Bacolod, Philippines

Bacolod can be reached from Manila by plane in under an hour. This lively and pleasant city is a great escape from Manila’s unending urban expanses. This is a modern city, but tradition is more evident here than in Manila. Or rather, there are more places for tradition to get lost in Manila.

However, this is the Philippines, and you can’t go too far in any city without finding a shopping complex. Bacolod’s version is called Goldenfield Commercial Complex. Aside from shopping, there is bowling and pool. Pool is the unofficial national sport of the Philippines. In fact, many top ranked professional players come from the Philippines. Aide from the shopping venues, there are several other western imprints in Bacolod. McDonald’s, KFC, and Dunkin’ Donuts can be found, though local restaurants are more than adequate when it comes to travelers’ eating needs. Barbecued chicken is a local specialty. It is often served on a banana leaf and use of fingers as eating utensils is encouraged.

The city plaza is a great place to see and feel the energy of Bacolod. This is the site of many of the city’s festivals, including Masskara, a festival involving dancing and traditional masks. This festival takes place in October. Religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter are also marked with festivities.

Located on the city plaza is San Sebastian Church. This large, Spanish style church is a central fixture in Bacolod. The area outside the church is often flooded with flower vendors. The combination of scents and colors makes this a great “window-shopping” (and people watching) venue.

Bacolod is a city of artisans. Locally made handcrafts are available in markets, shops, and, even, in upscale showrooms and galleries. Hand carved masks and paintings by local artists are for sale and reasonably priced. Serious collectors can head to some of the local showrooms, like the ANP Showroom downtown.

There are a few decent hotels in the city. You won’t find anything as upscale as in Manila, but there are a few choices that are very good by western standards.

Bacolod’s wealth originally came from sugar. The provincial sugar plantations used Bacolod as a hub for selling and transporting their product. Today, sugar’s positive effect on the regional economy is celebrated at Negros Museum in the downtown area.

Bacolod is a pleasant town to visit. It is not as congested, polluted, or dangerous as Manila. Though it does not offer the never-ending list of activities that Manila does, it is a charming place to spend a few days.