Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center

Research Workshop, May 17-19, 2012

                A research workshop was scheduled at Rafael Salas Benedicto Park and Nature Center, Guintubdan last May 17 to 19. The participants were faculty members who initially passed the preliminary screening of research proposals done by URC in USLS. We traveled by land for almost two (2) hours from Bacolod City to the park. On our way, we felt our ears start to pop due to the pressure change which was basically a sign that we were increasing our altitude and the temperature was getting colder as we moved up the mountain.

The parking area

Right below the parking area are the cottages. These are designed to  look as wooden cottages but these are actually concrete.

What is actually nice is that each cottage has it's own faucet and grilling area to avoid delays if you have plenty of food to prepare for a picnic.

         While waiting for our breakfast to be served, we thought of roaming around the area because we were curious about the place. Across the parking space is this structure, a symbol of remembrance to the one important event that occurred here in the park last year, the Jamborette.  The park as I observed was properly maintained, well not bad for a government-owned recreational area. The park was intentionally built by the Bago City government in honor of Mr. Rafael Salas, a respected local of Bago City. That's my colleague and co-researcher, Engr. Rendell Barcimo striking a pose.

This is the view when looking out of the hotel. These stairs lead to the  monument of Rafael M. Salas, a person of good repute from Bago City himself.

           This is the park's hotel. It has air conditioned and non-air conditioned private rooms each with restrooms and bathrooms. When we got there it was cold and even got colder in the afternoon 'til evening. In my opinion an air-conditioned room was not necessary anymore because it was cold even in the middle of summer.

         Amidst the strenuous activity, which was to come up with a research output presentation for the following morning, we found time to relax and enjoy the area. Summer outings need not always be held at the beaches or pools, in fact cold mountain resorts could be a good vacation destination for family and friends. Well, more pictures to share and more stories to confess.

Truly, more fun in the Philippines! 

Until next time, God bless!