Bacolod City Sights and Landmarks Guide, Philippines

A place that preserves its authentic aura and festive mood for the world to seize is nothing but perfect for a summer get-away. When you think of friendliness and festivity, Bacolod City is the name to tell to your travel agent when he asks where you’re going from now.

The capital of the Philippine’s sugar bowl province (Negros Occidental), Bacolod has amiability among its people who speak with melodious, endearing accent. The legendary Ilonggo or Hiligaynon gentility is shared to first-time or frequent visitors of this famed City of Smiles. Just when you’re done with breakfast at Casino Filipino Hotel or other choices of hotels as Grand Regal, Kundutel, Sugarland, L’ Fisher, The Sea Breeze, Circle Inn and The Sylvia Manor, you can take time to travel with a private van or be more adventurous via jeep or tricycles.

Head your way to the Salas Park and walk through the zigzag-steep roads while enjoying the sight enhanced by old pines, mahogany and cool air. A local guide is on standby to take you to a spring and waterfall tour to Mambucal Resort, Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa and Mt. Canlaon Park, if you want to. Otherwise, you can stop by the Negros Museum to view some artifacts related to the sugar industry. A lagoon is adjacent to it for you to enjoy more of nature’s gifts. It’s more exciting to be travelling in October as the Maskarra Festival is cooking up! Food, handicraft stalls, street dancing and beer can be enjoyed around the plaza.

For sports enthusiasts, you can go bowling or play billiards at Negros Superlanes and Entertainment Center at the Goldenfield Commercial Complex. The Panaad Stadium (with 15,000-20,000 capacity) and Paglaum Sports Complex are a must-see because they hosted some games in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games 2005 and the Asian Cup Qualifiers 2006. A short visit to these spots will not do unless you are to play some games. It’s optional but you’ll probably be interested to take a short stopover at the 19th-century home-turned-museum of Balay Negrense in the neighboring Silay City.

If you have ample time left, you can rest your feet and buy some delicacies at SM City Bacolod or any small store nearby. Along the highways, you’ll spot numerous sugarcane plantations that the city is known for. Some hectares bear some rice, assorted veggies, coconut, banana and corn. Ilonggos’ smiling attitude is contagious, and when you feel this essence of belongingness, you might want to make it your dream destination.