by Marty Go (ABS-CBN News Bacolod)

Every 12th of June, the streets of Silay City, Negros Occidental are filled with excited people to witness the Kansilay streetdancing competition in celebration of the city's charter day.

Groups from the sixteen barangays of the city are clad in colorful and artistic costumes as they dance along the music of "hugyaw Silay", the city's slogan.

Each group is led by a maiden who represents Princess Kansilay, a main character in the folktale of how Silay came up with its name.

It is said that in the early days, pirates invaded the land but Princess Kansilay defended her people and fought courageously with her life. They were successful in driving out the pirates but the princess died in the battle. Her people were surprised after a tree grew from the ground where they buried her body. Thus, her name was shortened to Silay.

The streetdancing competition is not only a spectacle for the people to behold but a tribute to the ancestors of this old city in Negros Occidental.

How to Get There
From Manila, you can fly to Bacolod (PHP2500++, round trip, 45 minutes). From Bacolod-Silay Airport, you can take a shuttle (PHP75-100 per head), or hire a cab (PHP400 minimum) to go to Bacolod City. You can also take a tricycle parked outside the airport (PHP10 minimum per head for at least 5 passengers, otherwise if you're riding alone you'll have to pay PHP50) going to Silay City proper.

Where to Stay
L'Fisher Hotel is located at 14th Lacson St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines 6100. For inquiries call (034) 433-3731 to 39 or send an email to lfisherhotel@yahoo.com or sales@lfisherhotelbacolod.com
L'Fisher Hotel is just 30 minutes away from Bacolod-Silay Airport.