Morning exercise around Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center

            Some of us woke up as early as 4 o'clock in the second morning to continue writing the research output because everyone was tasked to present their output by 10 am. For our group, instead of cramming just like the others, we opted to take a walk as a morning exercise within and outside the Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center.

This is the garden full of calla lilies surrounding the stairs going up the monument

The Hotel at Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center

              Thank goodness, we arrived at the park! The weather was good, and after almost two (2) hours of travel, we had nothing else in mind except, breakfast. I was really hungry although I ate french fries and a burger before we left. There were about 25 participants and facilitators who were invited to join the three (3)-day research workshop held at Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center.

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 Ruins, Talisay City

            My boyfriend and I decided to go to The Ruins in the afternoon to gather as many pictures of the sunset as we could. The Ruins is the most famous historical mansion in Talisay City. The mansion was owned by Don Mariano Lacson, a sugarcane haciendero, and was built after the death of his wife, Maria Braga. Physical make-up was added to modify the wide and grassy ground surrounding the ruined mansion, such as shown on the photos below.

The two (2) mini golfs at the entrance near the parking area.

Artistic Diving Beach Resort and PADI Dive Center, Sipalay City

Sipalay Escapade with colleagues and friends - May 12-13, 2012

           After almost five (5) hours of travel by land from Bacolod City to Sipalay City. Finally! We arrived at their market and stopped by to buy some fresh meat and fish. This photo shows the white sand highway of Sipalay City and, right across this highway is the Ukay-Ukay store.  Across the Ukay-Ukay store is the market. For me, it is indeed a peaceful and stress-free place.

Tuscana and Enzian Cottages, Artistic Diving Beach Resort and PADI Center, Sipalay City

 Summer Escapade, May 12-13, 2012

Parking space

          Everyone filed their vacation leave on May 12-13 for one specific reason, a summer outing with colleagues and friends at the Artistic Diving Beach Resort and PADI Center in Sipalay City. Although we were aware that this beach resort is the most expensive in the area compared to the neighboring beach resorts, we still managed to get the most expensive cottage within the resort..hahaha simply because most of us were so desperate for some reasons.

           We traveled almost five (5) hours from Bacolod City to Sipalay City. The weather was good, was not so hot which was good for us I think because we negotiated a non-airconditioned jeepney to take us directly to the resort. Shown on the right photo is the parking area of the resort and its main gate is on the left if this parking area.

Granada Eco Park, Bacolod City

USLS Summer Splash, May 4, 2012

         Summer splash is a main activity every summer that every student has been waiting for. This used to be held at the beach somewhere in the north and south of the province. But last year and this year, summer splash was held at Granada Eco Park in Granada, Bacolod City.  On that day, the park was exclusive only for USLS.

              Students arrived in the park earlier than we did. As we arrived, the Amazing Race game had just started.

Sta. Fe Resort, Bacolod City

                       My boyfriend and I came to Sta. Fe Resort last April 29 not to swim at any of their pools but only to take pictures as early as 6 o'clock in the morning. This is the main gate of the resort, however, I apologize I was not able to get a nice picture of the main gate because there were banners and streamers hanging above it.

Main gate

                        Inside the resort are not just swimming pools but there are also conference halls to hold meetings and various events.

Smallville, Iloilo city

        

Bar-hopping at Smallville

  

            We stayed at Starbucks for a hot cup of Cafe Mocha and two (2) slices of cakes for desserts right after having a satisfying dinner at Plazuella de Iloilo. By 10 pm we moved out and got a cab to Smallville located in Mandurriao. It was a lot livelier and busier than Plazuela. I tell you if you want to experience night out with friends here in Iloilo, this is the right place to be in.

Kopiroti is the first coffeehouse we saw in Smallville Strip. We heard music all around the place both from live bands and disco music. 

Baker's Hill, Puerto Princesa

         After a quick trip around Mitra's Ranch, we moved to Baker's Hill, a theme park  in Puerto Princesa. We were informed that they make the best Hopia in town. This place is like a wonderland filled with fiberglass structures of some of the famous Walt Disney characters.

New Government Center, Bacolod City

New Government Center

          The new hang out place of the young people in the city is the New Government Center or locally known as the NGC. Some call it the White House, but I would like to call it as the White Mansion because its architectural design is  very majestic even from a distance. Early in the morning before office hours, people come here to perform their healthy rituals such as walking and jogging. In the afternoon after sunset, people come here with their family and friends complete with prepared stuffs such as foods, drinks, utensils and mats ready to spend a few hours at the park in front of NGC for an evening picnic. While others, like me want to come here at sunset to walk and jog around NGC area for an hour just wanting to be relieved from stress due to the day's work. One reason why I like this place is because of its environment. It is clean, well-maintained, fresh air and of course there are policemen assigned in some areas especially at the back of the White House.

Trappist Monastic Products

Summer is here again!! My friends and I went to Guimaras Province particularly in Guisi Clearwater Resort at Dolores, Nueva Valencia last April, 2012. We stopped at San Miguel Public Market in Jordan to buy some food and drinks to be consumed for the entire stay in Guisi Resort. After 30 minutes of shopping, we went back to the jeepney to head straight to the famous Trappist Monastic Food Products a.k.a Trappist.