Bacolod City

Bacolod is the capital city of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines and is a
major tourism destination in the province in Western Visayas, a cluster of islands at the heart of
the Philippine Archipelago. The biggest tourism asset of the city is the friendly and genuinely
hospitable people, whose lilting Ilonggo dialect coupled with their winsome smiles have made
Bacolod famous as the CITY OF SMILES.
ETYMOLOGY
The name Bacolod was derived from the Hiligaynon word, Buklod meaning stonehill, as the city
was first set up on a stonehill. Due to Moro (Muslim) raids it was then transferred to the
shoreline. The original town is now called Daan-Banwa meaning Old Town.

HISTORY
Prior to the coming of the Spaniards in Negros in 1565, there existed a small village near the
mouth of the Magsungay river inhabited by Malayans who belong to the Taga-ilog group. The
early missionaries placed the village of Magsungay under the protection of St. Sebastian in
1700s and was later known as San Sebastian de Magsungay. In 1770, Bernardo de los
Santos became its first Governadorcillo or Capitan municipal. Its first parish priest was Fr. Leon
Pedro, having been appointed as Propitario of Bacolod in 1806.
Due to the rampant attack of Moro pirates, the villagers moved inland and established a new
settlement on a hilly terrain they called Buklod, the forerunner of its present name, Bacolod.
Gradually, the people left the hilly terrain which later became known as Camingawan
(loneliness).
In 1849, then Gov. Valdevieso y Morquecho declared Bacolod as the capital of the whole island
of Negros. Subsequently, with the splitting of Negros into two provinces, Bacolod was named
capital of the province of Negros Occidental in 1884.
On October 19, 1938, Bacolod became the fifth chartered city during the Commonwealth period
under President Manuel L. Quezon, with Alfredo Montelibano, Sr. as its appointed chief
executive.
From a mere settlement in the hills with only about 5,000 people in 1770, Bacolod has

developed into a highly urbanized city in 1984. In 1996, Bacolod was named one of the
Outstanding Cities of the Philippines. It was also adjudged the Cleanest and Greenest Highly
Urbanized City in the country in 1997, 1998 and 2000, 2001, respectively.

LOCATION

Bacolod City lies in the north-western part of the Province of Negros Occidental, which is in the
Visayan Islands in the Philippines. It is bounded in the north-west by the City of Talisay; in the
north -east by the City of Silay and town of Victorias; in the east and south-west by the town of
Murcia; in the sourth-west by the City of Bago; and in the west by Guimaras Strait. It has a total
land area of 16,171.007 hectares or 161.45 sq. km. excluding straits and bodies of water. It is
accessible by sea through the ports of Banago, the Reclamation area and the port of
Pulupandan.

GETTING THERE
By Air
The city is only 55 minutes from and to Manila, serviced by the country?s 3 major airlinesPhilippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines, with four round trip flights daily.
From Cebu City, Bacolod is only 30 minutes away, with 3 round trips daily through Philippine
Airlines and Cebu Pacific.
The New Bacolod-Silay Airport of International Standard is 20 minutes to and from the Bacolod
downtown.
By Sea
Bacolod is normally a 20-hour cruise to and from Manila aboard world-class vessels; 55 minutes
to and from Iloilo on fast seacrafts. The Banago and BREDCO ports are the vessels entry point.
By Sea and Land
The 18-hour travel time to and from Manila via land and sea transport is now possible through
RORO (Roll On Roll Off) vessels traversing through the Strong Republic Nautical Highway
using the ports of
ORIENTATION
Bacolod is one of the 13 cities in the province of Negros Occidental, it is the provincial capital of
Negros Occidental and the center of governance, power, finance, commerce and education in
the province. To the east lies the town of Murcia while to the north lies Talisay city and to the
south Bago City and to the west of Bacolod is where Guimaras Strait is located. Bacolod is then

divided into Barangays or suburbs which can either be also considered as districts, the suburbs
are then divided into subdivisions, actually Barangays are residential areas which consists of a
community not less than 100 families and might somehow be easily related to the western
concept of sub-urbs.
Bacolod contains 61 Barangays (Barangay is abbreviated as Brgy.) however it can be also
classified into districts or suburbs.

Downtown Bacolod/City proper/Central Business District (CBD) Business

transactions, shops, marketplaces, famous landmarks, and big & small malls are all
concentrated in this district, often crowded especially in holidays and weekends this is the
spot where the first malls, cinema houses, markets and humble beginnings of businesses
started.

Singcang Bars, casinos and fun, what else more? Formerly the airport was located
here and now it is used as a venue for motor-cross events and concerts.

Villamonte another growing business district for the city. Shopping centers are
located here and it is expected that due to the location of the New Government Center there
would be a rise of business establishments within the district. St. Joseph-La Salle Integrated
School, Panasonic Solutions, Lopue's East, Victoria Arcade, Yuan Thong Temple and
numerous business establishments which include a hotel are located here. High Rise
accommodations are being constructed presently here and where the middle and high class
helps the economy running.

Alijis and Mansilingan A residential area where there is also expected an economic
growth due to the location of the construction of a terminal.

Punta Taytay Beaches and pottery is what Punta Taytay is known for. Just like
Estefania/Fortune Town and Villamonte, this district has a lot of subdivisions. Beaches might
had been mention but it's quite disappointing that it is neglected now by the public that the
waves of the sea bring garbage to the shore making it dirty, reforestation of the mangroves
is being done to revive the disappearing ecosystems of the city.

Granada where the first settlement of Bacolod was founded.

Mandalagan Yeah Baby! A growing economic center for the city where one of the
high rise buildings of the region is due completion this district is renowned due to the fact
that Bacolod's first fully functioning mall is located here, business establishments have
found their home sweet home in this district either you want to grab a drink or party all night
or either just enjoy exhibitions of local artists, and not to mention a paradise for the religious,
a monastery is located here.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population census of Bacolod

Year
1990
1995
2000
2007
2010
2015
Source: National Statistics Office
As of 2015, Bacolod has a total population of 561,875, and its registered voting population (as
of 2010) is 259,786

CLIMATE
Bacolod City has (2) pronounced seasons, wet and dry. The rainy season starts from May to
January with heavy rains occuring during the months of August and September. Dry season
starts from the month of February up to the last week of April. December and January are the
coldest months while April is the hottest.

