By Robbie Pangilinan
Bacolod City, known as the City of Smiles, is truly a place of
happiness. I experienced this first-hand when I flew to Bacolod for an
invitation from 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 on February 19 and 20.
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 on February
27 at Coseteng’s school, Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) Swimming
Complex in Quezon City.
Bacolod is well-known for the famous Masskara Festival, celebrated
every October during the city’s foundation day. Huge, colorful and
smiling masks are everywhere and dancers in colourful costumes parade
in 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 in 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 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 as 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.
The Negros Occidental Sports and Recreational Park hosts international
football games and has a stadium, an Olympic-sized swimming, and a
track oval. Super Bowling Lanesat the Goldenfield Commercial Complex
has modern bowling facilities while the Bacolod Golf and Country Club
as well as the Marapara Golf and Country Club has great golf courses.
The Panaad Park and Stadium, where the Governor’s Cup was held, is
also a must-see site.
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. #
