Category: City

City Entertainment & Currents

NOEL PALOMO with REPAKOL releases ‘Sayang’

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Noel Palomo seems to hint again at a McCartney-Lennon-esque feud with his previous group with the release of a new song called “Sayang.” Shots were already fired, allegedly with Siakol’s Buraot. Regardless of its truth, “Sayang ” appears to be a subtle jab at someone or something related to a wasted opportunity, presented in the typical poetic and street-smart style of Noel Palomo, especially when considering better circumstances.

Lyrics below.

 

Sayang
Noel Palomo with Repakol

 

Susubo mo na lang, biglang nahulog
Dadamputin, naapakan at nadurog
Napangiti ka ngunit may kulang
Napailing kasi nanghihinayang

 

Nagpa-alarm ngunit muling natulog
Nagmadali tuloy
Nagka-untug-untog
Sarado na kaya kaya ika’y napakamot
Nanghinayang ngunit ‘di umabot

 

Pre-Chorus:
Kapag lang nawala bago nalalaman ang halaga
Haah haah haah haah
Huwag bibitawan ang ayaw mong makikitang hawak-hawak ng iba

 

Chorus:
Tanggapin mo na rin ang katotohanan
Ang lahat ng gusto’y ‘di mapapasa ‘yo
Kung ano ang nandiyan ay pahalagahan
Upang ‘di masaktan at bubulong ka ng…
Sayang

 

Aabutin na lang biglang natalisod
Iniwas ang siko, mukha ang ipinangtukod
Napatawa ka sa katangahan
Punung-puno ka ng panghihinayang

 

Panalo na, ayaw mo pang tumalikod
Nabawi pa tuloy ubos pati ang sahod
Pera na naging bato pa
Ubod ng malas
Sinayang ang pambili ng bigas at gatas

 

Pre-Chorus:
Kapag lang nawala bago nalalaman ang halaga
Haah haah haah haah
Huwag bibitawan ang ayaw mong makikitang hawak-hawak ng iba
(Repeat Chorus except for the last line.)
Upang ‘di masaktan at bubulung-bulong ka ng…
Sayang

 

Spoken:
Nanligaw ka
Wala ka pang trabaho
Napasagot mo siya ng matamis na ‘Oo.’
Unawa niya naman, ikaw pa ang mayabang
Sinayang ang resulta nang ika’y iniwan

 

Pre-Chorus:
Kapag lang nawala bago nalalaman ang halaga
Haah haah haah haah
Huwag bibitawan ang ayaw mong makikitang hawak-hawak ng iba
(Repeat Chorus except for the last line and last word)

 

Upang ‘di masaktan at bubulung-bulong ka ng…
(Repeat Chorus except for the last line)

 

Upang ‘di masaktan at bubulung-bulong ka ng…
Sayang

 

 

Coda:
Sayang…
Sayang!

 

Band Members:

The band members include Noel Palomo on vocals, Miniong Cervantes on lead guitar, Alvin Palomo on guitar, Wilbert Jimenez on guitar, Raz Itum on bass, and Matt Bravante on drums.

Produced by Alvin Llaneta

We might be wrong, but true to form, Noel describes this song as Repakol’s commercial anthem, a track made for radio play, sponsorships, and strong hooks. The title, “Sayang” (Tagalog for “what a waste” or “pity”), leans into themes of loss and regret—key elements of classic 90s rock heartbreak.

The single was officially released April 14, 2025 via Alpha Music Corporation across streaming platforms and digital stores, including Amazon. Before the release, a teaser drop appeared on YouTube under the Siakol name, signaling the musical continuity with Noel’s past. Rebranding under “Noel Palomo with Repakol” helps distinguish this project amid ongoing trademark tensions with the remaining Siakol faction.

The song is already available through…

 

  • Digital platforms: Available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Anghami—and likely your local OPM-supporting apps.
  • Radio & Commercials: Teased as a potential radio jingle and soundtrack feature for ads.
  • Live shows: We anticipate featuring the song in upcoming gigs and festivals.

“Sayang” marks a bold step for Noel Palomo and his Repakol project—a reaffirmation of his OPM rock heritage, refined production values, and creative independence. Already making waves across streaming services and radio, it bridges the nostalgia of the past with fresh energy. This track is worth listening to for fans of the 90s alt-rock scene and anyone who enjoys heartfelt Tagalog lyrics and guitar-driven melodies.

Expect “Sayang” to headline future live performances and local festivals. As Noel Palomo is known to be a prolific music writer, expect more singles, possibly tied to a future EP.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; MANILA: OPM MUSIC

 

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Discover and Indulge in the Seafood Pala-Pala Cravings of Bacolod

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Bacolod City is famed for its pala-pala culture—fresh seafood markets paired with paluto-style cooking stalls—offering a feast of flavors at affordable prices. Think ‘Dampa’ here in Manila. Here’s an in-depth guide to the best pala-pala spots in the city:

 

Aboy’s

A notable Pala-Pala place in Bacolod, Aboy’s is said to be the template for all other Pala-Pala restaurants that followed in 1983, owned by Nestor ‘Aboy’ Evaristo and wife, Del. It’s located at Golden Fields Commercial Complex, Liroville Subdivision, Bacolod City. You can reach them at info@aboysrestaurant.com and at the number +63 34 435 0760.

Driving instructions to Aboy’s.

 

18th Street Pala‑Pala

Check out corner Aguinaldo Street & 18th Street, Brgy. 4. Parallel to Lacson Street, and here you’ll find 18th Street Pala-Pala. It was previously an open-air nipa hut turned full-fledged restaurant, with nipa huts and beachy decor adorning the place. But it was soon rebuilt and restyled after it fell victim to fire. Practically, the place offers a full-on Pala-Pala service with extensive seafood choices, great group dishes, and paluto or à la carte.

