Revisiting Bacolod City

The first time I was in Bacolod I told myself that my mom would really love this city for the endless gastronomic adventures. For you to cover almost every restaurant you would probably need to stay there for two weeks or more. It's really a place for that kid appetite in you (bawal ang diet). 

So straight from our Guimaras trip, we went to the port where the Bacolod-bound ferries are located. We took a tricycle and paid 40 pesos for the short ride. Two years ago, I tried  Supercat ferry (2GO) to reach Bacolod. But this time, I intended for us to ride the earliest possible ferry that will be leaving when we get to the port. 

We were there at around 2:30 p.m. and we chose Weesam Express for it will be leaving at 2:50 p.m. The standard rate for the aircon area was 330 pesos. (240 for non-aircon and 425 for the first class cabin) all-in, no terminal fee or whatsoever added to that fee. They honored my Student I.D. just so you know. I slept all throughout the trip while my mom who was seating right next to the window enjoyed the whole time looking at the window.

I booked a Budget room at L'Fisher Chalet (check rates) along Lacson St. through e-mail a few months before the trip. They required me to pay the full amount of 1,450 pesos via selected banks listed on the confirmation voucher. We just presented the print-out and went straight to the room. That easy. My former stay at Saltimboca Tourist Inn was a pleasant one considering the very cheap rates they have. So I was expecting L'Fisher Chalet to deliver the same quality of service for they are one of the most popular hotels in Bacolod. 

We were ushered to our appointed room at the third floor of the hotel. The room had basic stuff such as bed, a T.V., dresser, mini fridge and ensuite toilet and bath. I felt sad after checking the room because the room was lacking windows. There was a faux one like an exhaust thing on top of the room but that's it. No view. No sunlight. No life. It felt dead. My mom didn't mind it but I did. And all the toiletries in the bathroom were for 1 person only. I called up the housekeeping and they brought another set. They even explained that the Budget room is supposed to be for 1 person only.

the Budget room - no windows

me and Agnes

Moving on, I went on the 4th level/rooftop of the hotel to check out the pool and other amenities. I was so amazed how vibrant that area was. It was a far cry from the lifeless room we have. There was a gym, a spa, a salon, the pool and a restaurant/bar. I didn't get to try any of those for my listless body wanted to go to bed and just chill. And so I did. By the way, the room came with a free breakfast which we availed the next day on the rooftop restaurant.

I dunno why but the whole vibe of the hotel was very dark for me. Lifeless. Just like a vampire movie. Maybe it's because of the dark room we had. Or maybe the snobbish staff. I can't help but compare it to Saltimbocca which was the opposite of everything I just said. 

ze pool

the view from the rooftop

breakfast plate 1

breakfast plate 2

Waking up from our quick nap, I hurriedly got ready for our Bacolod inasal treat at Manokan Country. We went out of the hotel and rode a jeepney going to SM. And just beside the parking lot of the mall is the cluster of restaurants that offers inasal. Nana's Beth Chicken Inasal was my first choice for I've tried it few years back but because it was a Sunday, the restaurant was jampacked so we moved to Aida's. 

We ordered 2 of each; pechopak (80 pesos), chorizo (20 pesos) and the reason I came back to Bacolod - the tina-e (isaw, 20 pesos). We also had some garlic rice and soda. I was too excited that waiting for a minute felt like an hour. We didn't care about it as long as they grill our food very well. 

And when the food came, we were dismayed. The chicken had some blood in it. We called the attention of an attendant she brought it back to the kitchen. After that, everything felt bad. The tina-e and chorizo weren't that fresh and I didn't get to finish my chicken. I was so disappointed that I kept on telling my mom the first inasal experience I had on the other restaurant. Guys please, go to Nana's Beth instead of Aida's. 

never ever will I go to Aida's

And right after dinner, we went back to Lacson st. to have a dessert fix. Calea it is! I can still remember how my first Calea experience was. I've been raving about it since then and I wanted my mom to try it too. Calea is conveniently located near L'Fisher Chalet and Saltimboca (ugh! still can't get enough of this tourist inn) so we just asked around on what jeepney to ride to go back to L'Fisher. Again, the coffee shop was packed with all sorts of people. 

What I like about this city is the wide array of restos and coffee shops around. It is definitely a foodie haven. We got some Imported Chocolate cake (85 pesos), Blueberry cheesecake (85 pesos) and Cafe Americano (60 pesos). The Chocolate cake was a hit on my first try so I got one again. The blueberry cheesecake was my mom's choice. And boy I had fun with what she got! What I loved about it was the crust. Instead of the usual graham crackers they used wheat and oatmeal stuff (eek, I am no food blogger) which perfectly complimented with the sweetness of the blueberries and the hint of saltiness of the cream cheese. To die for. And just because I can't get enough of it, I had a Fruity cheesecake (80 pesos) the next day and missed the heavenly crust of the Blueberry cheesecake. Disclaimer: I don't have a sweet tooth - partida.

Imported Chocolate cake - 85 pesos

Blueberry cheesecake - 85 pesos
yummy crust!

Fruity cheesecak - 80 pesos

We didn't have plans the next day so we stayed in bed up to lunch time. We then went to the Capitol Park and Lagoon for a good tambay. We had some lunch on Cafe Bob's and forgot to take some photos. Nothing was remarkable for me though. 

pasko na agad?

I haggled with a random cabbie for a ride at the airport (there are shuttle vans at SM mall that charge 100 pesos for a  one-way ride to the airport) for my mom hoarded loads of stuff from BongBong's and Iloilo's Biscocho Haus. I got the cab for 400 pesos with a sidetrip to The Ruins - quite a good deal. For Bacolod City cab services contact Kuya Demet - 0907.945.9777. 

We really wanted to catch the sunset at The Ruins so at around 4:30 p.m. we were on our way already. On my first visit to the most coveted ruins in the country, the sun didn't show up because it was cloudy and we were lucky that day to have a clear sky. 

I saw Roger easily for he was our guide before. I let my mom have a quick tour around with him and because it was a Monday, we had Roger for the whole duration of the tour. He served as our guide, storyteller and photographer. He told us some juicy stuff about the place, the family who owns it and the people he met. 

I can see the passion in his eyes. Lucky are those who get to do what they love. The Ruins was better this time. It really glows into a golden tone when the sun hits it. Amazing! My camera ran out of battery. Bleh. My bad. Good thing I had with me my underwater camera. And believe me, it delivered. 

thanks again roger!

no photoshop or whatever. just ask roger

We went home with high spirits, loads of pasalubong and treasured bonding moments with my mom. An amazing way to celebrate. Happy vente y nueve!

Check Bacolod City accommodations here