Bascon Café: Your Own Little Place

When I was younger, I used to dream about cafes in Europe, small and cozy with some outdoor chairs and tables for some who'd like to stay out there. :) There has always been such a romantic and homey feel to it.

they've got a high chair for your baby too! :)

The closest one to this, that I have found, is Bascon Cafe (along C. L. Montelibano Street, which is their original branch). The moment you step inside the glass door, everything is about 3 to 5 steps away from each other. This is what I like about the place. It is a quaint little place where I can have my pasta, salad, and iced tea without the noise and the stress.

I've always been picky when it comes to pesto pasta, and this is one of the two places that I would like to have some. They also have many desserts ranging from bite size ones such as cupcakes and muffins, to mini cakes, and regular sized cakes. My favorites are still their lemon meringue pie and their natilla. They make excellent cinnamon rolls too – my favorite is the orginial one and blueberry – it goes very well with coffee!

Their other branch (the one along Lacson Street) opens at 6:00am in time for breakfast. They serve traditional Filipino breakfast and international ones as well. From time to time, they have new additions to their menu and it makes it something to look forward to. Bascon Café has really nice staff – very friendly and accommodating. It's not for anything, but I still love going to their original branch. It has a homier feel for me.
Plus, the staff there is always very pleasant. Looking from the sidelines, you can see them smile and serve as though they just want to do it. It adds to the nice ambience of the place.

Celebrating 112 Years of Independence

After being under the rule of Spain for 333 years, and then America for another 48 years, and then Japan for about 3 years; it would be understandable how the people thirsted for independence. 

Thus, the Independence Day.

Today, June 12, 2010, the Philippines is celebrating their Independence Day, freedom for 112 years, and just as any other country, it is still learning and growing as a nation.

The country celebrated having its 15^th President proclaimed just 3 days before its Independence Day, along with the newly-elected Vice President. :)

Meanwhile, the 112^th Independence Day celebration of Bacolod included a parade around 1:00 in the afternoon, on which the highlight was the human flag – formed by government employees of the city.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio "Bing" Leonardia, together with the other newly-elected officials graced the event with their presence, celebrating Independence Day in Bacolod -- 112 years of Philippine Independence.  

Korean nationals getting a glimpse of Filipino customs
photos courtesy of: Owen S. Bayog

Afterwards, it was back to business as usual...

photo courtesy of: http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x260/byron1789/PFwave.jpg

God Bless the Philippines! :)

Spa By the Sea Resort (Talisay City)

Have you ever experienced that moment when you just want to go to a place that isn't hustling and bustling with people?

Have you ever wished there was a place where you can unwind (which isn't a bar) within the city?

I did too. And that's when I found

Spa by the Sea Resort

in Talisay City (a resort owned by the Hernaez's).

the bridge over the big pond
to the cottage by the sea

As the name implies, it is both a spa and a resort. Just a few blocks from the highway (Bacolod-Silay), you'll be surprised how tranquil it can be – not a single sound of busy vehicles!

The Spa by the Sea has a restaurant where we ordered mixed seafood, grilled bangus (milkfish), mixed vegetables, and rice. They have a grill available for use, by the huts, so we brought porkchops and grilled them there. We brought a cake for our dessert; and we also brought a cooler with our drinks and ice.

grilling behind a "palm curtain" :)

Although the resort's staff were kind enough to give us some ice, we didn't want to use up all their supply – after all, they do have other guests too. :)

We went there on a Saturday and there were only three groups there.  One was us (the noisiest!), the second was a large group (a big family), and the third was a group of people for a wedding.

got a shot of the wedding's behind the scenes moments
(don't know who they are, though)

It was calm and peaceful, but not boring.

Lunch was great! Afterwards, we spent the time sitting, talking, taking pictures, laughing – just pure fun under the sun!
After a while the pool was becoming more and more irresistible – but we didn't bring any swimwear... :(

the resort's infinity pool

nice for photo ops too!

Relaxing in the huts was so great that I was already contemplating another trip there.

The resort was simply designed: colorful flags by the seawall, little Mexican figurines on some corners of the resort, clay jars lined along the pathway that light up at night, etc...

Considering an overnight stay was tempting too – but we couldn't. Too many obligations waiting for us at our homes. :(    Perhaps next time.

Their rooms were at 1,300 pesos (and can accommodate 3 or more people; more than 3, the extra people will each be charged 250 pesos). Rooms are air conditioned and well kept. They also offer spa services in your room until 7:30pm.  A great deal for group trips. :) 

wanna take a dip?

what a wonderful world, isn't it?

The sunset was serene and tranquil that afternoon,  I guess it was the perfect close to a fun-filled afternoon by the sea.
Until next time...