HILLS

Legends say that once upon a time, giants ruled the Kingdom of Negros.

After a fierce battle, the giants led by Ikugan were banished to this realm by the volcano god, Laon.

All that remains of these once powerful giants are haycock hills spread across the fertile land.

No, this is not Bohol. These are the Hinakpan Hills of Barangay Hinakpan, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

Keeping a watchful eye from a distance, Kanlaon Volcano guards what remains of these once-mighty rulers...

No two hills are alike.

Each different from the other.

A land full of promise and discovery. This is what Negros is all about.

WATERSHED

Flying high above the southern mountain range of Negros, you will come upon two adjacent bodies of water.

Surrounded by lush forests and dense vegetation, these watersheds are home to many endemic species of plant and animal life in the region.

Every shade of green can be seen mirroring the remnants of an old volcanic crater.

And giant ferns bring back the days of an untouched Eden.

Welcome to the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park.

Located in the town of Sibulan adjacent to Dumaguete City, the Twin Lakes never fail to cast a spell on visitors with its serene surroundings and cool climate.

Follow the trail that goes around the twin lakes,

Explore nature's gifts on boat,

or simply listen to the divine music of birds' love songs.

The rustic ambiance of the placid lakes will surely enchant you.

SANDBAR

Secrets abound in the island of Negros. Some of them are better kept as secrets, but others must be revealed to the world.





Manjuyod town in Negros Oriental is home to one joyful secret : a sandbar, in the middle of the sea, stretching as far as your eyes can see.

Low tide unveils the sugary white sandbar to the delight of sun worshippers... those who do not seek the protection of shade or shadow.

High tide magically transforms the place into one huge, crystal-clear swimming pool, stretching seven kilometers long.

Ahh, to frolic on the beach with friends...

Perfect for enjoying the view...

for running free, or chasing each other on the sand.

Quit wondering why, in its August 2007 issue, the widely circulated ISLANDS Magazine, a U.S. publication, has chosen Negros Oriental as one of the top 20 best places to live in the world.

TRANQUILITY

Renewal of spirit is essential,

especially in places found in dreams,

to once again fulfill the sacred rites,

of being one with the element,

in order to reawaken a tired life force once again.

Yearning for purpose and seeking out fate

in a world full of oppression, hate, injustice and greed.

And forever in pursuit of true friendship and unequivocal love.

God, what I would give for that.

DENIZENS

Off the coast of Bais City in Negros Oriental lies the playground of hundreds of dolphins who call these waters home. They are the denizens of the deep, frolicking near humans, sometimes doing a show worthy of ovation.

Some say dolphins are one of the smartest animals on the planet. Communication through language is inherent to them. For me, watching them in their natural habitat can be one of the most rewarding experiences.

While taking pictures, I noticed one dolphin breaking away from his pod and started to swim parallel to the boat, gliding gracefully through the waters as if part of it. "Come quick everyone, there is a dolphin underneath the boat."

This was not an unusual scene. Dolphins tend to swim near the boat and leave as abruptly as they enter. But this one seemed different. This dolphin was staying longer, quietly looking at all of us underneath Apollo's blazing sun.

"Why have you been following us for quite some time now?"

" Who is it you are seeking?"

"Is it I? What do you want?"

"Gaze upon me so that I may see into your spirit."

"Yes, I understand now..."

"Go forth! Oh, most gentle of creatures! Tell the Nereids I shall obey."

UNDERWORLD

One of the perks of being Hari ng Negros is that you receive invitations from all corners of Negros Island to judge any kind of event imaginable. Recently, I received an invitation from the Municipality of Mabinay in Negros Oriental to be a judge in their annual Bikini Fashion Show (another term for Bikini Open).

Mabinay is located right smack in the center of Negros. It is considered a "cave town" because of all the caves they have. As of the latest count, the tourism office of Mabinay has chronicled more than 200 caves within their municipality.

I accepted the invitation as this would be an opportune time to finally flirt with the underworld.

I decided to arrive hours before the event so to check out some of the caves in the area. We were booked at the Tirambulo Highland Resort in Barangay Paniabonan which is very close to the event venue. The resort has 5 man-made lakes surrounded by lush vegetation and greenery.

As if luck was not on our side, some of the models of the bikini fashion show were also at the same resort.

The Municipality granted my request for a cave tour before the show. Left to Right (Beam, spelunking specialist, Menchie, tourism officer of Mabinay, Mayor Piktoy Baldoza, Jeffrey Dasian, caving expert, Rowena Merto, fellow judge and tourism officer of Dumaguete, Dodong and mayor's son (forgot name)

The first cave we went to explore is the Baliw Cave. Baliw in the dialect means crazy. Before entering the caves, the tourism office of Mabinay makes sure you have all the proper equipments and they also read to you the Do's and Don'ts of caving.

Most of the caves in Mabinay are untouched yet. There are no lights, railings or walkways. Precaution has to be used always when going around.

Still inside Baliw cave, Beam shows us this interesting formation. It looks like ice.

The next cave we went inside is called the Crystal Cave. This one has a lot of interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Still inside the Crystal Cave.

Mambajo Cave was next. This cave has two entrance, one through the sunroof (Rappelling is the only way though this entrance)

Or through the underground river that flows inside the cave. Notice the children swimming in the underground river.

A very easy cave to explore is the Panligawan Cave....

...and the Pandalihan Cave. Overall the caving experience was fulfilling and tiring at the same time. I almost lost all my energy to be a judge that night.

LET THE SHOW BEGIN!

The candidates first come out with their jeans. This is actually the "teaser" segment.

Then they get wet from this shower coming out of the stamen of a flower. This portion is called "Wet and Wild". Organizers were very creative as usual.

Individual wet and wild showdowns.

This candidate attacked all the male judges before rushing back to the stage. I call this Revenge of the "puppies".

Now the group showdown enfolds.

Which candidate has the x-factor to "Give it all you got!"

Even though I was far from the volcano crater, things started to heat up Mabinay that night.

My chosen three became victorious as the champions. I went back to the resort very tired and the same time mesmerized by the great time I had exploring the underworld.