This Week in Bacolod (February 22 to 28, 2016)

For the week’s weather forecast, a minimum temperature of 30°C and a maximum of 33°C will be experienced over the city. Isolated rainshowers are expected on Wednesday (Feb. 24) and Thursday (Feb. 25) and thunderstorms on Saturday (Feb. 27) and Sunday (Feb. 28). Sunny weather will prevail during the other days of the week.

Locals and tourists alike must not miss to try Cansi or Kansi, Bacolod’s version of Bulalo (beef shank soup). Cansi is a piping hot bowl of bone marrow soup with a special ingredient called batuan that gives it a very delicious sour taste. It comes with the customary utok (Negrense word for utak or bone marrow) that is the best bit of the dish. It can be enjoyed in well-known restaurants, Sharyn’s Cansi House and Eron’s Cansi House, both located along Narra Avenue at the far end of 6th street, in the vicinity of Capitol Shopping Center, Bacolod City.

This fruit of the month surely brings back childhood memories to many Negrenses. Caimito (star apple) is round or oblate, either purple-red, dark purple, or pale green in color, has smooth and glossy skin, and has soft, milky sweet gelatinous pulp surrounding the seeds. It is rich in vitamin A, which is very good for the eyes, and a good source of fiber, which can help overcome constipation. The fruit is abundant in public markets and roadside vendors at Php30 to Php40 per kilo (with 7 to 8 fruits).

Many different kinds of sweet pasalubong* delights can be bought in the City of Smile. The must-buy, all-time favorite luscious treats include piaya, napoleones, butterscotch, barquillos, biscocho, and an assorted selection of tarts and cookies. These pasalubong are available at Margies Cakes & Pasties, Bongbong’s, Merzci Pasalubong, Virgie’s Homemade Products and even at the racks of local groceries and malls.

NorthWest Inn Hotel at Rizal-Mabini Street, Bacolod City offers the Everyday Promo Rates. The deal is available at Php1, 090 per night, in a deluxe room, single or double occupancy, with free breakfast included. NorthWest Inn may be reached at (+63) 34 434 8881/ (+63) 34 434 4077. The promo lasts until Feb. 29.

* anything bought by travelers in the places they visit and bring back to their loved ones when they get home