BOHOL Tour Packages! - Panglao Beach Resorts, Chocolate Hills, River Cruise, Island Hopping from low P4500+ only from www.Bohol-Philippines.com

Bacolod: Smiling with the City

There are many reasons to smile in Bacolod city, the capital of the Negros Occidental, Philippines. Beaches in this city are pristine and clear. Food is remarkable, as many tourists can attest. Best of all, the people are known to be approachable and pleasant. You will not feel as if you're a foreigner in this city, as the locals are more than willing to lend a hand.

Going there usually takes 45 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which is located in Manila. After landing in the city's airport, you can take a quick bus ride to get to the city proper. If you plan to go here from abroad, you might need to land in Manila first before going to Bacolod city.

Art and Beaches

Art and beaches are primarily what tourists go to Bacolod for. You may think that this is an odd combination, but it actually suits all kinds of tourists—from the history buff to the outgoing beach lover.

Among the museums and galleries in the city are the Negros Museum and the Orange Gallery. The Negros Museum is where you will see artifacts that were hand-crafted by the locals as early back as the 1800s. You can also take a quick dip in the pool beside the museum. The Orange Gallery, on the other hand, is where you will see the artworks of local artists.

You will also get a wild taste of the beach life, with the city's many beach resorts. A few examples are Sta. Fe Resort and Restaurant and the Bacolod Pavilion Resort. Most beaches are commercialized, but if you are looking for more adventure, go to Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

More Festivals than Anywhere Else

Because people in Bacolod are all smiles, expect that to reflect in their celebrations. As a matter of fact, you will find in here more major festivals than anywhere else in the Philippines. These festivals are the Masskara Festival, Panaad Festival, Kali-Kalihan Festival, Pasasalamat Festival, the Pinta Flores Festival, and the Ugyonan Festival.

The Masskara, held every October 19, is the festival where large crowds gather to make colorful masks with defined smiles. The Panaad, held every April 21st is a showcase of different Bacolod delicacies and banners. You will see here how creative the locals are. Go to Kali-Kalihan, which is a commemoration of the tribes that used to live in the city many years ago. The Pasasalamat, which occurs every May, is a celebration of the people's gratitude for the harvest they have had through the year. If you want to see flowers displayed everywhere, even on creatively colored floats, then go to the Pinta Flores. Last is the Ugyonan festival, which is highlighted by high-spirited dancing and sportsfests all over the city.

Going to Bacolod is basically about having fun and feeling positive about yourself. There are festivals all year round, so you are bound to catch at least one of them. The rich history of the city will also leave you mesmerized, so make sure that you stop by all of them.

Bacolod Hotels

• L ' Fisher Hotel - centrally located hotel; situated in downtown Bacolod and features comfortable rooms that are perfect for business travelers. The hotel is regularly visited by local and international travelers thanks to its convenient location close to many of the area's business and commercial areas.