Contingents from different schools and barangays gathered early at the San Carlos City port to assemble. Locals, photographers, and other tourists, like us, took this time as an opportunity to appreciate the costumes up close and take souvenir shots.

At exactly 12NN, the parade rolled, and it was also our cue to proceed to a local watering hole on the parade route to join San Carlos City's Gentlemen's Club to watch the merry street dancing.

Everyone was animated and full of life. San Carlos City danced to one beat, including our parade hosts, who are mostly foreigners and former Filipino expats who decided to settle and retire in San Carlos City, last year's second most livable among cities with a population of 75,000 to 150,000 in the world.

A Livable City

San Carlos City, whose original name was “Nabingkalan,” being referred to the Negrito settlement of inhabitants, is located two hours away from Bacolod City through the scenic Negros Translink Eco-tourism Highway and four hours through the coastal highway.

It was easy to figure out why these foreign gentlemen chose to move to San Carlos City, cited as one of the world's most livable because of its environmental best practices, healthy lifestyle, and community involvement.

I am closely considering it as my own, being my mother's hometown and, of course, being close to both the mountains and the sea, which I both love.

Next Tourism Destination

San Carlos City has a lot to offer both retirees and tourists.

Before the street party, my travel companion, Third, and I explored some of San Carlos City's best tourist attractions. On our first night, we stayed at Waddy's Place, a mountain villa that provides a breathtaking view of San Carlos City and the nearby Sipaway Island.

That is where we met the friendly Dr. Eugene Antonio III, who guided us to the nearby La Vista Mountain Resort. There, we had the opportunity to experience San Carlos City's first zipline. He also treated us to some of the best restaurants in San Carlos.

With the number of foreigners settling in, San Carlos City is also getting to experience the best of overseas food like American and Mexican dishes at Burgers and Beer and international delicatessen at Skyland Hotel. Of course, there are other favorites like old-timers Carmel's and La Magdalena, plus old and new breeds like 10-9 Restaurant offering good Chinese food, Palma Coffee Shop, Apin's, Gene and Cris, and Mom's.

The day after, we stayed at Whispering Palms Resort in Sipaway Island. It was not my first time visiting Sipaway Island but my first time staying at Whispering Palms, and it was impressive. Owned, managed, and mostly visited by Germans, we were minorities on our own island but nevertheless experienced a really good time. 

Everyone was primed to party at the Pintaflores Festival. We did not see our German friends though at the parade, but we had a great time with San Carlos City's Gentlemen's Club, who also invited us to witness a grand fireworks display and concert at the City Hall Grounds.