PEOPLE
This sugar-loving people are no sugar-coated people, most of
the Bacolodnons or Bacoleos are Malay-descent and there is a minority of Chinese and
European-descent families who have dominated the local sugar industry. In contrast to the past
the generation of Bacolodnons in this present day is composed of those who are highlyeducated and independent and somehow liberal on the side and a conservative on the other.
Bacolod is now a diverse community with the Malay, Chinese, Indian, European-descent and
those who have migrated from nearby cities, islands as far as Mindanao and with a growing
community of those who seek cheaper education from nearby foreign shores all contributing to
a pillar of the city's growing economy. Another reason why the city was called City of Smiles is
that its people hid their worries, fear and doubt in an economic crisis in the sugar industry in the
earlier times and till now they still try their best to put up their smiles and that's another story
how the local MassKara Festival was created with the concept of Happy Bacolodnons in dark

times, often the Filipinos of the other island perceive Bacolodnons as people who speak with
sweet words.

RELIGION
Majority of the people are Christians, predominantly Catholic, next to Catholicism, the Baptists
and the Iglesia ni Kristo(Church of Christ) members as well as Anglicans and Seventh Day
Adventist form the next largest groups while there is a growing population of Muslims who
migrated from South Cotabato while the Chinese-descent follow the Taoist faith.

LANGUAGE

The majority of the people of Negros speak Hiligaynon or Illongo as their first language as it is
the predominant language in the province of Negros Occidental, while there are some who can
speak Cebuano and Kinaray-a. Tagalog is also understood as well as English. For visitors,
communicating with the people wouldn't be that difficult. The Chinese form a minor part of the
population who most speak Minnan or Hokkien with a knowledge of Mandarin. A significant
minority of people who migrated from the islands Mindanao primarily from Cotabato speak in
their native dialects but usually they have also common knowledge of speaking in Hiligaynon
and somehow Cebuano. As for the international community, Korean is spoken by Koreans who
have migrated to the Philippines either for business, marriage or usually for education and
vacation,Hindi and other Indian languages are spoken around the corner by Indian
businessmen in Downtown Bacolod. Japanese is not that usually heard around the corner but
Japanese education is available to the locals recently, there is a small number of Filipinos who
speaks Japanese and these are those who had worked in Japan or who had married Japanese.
But no worries! English is widely understood and spoken by the locals event the street vendors
they know a handful of English phrases that will help you find your way in the city.
Hiligaynon has more loanwords than Tagalog, while buying, telling time, some verbs, rooms,
objects and many other words and phrases are of Spanish origin, however grammatical
structure and adjectives are different from Spanish.

RESPECT
People who are elder than you (old enough to be your elder brother/sister or father/mother) even if that person is a driver, janitor or maid etc. - you should call them Manong for Males
or Manang for females before their common name like; Manong Jeremy or Manang May

Ann, Manong can be shorten to Nong and Manang to Nang. If that person is old enough to be
your grandfather call them Lolo for males or Lola for females before their common name
like; Lolo Isidro or Lola Estrella. Bacolodnons are traditionally liberated when it comes to
clothing except Muslims and Iglesia ni Kristo members who both are conservative religious
people, wearing shorts in public are OK but no very short ones if you don't want to attract
attention and trouble, wearing bikinis in Beaches are OK and you would expect no trouble
however you might get attention too. When inside churches, everyone is expected to be
cautious of their actions as such actions might attract attention and negative perception towards
tourists.

ECONOMY
Bacolod is the Philippines' third fastest growing economy in terms of information technology (IT)
and business process outsourcing (BPO) activities. The city has been recommended by the
Information and Communication Technology Office of the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) and Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) as the best
location in the Visayas for BPO activities.
Bacolod ranked 3rd among the top ten "Next Wave Cities" of the Philippines for the best location
for BPO and offshoring according to a 2010 report of the Commission on Information and
Communications Technology. In 2013, the city was declared a "center of excellence" for ITbusiness process management operations by the DOST, joining the ranks of Metro
Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Clark.

Along its highways, sugarcane plantations are a typical scene. As of 2003, 7,216 hectares of the
citys 8,560 hectares of agricultural land were still planted with sugarcane. Meanwhile, 915
hectares were devoted to rice, 120 hectares to assorted vegetables, 100 hectares to coconut,
43 hectares to banana and 34 hectares to corn.[
According to the "Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2005" of Asian Institute of
Management (AIM), Bacolod tops the list in terms of infrastructure, ahead of such other mid-size
cities like Iligan, Calamba and General Santos. The city also tops the list in terms of quality of
life, ahead of such other mid-size cities like San Fernando, Baguio, Iloilo and Lipa.

AIM also recognized Bacolod as one of the Top Five most competitive mid-size cities together
with Batangas, Iligan, Iloilo, and San Fernando.

LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT OF BACOLOD

Period

Representative

8th
Congress
19871992
9th
Congress
19921995

Romeo G. Guanzon

10th
Congress
19951998
11th
Congress
19982001

Juan N. Orola, Jr.

12th
Congress
20012004
13th
Congress
20042007

Monico O.
Puentevella

14th
Congress
20072010
15th
Congress
20102013

Anthony Rolando T.
Golez, Jr.

16th
Congress
20132016

Evelio Leonardia

17th
Congress
2016
present

Greg Gasataya

The Legislative District of Bacolod City is the

representation of the City of Bacolod in the Philippine
House of Representatives. It was represented as part of
the second district of Negros Occidental from 1907 to
1972 (except from 1943 to 1944) and 1984 to 1986, and
of Region VI from 1978 to 1984.

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT

The sugar crisis of the 1980s has brought out the best in the Negrenses. It was during this
challenging period that 15 entrepreneurial Negrense women organized the House of Negros
Foundation which is what we know today as the Association of Negros Producers (ANP).
Through the women entrepreneurs initiative, thousands of displaced sugarcane workers found
jobs in handicraft and food processing small businesses. What started as backyard businesses
had become major producers of world class products, a true testament of the determination and
creativity of the Negrenses. The best products of Negros Island are available at the Negros
Showroom at Lacson St. and at Robinsons Place Bacolod.
Recent developments in the province are making Negros Occidental as a major investment
destination in the Philippines. Bacolod City is one of only four Center of Excellence for IT-BPM
in the Philippines. Bacolod City is one of the top Business Process Outsourcing hub in the
Philippines with the entry of major contact centers such as Teleperformance, Teletech, and
Convergys. The Provincial Government also opened the Negros First CyberCentre, a mixed-use
IT-BPO hub.
Agribusiness remain the lifeblood of Negros Occidental economy with sugarcane as the major
crop making it the Sugar Capital of the Philippines with 8 sugar mills and three of which have
refineries. Soon, Negros Occidental may become the Bioethanol Capital of the Philippines. The

availability of sugarcane makes Negros Occidental a good location for bio-ethanol which uses
sugarcane as raw material. The first bioethanol plant in the Philippines located in San Carlos
City started operation in 2009 and there are several bioethanol plants still in the pipeline. The
province also leads in renewable energy with the operation of the countrys biggest commercial
solar farm in San Carlos City in 2014

SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Bacolod offers the sportsman various outdoor activities like water sports, tennis, mountain
climbing and its biggest attraction-golf.
Bacolod is the golf center of Visayas. Its world-class courses have produced some of the
countrys best swingers.
Football is popular throughout Bacolod; thus it is known as the football city of the Philippines. It
has been notable for hosting the 23rd Southeast Asian Games Men's football. The Panaad
Stadium is used for tournaments and such events. There are three golf clubs in the province of
Negros, two located in Bacolod. For bowling, badminton, tennis enthusiasts and people who
miss bowling and billiards, you don't have to worry as there are a lot of commercial
establishments which offer services to those activities. For those who want to try hardcore
games, shooting ranges are around the city while for those who want to see and experience the
Sabong or Filipino cockerel derbies, there is a stadium where derbies are popularly held. Tai Chi
is practiced in Yuan Thong temple. The Capitol Park and Lagoon is popular for joggers and
people doing aerobics during the morning.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Panaad Park and Stadium

The Panaad Park and Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the city. It is currently used mostly
for football matches. It was used for the 2005 South East Asian Games and was the venue of
the pre-qualifiers of the 2007 ASEAN Football Championship or ASEAN Cup. The stadium has a
seating capacity of 15,500, but holds around 20,000 people with standing areas. It is unofficially
designated as the home stadium of the Philippines national football team. Aside from the

football field, it also has a rubberized track oval, an Olympic-size swimming pool and other
sports facilities.
The stadium is also the home of Panaad sa Negros Festival, a week-long celebration
participated in by all cities and municipalities in the province held annually every summer. The
festival is highlighted by merry-making, field demonstrations, pageant and concert at the
stadium. The stadium itself features replicas of the landmarks of the 13 cities and municipalities
of Negros Occidental.

Paglaum Sports Complex

The Paglaum Sports Complex is a provincial-owned sports venue adjacent to the Negros
Occidental High School established during the 1970s that hosted various football events, such
as the 1991 Philippines International Cup and the football event of the 2005 Southeast Asian
Games. It also hosted three editions of the Palarong Pambansa (1971, 1974, 1979). However,
the stadium became unfit to host football matches following the erection of business
establishments around the area. In 2012, a two-hectare portion of the four-hectare complex was
partitioned for the construction of the Capitol-owned Negros First CyberCentre (NFCC) as an ITBPO Outsourcing Hub. As of 2013, the provincial government has been proposing for a
renovation of the stadium to serve as alternative venue to Panaad Park and Stadium,
particularly for football competition. Recently, the Paglaum Sports Complex also serves as an
alternative venue to the Bacolod Public Plaza for the MassKara Festival celebration.
Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center[edit]
The Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center (NOMPAC) is a provincial-owned multiuse gym adjacent to the Capitol Park and Lagoon. It is currently used mostly
for basketball, karatedo and boxing matches. Aside from the gym, it also serves
as evacuation site of the province during calamities likewise also serves as cultural facilities in
many events.
BAYS Center[edit]
The Bacolod Arts & Youth Sports Center (BAYS Center) is a multi-use gym fronting the Bacolod
Public Plaza. It is used mostly for basketball, karatedo and boxing matches, and was previously
used in events in the city like the MassKara Festival activities and other government related
activities like seminars, business and political gatherings.
The gym has a seating capacity of more than a thousand. It is officially designated as
the COMELEC tally headquarters for both local and national election in the Philippines.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Bacoloadiat Festival (held every January 30 to February 2 - intended to celebrate
Spring. It is held by the Filipino-Chinese community right at the main plaza.)
The Babaylan Festival (held every February 19 - this fiesta commemorates the life and
times of the ancient tribes that lived in the area.)
Panaad sa Negros (held every 2nd week of April -tagged as the mother of all festivals
that are held in Negros Occidental.)
The Ugyonan Festival (held every 2st of May - One of the most popular fiestas in Negros
and Bacolod City. Its main theme is the spirit of cooperation, or bayanihan in Tagalog.)
Maskara Festival (held every 3rd week of October - a major tourist attraction in Bacolod
City. It is the reason behind the tag City of Smiles.)
The Pinta Flores Festival (held every November a strong tradition in Bacolod and the
nearby cities of welcoming visitors by way of dancing in the streets, a tradition that
began during Spanish times.
FOOD AND DELICACIES
Much of the Bacoleo cuisine is shared with the Western Visayan province of Panay, its sugar
industry has molded its people's identity and along with it their cuisine. In the modern times,
Bacolod has a number of growing Oriental and Western restaurants but still the people maintain
their native cuisine. Sud-an is Illongo for Mains while Kan-on is Rice, it also means Will Eat.

Chicken Inasal

Lumpiang Ubod/Fresh Lumpia (fresh spring roll; not fried). A must-eat dish, delicately
exquisite treat wrapped in a paper thin translucent crepe filled with ubod; fresh coconut tree
heart, pork and shrimp with a garnish of scallion.

Inasal: meaning "cooked over fire", is a local version of Barbeque. Pork or Chicken. It is
cooked with red achuete or annatto seeds, which gives its reddish hue color and brushed on
oil and cooked over the fire. It's cheap and affordable as well as delicious.

Kalamayhati: Sticky sweet dessert made from Glutinous rice and coconut milk and
cooked over low heat till it becomes sticky. It's the local version of rice cake.

Napoleones: Napoleones originates from France where it is known as Mille-feuille,

known as Napoleon in the United States, aside from Inasal, Bacolod too is popular for its
Napoleones -well actually Silay not Bacolod -, the European dessert isn't that so famous but
considered as the best in the Philippines, the French had brought the custard filled pastry to
the island and taught the people how to make it. Roli's bakeshop is popularly known for its
Napoleones as well as Virgie's homemade products.

Piyaya: Piyaya is a sweet bisuit and kind is the thin version of mooncakes. It has fillings
such as ube(yam) and caramel.

Pinasugbo: Banana sliced thinly coated with brown sugar and deep fried; a local version
of Banana Fritters.

Uga: or dried fish is one of the best and most appetizing foods for most of the bacoleos.
Its salty taste makes it delectable, not only for the mouth but also for the smell and for the
eyes. Some people might have allergies after eating thi

HISTORICAL SITES
There are a number of historical attractions in Bacolod showing the history of the city and the
Province of Negros Occidental.

