Bacolod: The City of Smiles

A few months back, friends from Bacolod invited FLOW to do a retreat in their sugar land. Of course we agreed, since we made a vow last year to visit as much of the Philippines as we can . It is in fact, our very own country! It would truly be a shame if we are not to travel the countless islands we were born to discover.

Sambista Denise couldn't make it this time since she just gave birth to her second son, Pax. So, while she was nursing her newborn day in and out, Noelle and I flew in Bacolod in Negros Occidental a day early to check out as much as we can of their famous city of smiles.

First stop- The Taj Mahal of Bacolod, The Ruins! 

Magnificent, right? I could only imagine how grandiose life was for the family that occupied this luxurious space. I'm drawn to this era, perhaps my last lifetime was in the early 1900's. Read a little history about this mansion here.

Our hosts for the day, Antoinette and Jet then took us to a quaint little cafe, Felicia's in the newly opened Ayala Mall which served desserts, coffee and tea. Who can resist sweets in the land of sugar? Not me! I ordered a chocolate praline mousse paired with peppermint tea which truly didn't disappoint.

The yogini-bones in me needed a good stretch so we decided to visit Arthika Kalma Yoga- a shop, cafe and yoga studio all under one creative hub!

Group shot after Lovely's Vinyasa class. Trina (a past FLOW-er), Nykha (my yoga classmate in teacher training!) and teacher Lovely with Noelle and I.

I really loved the vibe here. It's so nice to see all the student hang around after class and have a cafe to order fresh juices and healthy snacks. I didn't get to try anything listed on the menu but I know that I'll be back to try their lentil burger and calamansi muffins :) 

After class, we grabbed some grub with locals at Txacho, a tapas bar and restaurant also in the ar district next door to Arthika :)



Look at their menu for affordable but yummy eats! I enjoyed their vegetarian friendly tapas and the Pastel De Manzana dessert!

The most memorable apple cinamon crepe with vanilla ice cream! TDF!

Read the next post on what went on during our FLOW Luxe Yoga Getaway weekend retreat in Punta Bulata resort and spa :)

FLOW Luxe Yoga Escape in Negros

Announcing FLOW's next destination... Negros Occidental! Pegged as a private island paradise sanctuary, Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa is well suited as FLOW’s next venue for this June's Luxe Yoga Escape weekend.

I will be leading 2 yoga classes- a sunrise Vinyasa class to wake and shake things up and another sunset Yin Yoga session to relax and heal from within. These yoga sessions will most likely be outdoors (unless it will be raining) facing the ocean. Lovely set up, right?

 

My FLOW partner, Noelle Hilario (vegetarian advocate, surfer and artist) will teach participants how to make Green Smoothies and simple but nourishing live food snacks at a health workshop hosted by Moringana and Breville.

We will all be exposed to the raw beauty of nature at the Danjugan Island Tour. Danjugan Island is a marine reserve and wildlife island sanctuary home to 55 different bird species, 6 different bat species and is also a nesting site for sea turtles.

Our guests may snorkel at one of the 5 lagoons with diverse coral reefs (as diverse as the Great Barrier reef of Australia -imagine that!).

We're all in for a lovely treat as we cap off the perfect weekend with a relaxing massage at the Ayu Spa of Punta Bulata. Yes, this is included with your package!

Save the date and book your airline tickets early for June 28-30.  A fun-filled island weekend await those who wander with FLOW.

Retreat Package Inclusions
3D2N Quad accommodations
Roundtrip transfers: Airport to Resort
Meals
2 Yoga classes (Vinyasa and Yin)
1 hour massage (oh yeaaahhh!!)
Green Smoothie and Live Food snacks workshop
Danjugan Island Tour

Flow shirt Goodie Bag with treats from sponsors: Moringana, Belo Essentials Sun Expert, STRIP, Browhaus, Rawlicious, The Juice Barista, Breville, Team Manila, Cutieverse

Email flowsurfyogasamba@gmail.com or fill up registration form at www.flowsurfyogasamba.com to sign up! Retreat package rate is P8,860.

Flow Luxe Yoga Escape Weekend Retreat is sponsored by Moringana, Belo Essentials Sun Expert, Strip, Browhaus, Rawlicious, Nyogi Coconut Water, The Juice Barista, Breville, Lagu, Team Manila, Cutieverse and Travel Magazine.