Negros Occidental : One Morning in Bacolod City

Water Fountain Fronting San Sebastian Cathedral

Followers of Philippine festivals know this place for Masskara Festival. Yes, that festival that boasts highly energetic dance movement on the street with performers wearing that all-too-smiling colorful masks aka "masskara". Come October, Bacolod City hogs the spotlight and every nook and cranny of Bacolod is adorned with colorful masks with lanterns and just about any ornaments you can think of to boot.

But it wasn't October when I visited Bacolod so the place is stripped of the grandeur of the celebrations we used to know. Save from few signs of Masskara in the park, Bacolod City for most part of the year is typical albeit quintessential. And this is how I capture some images of Bacolod as I wander around the city one morning:

Proviancial Capitol Building

Capitol Park Lagoon

A Lady and a Carabao Guarding the Lagoon

One of Many Masskara Inspired Parks

Water Fountains Abound

Centuries-Old San Sebastian Cathedral

The main road through town is busy Lacson Street, off which you'll find numerous hotels, shopping plazas and restaurants. There are jeepneys to ferry you up and downtown. Although Bacolod is little more than a transport hub to most travelers, it does have some interesting sights you can see inside of a day.

There's the usual Bacolod Park and Lagoon showcasing morning activities for health buffs such as joggers, yoga and those doing morning aerobic exercises. You can even park-hop because there are several park there filled with water fountain that is just walking-distance apart from each other. You can also visit some of their landmarks like their Roman-inspired Provincial Capitol Building and the centuries-old San Sebastian Church. 

And if you have more time, you can visit the lovingly curated Negros Museum which houses displays that focus on the island's rich history, from Spanish missions to cane plantations and revolutions. There is also the Dizon Ramos Museum which has immense collections of naff ceramics, glassware and religious knick-knacks. You can also visit the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation which is a zoo that for wildlife rescue and a captive breeding centre that seeks to preserve endangered animals endemic to Negros. 

Every October, Bacolod City is alive with festivities but the rest of the year is a perfect time to enjoy and explore what else this smiling City has to offer.