Negros Oriental - Land of the Gentle People

Negros Oriental (or “Oriental Negros” as some may call it), is a province located in the Central Visayas (Region VII). When you look at a map of the Philippines, Negros Island can be easily spotted as it is the only one that looks like a sock. However, in most cases, when “Negros” is being talked about, people pretty much assume that it is Negros Occidental. Actually, Negros is divided into two provinces - Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental whereas Negros Occidental has Bacolod City as its capital, Negros Oriental has Dumaguete City. Negros Oriental’s capital is known as the “City of Gentle People” mainly due to its hospitable and kind inhabitants. Of course, the whole country is known for the trademark hospitality, but Dumaguete City pretty much stands out from the rest.

Aside from being known as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete is also known as a “University Town” as the rather quaint city has a number of colleges and universities, one of which is the well-known Silliman University. The said university is the first Protestant school in the Philippines, and the oldest American university in the whole of Asia. It also holds the distinction of becoming one of the 30 private higher institutions that have been granted autonomy by CHED (Commission on Higher Education) in the Philippines.

Negros Oriental not only boasts of its great educational atmosphere, but also of its lush forests, mountains, and beautiful and unexploited beaches. There are a lot of all over the province, and these are located in the towns and localities that compose the province. In fact, one of the tourist spots is the white sand beaches of that are usually coupled with trips that allow the tourists to watch dolphins along the strait.

The province’s climate is between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius all the year round, and the wet season is from June to November. Since Negros island is located to the West, Negros Oriental stays protected from the numerous typhoons that traverse the country every year. Although not widely publicized, Negros Oriental holds some of the some alluring and relaxing nature sights in the country. Some of these include the Casaroro Falls, which is a tall waterfall amid a lush virgin forest. It is a good place for the young and old who love good climbs and exhilarating views. Another place to visit is the twin lakes, Balinsasayaw and Danao. This place is good for the more adventurous people who want to go trekking. The lakes are serene and have fish stock, and are surrounded by giant ferns and greenery with breathtaking sceneries. The annual festival of Buglasan is the province pride with fireworks display and an all night partying. If you want a fine relaxing time, there is definitely no other place like Negros Oriental.

More information about the province, its many other sights and scenery, projects such as Walang Iwanan sa Bayan ni Juan that go hand in hand in promoting the Philippines for tourism will be able to provide you with more than just the basics. This is in line with the campaign to boost tourism, with the motto “Tourism Pinas 2009“. Start with Negros Oriental, and one will see that it is the best way to Experience Philippines.

View the Department of Tourism Video on Central Visayas and capture its breathtaking sceneries of nature below.

This article was prepared by a graduate of Silliman University Lorselle Ann Tecson with the recommendation of another Silliman University graduate who is now in California preparing to take the Nursing Board Review Ezrah Lasola.

Christmas Season in the Philippines is not the one to miss. It is by far the most celebrated of all festivities in the country. As early as the BER months of September, October and November, Christmas music can be heard sporadically played in every busy streets of Metro Manila especially in the malls, department stores, radio stations or any business establishment. But one of the signs that Christmas is around the corner is the Parol or Christmas Lanterns. As early as December 1, people hang their lanterns already, but traditionally it starts at December 16 during which starts also the Misa de Gallos and the street caroling by groups or individual people of all ages, hopping from one house to another.

-History-

During the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger, there was a shining star that shined so bright and was followed by the shepherds and 3 Kings. The parol now symbolizes that bright star in houses. The word parol came from the Spanish word lantern and according to history archives in the Philippines, the parol was first introduced by the Spanish from the traditional Mexican Pinata (traditionally from Italy to Spain went to Mexico and brought by the Spaniards who spread Christianity in the Philippines). According also from the archives, the parol was used to light the way to churches for the Misas de Aguinaldo. The early church also played a big part in the encouragement of parol making in the Philippines. The Spanish priests encouraged the locals to display these lanterns hanging on their window houses with incentives.

Theres no greater symbol, mascot or whatever one might call it but it really does symbolizes the true spirit of the Filipinos who celebrate the Christmas season. A star shaped ornament made out of bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, crepe paper and a candle or coconut oil for illumination (traditional style). The present day parols are made out of glorious lighting with a more sophisticated and modern materials. All over the country and especially in the cities such as Metro Manila, spectacular lightings can be found in houses with parols as the main symbol. Some has as big as a 20 foot tall ornament with beautiful illuminated lights or some has even has kaleidescope of neon lights wrap around it. To view the peak of its beauty with glorious and modern craftsmanship, one has to travel around Metro Manila at night.

I don’t really know what kind of magic the Christmas Season brings into our lives but what I do know that it changes a lot with its time of sharing, a time of happiness for the children and old alike, a time of no fighting, a time of giving and almost everything good that comes from our hearts.

Article Contributed by Michelle Cortez-Carvalho of Etc-Atbp