The primary city of Negros Occidental, Bacolod is a rising star in the Philippines known for its lively MassKara Festival and enviable quality of life. A recent survey named Bacolod the best Filipino city to call home.
The MassKara Festival began relatively recently, during a particularly difficult year in the 1980s. As the sugarcane industry was being driven off by cheaper high-fructose corn syrup, an unrelated accident at sea claimed the lives of hundreds of Negrenses. The community responded with a lively festival that helped to lift everyone’s spirits.
Half a million people live here, and there is excellent infrastructure at hand. Roads are broad and often flanked by leafy trees. Public artwork is visible throughout town. The most popular sites are the Negros Museum and San Sebastian’s Cathedral.
Restaurants and shopping facilities are widespread and cater mainly to the local population. A range of hotels are available in budget and mid-range categories. Expect rooms to be scarce in October leading up to the MassKara Festival.
Getting There & Away
Bacolod-Silay Airport is labeled as an international airport, but virtually all of its traffic is to Manila (45 minutes), where travelers can stage flights to worldwide destinations. Several other domestic routes, especially to Cebu, are also available. International charter flights are starting to trickle in.
Things to Do
Bacolod Attractions
- Negros Museum
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Bacolod’s most prominent museum is found near the capitol building and has a range of exhibits exploring local culture and history.
- Orange Gallery
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Located on lacson street, this is a fine collection of locally produced artwork.
- San Sebastian Cathedral
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One of many churches in bacodol, the baroque san sebastian is the most impressive.
Events
- MassKara Festival
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Bacolod’s most popular event is held in october and bears resemblance to carnival.