This Week in Bacolod (June 17 to 23, 2018)

The Office of Civil Defense in Western Visayas warned the public to get ready for storms as the wet season begins [1]. Tourists coming to Bacolod should also be mindful that the months of August to December are prone to typhoons in Region VI. June will bring light rains and strong winds, and it will be best to strengthen preparedness by bringing extra clothes, a rain jacket and a trusty umbrella.

Road closures for public utility vehicles (PUV’s) every 5:00 PM at Galo-Lacson Street to Burgos-Lacson Street are made to lessen traffic surge in the area. This is also due to the ongoing drainage construction. When commuting, the Bata-Libertad route going to Brgy. Bata will take the Gatuslao Street and will take a right turn to Burgos Avenue entering Lacson Street again. When driving, it is best to avoid the said route to circumvent traffic surge and for safety purposes as well.

The Department of Finance is reviewing the implementation of a law imposing common carriers tax on international air and sea cargo vessels doing business in the Philippines to ensure a level playing field [2]. This will be a great news to local travelers and tourists because a same-level playing field in cargos and airlines denote a fair pricing in tickets. It will be best to book tickets as well when the review is done.

Tourist arrival in Sipalay City continues to increase. "Although the summer season is over and the peak of tourist arrival is already on offseason, our beaches are always fully booked on weekends," Mayor Oscar Montilla Jr said [3]. If you are a local or a tourist who are planning to experience the beauty of Sipalay City, it’s best to plan ahead your itinerary. Book preferred resorts and hotels at least one month ahead, especially if you are coming on a weekend. Since the Boracay closure, Sipalay city has been one of the major alternatives for beach getaway in Western Visayas.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines is now starting its construction of Cinematheque Centre Negros at Negros Museum. Negros Museum, a tourist destination in Bacolod for history buffs and tourists strongly prepares for this upcoming development. It will be the first cinematheque in Negros and it will cater local films that are made in Negros or made by Negros filmmakers.