Fountain of Justice, (Just in-front of Old City Hall). The Fountain of Justice is the site
where Jose Luis de Luzzuriaga's residence used to stand, it was where the Spanish forces
surrendered Bacolod to the Filipino forces. During the night it is illuminated by lights, it is the
usual meeting place for protesters and rallies alike. Today the Fountain of Justice only often
functions. Free as it is for public viewing.

Iron Dinosaurs (Vintage Steam Locomotives), La Herencia Entrance and Bacolod

Murcia Milling Co. compound. Locomotives were used in Bacolod as a mode of transport for
the sugar canes, thus they were part of making Bacolod the sugar bowl of the Philippines.

Mariano Ramos Ancestral home, Burgos St (Adjacent to Dizon Ramos Museum). The
ancestral homes of the Ramos before they moved to the present day Dizon Ramos
Museum, the family who had lived in this mansion was an affluent family of Bacolod, known
to have helped the sugar industry in the province.

Bacolod Public Plaza, Rizal St (A 5-10 minute walk from the City Hall and adjacent to
San Sebastian Cathedral). The plaza is like the Bacolod version of Central park but the
smaller version, fountains are scattered around the plaza and a gazebo stands in the middle
- two lions stand infront of the stairs, these lions used to guard the Old City Hall or
the Luzuriaga House, they were donated by Hon. Mariano Yulo to Mayor Alfredo Yulo. The
last but not the least, the Unknown Soldiers Monument also known as Theodore Vinther
Monument is found here - a memorial to the heroic act done by Theodor Vinther, an
American soldier, who gave up his life to save Negros from the Japanese Occupation. It is
the common place where events like the MassKara festival is held as well as other activities
such as Arnis(Filipino martial arts) and other martial arts practices usually happen, it is also
a hub for joggers and people doing aerobics during the morning.

Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Building and Lagoon, Gatuslao St. corner
Lacson St. This is the official seat of the provincial government and served as the
headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II and formerly was the
Negros Museum. The building is of Romanesque architecture and also has a nice
surrounding park and lagoon, which includes the Ang Paghimud-os statues done by
Eduardo Castrillo, "Ang Paghimud-os"is a Hiligaynon word for "The Struggle". The building
is considered the most impressive building in Bacolod City

Mansion, Lizares St.

The Ruins, Talisay City. The remains of a Spanish-era sugar plantation that was burned
by the owners before Japanese forces could seize it during WWII. All that is left of the
mansion is its stone skeleton. It is a popular destination for wedding photo shoots. The
grounds have beautiful flower beds. It might give you a feeling that you're somewhere in the
countryside of Europe perhaps.

New Government Center, (Take the route of Central Market - Homesite, do ask the
driver if it drops passengers in the Center). The New Government Center has replaced the
Bacolod City Hall, the Government Center is mistakenly called the New City Hall. The
building boasts an architecture of western style resembling government buildings in the
west, a huge fountain is in front of it. Recently jeepney routes to the center have been
introduced, an alternative route from Central Market is use the Fortune Town and Homesite
route where you can stop at Lopue's East and walk it to the center. Visitors are welcome
inside yet sometimes your attention can be called by guards or employees if you disturb
office hours or either go up to the offices even if you're not a government employee. Free to
the public.

RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

This guide uses the following price

ranges for a typical meal for one,
including soft drink:
Budget

Below 100

Mid-range

100-200

Splurge

200+

Just like most major developed/developing cities of the Philippines, Bacolod too caters too
international cuisine either oriental or western. Most of the restaurants and cafes in Bacolod are
located along Lacson St. while most of the inter-continental and fusion cuisine is found in Piazza
Sorrento which is also in Lacson St. Mexican, Thai, Italian and European cuisine is catered to
people here but people craving for Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine don't have to
freakout if they're hungry as many restaurants cater East Asian cuisine. Open air restaurants in
Bacolod usually serve native Filipino cuisine at a low and affordable price, fast food chains are
usually found dominating the malls like Robinson's, Gaisano Bacolod and SM City Bacolod. A
branch of Starbucks is found along Lacson St., the first branch in whole of Negros Occidental.
Bacolod is an urbanized city meaning there wouldn't be hard time finding classy and high class
quality type of food.
Budget

Organics, (Across the street from the Museum). Cheap good food. They have WIFI and
Vegetarian food! edit

Jo's Chicken Inato, Reclamation Area, Gustilo St. A great choice for fantastic chicken
inasal served in a very "native" style. The food is served on a large banana leaf and typically
silverware is not provided unless requested. This is truly a great place to eat for someone
who doesn't want to eat something too exotic, but wants to try a native dish. edit

Marby Plaza, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod. A great choice for people who wants to
save money. edit

Ting-Ting's Native Restaurant, Shopping. Get to Ting-Ting's native restaurant if you

want your taste buds and tummy to be satisfied with Bacoleo cuisine without hassle, food
is cooked same as it is cooked at home difference is you won't be cooking. The place is
open air and fresh air fills the open air area which is suitable for brunches and lunches. It is
affordable and cheap too. edit

Manokan Country, Fr. M. Ferrero St. A row of stalls and restaurants are found here, this
is the best place to eat at a affordable price, the Chicken Inasal festival was held here on
last 2009. Eat with your hands and take a bite of the famous Chicken inasal which is served
with garlic rice. This is the home of the Chicken Inasal and the humble beginnings of major
food chains of Chicken Inasal today. PHP50-200. edit

A Man selects
market

fish for his dish in the Pala-pala

Pala Market, 18th Aguinaldo

34-4339153. Pala-pala is a place
can buy fresh seafood in the wet
go to a restaurant nearby and have it
eatery nearby and offers affordable
oysters to crabs to blue marlins are
guaranteed fresh and a blue marlin
less than P200. Note there are two
markets in Bacolod.

PalaSt, (+63)
where you
market then
cooked at an
prices. From
all
might cost
pala-pala

Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties, La Salle Ave. As the name suggests, the
restaurant serves Jamaican cuisine and their specialties Burger Steak, Classic Pattie and
Cheese burst. It might be the only restaurant in the city to serve Jamaican and Caribbean
food perhaps. Well they serve Jamaican cuisine however it doesn't mean international
cuisine should be expensive, priced from 50-100.

Imbiss, Burgos St. It serves international cuisine, the must try is their sausages, their
specialties include Hungarian Sausage, Pizza Al Tonno, Veal Bratwurst, Garlic Sausage,
Pizza Magarita, and Pizza Filipinas. 100-200.

Mid-range

Apollo Restaurant, Hilado St. The oldest Chinese Restaurant

Bascon Cafe, C.L. Montelibano St (Just near Univ. of St. La Salle). Cafe that serves
pastries and cakes, hop in if you have a sweet tooth.

