Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Bacolod Restaurants
Overview
The ‘City of Smiles’ does not just brag about the hotels that offer world class service, they are equally proud of the restaurants and bars in Bacolod that serve good food with passion and dedication. There are various Bacolod restaurants to choose from and the dishes range from local to international cuisine to delicacies.
Imbiss Bacolod
Imbiss Bacolod is a small restaurant but the environment is cozy and laid back. This Bacolod restaurant can be found along Lacson Street in the city itself and it specializes in European cuisine. Imbiss Bacolod has several specialties from delectable imported sausages from Hungary and Germany to authentic Italian pizza recipes such as the Pizza Al Tonno. This Bacolod restaurant understands the Filipino’s love for rice and they’ve managed to incorporate it tastefully into their dishes. Take for instance the Garlic Sausage served at Imbiss Bacolod which is a good match with flavored rice. The Veal Bratwurst is another dish served at this Bacolod restaurant that has rice that is a top choice on their menu list. Imbiss Bacolod serves affordable meals, with prices ranging from Php 110 to Php 300 but the servings are big so it’s good for sharing. Aside from the great European food and the cozy environment, the service personnel are also very friendly and always welcome one with a warm smile at Imbiss Bacolod.
Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties
A quick snack that is healthy and nutritious is something that will keep you going and that’s exactly what the Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties offers. Aside from the Jamaican Patties that this Bacolod restaurant serves which are good either with Iced Tea to douse the summer hear or hot coffee for that rainy afternoon, they have interesting yet tasty dishes. Take for instance the Sunny Shrimp Balls that they serve at the Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties which goes really well with sweet chili sauce. Although most of the dishes served at this Bacolod restaurant are somewhat spicy, one can tell the servers to bring it down a notch and for those who like their food incredibly hot, one can also ask them to throw in a bit more chili. The Spicy Chicken is also one of the Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties’ specialties and this is a heavy and filling dish. Other enticing dishes at this Bacolod restaurant are Burger Steak and Cheese Burst. The Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties has a cozy atmosphere and it is found on Main Strip Alley near one of the big schools in Bacolod, La Salle. The Royal Caribbean Jamaican Patties offers superior alternatives when it comes to snacks.
Bacolod Education
Just like all the highly progressive cities and municipalities in the Philippines, Bacolod City offers students good quality education and unforgettable learning experiences. As part of the extensive Bacolod education system, these universities and colleges offer young individuals wonderful opportunities to grow, learn and develop into mature, morally responsible and competitive professionals in the future.
University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos
People can find University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos along Lizarez Avenue, which was established in 1941. This school offers interesting scholarship programs for financially challenged individuals with very good grades. Its academic programs are very good including that of its College of Arts and Sciences. Under this, students can enroll in various courses like Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication. It also has the College of Engineering, the College of Business and Accountancy and the College of Information Technology. Additionally, it also features the College of Nursing, which is definitely one of the most popular these days.
University of Saint La Salle
Founded in 1952, the University of Saint La Salle is a private educational institution situated along La Salle Avenue. It promises academic excellence through its various programs including the Graduate School of Management, College of Nursing and College of Medicine. Under the College of Engineering and Technology, the university offers Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Meanwhile, the College of Business and Accountancy offers courses like Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Information Management and Business Economics. For those who want to enter the College of Arts and Sciences, they can enroll in courses such as Mass Communications, Inter-Disciplinary Studies and Computer Science.
Riverside College Inc.
Established in 1961, Riverside College Inc. is a highly regarded medical school for training and educating students in preparation for careers in the field of medicine. It offers non-degree courses like Certificate in Special Education, Certificate in Practical Nursing and Certificate in Live-In Caregiver Program. It also provides baccalaureate degrees such as Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology Major in Special Education and Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. It also runs a Graduate School for nursing students.
