Please follow me at SUGAR WANDERS

Guys, SUGAR WANDERS is the integration of all my blog sites and will be my OFFICIAL BLOG which will feature TRAVEL, FOOD, LIFESTYLE as well as PHOTO PRESENTATION.

Follow me at: www.sugarwanders.wordpress.com
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Twitter: @iamsugarfairy


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

It's Coming, It's Coming!

Are you ready for the Most Colorful, the Most Extravagant, the Happiest and the Most Glamorous FESTIVAL of the YEAR?

It's Coming... It's Coming... FAST APPROACHING!!!


This OCTOBER 2011, witness the Most Beautiful Festival in the Philippines as Sugarlandia's Capital - BACOLOD CITY, Celebrates it's 32nd MASSKARA FESTIVAL.
Masskara Festival 2011 Schedule


19 Days of Non-Stop Partying from October 1-19, 2011 -- All roads lead to Bacolod City, Negros Occidental as we celebrate Oktobeerfest and Carnival de Rio -- The Negrense Way!













So, Book your flights now, prepare your party dresses and uhmmmm "extra" clothes (not unless you wanna party wet - as most partygoers do - since October is the best time to party under the wet skies and Masskara Festival is the Best Place to Party in the Rain - with more than a Kilometer Stretch of Street Party, who wouldn't wanna Party that way, huh?) and Grab those cameras ON and experience the ONE OF THE BEST FESTIVALS THE PHILIPPINES has to OFFER.


Photos Courtesy of MASSKARA FESTIVAL

Life is MORE Sweet(er) in NORTH POINT Estates!


April 02, 2011 is a date which for someone like me is worth remembering for. As an avid enthusiast for developments in Metro Bacolod and Negros Occidental, this has been the day I have been waiting for so long. I have done many crash interviews and official interviews regarding this Colossal Project in Negros and as I can still clearly remember the Phrase from one of the Project Executives of ALI “Everything will unfold right before your very eyes.” And it is really happening now. I am excited more than ever.


Being the brain behind the most successful Business Districts in the Country (Makati Business District, Bonifacio Global City, Nuvali, Cebu Business Park and Asiatown I.T. Park), the country’s Leading community developer, Ayala Land Inc. is launching yet another Integrated, Master-planned, and Mixed-use community in Negros.


Located 5 Kilometers away from the Bustling Business District of Bacolod City is the Newest Business District in the making that will make life in Metro Bacolod more Sweet(er). The North Point Estates (or simply called NORTH POINT) by Ayala Land Inc., is the integration of all Residential, Commercial and Retail Components of Ayala Land – Negros.


Recognizing Negros as a KEY GROWTH AREA in the Visayas Region, Ayala launches NORTH POINT at Talisay City, Negros Occidental.


North Point is the first FULLY INTEGRATED, MASTER-PLANNED and MIXED-USE community in Western Visayas specifically in Negros Occidental, complete with Residential, Business, Recreational, Educational and Institutional Facilities.


The community covers over 200 Hectares of Prime Land centrally located in Talisay City, between the bustling cities of Bacolod and Silay (The Metro Bacolod Area).
It proudly carries the legacy of Gen. Aniceto Lacson, a key historical personality in Negros’ fight for freedom.


North Point provides the much needed Live – Work – Play balance with the different infrastructure and leisure areas complementing the existing developments. At the core of this community is a variety of residential options catering to a wide spectrum of the Market:

• Ayala North Point – “The Home of Prestige in Negros” – is the FIRST Ayala Land Premier Community in Western Visayas.
• Verdana Homes Plantazionne – “Where Dreams do Come True” 
• Verdana Homes Asyana – “Fun and Adventure Starts at Home”
• Avida Village North Point – “The Sweeter Life is Here”
• Amaia Scapes North Point – “All Smiles Na.”

