More than two decades ago, I dreamt of living a carefree life. It seems not simply as I thought because as a commoner, I get to work, I deal with stress, get home late night most of the time, and repeat the routine.

One morning, I asked myself why would I let the tasks happen repeatedly if I can see myself exploring somewhere else? By that, I could sometimes get to live a worry-free life. It took me years to prepare until I become certain about the idea of falling-in-love with other cultures. Now, I found a good reason to travel: to look for adventures, at the same time having it as a perfect outlet to relieve stress. I knew it from the beginning that it would be a thousandfold of wanderlust and all will be worth remembering.

It all started in Bacolod, where I chose to kick off my travel story. It is also my first unplanned trip. Taking the first flight of the day. Having the first visit to the place. Deciding it to be the first backpacking experience. Getting ready to roll the camera for the first vlog. Everything turns out the first time. These things made my Bacolod journey extra special, though a little nervous, yes, but I conditioned myself to be always up for the adventure. So, Bacolod here’s your story.

On October 21, 2017, I commence the first travel. As a domestic flight passenger, it is required to be on the airport premises at least 2 hours before the schedule. I decided to leave home as early as 12:30 AM to anticipate the possible traffic as I have to pass through the busiest road in Manila, EDSA.

The ride was safe, and I was able to get in the airport quarter before 2 AM. Just in time, I needed to check-in. I got my boarding pass. Yoo-hoo! And next was hunting food as I was hungry. After having a good meal, I dash to the boarding gate and ready to get on board. Exciting. Nervous. Teary-eyed. Mixed-emotions. Finally, I could now officially start a vlog. That’s what running on my mind then. I brought my book with me to take time reading while on board, but it did not happen as I expected. I fell asleep the entire flight. Maybe it’s the right thing to do since I will have a long day.

We landed safely in Bacolod Silay Airport. People I passed through greeted me, saying “Maayong Aga!”. It means “Good morning!” in their words. It was gloomy and I can feel the cold breeze swept over me, but full of hopes that the day would still be good. My #R3R team is waiting for me at the hostel, but I bet they are still sleeping as it’s still 6 in the morning.

While my cousins Rhea and Rovi needed to prepare, I found myself busy setting up the tripod I bought from Lazada and trying to take a video, whispering, so I could not disturb other guests who are still in the mood of relaxing. I felt shy, but I challenged myself. It can’t be happening, I should pull off the travel vlog.

The Hostelry

It is my first hostelry experience where staffs are soft and kind, and the environment is clean and cozy. We chose to stay at The Hostelry to experience the budget-friendly accommodation, for as long safety is always the priority.

San Sebastian Church

When we travel, the church is the first place we look for. We want to offer prayers not just for the safe adventure ahead, but including those loved ones we left home.

The Papal Tower

Bacolod is one of the lucky places in the Philippines to be visited and blessed by the sacred, Pope John Paul II. It is a 7 storey building. From the rooftop, you can see the beauty of the Bacolod baywalk, and Bacolod downtown.

Mambukal Resort

The next plan is to go to the mountain resort, which means there’s a possibility that I will swim and get wet. However, I am not ready so I need to find a piece of clothes to use. Kuya who happens our tour guide brought us to a nearby thrift shop. It’s a fun experience to look for board shorts and briefs.

Outside Bacolod, Mambukal Resort is a perfect escape from the smiling city. You will be greeted by the hum of birds, green trees, and slap by the fresh air. Everything is natural made, from the heights of the trees, to the tweets of the birds, to the sound of the raging water.

Campuestohan Highland Resort

Yes, another resort located on the opposite side of Negros Occidental is the Campuestohan Highland Resort. It is an adventure park with a laid back ambiance.

Bacolod’s Kansi

One of the fine delicacies of Bacolod is their Kansi. From the tiring day, we planned to get a good meal in downtown. Back in Makati, it’s Pat-Pat’s Kansi that captured my heart.

Bacolod’s Inasal

It’s best to eat Inasal in Bacolod, you can surely taste the original flavor of the chicken inasal. There are stalls in Manokan Country and we chose Aida’s Chicken as they say it’s a must-try.

The Ruins

When catching the sunset at the right place, The Ruins is a perfect location to visit. Rumors say that it is the ancestral home of the Lacson’s. I can say that this is beautifully abandoned.

We live to experience what we needed to experience, and this Bacolod trip is extra-ordinary which a day tour is not enough to explore the city. I believe there is a lot more to discover in Bacolod. Remarkably, the people’s friendly faces are what I liked in the entire Bacolod experience, and for that, thank you for the sweetest smile my dearest Negrenses.