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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!”

The City of the Gentle People - A University Town

Dumaguete is popularly known as the University Town, A City of the Gentle People and Awesome sceneries.

It was probably my nth time going to Dumaguete City, not for the fact that I was assigned there for my Job, but I frequent the place when I am available -- to visit friends and to explore Dumaguete and Negros Oriental.

Dumaguete City is the Capital City of the Province of Negros Oriental and is among the Next Wave Cities of the Philippines in terms of BPO Industry.

Aside from its Rustic and Charming appeal, Dumaguete has something which makes it close to my heart. I dont know why, but for some reason, I find the City Elegant and Sophisticated. Maybe because of the presence of all these Aesthetically Designed houses and Parks that somehow makes you feel like you're in other countries (but the trikes are everywhere so its impossible).

For people who loves a Simple yet very Convenient living, then Dumaguete is the place I will recommend. You can find almost everything you need without getting too far from the City Proper.

Dumaguete is fast rising an Economic Powerhouse in the Visayas with the Presence of at least a Dozen of Call Centers which employs thousands of Dumaguetenos and pours in Millions of Dollars into its City Economy. It is also a Tourism Powerhouse of the Philippines because it is among the Top 14 Places in the Philippines with the highest number of Tourist Register in 2009 and it is considered as an Academic Powerhouse in the Country as it boasts 4 Large Universities and dozens of Academic Institutions in the City.

Silliman University was regarded as one of the Best Universities in the Philippines. St. Paul's University Dumaguete, Negros Oriental State University and Foundation University all contribute to the success of Dumaguete as a City.

Dumaguete: The City of Gentle People

Dumaguete is Located at the Province of Negros Oriental in the Island of Negros. It is the Province's Capital and it is known as the "University Town" because at it's size, approximately 35SqK, it is Home to Some of the Philippines Most Prestigious Universities - Silliman University and St. Paul's University Dumaguete. It is also home to the Foundation University and the Negros Oriental State University.

Dumaguete is the kind of place wherein you wanted to have a simple retreat from the rustic Metropolitan life. Enjoy the sumptuous meals from the different restaurants scattered all over the city, a breath of fresh air while walking on the Ambient Rizal Boulevard, or simply rent a motorcycle and drive around the city to see its beauty and the not-so-ordinary things that you can find.

Watch out for the full review about DUMAGUETE City soon...

The Sugar Sweet City of Bacolod ... More than Your USUAL EXPECTATIONS ...

Bacolod City, Philippines is Located at the Heart of the Visayas in the Island of Negros and is the Capital City of the Province of Negros Occidental. A Highly Urbanized City with a Population of More than 500,000 friendly and charming people.

Bacolod City is known to many as the Sugar City and the City of Smiles. It is also famous for its Mouth Watering Authentic Chicken Inasal and of course, what would a Sugar City be without its Sweet Delicacies and few of its famous "Sweet Pleasures" were the Piaya or a Round Flat Cake with a Muscovado or Flavoured Jam Filling, the Creamy Caramel Tarts (but now, a wide selection of flavors are available), the Barquillos or a Toasted Egg Dough rolled like a Pipe and the most YUMMYLICIOUS of them all (as my personal favourite) is the NAPOLEONES of course by ROLI's Bakeshop. But that should come out later in my review.

Bacolod City is also the Home of the World Famous Masskara Festival which brought home Honor and Recognition not only to the City of Smiles but also for every Filipinos to be proud of. Masskara Festival is held every 1st Day of October until the Sunday which will fall nearest October 19 to commemorate the City's Charter Anniversary.

It is also Host to other Major Festivals such as the Chinese New Year Celebration through the BACOLAODIAT Festival which is held Every February. Bacolaodiat Festival is now gaining Popularity among Chinese tourist and is fast becoming as a Tourist Event in Bacolod.

The Mother of all Festivals, The PANA-AD sa Negros Festival is also a Major Tourist Attraction not only in the City of Smiles but for the whole Negros Occidental Province. It Showcases all 13 Cities and 19 Municipalities of Negros Occidental. It is held every Last Week of March OR 1st Week of April (it depends on what date the Holy Week will be celebrated) usually Before or After Holy Week.

Pana-ad sa Negros is A Grand Festival that Highlights Every Town and Cities of the Province with their Indigenous Products and Specialty Produce. It also Shows the Colourful Charaters of every Negrenses through its Festival Presentations. And Through Pana-ad Festival, you can quickly TRAVEL (literally through the PANA-AD PARK) the Whole Province through the City or Town Booth especially Made to distinguish the Unique Characteristic of the Specific Town or City.

