Category: City

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Cafe Leonor: Where Marikina Celebrates with Food & Memories

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Rooted in heritage, love, and family, Café Leonor continues the legacy of Nanay Onor, the beloved grandmother and family matriarch, since 2022. Known to many as an exceptional cook, her culinary talent inspired the creation of this cozy café-restaurant, which also serves as an intimate events venue for all occasions.

 

Café Leonor’s dining room features wood and brick accents, a glass-enclosed entrance, and simple table settings that keep the space bright and versatile—perfect for everyday meals or more formal occasions. Even their staircase has a classic varnished look. The function room, located just inside the restaurant, is a library-like space where you can enjoy dining in a quiet atmosphere, fitting for a library but with more lively and colorful floral decor accents. The space is designed to accommodate special events without compromising its casual charm.

 

The restaurant is in its third year in 2025. It can accommodate 70-80 people, including the library function room.

 

Today, Café Leonor is a heartfelt tribute to not just delicious food and cherished memories, but also to Nanay Onor’s enduring legacy of love, warmth, and generosity. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a welcoming home where stories are exchanged, milestones are joyfully celebrated, and every guest feels like family.

 

What’s in a name?

Simply just a dedication to the resto’s family matriarch.

 

Ambiance:

Chic resto vibe with pipe-in jazz music. Esperanza’s, a classy restaurant in the 90s along Tomas Morato immediately comes to mind when you see and experience the place. It’s a mini-version of sorts. The establishment itself is a heritage site dedicated to Nanay Onor, as prominently displayed among other decors inside. Moreover, Café Leonor has the friendliest staff.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery, and Online: Grab. All-around events venue. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

Quirk:

Cafe Leonor offers lower prices than other popular brunch spots in the city while providing a more complete “meal + coffee + venue” experience than many traditional cafes. That ideal combination—affordable main dishes and café beverages, and an excellent event venue for intimate weddings, corporate meetings, birthdays, and showers.

Key touches include:

  • Transformable décor (e.g., floral ceiling installations)
  • Private/VIP-style sections depending on setup
  • Booking options posted via their socials

If you want a “plug-and-play” intimate venue that doesn’t demand hotel-level budgets, this is precisely the lane they occupy.

Furthermore, Café Leonor is conveniently located on the second floor. It’s a good idea to wash up before heading to the main restaurant since its restrooms and lavatories are downstairs. Pet-friendly too.

 

 

Specialties
  • Lechon Kawali with a signature calamansi sauce—a bestseller the café spotlights often.
  • Chicken and pork plates, plus rice bowls for hearty, value-friendly meals.
  • Spaghetti Carbonara and other pasta plates appear frequently in diner photos and reviews. Portions are filling without breaking the bank—ideal for students, families, and office groups.
  • A long list of frappes (Matcha, Dark Belgian Choco, Salted Caramel, White Choco Mocha, and more) typically runs ₱115–₱175. It’s a crowd-pleasing drinks board to pair with savory plates or dessert.

 

For more options, check their Resto Menu…

Café Leonor Events Package Menus

 

“Had a wonderful time as they prepared their specialties for me to photograph and video. Everything looked temptingly scrumptious. I especially enjoyed their Butterfly Pea, a colorful drink concoction, and Chicken Cordon Bleu de Romeo, both of which were delicious.”

—VKP

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Discover Why Heavenly Desserts Is Marikina’s Go-To Cake and Dessert Store

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

“Beautiful and tastes even better than it looks. Ingredients are very obviously high quality…”

 

Every concept begins with an idea, but as Chef Jeng’s story shows, it wasn’t that straightforward. As a college student, she didn’t develop a passion for baking and selling baked goods at a storefront until the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns hit years later. You see, Chef Jeng initially planned to pursue a career in physical therapy, but life had other plans, and she wasn’t accepted into that field. She eventually studied civil engineering, where she met her husband, who later partnered with her in several entrepreneurial ventures.

 

Ultimately, Jeng completed an advanced pastry and baking course at the Academy of Pastry Arts Philippines and continued her training in Malaysia, becoming the chef, she is recognized as today. With boredom setting in, the COVID-19 lockdowns greatly influenced her desire to explore and be creative. She rediscovered her passion for baking. By sharing baking videos on YouTube and social media, her creations quickly gained popularity and attention.

