5 Things You Need to do Before Buying a House and Lot for Sale in Bacolod

The “City of Smiles” is a highly urbanized capital, communication, trade and service center of the province of Negros Occidental. There are several amusing reasons to buy a house and lot for sale in Bacolod but before you do so, you should first learn the basics on how to be a true blue Bacolodnon.

Embark on a Chicken Inasal Foodventure

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One does not go to Bacolod City without having a bite of its famous chicken inasal dish. There are three claimed inasal houses that offer the best charcoal grilled chicken with a tang of vinegar.

Aida’s is a simple diner that is always packed due to its scrumptious authentic chicken inasal taste. The marinade is just up to the bone. It’s located in Fr. M. Ferrero St., Nenas Rose II. Bestsellers of Aida’s include atay (P35), isol (P65) and pakpak (P65). Nena’s Beth is Aida’s direct competitor when it comes to selling pecho, paa and isol. The restaurants will both serve you with great food at a affordable prices.

Inasal & Co., on the other hand, is the newest inasal house located at Goldenfield’s. where you can enjoy paa, pecho, baticolon and bul-o and they’re spicy chicken inasal.

This well-known dish has been a staple in almost every restaurant in Bacolod.

Try the City’s Best Cake Shops

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Calea’s

(Facebook / Felicia’s Pastry Shop)

Felicia’s

The city is also dubbed as the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines” because of its massive sugar milling industry and also because of its appetizing sweet treats. Aside from Piaya, Napoleones and Pinasugbo, their heavenly cakes are also to be reckoned with. Calea’s roster of delectable cakes includes white chocolate cheesecake with raspberry sauce, divine chocolate cake and nutty sansrival. Prices start at P85 pesos per slice.

Felicia’s has grown from a humble little bakeshop into one of the most sought-after food destinations in Bacolod. Chocolate cakes, Boston cream, and blueberry cheesecakes are just some of their blockbuster choices. The prices are at P105 per piece.

These two bakeshops are the most visited cake stores in the metropolis. Get ready to have your sweet tooth smothered with sweet love!

Go on an artistic journey

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Art District is Bacolod’s one-stop shop which features a gallery, a café and restaurants. If you’re craving for a laid-back night in the city of Bacolod, this is your go-to. It’s best visited during the night when lights illuminate its busy streets. You can find it at Santa Clara Avenue.

Get your Adrenaline Rush at Campuestohan

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Campuestohan is the best theme park resort in Bacolod City. It’s the perfect getaway for those who enjoy the cool atmosphere of nature and is also a gourmet haven for food connoisseurs. Have your dose of adrenaline with activities like zipline, rope course, sky bicycle and hamster wheel among many others. You can enjoy all of these physical quests with the view of the scenic Mt. Makawili at a distance.

Conquer the Seven Falls of Mambukal

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Mambukal is endowed with exceptionally winsome natural features. A big mountain stream descends in a series of seven exquisite waterfalls and feeds the water holes and the boating lagoon. The resort is a fusion of man-made and natural attractions which serves as a gateway to the panoramic Mt. Kanlaon. Its stunning rock formations and lush forest make it the ultimate summer destination in the metropolis. They also offer wellness services and affordable lodging rates.

Now that you have these as your guide to living like a Bacolod local, you can now purchase that house and lot for sale in Bacolod where a cultural, gastronomic, leisurely life awaits you!

Why is The Philippines A Place to Spend Retirement Days?

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"What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?” familiar with this riddle about man growing old? More than generally about starting to crawl, then walk, then eventually needing a crutch, it generally depicts how humans grow having various set of needs in each stage of life.

And as man approaches the evening in his life, he will need a place to settle. It is a place which he can call his own like an affordable house in a sub-urban community like General Trias, Cavite. But what is there to find in the Philippine archipelago that makes it a good consideration where to settle especially for elderly individuals?

