Aside from the historical landmarks that one ought to visit when in Bacolod, there are also several other Bacolod destinations that can help one have a really good holiday. The beaches in Bacolod are beautiful and cater to a lot of water sports but aside from these there are other Bacolod destinations that are simply too enticing to pass on.
If it sounds familiar, it’s because the Bacolod destination of Sipalay Beach is very well known. From Bacolod City, getting to Sipalay Beach entails a short jeepney ride and one can even ask a tricycle to bring one there. Because this Bacolod destination is just a short distance from the city itself, it’s not just tourists who frequent this area, locals also spend weekends here to unwind. Sipalay Beach is in Sipalay town and once there, one will realize that it’s not just one beach that one is going to but several stretching for kilometers on end. The waters of Sipalay Beach are pristine and there is a diverse marine life that is any diver’s dream. One does not have to take up diving lessons though and become a certified diver to be able to enjoy the marine life, snorkeling is an option. This Bacolod destination is very convenient for those who feel that one day is not enough time spent at the beach because there are several small resorts there where one can spend a night or two. The cottages that offer lodging at Sipalay Beach are well maintained and they have good facilities so one never feels that the modern necessities are amiss. Another good thing about the resorts at this Bacolod destination is that they equipment for rent for water sports such as snorkeling and diving.
The other name for Sipaway Island is Refugio Island but no matter what name one decides to call it, this is also good Bacolod destination if one wants to spend a day or two at the beach. The attraction to Sipaway Island lies in the many activities that can be done at this Bacolod destination including several water sports. While there, take time to ask about the Sipaway Island legends and visit the several centuries old Balete tree which is where most of the stories started. Among the things that are on Sipaway Island are recreational facilities, a couple of resorts and a wharf. The inhabitants of Sipaway Island are also very warm and friendly and speak a little English so feel free to ask them what life is like on the island.
Celebration of life and all the blessings received are the central themes of Samar festivals and for those who like watching Filipino merrymaking, nothing compares to how the inhabitants of this region celebrate. It is said that the best of all the Samar festivals are held mid year, in between the start of the summer in March until the rainy season August.
Some Samar festivals are confined to certain towns but the Embajada Festival is something that is celebrated by the entire province albeit at different dates. The very first towns that celebrate Embajada Festival right after New Year, in January, are Catubig and Laoang. Similar to a domino effect, the nearby towns follow and come mid June, this Samar festival would have reached Catarman. The Moro-Moros, an indigenous group in Samar is said to be the first Filipinos ever to celebrate the Embajada Festival and being a tradition, they have been celebrating it for centuries.
This Samar festival depicts a time in history when conflict prevailed between the Moro-Moros and the Spaniards although nowadays it is presented in a comical fashion. During the Embajada Festival, street dancing is common and there’s always the delicious array of food served in the town center as night sets in. The Moro-Moros themselves take part in the Embajada Festival and this Samar festival is also a good opportunity to learn so much about one of the oldest tribes in Samar.
The main source of livelihood of the inhabitants of Samar is farming and harvesting is something that is celebrated, being considered by the locals as a time of abundance and blessing. The Parayang Harvest Festival is just one of the few festivities that center on harvest but this Samar festival is primarily held in the town of San Roque. The Parayang Harvest Festival is a day filled with celebration with several contests being held throughout the day such as cooking competitions and beauty pageants.
There’s also street dancing during the Parayang Harvest Festival where both young and old practice both modern and traditional dances prior to the event. There are of course prizes given out to winners of these competitions and at the end of the Parayang Harvest Festival, families and friends gather to enjoy a sumptuous feast together. The Parayang Harvest Festival is so much a part of Filipino tradition having been celebrated for a little over a century now.