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Coming into my third day in Bacolod, I was happy that I was able to go through my travel as I planned it out. My flight back to Manila was scheduled in the afternoon so my morning was my free time to catch up on some areas that I missed out. My itinerary for the morning were areas that were close to where I was staying as I did not want to stress myself catching up on my flight. Bacolod Downtown Market My first stop was the Bacolod Downtown Market which was just two blocks away from my hotel. I am fascinated with the public market of any destination that I visit as it gives me a glimpse of the everyday life of the locals.  A sidewalk scene at the Baolod Public Market. The public market is just one block that houses the basic necessities for the home. I did not find any souvenir shops in the market which is a clear indication that visitors of Bacolod do not check out the public market. I was trying to look for a souvenir shirt and I had to be directed to a garments store which did not offer me much of a selection. Pope John Paul II Tower A fifteen minute walk towards the reclamation area will bring you to a pilgrimage site in Bacolod City – the Pope John Paul II Tower. Conveniently tucked at the back of SM City Bacolod, this 7-story building houses pictures, relics, and souvenirs of Pope John Paul II’s 1981 visit to the city. The site of the building is a reclamation site and it is the same location where the blessed pope celebrated mass during his visit.  The Pope John Paul II Tower can be found at the Reclamation Area near SM City Bacolod. The roofdeck of the building offers a spectacular view of Bacolod City and the Guimaras Strait. It was a great finale on my visit to Bacolod City.  The roofdeck of the Pope John Paul II Tower offers a spectacular view of the Bacolod Sea Port. My trip to Bacolod was definitely one of the trips that I enjoyed last year. Apart from the food which I will be sharing my thoughts on a later blog, I was able to go around the city on my own and I succeeded in finding my own adventures. It was all about a walk with history, meeting amazing people like Mr. Hofilena, and was just finding my way through the city and discovering new things to enjoy. Bacolod City is indeed the city of smiles and true to it’s name – it definitely made me smile.
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 The Luzurriaga Private Cemetery can be found at an intersection of three highways.  The Bacolod City Government Center along the Circumferential Road.  The figure of the man at the Capitol Lagoon. To get to the Bacolod City Government Center, one can take a Homesite jeep from downtown and its final stop is the government center. Luzurriaga Private Cemetery A jeepney ride from the Bacolod City Government Center (Signboard: Homesite) heading towards the city center, one will pass by the Bacolod Public Cemetery. Beside the Bacolod Public Cemetery, one will find a private cemetery that serves as an island in a middle of a busy highway. Some may find cemeteries creepy but the Luzurriaga Private Cemetery is an interesting find in Bacolod. Bacolod City: The City that Made Me Smile (An Afternoon Affair) I was halfway through my day trip in Bacolod when I headed back to the city center from the Panaad Park and Stadium. I could see from afar that heavy clouds were starting to form and I actually feared that I would have to cut short my exploration should it rain. The great thing is that the weather did cooperate that afternoon. Bacolod City Government Center Nestled amidst the flat lands with Mount Kanlaon as its backdrop, the Bacolod City Government Center stands out as mighty structure along the Circumferential Road. The modern structure can be compared to the likes of the Cebu Capitol or the Manila City Hall for its architectural design. The government center’s attraction is a huge fountain fronting the structure. A brave soul should always include a visit to this private cemetery. It is not as creepy as one would think and you can only view it from the outside of the fence. What’s interesting is that this private cemetery was listed in the Guinness World Records as the only cemetery at the intersection of two highways. Provincial Capitol and the Capitol Lagoon One thing that is amazing about Bacolod is the investment on parks and open spaces. The Capitol Lagoon, right in front of the Provincial Capitol, is a huge space. A figure of a man pulling a carabao can be found on one side of the lagoon and similarly a female counterpart is found on the opposite side. The figures were made by Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti. Looming from the background is the Capitol Building. It is the government seat of Negros and it houses the different provincial offices. The architecture of the building is very similar to that of the Department of Tourism building in Manila.  