Ayala Negros is the only Ayala Community outside Metro Manila that has all 4 Residential Developments from Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land by Ayala, Avida by Ayala and Amaia by Avida.


The sprawling campus with wide open spaces and perennial greens, through its landscaped parks, that will house BPO and Retail Buildings. The inaugural development in the BPO Campus is Ayala North Point Technohub, a PEZA Accredited IT Park. This 2-level structure which has a Gross Leasable Area of 4,687 Sq. M., will cater to the growing BPO Needs of the Region.


Soon to be launched in the Area is a Commercial and Retail Center with wide open spaces to cater the needs of the growing community.


Over the years, North Point has continued to evolve with developments like:

• St. John’s Institute – a Catholic-Chinese school formerly known as the Hua Ming School and was established in 1959. Standing on a 5 Hectare lot is a 2 storey building with 13 classrooms for nursery and office areas. Plans for expansion of the development include a Sports Complex and Auditorium, a Covered Basketball and Badminton Courts and an 8 Lane Canopied Swimming Pool.
• A Gasoline Station with convenience store,
• And more utilities provided for the community.

All these developments will surely make NORTH POINT the New Address of Choice in Negros.

A Sweet(er) Life in Negros…

From my very first attendance in an Ayala Land Negros gathering, they never failed to amaze me and this time all praises to the organizers for a very successful Launch of North Point.


My night started with beautiful sights around North Point. It is 5:30PM, The beautiful North Highway with Lush Trees as the center island and a feel that makes you think you are somewhere in South Luzon Expressway going to Laguna. Everything around you looks beautiful. 5 Minutes ago, I was in a bustling District of Mandalagan in Bacolod City, and now, the feeling is different.

 On my way inside Ayala to what is popularly known as the Spine Road (The Main Road connecting all the Residential Developments of Ayala Negros), everything seems surreal. On my left, the nearly finished Technohub Building 1 and is the area where the soon Retail Centre will be built. This area is like nothing months ago but now, it is slowly taking shape to become a bustling area. On my left is again, another huge Vacant Area where commercial developments will soon rise. 

Walking down the Spine Road makes you feel relaxed with its towering Palm Trees and high walls. It makes you feel like you are walking down Beverly Hills in one movie that I saw. The feeling is so wonderful. I don’t want to sound “Sosyal” but it is during “These Times” when I get a chance to attend an Ayala Gathering that makes me feel “Sosyal” and I can’t help it. Being the country’s Top Community Developer, I am but proud that we here in Metro Bacolod and Negros were just so blessed that Ayala considers my Hometown as a Great Area for Investment and I am but happy for my fellow Negrenses for the Opportunity that benefits us because of Ayala.

Then upon taking pictures while walking down the Spine Road, a van fetched me and brought me to the AYALA NORTH POINT CLUBHOUSE CONFERENCE ROOM for the Press Presentation regarding the whole North Point Development and without making any exaggeration, my Term Colossal is really but fitting to describe it. I promised to keep my mouth shut so as not to spoil the excitement. But I tell you, it is really worth waiting for.


The Executives were there, but only three familiar faces I can remember, Mr. Jay Visco, Mr. Francis Monera, and Ms. Therese Borromeo. Mr. Francis Monera explained the reason and the purpose of the integration of the whole Ayala Negros developments. It is basically to make all developments in North Point co-exists with each other for the benefit of all. It is intended to make life more fun and easier. To achieve the Live – Work – Play Balance, to give Value for Investments and to create a distinguished community in Negros that will truly make it the Address of Choice for every Negrense.


Mr. Jay Visco and Mr. Francis Monera also gave us a hint on what will be the future for AYALA Negros. It is but a relief to know that North Point is definitely NOT THE LAST and NOT THE ONLY in Negros. And for the sake of secrecy, again, my mouth has been zipped. I don’t want to lose their Trust in me I swear.



