MisterShauniverse: Visayas

12/22/2021 07:12:00 AM

TORRESTA INFINITY FARM | MAILUM, BAGO CITY

One of the things that I'm ecstatic most of the time is when I get to be one of the first few to visit a new attraction or destination. Bago City has a few establishments that sprouts like mushrooms here and there and I am happy to share them to you.

One of my discoveries is the Torresta Infinity Farm in Brgy Mailum. The said barangay has new cafés and resorts that are now frequented by riders, bikers, and travel junkies like me.

The café/resort is easy to find if you've been already to Mailum (if you've been there, for sure you've passed by Hiray2x Cafe and reached Napatagan Mountain View Cafe). It's just before Hiray2x and has a signage on its entrance from the highway that you should not miss going there.

What captures my inquisitive attention is their infinity pool. Who doesn't like to get the usual infinity pool signature pose, anchored on the edge where the pool meets the sky. It's even more dramatic because the cafe/resort is perched on the ledge of the mountain overlooking the vast land of Negros and the islands of Guimaras.

Feeling nasa Marina Bay Sands kung makatingin sa malayo. It's overlooking the landscapes of Bago City and on the far right are emerging skyscrapers of booming Bacolod, capital city of Negros Occidental.

Their café has a variety of options from rice meals to fresh fruit shakes to snacks that you will definitely enjoy munching while basking under the sun waiting for the sunset. Food are also reasonably priced and you can bring outside food without corkage. Alcoholic drinks should be purchased inside the resort though.

Staff are also accommodating. You have to choose the best day to visit the place coz for sure it can get crowded and you may not enjoy the place. I would usually go on a weekend (except holidays) to ensure I get to enjoy the place and take lots of photos without being bothered by photobombers.

The pool is so inviting and the cold waters is just perfect for swimming under the scorching sun. The pool is just enough size for small groups and you can also stay overnight for as low as P200 for 2 pax using a tent.

If you want to go on a quick getaway, this place is just 45 minutes to an hour drive from Bacolod. Don't forget your sunblock, shades, and swimwear. I also suggest to bring with you colorful floaters for a more instagrammable photos.

TORRESTA INFINITY FARM

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Torresta-lnflnlty-Farm-111345327722573

Address: Sitio Pataan Brgy Mailum, Bago City

For features and collabs, please PM me through my FB Page: MisterShauniverse

11/24/2021 07:07:00 AM

BRAISES BEACH RESORT & FLOATING COTTAGES | BULATA, CAUAYAN

Expectations vs. Reality. When I reached out to the owner's FB Page inquiring about the floating cottages, I didn't set my expectations too high about the place. Anyways, it's just P150/head and if it's not as good as how it was advertised, it will not feel that I lost a fortune.

To be honest, I've been to Boracay more than I've been to the best beaches of my home province. I could only name 2 or 3 that I've been to, and I must say, I should have had spent more time exploring what Negros Island has to offer.

It was a quick getaway to celebrate with our staff from Café Boxidor by King Arthur Villanueva, after a couple of months of tirelessly working non-stop. We need a time to recharge and I am happy that we chance upon this resort that ticks every criteria we are trying to consider including budget and the location.

I have tried floating cottages before and had paid a hefty amount just to experience dining afloat a bamboo raft cottage cruising the crystal-clear-torquoise sea water. It's like hitting a jackpot, especially for a beach bum like me.

I've been to like 40-50 best beaches in the Philippines and this one did not disappoint. I was so ready to get a sunburn and not just tanlines after hibernating for so many months due to Covid-19. It feels liberating, at last, I get to enjoy the sea, the sun, the salt, and the sand.

Rule of thumb when I go to the beach, it's more fun if you have the place all for yourself. That's why I always prefer going on a weekday. I might go on a weekend if it's not my first time to visit a destination. I just don't like the crowd especially when I take my selfies. lol. Definitely, you'll end up having great photos without the photobombers.

If we went there on a weekend when the beach is crowded, I may not have the chance to use this boat as props for my photos. haha

This place is also perfect for family and if you're traveling with kids. Aside from the netted pool inside the floating cottage, the waters are like 3 feet deep only. Unless during high tide in the summer when it would reach up to 2 meters deep. Just be careful though walking barefooted on the area where it's covered by seaweeds because there might be sea urchin hiding the seabed of grass.

How to get here:

1. If private car, once you enter the welcome arc for Cauayan, it will be another 45 minutes drive to reach Brgy Bulata. Your landmark that will tell you you're near is the Brgy Bulata street sign. You will not miss this because it will appear right into your face when you do a curve entering Brgy. Bulata. Watch out for the small street to your right if you're coming from Bacolod with the signage "Beach House". Better yet, call the owner when you're near and need direction (Braises Beach Resort & Floating Cottages - 09163587964).

2. If you're commuting, tell the bus driver to drop you off at the Beach House in Bulata. Call the owner if you need more help with the direction. If we did not get lost, for sure you'll find the place.

This trip was even more fulfilling knowing that your staff were happy and they enjoyed our whole day beach activity.

