It's more fun in Negros.

*NOTE: This post will be pretty text heavy. Apologies for the lack of pictures.

This entry just serves as a kind of bonus to my entry about Silay since it's only a 25-minute drive to Bacolod, and only a 10-minute drive to Talisay.

Lacson Ruins in Talisay

Why would you go to either you ask?

Because it's more fun in Negros. No but seriously...

Like I said before, Silay is more low-key and has managed to escape the invasion of Starbucks and company. But should you crave a little bit of corporate America or just a few good places to shop you can get your fix at Talisay or Bacolod.

Ayala North in Talisay is a shopping mall, which I prefer to Robinson’s in Bacolod, because it is less crowded. It has a lot of nice boutique shops with some famous brands. The supermarket is incredible because it has pretty much everything under the sun that you could wish for. It even has almond butter!

There is a small promenade area that looks like a mini version of Fort Bonifacio’s Strip. There are several restaurants (don’t ever go to the Italian one or Bob’s, the service is terrible) and they have free Zumba classes in the evening.

If you are in the area you must must MUST go to Felicia’s for the chocolate cake and the Sans Rival. Sans Rival is so good that I ate so much of it last Christmas that I was sick… and I would still do it again. You will thank me for eternity for this tip trust me. Calea which is opposite Felicia’s also has a wonderful selection of cakes, but it’s their Mud Pie that outshines the rest.

A visit to Talisay should also include a stop at the Lacson Ruins. One of the best preserved ruins in the world, it was the home of a prestigious family that owned a sugarcane field. During WWII, the Americans set the house on fire to prevent the Japanese from using the house as their headquarters. Although the house burned for 3-days straight its cement skeleton remained as a reminder of the past.

Side entrance of the Lacson Ruins

Veranda of the Lacson Ruins

Bacolod has a lot more facilities, such as places to shop and nightlife. Head on down to Bacolod’s Art District at night for some cheap drinks in the hippest bars in town. For any fitness fanatics out there, Bacolod Crossfit is situated there so you can sign up for a trial workout if you dare.

One block down is a 24-hour spa called Spa Natura. It’s not bad at all. The massages are really good and very cheap.

But, the main reason why you should be going to Bacolod is to try the authentic Chicken inasal. If you have tried in places outside of Bacolod, I can pretty much assure you that’s not how it’s supposed to taste like. It’s a very specific blend of spices and it is the way that it is cooked that lends inasal its distinct but subtle taste.

You should go to Malaspina for the best. Chicken house used to be the top of the list but the quality went down as its popularity went up. Typical. However Malaspina is not a place with a nice ambiance. If you want something with a nicer ambiance and almost equally good taste you should go to Masskara Chicken Inasal... If not for the chicken, then at least for the following photo opp:

Posing with the Masskara masks at Masskara Chicken Inasal

For those of you who don't know what Chicken Inasal is, it's the local grilled chicken which tastes good. So so good.

Bacolod is also home to the famous Masskara festival. It takes place around every third weekend of October. Heard it’s loads of fun but you need to prep your livers for some heavy boozing.

There’s loads more Bacolod and Talisay have to offer but it’s easy to get around so you should discover them for yourself ;). I’m running behind on entries!