Yes, there are more reasons to look forward to this year 2022 because we’re back to face-to-face events! After two years of a somber observance of special occasions due to the pandemic, mostly relying on virtual events, we are finally able to gather once again and celebrate joyous moments together. Moreover, there are more reasons to have a more colorful celebration of Christmas in Bacolod City, thanks to those who help make our economy vibrant and thriving, such as Megaworld.
Last night, I attended Megaworld Corporation’s #MegaTiktokParty, a media Christmas celebration at Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod. My good friend, fellow Negrense and Megaworld Corporation Vice President and Head of Public Relations and Media Affairs Harold Geronimo, along with his team, has been frequenting Bacolod this year because of the many events, projects and milestones they are undertaking in my home city.
Megaworld to build Bacolod’s Biggest, Most Iconic Hotel in the Upper East
Travelers, tourists and even locals like me have something to look forward to when visiting Bacolod City, known as the Philippines’ “City of Smiles”, because Megaworld is building something big!! Gathered at the relaxing Lanai by Fresh Start, a hip and trendy organic restaurant in Bacolod, we were greeted with the best news this 2022 — Megaworld announced that it is building an iconic hotel inside the 34-hectare The Upper East township.
Scheduled to open in 2028, the 12-storey Kingsford Hotel Bacolod, which will be strategically located between the four residential condominium towers of One Regis, Two Regis, One Manhattan, and Herald Parksuites, will feature a unique and iconic design that blends its modern glass architecture with a podium showcasing neoclassical architecture.
This new hotel will offer almost 300 room keys, with varied room categories ranging from Twin or Queen Deluxe Rooms (25 square meters), Junior Suites and Specially-Abled Suites (32 square meters), Executive Suites (from 50 square meters to 72 square meters), and a curated Presidential Suite (more than 100 square meters). All rooms will be equipped with an electronic key card system.
To be managed and operated by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Kingsford Hotel Bacolod will be packed with ‘first in Bacolod’ amenities and features, making it a game-changer in Bacolod’s hospitality industry.
Kingsford Hotel Bacolod will have an expansive high-ceiling lobby with through-and-through entrances and drop-off areas in both Regis and Manhattan Streets of the township. As an added security and safety feature, it will also feature its own entry vestibule with baggage scanner and walk-thru metal detectors before entering the main hotel lobby.
The new hotel will have four (4) F&B outlets, which include a specialty restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant with both private dining and alfresco dining areas, a Zabana Lounge at the ground floor, and a Grill Bar by the poolside with both indoor and outdoor dining areas. It will also have its own Gift Shop in the Main Lobby area and a two-level retail arcade outside the hotel lobby fronting the plaza.
“Paskong Pinoy” with Megaworld’s festive Christmas displays
Christmas is truly in the air with the bright and festive Christmas attractions at The Upper East and Northill Gateway in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.
Nearing the end of November this year, property giant Megaworld officially kicked off its holiday event, Balik Gugma sa Paskwa, which took place in its two townships in Bacolod City. A simulataneous Christmas lighting ceremony was held in both townships recently to officially mark the beginning of the festivities.
Prominently featured in The Upper East is a giant, 20-feet tall Christmas Tree in the Upper East Park, depicting the Nativity scene and other Pinoy Christmas icons. At the bottom of the tree are small mosaic houses, which are also illuminated by bright lights. The refurbished BMMC train, an iconic attraction at the 2,200-square meter curated park, has been decorated with colorful Christmas lights, while the Glass Tent nearby that serves as The Upper East Showroom, has been adorned with Christmas wreaths.
Meanwhile, the iconic Bacolod Welcome Marker just outside Forbes Hill in Northill Gateway becomes even more welcoming, picture-worthy, and festive-looking, featuring a lit-up sleigh and reindeer, complete with dancing Christmas trees and giant gift boxes are installed just below it.
Balik Gugma sa Paskwa runs until January 15, 2023 with the Christmas Bazaar, which opened on November 22, is open daily from 4:00 pm until 12 midnight. Weekend Acoustic Nights are happening from Fridays to Sundays, while White Christmas snow blasts nightly at 7:00 pm.
A special personal trip to Mactan Newtown
I’m so excited because I’m taking a trip to Cebu, my first trip outside my province since the pandemic. I’m watching my favorite K-pop artists — EXO Xiumin and Chen, TVXQ Changmin and Yunho and BoA — for a worthwhile concert at the Mactan Newtown! Plus, my sister and I will be staying at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown. I can’t wait to explore the area and enjoy our stay. It’s our early Christmas gift for ourselves and something you have to look forward to in my succeeding posts.
Definitely, there are more reasons to smile about and to hope for a better and brighter Christmas this year and the years to come. I can’t wait what the year 2023 has in store for us.