After the Press Presentation, we then headed to the Spine Road again for the Cocktail Party. A mix of Filipino, Italian and Japanese dishes greeted us and it was such a delightful treat. The Artians Dancers by Rodney Ascalon opened the Party with a beautiful Dance Encore.

After the official welcome remarks by Mr. Francis Monera and (another) ALI Executive (sorry but I forgot the nameJ), the executives from Ayala Land Inc., ALI – Visayas, Avida and Amaia, the Mayor of Talisay City – Dr. Eric Sarratan and ALI’s Venture Partners proposed a toast and a colorful fireworks display lighted up the night sky.

Hit singer and Balladeer Richard Poon entertained the guests with his renditions of Timeless Classics from the 40’s to the 80’s. The guests were so amazed with Mr. Poon’s beautiful voice. I wish I could have done a duet with him but I was too busy going from one spot to another to greet familiar faces or taking pictures.



But unfortunately, I was not able to stay up till the end of the party due to another commitment that night, but certainly, this is yet another night worth creating a story. A Night where the “Rise of Boni High in Talisay” and phrase “everything will unfold right before your very eyes” is becoming Reality.


To all Ayala Peeps, Cheers!


Special thanks to Ms. Jeanette Japzon, Ms. Therese Borromeo, Mr. Ferdie Limsiaco for everything. 

I'm Back!

Happy Holidays!

December is no doubt my favorite Month of the year. The feasts, the events, the gifts, the reunions, the bonuses and what have you's?
This year, my most memorable "December" moments have to be The Convergys Bacolod GLITTER - A Silver and White Christmas Party and SSC Bacolod's Christmas Charity Gift Giving and Fellowship Dinner.


Glitter - A Silver and White Christmas Party
Convergys Bacolod
December 12, 2010

Queen Gaga: Photoshoot by SKT Digital

It was a night I call "Shining, Shimmering, Splendid..." Yes to the truest form of the word GLITTER. This year, Convergys Bacolod Sparkle in Glamour as Fashion Statements overflow in L'Fisher Hotel for the Annual Convergys Bacolod Christmas Party.
Almost 2000 employees of Convergys Bacolod packed the venue all dressed in Silver and White. The place instantly turned into a Winter Wonderland and the Smiles almost filled the ambiance with Moods and Cheerful gestures.
Although, the foods were quiet a disappointment, but everything else - THUMBS UP!!!

SugarFairy as Queen Gaga

The CVG Best Dance Crew is the main event for the night and It makes me even More Proud as my Co-Firebirds bested 5 other Dance Crews and became the Best Dance Crew of the Night (Congratulations TWC!)
And OMG, never will I forget as the crowd go GAGA over Jabbawockeez, but for me, it was a TRICK worth keeping for... GOOD JOB ALVIN! hahahahaha
And the night is highlighted by one of The Philippines' Top Band, KAMIKAZEE -- It was a Spectacular Performance indeed and the guys (especially Jay) surely amazed us!
This year's Christmas Party is surely one of the Most Memorable Christmas Party of my Life... CVG Glitter -- ROCKS!!!

The SSC Bacolod Members and CLMMRH Floor 1
Head Nurse and Staff

SSC Bacolod's Charity Gift Giving and Christmas Fellowship
CLMMRH and Resto Grille sa Baybay
December 26, 2010




SSC Bacolod is my INTERNET FAMILY... we discuss about the Developments and Promotions of OUR BELOVED BACOLOD CITY.

SSC Bacolod is a cause that I make myself attached for in years. No need to Brag about what we do but for me, IT IS A CAUSE WORTH KEEPING FOR... We are friends even outside the Internet World...


This year, we bring our Annual Tradition during Holidays to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH). Our beloved Members sponsored a gift giving for the Male Medical and Female Medical Wards in the said Hospital. It is our way of thanking the Lord and Giving Back the blessings that we received from Him.
After the worthy cause, we then head to Resto Grille sa Baybay to celebrate our friendship and for more than 7 Years of SSCeing!


