Markets, Food, and Parades

Upon my arrival, Ray, Amy, and I toured most of the central business district of Dumaguete.  We also perused an excellent farmer's market a little north of the core.  After purchasing a few essentials, like fresh mango and rambutan, we ventured out to find a tasty snack called budbud served with mango.  Budbud is a sticky rice that is rolled in banana leaves and smoked.  It is served by drizzling hot chocolate over the rice after the banana leaves have been peeled away.  An acquired taste; the rice takes on a smokey flavor, but is complimented by the sweetly, drizzled chocolate.  This was one of my first authentic Filipino delicacies.  I'd try it again after my pallet has adjusted.

We arrived Dumaguete during the tail end of a two week festival honoring all the towns in the province of Negros, Oriental.  What does this mean exactly?  Well, there were a ton of people who had traveled from their respected town/city to celebrate a commonality of being from the same province, but to also distinguish each town/city character attributes.  The closest thing I can compare it to is the Minnesota State Fair.  Not that Dumaguete hosts a bunch of carnival rides, but there are definitely parades and "food-on-a-stick" to be eaten while watching an incredible fireworks display over the Banica River.  Needless to say, the city was charged with that energy for the first few days.