Visit Bacolod and fall in love with the Philippines’ unique landscapes and hospitality that will truly warm your soul. Be welcomed by Bacolod, the City of Smiles, and home to the iconic MassKara Festival — a place with vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and heart-thumping celebrations that will undoubtedly make you smile.
MassKara Festival
Learn what makes Bacolod the City of Smiles at this most spectacular of events. MassKara Festival began in the 1980s as a way to boost the local spirit after a drop in sugar prices, the city’s prime crop. Performers don masks to honor the festival’s name, ‘maskara,’ which means many faces.
Chicken Inasal
A trip to Bacolod is not complete without trying its famous chicken inasal (grilled chicken), celebrated as one of the best chicken dishes around the world. Discover different takes of the same authentic hearty meal across Bacolod’s local restaurants and food establishments!
The Negros Museum
The Negros Museum serves as a cultural hub showcasing the rich history and heritage of the region. Unlike traditional museums that focus on artifacts, the Negros Museum emphasizes narratives and local stories, providing a comprehensive view of Negrense culture and society. Exhibits include antique furnishings, historical photographs, and contemporary artworks, alongside unique collections of folk art and memorabilia from the sugar industry, which is central to the region’s economy. The museum also hosts various cultural events, workshops, and educational programs, aiming to instill cultural appreciation among locals and tourists.
The Negros Occidental Cultural Hub
This is a walking tour of the Provincial Capitol Complex, highlighting the rich culture and heritage, flora and fauna, and creative products by local artisans. This is a 9-stop walk about starting at the Provincial Tourism Office, Cafetolyo(local coffee shop) Capitol Park and Lagoon, Negros Forest (aka Talarak Foundation), The Association of Negros Producers showroom, the Negros Museum, Fiesta Market at Ayala Mall, and the Pala Pala Food Terminal plus the Negros Occidental Technology and Livelihood Center show room.