Driving instructions to 18th Street Pala-Pala.

It’s open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Feel free to reach us at 0945 965 6757.

 

Old Pala-Pala Market (San Juan / North Capitol Rd)

One of the classics, Old Pala-Pala Market, can be found at the corner of San Juan Street and North Capitol Road (near Ayala Capitol Central). It’s a no-frills, open-air market with adjacent, vibrant, and bustling tulahan (cooking stalls), so don’t expect a restaurant ambiance when you come to visit. You can haggle directly with fish vendors and cook in a nearby tulahan for cheap rates (₱150–₱350 per head, including cooking).

Driving instructions to Old Pala-Pala Market.

 

Scarborough Seafoods Pala‑Pala

Taking over Ading’s Pala-Pala after it closed down during the pandemic is Scarborough Seafoods Pala-Pala located at Lot 2, San Juan Street, Bacolod City. The place has dine-in and outdoor dining configurations for your dining pleasure. For inquiries, you can call 0968 585 4460. They also have an Instagram page for you to appreciate their heavenly seafood offerings.

Driving instructions to Scarborough Seafoods Pala-Pala.

 

Hyksos Tulahan (Old Market)

A notable stall known for its calamares and tulahan dishes in the Old Pala-Pala area, particularly Door 1-5, Bayview Foodcourt, Burgos Extension, Reclamation Area, just in front of SM North Wing. Hyksos has fully air-conditioned function rooms, cable TV, a KTV Bar for entertainment, the option for whiteboards for meetings, and Wi-Fi.

Driving instructions to Hyksos Pala-Pala.

For inquiries, you can call (034) 435 2288.

 

Insider Tips
  • Haggle smartly at Old Pala-Pala starting early afternoon when fresh catches arrive.
  • Paluto fees in tulahan run about ₱120–₱200 for simple dishes (grill/sinigang/calamares).
  • Bring cash when visiting the open-air market, and expect to negotiate prices.

How to dine like a local on these seafood establishments?

 

Choosing the Right Spot for You
  • For variety & event-sized groups: Go to 18th Street Pala‑Pala—great for big orders and flexible dishes.
  • For an authentic, budget-friendly experience: Stick to Old Pala-Pala Market + Hyksos Tulahan—with fresh catch, bargaining, and cooker stalls.

Whether you’re craving big-time seafood feasts or simple fresh-caught dishes, Bacolod’s pala-pala scene has you covered.

Other seafood fare options include Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant, Palawud Resto-Grill & Bar, Preska Seafoods Restaurant, Ciano’s Seafood Bar & Grill, Hunasan Seafood House, Sipud Bar and Grill, and Diyotay’s Seafood Eatery, among others.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Where to Find Affordable Eats in Bacolod for the Budget-Conscious

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Many people, both locals and tourists, go on adventures by just “winging it” or going on a backpacking trip. Traveling to a foreign nation for the first time and relishing in the unknown has an allure due to the element of adventure, intrigue, and slight danger it carries. On the other hand, some people meticulously plan their trips, but they never get around to trying the hidden gems that somehow elude them.

No matter where in Bacolod, apart from its well-known tourist holiday months, anyone can savor their food offerings at much more affordable prices and guarantee clean, above-board service. There is a wide variety of food options available here, all at affordable prices.

Visit the following places while you are in Bacolod!

 

Amore’s Resto Bar & Grill

Located at San Juan Street, Barangay 8 (beside Gina’s Seafood), Bacolod City, is Amore’s Resto Bar & Grill, which offers delectable seafood fares and their version of the chicken inasal. Prices range from P200 to P400. For inquiries, you can call (034) 700 0341.

Driving instructions to Amore’s Resto Bar & Grill.

 

Nena’s Beth Chicken Inasal-Bredco

Another option for the vaunted Ilonggo fave, the chicken inasal, is Nena’s Beth Chicken Inasal which can be found at Palanca Street, Barangay 10, Bacolod City. Just at the back of SM City near Dwellu Furniture.

Driving instructions to Nena’s Beth Chicken Inasal.

 

Donol’s Lechon

When craving that roasted pig fare, look no more, as Donol’s Lechon (reminiscent of La Loma in Manila) has it all covered. You’ll find it at Purok Lechonan, Brgy. 36, Singcang, Bacolod City. For inquiries, please contact elenadelacruz121@gmail.com or 0945-123-4371. They also have in-store pickups.

Driving instructions to Donol’s Lechon.

 

Homesitte Shawarma

Bacolod City is already a cosmopolitan destination, so rest assured that some food fare you crave from Manila, you’ll also find here. For your shawarma fix, Homesitte Shawarma is for you. You’ll find it in Lot 29, Blk 3 PHHC Homesite Subd., Paglaum St., Brgy. Montevista, Bacolod City. They also have a hawker site at the corner of North Capitol Road and Gatuslao St., Fiesta Market, Bacolod City. Moreover, they also offer a delivery service through foodpanda.ph. For inquiries, you can reach them at:

Mail: 0917 545 0255
Contact: homesitteshawarma@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Homesitte Shawarma.

 

Jotham’s Nilaga-an

Looking for that rustic and carinderia vibe with that purely Filipino cooking? You can with Jotham’s Nilaga-an. They have branches at Libertad: (034) 4753464; Magsaysay: (034) 4312642; and Mansilingan Branch: 7086477.

Driving instructions to Jotham’s Nilaga-an.

 

KSL (Kubo sa Lawn)

For the bohemian in you who likes to drink with friends and savor various pulutan or sumsuman, as they say in Bacolod, KSL is the place to enjoy delectable dishes like calamares, cheesesticks, and gambas, among others. It’s located at P. Hernaez Street, Bacolod City. You can reach them at:

Contact

(034) 431 1964 or

Mail: kubo_sa_lawn@yahoo.com

Driving instructions to KSL (Kubo sa Lawn).