The Blue Mexican, Piazza Sorrento, Lacson St, +63-34-3437474. Serves Mexican
cuisine.

Calea, Balay Quince, Lacson St (Infront of L'Fisher Hotel). This is one of the famous
images of Bacolod, for some reason the nearby Ilonggos of Iloilo take a trip to Bacolod just
to taste their irresistible cakes. You can dive in to have a slice of their cakes from
cheesecakes to ice cream cakes which might exceed your expectations and you might hit
cloud 9, but there's no assurance that all their cakes taste that good as some of their cakes
don't really meet your expectations and disappoint you for too much or lack of sugar, too
much icing or the texture of their cakes. Other than their Balay Quince branch, they also
have one at Robinson's Bacolod

Cafe Bob's. Different from Bob's Cafe as this cafe is owned by Bobby Meleto, the
founder of the famous charity organization Gawad Kalinga, their treats include gelato and
their must-try mini-cakes. Other than that their coffee and coffee-shakes are a must try too,
Cafe Bob's is a quiet cafe with most of their customers coming to have a sip of coffee and
the usual conversation.

Inaka, 21st Lacson St (Opp. Cafe Bob's 21 and next to 21 Restaurant), (+63)344344045. Japanese Buffet, the food is good, has a wide variety of choice and priced
favorably. e

L'Kaisei Express, SM City Bacolod. L'Kaisei opened a smaller branch in SM City

Bacolod which is much more accessible and affordable. They serve typical Japanese
cuisine and they also serve Bento Boxes which is like a package of rice and viand which
costs 90 pesos to 150 pesos. Sushi, Californian Maki etc. are also available. 30-200 Pesos.

Kuppa, Hilado St (Across St. John's Institute High School). When it comes to coffee and
tea talk, Kuppa tops the best, they serve Spanish chocolate and milk that actually is
delicious. Their gelato too is worth trying, along with the tea, coffee and gelato, wouldn't it be
better if you dined in too? they don't only offer tea and coffee on their menu but you can also
dine in too and have a taste of their dishes.

Mu Shu, 20th Lacson St, (+63)34-4350972, [26]. Bar and Restaurant which serves a
fusion of Asian cuisine. Try their Pritchon or Pritong Lechon (prito means "fried" and
"lechon" means roast - usually the whole pig) and a good sampling of Southeast Asian
dishes like Pad Thai, Hainanese Chicken, Nasi Goreng and drinks to match.

Roli's Bakeshop, Roli's Arcade, La Salle Ave. Roli's bakeshop is popularly known for its
for their Napoleones or Mille Fuielle or either Napoleons, a creme puffed pastry originated
from France and brought to the city.

Tamarind, Central City Walk, Robinson's Place Bacolod, Lacson St.. This newly opened
restaurant serves Thai cuisine and unlike its neighbors in Central City Walk it has gained
fame and a good reputation in just days since its opening. It's a hub for the socialites and
the food-lovers of Bacolod, their Pad Thai and Curries as well as Thai Iced Tea are musttries. It has decent interiors and their staff deserves pat on the back because of their good
service, they would check on you once in a while whether you need more water (curries are
spicy!) or need assistance, every curry dish comes with one bowl of rice.

Quan, La Salle Ave., Northdrive, Robinsons Supermarket, LopuesAraneta

St, (+63)34-4339987/4346379/7089095. Quan's reputation as a one stop shop for native
delicacies had made it famous throughout Bacolod, from Napoleones which is to die for, to
Filipino rice-cakes like puto, cuchinta, cassava and sapin-sapin. this food-chain not only
sells native delicacies but also serve meals. Aside from native delicacies, why not spoil
yourself with their bakery products like ciabatta pizzas and lasagna?

Sweet Greens, Lacson St. Serves Organic food as well as sell organic food too.

Bob's, Benigno S. Aquino Drive (Right in front of Riverside Medical Center), 4342409. One of the oldest restaurants in Bacolod, the restaurant serves typical Filipino
authentic cuisine with a classy ambiance and wonderful interiors. less than $10.
Splurge

Delicioso, Mandalagan, Bacolod (Beside Convergy's, across Carmelite

Monastery), 034-4350504. 10AM-11PM. Extensive selection of wines and imported
beers. Choose from an array of cheese to tickle your palate. Paella Valenciana, Paella
Negra & Panizza are some of the favorites.

Italia Restaurant, 23rd San Agustin St, 0344323704 (italia_restaurant@yahoo.com). 10AM-9PM. Serves pizza straight from the brick
oven, a wide range of pasta dishes and Angus steaks. Also offers a good variety of fine
wines. Italia is also the regular venue of several art exhibits of both local and national
artists.

21 Restaurant, 21st Lacson St. Serves great seafood which is directly taken from a
specially built aquarium. It serves Authentic Filipino cuisine.

Cafe Uma, Lacson St. Their price list might be too expensive for you that it will make
your pockets have holes, well actually no, the cafe charges at an expensive rate however
it's worth the price because serve is served in large portions and are temptingly delicious.
The cafe usually serves international cuisine, from quesidillas to pasta they have it all to
satisfy your cravings.

Carlo's Ristorante Italiano, (at the Goldenfield's complex). Italian Restaurant, other
than the usual pasta scene in the menus of Italian restaurants, they also serve steak and
known to be the best in town.

L'Kaisei, 10th Lacson St. A good Japanese restaurant with reasonable prices and a
relaxed atmosphere.

Vienna Kaffeehauz and Vienna Coffee bar, (Mayfair Plaza, 12th Lacson St. / Gaisano
City, Araneta St). Kaffehauz: 08:00-00:00, Coffee bar: 10:00-21:00. Serves authentic
Viennese and Austrian cuisine as well as their own coffee. It serves their own brand of
coffee with 11 kinds from Espresso to Vienna's eiscoffee. It currently has two shops in
Bacolod; Vienna Kaffeehauz in Mayfair Plaza and Vienna Coffee bar in Gaisano City.

BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTCLUBS

Goldenfield Commercial Complex has been home to many bars, pubs, nightclubs as well as
casinos for the past few years and is considered where the best nightlife comes to life in
Bacolod. Other than Goldenfield, bars and pubs as well as nightclubs are scattered around the
bustling city. If you're in Goldenfields you can either barhop, Goldenfields might give you like a
mini-town which is just home to restaurants, a water park, clubs and bars. A dress code is

applied and compulsory in some bars, pubs and nightclubs. Wear casually and not so revealing
if you don't want to end up behind bars; no flipflops/slippers and no sleeveless shirts.