The female counterpart at the opposite side of the Capitol Lagoon. At the time of my visit, a huge event that was sponsored by a popular television channel was happening which gives me the impression that the park is a preferred venue for huge gatherings and celebrations.  The Capitol Building in Bacolod City. Negros Museum The Negros Museum is just a few meters away from the Capitol Building. The museum invested in providing exhibits and dioramas of early trading with other countries, the sugar industry in Negros, and the “Cinco de Noviembre” event.  One of the exhibits at the Negros Museum that depicts the sugar industry of Negros during earlier times.  The Carmelite Monastery is a place where one can find peace and tranquility in the midst of a busy city. The museum did not appeal to me as I found the museum bland. But for history buffs who would want to catch a glimpse of Negrense history, the Negros Museum is worth a visit. Carmelite Monastery Situated along the highway, the Carmelite Monastery is a compound highlighted by a small, simple, and beautiful church. It is a beautiful church amidst the bustling metropolis. The whole compound evokes peace and serenity with its manicured lawns, simple church, and the silence around the compound. The atmosphere will definitely give you the feel of God’s hand upon you. The Carmelite Monastery strictly closes at 5pm. One can reach it by taking a jeepney, with a “Bata” signboard, in front of the Negros Museum. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the monastery. The Ruins It is the most photographed site in Metro Bacolod and it is a must to include it in every tourist’s itinerary when they visit Bacolod. The Ruins, located along the boundary of Bacolod and Talisay, is must see destination as it will captivate the romantic side of every visitor. Getting to the place is quite an adventure in itself especially if one is commuting. One takes a “Bata” jeep in front of the Carmelite Monastery and then goes down at the Pepsi Plant along the highway. One can then hire a tricycle, found beside the plant, to take them to The Ruins. Most tricycle drivers know the place.  The Taj Mahal of the Philippines. The Ruins is the remains of the old mansion owned by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. The Ruins has its own story to tell. It was built by the sugar baron in honor of his wife Maria Braga after her death hence it is also dubbed as the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines”. The architectural design of the house is very intensive and the materials used for its construction was built to last. After going through a maze of village streets, the tricycle will enter a dirt road in a middle of vast sugarcane plantation. In the middle of the hacienda, you will find “The Ruins”. Tip: Ask your driver to wait for you as there are limited tricycles that go into the hacienda.  The remains of the mansion owned by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson.  It is a preferred venue for pre-nuptial pictorials. During the World War 2, guerilla fighters and American forces feared that the Japanese might use the mansion because of its strategic location that they decided to burn the house down. The initial attempt did not even scathe the house that they had to mix oil and gas to burn the house down. The mixture was a success that the house burned for three straight days. What is left of the house to this day is the stone foundations of the house.  It is a monument of true love and devotion.  What was left of the mansion after it was burned down by American forces and guerilla fighters. Even with its frame, one can still catch the glimpse of the mansion’s beauty and lavish lifestyle of the sugar barons in the past. It is said that the best time to visit the place is during sunsets as the whole place turns into gold hues. My afternoon “stroll” in Bacolod gave me a glimpse of the life of the rich sugar barons. History has shown how these barons and hacienderos prospered that it afforded them to create grand mansions in the midst of a vast sugar plantation or purchase their own private resting places when their souls leave their mortal bodies. It gave me a glimpse of history on how war can destroy beauty just so the opponent will lose an advantage. But in the end, the resiliency of the people will always bring back the glory that Bacolod once had.
