Baker's Hill is a famous hang out place in Palawan, known for their freshly baked goodies like hopia, munchies and crinkles. It is located on top of a...
La Castellana is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Negros Occidental, 67.3 kilometers from Bacolod via San Enrique. Formerly known as “Lapak,” La Castellana is rural town situated at the base of Mt. Kanlaon. It is approximately one and a half hour away from Bacolod City using public utility vehicles and about an hour's drive by private car. The town was named after the famous “Paseo de La Castellana” in Madrid, Spain.
The municipality of La Castellana is an agricultural town engaged in sugarcane, rice and banana farming. Dubbed as the Banana Capital of Negros Occidental because of its huge production of banana, the town also celebrates its annual Banana Festival every first week of April. This festival showcases the different varieties of banana which are abundant in the municipality. Farmers from all over town display and sell their harvest in booths in thanksgiving to their patron, St. Vincent Ferrer. Muses from different barangays parade on their floats wearing costumes made from different parts of the banana. The festivities start on the first day of April and culminates on April 5, also the feast day of St. Vincent Ferrer.
Another festival, the Bailes de Luces or the Festival of Lights, is the town’s celebration of its Charter Day on January 5. The the festival is conceptualized as a festival of hope and thanksgiving and a befitting culmination of the Christmas season. Thanksgiving for all the blessings received in the year that was and hope for a prosperous new year. Its unique feature is the use of lights or “luces” as props and adornment and its nocturnal festivities and street dancing.
Aside from its festivals, La Castellana is also famous for its natural springs, caves, water falls and scenic spots. The Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park Administration Center is one of the few surviving man-made forest where endemic trees and birds abound. One can experience the cool breeze of the forestry while traversing the eco-trail which shows the different species of flora and fauna dwelling in the vicinity of Kanlaon Volcano.
The Mandayao Shell Cave is a cathedral-sized cavern with a natural spring that comes out through its numerous holes. The natural formation of stalactites on its wall blends with the color of its sandy floor that seems to glow in the dark. Another cave found in Brgy. Cabacungan is Tulo-Tulo Cave which is a subterranean cave with a hidden spring water source. It supplies the irrigation system of the area. The Mandayao Twin Falls, a two 140-foot identical waterfall, cascades down from Mount Kanlaon. The cool rumbling waters and the serenity of the place is befitting as a natural health spa.
The Tikoy-tikoy Spring Resort offers twin pools, lush greenery, and other attractions such as different species of Hibiscus, euphorbia, monkeys, bat haven, birds, and an eco-trail featuring endemic trees in the area. The Baji-Baji Spring Resort features a big swimming pool, two kiddie pools of fresh spring water and a nearby waterfall. The resort is suited for overnight camping activities.
Sources:
Province of Negros Occidental Website
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