Photo of the Day for January 12, 2024 – At the plaza of Bais City

Photo of the Day for January 12, 2024 – At the plaza of Bais City

Bais City, situated in the Negros Oriental province of the Philippines, stands out as one of the cleanest and safest cities in the region. Its primary tourist attraction is the captivating experience of dolphin watching in the Tañon Strait, nestled between Bais and the neighboring island of Cebu. With a population exceeding 76,000 as of 2015, the city thrives on the major economic activity of sugar cane cultivation. The local landscape is shaped by a handful of affluent families who wield considerable influence over both the political and economic spheres. While the central market has recently undergone a transformation into a distinctive two-storey building, reflecting an unconventional design, pedicabs continue to traverse the streets—a lasting legacy of a Dutch NGO’s initiative aimed at alleviating rural poverty.  

Photo of the Day for January 04, 2024 – Girls at the wishing well in Valencia

Photo of the Day for January 04, 2024 – Girls at the wishing well in Valencia

The small town boasts a delightful public plaza, a true gem often overlooked by its residents. Despite its modest size, the plaza strikes a perfect balance between open space and developed areas. The landscaping is tastefully simple, avoiding extravagance, while maintaining cleanliness, order, and a lush green ambiance.     Dominating the scene is a statue of Jose Rizal atop a tall pedestal, surrounded by well-manicured walkways connecting the playground to the expansive open field. In the backdrop, tennis courts add a recreational touch. An ancient fountain, a relic from Spanish times, graces the plaza. Once a vital water source from mountain springs, it now stands as a decorative element. Taking advantage of the town’s sloped terrain, an amphitheater enhances the plaza’s charm. This space transforms into a stage for concerts or political rallies, set against the natural incline. The southern expanse of the plaza is dedicated to an open grassy area, framed by majestic giant acacia trees. While the town church, constructed in 1961, may not be an architectural marvel, its presence atop a grand wide staircase imparts a majestic aura to the surroundings.