 

Lion’s Park Grill@Manokan Country

When at SM City and craving seafood and the usual grill fare, don’t look far, as Lion’s Park Grill is just at SM City North Parking. They offer delivery, takeout, and dine-in.

Contact

0933 854 5793 or

Mail: grillhaus.lionspark@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Lion’s Park Grill at Manokan Country.

 

Pasabor

Are you craving Mexican cuisine with a Filipino twist this time? Try Pasabor. It’s located at 2 Topaz Street, City Heights, Taculing, Bacolod City.

Contact

0998 441 4163

Mail: pasabor.ph@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Pasabor.

 

Preska Seafoods Restaurant

Preska Seafoods Restaurant, as the name suggests, offers the freshest. It’s the latest ‘Pala Pala’ style restaurant in Bacolod City to date. When you get the craving for seafood, the address is at Aquarius Street, Barangay Estefania, Bacolod City.

Contact

0949 790 5333

Mail: preskaseafoods@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Preska Seafoods Restaurant.

 

Puno GastroPub by Lola’s

Food and entertainment are what Puno GastroPub offers. If you appreciate both the arts and gastronomy, then Puno GastroPub is the perfect place for you, located at C-71 Narra Avenue, Capitol Shopping Center, Bacolod City.

Mail: punogastropubph@gmail.com

Driving instructions to Puno Gastropub by Lola’s.

 

Ribshack

If you’re into grilled back ribs, spareribs, pork BBQ, bangus, blue marlin, and more, Ribshack is for you. They have three branches in Bacolod to serve you: one at 15 Lacson Street, another in the south wing of SM City, Bacolod, and the third on the ground floor of Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Gatuslao Street. The third branch has a delivery option for you by foodpanda.ph.

 

Super Batchoy House

Similar to the beloved Ilonggo dish chicken inasal, batchoy is also a well-known Ilonggo creation in Bacolod, which is why Super Batchoy House deserves to be included on this list. SBH is also one of many legacy food spots in Bacolod, offering a classic ramen-type dish. If you’re craving batchoy, SBH has two branches to serve you. One at Ground Floor Door 12 & 14, Villa Angela East Block Bldg. A, Circumferential Road, Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod City (back of BDO), and the second at Cuadra Street. For inquiries, dial 0917 896 3387.

Driving instructions to Super Batchoy House.

 

These seafood places, which offer cheap breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, all gather in the Bacolod City NGC area for your convenience and more options.

 

Ciano’s Seafood Grill & Bar—NGC Bacolod

Craving seafood with a suburban vibe? Ciano’s Seafood Grill & Bar has you covered. They have a promo every Tuesday called ‘𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆!’ to enjoy delicious food. You can also enjoy a breakfast buffet at Ciano’s for only PHP 185 on weekdays and PHP 200 on weekends and holidays.

Driving instructions to Ciano’s Seafood Grill & Bar.

 

BBQuest sa MarketPlace

This restaurant is located at the Tent 4A, The Marketplace, inside the NGC at Villa Angela, and offers a P299 buffet. Practically the place to go for big hunger. Food and drinks. BBQuest has unlimited rice to go along with your set meals. Unlimited plates. Unlimited memories.

 

Hunasan Seafood House

Located at Tent 2, Circumferential Road, Villa Angela Market Place, Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod City, is home to Hunasan Seafood House—one of the many seafood spots that will give you a great deal. Experience Hunasan’s 𝑼𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒕, which offers over 30 dishes from appetizers to mains and desserts every day.

Driving instructions to Hunasan Seafood House.

 

Ema Cuisine

Also located at NGC is Ema Cuisine. Overall, they offer a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. For budget-conscious diners, Ema cuisine offers filling combo meals that satisfy your hunger at a reasonable price. Of course, the place also serves dishes featuring seafood. Best taste, best price!

Driving instructions to Ema Cuisine.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!

 

City Destination Pinas Vacation

The Ultimate Lacson Street Playbook

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Where to sleep, shop, feast, and wander along Bacolod’s celebrated Tourism Strip

 

Why Lacson Street Matters

Running north-south through the heart of Bacolod, General Aniceto Lacson Street is more than a traffic artery—it’s the city’s official “Tourism Strip.” Every October its six-lane expanse turns into a mile-long street party during MassKara, but the buzz lasts year-round thanks to an enviable concentration of hotels, malls, restaurants, bars, and pocket attractions.

 

Stay: Accommodations for Every Budget

 

Upscale:

L’Fisher Hotel (14th Street): driving instructions; Seda Capitol Central (North Capitol Road, directly connected to Ayala Mall): driving instructions; and Citadines (Barangay Bata): driving instructions.

 

Boutique Chic:

Stonehill Suites (Corner 27th Street): driving instructions, and Avenue Suites Hotel & Spa (12th Street): driving instructions.

 

Value Pick:

Go Hotels (inside Robinsons Place): Driving instructions.

The distance is measured from Bacolod Public Plaza (km 0). Rates are 2025 walk-in/online median prices—expect festival surcharges.

Insider tip: Book early for the MassKara peak (third–fourth week of October); most Lacson hotels sell out six months in advance.

Other options

 

Shop: Malls & Mini‑Hubs
Eat & Drink: Tried‑and‑True Bites
See & Experience

Provincial Capitol Park & Lagoon (Instagram-famous carabao statues flanking a man-made lagoon; sunset jogging & weekend food trucks), Negros Museum (curated sugar-industry memorabilia, kid-friendly mini-train, rotating art exhibits), Art District, and the Masskara Festival most of all.

