Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod is now open

While travelling is now allowed in certain countries and cities, there are still a lot of restrictions in place, especially for those where lockdowns are enacted now and then. But if you feel too overwhelmed being cooped in your home for over a year or several weeks and months, one option is to have a …

The Art Deco District of Bacolod

As a former volunteer of the Wikimedia Foundation’s Philippine Heritage Mapping project, I have visited a number of Art Deco structures in Metro Manila and found such historical buildings interesting. For years, I have longed to see the interiors of the Art Deco heritage house of the Villanueva family along Burgos St. Finally, I had …

The international cuisines at Vikings Bacolod

Smörgåsbord. It is a word we often hear that is associated with having so many food preparations where you can enjoy a lot of choices. Merriam-Webster defines it as “luncheon or supper buffet offering a variety of foods and dishes (such as hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold meats, smoked and pickled fish, cheeses, salads, and …

GrabFood in Bacolod: your fave food at your doorstep

Bacolod City is always known for its sumptuous food offerings that one should try the various food products available locally. Restaurants and eateries dot different parts of the City of Smiles, which locals and tourists alike have come to enjoy. Now, you can feast on your favorite food in the comforts of your home, office, …

AirAsia’s new route: Manila-Bacolod

There are more reasons to fly and visit Bacolod City and the various towns and cities in the province of Negros Occidental as AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, launched its daily flights between Manila and Bacolod. The maiden flight was held during the highlight of the 40th MassKara Festival of the City of Smiles. …

Upper East Mall envisioned as Bacolod’s first “green” mall

Megaworld, the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, is building a three-level lifestyle mall inside its 34-hectare The Upper East township in Bacolod City. Covering a gross floor area of 24,200-square meters, the P1.2-B lifestyle place Upper East Mall is set to become Bacolod’s new architectural landmark as it showcases a blend of neo-classical …

Binondo feels in Bacolod at Binondo888

A new eatery has opened in Bacolod City that can put smiles to the faces of those who are craving for Binondo street food. Binondo 888 is located at Unit 105, Del Rio 2, San Agustin Drive, right beside Riverside Hospital. It opened its doors on December’s new moon for a soft launch. [UPDATE 2023: …

Merzci! A sweet gift from Bacolod for all occasions

When you hear or read the word “Merzci” you will unmistakeably connect it to Bacolod City, the capital of the province of Negros Occidental, which is the Sugarbowl of the Philippines. Although it is based on the French word “Merci” for “thank you”, Merzci is synonymous to sweet treats produced in this province. Every time …

A colorful Welcome to Bacolod at the Northill Gateway

Upon touchdown at the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Negros Occidental, Philippines and drive through the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road, you’ll zoom through the boundaries of Silay City, Talisay City towards Bacolod City. Now, you’ll know that you are entering the borders of Bacolod, the City of Smiles, because of the colorful Las Vegas-inspired marker at the …

Stonehill Suites opens in Bacolod City

The name “Bacolod” came from the old Hiligaynon word “bakolod” that described the stony, hilly resettlement (currently the site of Barangay Granada) that evolved into a city. Now, that piece of history of Bacolod City is brought to memory with the opening of a modern hotel bearing the name Stonehill Suites. Standing at the corner …

10 Reasons to Settle in Bacolod City

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 …

Rotary Day Care and Community Center

Rotary colors Day Care and Community Center in Bacolod

Coming from my previous article “Can You Make a Difference while Travelling?” you will read that one of the ways of making a difference while in another place is through volunteer work. With my career spent mostly working as a full-time staff in non-profit charities like international organization Habitat for Humanity, Points of Light Foundation …

The Boxes

The Boxes: A Restaurant Strip in Bacolod

The number one question I always get from friends visiting Bacolod City is what else are the good places to eat in the Philippine City of Smiles. There are the usual suspects and if you have been following my blog, you will find my posts about restaurants to try in my city, such as Eat …

Seda Capitol Central, Bacolod Facade

Seda Capitol Central: A New Hotel in Bacolod City

Bacolod is seeing the rise of a new hotel in its locality. With the promising financial development in Western Visayas, Seda hotels, homegrown brand of AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts, is opening its 7th property in the Philippines in the City of Smiles — Seda Capitol Central. Business travelers will have something new to look forward …

Fogo Grill

Fogo Grill in Bacolod

Fogo is a Portuguese word that means “fire”. And there’s a restaurant that’s been setting fire in Bacolod’s food scene. Not only because it bears the name Fogo but also because it has Latin American cuisine on its menu. And with Bacolod City being known as one of the places where you can enjoy an …