My first day in Metro Bacolod just blew me away. I completely fell in love with Silay City that I was controlling myself from the temptation to just spend my whole visit in Silay. I have laid out my itineraries and plans for my trip before even landing in Bacolod City and my second day was planned to discover Bacolod City. I had to stick to the plan and so I was off to discover the City of Smiles. One of my rules when I travel, especially when I am on alone on an exploration trip, is to explore the place using public transportation which is an adventure by itself. Getting lost in a new place is as exciting as getting around a loop of a rollercoaster. The good thing about Bacolod is that should the case be that you get lost, there are taxis that can take you to your next destination or back to your hotel. A Morning Encounter with Bacolod City: The City that Made Me Smile Bacolod is relatively a big city but going around is easy. I suggest that you consult with the staff of the hotel where you are staying on how to get around by public commute, the same way that I did mine. I prepared a list of places that I wanted to see and with the size and geography of the city, I had to divide the city into two: one area to be explored in the morning heading towards Panaad and the second half in the afternoon heading towards Talisay. San Sebastian Cathedral One thing that I really enjoyed with my stay at The Suites at Calle Nueva, apart from their outstanding customer service, is its access to public transportation and its proximity to the city center and to SM Bacolod. My first stop was the San Sebastian Cathedral, just a few meters from where I was staying. The church is one of the structures that usually stand out in any city or municipality that you visit here in the Philippines so it is not unusual for one to find a church, along with a government hall, as a central structure in a community. Bacolod is not an exception. The original church was constructed in 1825 that was made of wood and galvanized roofing. The construction of the current coral structure started after the foundation stone was laid in April 27, 1876. Utilizing materials from Guimaras and Palawan, the church was constructed using prisoners as manpower. Finally, on the eve of the feast of San Sebastian in January 19, 1882, the biggest church in the region was blessed by Bishop Cuartero.  The San Sebastian Cathedral in downtown Bacolod. Now the structure stands as a remembrance of religious influence during the Spanish times and now serves as the seat of the Diocese of Bacolod after its declaration as a cathedral church in 1933. My travel itineraries will always include the place’s church as it has a direct reflection on the community’s lifestyle. The altar of the cathedral is adorned in gold and is very majestic with its gold hues. The design shows affluence to which Bacolod, even Negros, has been identified with its sugar plantations and hacienderos.  Inside the San Sebastian Cathedral, Bacolod City. If it is your first time to visit the cathedral, take the time to light a candle and say a little prayer of thanksgiving. And do not forget to knock three times on the cathedral door and then make a wish. Centennial Bells On the grounds of the San Sebastian Cathedral, one will find two mounted church bells. These are the centennial bells of San Sebastian.  The Centennial Bells located inside the San Sebastian Cathedral grounds. The bells were first mounted in 1879 in the cathedral grounds. On the centennial year of the cathedral, both bells were brought down and were installed on the right side of the church yard. The bells are easily seen as you enter the gates of the cathedral. The bigger bell was donated by Father Mariano Avila in 1866 during his term as Bacolod’s Parish Priest and the smaller bell was donated by Father Mariano Ferrero in 1890. Palacio Episcopal Any visitor will not miss out on one of Bacolod’s architectural landmarks, the Palacio Episcopal, located on the left side of the cathedral. Established in 1830 by Fr. Julian Gonzaga, the Palacio Episcopal is older than the San Sebastian Cathedral. The building was also the place where Spaniards sought refuge during the Cinco de Noviembre Revolution.  The Palacio Episcopal with the San Sebastian Cathedral at the background. Also known as the Bishop’s Palace, it presently houses religious offices of the Diocese of Bacolod. Bacolod Public Plaza Just right in front of the San Sebastian Cathedral is the Bacolod Public Plaza. It is a public park with a wide open space at the center where the Band Stand and Gazebo are located. This is a venue where free shows are being held. The plaza is surrounded by trees which gives it a refreshing atmosphere even if it is located at the center of downtown Bacolod. One would see locals spending the afternoon in the area.  The Bandstand at the center of the Bacolod Public Park. However, the park is not properly maintained and I have also noticed that there were park fountains that were not functioning but were also filthy because of the improper disposal of garbage and stale water. It is such a pity that a beautiful park like the Bacolod Public Park is wasted because of neglect from the local government.  One of the ill-maintained fountains at the Bacolod Public Park. Notice the old tire at the bottom. Old Bacolod City Hall A few blocks from the Bacolod Public Plaza, along Araneta Avenue, one will find the Old Bacolod City Hall. Right in front of hall is the fountain of justice. The place is significant in history of Negros as this was the place where the Spanish officially surrendered in 1898. The land where the city hall stands was donated by the prominent Luzuriaga clan of Bacolod to the provincial government after Don Jose de Luzuriaga decided to return to Spain.  The Old Bacolod City Hall and the Fountain of Justice. I really hope the local government can take care of this historical site. However with the relocation of local government offices to the new government building, I have observed that the place and the fountains were no longer maintained properly even if the place played a major part in Negros and Philippine history. Lupit Church One can take a jeepney with the sign “Bata Libertad”, in front of the San Sebastian Cathedral, to get to Lupit Church. You can ask the driver to drop you off at Lupit Church.  