Bar 21, 21 Lacson St. A bar that not only has a partying and club scene but also fine
dining.

Breizh Cafe, Lacson St.. It doesn't have much nightlife in it however it's the best place
where you can sit down and drink. If you want some private party, a karaoke television
(KTV) rooms are available.

Draft Bar, 21 Lacson St (Behind Bar 21). A bar where a non-stop drinking till you drop
scene is seen.

Gypsy Tea Room, Lacson St (Corner of Piazza Sorento). Beers, cocktails and
appetizers are served here and surprisingly "Shisha" is available here, henna tattoo,
permanent tattooing and palm reading are also available which might you think you're
somewhere in a street in the Mid-East.

Offshore Bar, Araneta St (Metrodome). Bands play live acoustic here and they
serve Absinthe also, a popular destination for those who want to listen to acoustic music
while sitting back and drinking.

MO2 Restobar, Goldenfield Commercial Complex. One of the most popular party
venues for nightlife, located in the bustling commercial complex of Goldenfield. It's usually a
crowded bar.

Mu Shu, Lacson St. In the day an Asian restaurant, in the night a nightclub, chairs and
tables are moved aside to create a dance floor, the DJ makes the room alive and parties
don't end even when in sunrise.

Piazza Sorento, Lacson St. It's not that lively in the night though, it's more lively in the
day. A huge building with inter cafes, jewelers, restaurants, boutiques, cafes and bars.

Saltimboca Bar, Lacson St.. Not your usual destination if you want to party or get good
drinks however some mini concerts for charity is held here for kids who are cancer patients.
If you prefer to just sit down, drink, relax and listen to music this is your typical destination.

Zagu. is one of the most popular cold drinks in the city. This can be bought in different
outlets, in SM, Robinsons, or during their sponsorship at various schools and events.

HOTEL
This guide uses the following price
ranges for a standard double room:
Budget

Under 1,000

Mid-range

1,000 to 1,500

Splurge

Over 1,500

Budget

Sweet City Hostel aka Captel Hostel, (a few hundred meters down the street from the
Museum and capitol). checkout: Noon. The Jeepney will take you to the Museum and walk
North to the hostel. P8 for the ride. Jeepney is labeled "Bata Libertad" 100 for Dorm bed.
Ask for common room if they don't understand dorm bed. 500 Single aircon room with
double beds.
Bascon Hotel, Gonzaga St. and Lacson St. 500-1,100.

Check Inn Hotel, Luzuriaga St, +63-34-4323755, [27]. This hotel has 91 fully air
conditioned, showers, cable tv, laundry, gym, restaurants, a rooftop garden as well as free
WiFi connection. This might be the best option for those who want to save money as it has
almost all the facilities of what a mid-range and splurge hotel might have. 550-1,750.

Circle Inn Hotel and Suites, Lopez Jaena Malaspina Streets, Capitol Shopping
Center, +63 34 709 9111, [28]. Offers 85 spacious accommodation rooms, all of which
have Internet access, cable television, and refrigerator and mini-bar. Some of its amenities
include coffee shop with a 24-hour bar and snack service, plunge pool jacuzzi, massage
service. Best rates on official website start at 980.

GK ERH Village, Experience Life with the Poor!, (darrylwilsonjr@gmail.com). 250750.

GoHotels Bacolod, Lacson Street, Mandalagan (Within the Robinsons Place Bacolod
shopping complex), [29]. 108 rooms, air-con, tiny LCD cable TVs, Wi-Fi, in-room safe,
towels, soap and shampoo. 21 Restaurant, Live Well Spa & Massage, Corner Stop Laundry
& Dry Cleaning1080.

M02 Days Inn, Goldenfields Commercial Complex. 888-1,300.

Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St, +63344337370 (seabreeze_ph@yahoo.com, fax: +63-344337994). 945-1,750.

Tamera Plaza Inn, 79 Lacson St, +63-344321708 (tameraplazainn@gmail.com, fax: +63-34-7090886). Located in Lacson street it
has a WiFi connection, restaurant, laundry service, shower, cable TV, a bar and coffee shop.
The hotel also serves free breakfast. 850-1,700.

Midrange

Circle Inn - Hotel and Suites, Lopez Jaena Malaspina Streets, Capitol Shopping
Center, +63 34 709 9111 (bacolod@circleinnph.com), [30]. Offers 84 spacious rooms, all
of which have Internet access and cable television. Deluxe rooms and up feature
refrigerator and mini-bar. With its new full size pool came the only hotel rooms in Bacolod
that have a veranda with direct pool access targeted to locals planning to "staycation" at
Circle Inn. Personalized in-room massage and spa services are also offered. Other
amenities include a coffee shop with a 24-hour bar and snack service, a Grand Ballroom
and smaller function rooms for weddings, birthday parties as well as seminars and a large
private parking area. An elevator is also now available for guests who prefer to "ride" to their
second floor rooms. Best rates on official website start at PHP1,090.

East View Hotel, Carlos Hilado Circumferential Road corner Esperanza Diola
St, +63-34-4330596, [31]. Bacolod's modern hotel that has 66 rooms, conferences and
banquet rooms, and an independent restaurant Bluegrass Caf Bar and Grill that serves
international cuisine.

Northwest Inn, Rizal St. and Mabino St, +63-344344077 (northwestinn_ph@yahoo.com). 1,140-2,740.

O Hotel (Bacolod Executive Inn Hotel), San Sebastian St and Locsin St, +63-344337401/4337404 (fax: +63-34-433-7442), [32]. 55 Air conditioned rooms with cold and hot
showers, a deposit safety box, telephone and refrigerator, laundry service, cable TV, coffee
shop and bar, aside from their own facilities, a Banco De Oro ATM is available. 1,2004,000.

The Sylvia Manor, San Juan St, +63 34 434 9801, [33]. This hotel in Bacolod offers
rooms equipped with air conditioning, satellite/cable TV, internet access wireless, hot and
cold shower. The Sylvia Manor also offers facilities and services which are business center,
restaurant, bar, laundry service/dry cleaning, massage service, Wi-Fi in public areas and
room service. Rates start at 1,990.00 PHP.

Splurge

Casino Filipino Hotel Bacolod (Casino Filipino Hotel and Casino Goldenfield
Commercial Complex), Singcang, +63-34-4348901 up to 10(chf@info.com.ph, fax: +6334-4344433), [34]. Rooms are airconditioned, with cable television, private bath, and
refrigerator Average rate is $73.

East View Hotel, Carlos Hilado Circumferential Road Corner Esperanza Diola
St. 1,400-4,500.

