My First 5K in Bacolod

A run for the benefit of the Holy Infant Nursery Foundation, Inc. 

My original plan was to join the Masskara half marathon but my flight was already booked a week earlier. Glad that I found the Dalagan sa Kabataan run scheduled the day after my arrival. It was organized by the UAP Negrense chapter for the benefit of the Holy Infant Nursery Foundation, Inc. It made my trip more interesting not just because of the thought that I'll be running on a new or unfamiliar route but more importantly it is for a cause.

The run started in the Provincial Capitol grounds where the kilometer zero of the province is located. The route took me around the city center of Bacolod where you can see different businesses, inns, malls and museums.

I completed my first 5K run in Bacolod in 26:31 however I was a bit surprised to see my Fitbit Ionic only recorded 3.66km. Oh well, the discrepancy wasn't an issue as it is not a timed run and apparently they also do not have a finisher's medal for everyone who joined except for the top 3 finishers.

Looking forward to join the Masskara run or may be in other neighboring cities in Negros island.

Taken before the gunshot. P.s I'm not the girl in the photo

Bacolod, beyond Masskara

“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times” - this quote reminds me of my trip to the City of Smiles.

early Sunday morning at the Provincial Capitol lagoon

The idea of going to the Sugar capital excites me. I have a lot of things to do in mind and some sites to see but I won't put such pressure to get things done in a short period because I just want to enjoy my alone time.

I wanted to get a feel of the place so I tried very hard not to bother anyone to ask for directions. It's a bit confusing to commute around Bacolod at first but you'll get used to it after a few days.

I've looked around and stroll along Lacson street, dined outside a public market, visited the Cathedral and sat down for a moment in the plaza just to get a better understanding of their way of life.

I'm grateful to have met not just locals but some people with inspiring stories throughout my stay. How can I forget Manong Ben- the cab driver on my way back. He's been living in Bacolod for 18 years and he has one of the most unforgettable experiences the very first day he had set foot on Negros soil.

And I'd love to do it again in another city where I can walk in the streets unafraid even if unsure of where I'm heading to.

Solitude

I didn't waste a single minute when I landed in Bacolod for my birthday trip this year. I headed straight to Don Salvador Benedicto to see the Malatan-og falls also known as the Cigarette falls. Yes, it looks like a cigarette from afar. I've seen it a number of times in a travel show and I promised myself that I will not only take a photo of the picturesque falls from the Lantawan or viewing deck once I get the chance to see it in person.

the falls from the Lantawan

According to the locals, the downhill trail will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes and 45 minutes or so going back, depending on your pace. I'm proud of myself for conquering it in exactly 29 minutes including 2 2- minutes rest and water break. It's not that obvious how excited I am to reach the foot of the falls.

fresh water that you can drink for free halfway through the trail

I was totally in awe of the beauty before me and I stood still to feel the mists in my face as the water drops aggressively. I found a new place where I can be alone but happy. That sense of happiness that's impossible to ever understand.

I did almost 35 minutes going back as I had to stop somewhere to enjoy the view and a little chat with my guide (thanks to you Manong) while waiting for another group of hikers to pass the same steep.