Bacolod Overnight

October last year, I had chance to visit the lovely city of Bacolod. Coming from Iloilo, we boarded Weesam Express Ferry. Travel time is about 1 hour and our fare cost around 330PHP (First Class). I think the Economy Class is full that time; the fare is roughly around 210PHP.

We took the 1130AM trip so by lunchtime we were in Bacolod. The first thing to do is find a hotel, good thing Bacolod Business Inn has a vacancy for an overnight stay. Without wasting any time, after we settled our bags we went out to explore the city. But first we need to fill our empty stomachs. Our first stop is Manokan Country to sample the famous chicken inasal.

Manokan Country is a place you shouldn't miss when in Bacolod city. You'll find endless rows and stalls of restaurant serving chicken inasal. We had a hard time choosing which restaurant to eat. Here's a tip, Go where there are alot of locals eating. Its an indication that food there is good. After all, when it comes to local cuisine they are the experts. We found this small place called Nena's Rose. It was packed with locals happily eating with their bare fingers. And so, its decided that's where we are eating. Food is affordable and really good. What else to order but Inasal, price is about 75PHP (with rice) ; a cup of hot delicious arroz caldo is also included in the meal. We ate to our hearts content! yum!

Just across Manokan Country is .... *drumroll please* SM Bacolod. I know, I know, you would ask, "why in the world of all places we need to visit SM in Bacolod when there are so many SM's in the Metro?!". Forgive us, but our only purpose is to go Bong Bong's and Merci's to buy pasalubong. There were so many items to buy. We ended up buying a lot that plastic bags would not suffice and that it needed to be packed in a box. Talk about hoarding!

We walked on our way back to the hotel and dropped by San Sebastian Church. It is filled with people hearing mass. As I waited for Bambi and Vina to finish the mass, I grab the chance to take photos.

And then we head out to explore the streets again. There was a night market, the streets are filled with people and you could feel the festive mood of the place. Balloons, bibingkas, clothes, sandals, jewelries, keychains and stalls selling different trinkets abound the street. After much walking, we ate dinner at a local restaurant and capped the night by satisfying our sweet cravings at Calea.

yummy chocolate cake

The following morning's activity is to do our last minute shopping. We went into this souvenir store that sells a wide array of Bacolod made products like sugar, coffee, inasal sauces, bags, shirts among other things. Just nearby the store is the Provincial Capitol. There is lagoon and interesting statues infront of the Capitol.

After taking pictures and admiring the view, we went to the airport and waited for our flight. Drank coffee at Kuppa's (a famous local coffee shop) to conclude our 24-hour stay in the City of Smiles, Bacolod.

view from departure lounge

I'll go back and visit Bacolod to experience the colorful Masskara event. 'Till next time! :)