As the saying goes, “Travel is the best form of education.” Truth be told, while I personally am not an “adventurous person,” I love to travel and many of my friends wonder where I go. Within Negros Occidental, one of my favorite destinations is in the Patag area of Silay City. After a drive up the city’s hills and mountains, there are several cafes and small restaurants, along with a scenic view of the city and province.
I also enjoy the drive from Murcia to Don Salvador Benedicto, where I stop by a restaurant that serves fried frogs. I also grab some sweets from a nearby pineapple plantation.
Driving further, I end up in San Carlos City, which has seen development as a gateway to Toledo City, Cebu.
On the way back, I stop by the Buenos Aires Mountain Resort in Bago City and take a dip in their spring water pool. Then, I head south towards Ilog, where I take a boat ride along the Balsa River and enjoy a lunch buffet and am serenaded during the 90-minute river cruise.
Nearby Sipalay City is a dive site and, beyond that, one will reach Hinoba-an and the Negros Oriental border. Crossing into the other side of the island, I visit Dauin, where I can take a boat to Apo Island. Another drive, I arrive in Dumaguete City, the “City of Gentle People.”
Driving around Negros is a great driving experience.

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This column greets Raymund Javellana, Tata Lacson, JB Ongsingco, Elsie Gonzaga, Mini Jimenez, Marlon Navarro, Jennylind Cordero, Jo-ann Yoshida, Yves Javellana, Marcos Cordero, Ariston Minez, Jr., and Tony Agustin /WDJ