Exploring the Famous and Upstart Pasalubong Places in Bacolod City: The Pasalubong Capital of Negros
Bacolod City, affectionately known as the City of Smiles, is not only well-known for its friendly people and colorful MassKara Festival but also a center for some of the most cherished pasalubong (souvenir) treats in the Philippines. Bacolod’s pasalubong sector is a vibrant tapestry of sweet delicacies, artisanal snacks, and sincere craftsmanship, from legacy recipes handed down through generations to fresh innovators mixing tradition with creativity.
Whether you’re a returning native or a curious visitor, here is a guide to Bacolod’s most renowned and up-and-coming pasalubong locations that merit inclusion in your luggage—and your palate.
Pasalubong Tips
- Bring an insulated bag for Napoleones—they’re delicate and best eaten fresh.
- Buy piaya last—it travels well and has a longer shelf life.
- For unique gifts, try pairing a local coffee blend with muscovado-based sweets.
Where to Find These Delights
- Lacson Street and Negros Showroom are excellent areas to find a curated mix of both legacy and emerging pasalubong brands.
- Local weekend art and food fairs in Bacolod often showcase these upstarts—perfect for sampling without commitment.
- Bacolod-Silay Airport has satellite shops of major brands, but selections are usually limited.
BongBong’s Piaya & Barquillos
The place is best known mainly for its delicious mango tarts, butterscotch, barquillos, and piaya.
Although BongBong’s Piaya & Barquillos is already a household name throughout the Philippines, it is almost always associated with Bacolod pasalubong.
Although some may disagree, BongBong’s piaya—a flaky flatbread with muscovado filling—is the most well-known in the city. Their stability and brand trustworthiness have made them a favorite for visitors. For those with more adventurous tastes, however, I recommend trying their crisp, buttery barquillos paired with ube piaya for a contemporary twist.
Merzci Pasalubong
Not entirely old nor entirely new, Merzci, formerly Merci, has established its own identity with a diverse range of baked goods and sweets. Strategically located near the airport and terminals, it is a convenient and consistent stop for last-minute pasalubong.
Their Napoleones—flaky, layered puff pastry filled with custard and topped with a sugar glaze—are a must-try!
El Ideal Bakery, Silay, Bacolod City
Located just 30 minutes away from Bacolod, El Ideal is a must-visit bakery that dates back to the 1920s and is just as old as its hometown, Silay. Among their specialties is the sweet, tangy, and utterly unique guapple pie, a one-of-a-kind combination of guava and apple delicacy for consumers seeking palate adventures
Among their delectable offerings are ensaymada, a specialty, and hojaldres, puffed biscuits that possess an irresistible crispiness.
Upstart & Underrated Pasalubong Places
Quan Delicacies
A popular restaurant and pasalubong place in the Philippines that serves native delicacies, or “kakanin,” is Quan Delicacies Suman, puto, pichi-pichi, and bibingka are just a few of the traditional Filipino snacks and desserts that they offer, as reported on Tripadvisor. Dinuguan (blood stew) and “Flat Sticks” are two of Quan’s most famous savory dishes. You can order party bilao (platters) and have them delivered through Grab and Foodpanda, in addition to dining in. On top of that, they now have sugar-free options available.
You can visit Quan Delicacies and partake of their homemade and preservative-free offerings at San Juan Street, Bacolod City.
Virgie’s Homemade Products
Virgie’s Homemade Products is known to locals and those “in the know” as the silent luxury of Bacolod’s pasalubong scene. Unlike big commercial brands, Virgie’s keeps its artisan feel. Their Mango Tartlets (₱200/box of 10) and premium fruitcake (₱450) are perfect for special gifts.
Additionally, their cashew-based cookies and yema are must-tries. You can visit Virgie’s at 57 San Sebastian Street, Bacolod City. Price range are from P70-P500
Sugarlandia Barquillos
Since the 1930s, Sugarlandia Barquillos has been one of the longest-running pasalubong shops in Bacolod, making barquillos, piaya, and pinasugbo by hand. Nothing here strays from tradition, unlike the mass-produced alternatives sold at major chains.
One of the few places that still makes puffy piaya, an older variation that is harder to find today, is Sugarlandia Barquillos. They do have stalls in malls selling pasalubong, but some customers have complained that the prices are too high. The best way to get reasonably priced, authentic Bacolod sweets is to stop by their central location at 36 Yulo Street, Bacolod City. They also sell at the Negros Showroom branches at 9th-Lacson Streets and at Robinsons Place Bacolod.
Totong’s Barquillos
Since the 1970s, Totong’s Barquillos in Bacolod has been making piaya and barquillos. Its crisp barquillos and traditional piaya have won over locals who swear by them, although it isn’t as well-known as other pasalubong brands.
Keeping things simple and prioritizing quality over mass production, Totong’s is located on Lizares-Yulo Street, right next to Sugarlandia Barquillos. This is a name to look into if you’re interested in trying a popular but less well-known Bacolod pasalubong spot.
VKP, BACOLOD CITY: FORKS, DELICACIES & SPECIALTIES!