L'Fisher Hotel, 14th Lacson St, +63-344333731/4333739 (lfisher@globelines.com.ph), [35]. checkin: 14.00;
checkout: 12.00. Perhaps the most known hotel in Bacolod, this hotel has been popular for
many years and probably considered a first class hotel and most of the locals might suggest

it for accommodation while staying in Bacolod however it's more expensive compared to
other hotel but the price is worth it. Rooms vary, executive suites have king sized beds, walk
in closets, dining areas, receiving area etc., while cheaper rooms have ordinary facilities
such as a cable TV, refrigerator, a dresser etc. $60 - $400.

Luxur Place, Magsaysay Ave, +63-34-4344551, [36]. 1,500-3,000.

Planta Centro Bacolod, Araneta St corner Roxas St, +63-344680400 (reservations@bacolodplantahotel.com, fax: +63-34-4680408), [37]. A newly built
first class hotel, the hotel has a swimming pool and a gym, rooms have an electronic safe,
cable TV, minibar, WiFi connection and hair dryer. 1,650-7,200.

Asya Premier Suites Boracay, Sitio Cagban, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island,
Malay, Aklan, 5608, Philippines, +63-02-8935276, +63-02-8920138, [38]. Asya Premier
Suites Boracay is located off the coast of Aklan in the Western Visayas region of the
Philippines, discover the world-famous island of Boracay. It offers Premier Suite,
Presidential Suite and Garden Villa, all equipped with air-conditioning, lanai and garden
area, living and dining area, etc. Some of its facilities and services are Palay Restaurant,
Adlaw Bar, Kamalig Room, etc. Asya Premier Suites Boracays location can also be
accessed on foot from Mandala Spa in Boat Station 3. Guests can take a right onto Angol
Road down the beachfront of Tree House, and then make a left turn to the resort. The walk
should take about 20 minutes. While the resort offers seclusion, the island it calls home
features plenty of interesting sites you can visit when youd rather be out and about.
RESORTS
Palmas Del Mar
The Forest Park Resort
Bacolod Pavillion
Dodoy's Ecopark
Sta. Fe Resort
Carribean Waterpark
Resotel
PALMAS DEL MAR
Date EstablishedL 1995
JR Torres Ave., Bacolod City
Tel No. 435-3527/ 434-7971-72
Manager: Ronnie A. Lizares
Email: palmasdelmar_bcd07@yahoo.com
Website: www.palmas-del-mar.com
No. of Rooms: 53
Rates
Marabella Suite
P 4,850.00
Malaga Suite
4,850.00
Costa Del Sol
4,200.00
Costa Dorada
4,200.00
Lagoon Suite
3,750.00
Medditerranean Bedroom
3,500.00
Iberian Bedroom
3,500.00
Villa Cabana
3,450.00
Mediterranean JR
3,500.00
Iberian JR
3,200.00
Poolside Bedroom
2,650.00

Island Pool w/ Deck

Poolside JR Suite
Island Suites
Garden Room
Lagoon Room

2,500.00
2,300.00
2,000.00
1,500.00
1,500.00

Last Updated: September 11, 2013

Rates are subject to change without prior notice
BACOLOD PAVILLION
Reclamation Area, Bacolod City
Tel No. 433-9620, telefax: 433-9598
Manager: Carissa De Leon Maalat
No. of Rooms: 21
Rates:
Suite
5
P 1,350.00
Standard
12
900.00
Last Updated: September 11, 2013
Rates are subject to change without prior notice

STA. FE RESORT
Burgos Ext., Bacolod City
Tel No. 432-1073, 707-3507
Email: staferesort@gmail.com
Website: www.staferesort.com
No. of Rooms:
Mario's Casito's I and II AC w/
Cable
Hot and Cold Shower
2 Pax
7
4 Pax
4
Oso's Cabana's AC w/ Cable
2 pax
4
6 pax
1
Oscar's Villas AC w/ Cable
Hot and Cold Shower
2 pax
6
2 pax
4
Casa Alicia Dorm AC w/ cable
Hot and Cold Shower
10 Pax
2
2 Pax
6
Casa Alicia Dorm 30 Pax
4 Rooms AC

Rates:

1,600.00
2,500.00
1,400.00
2,500.00

1,400.00
900.00

3,800
1,600.00
260.00/Pax

175.00/Pax
Last Updated: September 11, 2013
Rates are subject to change without prior notice
CARRIBEAN WATERPARK RESOTEL
Date Established: March 20, 2008
Goldenfields Commercial Complex
Tel No. 709-6059, 433-6683, 435-2643
Email: info@carribean/waterpark.com Website: www.caribbeanwaterpark.com
Manager: John Ong
No. of Rooms:
Rates:
Family Suite
2,000.00
Caribbean Suite
3,700.00
Business man Suite
1,800.00
Bahama Suite
2,700.00
Los Amigos Suite
4,400.00
extra fan
500.00
locker for rent
50.00
griller
100.00
Late Checkout
200.00
Last Updated: September 11, 2013
Rates are subject to change without prior notice
THE FOREST PARK RESORT
St. Francis Village, Barangay Taculing
Tel No. 433-3114, 433-2835
Email: gvmjolamare@gmail.com
Standard
2,800.00
Family Size
5,888.00
Dorm
4,500.00
Last Updated: September 11, 2013
Rates are subject to change without prior notice
DODOYS ECOPARK
Barangay Alangilan
Tel No. 709-5962
Room
1,500.00

Hospitals
Private Hospitals are given a passing rate in the city, most of them can cater to almost every
patient's need. Public hospitals provide uncomfortable and eerie experiences to its patients and

it's not advisable for a tourist to be admitted. During summer, hospital beds are fully booked as
dengue fever cases rise up to skyrocketing levels.

Bacolod Adventist Medical Center (Sanitarium), Taculing, +63-344334831/4334836.

Dr. Pablo O. Torre Sr. Memorial Hospital (Riverside Medical Center), B.S. Aquino
Drive (Infront of Bob's cafe), +63-344337331/7050000(info@rivermedcenter.net), [39]. Considered to be the only first class
hospital in the city.

Philippine National Red Cross, +63-34-4348541 (fax: +63-34-4341344), [40].

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (Provincial

Hospital). CLMMRH is a training, government-funded hospital similar to a county hospital in
the United States or the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. It's a center of wellness
catering to the general public who can't afford admission to private medical institutions.
Although the facilities can be daunting, the level of expertise and care by its personnel is
commendable considering the meagerness of its resources has free HIV testing.
Pharmacies[edit]
The system of buying in pharmacies in the Philippines is much compared to the rest of the
world, Filipinos give much importance to health that often pharmacies are crowded and
pharmacies have become one of the few investments people put up for business. The hospital
with most pharmacies surrounding its compound is the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial
Regional Hospital.

