EXPLORE THE UNDERWORLD WITH ME

One of the perks of being Hari ng Negros is that you receive invitations from all corners of Negros Island to judge any kind of event imaginable. Recently, we received an invitation from the Municipality of Mabinay in Negros Oriental to be a judge in their annual Bikini Fashion Show (another term for Bikini Open).

Mabinay is located right smack in the center of Negros. It is considered a "cave town" because of all the caves they have. The reigning Hari ng Negros Ralph Jadraque hails from this town. As of the latest count, the tourism office of Mabinay has chronicled more than 200 caves within their municipality.

We were booked at the Tirambulo Highland Resort in Barangay Paniabonan which is very close to the event venue. The resort has 5 man-made lakes surrounded by lush vegetation and greenery.

As if luck was not on our side, some of the models of the bikini fashion show were also at the same resort.

The Municipality granted our request for a cave tour before the show. Left to Right (Beam, spelunking specialist, Menchie, tourism officer of Mabinay, Mayor Piktoy Baldoza, Jeffrey Dasian, caving expert, Rowena Merto, fellow judge and tourism officer of Dumaguete, Dodong and mayor's son (forgot name)

The first cave we went to explore is the Baliw Cave. Baliw in the dialect means crazy. Before entering the caves, the tourism office of Mabinay makes sure you have all the proper equipments and they also read to you the Do's and Don'ts of caving.

Most of the caves in Mabinay are untouched yet. There are no lights, railings or walkways. Precaution has to be used always when going around.

Still inside Baliw cave, Beam shows us this interesting formation. It looks like ice.

The next cave we went inside is called the Crystal Cave. This one has a lot of interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Hari ng Negros 2008, Ralph Jadraque touring us in Crystal Cave with the Sidlakang Negros Tourism Association.

Still inside the Crystal Cave.

Mambajo Cave was next. This cave has two entrance, one through the sunroof (Rappelling is the only way though this entrance)

Or through the underground river that flows inside the cave. Notice the children swimming in the underground river.

A very easy cave to explore is the Panligawan Cave....

...and the Pandalihan Cave. Overall the caving experience was fulfilling and tiring at the same time. We almost lost all energy to judge that night.

LET THE SHOW BEGIN!

The candidates first come out with their jeans. This is actually the "teaser" segment.

Then they get wet from this shower coming out of the stamen of a flower. This portion is called "Wet and Wild". Organizers were very creative as usual.

Individual wet and wild showdowns.

This candidate attacked all the male judges before rushing back to the stage. I call this Revenge of the "puppies".

Now the group showdown enfolds.

Slenda dance.

Even though we were far from the volcano crater, things started to heat up Mabinay that night.

Our chosen three became victorious as the champions. We went back to the resort very tired and at the same time mesmerized by the great time exploring the underworld.


Forever, Hari ng Negros.

CROWN PRINCE OF NEGROS WINS NATIONAL TITLE

The reigning Crown Prince of Negros, Joseph Hornido of Guihulngan competed recently in the national finals of the Kawasaki Biker Hunk and Babe contest at Market! Market! in Taguig City, Metro Manila representing Dumaguete City in which he bagged the Grand Prize. Here are some back stage pics of the event.

More pics will be posted soon of the competition.

Celebrating here with his Hari ng Negros batchmates, the Prince of Basay, Bindoy and Canlaon 2008.

Congratulations Joseph! We are very proud of you!

Forever, Hari ng Negros.

GREETINGS FROM GINOONG MINDANAO

WE RECEIVED AN EMAIL AT haringnegros@gmail.com THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH ALL OF YOU:

09 February 2009

Greetings!!!

First and foremost allow me to congratulate the City of Canlaon and the Canlaon City Tourism Council for having a very colorful event. I was very amazed with the artistry, talent and production skills of the Negrense. Indeed something that every Filipino should be proud of and look forward to year after year.

I was first able to browse the clippings when one of my colleagues (who happens to be from Dumaguete City) resigned last year and returned home to get married. She invited us to attend her baby's christening in Dumaguete. Researching about the place, I got to know more about the wonders of Negros and eventually Hari ng Negros.




By the way, to give you a brief background of myself. I'm Chrochie Consuegra, currently working as a Flight Attendant for Qatar Airways based here in the Middle East. I'm originally from Davao City, and a nursing degree holder.

When I was still in the Philippines, I joined various male pageants from school-based to the provincial level all the way to being proclaimed Ginoong Mindanao. It was indeed a nice experience. This is the main reason why I'm writing you this and to also hopefully attend this year's search.

As I look back, I would say that joining pageants helped me become the person I am today. It helped boost my self confidence which in turn helped me land the job of being an international flight attendant despite very tough competition.




These are the things that I want to share with the young people of Negros. That it is necessary to prepare yourself for the future no matter what career path you choose. Don't be scared to take risks. If you feel you have what it takes, then join Hari ng Negros. Not to try to impress people but most of all to challenge yourself and strive for greater limits.

With this said, I would really like to explore more of Negros, the food, the place, the people and the smile. Even though my career path has taken me all around the world, including tasting the exotic foods of India, riding the elephants in Bangkok, joining the mardi gras of Brazil, visiting the ancient temples of China, wearing the designer clothes of Milan, watching the lights of the Eiffel tower shimmer in Paris, watching in amazement the exotic animals of the African safari , swimming in the beaches of the Maldives and the Seychelles, there is definitely still no place like home. You will always miss and love your home.




I wish I could bring the Davao Tourism team to your place. I was once part of the Davao Tourism Youth Council when I was in the Philippines. There's just so many things that we have to offer not only for Filipinos but for the rest of the world as well.

I attached some of my pics here and anyone can chat me here in my YM account chrochie@yahoo.com I am frequently online especially if I don't have flights. I am looking forward to meeting your organization in Negros. But most of all feel the legendary hospitality of the Negrenses. All the best for all of you.

Many thanks,

Chrochie Consuegra (Ginoong Mindanao 2002)

Qatar Airways

Cabin Crew Department

SN 22668

THANK YOU CHROCHIE. WE ARE VERY MUCH EXCITED IN MEETING YOU TOO IN JUNE FOR HARI NG NEGROS 2009.

FOREVER, HARI NG NEGROS

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LEGENDS OF SUGARLANDIA - FTV COVERAGE

Here are the videos of the FTV Coverage of the Hari ng Negros - Legends of Sugarlandia Body Paint and Tribal Fashion show held last November 15, 2008 at El Puerto Rico in Dumaguete City.









Forever, Hari ng Negros.