Bacolod, City of Smiles
As the plane taxied down the Bacolod Airport runaway I thought, What am I doing here? I had the urge to fly right back to Manila and sleep in my own bed. Three months ago I resigned from my Advertising-Media job, and envisioned this trip as a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-thing as I get away from it all. Which is why I only had one reservation: Pension Bacolod, which was the city's best budget hotel according to Lonely Planet.
At the terminal, I was still lucky in my taxis because the driver gave me a discount from the usual horrendous airport fee. He said it was because I was guapa which meant pretty in Ilonggo. My spirits lifted somewhat.
The first thing I did when I arrived at the pension was check my reserved room (fan, no bath), and realized at once I needed a change.
Three hours later, I was finally walking towards the Provincial Capitol. Through serendipity, I passed this charming little cafe that was featured in Cosmo Philippines and I just had to stop to have brunch. The hype did not disappoint as the food was yummy, and the menu featured a cast of characters who shared their home recipes to the cafe -- Millie, Lola (grandma) Celsa, Tita (aunt) Nene, Tito Ed, etc. Then I just had to stop by the ANP Gift Center a block away where I bought a necklace and a pair of earrings. There were other really beautiful accessories made of shells, crystals and pearls, but were too expensive for me and something I couldn't bring on my trip.