 

Encouraged by her friends, Chef Jeng started selling her cakes. It wasn’t long until orders began pouring in—sometimes as many as fifty inquiries daily—for a home-based operation. To manage orders, her home’s dining area, living room, and garage were converted into makeshift kitchens. Staff from her construction business who were temporarily out of work were trained to help bake and fulfill orders, offering them a continued livelihood.

 

As demand grew, especially from customers in the southern parts of Metro Manila, Chef Jeng opened a pickup location in Las Piñas after the lockdowns eased. Additionally, she sought financial support for expansion. With help from her Sun Life Financial advisor, she tapped into half a million pesos from her VUL policy to fund the new branch. That was where the story of Heavenly Desserts began and flourished.

 

Today, Heavenly Desserts has eleven  physical locations, including one in Makati, BGC (Taguig), Pasay, Quezon City, Ortigas, and its Marikina headquarters.

 

Business Resilience & Diversification
  • In 2022, Chef Jeng became a principal shareholder in District One Gastrolounge in BGC, joining friends in opening the restaurant. Despite the significant investment, the restaurant broke even by its third month.
  • She also concentrated on reducing risk through solid financial planning—such as evaluating Sun Life’s Business Owners Insurance Packages for extra security.

 

What’s in a name?

Cakes and desserts for the average person are mostly about taste and appetite, but for an aspiring connoisseur, it’s something more. There’s something about our taste buds that influences and impacts us differently as an experience, providing an out-of-this-world gratification to the whole being, to the soul, as you might say. Without saying outright, it’s ‘heaven on earth,’ which is why Heavenly Desserts was named as such.

 

Specialties:

Bread and Pastries. The brand highlights handcrafted, high-quality desserts, featuring offerings such as moist Belgian chocolate cakes, Basque burnt cheesecakes, fresh strawberry shortcakes, mini cake assortments, and Filipino-inspired flavors like ube-macapuno and langka pastillas.

 

Other item selections from The Online Menu of Heavenly Desserts, and Add-Ons

Pre-Order Now!

More options from the Resto Menu

 

Branch Location Details:

Marikina City

Main Branch: 34 Pikador St, Midtown Subd., Marikina City; +63 960 273 6307; Management: chefjeng.hd@gmail.com

FB – Heavenly Desserts by Chef Jeng Sy Flores
IG –@heavenlydesserts_chefjeng
Tiktok – @heavenly_desserts

 

District One, BGC

W Global Center, 9th Avenue; +63 945 172 4950

 

Ayala Malls The 30th

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City; +63 966 553 0037

 

SM Shell Residences

The Strip at Shell, EDSA; +63 956 175 5738

 

Lucky Chinatown Mall

Binondo Manila; +63 956 175 5740

 

SM Center Muntinlupa

Unit E – 107, Ground Floor; +63 956 175 5741

 

SM City Fairview

UG Annex; +63 995 179 7248

 

Las Piñas City

Order Via Website, Grab Food, or Food Panda; +63 917 816 5499.

 

Quezon City

116 Biak-na-Bato Barangay Siena; +63 945 536 0546

 

The Shops

The Columns Tower 3 Ayala; +63 917 158 3618

 

Grab Kitchen Commonwealth

Order Via Grab Food +63 953 156 084

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Resto Interior:

Simply French.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery Website Grab & Food Panda

 

Price Range:

75 to 2,750 PhP

 

Quirk:

You might be a little confused about how to use their restroom. They have a very high-tech Japanese-style toilet bowl with all the whistles and buttons. Use the remote when flushing the toilet. Well, that’s something you don’t see every day.😁

 

What Customers Are Saying:

 

“Love their buttery croissant variants!”—VKP

 

“Yes! Heavenly talaga😁. Masarap ‘yung cakes nila. Parang it melts in the mouth.”

 

“Winner ‘yung Heavenly Moist Chocolate Cake. ‘Yun lagi kong binibigay ‘pag may friend akong magbi-birthday.”

 

“Others regard it as a splurge-worthy indulgence.”

 

“Tried the chocolate mousse with strawberries on top. It was worth it.”

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA

 

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Baliktanaw Café: Café, Family, and History in One!