First, Philippines is listed in the top 25 best countries to retire for it has a low cost of living. The amount you will be paying varies specifically on the location you choose. The amount of money you saved from years of work could be a good start-up to find a better place to live in the Philippines. Furthermore, numbeo.com reported that the cost of living in the Philippines is 51.68% lower than in United States. Take this as an example: an apartment with the inclusion of the basic pay for electricity and water only costs a monthly average of Php 3, 613 in the Philippines. It is lower than the average Php 6,841 (converted from 174.54$) in the United States. So, if you have Php 150,000 allotted for apartment rent, you can have another twenty months to save if you are living in the Philippines. 

Moreover, beyond the innovations happening in the country’s cities, it still has a number of untouched communities. You can freely choose from urban, sub-urban or rural living all depending on how you would like to enjoy retirement.  If you want to experience the comfort of living in a peaceful area away from the busy cities, rural communities in the Philippines can always welcome you. There are distant provinces and towns in the Philippines where you would spend long hours in travel to reach from Manila. On the other hand if you enjoy the fast-paced life in the city, there are also a lot of developing urban communities to embrace you. What do you think of living in a condominium unit? If you are the kind of person who enjoys the busy city and finds comfort on a peaceful place, sub-urban living is for you. It offers you access to both urban and rural lifestyle and there are a lot of affordable houses in sub-urban communities like General Trias, Cavite where comfortable and peaceful living is just a decision away.

In addition, the Philippines has number of beautiful places to visit. There are a lot of natural wonders to explore, and as the food and transportation costs here are lower—exploring the whole country is possible.

Retirement days are special. They indicate new beginnings, and finding a new place to spend these days is a chance to further explore and enjoy life.

How to be a Financially and Socially Responsible Condo Unit Owner in The Philippines

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Living in a Davao condominium property for sale is a commitment, financially and socially. You are given the privilege to the condominium property’s amenities as well as to its accessibility to different necessities like market, school, and transportation hubs.

However, every privilege an individual could enjoy living in a Davao condominium is equivalent to certain responsibilities he should commit to: financial and social responsibilities.

Financial responsibility includes all the payments an individual needs to settle before and while living in a condominium property. Keep the following in mind:

Price range differs according to the location.

The price of the condominium property in Davao is different from those urban cities in theNational Capital Region (NCR). In addition, cost of living in Davao is 15.80% lower than in Manila. (Numbeo.com)

Know what association dues is…

Association dues is the monthly payment tenants have to pay. Association dues contributes to the operational expenses of the property such as the repair and maintenance of swimming pool, playground, gym and other amenities. It also contributes to keeping the property safe and secured.

…and the other fees as well.

Other fees include connection charges for utilities and parking fees. As there are specific contracts for each different developer, make sure that you have made communication with them regarding this. Know the expenses included and excluded from your association dues. In return, this will help you keep a well-managed budget for yourself. Likewise, pay attention on the amount ofreal property tax you need to pay with the unit you own.

Keep penalties at 0 values.

Penalty is the amount you need to pay for missing a due date. Basically, penalties make you pay more. So to save you from more expenditure and to keep your budget on track, have a definite payment scheme that works with you.

Aside from the financial responsibility that will keep you from living in your newly owned condominium property for sale in Davao, you also share social responsibility with the other residents of the condominium.

Respect the condominium’s space.

Remember this: buying a unit in a condominium property for sale in Davao doesn’t entitle you to ownership of the whole property. You are sharing spaces, like elevators and hallways, with other people so keep polite. A simple smile or nod would do you no harm. Also, when using the building’s amenities, make sure to keep it clean.

Respect your neighbor’s space.

Especially with the ones that are living next door from you. Refrain from starting a videoke party so late at night that you may wake your neighbors. Mind the sounds you make (inside and outside) of your condominium unit for it might disturb others.

Moreover, be friends with them. Having good communications with your neighbors will earn you friends. It just starts with a polite smile and small but respectful talks.

Communicate with the property manager.

Talking to the property manager doesn’t need to be always about complaints. Ask them about the things you don’t understand. They can always help you save your budget and the property manager is the right resource to ask regarding things that you are allowed and prohibited from changing in your condominium unit. 