To SSC Bacolod... Cheers and More Power to all of US!
Thank you to our SPONSORS... :P:P:P

Masskara Fever is ON!

The Masskara 2010 and The 2010 Electric Masskara Official Logos

Created by: Daryl Anthony Lechago Jimenea

Image Grabbed at www.themasskarafestival.com

** Click Here for the 2010 Masskara Festival Schedule

Masskara 2009 Photo by Daryl Jimenea

Every year, during the month of October, Bacolod City streets transforms into huge party places where people from all walks of life gather and celebrate one of the Grandest and Most Colourful Festivals in the Philippines, THE MASSKARA FESTIVAL!

This year, The Masskara Fever is ON and the celebration is even more bigger and the parties are even more colouful! Parties here, parties there, parties everywhere! That is what Masskara Festival all about.

Masskara Dancers in their colourful Masks. Photo by Daryl Jimenea

With an original Masskara Music, we can expect that this year, the festival as evolved into another level. A level which an ordinary Bacolaodian like me have been dreaming since the revision of Masskara Music from the Latin Beat to the Ethnic Tribal Fusion of the previous year's festival.

Bryan Caballero receiving his P20,000 Cash Prize
for the Masskara Music Festival 2010
Photo by: Daryl Anthony Jimenea

Kari sa Bacolod : Masskara 2010, the title of the 2010 official Masskara Music, is composed by Bryan Caballero, 22 and a resident of Baranggay Villamonte (to know more about the Winning Entry of Bryan Caballero, CLICK HERE). This proves that we do not need to borrow music to use for the Masskara Festival, we have a lot of talented musicians in Bacolod and this is just the start of everything. In the coming years, I believe that Masskara Festival Music will even soar greater heights.


The Masskara Festival 2010 and The 2010 Electric Masskara Official Logos were designed by a friend of mine, Daryl Anthony L. Jimenea, a forumer of Skyscrapercity.com like myself. Daryl is also the Man behind the Official Masskara Festival website (www.masskarafestival.com) and his works were absolutely beautiful. The Logos depicts of a Bacolaodians love for the good life and everything nice. 

Skyscrapercity Bacolod forumers (L-R) Efren Pomperada Jr, Jamie Baloyo
Dr. Dominic Alojado, Anton Manso and 2010 Masskara Logo Creator
Daryl Anthony Jimenea (Photo by: Daryl Jimenea)

The 2010 Electric Masskara will transform Lacson Tourism Strip into a Humongous Party Place. More than a Kilometer long street party and Dozens of Live Bands to perform. Food Stalls and Restaurants will line up the tourism strip to become one of the country's Party Spots. For two nights from October 15 to 16, starting 8 p.m. the Electric MassKara will showcase colorfully lit dancers and carnaval-like features.

Dr. Dominic Alojado, Anton Manso, Jamie Baloyo and Daryl Jimenea
Photo by: Daryl Jimenea

Now on its 4th year, the Electric MassKara has successfully earned its own distinction as another mardi gras of the festival, apart from the Street Dance competition.

With the bright innovation of converting the Lacson St. (from the 5th St. to North Drive) into a Tourism Strip as an alternative party venue to the public plaza, the birth of Electric MassKara has added glitter to the evenings of the festival.

While the dancers are performing on the ledge, the audiences enjoy a comfortable view from their vantage points, which are actually a long line of kiosks of food and drinks from two sides of the street.

(Above) The Majica Maskara 6 Float,
(Right Top) Majica Masskara Dancers Strike a pose
(Right Bottom) The unique Majika Masskara Creativity

This year, aside from the beautiful Majica Masskara Float, another attraction to the Electric Masskara is the Electric Float Competition. Brightly lighted float will compete together with the Electric Masskara Dancers dancing atop the float.

Truly, The Masskara Festival never cease to amaze the people who celebrates it every year. And I must say, The Masskara Festival is incomparable, is fabulous, is fun-tastic and a lot more!

