I was thinking of one of the restaurant ins Negros where I could bring my wife if we had a chance to visit our hometown this December I am sure there is a lot of it in Bacolod I could not even finished it if I will only have two weeks to stay.

But I remember my Lolo Rudy the brother of my grandfather who living with his family in Canada right now. Every time he will visit Philippines and have a chance to visit Negros he will always ask to have our lunch in El’Ideal in Silay City.

El Ideal Bakery and Restaurant on Rizal Street, Silay City is one of the oldest restaurant in Silay or in Negros Occidental famous according to other for guapple pies buko pies and assorted delicacies but for me I really love the they cook their pancit and siopao. I am not sure if they are still serving foods besides breads because the last time I visited and able to east in El Ideal was way back in 2001 almost 8 years ago.

I will never forget my lolo Rudy will order lomi and pancit way back then but I never had a chance to be with thedm when he visited Negros last year. But for me if I will have a chance to vist Negros Again because I have a chance to pass El ideal Bakery and Restaurant in Silay on my way to Sagay City. But I am not sure because Negros airport was transferred to Silay already I am not sure if I could be able to pass El Ideal again

My cousin Helen sent me some photos of the Panaad Park and Stadium with her sister Honey Lyn and our ever beautiful Aunt Marissa through during the Panaad Festival last week. When I saw those pictures, they reminded me of those times when I would always be there. Every festivity such as the early provincial sport events, rescue olympic events and the like, most of the local government from the province have always participated. It was when I was still a part of the Medical Support Team (Medic) of Sagay City Health Office.

Panaad sa Negros is a “Mother of All Festivals” In the “Sugar capital of the Philippines” in Negros Occidental. This festival started in 1993 as a thanksgiving celebration for the good life in Negros. It features 32 festivals from every 13 cities and 19 towns in the province. The festival showcases Negros cities and its towns’ history, culture, trade, agriculture, tourism and other industries. Venue has always been at Barangay Mansilingan in the “City of Smile,” also known as Bacolod City.

“Festival of Festivals” is celebrated from April 26 and end up last May 3, 2008 where this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival, on its 15th year were focused more on showcasing the best of Negrense history and culture through its songs and dances, aside from its arts, sports, products and tourism destinations. Each local government is provided a booth to decorate and open to the public with the display of history and culture, native products including food, among others. With its annual celebration, there is also the  “Best of Festival Dances” competition during the first day. It seems that each year is more meaningful than the previous year because of the research on historical roots and production.

Search for Lin-ay sang Negros 2008 (Miss Negros 2008) and other minor and major competitions such as Pop Idol, Banda Diri, Banda Didto - elementary and secondary levels, Latin Dance Competition, Pop Dance Showdown, Panaad Livelihood Skills Olympics, On-the-Spot Painting Contest, songwriting competition, folk dance showcasing the Negrense dances, Composo and among others were also held during the festivity. 

I really miss those times.  One more thing I will never forget is when my last girl friend first visited me in Negros Occidental. Even though her family’s roots were also from Negros, she was raised for most of her life in Manila and the Panaad Stadium was the very first place where I brought her along to see. And that’s the last time I visited the place for more than 8 years now. My girl friend and I never had a chance to see and visit the place again how I wish to let her see the place now that are married.

Some places draw special memories. L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines is one example. It was in this hotel when I met my future in-laws in 2001 as they are also based in Negros Occidental. Although I came from the same province, I’ve been based in Manila since College. This is why Kit and I used to have a long-distance relationship because he used to work in this province back then.

I still remember how we met. I was actually on fieldwork in Bacolod. In between the job, Kit suggested that it was time to meet his parents, sister and other relatives. They were the one who fetch me from the airport and took me to the hotel. We then had lunch but  my in-laws left dinnertime for me and Kit alone. That’s how understanding they are. 
Fast forward to the present, I still smile whenever I happen to bump into this hotel whether actual or through the internet. It will always be special to me.