Reminders:

1. You can bring your own food.

2. P150/head includes whole day use of the floating cottage + guide + boat ride.

3. If you want to buy fish, advise the owner.

4. Just bring your vaccination card in case there would be check points.

5. Take care of your trash and practice CLAYGO.

6. Don't touch the starfishes and corals.

7. Make sure to give a tip to the boatmen who are very helpful to carry your heavy belongings.

For features and collabs, please PM me through my FB Page: MisterShauniverse

5/08/2019 12:49:00 AM

US-USAN ISLAND, GUIMARAS

Yung feeling mo naka-jackpot ka sa Lazada kasi ang Expectation vs Reality ng lugar ay 100% legit!

Ususan Island is one of the islands in Guimaras that is an open secret to people living in nearby provinces. It’s visible from our main island in Negros and the place is not as frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. Why!?

For me, it’s a good thing when I get to visit a place and I get to enjoy and embrace all the good vibes by myself. Less people, less chances of having photobombers in your photos.

How to get here:

Since we’re from Bago (city next to Bacolod), the closest part of our main island to reach this beautiful haven is from Pulupandan or Valladolid. It’s an hour and a half boat ride going there and seas are calmer in the morning, around 6am-7am. We depart from Valladolid as there are outrigger boats you can rent from there. (If interested, PM and I’ll refer you for an affordable boat rentals in Valladolid).

First to caught my attention when we reached the place is the sandbar. My eyes were drooling trying to figure out the best spots to take a selfie, and they’re everywhere!

You’ll just have to pay for the docking fee (boat parking) and the cottage (entrance was excluded, credits to our boatmen as they know the owner). Expect no electricity and wifi data connection (call and SMS text only). Who cares when you have this gorgeous island? It’s good to detox yourself once in a while away from your smartphones and social media and dig in to the beauty this place is serving you. Your Facebook and Instagram posts can wait when you get back to the main island.

You can also do island hopping to nearby islands but we prefer to stay and maximize the opportunity to have this island for ourselves. We get to circumnavigate this tiny island in 20 minutes and swim like there’s no next time.

We’re 8 together with our millenial Tita Terry who tag along and brave the seas to take a break from our busy and/or monotonous schedules. We spent roughly around P300 per person for the boat and entrance fees (libre bangka and bangkero; thanks to Genesis and Toto Genaruto).

Make sure to bring enough food and water (ice is a must) to sustain the whole day there. No stores or merchandise available in the island. You can cook and grill your foods there. People in the island are friendly and ready to assist you.

This gets a little lengthy. Feel free to PM me or comment down below if you have questions. 😘

1/30/2019 06:23:00 PM

DINAGSA FESTIVAL 2019 | CADIZ CITY

If you're not from Negros Occidental, you may haven't heard of Dinagsa Festival in Cadiz. And if you've heard about it, you may wonder where Cadiz City is.

Cadiz is a second class city on the north of Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental. For sure you've heard about Lakawon Island and its floating bar? It's in Cadiz City, an hour drive away from Bacolod. Just to segway, you can check my Lakawon blog entry by clicking HERE.

Dinagsa Festival is already on its 52nd annual celebration and I was surprised that I've heard of it only lately though it's been already there a decade before Masskara Festival started. Glad that during the dance competition, the host shared a synopsis on how it all started.

Dinagsa is being celebrated every last weekend of January and used to be called Cadiz City Ati-atihan Festival. The term 'Dinagsa' means 'to gather together' or 'to flock in groups' in reference to a group of whales that gathered on the shores of Cadiz in the early 1950's.

Dinagsa is something unique and being flocked by tourists because of its colorful way of welcoming visitors. It's expected that you wear white t-shirt and to leave the celebration with marks of paint all over your body.

Even kids get to enjoy the fun of getting dirty and stained. Need not worry as these paints are water based and can easily be washed off when you reach home.

I get to witness the last three competitors for the dance competition but left too early for the announcement of winners. Though, I wish to share with you tips and what to expect in case you wish to go next year and experience it for yourself.

Tip No. 1: Usually, the event would start at 9am and the streets in the city proper can get crowded with people trying to put paint on each other. First things first, be an early bird. Traffic can get so bad that you don't want to leave your car a kilometer or two away from where the event is being held.

Tip No. 2: Take with you enough water to rehydrate yourself. They sell more paints on the streets than bottled water or softdrinks. You can't stay that long under the sun and dusty roads and not get exhausted. Take light snacks if you can.

Tip No. 3: Smile if you wish for people to put paint on you. People are also considerate and careful if you're holding a phone or camera when putting paint on you. To be on the safe side, bring a pouch that can protect your gadgets and valuables.

Tip No. 4: Leave Cadiz by 2pm or after lunch. Traffic jam going out can be very stressful especially if it's too hot. If you don't have a car, you should take this advise unless you're willing to get stranded and wait for the next Ceres bus for hours.

Tip NO. 5: Take a lot of photos and interact with the locals and tourists. Watch the street dance and appreciate the experience. Don't mind how you'll look like going home as people don't mind how funny looking you are.

Lucky that I get to travel with my cousins who are also a good company and fun to be with. It was a short roadtrip getaway just to break the monotonous daily routine we're used to do.

Questions or recommendations of places that we should visit in Negros, please feel free to leave a comment down below. Thanks and see you on my next travel!

MisterShauniverse

FOLLOWERS

TORRESTA INFINITY FARM | MAILUM, BAGO CITY

BRAISES BEACH RESORT & FLOATING COTTAGES | BULATA, CAUAYAN

US-USAN ISLAND, GUIMARAS

DINAGSA FESTIVAL 2019 | CADIZ CITY

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