The Domestic Tourist
I’ve been scanning some of my travel pictures when it struck me that I’ve saved a lot of photos from those travels and I have shared stories about the places I’ve been to but I haven’t been able to write a feature story about my beloved city, Bacolod. I can say that I’m a true-blooded Bacoleño, that I can memorize the city’s lay-out like the back of my palm hehe. I’ve always wanted to write a travel story about my illustrious city and I guess now is the time. Bacolod has always been and always will be a city of proud people. We are proud of our history, our culture, our never-say-never attitude and most of all, our capacity to weather the odds. This, most often, is attributed to arrogance, which also oftentimes receives disdain from the neighboring islands. But the fact of the matter is, Bacoleños are just used to the “hacienda culture”, where one aims for the best. No matter how urban Bacolod has become, a part of the city retained its rural soul. Something that’s both unique and endearing. Below are some information on Bacolod’s tourism activities, accommodations, shopping and places to eat.
Tourism Calendar:
Bacolaodiat (celebrated every Chinese Lunar New Year, sometime in mid February)
Bacolod’s version of Chinese New Year. Although a relatively new event in the city, it has gained popularity in the recent years due to the increased festival activities, concerts and food festivals. Very festive and this reminds me of the streets in Shanghai.
Panaad sa Negros (normally after Holy Week)
Panaad, which means promise in English, is being tagged as the mother of all festivals. The event is hosted in the Panaad Park and Stadium. Every single town and city of the province has its own pavilion showcasing their products and culture. It’s a week-long celebration of food, concerts, culture, and pageantry. I personally believe that this is one of the biggest festivals in the country. For those of you who like to be in a company of a huge throng of people, this is the place to be. This is the only festival where you can basically “tour” the whole province, from eating oysters (talaba) in Ilog to shopping for dried fish (uga) in Cadiz.
Masskara (held every 3rd week of October, coinciding with the city’s Charter Day celebration)
Well what can I say about this festival? Masskara has grown to a huge event that its name precedes its reputation. It’s one of the most notable festival events in the country and is often anticipated not only by the locals but nationally as well. As much as I revere our country’s religious festivals since they reflect our culture, our nation as Catholics, I can’t help but be awed by our very own Masskara. Why? Simply because it was created not to honor any saint or patron, but to give recognition to the undying spirit of the Bacoleños to survive against all odds. The idea of wearing masks is to hide pain and sorrows that our people suffered, to enjoy life after all its hardships. But I guess nowadays, we can dance through the streets of the city without the facade of masks since we have after all weathered the onslaught of our problems. The event is the city’s biggest ever. There are the usual food fests, cultural shows, firework displays, concerts, beauty pageants and street parties. This event basically rocks! Where in the Philippines can you dance in the middle of the street, in a crowd of people? Only in Bacolod. And nobody will care if you’re dancing with both left feet. You can party through the entire stretch of Lacson, eat from one restaurant to another, bring along your bottle of beer with you while you strut the street with your friends and nobody will mind.
Accommodations:
L’ Fisher Hotel – one of the region’s best. It has an annex, The Chalet. The infinity pool on the 4th floor of Chalet commands a breathtaking view of the sea. Price starts from 1,200 pesos. Contact them at 433-3731 or visit their website www.lfisherhotelbacolod.com
Luxor Place (formerly Bacolod Convention Plaza) — a part of the hotel houses a BPO company, food is good. Phone number 434-4551. Price starts at 1,000 pesos.
Hotel Pagcor – swanked right in the heart of Goldenfields Complex, Bacolod’s nightlife center. There’s a 24-hour casino, an international coffee shop (the only Gloria Jean’s in the region). Quorom disco and videoke is beside the hotel, as well the a bowling alley. You can virtually wile away the night. Price starts at 2,000. Phone# 434-8901.
Kundutel – still in the Goldenfields area, this hotel is a cheaper version of Hotel Pagcor. Directly in front of MO2 bar and restaurant. The hotel itself has its own steak house, a must try. Price starts at 1,1oo pesos. Phone# 433-7202.
Plaza Centro Bacolod – one of the newer hotels in the city. The hotel’s architecture is reminiscent of a grand hacienda manor. The hotel’s facade is just amazing, especially at night. Beside it is the Metrodome, a complex of restaurants, gaming zones, and a spa center. Nearby is the lechon country, so if you want to indulge yourself with that crunchy and delicious cholesterol heaven, just drop by any of the stalls along the road. Phone# 468-0400. Price starts at 1,700 pesos.
Business Inn – the sister hotel of Plaza Centro, located along the southern end of Lacson. The food here is to die for. Actually the cafe is a popular watering hole. The rooms are a bit small though but clean enough. Price starts at 1,200 pesos. Phone# 433-8877.
Sugarland Hotel – one of the grand dames of the city. The hotel is a favorite among the locals, favorite gathering place for debuts, weddings, seminars. Located near Goldenfields as well. The rooms were just refurbished. The food here is nice. Price starts at 1,400 pesos. Phone# 433-2645.
Grand Regal Hotel — situated right in front of a large mall, the Gaisano Mall. This hotel is a favorite among travelers. Price starts at 2,000 pesos. Phone# 708-5888.
Sylvia Manor – the hotel’s slogan as the only boutique hotel in the city lives up to its reputation. Although a relatively newcomer, it has always been able to meet the demands of discriminating travelers. The food here is nice as well, especially during breakfast. Price starts at 2,000 pesos. Phone# 434-9833.
You can also try booking on these hotels; Westown Hotel-San Juan, Eastpoint Hotel, MO2 Westown, Circle Inn. For the budget conscious, there are a lot of pension houses that dot the city. By the way prices on the mentioned hotels above are subject to change. Bacolod’s area code is 34.
Dine:
Asian-Japanese: Mushu, Hoshi, Kaisei, Inaka
Continental: Pepe’s, Louise, Humo, Bar 21, Pendy’s, Bascon Cafe
Mediterranean: Adham’s, Jacopo
Seafood-Filipino: Resto Grill sa Baybay, 18th St. Pala-pala, Imay’s, Ting-tings, Entings
Italian: Trattoria Uma, Italia
Coffee shops (with wifi) — Starbucks, Kuppa, Bob’s, Pietro @SM
A must try: Lord Byron’s. Their baby back ribs is just heaven. You will be addicted to it and will crave for it over and over. Just hail a cab and for sure the driver knows exactly where to go.
Don’t ever, ever forget to eat at Manokan Country for the best chicken inasal in town. You haven’t been to Bacolod if you didn’t drop by this icon of a city. Also, you can try the original Pala-pala, where you need to buy fresh seafoods and have them cooked in whatever way you want, be it sinugba, tula, kilaw, prito. Stroll along the famed Shopping district, the city’s Chinatown, for authentic Chinese foods and 2 of the city’s best cansihan — Sharyn’s and Connies.
Shopping:
Bacolod has its share of supermalls in the country — SM, Robinson’s, Gaisano City, 888. You can also shop for souvenirs and pasalubongs at Bongbong’s, Virgie’s, Mercy’s.
Roaming around the city is basically simple and efficient. The roads are well paved. Bacolod is a busy city, bustling with activities, whether it’s day or night. Make sure to bring along light clothes. Most disco bars don’t allow men who wear slippers on weekends so make sure you bring a pair of your comfy sneakers. Night life can be exciting, from live bands that are mainstays in the city’s many bars, to discotheques like Sibeeria and MO2 Ice, which can sweat the life out of you.