La Consolacion College-Bacolod
Established by Augustinian sisters in 1919, La Consolacion College-Bacolod is definitely one of the oldest colleges in Negros Occidental. People can find this prestigious private college at the corner of Gatuslao and Galo Streets, which offers new academic programs, all with outstanding quality. These include the English Functional Course, the Call Center Pre-Employment Training Course and the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program. More importantly, it provides students with highly convenient services that are highly beneficial in their learning such as the Speech and Science Laboratory, the Learning and Resource Center as well as the Guidance Service Center.
Bacolod Hotel Guide
Bacolod is known as the city of smiles. It is found on the south of the Philippines. It is the capital of Ilo-ilo. Bacolod is a good place to visit because the city is safe and visiting this place becomes more interesting when you come during the festival of the masks or Masskara Festival. You can stay in the following hotels:
1.L Fisher Hotel – This hotel is found on the fourteenth and Lacson Street. This is a first class hotel. The company prides itself for giving customers the best satisfaction and hospitality they can give them. The accommodations vary. For a single deluxe room the cost is P2,350.00, the double deluxe room costs P2,750.00. The super deluxe for a single room costs P3,100.00 while the double version costs P3,600.00. There are junior suites and executive rooms as well which is less than five thousand pesos per night are. The extra person is charged with one thousand per night. There is a breakfast free for every guest which is on a buffet style. The usual checking in time is two in the afternoon and the ideal checking out time is twelve noon. Children who are eleven years old are free if they share the bed with their parents.
2.Bacolod Convention Plaza Hotel – This is a hotel in the heart of Bacolod. The staff of this hotel makes each possible effort to give their guests the efficient and warm hospitality they would like to experience. They always assist their guest. The facilities in the hotel are all modern and the cuisine they serve are international. The deluxe room for single accommodation costs forty five dollars and the deluxe room for double occupancy is fifty nine dollars. An extra bed costs ten dollars.The hotel can offer complimentary transfer transportation if the guests request for it.
3.Grand Regal Hotel – This is a hotel on Araneta Street in Singcang in the city of Bacolod. The hotel has ninety one rooms. The hotel has good room service and all of them are clean. This is a hotel with reasonable prices. The employees are also helpful to all the guests. There are accommodations that are priced at three thousand pesos and some at less. During off seasons the accommodations are discounted as well.
4. Circle Inn – This is a hotel or lodging in Bacolod with seventy six rooms. It is situated in Malaspina and Jaena Streets. They accept guests for twenty four hours and they offer different amenities. The location of Circle Inn is very good because it is near the hospital and some schools. This hotel is actually located in a compound with security and peace. The prices of the standard rooms are affordable. They also offer free Wi-fi access in their coffee shop, pool, Jacuzzi and lobby. The televisions are installed with cable. The rooms with air-conditioning system all have telephones.
Bacolod Government Sites
‘Kari Kamo sa Bacolod!’
This simple phrase (in Bacolod’s dialect) means an invitation to experience the beauty of Bacolod City. The city has been dubbed as the ‘City of Smiles’ and though majority of the Filipinos are really into all kinds of sports, especially of basketball, the city of Bacolod is also the ‘Football Capital of the Philippines’. The Masskara Festival is the most celebrated event of the city and the place topped the survey as the ‘Best Place to Live in the Philuppines’ according to MoneySense Magazine. Certainly, there are more reasons why Bacolod City is one of the best places to consider regarding leisure and business venture.
Why Bacolod City?
Being recognized and awarded as the most inhabitable city in the Philippines is definitely a great boost in the city’s prestige. One factor why Bacolod should be one of the best destinations is the low incidence of crime and stable peace and order condition in the city. Regarding business, the city is considered to be a BPO or Business Process Outsorcing and IT or Information Technology hub for Western Visayas because of the presence of eight chief call centers.
Another business advantage is the systematic traffic set up that offers easy access to different location around the city. Illegal settlers do not have a place here in Bacolod City that is why their percentage is very low. The local government of Bacolod City sees to it that they maintain the cleanest and greenest highly urbanized city in the Philippines recognition as they preserve a green and clean surroundings very that is very fit for human habitation. Small businesses have a good chance of booming because of available amenities and facilities.
