Bacolod CityThe charm of Bacolod is her PEOPLE, smiling, fun-loving, zestful and flowing with optimism,
in good times or bad times. The most well-known Bacoleño brand of hospitality whose
warmth, sincerity and natural friendliness could make every visitor come again to Bacolod.
Thus, BACOLOD CITY is the CITY OF SMILES.
ProfileLand Area: 15,610.00
Classification: Highly Urbanized City
No. of Barangays: 61 Barangays (41 urban, 20 rural)
Population: 429,076 (May 1, 2000)
453,873 (2005 Projection)
Language: Hiligaynon/Ilonggo
English is spoken & understood
Points of Interest:Provincial Capitol Building
Negros Museum
Capitol Park and Lagoon
Negros Occidental Golf and County Club
Panaad Sports and Recreational Park
Goldenfield Commercial Complex-Casino & Nightlife
San Sebastian Cathedral/Bishop’s Palace
ANP Negros Showroom
Sta. Clara Chapel
Sta. Fe Resort
Palmas del Mar Village Resort
Festivals:Feast of San Sebastian (January 20)
Panaad sa Negros Festival (Every 3rd week of April)
Bacolod City’s Charter Anniversary and Masskara Festival ( October 19)
Market Days:Burgos Public Market – Everyday
Libertad Public Market – Everyday
Central Market- Everyday
History
Bacolod City HallPrior to the coming of the Spaniards in Negros in 1565, there existed a small village near the mouth of the
Magsungay river inhabited by Malayans who belong to the “Taga-ilog” group. The early missionaries placed the
village of Magsungay under the protection of St. Sebastian in 1700s and was later known as “San Sebastian de Magsungay”.
In 1770, Bernardo de los Santos became its first governadorcillo or capitan municipal. Its first parish priest was
Fr. Leon Pedro, having been appointed as propitario of Bacolod in 1806.
Due to the rampant attack of Moro pirates, the villagers moved inland and established a new settlement on a hilly terrain
they called Buklod, the forerunner of its present name, “Bacolod”. Gradually, the people left the hilly terrain which later
became known as Camingawan (loneliness).
In 1849. then Gov. Valdevieso y Morquecho declared Bacolod as the capital of the whole island of Negros. Subsequently,
with the splitting of Negros into two provinces, Bacolod was named capital of the province of Negros Occidental in 1884.
The bandstand at the Public PlazaOn October 19, 1938, Bacolod became the fifth chartered city during the Commonwealth period under President Manuel L. Quezon,
with Alfredo Montelibano, Sr. as its appointed chief executive.
From a mere settlement in the hills with only about 5,000 people in 1770, Bacolod has developed into a highly urbanized
city in 1984. In 1996, Bacolod was named one of the “Outstanding Cities of the Philippine”. It was also adjudged the
“Cleanest and Greenest Highly Urbanized City” in the country in 1997, 1998 and 2000, 2001, respectively.
Characterized by an unprecedented construction boom, Bacolod is a haven for investments and business opportunities.
The lush greenery of its countryside provides an exhilarating backdrop to its pulse and dynamo as a bustling metropolis.
Bacolod’s charm lies in its people: smiling, warm, gregarious and optimistic, always surmounting all odds. This is best
experienced during the internationally-famed Masskara Festival, a weeklong celebration nearest the City Charter Anniversary
on October 19, when there is merrymaking in the streets and parties in private homes.
Panaad Park and StadiumThe people are also noted for their unrivalled good taste which is evident in their exquisite arts and crafts that find
their way into the export markets, as well as in their delectable cuisine. Their gentility is also seen in the comforts
and conveniences of world-class hotels and restaurants that helped propel Bacolod to its stature as the convention center
in southern Philippines.
