Lifestyle

Jul32023 by MaryKay Carlson U.S. Ambassador to the PhilippinesNo Comments

Celebrating milestones as friends, partners, allies

This July 4, Americans all over the world are celebrating the 247th anniversary of U.S. independence. Here in the Philippines, we are also commemorating the 69th Philippine-American Friendship Day, making July 4 doubly special – a time to celebrate all that the Philippines and the United States have accomplished together as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad allies.Since I arrived in July last year, I’ve had the opportunity to see the deep, multifaceted U.S.-Philippine relationship at work. During a recent trip to Cebu, I met talented new friends from the vibrant network of U.S. exchange alumni in the Visayas. In Ilocos Norte, I learned how our development efforts are improving energy efficiency standards, a key part of the Philippines’ clean energy transition. Las...

Jun232023 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

Upper East House pays tribute to historic ‘White Mansion’

Lifestyle, Top Stories

The three-story Upper East House that pays homage to the historic “White Mansion” of the former Bacolod-Murcia Milling Company complex is the latest addition to Megaworld’s 34-hectare The Upper East in Bacolod City.The Upper East was recently named "Real Estate Project of the Year in the Philippines" at the World Business Outlook Awards 2023, Harold Geronimo, Megaworld vice president for public relations and media affairs, said on Thursday, June 22, during a media tour of the Upper East House.The Upper East House is a nod to the township’s historic past as it is located on the former Bacolod-Murcia Milling Company property, he said.The Upper East House, located within the curated park beside McDonald's Upper East, will serve as the township’s information center and showroom, an...

Jun202023 by Mark L. GarciaNo Comments

Tigpasaw Queen tilt set

Lifestyle

Eight contestants are competing in the first Tigpasaw Queen pageant at the Brgy. San Juan covered court in Pontevedra, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24.The event is being produced by the Sannguniang Kabataan Council of the barangay which aims to empower the ladies representing their respective villages.SK Chairperson Warryn Eliseo said that more than the pageant, this is also an opportunity for the contestants to implement their respective advocacies.The candidates and the villages they represent are Leana Marie D. Esoy (Sitsirika), Christine Joy Ibañez (Gumamela), Fretchie Egay from (Mabolo), Ferly Ann Bruis (Lampunaya), Samantha Faye C. Rendon (Ipil-Ipil), Krisha May Siason (Sago), Dimethys J. Gavituya (Unity), and Nikki L. Vergara (Lourdes).The winner of the pa...

Jun192023 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

Tajanlangit part of 2023 MassKara Festival: Albee

Lifestyle, Top Stories

Eli Francis Tajanglangit*Hopefully the 2023 MassKara Festival in October will be better than last year, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said on Sunday, June 18.Preparations for the festival have started, he said.Eli Francis Tajanlangit, who was MassKara Festival director from 2004-2012 and 2016 to 2019, will be part of the team handling this year’s festival, Benitez said.“We recognize his experience from previous MassKara Festivals,” he said.Tajanlangit will be one of those who will be handling the MassKara events, Benitez.Mostly the same people from last year will also handle the 2023 MassKara Festival and they also got more on board, Benitez said.Benitez said the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation will also still be handling the festival.*

Jun182023 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

Four outstanding Bacolodnons conferred Banwahanon Awards

Lifestyle, Top Stories

The Banwahanon awardees Token Lizares, Benjamin Lopue Jr., Willy Au and Ian Manauel Lo (l-r) holding their plaques with Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Modesto Sa-onoy and Councilor Jason Villarosa.*Ronnie Baldonado photoFour outstanding Bacolodnons were conferred Banwahanon Awards at Bacolod’s 85th Charter Day Anniversary program at L’Fisher Hotel Sunday night, June 18.The city government led by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez also honored outstanding city government employees and tax payers, and gave an "I'Il Be the Change Award" for the first time.The 2023 Banwahanon Awardees are charity diva Ruby “Token” Lizares and businessmen Willy Au, Ian Manuel Lo and Benjamin Lopue Jr.Benitez said they were honored for extraordinary deeds in the aid of others.Negros Occi...