Sherwood Hills Golf Club: The Factors that Make Golfers Happy

Sherwood Hills Golf Course and Golf Club

There are several golf courses and country clubs in Cavite, Philippines such as Sherwood Hills Golf Club. Almost all golf courses and country clubs claim to be the best in the country. But do they make golfers happy?

If the green fee is quite expensive, it’s supposed to be a superb course, right? This is the typical mindset of most golfers. Yet, after a few rounds of play, they’ve found out that it is not and all is left is to wallow in disappointment.

Golf Digest conducted a golf satisfaction survey about this with the help of Dr. Dan Sachau and Dr. Luke Simmering. Dr. Sachau is a psychology professor at Minnesota State University, while Dr. Simmering is a consultant in the Global Organizational Effectiveness Department of Walmart. They’ve asked 2,434 respondents about their experience on their last play away from their home course. A home course is the golf course you’re very familiar with. The image below is the result of their survey:

Image Source: Golf Digest

Based on the illustration above, it has two columns: “what golfers say makes them happy” and “what actually makes golfers happy.” We will focus on the right side that truly reveals what golfers really want.

Course Condition

First on the list is the condition of the course. Who would want to play in a poorly maintained and unkempt course? It is not just an eyesore but it may affect the mood and performance of the player. According to Golf Inc. Magazine, the “course design and maintenance” are the main factors that attract most golfers.

Design

The design of a golf course is not only for aesthetics. It is the key to enhance a golfer’s experience. Sometimes it takes a golfer to be able to design a “tournament-ready” course. For instance, in the America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Architect list, Jack Nicklaus or the “Golden Bear” ranked no. 5 with seven of his designs in the Top 100. It is worth-mentioning that he designed the Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite, Philippines.

Score

In golf, “honesty is the best policy” especially when it comes to the scorecard. Why? A golfer’s playing partner is the one who records his score in that sheet of paper. But you’re still responsible on what is written on the scorecard, so double-check or triple-check it if you must. Erasures are not allowed once you sign your card.

Cost of Green Fees

A green fee is your pass to play in the green or the course. Unfortunately, you will only know the course is worth your time and money the moment you’re in and playing. It is a pay before you play rule, so you have no choice on this matter. 

SEE Sinkholes destroy the beauty of a golf course – THINK AGAIN!

Food and Beverage

Nothing is more relaxing than drinking an iced cold beer while playing and chatting in the breathtaking scenery of the lush greens and fairways, and a pleasant small talks among your co-players. Drink in moderation though, because a drunken player is the no.8 pet peeve of golf players according to PGA.com.

The other factors mentioned in the list are service and staff; locker room; ease of scheduling tee time; quality of carts; quality of practice facilities; merchandise; weather; and pace of play.

Yet the best comment or answer to this question is the one from Pinoygolfer forum:

“The boss and the wife [don’t] call in the middle of a very good game with very good scores… that would really make me Happy!!!” says member castertroy.

Amen.

Ideals vs. Real: What to Consider in Choosing a House and Lot for Sale

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A home is what every family longs to own. Whether located within a highly-urbanized community like Metro Manila or in a sub-urban community like General Trias, Cavite, a house and lot for sale serves as the physical foundation of every family’s comfortable stability and security.

But what if, after you’ve tried living in different communities and searching for the best home for your family, you still can’t settle. You have lived in the upbeat Metro. You’ve also tried living in a simple rural community. After all that, you still have a feeling of being incomplete where you are. Anywhere you might fancy, consider these things because they might be what you’re missing and they might be what might fulfil you. 

Work Opportunities

When you’re single, it would be easier to change career path but it’s a different thing when you are your family’s provider. Bread and butter truly is important for the family’s welfare but it cannot be denied that presence at the same time is essential. Surely, you would want to spend enough time with your family and provide them quality living as well.