HAPPY MASSKARA EVERYONE!!!

Photos Courtesy of Daryl Anthony Jimenea and www.themasskarafestival.com

The Rise of “Boni High” in Talisay

By: Jamie Baloyo

September 30, 2010

It is still fresh in my mind when ALI officer Jay Visco told me during the Launch of Asyana Homes last August 2009 that, as quoted, “everything Ayala has planned for Negros will unfold right before your very eyes.” And he did not disappoint me. From that day on, I witnessed several developments from Ayala Negros. The Putting Hole in Ayala North Point, the Asyana Homes Phase 2 launch and just last Tuesday, The Ayala North Point Technohub.

It was a very hot day and straight from the Graveyard Shift, I, together with my friends Anton Manso and Efren Pomperada Jr. met at a mall near my workplace, took several photos of on-going developments in my beloved city of Bacolod and waited in front of Carmelite Monastery in Mandalagan for the van to fetch us going to the Ayala North Point Technohub site.

I have been following this project since 2008 and now, I can’t believe that it is for real. I can’t explain the happiness I felt when my friend who works at Ayala Negros told me that FINALLY, ALI will be launching the Technohub in Negros. I don’t know why, but for me, when Ayala pours in Projects like these in a certain locality, it means more Jobs and Opportunities for the people. And when there’s job, people have money to spend and everybody’s happy.

Under the scorching heat of the sun.

Photo courtesy of Efren Pomperada Jr.

At last, we were there, we care less about the scorching heat of the sun, and I care less about having no sleep even though I am getting paranoid of having heat stroke any moment that time. I feel so dehydrated, I feel sleepy, I feel warm and at the same time, I am excited. Everything that matters to me now is to witness the Rise of “BONI HIGH” in Negros.

The Ayala North Point Technohub - Building 1

Boni High, is the term I use to describe this whole thing, this whole project. As what distinguished guest Talisay City Mayor Eric Sarratan said, “We are looking forward of the day that Talisay City will be known not as Talisay City in Cebu, or Talisay in Batangas, BUT, TALISAY CITY in Negros Occidental. And if all of us will work hard, eventually, Talisay City in Negros will become the TAGUIG of Negros.”

When completed, the campus will consist of several BPO facilities with a total gross leasable area (GLA) of approximately 40,000 square meters, supported by a retail component on the ground floor of each office building, all within a 215-hecatare property that Ayala Land is developing in the city.

Ayala North Point Technohub is a 2 Storey building with approximately 4,500 SqM Gross Leasable areas and is expected to be finished within the 1^st quarter of 2011. It is the first of 8 Technohub Buildings to be built and there will be a retail component in each building and aside from the Technohub buildings, a Retail Strip and a future Shopping Center is also part of the whole plan. Upon completion of the whole project, it is expected to generate at least 15,000 jobs that will benefit the people and the local community.

The Site Plan of the Ayala North Point BPO and Retail Complex

“Talisay is one of the major growth centers Ayala Land would like to have a strong presence in,” said Ayala Land senior vice president Marivic Anonuevo. We are encouraged by the support of the Talisay city government units and our partner, the Lacson family, in facilitating the early start of this project.”

Ms. Marivic Anonuevo, Senior Vice President - Ayala Land Inc.,

Photo Courtesy of Anton Manso

According to Anonuevo, this project brings the success of the company’s existing environment-friendly developments such as the UP-AyalaLand TechnoHub in Quezon City and One Evotech in NUVALI, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, to the Talisay community.

With the Ayala North Point Technohub on the rise, we can really say that Negros is blessed to have Ayala and for every Negrense, Ayala is special. “In due time, everything will unfold right before your very eyes.” These words kept on repeating into my thoughts and now, I can really see it. I can really say that, “Talisay City in Negros is really on the rise to become the Next Boni High!”