MANILA, Philippines -- Bacolod City, known as the City of Smiles, is truly a place of happiness. I experienced this first-hand when I flew to Bacolod on the invitation of Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., former Senator Nikki Coseteng, Bacolod City Mayor, PSL Head Susan Papa and Jake Piccio to witness the 2011 Governor’s Cup National Swimming Competition at the Panaad Stadium.
Travelling with the former senator-turned-school administrator was an enjoyable and meaningful one. A staunch sports advocate, especially of swimming, Sen. Coseteng was the guest of honor at the national competition which served as try-outs for those who cannot make it to the Philippine Swimming League’s (PSL) national try-outs.
Bacolod is famous for the Masskara Festival, celebrated every October during the city’s foundation day. Huge, colorful and smiling masks are everywhere and dancers in colorful costumes parade on the streets amidst drum beats.
The Panaad sa Negros is “the mother of all festivals in Negros Occidental” where all towns participate and native dishes and local handicrafts are exhibited. If you want to see locals walking over live coals, join the Kali-Kalihan Festival in November, a festival celebrating ancient tribal beliefs. Other festivals include the Bacoloadiat Festival during the Chinese New Year, the Babaylan Festival showcasing the history of Negros, the Pasasalamat Festival which is a thanksgiving feast for abundant harvest, the Pinta Flores Festival where dancers covered with flowers or tattoos dance on the streets, the Sinigayan Festival which is a thanksgiving fiesta in honor of St. Joseph, and the Ugyonan or Snake Festival that celebrates bayanihan.
Besides these colorful festivals that reflect Bacolod’s rich culture, the city has a lot more to offer: amazing beaches, delicious food, and historical landmarks.
Bacolod’s beautiful beaches include Antulang Beach, Isla Puti, La Vista Del Mar, Llacaon Island,Punta Ballo Beach, Sipalay Beach, Sipaway Island, and Tambobo Beach. For those who are not fond of beaches but still want to get wet, the Mambukal Mountain Resort has natural hot springs in a very high altitude, making one relax in the hot water amidst a cool atmosphere.
Diving enthusiasts are sure to have a blast at some of the country’s best dive sites found around or near Bacolod City. Other nature trip activities around Bacolod include trekking the Patag Valley and climbing Mt. Kanlaon. The Patag valley is said to be the ultimate trekker’s delight while Mt. Kanlaon is one of the highest peaks in the country with beautiful flora and fauna. The Mt. Kanlaon National Park has trails going up the mountain, the shortest of which is the eight-kilometer Masulog trail. It is also worthwhile to visit Salas Park to get a view of the whole city while relaxing under the trees.
Because Negros has very rich natural resources, The Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation teach visitors how to preserve and take care of nature’s gifts. This site has exotic and endangered animals in a mini-forest.
Bacolod food is definitely one of the best in the country. Fresh lumpia, inasal, piyaya, batchoy, and pinasugbo are the city’s delicacies.
Accommodation is never a problem as Bacolod City has fine hotels, resorts and restaurants that will make you feel at home. Of course, the people of Bacolod are known for their hospitality and warmth.
For a bit of history, be sure to visit the Negros Museum, which takes you back to the olden days, the Palacio Episcopal, Fort San Juan, The Carmelite Monastery, the San Sebastian Cathedral, the Theodore Vinther Monument, The Revolutionary Markers that mark historic battles by the Katipuneros, the old Church of Talisay, and The Holifena Ancestral Home, a renowned ancestral house known for its extensive art collection.
Tourists also frequent the agro-industrial complex Victorias Milling Co. as Bacolod is known to be the sugarland. The Balay Negrense tour is a must-experience as it lets you see Bacolod’s ancestral homes, old churches and roads. Other places to visit are the Capitol Park and Lagoon, Christmas Village, Centennial Belfry at the San Sebastian Cathedral, and the Bacolod Public Plaza.
Sports activities here include target shooting, golf, tennis, and bowling.
For true Bacolod City shopping, visit the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), the Bacolod Shellcraft and Artwares, the Far East Bamboo Exports, the Lopues Malls, The Negros Showroom, the 888 Chinatown Square and local markets.
Truly, with all the places I visited and the good company I had while in Bacolod, I was all smiles at the City of Smiles.
[ Bacolod City Wiki ]
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