Rediscovering Bacolod City: A Journey Worth Taking
A nostalgic Bacolod travelogue rediscovering Bacolod City after 41 years—exploring downtown Bacolod, iconic food spots, festivals, and memories of Negros.
A return to Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, after four decades is more than just a trip—it is a journey through memories, nostalgia, and rediscovery. This Bacolod travelogue recounts what it feels like to return to the City of Smiles after 41 years and witness how the city has grown while keeping its warm Negrense spirit intact.
For travelers looking for a Bacolod travel guide filled with history, food, and culture, this experience proves that Bacolod remains one of the most welcoming and memorable destinations in the Philippines.
In Context: Bacolod City in the 1980s, a simpler time that I knew
More than four decades ago, Bacolod City was a place of simplicity, happiness, and close-knit communities. The skyline was composed mostly of low- to mid-rise buildings, while nature was still abundant around the city.
For teenagers growing up in Bacolod during that time, life revolved around simple pleasures:
- Hanging out downtown Bacolod
- Visiting Singcang and the nearby Goldenfields commercial area
- Exploring neighboring towns like Silay City and Talisay City
- Planning trips to iconic landmarks outside city limits. The Ruins would be a great destination next.
Social life in the city often meant dining in restaurants and enjoying nightlife in downtown establishments. One of the memorable nightlife spots was the Spectrum Disco at the Sea Breeze Hotel, a popular destination for young Bacolodnons looking to unwind.
People would also gather in areas like Casiana and Eroreco for drinks or simply spend time with friends at home. Roads felt safe enough that riding a racer bike from Mountainview Phase 2 to La Salle at 5 a.m. was completely normal.
Those were simple times—but they were incredibly fun.
Returning to Bacolod After 41 Years
Day 1: November 22, 2025
Landing at Silay Airport in November 2025 brought a surge of emotions. The airport itself was a far cry from the old one in Singcang, the airport I remembered when I left Bacolod in 1984.
After 41 years away from Bacolod City, I returned not as the 19-year-old who left, but as someone revisiting the city that shaped his youth.
The excitement and curiosity were overwhelming.
Even arriving at night, one thing was immediately noticeable: Bacolod had grown significantly. New establishments and developments now dotted the cityscape, many of which did not exist when I left.
Despite the changes, the spirit of Bacolod tourism and Negrense hospitality remained unmistakably alive.
Meeting the Negrense Bloggers
Day 1: November 22, 2025
10:00pm onwards
My first night back in Bacolod was spent with the Negrense Bloggers, a well-known community of bloggers who promote Bacolod tourism, lifestyle, and food culture.
They were covering Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, located inside SM City Bacolod, where we enjoyed great food and warm company. Thank you, Arima, of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod.
Special thanks to:
- Sigrid Lo – Bacolod Blogger Sigrid
- Dennis Lo—Papa D, The Hubbyist
- Sir Jojo Vito – Fabulous Asian Lifestyle
- Sir Ed Joven– Bacolod Lifestyle
- Dhadha Garcia– Dhadha Garcia FB Page
- Sunshine—Sunny Encounters
Sunshine graciously volunteered to become my tour guide during my entire stay—a kindness I will never forget.
Rediscovering Downtown Bacolod
Day 2: November 22, 2025
7:00am-10:30am
A visit to downtown Bacolod instantly triggered waves of nostalgia.
Some familiar landmarks remain:
- Bacolod Public Plaza, currently undergoing renovations
- Sea Breeze Hotel, still recognizable after all these years
- San Sebastian Cathedral, standing timeless and majestic
Other places have changed dramatically.
The old theater on Araneta Street near LCC is gone, while Lopue’s Araneta and Lopue’s Mandalagan remain but with modern updates.
Meanwhile, Manokan Country, once located downtown, has relocated near SM City Bacolod, now situated in what used to be the city’s reclamation area.
Seeing these changes felt surreal—yet deeply meaningful.
Revisiting My Alma Mater in Bacolod
Day 2: November 22, 2025
11:00am-11:20am
A highlight of my Bacolod trip was visiting my high school alma mater with Sunshine.
Unfortunately, we arrived during a weekend, and visitors are only allowed inside on weekdays.
Still, even from outside the campus, it was clear how much La Salle Bacolod had changed.
Some familiar sights remained:
- The chapel still looked just as stunning as I remembered.
- The campus still carried the same academic aura.
However, the wide carabao grass field where we once played siato and stick football has now been replaced with newer buildings.
Maybe next time.
Tahum na tani!
A Classic Stop: Bob’s Restaurant
Day 2: November 22, 2025.
12:00pm, Lunch
We also visited the beloved Bob’s Restaurant, one of Bacolod’s most iconic dining institutions.
Their classic hamburger remains one of the best in the city.
Over the years, the restaurant has grown significantly and now has multiple branches across Bacolod City, all maintaining the same delicious menu and inviting atmosphere.
We capped the day by hearing mass at the iconic San Sebastian Cathedral in downtown Bacolod. It was a very special day!
Terra Madre Asia Pacific Festival in Bacolod
Day 3: November 23, 2025
11:00am-11:45am
During my visit, Bacolod City was also hosting the Terra Madre Asia Pacific Festival, held at the Negros Occidental Capitol Grounds.
Even on its final day, November 23, 2025, the festival remained lively and crowded with both locals and international visitors.
The Terra Madre Festival, now over two decades old, showcases:
- Filipino agricultural products
- Regional culinary traditions
- Sustainable food practices
- Chefs and exhibitors from across the Philippines
While Bacolod is globally known for the MassKara Festival, events like Terra Madre, Asia Pacific prove that the city is also becoming a major destination for food tourism and cultural events.
Sugba Sugba: Bacolod’s Version of Dampa
Day 3: November 23, 2025
12:00pm, Lunch
If Manila has Dampa, Bacolod proudly offers Sugba Sugba.
Located near Lacson Street, Sugba Sugba Lacson delivers a similar experience where diners enjoy fresh seafood and grilled dishes in a relaxed setting.
For those craving an even more rustic seafood experience, locals recommend visiting Diotay’s, another beloved Bacolod food destination.
More Bacolod Restaurant Discoveries
Day 4-6: November 24-26, 2025
During the rest of the trip, Sunshine and I explored several popular Bacolod restaurants, including:
- Chicken House (San Juan Branch)—famous for authentic chicken inasal
- Banh Mi Kitchen (SM Bacolod)—great for quick bites
- Sandok Comfort Food—known for hearty Negrense meals
- 21 Restaurant—reportedly owned by the Gamboa family of Silay
- Vikings, SM City, Bacolod
One surprising highlight at 21 Restaurant was their special batchoy, which had richer ingredients and deeper flavor than many versions I’ve tried in Manila.
A Warm Farewell in the City of Smiles
Day 6: November 26, 2025
3:00pm-8:00pm
On my last day, I met once again with the Negrense Bloggers, this time at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
It was the perfect sendoff to an unforgettable return to Bacolod.
Their warmth reminded me why Bacolod City is called the City of Smiles.
Rediscovering Bacolod: A Journey Worth Taking
After 41 years away from Bacolod, the experience of returning was both nostalgic and deeply fulfilling.
Bacolod has transformed into a vibrant modern city with new malls, restaurants, and festivals—but its heart remains unchanged.
The kindness of the people, the richness of the food, and the warmth of Negrense culture make Bacolod tourism truly special.
My stay was filled with memories, reconnections, and new friendships.
And as they say in Hiligaynon:
“Maanad guid ko diri.”
I will get used to being here.
Thank you, Bacolod.
Thank you, Sunshine and family.
(Photo credits go to Miss Sunshine Dacudao)