 

Moving Around & Local Hacks
  • Jeepney codes you’ll see on placards: “Bata‑Libertad” (north loop), “Mandálagan” (mall belt), and “Shopping La Salle” (university zone). All ply Lacson.
  • Grab & taxis are plentiful, but traffic tightens 4–7 p.m.—walk the shaded sidewalks instead.
  • Most ATMs cluster around 16th to 18th Sts.; 7‑Eleven branches offer cash‑in for e‑wallets.
  • Dress light but carry a shawl—restaurants crank up the air‑con.

 

Sample 24‑Hour Itinerary
Time Activity
09:00 Breakfast kansi at Sharyn’s, short walk to Capitol Lagoon for photos
11:00 Quick Negros Museum browse (1 hr)
12:30 Check in at Seda or Citadines; lunch at 21 Restaurant.
14:00 Retail therapy at Ayala Malls & adjacent pop-up Negros Showroom
17:00 Sunset coffee + cake at Calea
18:00 Casual stroll north to Art District; browse murals
19:30 Chicken Inasal dinner at Chicken House
21:00 Craft cocktails at Vue (Stonehill Suites) or beer at The Greedy Pig.
23:00 Nightcap pastry take-away from Felicia’s; back to hotel

 

Lacson Street’s magic lies in its density—you can roll out of bed, shop, museum‑hop, feast, and party without ever hailing a ride. Whether you’re a MassKara veteran or a first‑timer hunting for the city’s best desserts, this two‑kilometer corridor keeps the “City of Smiles” beaming long after the festival confetti has settled. Pack comfy shoes and an extra stomach, and let Lacson do the rest.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY; JET, SET, GO!

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: READY, JET SET, GO!
City Destination Pinas History & Adventures

Bacolod City’s Historic Buildings: Myths or Hidden Stories?

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

(Clockwise: The Ruins; Bacolod City Public Plaza; San Sebastian Cathedral; and Bacolod City Capitol Building)

 

Bacolod City, known as the “City of Smiles,” offers more than just the MassKara Festival and sweets. The city’s historic buildings, nestled beneath its vibrant exterior, weave a rich tapestry of stories. While some of these buildings are preserved, others are in a state of decay, yet they all serve as a reminder of the city’s vibrant past. The heritage structures of Bacolod have been associated with a few lesser-known stories.

 

The Ruins: A Monument to Undying Love and War’s Tragedy

Most know The Ruins in Talisay as the “Taj Mahal of Negros,” but few are aware of the heartbreak behind it. Built in the early 1900s by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson in memory of his wife Maria Braga, the mansion was a lavish tribute to a great love. However, during World War II, Filipino guerrillas set it ablaze to prevent Japanese forces from using it as a headquarters. The skeletal beauty that remains is not just romantic—it’s a haunting reminder of war’s reach into even the most intimate spaces. Directions.

 

Balay Negrense: Beyond Sugar Barons and Social Balls

The Balay Negrense was once the home of Victor Fernandez Gaston, a wealthy sugar baron. While the house is now a museum, few know that it also served as an unofficial social hub during the sugar boom, where decisions on politics and trade were often made during opulent soirées. Rumor has it that resistance leaders used the secret tunnels beneath the house as escape routes during the Japanese occupation. Directions.

 

San Sebastian Cathedral: A Stone of Faith and Rebellion

This 19th-century baroque church stands proudly in the city center, but beneath its sacred halls lies the story of a people’s resistance. Filipino parishioners largely financed the cathedral’s construction during the Spanish colonial period, demonstrating a quiet act of defiance and resilience. It later became a refuge for revolutionaries during the Philippine Revolution and a sanctuary for families fleeing American bombings in WWII. Directions.

 

Palacio Episcopal: Political Intrigue in the Bishop’s House

Adjacent to San Sebastian Cathedral is the Palacio Episcopal (Bishop’s Palace). Beyond religious ceremonies, Japanese officers once occupied it during the war and reportedly used it for interrogations. Some say old documents hidden within its walls revealed names of local collaborators—many of which remain undisclosed to this day. Directions.

 

Negros Occidental Capitol Building: Power, Art, and Secrets in Stone

An architectural gem of the 1930s, the Capitol Building is a symbol of governance but also of hidden opulence. Beneath its neoclassical facade lie murals and sculptures by Italian artists, believed to hold allegorical meanings tied to early political aspirations. There are persistent rumors of a sealed underground chamber where Spanish-era documents and war artifacts remain entombed—awaiting rediscovery. Directions.

 

Bacolod City Public Plaza: A Landmark with a Revolutionary Past 

Plaza del 6 de Noviembre, more commonly known as Bacolod Plaza, is a well-known landmark in Bacolod City that honors the day the Spanish relinquished Negros Island to the Negros Revolutionaries on November 6, 1898. In addition to a gazebo in the middle of the plaza, which hosts concerts during festivals and other occasions, the park is dotted with four circular fountains.

This public plaza already existed when Bacolod officially became the capital of Negros Island in the 1840s. Over the years, the plaza has erected a small memorial honoring the soldiers who fought for Bacolod’s democracy during the war. Additionally, in 1938, to mark Bacolod’s chartered city status, former Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon planted a tindalo tree here. Directions.

 

These buildings are more than bricks and beams—they are silent witnesses to the triumphs, tragedies, and transformations of Bacolod City. As modernization continues, it’s vital to unearth and preserve these hidden stories, allowing future generations to connect with a past that still whispers from behind old walls.

 

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: HISTORY & ADVENTURES!
City Culture Destination Pinas

Behind the Smiles, Behind The Masks of Bacolod’s MassKara Festival

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

 

 

How fiberglass dust, barangay budgets, and tourism pesos converge to create the Philippines’ “City of Smiles.”

