I have written before why retirees, balikbayans and expats consider Negros Occidental as a place to settle and enjoy life in my blog post 10 Reasons to Acquire Real Estate and Settle in Negros Occidental. While the laidback ambiance of the province is an ideal attraction for those who are planning to migrate, its busiest city, Bacolod City, which is the capital, is a good fusion for those who are yearning for the provincial life with a city vibe.

With more infrastructure being built within Bacolod City itself, it comes as no surprise that there are many subdivisions, villages and real estate developments that have been happening recently in the Philippine City of Smile. Among these developers that have seen fit to build a community in Bacolod is Camella. It has a Camella Bacolod in Mandalagan, a Camella Bacolod South in Tangub, and Manors, a Condo Homes in Mandalagan.

Camella Bacolod South

Manors Bacolod

The good thing about Camella is that, apart from being a known brand in the real estate scene, it’s residential projects in Bacolod City has great amenities. They have a clubhouse, swimming pool, children’s playground, landscaped parks, and sports and recreation facilities. Camella recently participated as one of the 10 developers who have on-going real estate development projects in the city at the 1st Real Estate Expo in Bacolod organized by PAREB-Negros Occidental Real Estate Board.

The 1st Real Estate Expo in Bacolod organized by PAREB-Negros Occidental Real Estate Board.

A scale model at the expo.

Camella locations in Bacolod and nearby Iloilo.

So, why settle in Bacolod City? Here are 10 reasons why it should be your city of choice.

1.) Satisfy your sweet tooth

Those who come to Bacolod would never miss a bite of the delectable desserts that are famous in the city. Friends would always request that I bring them a box of cake from Bacolod whenever I travel out of my hometown. Bacolod is known for its sweet delicacies and yummy cakes. It’s often nice to spend a lazy afternoon just enjoying a slice of cake in one of these pastry shops.

Sweet stuff? There’s plenty of these in Bacolod.

2.) Breathe fresh air

They say the best things in life is free and the best thing we often fail to recognize that we need to enjoy every second of the day is fresh air. Bacolod is still a city that is not wrapped with smog. The fresh breeze is still very present in the city, especially in subdivisions like Camella.

3.) Swing a golf ball

I came across in TripAdvisor a thread about individuals who were moving to Bacolod City and one of the things they are interested to know is a golf course. Yes, we have a beautiful golf course in Brgy. Bata, which is very near Camella. If you are not into golf, you can learn a few swings or just simply enjoy the greens at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.

Hit the greens in Bacolod.

4.) Watch the MassKara live

MassKara Festival is the most crowd-drawing event in the city. It’s something you can look forward each year when you are living in Bacolod City. Get your colorful masks ready and enjoy the events and activities that happen throughout the city during this festive season in October.

Join in the revelry in the streets.

5.) Eat delicious food (and healthy options, too!)

Fresh seafood, juicy chicken barbeque, and even organic food. You’ll find these in Bacolod and more! New restaurants pop up every now and then. More and more eateries dot the city. But the institutions are here to stay. The good thing though is that you have plenty of choices and most of your dining choices are homegrown.

6.) Interact with expat communities

Bacolod is fast becoming a favorite city of foreigners. There’s a thriving expat community in the city if that is any comfort to non-Filipinos who are considering Bacolod to become their next home. Nevertheless, English is easily spoken in this city, so it’s something that can be a big help for those migrating from another country towards this city.

7.) Meet smiling locals

It is not called as the City of Smiles for nothing. The sweet way the locals speak, the smiling faces, the sing-song tone of the local language — all these will endear you to Bacolodnons. It’s a city where almost anybody knows everybody and they’re willing to introduce you to their friends. If you are a local yourself looking for a new community within the city, Camella is something you can consider because it has amenities that allow you to make friends with your neighbors.

Bacolod is called the City of Smiles because of the jovial locals.

8.) Head to the nearest shopping center (or facility you need)

There are new malls being built in the city. But there are small grocery outlets that are also found on the outskirts. Bacolod has small shops and even weekend markets. Did I mention that cost of living here is quite low? You can get cheap finds and you can work on your bargaining skills as well.

9.) Dabble in some art

The art scene in Bacolod is very vibrant and, cliché as this may sound, colorful. There are many artists in the city. You can let out that creative side of you or dip your finger into art if you haven’t tried it yet. You’ll never know what you can create.

The art scene in Bacolod is colorful and vibrant.

10.) Enjoy coffee at the local market

Forget about expensive international café brands. Just head over to the local market and take a sip of freshly brewed local coffee. Then, feast your eyes on the everyday scene happening in the market — how people interact, the different products sold, the expressions on human faces — and just enjoy life as it is.

*This blogger was invited to the 1st Real Estate Expo in Bacolod exhibit.