This explains why the city was cited as the Most Business Friendly City by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2007. In competing with the global market, the local authorities through local entrepreneurs encourage high-quality production from basic local produce (like food items, sugar, organic fertilizers and the like). The optimistic tone in local commercial scheme of the city could be attributed to its accessibility (by land, sea and air) to major cities around the Philippines. With these reasons, without a doubt, Bacolod City is the rightful recipient of the ‘best place to live in Philippines’ recognition.
Keeping up with the Pace
Maintaining the reputation and the recognition of one of the best cities in the Philippines is definitely a tough act to follow. It entails more than just advertising it, but also doing it ‘hands-on’. Nonetheless, for several years, Bacolod City has been very consistent with their growing economic progress and still retains their respect for nature by being clean and green city. The official website (http://www.bacolodcity.gov.ph/) of Baclod City is a sort of a ‘teaser’ of what an individual could expect in the city. The website is loaded with information regarding the city’s noted assets. Certainly, Bacolod City is very accessible online. ‘Kari Kamo sa Bacolod’ is definitely an invitation to experience a good life.
Bacolod Travel Agents
Ever wondered living in a place called ‘The City of Smiles’? Bacolod City, is dubbed to have that description. Bacolod City is in the Visayas Region in the Philippines, particularly at the northern part of Negros Occidental. ‘Stonehill’ was the literal meaning of the word ‘bacolod’ (from ‘bakolod’ a Hiligaynon terminology). The place was established on a literally mound-like terrain and it was stony. The place is now of Granada District. Muslim raids during those days forced the new settlement to be pushed along the shoreline in 1787. The old site was regarded as the ‘old town’ or Da-an Banwa.
Bacolod’s Economic Competency
Sugar plantations have been the archetypal scene along the main roads of Bacolod. This has been the source of the natives’ bread and butter and as of the present moment, almost 9000 hectares of agricultural or rural land are dedicated for sugarcane planting. Other source of income and livelihood are fishing, pottery and being engaged to livestock. Knocking in at the doors of international competency in economy, local government established some language centers catering foreigners. This type of business scheme has been giving English tutorials and instructions especially to Koreans. Other subjects and courses are also being offered. The usual colleges and universities around the city are also offering English language instruction for foreign students presently residing at Bacolod City. The onset and the emergence of the so-called business process outsourcing or BPO in most companies had changed the international market big time. In order for most business ventures to survive, they have to adopt this type of market scenario. The city of Bacolod is one of the cities in the Philippines that implemented this business wave. For this reason, there are distinguished BPO companies working in the city like, TeleTech, Transcom, Focus International Teleperformance and Convergys.
Tourism in the City of Bacolod
The city is highly regarded as the most livable city in the Philippines. Bacolod City is the province of Negros Occidental’s capital city. The city prides itself as the only city in the Philippines to achieve a grand slam award for being the greenest and the cleanest highly urbanized city. Traffic jam is never a problem in the city because of the wide roads that prevent congestions. Bacolodnons, the natives of Bacolod, really love to enjoy life and that is the fact behind the moniker the ‘City of Smiles’. Their noted festivities are the Pana-ad Sa Negros Festival and Maskara Festival. Making arrangements with some notable travel agencies would make the trip and stay to Bacolod City a reason for tourists to smile. T3 (Trips, Tickets and Tours) Centre is one of the tours agencies of Bacolod located at G/F Bargain Square Mall. Décor Travel Agencia situated at Goldenfields Commercial Complex also provides travel related services. For accommodations and travel needs, SN Travel House and Tours could make special packages for visitors (located at G/F Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St.). Mariton Air Travel is another office for tourists’ itinerary and lodging needs. These travel agencies have served a lot of tourists who really and literally ‘smiling’ after their Bacolod adventure. As a travelers’ tip, always check the internet for updated information regarding these travel agencies. As a final note, for a lovely vacation, always wear a smile.
