How Bacolod Will Make You Smile

Bacolod City is called the city of smiles for good reason. First of these reasons is the people; the warm and friendly sort of people that are the Bacolod locals will inspire you to stay, even for just one more day. The pace of life is relaxing, busy and exciting at the same time. Bacolod will indeed make you smile with its festivals and fiestas as well as the silently charm you with its everyday things.
But what is there to do in Bacolod exactly? What does it have to offer to the weary traveler, the lone tourist, to the businessman with time to burn? A lot. Bacolod has been the center of commerce, culture and tourism in its area, and its pretty much hard to beat.
Eat
In Bacolod, the saying that there is no diet in a vacation applies true. And it is hard to resist all that good and fresh seafood caught moments before, cooked into perfection with the simplest and most loved recipes in the Pala-Pala, also known as the cook-and-dine market. Choose from succulent crabs, the freshest prawns or perhaps even swordfish, then have them grilled, cooked in chili or coconut milk right on the spot.
Bacolod is also famous for inasal or inato, a grilling recipe/technique that applies well to chicken and pork. There are literally dozens of places touting the best chicken inasal and you will make comparisons, I kid you not. In the afternoon or after dinner, rip open that pack of piyaya, thin-crusted pastries made freshly hours before. Eat it with family. Bring some back home. Spread the smiles around.
Get Wet
Bacolod is a unique travel destination; it offers both hot at cool waters. Hot spring baths courtesy of the nearby mountains, such as the Mt. Kanlaon, serves as the prime attraction for resorts in the base of the mountain. Soothe your aches and relax in this round-the-clock heated bath and wake up relaxed and primed for the market day ahead.
Bacolod offers shores and shores of beaches too. Tambobo Beach is usually the first on the tourist list because of its impeccably clear waters and white powdery beaches. There are other resorts here and in the nearby towns, enough to satisfy your lust for a good seascape.
Dance
If you have planned your trip accordingly, you might just witness the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City. Famous for the costumed and masked street dancers, the festival is held every October. It is a two week-long complete with stunning groups of masked dancers, electric float parades and motorcades. The Tourism Strip will literally take your breath away.
Wander
With so many cultural sites like the Church of Talisay and the Orange Gallery, Bacolod seems to be the perfect place to let loose, appreciate art and sip tea in the afternoon. Take a look at the weekend market-market and pick out souvenirs and foodstuffs that the city is proud of. The ANP showroom for trade fairs should not be missed. If possible, stop by at the Carmelite monastery and take a look at the special way of life of the Carmelite nuns. Golf is now a very attractive activity in Bacolod ever since the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Inc. has opened.
Bacolod is indeed the City of  Smiles. Its a challenge to leave the city without one.
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Rich Quiambao is a professional writer, consummate traveler and a staunch promoter of Philippine tourism. With a good sense of direction and a healthy appetite for adventure, he writes for  Local Philippines, the most comprehensive online directory of Philippine destinations, events, and attractions. Visit the website for more Philippines travel guide, tips and information.

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