Jun162023 by Mark L. GarciaNo Comments

Pride celebration Saturday

Lifestyle, Top Stories

Pride celebration in Bacolod City begins with a charity event for persons living with HIV (PLHIV) on Saturday night, June 17.Bagani Community Center will hold the “Baile: Bagani Pride 2023”, a charity event that will present local “drag” performances and a lip sync competition featuring local queer artists of Bacolod at Lunar: Art, Cafe and Resto at Lacson Street, Bacolod City.Bagani is a non-government organization in the province that advocates for HIV/AIDS education, testing, and treatment. They have been touring around the province giving free HIV orientation and testing to communities, especially those who are members of LGBTQ+.Bagani Hub Manager Carlz Libo-on told DIGICAST NEGROS that more than a celebration the event also aims to help those who are living with HIV to...

Jun72023 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

Victorias first in Visayas to join PDI’s INQskwela

Lifestyle, Top Stories

Victorias Superintendent of Schools Portia Mallorca, Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, PDI national sales manager Roy Raul Mendiola Councilor Derek Palanca – Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Education chair sign the INQskwela memorandum of agreement at the Victorias City Hall on Tuesday, July 6.*CPG photoVictorias City in Negros Occidental became the first in the Visayas and the fourth in the country to join the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s INQskwela that is geared towards enhancing the quality of basic education through reading comprehension, critical thinking, news literacy and knowledge of current events among students and faculty members.“And what better way to present it in a very modern fashion through digital subscription service… this is the way moving forward,” Vict...

Jun22023 by Carla P. GomezNo Comments

MassKara dancers shine in New York and Busan

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New York Assemblyman Steven Raga presenting a citation to Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for bringing the MassKara Festival dancers to the first ever Philippine Independence Day Commemoration at the New York State Capitol in the presence of Bacolod councilors councilors Jason Villarosa, Celia Flor, Em Ang and Simplicia Distrito.*Caesar Distrito photoThe Bacolod City MassKara dancers gave lively and glittering performances that wowed audiences at the New York State Capitol in the United States and in Busan, South Korea, on Thursday and Friday, June 1 and 2.The multi-awarded Barangay Granada MassKara dancers are in New York City for the 125th Philippine Independence Anniversary commemoration parade along Madison Avenue on June 4.On Thursday they performed before state senators ...

May282023 by Digicast NegrosNo Comments

Cooking of 3,000 inasals on longest grill caps festival

Lifestyle, Top Stories

Looks officials and guests enjoy the chicken inasal cooked at the longest grilling station at Megaworld's the Upper East Sunday night, May 28.*Romeo Subaldo photoThe festive grilling of about 3,000 chicken inasals on the longest grilling station in Bacolod City set up at Megaworld’s The Upper East capped the three-day Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival Sunday night, May 28.The 320-meter chicken grill is also believed to be the longest in the Philippines, Councilor Celia Flor, festival co-chair, said.Councilor Jason Villarosa said more than 80 concessionaires joined in the grilling of the 3,000 chicken inasals at The Upper East.Among those present at the longest grill event were Bacolod City officials, Rep. Francisco Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), Victorias Mayor Javier Mig...

May282023 by Mark L. GarciaNo Comments

Earth Market held in Silay

Lifestyle, Top Stories

The Slow Food Community of Negros mounted its first “Earth Market” where consumers met local producers showcasing their local products and cuisine in Silay City, Negros Occidental, Saturday, May 27.About 16 exhibitors composed of Negros-based restaurants and farmer associations participated in the one-day event held at Casa Gamboa in Silay.The farmers participating in the event came from Silay, Bago and Victorias citiies, and Murcia town.Slow Food Negros President Reena Gamboa said that “Earth Market” is one of the slow food movement components where consumers get to meet the farmers themselves.The event’s theme was “Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All”.“The earth market is not just a venue for earning money. It is where consumers get a chance to talk to the farmers and ...