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Once a dental clinic, the location became a restaurant called Casaño. Rumor has it that Marcelo’s was once used as a fictional establishment name for it on TV, leading to confusion on Google Maps. However, the venture didn’t last long either, as the Reyes family later bought it for its vintage charm, which caught the eye of the eldest, Ms. Celeste Reyes, who has a fondness for vintage-style houses and furniture.

A little tidbit: A local from Marikina said that it was really “Casaño”. The name “Marcelo’s” was only used for a TV program at ABS-CBN before.

The family then considered renovating it without significantly changing its core design and maintaining its vintage appeal, mainly to serve as the Reyeses’ family home at first. But fate had other plans, as the youngest member of the family thought of turning the al fresco area of the house into a coffee shop. And so, it began. With the help of social media platforms, Baliktanaw Cafe grew and started offering indoor dining with something new—the pastas. Eventually, the owners decided to add an all-day breakfast, which began this May of 2025.

 

What’s in a name?

Baliktanaw, as a name, tells a meaningful story of history and family, reflecting on its past. The establishment is a place for reconnection and nostalgia for family. The owners are a family of four siblings; its name is inspired by the timeless act of family members enjoying each other’s company while eating at a dining table, reminiscing about their good old memories together, hence, “Baliktanaw.”

The people behind this are a family living in Marikina: Reynaldo De Guzman Reyes, father; Vivian Natividad Reyes, mother; and their children: Celeste Natividad Reyes, the eldest; Ronald Allan Natividad Reyes, the second; Ray Angelo Natividad Reyes, the third; and Camille Natividad Reyes, the youngest.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Resto Interior:

Inspired by the owner’s old-soul appreciation for vintage aesthetics, the cafe was carefully designed to feel like a cozy, nostalgic home where customers can gather and enjoy a meal as if it were their dining table, sharing company. Additionally, the owner selected all furnitures, from the lighting to the tables; even the most minor details are thoughtfully planned.

 

Resto Format:

The dine-in experience is currently available, but it will eventually shift to online deliveries.

 

Price Range:

100 to 400 PhP

 

Specialties:

One of their best-sellers is the Tapa series, which features different types of meat like horse, wild boar, and deer. These meats are local and come from a farm in Batangas. Baliktanaw Cafe also offers a selection of pastries, including the Biscoff Cheesecake, one of the cafe’s most popular items. They also serve Filipino dishes in a clay pot, accompanied by three cups of rice, called “Sikreto ni Ate.” The concept is that customers have to order it to discover the secret. For drinks, they offer classic coffee options like lattes and cappuccinos. Be sure to try their Takipsilim (Salted Caramel), Noong Araw (Spanish Latte), Kanela De Crema (Cinnamon Latte), and Fresa De Crema (Strawberry Milk).

 

Other item selections from The Menu of Baliktanaw Café!

 

Location:

Baliktanaw Café is at 172 J.P. Rizal St., Barangay San Roque, Marikina City 1801 (A few meters away from Our Lady of the Abandoned Church and Sunday’s Breakfast)

 

For details and queries, you may contact:

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM-MARIKINA
City Entertainment & Currents

The End is Near. The Conjuring: Last Rites

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”

Discover why this case ended it all. Watch the final trailer for “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, now! Only in cinemas September 3.

Watch The Final Trailer For “The Conjuring: Last Rites.”

Trailer: https://youtu.be/Nt6-4QdDRqE

 

Official synopsis:

From New Line Cinema comes the ninth entry in the more than $2 billion theatrical “Conjuring” universe, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” directed by franchise veteran Michael Chaves and produced by franchise architects James Wan and Peter Safran.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” delivers another thrilling chapter of the iconic “Conjuring” cinematic universe, based on real events. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite for one last case as renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in a powerful and spine-chilling addition to the global box office-breaking franchise.

Don’t miss “The Conjuring: Last Rites” when it opens in Philippine cinemas September 3. #TheConjuring

 

About “The Conjuring: Last Rites”

From New Line Cinema comes the ninth entry in the more than $2 billion theatrical Conjuring universe, The Conjuring: Last Rites, directed by franchise veteran Michael Chaves and produced by franchise architects James Wan and Peter Safran.

The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers another thrilling chapter of the iconic Conjuring cinematic universe, based on real events. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reunite for one last case as renowned, real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in a powerful and spine-chilling addition to the global box office-breaking franchise.

