The MassKara Festival of Bacolod City is over after 22 days, as is the Buglasan Festival of Negros Oriental. It was a privilege to be invited by the Negros Oriental Tourism Office to serve as chief judge for the two-night fireworks competition at Boulevard Bay.  

Currently, the University Games (UniGames) are taking place in Dumaguete City, with Mayor Felipe Remollo playing host to a dinner – one he insisted I join.

Today, I am in Iloilo to visit the Department of Tourism (DOT) office to prepare for the Western Visayas as a Sports Tourism Destination photo exhibit.

There is also another exhibit highlighting landmark destinations and culinary specialties of the region.

Cheers to the unending support from DOT-Region VI (DOT-6) director, Atty. Helen Catalbas.

I will be taking a break in Cebu City, hosted by the Radisson Blu hotel and the new Bai Hotel, with breakfasts provided by both hotels and a buffet lunch Marco Polo Plaza Cebu – thanks to Ann Olalo of Radisson Blu and Alfred Reyes of Bai Hotel.

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While Cebu City may have its difficulties with managing traffic, it is Mandaue City that is heavy on road traffic. We can learn from the example Cebu City set, with the way their drivers obey traffic laws and elected officials do not meddle with traffic management groups.

Bacolod City has a lot to improve upon. There is a need for a traffic management system, which has yet to be planned; without one, it remains a cat-and-mouse game. In addition, the apprehension of violators must be key; which is the job of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

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Even though the rains affected festivities, we share our congratulations to festival working teams who put in their best efforts. We owe a lot to the sponsors – but we missed Coca-Cola at the kiosks.

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This column greets Ben and Suzette Lopez, Niño and Cindy Lizares, Nato and Devi Novero, Novo and Leizl Torres, Charles and Tess Lim, Richard and Roxan Oquendo, Boy and Marilou Montalbo, Quino and Mayette Yao, Bayani and Marides Fernando, Totong and Erlinda Regalado, and Chris and Maui Sorongon./WDJ