The economic survival of every nation is dependent on the existence of businesses that proliferate successfully in that country.
Where most businesses operating in the area are doing profitably, the people in that area enjoy quality lifestyle.
Take for instance, the hacienderos of Negros in the 1960s. In summertime, they usually vacation to Europe and when they come home, they bring with them a taste of European foods and fashion. Suddenly, there are changes in their food preference, the clothes they wear, and even how they handle fork and spoon and blow their cigars.
Even at present time, 2024, you could see affluent living, especially in Bacolod, where fine dining and extravagant coffee shops abound. SUVs and expensive vehicles roam around the city. Tourists would notice that jeepneys are going extinct, with Mitsubishi’s Cimaron in unique designs and sound systems plying the public transport route.
Manokan Country is where the rich and poor converge to savor Aida’s and Nena’s chicken barbeque. For the choosy, they eat at any Chicken House branch. But Manokan is still where craving balikbayans, like my sister Stella, go to when in town tagging along her best friend May to eat oyster, not to mention the Perez’s Cansi House in Shopping. Roli’s, Bob’s, Felicia’s and Callea are still among the favorites. United House closed few years back but Apollo still exists.
Progress has changed the way people choose what to eat. Jollibee, a Filipino fastfood chain well known to any Filipino soul, abounds in Bacolod. There are a few McDonalds, one along Lacson Street. Once, my son Osmund, had his finger accidentally trapped in the pan belt of their toy car. Thanks to God, an alert staff was able to switch off the power immediately. Had it not been for him, the establishment would be serving Osmund free meals every time he visits their store.
Viking’s is located at SM City across Manokan Country. We ate there once, but the ambiance was less appealing to me compared to the one at MOA. I would still prefer eating chicken neck and baticolon in Manokan. This habit I developed since high school. Every-time we have extra money, Sanjiemar and I would eat there after class.
If you are looking for a good restaurant, Bacolod has lots to offer. Try to visit Yumla. It is managed by the Villanueva couple, who decided to live there when Hong Kong and the rest of the world was struck by COVID. Phad Thai Factory, known for the Thailand food served by Chef Michelle, is one place that you should not miss when in town.
I met Chef Dennis of Yumla one time in December of 2022, but never got to taste his pecking duck since I had just finished my Thai food from Michelle’s Phad Thai Factory.
I will bring my family to these restaurants when in town. Managing a good restaurant is not a joke. Good foods to enjoy are rare to find, so I will not waste the opportunity when time comes. Happy reading. ||