Farmiga and Wilson star alongside Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy, who portray Ed and Lorraine’s daughter Judy Warren and her boyfriend, Tony Spera, as well as Steve Coulter returning as Father Gordon, Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Beau Gadsdon, John Brotherton, and Shannon Kook.

Chaves directs from a screenplay by Ian Goldberg & Richard Naing and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, with a story by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick & James Wan, based on characters created by Chad Hayes & Carey W. Hayes.

The executive producers are Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Natalia Safran, John Rickard, Hans Ritter, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. Chaves is joined behind the camera by his creative team, including director of photography Eli Born, production designer John Frankish, editors Elliot Greenberg and Gregory Plotkin, visual effects supervisor Scott Edelstein, visual effects producer Eric Bruneau, and costume designer Graham Churchyard, with casting by Rose Wicksteed and Sophie Kingston-Smith.

Ian Broucek serves as the music supervisor, while Benjamin Wallfisch composes the music. New Line Cinema Presents A Safran Company/An Atomic Monster Production, “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” The film will be released worldwide by Warner Bros. Warner Bros. will exclusively release the pictures in theaters and IMAX® in North America on September 5, 2025, and internationally on September 3, 2025.

 

Contact:

Ad Pub Hub:

Joanna Mendoza, joanna@adpubhub.com, 0928 506 1217

Jodie Cheng, jodie@adpubhub.com, 0928 508 2853

Warner Bros Discovery:

Bonch Santos, 0917 588 7213

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOREIGN MOVIE RELEASE

City Entertainment & Currents

Lee Jae Wook Returns To Manila For 2025 Asia Fan Meeting Tour pro’log’

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Announcement—Korean actor Lee Jae Wook is making his much-awaited return to the Philippines for his 2025 LEE JAE WOOK ASIA FAN MEETING TOUR pro’log’ in Manila! Set to take place on September 20 (Saturday) at 6 PM at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Presented by Wilbros Live.

 

This marks the Korean actor’s second time in Manila, after his sold-out 2023 fan meeting, where he won over hearts with his genuine charm and sweet interactions with fans. Lee Jae Wook has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most exciting young actors in South Korea today. Whether he’s playing a romantic lead or taking on a role that’s more emotional and intense, he always manages to draw viewers in. Fans in Manila can expect to see the actor behind some of K-drama’s biggest hits, including Alchemy of Souls, Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, Extraordinary You, and Memories of the Alhambra—all of which show his versatile acting range.

 

Lee first caught viewers’ attention in Memories of the Alhambra, where he shared the screen with veteran actors Hyun Bin and Park Shin-hye. Since then, he’s steadily made a mark with both lead and supporting roles. Earlier this year, he took on a more challenging role in the Netflix drama Dear Hongrang, playing a mysterious figure who shows up claiming to be the long-lost son of a wealthy family. He’s also set to star in the upcoming drama Last Summer, which fans are already looking forward to. Outside of acting, Lee is currently showing a lighter, more playful side on tvN’s variety show Fresh off the Sea 2, where he’s charming viewers as the lovable youngest cast member. 

 

Following a successful kickoff to his Asia Fan Meeting Tour in Japan, Lee Jae Wook shared, “Thanks to the fans, I created precious memories and received a lot of positive energy that strengthens me as an actor.”

 

With Manila as his next stop, he is set to bring that same warmth and passion to the stage. Don’t miss an unforgettable night with Lee Jae Wook! Tickets go on sale on July 26, Saturday, at 12PM via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide. Follow Wilbros Live on FB, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok for more information and the latest updates.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; MANILA: FOREIGN ACT
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Dining in Style at High-End Bacolod Restaurants and Spots

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

(Clockwise: Sugba-Sugba, Mezcla Mexican Cocina+Bar, and Imay’s)

In a city known for its budget-friendly eats and backyard barbecue legends, Bacolod’s dining scene has always focused on comfort and familiarity. But beyond the smoky streetside grills and classic carinderias lies a new kind of culinary experience—more sophisticated, slightly pricier, but absolutely worth every peso. While some might scoff at paying more for a plate when inasal is just around the corner, these upscale restaurants offer more than just food—they tell stories on a plate, showcase skilled craftsmanship, and serve as a love letter to Negrense heritage with elegance and pride. Here’s why indulging in these “special” spots isn’t just for special occasions—it’s an investment in culture, community, and a deeper Bacolod experience.