 

Why the Masks Matter

Every October, the MassKara Festival in Bacolod transforms the city into a vibrant display of color. The smiling masks—now a 45-year-old tradition—do more than decorate dancers; they sustain a cottage industry of artisans, subsidize entire barangays, and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors who pumped ₱2.84 billion into the local economy after pandemic reopening in 2023.

In summary, this ambitious yearly campaign is supported by the collaboration of many groups, which will make the effort less daunting and the weight of the tasks more evenly distributed.

From January to March, barangay councils, choreographers, and costume designers sketch concepts that align with the festival theme and contest rules.

Then, from April to May, the budget for the festival will have already begun, with branches of the local government pitching in to collate the budget meant for the festival through subsidy from the city. Last year, each competing barangay received ₱ 700,000 for street-dance costumes and ₱ 300,000 for Electric MassKara floats.

Barangay and SK funds were also helpful, as top contenders like Barangay Granada added more than P1 million from their coffers for the annual event. And just last year, Barangay Granada was again the recipient of the prize, two succeeding years in a row, back-to-back.

Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without the support of its corporate sponsors, mostly local malls like SM, Ayala, Megaworld’s The Upper East, and the sugar-industry firms that underwrote materials or talent fees.

May–July:

The design teams are tasked with commissioning a short list of mask-making houses, which remain largely the same every year, to provide molds, fiberglass shells, paintwork, and beaded embellishment.

July–September:

During the fabrication sprint, workshops produce 40–60 masks for each barangay in as little as two weeks.

Early October:

Masks move from the workshop to the rehearsal floor for rigging onto gigantic headdresses and props. Final polish and fitting.

 

Prize Money & Oversight—Who Cuts the Check?

  • Lead Organizer: Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF)—designated by a 2024 MOA with the city to mount the festival, raise sponsorships, and process payouts.
  • Funding Flow: City Treasurer → BYF Trust Account → Winners. BYF disbursed all 2024 cash prizes—₱1 M for champions, down to ₱20 k for minor awards—within two weeks of the closing parade.
  • Goodwill Bonuses: When delays happen, Mayor Albee Benitez personally tops up consolation prizes (₱100k each in 2023) outside the official budget.

Oversight rests with the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Tourism, which can summon BYF for audited reports.

 

Note:

Bacolod City’s current mayor is the Honorable Greg Gasataya. Former mayor Albee Benitez is now a congressman for the lone district of Bacolod.

 

Year 2025 Masskara Grand Champion.

 

 

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: COLOR, RHYTHMS & CULTURE
City Culture Destination Pinas

Inside the MassKara Festival: Activities, Behind-the-Scenes Stories, and the People Who Make It Happen

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Every October, Bacolod City—the famed “City of Smiles”—bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and unbreakable spirit with its most celebrated event: the MassKara Festival. More than just a vibrant display of costumes and dancing, the festival is a profound expression of Negrense resilience and communal pride. Behind the dazzling smiles of the iconic masks and street dancers is a pulsating ecosystem of artisans, organizers, communities, and volunteers whose tireless efforts make MassKara the hallmark of Bacolod’s cultural identity.

 

Why MassKara Matters

“In Bacolod, the smile isn’t just part of the costume—it’s part of who we are.”

 

The first MassKara Festival was held in 1980 during a time of crisis in Negros Occidental—marked by economic despair and the tragic MV Don Juan maritime disaster. The festival was conceived as a symbol for optimism and resilience.

Today, MassKara is more than just a celebration—it is a testament to the Bacolodnon spirit, their creativity, their unity, and their ability to smile in the face of adversity. It is also a powerful economic driver, injecting millions into the local economy through tourism, trade, and culture.

 

Street Dancing Competition

The heart of the MassKara Festival is its street dancing competition, where barangay-based contingents and school performers, clad in elaborate, feathered, and bejeweled masks, dance to Latin-inspired or EDM-fused MassKara music. The performers parade through Lacson Street and public plazas, exuding energy, joy, and competitive flair.

There are typically two categories:

  • School-based Category—Often held in the early weeks of October, involving elementary and high school students.
  • Barangay Category—Performed closer to the festival’s climax, showcasing adult dancers and community members representing their local barangays.
Electric MassKara

Held at night along the Lacson Tourism Strip, Electric MassKara features float parades adorned with neon lights, LED-powered costumes, and electronic music. It’s a futuristic twist on tradition, with dance crews and DJs transforming the street into a technicolor party zone. This is particularly popular among the younger crowd and nightlife enthusiasts.

 

MassKara Queen Pageant

An elegant highlight of the festival, the MassKara Queen Pageant is more than a beauty competition—it’s a celebration of intellect, advocacy, and modern Negrense womanhood. Contestants undergo weeks of training, personality development, and community involvement, culminating in a glittering coronation night.

 

Street Parties and Concerts

The festival’s nights are dominated by concerts featuring local and national acts. Bars and pop-up stages along Lacson Street host back-to-back live bands, DJs, and food stalls, with partygoers dancing until dawn.

 

Cultural and Culinary Exhibits
  • Art Exhibitions showcase the creativity of Negrense in visual arts and sculpture.
  • Food Festivals where you can try native delicacies like chicken inasal, kansi, and desserts like piaya and napoleones.
  • Trade Fairs that promote local products, from crafts to organic Negrense produce.

 

Behind-the-Scenes: What the Public Doesn’t Always See

While the parade is a burst of joy, months of painstaking effort go into each element of MassKara. Behind the masks are stories of dedication and creativity.

 

  • Costume and Mask Makers

Local artisans work tirelessly for weeks—sometimes months—to create the signature smiling masks and colorful costumes. Using a mix of papier-mâché, fiberglass, sequins, and feathers, these creators innovate every year to stay competitive and visually captivating.