The Pana-ad Park is like a "MINI Negros Occidental" rolled into once place. Where once can have a quick Glance of what the Whole Province has to offer with her Visitors. The Pana-ad Park is Located at the Pana-ad Sports Complex in Bgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City. It is over 50 Hectares of  Property wherein WORLD CLASS SPORTS FACILITY are also present. The Football Stadium, The Olympic Sized Swimming Pool, A Basketball Court, A Lawn Tennis Court, etc etc. The Whole Complex is covered with towering "Eucalyptus Trees" therefore giving it a cool and relaxing ambience.

A New Festival is also fast gaining foothold in Bacolod. Held every May, the INASAL FESTIVAL is the Newest Addition to Bacolod's Colourful Festivals. It showcases the Authentic Delicacy of Bacolod which is the Chicken Inasal wherein Bacolod is Famous. Tender Juicy Char Roasted Chicken cooked into Perfection with the Perfect blending of spices that produces the best tasting chicken inasal. Your Visit to Bacolod wouldnt be perfect without having a chicken inasal either for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner.

Visitors will not be disappointed with Bacolod when it comes to Dining. For everyone's information, Bacolenos are very Discriminating when it comes to Palate. As evidence to a Bacolenos discriminating taste were the Best Restaurants mushrooming all over the City. East - West - North - South - They are everywhere.

For the Shoppaholics, you will be delighted to know that Bacolod hosts a lot of Shopping Malls. There is SM City Bacolod, Robonson's Place Bacolod and Gaisano City Bacolod. You can also stroll around 888 Mall, The Plaza Mart City Mall - The Oldest Existing Shopping Mall in Western Visayas, Lopue's Department Stores - The Oldest Department Store in Western Visayas and the List goes on.

Even before, Bacolenos love to shop, dine and party! And Bacolod is the Party Place to be. The Goldenfields is Probably one of the Oldest Entertainment Complex in the Visayas - Mindanao. It Boasts of the Biggest Discotheque in the Region, the Quorum Disco. It also has a Casino - The Pagcor Hotel and Casino and a lot of Bars and Clubs. The MO2 Club in Goldenfields is probably the most well known hang-out place for the Bacolenos.

The Goldenfields also boasts of the Oldest Existing Bowling Complex in the Region, A Modern ResoTel - The Carribean Water Park and Hotel, Italin Fine Dining - Carlo Ristorante Italiano, Comedy Bars and a whole lot more.

For The Party Hoppers, you can also visit other Party Places in the City. MO2 Ice in Mandalagan, Mu Shu Bar in 19th Lacson St., Club Sibeeria in Terra Dolce at Shopping Complex, Club Ibiza @ Metrodome, The Wave Lounge at the Downtown Area, East Block, Sorrento, Club North and a Lot more!

After Partying, relax, chill, have a Coffee at Starbucks or Cafe Bob's, Kuppa or Gloria Jeans. Or you can kill time at McDonald's Lacson.

There is a lot Bacolod can offer and THAT IS WHAT I WILL BE BLOGGING NEXT...


Sugar Fairy

This is Sugar Fairy Blogging In ...

Hello Guys!!!

This is Sugar Fairy and I am now officially blogging my Adventures and Misadventures...

On this blog, you will find some interesting articles about Me and my escapades be it with the places I have Visited, I am Visiting and I will be planning to Visit...

You can also get a glimpse on my everyday life -- my family, my friends, my work and my hobbies and everything under the sun...

As a Primer to my Blog, I will soon be Posting my Adventures and my Experiences in the Philippine's most well know Summer Getaways -- Boracay, Panglao and Cebu!

This is your Ultimate Guide in Travel, Lifestyle, Fashion, Gastronomic Pleasures, Entertainment and Politics ... all rolled into ONE BLOG!

For the Month of January, you will be delighted with Reviews from the following getaways in the Philippines including The Sugar City of Smiles - Bacolod; The Gastronomical City of Iloilo; The Genteel City of Dumaguete; The Seafood Galore in Roxas and The Old Charm of Siquijor...

You will also be Treated with Bacolod City's Sugar Sweet Delicacies for your Pasalubong Guide and orient you to Negros Occidental's Colourful Festivals for the rest of the Year 2010!

SUGAR ESCAPADES promises to deliver you the Best and Unbiased Reviews and only the Freshest Information and Lots of Pictures for your Visual Treat!

This is Very Exciting for me as this will be my Official Blogsite for my Adventures and Misadventures in Life!

WELCOME to SUGAR ESCAPADES and I Hope You Will Enjoy my Blogs...

Sugar Fairy :)