 

Café Uma

Café Uma is located on  Paseo Verde, near Lacson Street. Not to be confused with  Trattoria Uma, which is also located in the same vicinity, three to four doors away, and is another top high-end dining spot in Bacolod. Café Uma is a sibling company to Trattoria Uma, owned by the couple Joey and Ina Gaston, with Chef Jumi Gaston providing expert direction.

Café Uma focuses on casual fare with European and Asian fusions, in contrast to its sibling, which offers a more restaurant-style experience and serves Italian fare.

Café Uma reviews are also quite impressive. View to appreciate.

 

Sugba Sugba

With the rise of seafood and Pala-Pala spots in Bacolod, some places are shifting towards a more fine-dining experience and catering to a high-end audience, rather than Sugba Sugba. Located on 4th Street, Bacolod City, Sugba Sugba serves traditional seafood dishes, complemented by a more diverse menu and an impressive restaurant ambiance that further enhances the dining experience. Sugba-Sugba is open daily.

 

Imay’s

IMAY’s in Bacolod serves Filipino classics like chicken binakol, coconut water, chicken, and green papaya soup. They also serve spicy pork stew, Bicol Express, sizzling manumbok, grilled fish, cheesy grilled scallops, and crispy kangkong (fried water spinach leaves), all tasty appetizers.

IMAY’S also serves cocktails, soft drinks, and wines in addition to food. Try their young coconut buko shake, a refreshing drink. Red Horse beer and wines are available. Imay’s has three branches to serve you. Imay’s has three locations: one on 6th Street, another at the North Wing of SM City, and the third at The Row, a neighborhood strip mall located in Lacson, Mandalagan, Bacolod City, right next to the Citadines.

  • 0969 050 3333

Driving instructions to Imay’s The Row, SM City North Wing. And 6th Lacson Street.

 

Nooma Kitchen+Bar

Nooma recently opened on Lacson Street in Bacolod City. Inasal chicken in tacos and cansi corned beef are among the culinary delights that Nooma’s Kitchen and Bar, where family and friends can relax, offers. They also serve one of the most exceptional beef pares. Two VIP rooms are available for family gatherings and meetings. Enjoy a warm atmosphere while savoring tasty food and making memories at Nooma’s, all while listening to calming music that enhances your experience.

 

Delicioso

A name like that is perfectly fitting for a food spot with its already apt and pleasant-sounding title. How much more its range of menu offerings, from pasta, seafood, salads, pizza, sandwiches, and more? Delicioso, located at Lacson St., Mandalagan, in front of Mesavirre Garden Residences, beside the Pacific Home Depot Building, is just the spot if you want to go for snacks, a light lunch, or dinner.

 

Furai

When you’re craving Japanese food, Furai takes you on a flavorful journey with delicious Japanese dishes. Katsu, Ebi, Yakitori—name it. Furai also offers bento meals. You can find Furai at The Row, Brgy. Bata Lacson Street, Bacolod City.

 

East Bite

When you go for variety, East Bite is your cosmopolitan Asian-fare restaurant, serving a selection of Vietnamese, Lao, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino dishes right in the heart of Bacolod City. You can find the place at T.U. Square Building, B.S. Aquino Drive, corner of Lacson Street, Bacolod City.

 

The Forth

Not your typical dining spot, but more of a leisure hangout. The Forth features billiards and KTV—a perfect place to unwind after work. Prepare to man The Forth at B.S. Aquino Drive Capitol Shopping Center, Bacolod City.

 

Mezcla Mexican Cocina & Bar

Hola! If you’re craving Mexican food, you’ll find it at Mezcla Mexican Cocina & Bar, which has just opened in July 2025. No website is available yet, but their menu is sure to impress you. ‘Buen Provecho! ’ MMCB is just across the Lacson-Bata Overpass, Bacolod City. Opens at 3pm Tuesdays-Sundays. Book your table now!

 

Kōhī Majikku 

Kōhī Majikku is not just another Japanese restaurant but a restaurant with something to offer.

A concept addition: they made one room open for thesis defenses, meetings, small parties, and even K-drama evenings! ₱1,500 for three hours, including food and drinks. Good for 6-11 people.

But don’t let that part fool you; they will also thrill your kids with some of their food presentations, as only the Japanese can. Check out their menu for other tempting options, too. Kōhī Majikku is at 19th Street Lacson, Bacolod City, Philippines.