Better Education

Maybe you want to find an exclusive school to give either your children or your siblings a better education. However, take note that facilitation of knowledge doesn’t only rely on the grandness of the school, nor on excellent educators—one of its contributing factors is the environment. There is a greater possibility that a child will learn if he feels safe and comfortable where he is. Of course, it would be so hard to study while being interrupted by the beeping of horns outside. To avoid giving your children or siblings headaches, moving into a sub-urban community is somewhat a better idea. Since our country’s continually growing, there are a lot of developing sub-urban communities like the General Trias, Cavite. House and lot for sale in this kind of community is also more affordable compared to some properties for sale within the Metro. Also, you could choose from a number of good schools in the area.

Quality of Life

Having a better education, better quality of life doesn’t only mean living near different shopping centers and entertainment hubs. Peace of mind and safety also matters. It would be better to go to work being assured that your family’s secured within a safe community, right? Also, being able to balance time with the kind of work you have and commuting to and from place you live is good for your finances.

Surely, you have ideal things in mind on how you would like your dream house to look like but a house and lot for sale (either in a sub-urban community like General Trias, Cavite, highly-urbanized city, or rural area), is but just a single part of building a family. You need to know how to make the most of it; the “home” is also the things that you spend your time and energy on outside of you house.

Why Would You Buy a House and Lot for Sale in Bacolod City?

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We could think of several reasons why people consider buying a house and lot for sale in Bacolod City. But let us refresh our minds first about the background of Bacolod City before we start our countdown.

The city is the capital of Negros Occidental, located at the Western Visayas Region. Their natives speak in Hiligaynon/Ilonggo or Cebuano and partly Tagalog. It is a plus factor for their tourism industry that they can also speak in English.

It is known for its moniker “The City of Smiles” which has an intriguing past. Due to the tragedy caused by MV Don Juan that cost the lives of 700 people and the sugar cane crisis that hurt the economy of the province, their local government thought of a way to uplift the spirit and hope of its natives. It was then that the MassKara Festival was born (1980) and has been until now celebrated every October. During the festival, they wear colorful masks (thus the name Masskara) adorned with decorations and large smiles while dancing to upbeat music.

It is the home of a delicious dish called Bacolod Chicken Inasal. To satisfy your sweet tooth cravings, there is also Piaya, Napoleones, and Pinasugbo. No wonder they also bagged the title of being the “Sugar Capital of the Philippines.”

You may also adapt the friendly and positive disposition in life of the Bacolodnons once you purchase for sale house and lot in Bacolod City.

Now to start with our countdown, here are the 10 tourist spots that won the hearts of travelers based on their reviews in tripadvisor.com:


1. Mambukal Mountain Resort

This government-owned resort offers serene sceneries and action-packed activities for both young and old. This means you can have fun and relax afterwards. Take a dip in their Warm Sulfur Dipping Pool, go bat watching or go trekking at Seven Waterfalls to test your endurance.



2. San Sebastian Cathedral

This historical landmark is fruit of the hard labour of the locals and was instigated by Fr. M. Ferrero, O. A. R. It was recognized as a cathedral on June 23, 1933.



3. Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Biodiversity Conservation Center

For more than three decades, the foundation reforested hundreds of hectares and continues to breed endangered species. You can be a volunteer, too.



4. Negros Museum

Know Bacolod more by visiting this neoclassical capitol building. Sans the historical artefacts, it tells the lives of the locals in the past using original contemporary artworks. Pictures indeed paint a thousand words.



5. Laguerta - Home of the Vintage Glasses Museum

Another must-see museum is this one, located in Barangay Sum-ag. Be careful though because it is filled with plates, bowls, drinking glasses, and mugs in different shapes, sizes and colors.



6. Dizon-Ramos Museum

Have a field day at this museum which showcases ceramics, religious artefacts, antique furniture, and dioramas.



7. Capitol Lagoon Park

There are two sites to visit in this place: the neoclassical-inspired Capitol building and a man-made lagoon. Don’t forget to take a selfie behind the carabao (water buffalo) statue in gold paint.



