea offer not just enjoyable treats but also pocket-friendly delights. Mygewd! i love it!.

Their cakes are perfect partner for their coffee too.

The rich velvety texture and the simplicity of its cheesecakes, probably the only one of its kind in the Philippines. Yummy!

Calea, serves probably one of the most excellent and cheapest cakes in the WORLD! Chos. 

A place you shouldn't miss when going to Bacolod! I swear! 

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And while i'm making this blog, right now, I just wanna book another flight back to Bacolod to have a taste of their cakes again. Oh em!

Take me back to Calea!!! K. Bye.

Birthday Series: Mambukal Resort

Mambukal Resort lies 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as a gateway to Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park. Originally developed by a Japanese architect named Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927, the resort started as a bathhouse and picnic garden and has provided cool haven for Negrenses and their guests.

After a 45-minute trip, we arrived at the gate of Mambukal Resort. (Fee: 50PHP)

What a refreshing sight! It’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

We rented the ordinary tourist lodge for PHP 600. 

And once again, this place is all about "walking", kapagod! Haha

The best known feature of Mambukal Resort is the Hot Sulfuric Pool located near the Camping Grounds. 

 Water's boiling hot, like me. HUH? Haha! Kidding! You can boil eggs there, and if you're annoyed at someone just push them in the pool. Haha 

For more intimate encounters with nature, try the Canopy Walk, with its hanging bridges. Or go all-out and challenge yourself on the Wall Climbing or the Slide for Life. Unfortunately for us, the activities were not available that day. :( Huhu So sad, it's my birthday! WHY? oh WHY? chos.

The only activity available was, well, boating. -__- Why not? It's my birthday!!! LOL

My sister looks happier. Haha

Uhm, hey sis! im not so sure about this! A lil help please! :p

oh so happy!! yey. Haha

galing naman ni Kuya tour guide kumuha ng pics, kasama yung dalawang lovers. Haha Thanks kuya!

Itigil na natin toh! chos

Water from the Sulfuric Pool is channeled and cooled to bearable limits for the Dipping Pool.

Mambukal Resort is also a sanctuary for the Philippine Fruit Bat or the Flying Fox. A rare mega-bat and one of the largest bats in the world.. If only I had a longer lens, I could have captured it. Charing

Here's a pic from google.

so cute! Haha

So much for batman, hehe. Let's proceed to the waterfalls. Yippeee!

 Mambukal Resort has a guided trail that will lead you all the way to the Seventh Falls up in the mountain.  Just be careful especially during the rainy season. If you are afraid to get lost, you can hire a guide for PHP150

The Sixth Falls, is usually the last stop for most trekkers, but we didn't get that far. Hahaha! It was a long day, we got tired! (lusot) :p

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It's a vacation so I wanted to relax, and relax some more!!! ZzzzZZz, and it's my birthday! K? :p

And to make the experience extra special, we paid PHP400/each for a full body massage at the Blade Spa. 

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Buses are outside Mambukal Resort. 

Headed back to Bacolod City the next day.