Discover these gems for an exceptional fine dining and atmosphere experience.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!

City Destination Pinas Special Reports Vacation

A Complete Guide to Senior Citizen Benefits

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas
From Discounts to Care

Here’s a comprehensive overview of Bacolod City Government programs for seniors and retirees, covering each program’s name, purpose, features, eligibility, and enrollment, including how to prepare before turning 60:

 

OSCA Senior Citizen ID & Benefit Booklets

Program Name: Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) — ID & Booklets
Purpose: Official ID card that entitles Bacolod City residents aged 60 and above to local government benefits and national discounts under Republic Act 9994. Also includes grocery and medicine booklets for tracking discount usage, among others.

What it entails:
  • OSCA ID (with QR code in updated version) proving resident status and age.
  • Medicine Purchase Booklet: access to 20% discounts on prescription medicines, diagnostic services, dental/medical fees, transport, lodging, etc.
  • Grocery Purchase Booklet: 5% discount on basic commodities.
Eligibility:
  • Must be at least 60 years old and a resident of Bacolod City for at least 6 months.
    Requirements:
  • Two (2) 1″×1″ photos
  • Current barangay certificate or community tax certificate (cedula)
  • Proof of age: birth/baptismal certificate or valid ID
  • Voter registration may also be needed
How to access/register:
  1. Visit the OSCA office at Purok Dawis, Barangay 14, Bacolod City, or visit the OSCA Portal.
  2. Submit required documents.
  3. You will be issued your OSCA ID and booklets.
  4. Card upgrades now include QR code for security and acceptance, especially at establishments. A city-wide rollout has issued new QR-coded IDs to over 50,000 residents.
Before you turn 60:

Prepare documents ahead of time: birth certificate, barangay certification, and voter registration.

  • Have photos taken in standard size.
  • Verify OSCA’s current processing time (often a few days); inquire in advance for an appointment and QR code issuance.

 

Social Pension (Monthly ₱500 / ₱6,000 annually)

Program Name: Bacolod Social Pension Program
Purpose: Provide financial assistance (₱500 per month, total ₱6,000 per year) to qualified indigent senior citizens not receiving contributory pensions.

Features:
  • Regular cash payments via the City’s Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).
  • Payouts are conducted by barangay or DSSD venues; some barangays now include second-half payouts early in the year.
Eligibility:
  • Must be a Filipino senior citizen resident of Bacolod for at least six months to one year.
  • Not receiving a contributory pension or receiving ≤ ₱5,000/month from GSIS/SSS/PVAO or DSWD.
  • Must qualify as indigent (no stable income).
How to access/register:
  1. Contact your barangay hall, state your intent to apply for social pension.
  2. Barangay will screen and submit applicants to DSSD.
  3. If approved, the pension will be processed and delivered—typically in two lump-sum payouts per year (half-year installments).

As of early 2025, around 11,000 beneficiaries are covered

 

Maintenance Medicines Assistance (Hypertension / Diabetes)

Program Name: Bacolod Maintenance Medicine Program for Indigent Seniors
Purpose: Provide free maintenance medicines for hypertension and diabetes to indigent seniors.

What it entails:
  • Medicines are provided through the City Health Office or Barangay Health Center.
  • Requires a free check-up and doctor’s prescription.
    Eligibility:
  • Indigent senior citizen, resident of Bacolod City for at least six months.
  • Undergoes free medical assessment in a public facility.
Access/Registration:
  1. Visit your barangay health center or the City Health Office (CHO).
  2. Receive a free checkup and get a prescription from a public health practitioner.
  3. Register at the barangay office for the issuance of free medication.
  4. Medicine packages are distributed on enrollment.
  5. Initially funded with ₱4 million, supplemental budgets may increase support

 

Ladderized Centenarian Cash Grants

Program Name: Ladderized Centenarian Incentive Program
Purpose: Recognize and reward long-lived senior citizens with escalating cash grants.

Details:
  • Age 80–89: ₱10,000
  • Age 90–99: cumulative up to ₱20,000
  • 100+ years: up to ₱100,000 in total laddered benefits
Eligibility:

Bacolod City residents reaching those milestone ages, with certified proof of age.

How to access:
  1. Eligible seniors or their families should coordinate via DSSD or their barangay.
  2. Payouts are often conducted at barangay gyms or DSSD offices; home delivery is possible for immobile seniors.