 

“We don’t just make masks; we craft identity,” says Mang Toto, a long-time artisan from Barangay 17.

 

  • Choreographers and Dance Coaches

Dance troupes undergo intensive training, with sessions sometimes starting as early as June. Choreographers create synchronized movements that blend tradition, storytelling, and athleticism. The heat and long hours are endured in exchange for a few electrifying minutes of glory on performance day.

 

  • Volunteers and Event Planners

A small army of volunteers handles logistics, crowd control, registration, and safety measures. The City Tourism Office, together with private partners and sponsors, coordinates everything from security to sanitation. Each sector has a timetable that begins at least six months before the October event.

 

  • Local Businesses and Residents

Hotels, restaurants, and vendors gear up for the economic boom. Locals are also involved in homestays, catering, and tourism-related services. Entire neighborhoods take part by building themed street decorations, lighting installations, and welcome booths for visitors.

 

The People Who Power MassKara

 

The MassKara Festival wouldn’t exist without its unsung heroes:

 

  • The Dancers

From students to young adults, these dancers train day and night with sheer dedication, often balancing school or work. Their smiles may be painted on their masks, but the joy they exude comes from the heart.

 

  • Barangay Officials and Cultural Leaders

These local leaders rally their constituents, secure funding, organize rehearsals, and provide moral support to contingents. They are the festival’s community pillars.

 

  • Police and Emergency Responders

Safety is paramount, especially with massive crowds and night events. Local authorities deploy hundreds of personnel to manage traffic, secure parade routes, and respond to emergencies.

 

  • Media and Documentarians

Local and international media teams descend upon Bacolod during the festival, documenting stories, capturing performances, and broadcasting Bacolod’s infectious energy to the world.

MassKara Festival is not just an event—it is a living, breathing cultural phenomenon fueled by real people with real stories. The confetti, the lights, the laughter—they all point back to a community that has made joy a way of life. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a returning local, MassKara invites you to feel the rhythm, wear the smile, and join the dance. Experience it all on the stretch of this thoroughfare.

 

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: COLOR, RHYTHMS & CULTURE
City Culture Destination Pinas

Hidden Cultural Treasures: Underrated Festivals of Bacolod City and Their Role in Tourism

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

When people hear Bacolod City, the vibrant MassKara Festival typically comes to mind—a celebration of resilience and joy that has attracted national and international attention since the 1980s. However, beyond the sparkling masks and street dances lies a rich tapestry of lesser-known festivals that embody the spirit of Bacolodnons and the city’s deep cultural roots. These underrated events not only reflect the city’s heritage but also possess untapped potential to promote inclusive tourism and cultural pride.

 

Potential and Challenges for Underrated Festivals

While these festivals are rich in cultural value, they often lack funding, promotion, and infrastructure. Several factors impede their growth.

  • Limited media coverage and digital marketing
  • Inadequate support from local tourism boards
  • Absence of tourist-ready facilities in barangay areas

However, with better coordination between LGUs, private sectors, and local creatives, these events can be integrated into a broader Bacolod tourism strategy that goes beyond MassKara.

The Way Forward: Building a Cultural Tourism Circuit

By creating a year-round cultural calendar that includes these underrated festivals, Bacolod City can:

  • Distribute tourist traffic across the year
  • Encourage community-based tourism
  • Highlight Bacolod’s diverse cultural identity
  • Promote sustainable tourism rooted in tradition and ecology
Why Look Beyond MassKara?

The MassKara Festival, while iconic, often overshadows smaller, community-centered festivals that preserve local traditions and history. These festivals, often celebrated by specific barangays or districts, serve as intimate windows into Negrense life. They showcase local craftsmanship, devotion, culinary identity, and folk traditions rarely seen in mainstream media.

Let’s journey through these hidden cultural treasures of Bacolod:

 

Panaad sa Negros Festival (Held in Bacolod)

An event held in April at the Panaad Park and Stadium. Despite being a provincial celebration, Bacolod hosts Panaad sa Negros, bringing together the 13 cities and 19 municipalities of Negros Occidental. Established in 1993, it was initially meant to bring together Negrense culture under one roof. “Panaad” means vow or promise—a tribute to religious devotion and thanksgiving. It is the culmination of all celebrations.

Each town sets up a themed pavilion showcasing their local products, industries, and micro-festivals—many of which are unknown even to Negrenses themselves.

Tourism Impact

Although it is less well-known than MassKara, Panaad attracts tens of thousands of local and international visitors. It acts as a platform for agritourism, culinary tourism, and cultural exchange. If properly promoted, it could rival major cultural expositions in the Philippines.

 

Diwali Festival (Barangay Punta Taytay)

The Diwali Festival represents the return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, accompanied by his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshman, after a 14-year exile and a victorious war. Diwali reflects a rich and illustrious heritage while instructing its observers to maintain the fundamental values of life.

The Diwali Festival, or  Festival of Lights, is commemorated by the Filipino-Indian community in Bacolod through diverse cultural and religious activities. The celebration generally features an elaborate parade, cultural exhibitions, and a Diwali Mela (fair). The festival seeks to cultivate camaraderie and reinforce connections between the Filipino and Indian communities while enhancing tourism.

Tourism Impact

The Diwali Festival in Bacolod, orchestrated by the local Indian community, substantially influences tourism by fostering cultural exchange, drawing visitors, and enhancing the local economy. The festival highlights Filipino-Indian culture, promoting awareness and appreciation of both traditions. This event generates economic advantages, as establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops witness heightened revenue.