Bacolod Hotels and Resorts
Overview
Found in Negros Occidental, Bacolod City has some of the highest rated hotels in the Philippines and it caters to a thriving industry. Tourism has grown immensely in Bacolod and with this growth came the influx of travelers from other parts of the Philippines and abroad. When it comes to Bacolod hotels, these establishments serve their guest with passion and provide world class service and facilities.
Costa Aguada Island Resort
Inampulugan Island is the home of Costa Aguada Island Resort and it’s no hassle going to this Bacolod hotel from the city. Aside from the warm hospitality that one is greeted with, Costa Aguada Island Resort has topnotch facilities. In fact, this Bacolod hotel frequently receives awards and praises for maintaining its establishment in such pristine condition and they constantly upgrade their facilities and amenities to better meet the needs of their guests. The Costa Aguada Island Resort is a big Bacolod hotel with a hundred rooms in total all elegantly furnished, cozy and comfortable. This Bacolod hotel is the perfect place to spend a vacation with families and loved ones and it’s also a good option when it comes to business meetings and conference because they have the facilities for that. The Costa Aguada Island Resort has a big swimming pool, a coffee shop where tasty meals are served, a bar where one can grab a drink or two for that nightcap and this Bacolod hotel offers services such as massage and spa to pamper their guests. Room rates at the Costa Aguada Island Resort start at US$ 5.
L’Fisher Hotel
If one prefers to stay within the city limits and be right in the center of commerce and night life, L’Fisher Hotel is located on Lacson Street in the city of Bacolod itself. This highly recommended Bacolod hotel is very proud of its excellent service and facilities and L’Fisher Hotel is very consistent when it comes providing their guests with what they need. The surroundings of this Bacolod hotel are something that one will describe as tranquil and serene and they have well kept gardens where one can take a stroll. L’Fisher Hotel is no small hotel, with close to a hundred rooms and their facilities include a pool, a restaurant and a coffee shop. Those traveling on business find that the L’Fisher Hotel is a good spot to close that business deal over a cup of coffee or a meal. In addition to all that, when the sun sets, one will find that the L’Fisher Hotel is very near great restaurants and bars.
Activities You Can Enjoy in Bacolod
Bacolod is the city of smiles. It is a dynamic city with plenty of places and sights to be seen. The following are some of the best activities you can do while you are in Bacolod.
1. Fifteen kilometers from Bacolod is the town of Silay. Silay is popular the nice old homes there. The house called Balay Negrense is the most famous of all the houses built there. It is always open for tourists at an affordable rate. Many taxis in the city know how to take you to Silay. There are also other houses there that you can visit. You can also take the jeepney or the bus going to Silay.
2. Another activity you can do while you are in Bacolod is the museum. This is just a few minutes away from the capitol building. There are many valuable historical collections in the museum as well as previous belongings of some rich families who lived there before.
3. Relaxing in Nature’s Village is another activity which you can do. It is a good place where you can relax. This is a resort with accommodations. This resort is also very close to the town.
4. Another activity which is also worth your time is visiting Sipalay. This is a town in the southern part of Bacolod. This place has been recently attracting more tourists because of good diving spots. It also has a nice beach which is open to the public. There are many resorts to choose from. It takes three up to four hours to get to Sipalay from the city. You can go by car or van. Others also prefer taking the public bus and enjoy the surroundings and the nice view along the way.
5. In the northern part of Bacolod just thirty minutes from the city is the sugar mill called the Victorias. There are times when visiting the whole mill can be possible. Many taxis know this place and it would be nice to visit a plant smelling like cake.
6. Another accessible place in Bacolod which you might like to visit is the small island called Guimaras. This is thirty minutes away from the city of Bacolod. There are no shopping malls here or many restaurants but you will enjoy cycling in the quiet place. There are some high class resorts where you can stay as well. Guimaras is an island famous for their sweet mangoes. There are several plantations of mangoes in this island. Viewing the massive plantations from a hill is really nice. There are other resorts which offer accommodations at affordable rates as well. The beach in Guimaras is also nice and the people are always hospitable.
