These will surely make you smile!
Bacolod has been dubbed as the “City of Smiles” for many reasons.
For one, the city is oozing with the friendliness and warmth of its locals. Second, lively Bacoleños and Bacoleñas go big as they celebrate life and culture. Their most famous fiesta – the Masskara Festival has become a tourist attraction. Many visitors from all over the world come to Bacolod to join the annual street fest, which happens every fourth Sunday of October. During which, colorful decors and people with eye-catching masks and flamboyant costumes fill the streets. It is a great time to party with locals and have fun in the city.
Aside from these, there are a variety of exhilarating activities to try when in Bacolod that will surely make you smile. Hence, if you are considering coming to the “City of Smiles,” here are some must-try excursion ideas.
1. Fall in love with The Ruins
The Ruins is a popular itinerary staple when visiting Bacolod. Built in the early 1900s, the mansion tells a story of unrequited love. It was constructed by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a wealthy baron who owned more than 400 hectares of plantation land, to commemorate his deceased wife Maria Braga who passed away while carrying their 11th child. Unfortunately, the mansion was badly damaged during the Second World War. Yet despite the fact that it’s been ruined, its glorious Italian architecture and neo-Romanesque columns still shine through that many tourists visit the place to this day.
Source: The Ruins Facebook
The Ruins
Address: Don Mariano L. Lacson Highway, Brgy. Zone 15 6100, Talisay, Philippines
Contact information: (034) 476-9448
2. Travel back in time at Balay Negrense
Balay Negrense is one of the heritage houses found in the culture-rich city of Silay, part of Bacolod’s greater metropolitan area. It was the ancestral home of another sugar baron - Victor Fernandez Gaston who has contributed to the local sugarcane industry. The house was built in 1897 where he lived with his twelve children, following his wife’s demise. While the house was abandoned years after he died in 1927, it was turned into a museum during the 90s, and has since become a tourist attraction in the area.
Balay Negrense
Address: Cinco de Noviembre Street, Silay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Contact information:(034) 445 4282
3. Say a prayer at the San Sebastian Cathedral
Marvel at the beautiful Baroque architecture of the San Sebastian Cathedral, a famous historical landmark in Bacolod. Made of coral stones, the church finished construction and was inaugurated in 1882. First time visiting the Cathedral? Don’t forget to make a wish.
San Sebastian Cathedral
Address: 1755 Rizal Street, Bacolod City, 6100, Negros Occidental, Rizal St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Contact information:(034) 433 0240
4. Taste authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal at the Manokan Country
Taste the authentic distinct flavors of the Chicken Inasal at its place of origin – Bacolod! Experience the juiciness of the city’s version of grilled chicken, marinated in special sauces, and usually served with rice on banana leaf. Many tourists go to the Manokan Country, a food complex in Bacolod where many food stalls and restaurants offer the Chicken Inasal, as well as other street food.
Manokan Country
Address: Father M. Ferrero St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
5. Learn how to make Piaya
Learn the art of making Piaya, a famous delicacy from Bacolod. It’s the ultimate pasalubong! Piaya is basically an unleavened flatbread with filling made of muscovado or brown sugar, and sometimes, Ube. It’s also the main attraction at the popular pasalubong center BongBong’s Finest Delicacies, where you can take a workshop on Piaya making.
Source: BongBong's Finest Delicacies Facebook
BongBong’s Finest Delicacies
Address: BongBong Villan Corp Building, Bangga Pauline, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines 6100
Contact information: (034) 704 1275
Social: Facebook
6. Tour the famous pasalubong brand BongBong’s factory
And while you’re there making Piaya, don’t forget to tour the factories where BongBong’s Finest Delicacies are being made! The company has two factories – the Alijis Factory and the La Carlota Factory. Both tours could be arranged. See how they make the rest of their goodies and at the same time, take home some well-loved pasalubongs like the Barquillos, Biscocho, Brojas, Baquiron, Otap, and Tarts.
Source: BongBong's Finest Delicacies Facebook
BongBong’s Finest Delicacies
Address: BongBong Villan Corp Building, Bangga Pauline, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines 6100
Contact information: (034) 704 1275
Social:Facebook
7. Admire vintage pieces at the Laguerta Vintage Glasses Museum
The Laguerta Vintage Glasses Museum houses vintage glassware pieces, which dates back to the early 1900s. They are part of the collection of museum owner Tomiko Casiano who has curated glassware of different colors, shapes, and sizes through the years. His collection includes the time-honored Depression Glasses and Carnival Glasses.
Source: Laguerta Vintage Glasses Museum Facebook
Laguerta Vintage Glasses Museum
Address: 5 Lopez Jaena St, Brgy, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Contact information:0917 309 8895
8. Bond with your family at the Capitol Park and Lagoon
See the neo-classical Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol landmark in its full glory when you visit the Capitol Park and Lagoon. Take your family for a walk in the 3-hectare park as you breathe in fresh air and see other people doing a variety of fun activities like jogging, aerobics and even feeding the tilapias in the lagoon!
Capital Park and Lagoon
Address: Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