 

Bacolaodiat Festival (Chinese New Year)

Started in 2006 with a varying timeline, usually held between January and February, and coinciding with the Chinese New Year, the Bacolaodiat Festival honors the deep ties between the Chinese-Filipino community and Bacolod’s economic and cultural development. It features lantern parades, Chinese cultural shows, calligraphy exhibits, and dragon dances, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display. Visit Lacson Street and the Chinatown area to get a full experience of the festival. For those unfamiliar with the festival, Bacolaodiat is a portmanteau that combines ‘Bacolod’ and ‘Lao Diat,’ which means celebration in Fookien.

Tourism Impact

It brings together locals and tourists in a celebration of multicultural identity. With proper national exposure, Bacolaodiat could be the central Chinese New Year celebration in Western Visayas, boosting cultural tourism during a non-peak season.

Other underrated festivals also include the Pasigabong Festival of Granada.

Bacolod’s true richness can be found in the quiet, colorful corners of fishing villages, barangay plazas, and cultural enclaves, where history breathes and tradition thrives. These underrated festivals are not just side events—they are the soul of the city, waiting to be discovered.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FESTIVAL FILES
City Destination Pinas Establishments

Top Recommended Hotels and Accommodations in Bacolod City

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas
 Best for Business Travelers (Safe, Centrally Located)

 

Tips for Guests
  • Document room condition upon check-in—take photos of sheets, bathrooms, and any visible wear—since incidental charges are common.
  • Inquire about the facilities included in your specific booking.
  • A refundable deposit (around ₱1,000–2,000) may be required .
  • If visiting during MassKara, booking early secures a prime location—but expect higher rates and street noise.
Seda Capitol Central

Seda Capitol Central is a premium-class hotel in Bacolod City. It is located within the Capitol Central estate, directly connected to Ayala Mall, and is close to the lagoon. The property offers 154 rooms, including Deluxe (25 sqm), Premier (35 sqm), and Suites (~90 sqm). Each room features modern amenities, including air conditioning, a minibar, an iPod dock, a desk, a coffee/tea maker, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary bottled water.

The establishment also has an impressive business center, function rooms, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The ambiance is modern yet secure, with 24/7 reception, clean rooms, excellent business facilities, and a provision for airport transfer service upon request.

Within the establishment is Misto, the hotel’s diner, offering excellent buffet breakfast and all-day dining.

The price ranges from ₱4,000 to ₱6,000 per night.

Directions.

 

Avenue Suites Hotel

Avenue Suites Hotel is located on 12th Lacson Street, and it is within a 5–10-minute walk of the Negros Museum, Capitol Park, Ayala Malls, and various cafés and restaurants. Conveniently, it is around 20 minutes away from the Bacolod-Silay Airport and close to the port.

It’s a relatively new hotel with sleek, contemporary architecture and an eco-friendly vibe, utilizing LED lighting and solar panels effectively. Amenities include two outdoor pools (with a pool bar), a full-service spa featuring a sauna and massage services, a fitness center, a kids’ pool, a coffee shop, a restaurant, a bar, and a convenience store.

Moreover, there are plenty of room types to choose from, including budget, standard, deluxe (single or double), superior deluxe, grand deluxe, matrimonial suite, and executive suite—all with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi to suit their needs and preferences. Check-in is at 2:00 PM, and checkout is by noon the next day.

Directions.

Nearby

GoHotels

GoHotels offer reliable parking and coworking-friendly cafés (e.g., Studio Cafe at Avenue Suites)

Price: ₱1,000+ rate

Directions.

 

Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod

Park Inn by Radisson, located on Block 12 Reclamation Area, Palanca Avenue, SM City Bacolod Complex, is ideal for business travelers attending conferences or events. It has fast Wi-Fi and a co-working-friendly ambiance. It also provides a breakfast buffet and rooftop dining experience.

For everyone’s convenience, Park Inn’s covered walkways connect the lobby to SM Mall’s North and South wings (over 400 shops), SMX Convention Center, and BREDCO seaport shuttles, making it ideal for MassKara street parties with high traffic.

When it comes to lifestyle hotels and practical Filipino hospitality, the Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod is perfect. From first-timers chasing MassKara confetti to Bacolodnons seeking a splashy weekend getaway without flying, this base offers unparalleled versatility in the city, boasting entry rates below PHP 5,000 in low season, a festival-proof location, and food and drink concepts that can entice locals on lazy Sundays.

Directions.

 

Citadines

Stylish and upscale, Citadines Bacolod City is a 200-unit residence by Ascott Limited located along Lacson Avenue in the heart of Bacolod (Barangay Bata). Its blend of modern conveniences and Negrense charm makes it an ideal choice for families, business travelers, festivalgoers, and MICE events. Room types to choose from range from Studio Deluxe Twin and Studio Premier to One-Bedroom Deluxe and Two-Bedroom Deluxe apartments—ideal for families.

Inside each room type are features that include a kitchenette or full kitchen, fridge, microwave, kettle, and soundproofed, air-conditioned rooms with a desk, TV, in-room safe, and premium toiletries.

The exterior, however, is another story, as Citadines has an outdoor infinity pool available 6am-10pm, a decked-out fitness center, dry dry‑cleaning/laundry, free Wi-Fi (25+ Mbps), a 24-hr front desk, free parking, an airport shuttle (PHP 1000), spa access (PHP 1000/day), and full accessibility (ramps, wheelchair parking, and pool and gym access).

Price: Opening rates vary, with Studio Deluxe at PHP 4,000/night, Studio Premier at PHP 4,500, and One-Bedroom at PHP 5,800—all including breakfast for two, Wi-Fi, facilities, and parking. Also check reduced rates on booking sites.

Directions.

