Lifestyle

Five Negrense bookmakers won the 2023 Gold Quill Award bestowed by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) based in Chicago, USA.In collaboration with Impress Quality Printing Philippines Inc. and Media Wise Communications Inc., their winning entry was the pioneering coffee table book titled Sugar & Smiles: The Negrense Legacy Beyond 2020.The team that produced Sugar & Smiles was led by Conrado Gen Tomas, Jose Kilayko Montalvo III, Benjamin de Leon Torre, Ma. Teresa Quebrar-Manalili, and J. Albert Araneta Gamboa.Together with 30 writers and creative staff, they launched the book in November 2021 at the main activity center of Ayala Malls Capitol Central.Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson supported the book project along with severa...

Manami Resort by night*Perched in the best-kept-secret nature oasis of Negros Occidental, Manami Resort, the first and only luxury nature resort in Sipalay was officially unveiled over the weekend.This is the first resort under the Signature Collection of Discovery Hospitality Corporation—Manami Resort—also a part of Kiwi Collection, the curator of the world’s most exceptional hotels.‘Manami’ is a Hiligaynon word that means beautiful and the resort offers everything beautiful indeed – beautiful nature experiences, beautiful connections created, beautiful feast of flavors over curated food, and highlights the beautiful Negrense culture – all coming together to make a “Manami nga pangabuhi,” which means ‘beautiful way of life’ – the Manami life.THE RESORTCristina Corro, A...

The Marine Wildlife and Animal Welfare advocacy group Earth Island Institute Asia-Pacific launched "Wady's Epic Adventure to Save Home," a children's book aimed at raising awareness about the region's endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, in Bacolod City on Friday, April 21.The book chronicles the journey of Wady, a courageous and tenacious Irrawaddy dolphin, as he struggles to rescue his home and community from extinction.It was written by Karl Ramirez, a singer-songwriter and environmental campaigner.Young readers will discover the significance of conserving marine life and the environment via Wady's narrative.This is a unique opportunity to shed light on the challenges faced by Irrawaddy dolphins and to start important conversations about conservation efforts in the region, Ear...

Agnes Marañon-Iida (center) receives the award from French writer Pascal Buleon, Lye Lin Heng of the Asia Pacific Center for Environmental Law Singapore, Georgina Lloyd - regional coordinator for Asia and the Pacific of Environmental Law and Governance for the UN Environmental Programme, Emilie Gaillard -Normandy chair for peace), Ed Hagedorn, and David Forman if the Environmental Law Program, University of Hawaii (l-r).*The late Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. was given a Normandy Honor for Peace Lifetime Legacy Award at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall in Manila City, Wednesday, April 19.The late governor was honored for his dedication and effort in marine conservation in Sagay City and for the creation of the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve, which started in the 19...

Councilor John Vincent Escalante, Mayor Salvador Escalante, Vice Mayor Lilia Decolongon and Councilor Lalen Lamis (l-r) at the unveiling on the book and newsletter.*CPG photoCadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante launched a coffee table book featuring the paintings of artists from the Second District of Negros Occidental at the Panaad Park in Bacolod City Thursday afternoon, April 20.Also launched was the Saganak, the official monthly newsletter of the Cadiz City government.The Las Pintas coffee table book is a “compilation of God’s commissioned works from the Cadiz, Manapla and Sagay artists”, Escalante said.The paintings featured in the book are proof that Cadiz City is blessed with skillful artists just waiting to be tapped, he said.He pointed out that about 80 percent ...

The Urban Legend Category winners Chelyn Halpin of Bago City, Givernie Anne Tomarong of Calatrava and Alliah Janine Al Rashid of Cauayan (l-r)*Ronnie Baldonado photosSix of 27 contestants topped the Lin-ay sang Negros festival costume competition at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Sunday, April 16.The final winner will be announced during the coronation night at the Panaad Park and Stadium 7 p.m. on April 21.There were three winners each in two categories announced on Sunday.The Spirits and Deities category winners Keziah Nicole White of Kabankalan City, Cristine Gadiana of Pulupandan and Jasmine Claire Pesquera of Sagay (l-r)*Ronnie Baldonado photosThe Urban Legend Category winners were Chelyn Halpin of Bago City who was dressed as an “Amomonggo”, Gi...