7. Celebrating the Masskara Festival – This is one of the most popular reasons why tourists go to Bacolod. This festival is famous for celebrations with people wearing different masks. The masks all have different and one of a kind designs. The people parade on the streets wearing them. The whole city celebrates this tradition in a very colorful and joyful way.
Bacolod Restaurant Guide
Bacolod is an exciting place to visit especially during the famous Masskara Festival. The dishes by the Ilonggos are truly delicious and you must try them because they have maintained the authentic flavors. The food in most Bacolod restaurants are cheaper and fresher than those that are served in Manila.
BREAKFAST
1. Bacolod Business Inn – Many tourists like the food they serve for breakfast. They also have free refills for the coffee.
2. Sylvia Manor Hotel – This hotel has a varied selection of food for breakfast which is ideal for the entire family. There are breads, different cereals, rice dishes and fruits.
3. McDonald’s – This branch can be found on Lacson Street. This is a fast food chain where you can buy breakfast meals on a budget. There is a Mc Café as well where the wi- fi connection is free so you can bring your laptops.
LUNCH OR DINNER
1. Manukan Country – This is the restaurant that is known for the best grilled chicken which is called chicken inasal. This is Bacolod’s pride. This is the best restaurant to visit when you want to enjoy a hearty dinner. This restaurant is situated in the area of reclamation. There is no air-con and it is ideal that you eat with your clean hands.
2. Chicken Deli & Bacolod Chicken House – These are two restaurants which offers their own version of the chicken inasal. This is a restaurant which caters for people who are not so much in a budget. You can use utensils in this restaurant and there is air-conditioning.
3. Pala-pala – This is the Bacolod version of Dampa. This is beside the capitol of Bacolod. You first need to go to the market and buy your seafood then carry it to the Pala-pala where you can choose a restaurant to have it cooked. The restaurant can suggest many ways on how to cook your seafood.
4. Aboy’s Kamalig – The pride of this restaurant is the grilled blue marlin and the grilled liver of the chicken. It is situated at the Goldenfields place.
5. Pendy’s – This is the best place to enjoy the dinuguan of Bacolod as well as fried chicken. It is a place to enjoy fine dining but the prices of the food are still affordable. They are also known for their Napoleones.
6. Imay’s & Buto’t Balat – These restaurants are both on the Lacson street. They offer seafood dishes.
7. L’Sea and L’Kaisei – The L’Sea is a restaurant which offers fresh Chinese food and the L’Kaisei offers different Japanese dishes.
8. Mama Maria Pizza – This restaurant has been receiving great food reviews. They offer customers bigger sizes of pizza perfect for a family of six or even eight.
9. Calea – This is a place to indulge in sweet cravings like cheesecakes. They offer different kinds of cakes and pastries. They also have their own version of the Oreo cheesecake. The base of their cheesecakes are oats and not graham crackers which make the taste uniquely their own.
10. Pepe’s Grill – This is a restaurant you can find in the Sorrento Piazza. Many yuppies like to hang out in the piazza these days. The pastas they offer are their best sellers as well as their steamed fish.
These are some of the best places you can eat when you are in Bacolod. The prices of the food in this restaurants range from five dollars up to twenty dollars. Experiencing the food a region has to offer should be one of the highlights of your trip in a foreign place.
Bacolod Beach Guide
Bacolod is an attractive city to visit. The city is beautiful
surrounded by wonderful and natural sceneries. It is also near
some of the best beaches in the Philippines. You can easily
reach them with your car or van.
1. Tambobo Beach – This is near Siaton. This beach is a favorite among foreign tourists. The sand on this beach is clear and white. The waters here are also clean and blue. The atmosphere in this beach is very peaceful. You can do many sports in the sea like surfing snorkeling and swimming. Others prefer to get a tan and sunbathe. There are several top resorts and good restaurants in the area as well.