Lupit Church. I was not able to see the church's interior since it was closed. One look at Lupit Church and you will mistake it as a Protestant Church. The architectural design is similar to local Protestant Churches in the US, with high and pointed steeples. The unique design is complemented by the huge trees and vast space of the church’s compound. It was just unfortunate that the church was closed at the time of my visit and I was not able to take a look of the Church’s interior. San Antonio Abad Parish Church The San Antonio Abad Parish Church is just a few minutes away from Lupit Church. You need to take a jeep with the “Pulapandan” signage and you can ask the driver to drop you at the church.  The serene facade of the San Antonio Abad Parish Church. The church is situated along a peaceful area of Bacolod. The church has a simple design from the outside with an image of Saint Francis of Assisi to greet you as you approach the church’s doors. Unfortunately, the church was also closed at the time of my visit and I had to contend with just taking a peek from the outside…good thing the windows allowed me a good view of the church’s interiors.  My stolen shot of the church's interiors. I took the shot from an open window. The interiors had high ceiling that allowed fresh air to circulate in the area. The design of the altar was modern and the altar has an imposing figure of the Risen Christ. The altar in itself is simple and modest. The church invokes simplicity compared to that of the San Sebastian Cathedral and the design allows natural light to illumine the church. Golden Fields Commercial Complex My research on the internet on Bacolod mentioned that the Golden Fields Commercial Complex is one of the best places to go in the evening for one looking for a good night out in Bacolod. However, visiting the complex in the morning will give you a different feel. It gives you the vibe that the place comes alive starting in the afternoon.  A "quiet" Golden Fields will greet you in the morning. The complex has shops and restaurants around. It even houses a water park. The place is reminiscent of Ayala Alabang during the early 90s. One can get there by taking a jeep, with the signage “Pulapundan”, from the San Antonio Abad Church.  The Carribean Water Park is located inside the Golden Fields Commercial Complex. Bong-Bong Pasalubong The name Bacolod will always be attached to Piaya. It is one of the known “pasalubongs” from the city. Bong-Bong is one of the famous brands of Piaya in the region. It has a shop along Alijis where they sell Piaya and other delicacies. If one is lucky enough, you will also get to see how the Piaya is made. From Golden Fields, one can get a jeepney with the signage Alijis. Ask the driver to drop you off at Bong-Bong’s. The trip is relatively short and most drivers are familiar to the place. The shop has a lot to offer, apart from Piaya. The staff is accommodating and they are trained on how to pack the sweets for easy handling during travels. It is definitely a must visit place for those searching for the right “pasalubong” to bring home. St. Jude Thaddeus Parish If there is one church that captured my heart in this Bacolod trip, it is the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Alijis. To get there, one needs to hop on a jeep with the signage of “Alijis”. It is just a few minutes ride from Bong-Bong’s.  The facade of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish. From the outside, the church looks rather simple with a small garden on its side. The beauty is seen inside the church – it's altar. The altar is designed with a huge image of the Risen Lord. The image is magnificent with the special visual design that it is floating in mid-air. It will keep anyone looking at it in awe. It is definitely a church that one should include in their trip to Bacolod.  The image if the Risen Lord that kept me in awe at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish. Panaad Park and Stadium Bacolod is also known as the “Football Capital of the Philippines”. Even before the rise in popularity of the Azkals, Bacolod has been at the forefront of developing its talents in sports and the Panaad Park and Stadium is a testament to the local government’s effort.  An "iron dinosaur" welcomes you at Panaad Park and Stadium. The park is situated along the outskirts of the city and public transport is available to anyone who wishes to visit the park. From St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, one takes a jeep with the signage “Alijis RPHS” and the jeep will enter the village where the Panaad Park and Stadium is located.  A miniature town hall inside the Panaad Park and Stadium. It becomes alive during the annual Panaad Festival. The Park is also the venue for annual Panaad Festival where the different city and municipal government feature their produce and talents. That is the reason why you would see the replicas of the different city and municipal halls as you enter the park. The place becomes alive during the festival.  A well-maintained sports complex in Bacolod City. Clean and green. The park has its own track and field, swimming pool, and other sports facilities which is open to the public. I took the opportunity to check out the stadium where the Azkals recently played and it was well-kept. The proper maintenance of the complex is a great indication on how the local government supports its local sports project. The downtown walking tour, the church visits, and the visit to Panaad Park and Stadium was a morning affair for me on my second day in Bacolod. There was still the other half to conquer which I planned to do in the afternoon. Heading back to downtown was easy as the jeepney also heads back directly to downtown. It rained slightly on my way back to the city and it was cool to feel the breeze on midday. I knew then that I would also enjoy my afternoon session in Bacolod.  A downtown scene in Bacolod. |
Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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