How to get there
North Terminal at the Shopping areaThe gateway to Negros Occidental, Bacolod City is 55 minutes from Manila by air, with Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines a
nd Cebu Pacific Air providing daily flights. Bacolod is 30 minutes from Cebu City by air, with daily flights provided by
Philippine Airlines on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Cebu Pacific Air on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
It is an 18-hour cruise from Manila aboard world class vessels of Negros Navigation Company and WG& A. Aboard fast seacrafts,
Bacolod is one hour from Iloilo City. By land-and-sea travel, it is 7 hours from Cebu City. Terminals for buses plying
northern and southern Negros Occidental are located within Bacolod City.
LocationBacolod City is located on the northwestern coast of the Province of Negros Occidental. It is bounded on the northwest by
the City of Talisay, on the east and southwest by the City of Bago and on the West by Guimaras Strait.
Communication FacilitiesInternational Direct Dialing (IDD), Telex, Facsimile, Cellular Phones, Radio, E-mail, Worldwide Express Delivery, Postal
Service and Telegraph Services are available. Telephone Area Code is 034.
Famous LandmarksBacolod’s famous landmarks include beautiful 19th century mansions of sugar barons, historical monuments and churches during
the Spanish era.
San Sebastian CathedralThe San Sebastian Cathedral is located in downtown Bacolod. It was originally a small chapel which became a cathedral in
1933. The structure, made of coral stones from Guimaras Island was completed in 1882. Beside the cathedral is the
Palacio Episcopal or Bishop’s Palace constructed in 1830.
Sta. Clara Chapel The Sta. Clara Chapel in Sta. Clara Subdivision features a large mural mosaic of Barangay Sang Birhen, a local version
of the Virgin Mary made of 95,000 pieces of polished shells. The stations of the cross, the images of the saints and altar
pieces are a collage 30,000 Philippine shells.
The San Antonio Abad Church showcases national artist Solomon Saprid’s masterwork “The Risen Christ.”
Provincial Capitol BuildingThe Provincial Capitol Building was built in 1927 using the Neo-Roman architectural design of American Daniel Burnham
executed by Filipino Architect Juan Arellano. In July 2001, Gov. Joseph G. Marañon initiated the rehabilitation of the
Capitol. It was inaugurated on June 23, 2004.
Arts, Crafts and ShoppingWith the development of the sugar industry in 1950’s, Bacolod’s prominent families have acquired fine antique collections.
Some are on sale in the city’s antique shops, others can be viewed in ancestral homes or private collections. Good buys
include shell craft, ceramic wares and woodcrafts. Weaving centers produce “hablon”, a locally developed fabric which was
the rave in the 1960’s.
ANP Negros ShowroomThe ANP Negros Showroom is a one-stop shop selling export-quality products such as garments, gift items, decorative
objects, handicrafts, shell craft and pastries.
Central Market at the downtown area displays native products, textiles, native delicacies and fresh fruits.
Bacolod Shellcraft and Artwares has a collection of Philippine and Negrense shells which are made into exquisite mosaics,
house accessories and gift items.
Casa Grande Antiques, Recuerdos de Bacolod and Sarlee’s sell fine furniture, heirloom pieces, antique “santos” or wooden
images of saints and curio items.
Sports and Leisure ActivitiesBacolod offers the sportsman various outdoor activities like water sports, tennis, mountain climbing and its biggest
attraction-golf.
Bacolod is the golf center of Visayas. Its world-class courses have produced some of the country’s best swingers.
Bacolod Golf and Country ClubBacolod Golf and Country Club in Had. Binitin, has a tight and compact 18-hole layout in a sugar plantation setting.
It has a clubhouse, restaurant, swimming pool and locker rooms. It is open for tourists.
Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bata Subdivision has 18-hole golf course that will challenge the intrepid golfers
with its water hazards and the strong winds from Mt. Kanlaon. It has a clubhouse, tennis courts and swimming pool.
Festival –October 19
Masskara Festiva
Experience Masskara Festival every month of October, a festive celebration where revelers dance in the streets wearing
colorful smiling masks and vibrant costumes.
more info:
http://negros-occ.gov.ph/index.php?opti ... e&Itemid=1