Kabankalan City, a city which is two hours south of Bacolod, will have its Sinulog sa Kabankalan Festival from January 12 to 21. In going there, motorists can expect lighter traffic in the new flyover in Bacolod South Road. On the other hand, food lovers can bring home a sweet local delicacy, or eat homemade cakes at a homegrown refreshment stand. Tourists and visitors can enjoy jam-packed events in Kabankalan City despite projected rains.
Sinulog Festival at Kabankalan
Dancers jumping and dancing in the streets of Kabankalan (Image: Joelyn Erasmo)
Kabankalan City will celebrate its 42nd Sinulog sa Kabankalan Festival. As part of the celebrations, a lot of events will be happening such as street dancing, Zumba and band performances, fireworks display, and Sinulog queen competition from January 12 to 21. The theme for this year’s festival is “Señor Sto. Niño, our guide towards continuous success, happiness and peace.” The festival is the city's version of the world-renowned Ati-Atihan Festival and is about giving honor to El Señor Sto. Niño.
Araneta-Magsaysay Flyover
The new Araneta-Magsaysay Flyover (Image: Writer)
South-bound motorists going to Kabankalan City can expect heavy traffic in Bacolod South Road . However, this will be lessened because the new Araneta-Magsaysay Flyover is now fully operational. The two-lane flyover was put up to lessen traffic conditions in an area where 40,000 vehicles pass by daily. When going to Kabankalan City, tourists are advised to travel as early as 5:00 AM to avoid road congestion.
Reegals
Reegals Refreshment, a favorite eating spot of locals in the south (Photo: Google Street View)
Reegals Refreshment is one of the go-to eating places which serves merienda (snacks) to locals in Southern Negros. Their menu includes freshly baked breads, homemade cakes, and local cuisine. Their best seller is a homemade moist cake layered with caramel which has many good reviews online. Starting out as a small cake shop in 1984, it has grown into one of the best refreshment stands in Kabankalan City. They have also expanded into new businesses under the same brand like Reegals Café and Reegals Vapeshop.
Balicaocao Highland Resort
The breathtaking view from Balicaocao Highland Resort (Image: Writer)
Locals and tourists can visit Balicaocao Highland Resort for to enjoy a nice view under the shade of the trees. The resort stands more than 500 ft. above sea level, giving tourists a scenic view of the mountains, trees, and the coastal communities of southern Negros. It is an ideal picnic place for family and friends, and also a good dating place for couples. Facilities include a grilling area, a swimming pool, and a zip line. Entrance fee is at PhP25.
Kalamayhati
Traditional kalamayhati is stored inside a coconut shell (Image: Writer)
Kalamayhati is a sweet delight made of ground sticky rice, muscovado sugar, and coconut milk, and sometimes sesame seeds. Kalamayhati is a native rice-based delicacy which is brownish in color. The name of the dish comes from the word kalamay which means sugar, and hati which means half because the coconut shell container needs to be split in half for it to be opened.
Kalamayhati can be bought in plastic containers at the local market of Kabankalan City. Prices range from PhP10 to PhP30.
Sinulog sa Kabankalan events
Full event schedule of Sinulog sa Kabankalan (Image: Sinulog sa Kabankalan 2018)
Events and band performances from local performers will be held nightly in the city for the Sinulog sa Kabankalan Festival. The final competition of Kabankalan’s Got Talent will be held this January 15, 5:00 PM at Kabankalan City Public Plaza. There will also be a float display competition on January 17 and a dance competition on January 20, among other events.
The highlight event of this week will be a variety show featuring Tony Labrusca and Ysabel Ortega with Filipino Synco-pop/alternative rock band Gracenote. The show will be held on January 21, 2018, 8:00 PM at Kabankalan City Public Plaza.
Rainy weekend for Sinulog
Dark skies herald rain this week in Negros. (Image: Writer)
It will be a rainy weekend for the Sinulog sa Kabankalan Festival. The weather forecast includes showers and thunderstorms throughout the week. Temperatures will range from 23 °C to 31 °C. It is recommended for tourists and visitors to bring an umbrella or wear a jacket.