 

L’Fisher Hotel

L’Fisher Hotel Bacolod stands as a comprehensive destination in the city, blending upscale rooms and suites, multiple dining concepts, a luxury spa, and full recreation facilities. It’s well-suited for families, business travelers, and groups, offering event facilities from intimate to large-scale, while its central location makes it ideal for exploring the city’s cultural and commercial highlights.

Conveniently located at Central Lacson St. (14th Street), near many dining spots, L’Fisher offers a rooftop spa and excellent food options. The hotel is quite popular for its corporate bookings and meetings.

Directions.

Alternatives are also available here.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: REST STOPS, HIDEAWAYS & HAVENS
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Best Authentic Eateries of Bacolod City Through the Years

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Often called the “Paris of Negros,” Silay City boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture, particularly visible in its gastronomic scene. This vibrant city has seen a resurgence of authentic restaurants since the 1980s, serving great food and narrating the stories of its past. Here are some of Silay’s most cherished restaurants, their distinctive menus, and the historical background that has propelled their expansion.

 

 

El Ideal Bakery

Founded in 1920 by the Villanueva family, El Ideal located at Rizal and Fr. Eusebio Streets in Silay started as a modest bakery in the ancestral home of Cesar Lacson Locsin. It gained international acclaim in the 1980s when the BBC showcased its guapple pie—a distinctive mix of guava and apple flavors—in a documentary about global food traditions.

El Ideal’s specialties remain its guapple pie, a signature dessert combining the sweetness of guava with the tartness of apple, encased in flaky crust; buko pie, a creamy coconut-filled pie that has become a staple pasalubong (souvenir) for visitors; and its traditional pastries like hopia, empanada, and other local delicacies that reflect the region’s culinary heritage.

Directions.

 

Café 1925

Café 1925 is named after the year the building was constructed. This quaint café located just behind El Ideal Bakery in Silay offers a cozy ambiance, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a quiet place to dine.

People who frequent the place always go for their carabao’s milkshakes—yes, you heard it right. The milk comes from the native carabao, thus giving it a unique local flavor. Café 1925 also serves cupcakes and pastries, baked goods that blend traditional flavors with modern twists, providing a delightful treat for the palate.​

Directions.

 

Punong Gary’s Place

Punong Gary’s Place, located in Silay’s Barangay Lantad, began as a private residence before becoming a dining destination under the direction of Joey Benin, a former bassist with the Side A Band. The establishment is located in a lush, garden-like setting, providing outdoor dining that blends with nature.

When there, don’t forget to sample their seafood pasta, a flavorful dish featuring fresh seafood tossed in a savory sauce, reflecting the region’s coastal influences; steamed chicken stuffed with lemongrass, a ​ healthy option that infuses aromatic flavors into tender chicken, appealing to health-conscious diners; and their bread pudding, a sweet conclusion to the meal. This dessert is a favorite among patrons for its rich and comforting taste.​

Directions.​

 

1898 Casa Ristorante

The classic vibe is what 1898 Casa Ristorante in Silay goes for. The classic ambiance and divine food offerings are highly appreciated by its clientele. Additionally, you can enjoy a tranquil retreat at this exceptional bed and breakfast, your home away from home in the Philippines. Visit in the afternoon so you can experience the best sunset from the place’s balcony.

Directions.

 

Kopi Teh Silay

Located at Dr. Triño Montinola Street, Antilla Subdivision, Silay City,​ Kopi Teh brings a taste of Singaporean hawker culture to Silay. Founded by an owner enamored with Singapore’s street food scene, the establishment offers authentic dishes that have garnered a loyal following, like its Mee Goreng, a spicy-sweet fried noodle dish enriched with peanuts and chilies, topped with a fried egg; Hainanese Chicken Rice, steamed chicken served with flavorful rice and accompanied by three distinct sauces, offering a harmonious blend of flavors; and Nyonya Chicken Curry, a coconut-based curry infused with spices, delivering a rich and aromatic taste.​

Directions.

 

Culinary Evolution and Cultural Significance

The transformation of heritage homes into museums and restaurants wasn’t just a romantic decision—it was a practical and cultural preservation act flourishing in the 1980s that can be attributed to several factors:​

Economic Sustainability

Maintaining large heritage homes is expensive. Many descendants of sugar barons no longer earn the same fortunes as before. By converting homes into income-generating museums or restaurants, they could preserve history while sustaining upkeep.

Cultural Pride

Silaynons (residents of Silay) take immense pride in their heritage. By opening up their homes to the public, they allow a living experience of the past to continue breathing in the present.

Tourism Opportunity

Silay is the gateway to Negros Occidental via the Bacolod-Silay International Airport. With thousands of tourists passing through, offering cultural experiences made the city a worthy destination in itself.

Food and Art as Heritage

The convergence of heirloom recipes, Negrense hospitality, and elegant dining spaces makes many heritage houses perfect for becoming specialty restaurants. These serve as both culinary experiences and living museums

 

What makes Silay stand out is that it’s not just a city of frozen-in-time relics. It’s a breathing, bustling city where history continues to inspire the present. Children still grow up in ancestral homes. Locals still wear traditional attire during festivals. Families still cook age-old recipes passed down from generations—and they serve them in the same kitchens where their great-grandparents once gathered.

Silay’s continued dedication to preservation, cultural enrichment, and storytelling through food, architecture, and the arts is what cements its identity as the Paris of the Visayas.

Other options include Casa A. Gamboa, and Sharyn’s Kansi House (Silay). Classic eateries not from Silay but equally notable are Sharyn’s Cansi House (Narra Avenue), an Iloilo-style cansi-han called Patpat’s Cansi, Bob’s Restaurant, Aboy’s Restaurant, Manokan Country, and Casablanca. Casablanca, presently located in Bata, will be opening another branch soon at the North Wing of SM City Bacolod.

 

 

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!