 I took the first flight to Bacolod early dawn so it was nearly sunrise when the plane made its turn facing the Canlaon Volcano to brace itself and land in the new Bacolod-Silay airport. Seing this landmark, I can already tell I'm almost home.
It's also my first time to use the facility so I too was excited on how the progress in my province has been doing so far. Luckily, when the aircraft was slowly descending towards the airport's runway, it strutted its way and hovered over the city so passengers on the window seats can appreciate view that lined the typical Negros landscape. It was a superb sight. You'll feel like landing on a vast hacienda bordered by sugarcane plantations - similar to the ones you see in the movies. I was able to easily spot a white "Malacañang Palace resemblance" building in the midst of the sugarcane fields; I knew I can't be mistaken, it's the newly constructed Government Center near our village.
As compared to the 1936 family-built old airport the heart of Bacolod, the new terminal building in Silay is modern yet rather small (for my expectation) ungrotesque and plain -- equipped with 3 air bridges that will connect you to the building for departures and arrivals. I've read that it was designed to cater only to a certain passenger capacity. Yet, kudos to the Macapagal Administration for updating jurassic airports in our country - one thing that we won't be ashamed anymore of the first impressions outsiders may encounter upon arrivals.
Working and living in highly urbanized centers in the country makes you long for the serenity and freshness of the countryside.
From Silay City which is about a 30 minute ride (without traffic), you'll pass the familiar sights of green scenery- reminiscent of my childhood days where we used to fly kites on newly harvested sugarcane fields. And you get to smell the sweet aroma of fresh air you just can't help but inhale to the depths of your lungs
La Carlota
We decided to visit La Carlota City, the land of our roots, just about 45 minutes from Bacolod (on normal traffic conditions) and it was only then I realized that going there at this point of time wasn't easy at all. Parts of the roads are torn for expansion and there's a bridge in the Sibucao area that has been declared impassable. So, aside from it's a rough journey going there, it's also a long one since you'll have to pass by the town of Pontevedra to make your way through. It is by the way, the only "non-coastal" city in Negros Occidental.
We went around this part of town by foot and marvelled how the city's landscape remains unchanged through the years. It's not that the city's progress waned, it's just that, the city seemed designed to enjoy a laid back atmosphere and a sleazy lifestyle. Rizal street looks deserted, the familiar stench of pig stys permeates your nostrils from time to time, tricycles still dominate the streets while the locals go on with their lives warily -- knowing who's who, what happened to whom and what's going on.
From the La Carlota city proper, take an almost 2-hour uphill climb via Ara-al town and you'll reach a virgin forest La Carlota is one famous of: GUINTUBDAN falls . Due to it's high altitude, the temperature is comparable to the coolness of Baguio or Tagaytay - even cooler since nature is literally unspoiled, flora and fauna even waterfalls just abound anywhere -- hidden in the bossom of its mountains.
All you need is a guide (on good weather of course!) and leave the place not without dipping in its sparkling, cool cool waters. Super nature tripper!
Trip's date: December 22, (2008)
Submitted date: January 16, (2009)
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