Isabela Negros Occidental Tigkalalag Festival 2013 - A Biggest Disappointment

Celebrated in the evening of November 2nd every year, the town of Isabela in Negros Occidental is celebrating their Tigkalalag (Halloween) Festival.

Based on the article I have read that there will be 6 participating groups for the STREET DANCING competition aiming to get the P50,000 price.

We are not a resident of Isabela so we drive probably 12 or 15 kilometers to get there.

When we arrived I was surprise with the number of people in the streets. Hmmm Quite a lot! Seems fun. So we decided to walk around since the highlight of the night has not started yet! 

They have a few rides too. And if you are an ukay2 (flea market) fan then you will sure to enjoy it!

Then come to the fun part the street dancing is about to start.

Hmmm let me rewind….. Definitely NOT Fun

The Street Dancing we expected did not happen at all.. The participants were to perform in a huge enclosed Oval… We tried to get inside but the police officer in gate said only VIP’s are allowed to enter! Whattttttttttt? are you kidding me?  So we stayed for a couple of minutes trying to negotiate with the guards and saw a lot of people coming in wearing shirts that says “ festival Committee”.  A lot of them but no one could explain why only VIP’s are allowed to enter!

Seriously? The guard showed the spots for public viewing! Also said there are projectors outside for a closer look. The public viewing spots are a couple of meters away from the oval and since it rained that day the area is like a pond with water knee high. The Projectors? Whatever! 

At the back is the viewing spot! (Can’t see a single thing L )

If they wanted to earn money why not ask for entrance fee? The oval is humongous that could fit quite a lot of people but they choose to leave us outside while the VIP’s and the committee are there inside! Is it ok to think that they organized  festival only for them to enjoy?

I heard other people complaining to …  The street is full packed of people but only VIP’s were given a chance to see it closely? What a disappointment!

So we decided to just eat dinner and head home…

How’s The Food?

Another addition to our disappointments. A chicken Inasal cost P60 neither rice nor drinks is included! Well the price wouldn't matter really if the taste is worth it! But again a disappointment! The chicken taste awful! 

(The place where we ate) Chicken tasted awful! Still the camera never fails to make us smile J

After dinner we just decided to head home. Putting aside all the disappointments it was still a precious moment well spent with the family!

So how was your Halloween Experience?

Let me know in the comment box! Xoxo

Talk to guys soon!!

Rich

Bacolod Masskara Festival Experience

I was born and raised in Negros Island but never had the chance to really experience Masskara Festival to its fullest. My family moved to Davao when I was 14. And back then I was really not allowed to go out and no money to do so. Hehe

Enough with the introduction! Last year we moved back in town!.. Yey!! Since my husband is from Davao missing this event was never in his vocabulary! 

So lets experience Masskara Festival

What is Masskara Festival?

Held every 3^rd weekend of October Masskara festival started in early 1980’s to brighten up peoples spirits after being hit by a major crisis. Learn more about it here .

How’s our Masskara Festival Experience?

I was blown away by the number of people walking the street! Everyone seems enjoying!!! Gigantic speakers everywhere! Different Bands playing on every corner!!! It’s just mind blowing! 

During the night Lacson St is a very popular go to location! There you could see lively lights from the sidewalk vendors selling these things that I don’t even know how to describe lol.. During the highlight of the festival they have these, what it’s called electric masskara where there is a parade of floats filled with dancers wearing colorful and sparkling lights!! 

Let me show you a picture since I don’t think I could describe it a lot better than what my lens can! haha

See the sand of people!! It’s just amazing! 

Electric Masskara

Ok then let’s talk about what most of us are concerned about!

Is the place Safe?

At first I was a little reluctant since I heard so much about snatching and stuff. However the night ended peacefully no one got rub, harassed or anything! ( Thank God)! Everyone seems to enjoy the festival that no one attempted to ruin it! Cheers to all Bacolodnon!!! Indeed a City of Smiles!!! Everyone is wearing a smile on their faces the entire night!!! 

This guy seems really enjoying it huh!!! Hahhaa (that’s my husband by the way) 

Then we are down to my favorite!

FOOD 

Hahahaa!! hmm you probably laughed too because this too is your favorite! lol

Every Time I think of Bacolod City only one thing comes in mind!!!! Chicken Inasal!!! I know Chicken Inasal are everywhere in the country but I don’t know how they do it here it’s freak’n delicious!!!! “Chicken Deli” for one is my favorite!!! There are a lot of other chicken places in here but Chicken Deli is our go to!!! (sorry guys haven’t had the chance to take a photo of the place since we run out battery  )

 

However if you have a sweet tooth like I do!!! Bobs Café is for you baby!!! 

Located along Lacson St they cater all types of sweets you could imagine! Red Velvet Cupcake is my personal favorite!

(Look at that!!! Bobs Red Velvet cupcake!!)

So that’s it for Our Masskara Festival Experience!

I hope you find it helpful. If you are you planning to come and experience Masskara festival or just wanna visit Bacolod City and have some delicious and mouth-watering cuisine!

If you have any questions about the festival or Bacolod city in general that I haven’t tackled in the blog feel free to comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! Since we are also new in Bacolod ourselves, your comments and suggestion are much appreciated… Let me know your favorite food and restaurants, adventures or just anything!!! 

Talk to you guys soon!!

Rich