The Generics Pharmacy, Araneta St. Famous and expensive brands are a big no-no in
this pharmacy, the Generics Pharmacy advocates the use of generic names in prescriptions
instead of brand names. Giving them a famous brand name will automatically give you an
alternative from the store which is cheaper yet is as effective as the brand prescribed. They
have multiple locations around the city.

Mercury Drug, Araneta St. corner Luzuriaga St, Araneta +63-34-4336604, [41].

Negros Grace Pharmacy. Have many branches around Bacolod.

Watson's, Robinson's Place Bacolod / SM City Bacolod. One of Asia's largest

pharmaceutical companies, Watson's does not alone sell medicines but extends its line to
beauty products, cosmetics, eye wear, confectionery etc. Though considered expensive
than other pharmacies, Watson's is crowd and hassle free.
Dentist clinics[edit]
Clinics are easily found in Bacolod, some are located in malls while most of the hospitals have a
dentist.

Oral Care Specialist Dental Clinic, ground floor, room 111, North Point Atrium Bldg,
B.S. Aquino Drive, Bacolod City, Philippines, (oralcarespecialist@yahoo.com). This dental
clinic offers Oral Surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics and General Dentistry.
www.oralcarespecialist.tripod.com

DentalHub Bacolod, 2nd floor, MC Metroplex Bldg., B.S. Aquino Drive. 0900-1500. Is
part of the Philippine Dental Association, offers services even in emergencies and opens
during weekends.

Mendez Dental Clinic, Ground Floor Mayfair Plaza Lacson St. 0900-1800. Part of the
Philippine Dental Association, aside from general teeth problems they also serve people
who have gum disease. Open during weekends.

Restrooms and toilets

Almost every commercial establishment, office and church in the city has a functional toilet
however public toilets are often neglected around the city, an accessible toilet is available at the
public plaza but one must have to pay before accessing the toilet, and the valid reason for such
payment is for repairs and maintenance which gives us a hint that the city government doesn't
even fund on its simplest amenities like toilets.

EDUCATION
Bacolod currently has 3 large universities and more than a dozen other schools specializing in
various courses. Currently, as sanctioned by the Department of Education, all primary and
secondary institutions in the city use the K-12 educational system.
The city alone currently hosts three of well-known educational institutions in the country. These
are:

University of St. La Salle (1952), a LaSallian district school and the second oldest
campus originally founded by the De La Salle Philippines congregation in the country

University of Negros Occidental Recoletos (1941), administered by the Order of

Augustinian Recollects and the first university in the province of Negros Occidental and the
city of Bacolod

STI West Negros University (1948), originally founded by Baptist Protestants and later
acquired by the STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc.

Other noteworthy tertiary colleges include:

Colegio San Agustin Bacolod (1962)

La Consolacion CollegeBacolod (1919)

Riverside College, Inc. (1961)

Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (1954)

John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation Bacolod, Inc. (1974)

VMA Global College (1974)

Bacolod Christian College of Negros (1954)

Bacolod City College (1997)

Our Lady of Mercy College Bacolod (2008)

College of Arts & Sciences of Asia & the Pacific Bacolod Campus (2011)

AMA Computer College Bacolod Campus

ABE International Business College Bacolod Campus

Asian College of Aeronautics Bacolod Branch (Main Campus) (2003)

Radio
Almost all of the radio stations air in the local language; Hiligaynon, with some of the FM Radio
jockeys using a mix of Hiligaynon and Tagalog, as well as Taglish, in contrast to FM Jockeys;
AM Radio jockeys speak in pure and fluent Hiligaynon as the audiences catered by AM Radio
are usually senior citizens and residents who come from nearby town wherein speaking of fluent
Hiligaynon is encouraged. AM Radio stations air current affairs programs, radio telenovelas,
news and Hiligaynon songs usually old ones. FM Radio stations on the other hand air modern
day English and local songs from any genre with shows hosted by Radio jockeys who use the
usual Filipino slapstick jokes, the FM Radio is unfortunately bombarded by advertisements as it
is one of the cheapest forms of media to market products in the country with the only safe time
to listen to almost ad-free music is during the hours after 10pm. Some of the radio stations go
off at midnight after airing the last tunes of the Lupang Hinirang.
FM

Magic - One of the two radio stations that airs in English, unlike the other local radio
stations, this station airs talk shows that mixed bag issues whether may it be dating, sex,

videogames, entertainment abroad, they also dislike over-airing pop songs but instead go
for a salad bowl of genres whether alternative and independent to billboard and RnB.

EasyRock - The other radio station that airs in English alone, just like Magic it dislikes
airing pop songs, they go instead of alternative, jazz, slow songs and the like.
Television

ABS-CBN Bacolod, Channel 4 - This station is the regional station for ABS-CBN and
serves Negros Occidental in two primary languages; Hiligaynon and Filipino. It might be only
helpful to travelers who have knowledge in one of the languages as it airs Nation-wide and
Provincial Newscast as well as a weekend magazine regional TV Show which also covers
the nearby Iloilo province.

GMA Bacolod, Channel 13 - ABS-CBN's fierce competitor around the nation, this is also
a regional stations and is aired in Hiligaynon and Filipino. It provides provincial newscast as
well as national newscast.

ABS-CBN News Channel/ANC - Available on Cable TV, it airs in English and Filipino,
airs round-the-clock news in English alone with few exceptions on Filipino. This channel not
alone airs news but also magazine shows which much talks about business and the lavish
lifestyles of the elites in the country and documentaries which discusses the nation's
problems.

GMA News Channel - It is available on Free-to-air televisions if you're lucky enough to

get a signal, unlike its rival news channel, it airs alone in Filipino and provides around-theclock news nationwide. Though new to the industry of newscasting, it has taken over the
ratings and replaced ANC as the leading news channel due to the fact that not all Filipinos
are comfortable with straight-English news reports.

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

Known as the City of Smiles, Bacolod City is one of the friendliest in the country.
It is also known as the Land of Sweet People because of its culinary heritage which leans
towards sweet or sweetened food.
The city is also known as the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines because of its status as the major
producer of sugar cane and sugar.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

The best time to visit Bacolod is during the Masskara Festival (3rd week of October). People
flock the streets of Bacolod to celebrate the festival with street dancing and parties. During the
Masskara Festival people go to Lacson Street and enjoy the night party there. But if you just

want to enjoy Bacolod's beauty without it;s famous festival, the best time is during their dry
season which is from December to May.