In early 2025, for example, 747 seniors received a ₱3,000 social pension, and 140 centenarians received ₱10,000 each. Info

 

Before You Turn 60:  Pre-registration Preparation
  • Gather proof of residency (barangay certificate/cedula).
  • Secure official proof of age (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or old ID).
  • Keep 2 passport-size photos ready.
  • Ensure voter registration is updated if applicable.
  • Once you turn 60, go to the OSCA office and submit documents for ID issuance and booklets.
  • Then register with the barangay and DSSD for pension or medical programs as eligible.
Final Tips
  1. Turn 60 as early as possible in the calendar year to maximize program start time.
  2. Coordinate with your barangay OSCA representative for community-level assistance and application forms.
  3. Ask about OSCA ID updates if you have an older card without a QR code—QR IDs are required to ensure your discounts are honored at stores and establishments.
  4. Maintain contact with DSSD for pension payouts and any changes in eligibility criteria.

These programs reflect Bacolod City Government’s current (mid-2025) efforts to support senior citizens through discounts, cash assistance, healthcare access, and recognition of longevity. If you’d like links to download application forms or contact details, I’d be happy to help!

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS, BACOLOD CITY; READY, JET SET, GO!
City Entertainment & Currents

NINO Releases “Sea Salt Dayz” — A Soulful Reset for the Weary Mind

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Solo artist NINO released his latest single, “Sea Salt Dayz,” on June 27, 2025, a feel-good and reflective track that leans into meditation, contemplation, and acceptance. The song plays like a personal mantra—a decision to stop clinging to sadness and finally embrace stillness.

“I choose the good. I choose peace. I choose simple,” NINO shares on his social media, summing up the heart of “Sea Salt Dayz.” He continues, “I want to soothe my inner world. To be easygoing and peaceful. To become one with my flawed self.”

With tones reminiscent of Steve Lacy, Mac DeMarco, and Cuco, the track carries a dreamy, lo-fi-ish warmth that feels both breezy and grounding. It’s the kind of song you’d play on a slow afternoon stroll by the baywalk, dog leash in one hand, popsicle in the other, with waves crashing in the background. It doesn’t ask much of you—it just lets you be.

NINO recently performed “Sea Salt Dayz” live at Fête De La Musique Dumaguete Stage on June 27, the same day the track officially dropped—a fitting setting for a song about slowing down and making peace with the mess and beauty of everyday life. Catch more of the artist and his future releases and performances by following NINO and Diorama on all social media platforms.

NINO: Instagram l TikTok l Facebook     DIORAMA FM: Instagram l TikTok l Facebook
VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; MANILA: LOCAL MUSIC
City Entertainment & Currents

Review: Superman 2025 Maligned On First Glimpses But Pulls Off Spectacular Storytelling on Reviews

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

FRESH!

From the first glimpse of David Corenswet’s Superman in costume, sitting on a sofa, possibly adjusting or putting on boots, to the trailers, the journey has been an exhilarating experience. It was frequently criticized from various perspectives, from his ‘diaper trunks’ to his less flattering aspects. An example of this is the camera shot of Corenswet’s face during a flyby, which contrasts with the frequently angry Superman in some trailer scenes. But rest assured, they didn’t include that in the movie, as it was claimed to be just an unedited copy.

Understandably, as audiences tried to piece together the whole story early on with just a few trailer cuts, some overbearing vloggers had already tried to interpret the film’s narrative, as if competing to be the first to spoil it.

Nevertheless, everything changed once the movie was finally screened to critical praise. The entire context underwent a significant shift. The film balanced a mythic hero with a relatable human. While the Snyderverse featured a brooding Superman played by Henry Cavill, Corenswet’s Superman returned to basics, going back to the original idea of the hero as the big blue Boy Scout. His love for humanity shone through as he saved people in distress one by one—like superhero triage—from super bullies while being attacked himself, performing heroic deeds along the way.

Corenswet, in hindsight, maintained the legacy of Reeve and Cavill but brought a new sincerity to the character of Clark Kent. Humor was also added to some scenes, slightly lightening the darker moments.

Meanwhile, fan-favorite Nathan Fillion consistently brought charm and effortless humor to the movie’s often intense scenes, providing levity as he skillfully portrays the lesser-known Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, including the iconic ‘bowl cut.’ To boot, his verbal banter with Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is one of the film’s best exchanges.