2. Antulang Beach – This beach is also one of the popular ones. There are rocks that settled along the shore which seems to appear like a big puzzle. The black color of the rocks gives a good contrast with the bluish and greenish color of the water. This beach is ideal for diving and snorkeling. It is a perfect beach where you can view the sunset.
3. Sipalay Beach – This beach is just a short trip from the city. This beach is fast becoming a hot spot. The water in Sipalay is clear and bluish in color. There are more corals in this beach with many fishes where underwater photographers like to dive and take awesome pictures.
4. Punta Ballo Beach – This beach has white sands and more tourists come here every year because it has been able to remain natural and not so commercial. The water is perfect for those who are not expert swimmers. There are spots perfect for snorkeling and also diving.
5. La Vista Del Mar – This beach is situated in the city of Bayawan. The name means a view of the sea. The view from the hotel is really a breathtaking one. This hotel is one of the best in the country where tourists like staying in for an awesome time. The hotel is also proud of the great service and amenities they offer to their guests.
6. Isla Puti – This is fifty miles away from the city. This is a smaller island compared to the rest. There are many marine animals in this beach where divers would surely enjoy. This place can be a good hideaway for the couples who want more of a private vacation than being in a crowded beach.
Bacolod Travel Guide
Traveling to Bacolod? This Visayan city is one of the most attractive places to go for vacation or leisure. This Bacolod Travel Guide provides a summary of the activities, attractions, and transportation options in the city.
Transportation in Bacolod
The city of Bacolod in the province of Negros Occidental is accessible via air and land. By air, there are daily flights that plies the Manila-Bacolod as well as the Cebu-Bacolod route. From Manila, the trip to this city is 45 minutes. From the Bacolod-Silay Airport, buses will take guests to the city proper.
Aside from buses, other modes of transportation include jeepneys and rental cars. For the former, there is a senior citizen and student discount. Taxi service is likewise available.
Attractions in Bacolod City
There are many attractions that are frequently visited in Bacolod. Here is a brief overview of these attractions:
• Negros Museum is found in the old agriculture building near the provincial capitol. Guests can have a glimpse of artifacts closely related to the sugar industry which have been the principal industry of Negros Oriental since the 1800s. It also boasts of its international doll collection.
•The Orange Gallery found in Lacson Street houses the masterpieces of local artists.
•The Masskara Festival, the city’s version of Mardi-Gras held in the month of October, is one of the major attractions in Bacolod. The event showcases the city’s various barangays competing for the honor of being the best.
Dining
Bacolod Travel Guide offers a breakdown of options for those who are looking to satisfy their gastronomic delights. Here is a list of some restaurants that they can consider in Bacolod.
•Fresh lumpia, a delicately-wrapped delicacy consisting of pork and shrimp with a garnish of scallion and fresh coconut tree heart, is one of the all-time favorite food in the city.
•The city of Bacolod is known for its most famous delicacy, the chicken inasal. This is the local version of barbecue chicken which literally means “cooked over fire.” Most of the local restaurants in the city serve chicken inasal.
•Aside from these delicacies, there are McDonalds, Jollibee, and Dunkin Donuts chains all over the city as well.
Shopping
This Bacolod Travel Guide offers a directory of shopping options that Bacolod has to offer.
•Marby Plaza, near Colegio San Agustin Bacolod, is a great venue to go discount shopping.
•Lacson Street abounds with a wide range of handicraft stores, the most famous of which is the ANP Showroom.
•Looking for fresh flowers? The best place to go is at San Sebastian Cathedral where fresh flower stalls are lined-up.
•Robinson’s, Gaisano Mall, and SM City have branches in the city as well. Majority of the items there are cheap and comparable with the US.
Accommodations
Bacolod Travel Guide concerning accommodations will provide tourists with a listing of hotels and other accommodation venues in the city.
The Casino Filipino Hotel in Bacolod is one of the many 2 to 3 star hotels found in Bacolod. The Sylvia Manor is adjacent to SM City and the Bacolod City Hall.
