Did you know that there are five major festivals celebrated in Bacolod City? Of course, there is the grand MassKara Festival in October, which lures many people to the city with colorful parades and street performances. Completing the list are the Bacolaodiat Festival (Chinese New Year), Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival in May, Bacolod Rum Festival in August, and Bacolod Parade of Lights in December.
With all these celebrations, Bacolod City truly lives up to its moniker, The City of Smiles. And through its future collaborations and local initiatives, Bacolod City is well on its way to becoming a Super City that thrives through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.
During a recent trip with Megaworld Corporation, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle had the opportunity to tour the city and its neighboring towns, discovering more attractions, experiences, and hidden gems they have to offer. From legacy restaurants to record-breaking establishments, here are some of the things that will surely make anyone smile as they explore Bacolod and Negros Occidental.
1. A hearty serving of pancit molo
Apart from its many festivals, Bacolod City is known as one of the ultimate foodie destinations in the Philippines. A go-to spot for locals is Bob’s Restaurant, located along B.S. Aquino Drive. Since 1965, Bob’s has been serving Ilonggo comfort food.
A lot has changed since its establishment, but one thing remains the same—the quality of its food. Regular diners pass down the tradition of enjoying family meals at the restaurant. Among the must-tries on its menu are the Ilonggo favorite pancit molo and a refreshing glass of fruit punch to quench your thirst on a sunny day.
2. This cheesecake and Batuan medley
There are plenty of places in Bacolod City to satisfy one’s sweet cravings. At Megaworld’s Upper East House stands Sucré by Liz and Mom. Led by Elizabeth Primacio, this charming restaurant is the perfect place for merienda, offering a selection of brewed drinks, pasta dishes, and other plated meals. But what keeps people coming back are its desserts and baked goods.
These desserts not only reflect the sweet bond between Elizabeth and her mother, Corazon, but also highlight the distinct flavors of the city. A perfect example is Tarta de Queso, a cheesecake recipe from Mommy Corazon. The dessert features a delightful combination of textures, from its burnt crust to its creamy filling. What takes it to the next level is its jam topping made from Batuan, an endemic fruit of Negros Island. The Batuan jam’s tangy flavor perfectly complements the richness of the cake, all while capturing the essence of the island.
3. Home of the best chicken inasal
A trip to Bacolod is never complete without feasting on chicken inasal. For many locals, the best place to enjoy authentic inasal is Chicken House on Lacson Street. Since 1976, Chicken House has been serving Bacolodnons mouthwatering grilled dishes.
Its chicken inasal is juicy and served with rice generously topped with fried garlic. On the side, diners get soy sauce, chili, sinamak (spiced vinegar), calamansi, and, of course, chicken oil for a DIY dip. While Chicken House now has a branch in Makati City, dining at its main location in Bacolod remains an experience one shouldn’t miss.
4. All of Negros’s craft under one roof
A break from food adventures calls for some culture and shopping. If you’re looking for pasalubong, the perfect place to visit is the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) Hub on South Capitol Road. More than just a training center for artisans, the showroom features handicrafts and other local products available for purchase.
Many of the items in the showroom are priced under P1,000. There’s Fresh Start’s coffee, cultivated at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon. Madera transforms coconut shells and mother-of-pearl into elegant home décor. Bevz showcases woven totes and hand-painted bags. Meanwhile, organic food products like Alter Trade’s muscovado sugar and Mumshie’s Batuan powder make perfect pantry staples.
5. A KBL experience with a breathtaking view
Beyond great food, an excellent dining experience is defined by its ambiance. For picturesque views, Kusinata in Don Salvador Benedicto stands out. Located about 45 minutes from Bacolod City, this restaurant highlights sustainable culinary practices. Managed by Mary Lucille Grey and led by her son, Chef Jay Grey, Kusinata also uplifts the local Ata indigenous people by employing them as staff.
The restaurant offers a scenic dining area overlooking the Matan-og waterfall and the mountain rainforest. The menu features native fusion dishes such as Chicken Curry Budbud and Salted Egg Fried Chicken. The Paco-Paco Salad showcases ingredients foraged from the lush forest. As Don Salvador Benedicto is known as the summer capital of Negros Occidental, it can get chilly, making a warm bowl of Kadios, Baboy, Langka (KBL) a must-try.
6. Napoleones and other native delicacies
For Bacolodnons, “Kuan” is not just a common Bisaya filler word—it’s also associated with Quan, a beloved restaurant on La Salle Avenue that specializes in native delicacies.
Led by Chole Cuenca Chua, Quan, like many Bacolod food businesses, was born out of a family’s love for food. Many of its offerings are based on family recipes, such as its Manapla galapong puto, which still follows Chua’s grandmother’s original recipe. The puto is best paired with the restaurant’s dinuguan or palabok.
Other must-try dishes include okoy (crispy shrimp fritters), Inday Inday (a version of palitaw), and the iconic Napoleones—a flaky puff pastry filled with sweet custard. Quan has 11 branches in Bacolod and two in Manila, with an upcoming branch in Eastwood, Quezon City.
7. A taste of Filipino-Spanish cuisine
Since its establishment in 2017, Maria Kucina Familia on 24th Street has been on a mission to make diners feel at home with its Filipino-Spanish cuisine. Signature dishes like Fileto ala Maria, Chicken Relleno, and Crispy Pata bring families together over hearty meals.
Adding to its charm is the casa-like setting, featuring private function rooms with a nostalgic touch. There’s the Mahjong Room for intimate gatherings, the Terraza for grander celebrations, and the Toy Room, showcasing the family’s vintage toy collection.
8. These graffiti-covered walls
Located in Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod’s Art District is a vibrant creative hub known for its colorful murals, contemporary galleries, and dynamic cultural scene. The district serves as a gathering place for artists, musicians, and creatives and is home to various art spaces such as Orange Project.
During the day, the Art District is quiet, with artists working on their craft and indie shops showcasing handcrafted pieces. But at night, it comes to life with live music, performances, spoken word poetry, and immersive exhibits, inviting both locals and visitors to experience Bacolod’s artistic soul.
9. The world’s largest rooster-shaped building
Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City is more than just a quick retreat—it’s a place where fantasies come to life on a grand scale. One of its standout attractions is a giant rooster-shaped hotel, towering at 15 meters tall, earning it a Guinness World Record.
Businessman Ricardo “Cano” Tan unveiled the 15-room hotel in October 2024, naming it Manok ni Cano Gwapo. The hotel is just one of the resort’s many attractions. Visitors can also enjoy a pool with a river-like current, a 150-meter-long rainbow water slide, and thrilling activities like a zipline and sky bike for adventure seekers.
10. Where heritage meets modernity
With new developments, a thriving economic landscape, and potential future collaborations, Bacolod City is on the right track to fulfilling its Super City Roadmap. The goal of its local government unit (LGU) is to make the city a premier destination for business, tourism, and investment—a mission it shares with key partners, including Megaworld Corporation.
Megaworld Upper East Township in Bacolod City is where heritage meets modernity. The 34-hectare property stands on what was once the Bacolod-Murcia Milling Company, the city’s sugar central. While the township draws inspiration from New York City’s Upper East Side, it continues to celebrate the area’s rich history. This is evident in The Upper East House, the township’s showroom, which features a gallery dedicated to the historic sugar mill.
Outside the showroom, a retrofitted and refurbished century-old BMMC train, once used to transport sugarcane, stands as a tribute to the city’s past. Also hard to miss is the huge Maskara wall adorning one of the most beautiful McDonald’s stores in the country.
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