8. New Government Center

An immaculately white government center of Bacolod City. You might mistake it as a museum because of its neo-classical renaissance architecture.



9. Panaad Park and Stadium

It is not just where striving and hardworking athletes go but the place also attracts tourists. Panaad houses the most modern football facility in the country. You can have a picnic as well at one of their cabanas.



10. Butterfly Sanctuary at Mambukal Resort

Perhaps this tourist attraction is truly magnificent because it has been separated from our number one Bacolod destination. Learn the fragile life of a butterfly and have a magical face-to-face encounter with thousands of butterflies!



Alright! Where we could find for sale house and lot in Bacolod City that is worth every penny?

How about living in Davao City or putting a family in Baguio City?

Why Southern Luzon is a Great Place to Live In

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Laguna and Cavite were added to the list of township projects of Suntrust Properties, Inc. to say thSuntrust is really an expert in spotting ideal locations to build communities. The two provinces are located in Region IV-A, collectively known as Calabarzon which comprises Quezon, Rizal, and Batangas as well. This region is considered the closest to Metro Manila and the Manileños’ favorite place to hold excursions. It is just two to three hours away from Manila.

Calabarzon region in Luzon is rich in history, culture and natural wonders. Vacationers flock there to unwind and relax but only if their schedule is free which is a very rare occurrence due to work or study. Suntrust solved this by developing master-planned communities inside Laguna and Cavite that bring homes closer to tourist spots.

Suntrust Laguna-Batangas (Culture-infused Townships)

Mandara is a modern Asian themed township at Barangay Tartaria in Silang, Cavite which covers 14 hectares. Ease your tired muscles by dipping in the infinity pool. Or you can gather family or friends to have a barbecue party in the picnic area with benches.

Verona is an Italian-inspired township at Barangay Pook in Silang Cavite. This 62-hectare project has an Italian-themed Nature Park and bridge ways.

Where to go:

• Villa Escudero = it is a coconut plantation and resort located between Tiaong, Quezon and San Pablo City, Laguna.
• Mt. Makiling = after an exhausting trek, you can dip in the hot springs at the peak to untangle your tired limbs.
• San Pablo Seven Lakes = where can you have fun riding the waves through rafting? Well, Seven Lakes is one place for sure!
• Taal Volcano and Lake = you will never truly have a Laguna/Batangas experience if you miss out on this famous tourist spot. 

Suntrust Cavite (Wi-Fi Communities)

Cyberville is 10-hectare township at Sabang in Dasmariñas, Cavite. It features a modern technology and garden community that is set for the future. This hyper connected township has selected Wi-Fi hot spots and with cable- and telephone-ready lines. Even their gazebo is Wi-Fi accessible.

Cybergreens at Barangay Santiago in General Trias, Cavite has the same concept. But despite its modern appeal, Cybergreens has its own children’s library. The big bonus is you can easily access the Internet by going to Wi-Fi enabled areas.

Both communities have 24-hour security system with CCTV camera to ensure the security and safety around the area.


Where to go:

• Museo De La Salle = you can travel back in time by visiting this place located inside De La Salle University in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
• Malicbiclibic Falls = located near the foot of Mt. Mataas na Gulod in Aguinaldo, Cavite. The water comes from three rivers, namely, the rivers of Magallanes, Aguinaldo, and Maragondon.
• Paragliding = sail the winds at Carmona, Cavite. It is a fun and exhilarating sport for thrill-seekers.
• Puzzle Mansion/Museum = be a child once again the moment you set foot in Gina Lacuna’s puzzle collection. This museum is recognized by Guinness Book of World Records in 2012 as having the biggest puzzle collection in the world, over 1,028 sets.
• Pico de Loro (Parrot’s Peak) = the highest peak in Cavite that resembles a stone tower. Not for the faint heart.

These are the several reasons why Southern Luzon is a great place to live in. One reason is that it is steadily becoming a more modern but is still surrounded by beautiful vistas and tourist spots.