Get ready to explore the best spots and discover the hidden gems of Leila’s island home.🍹🏝

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are intended to provide responsible information. Please make sure to regularly check with the authorities regarding the latest updates and possible requirements when going outside. Make sure to follow the implemented health and safety guidelines. Stay safe! 😉✌️

TELL US A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF.

Hello! It’s lovely to meet you. My name is Leila and I was born and raised in the city of smiles. I’m currently in college and aspiring to be a Speech-Language Pathologist. I love the sun on my skin, breathing fresh air, and a good read - the simplest things that make life worth living.

TAKE US TO YOUR FAVORITE PLACE.

Destination: Negros Occidental - because there’s truly no place like home :)🇵🇭

Where to go:

1. Lakawon Island

If you’re like me and love the beach, Lakawon Island is a must. Lakawon is a banana-shaped slice of paradise off the coast of Cadiz in the northern portion of Negros Occidental. It’s one of the best spots to breathe in tranquil air and watch gentle waves.

They also have an amazing floating bar called Tawhai (meaning “relax”). This is where the music gets pumping and drinks are flowing. Lakawon isn't just a place to sit back and relax, but also an island to get your groove on.  I’ve had the best of times on this island with both friends and family.

2. Cigarette Falls

The Cigarette Falls, better known as the Malatan-og Falls, is located in the municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental, approximately an hour and a half's drive from Bacolod City. I went here spontaneously just last month with my friends and it reminded me of how much beauty I have yet to see in my hometown.

The path to the falls involved sightings of modest rice terraces and coffee plantations. After walking over various rivers and hiking over treacherous rocks, we were greeted with the sound of flowing water. Its beauty was undeniable. I still clearly remember the sense of wonder and magic I felt in this place. When we got there, we went swimming and savored the scenery. No photos did it true justice.

What to do:

1. Negrense Art Tour - Negros Museum + Art District - Negros has a beautiful and heavily cultured art scene. It’s something a lot of us Negrosanons are truly proud of.

2. Dance the night away in Portiko and Quedan

3. Friday Night Glowbowl - Bowling by itself is a lot of fun because anyone can do it, and as a college student, the inexpensiveness is a plus! Glow Bowling is a unique take on bowling. The lights get turned off and the room begins to glow, all while playing the place some of everyone's favorite songs. My friends and I have a great experience every single time.

4. Restaurant Hopping - Bacolod is more than just Inasal! See my recommendations below :)

Where to eat:

1. Italia

In Bacolod, Italia is a well-known Italian restaurant. This noshery is an elegant fusion of art and cuisine. The Farfalle Al Funghi in Truffle Cream Sauce is my all-time favorite dish here.

2. Fria Homemade Ice Cream

I've not tasted flavors as rich as theirs in my hometown. Fria Homemade Ice Cream is definitely delicious and a must-try! They also just opened their first-ever ice cream bar. My current favorite flavors are a dark mess, cookie doughmination, and strawberry feels <3

3. Sharyn's Cansi House

The best and most comforting Cansi in town can be found at Sharyn's. It's a little restaurant that has earned a lot of well-deserved fame over the years. I adore having Cansi nights at least once a month with my family! An order of their Cansi comes with a sizable bowl of beef shank cooked in its distinctive rich sour soup flavoring the Cansi with the readily available batuan in the area.

4. The Maki Project

The Maki Project is a new favorite of mine. I love how laid-back the place is! This is a go-to stop after softball practice. Their scallop baked makirolle is TDF! (shoutout to Gwen) Also love and recommend their soy garlic chicken wings and sea salt latte.

5. The Bacolod Classics

What even is a Bacolod trip without Chicken Inasal and a trip to Calea. My two favorite Inasalan’s here are Nena’s Rose and Aida’s. My usual order is a paa, isaw and atay, along with some rice, patis, and chicken oil—it never disappoints. Calea on the other hand is Bacolod City's cake heaven. They have a wide selection of delectable cakes at very reasonable prices. My favorites are their mudpie and white chocolate cheesecake.

Where to stay:

1. Evergreen Glamping Resort

As much as I’d like to gatekeep this place, my friends and I had too good of a stay here! The staff were so kind and accommodating. There’s so much to do as my friends and I rode horses, did karaoke, went swimming, and made smores with their bonfire all in one day.

2. The Alch

A beautiful and secure vacation home, The Alch offers you a stunning view of the Mountains of Don Salvador, including Mt. Kanlaon. I adore the peace and cozy atmosphere this house exudes, with the fresh mountain air filling your lungs while you cool off in your personal dipping pool. My family and I have created many wonderful memories in this home away from home.

3. Stonehill Suites

I highly recommend this hotel if you're seeking somewhere to stay in Bacolod! Stonehill Suites is a luxurious boutique hotel that stays loyal to its Bacolod heritage and offers its visitors top-notch hospitality with tastefully and artistically constructed decor.

Must-have adventure staple: The one beauty appointment I think everyone should make before a trip is the Wink Laser Facial Pores & Pigment facial! The moisturizing benefits are only the beginning. This treatment enables me to experience the world with my best face forward and have the best time in any of my adventures.

ON THE HORIZON

You need some rest and relaxation, where would you go next:

The Carbin Reef is a pristine white sandbar off the coast of Sagay, Negros Occidental. My friends and I are planning a beach trip over there this month and I’m very much looking forward to it!

GOING PLACES WITH WINK

How does Wink help you keep moving and exploring new (or even familiar) adventures?

The relationship you have with yourself affects all others. After all these years I've come to truly fall in love with myself and work on becoming my highest self. In every new adventure coming my way, Wink takes away my worries and makes me feel good in my skin!

Follow Leila's adventures here.