However, it was Edi Gathegi (House and X-Men: First Class) who truly shone as Mr. Terrific. Upon viewing the film, it appeared that Mr. Terrific received more screen time than the other cast members, Fillion and Isabela Merced (as Hawkgirl). You be the judge.

The film explored xenophobia, immigrant stories, media influence, and power struggles. Billionaires.

Moving on, is that a giant Easter egg? The Justice Gang headquarters closely resembles that of the Hall of Justice from the Justice League cartoon series. There must somehow be a story behind its history. I suppose that’s for another movie, perhaps from the comic book arc ‘Gods and Monsters’?

The film’s mood fosters a new appreciation for James Gunn’s work compared to the darker Snyderverse, with bright, lively colors and shades that offer audiences a much lighter tone and a visual feast. Meanwhile, as intense superhero action unfolds in the background, several cameos graced the screens—John Cena as Peacemaker, Christopher Reeve’s son Will Reeves as himself (a reporter), and Bradley Cooper as Jor-El. And, yes, Milly Alcock also appears as Supergirl.

Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of the bitter, menacing, and scheming Lex Luthor is somehow balanced by Rachel Brosnahan’s sharp, independent, and commanding depiction of Lois Lane.

Viewers should brace themselves for disgust as Hoult’s character evolves and escalates in aggression. His portrayal of Lex Luthor reveals a very personal and petty villain. He harbors an unmatched vendetta and displays a seething selfishness, clearly shown in the smirks and disdain he directs toward the main protagonist. He also shows no concern for the safety of those he will kill in the process. Lex Luthor appears as an insufferable sadist in this film.

Brosnahan’s energetic presence as Lois, despite her limited screen time, anchors the emotional core of the story. And that’s beneficial for the film.

Stealing Filion’s thunder is the CGI pet, Krypto the Superdog. Anthony Carrigan’s Methamorpho also added emotional depth to the movie as the repentant antihero. Despite those heavy makeup special effects, you might know Anthony Carrigan from the TV series prequel for Batman, Gotham, as Victor Zsasz.

This Superman returns to a lighter, comic-inspired tone with humor, vibrant visuals, and witty banter. James Gunn does it again.

The verdict?

Critics note it “gives DC Comics fans the Superman they’ve been asking for.” The film received strong ratings (~85% on Rotten Tomatoes) and renewed hope in DC Studios. Screen Rant, however, on Wednesday, July 9th, posted a Rotten Tomato rating with a much higher audience score, eclipsing all the other Superman films flat out.

Warner Brothers Pictures released the film in the Philippines on July 8, 2025.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; MANILA: Foreign Movie Release
City Destination Pinas History & Adventures

The Story Behind the City of Smile’s Famous Welcome Marker

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

When travelers make their way into Bacolod City, primarily through the Bacolod-Silay Airport or the northern gateway of the city along the Bacolod-Murcia Road, they’re greeted by an eye-catching sight that’s become an iconic symbol of the city: the “Welcome to Bacolod—City of Smiles” signage. It’s more than just a landmark—it’s a cultural beacon that represents the warmth, charm, and festivity that define the spirit of Bacolod and its people.

The Bacolod Welcome Sign was first erected in 2018, , during a time when local leaders were boosting the city’s image as a tourism and cultural hub in Western Visayas. While Bacolod was already known as the “City of Smiles” due to its famous MassKara Festival, the city lacked a unifying structure or symbol that would serve both as a welcome gesture and a photo-op landmark for tourists.

Inspired by global examples like the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles and the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, Bacolod officials and local artists wanted to create something equally iconic—but infused with Negrense character. The signage was intended to mirror not only the physical entrance to the city but also the emotional welcome that visitors experience from its people.

The “Welcome to Bacolod—City of Smiles” signage is more than just a municipal marker; it’s a powerful piece of public art that connects people to the heart of Bacolod. It tells newcomers, “You’re home here, even if just for a while.” With its bold colors, smiling mask motifs, and cultural roots, it stands as a beacon of joy, embodying everything that makes Bacolod truly unforgettable.

So, the next time you pass by it, smile. After all, you’re in the City of Smiles.

 

Driving instructions to the City of Smile’s Welcome Marker.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS, BACOLOD CITY; HISTORY & ADVENTURES