What to do in Bacolod during Masskara Festival 2008
Posted on October 8, 2008
Masskara Festival 2008 is just around the corner. Street dance participants are now busy polishing their routines. Various activities are now held at the public plaza as well as in the malls. But one would probably ask, what in Bacolod aside from the Masskara Festival? A lot! Bacolod City may not have much touristy sites or white sand beaches but its rich culinary delights keep tourists coming back for more.
Here’s a handy guide when going to Bacolod during the Masskara 2008.:
1. The Ruins, Talisay City – approximately 15 minutes north of Bacolod, the ruins of a palatial mansion owned by a sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. The ruins is one of the most beautifully-made structures that still stand today in Negros Occidental.
2. Balay ni Tana Dicang, Talisay City – This was the former home of Doña Enrica Alunan Lizares, more popularly known as Kapitana Dicang. The Term Kapitana was further shortened until it just became “Tana Dicang”.
3. El Ideal, Silay City – The next city after Silay, El ideal bakery is housed in an old house or bahay na bato. Aside from its heritage value, El Ideal is known for its delectable guaple pic, egg pie, and lumpiang ubod. A must-try when visiting Silay!
4. Victor Fernandez Gaston House, Silay City – More popularly known among the locals as Balay Negrense. This was the former residence of Victor Gaston, son of Yves Leopold Germaine Gaston, the prime mover of the sugar industry in Negros Occidental.
5. Maria Ledesma Golez House, Silay City – Probably one of the most beautiful Art Deco structure in Silay. This former mansion is now transformed into a bank.
6. San Diego Parish Church – the only Pro-cathedral in the Philippines, outside Manila.
7. Bernardino Lopez Jalandoni House, Silay City – Another Bahay na bato. Houses an impressive collection of antiques and memorabilias.
8. San Sebastian Cathedral, Bacolod – Done in Renaissance design, the seat of the Archdiocese of Bacolod.
9. Luzuriaga Cemetery, Bacolod City – Located along Burgos street, this is the only cemetery in the Philippines (and probably in the world!) that is located right in the middle of the highway.
10. Fountain of Justice, Bacolod City – Located at the front of the original City Hall, this is where the Spanish forces actually surrendered on November 5, 1898.
11. Provincial Capitol and Lagoon – The seat of the provincial government. Done in Neo Classical design. In front of the capitol is a man-made lagoon and a spacious park. the park features the carabao sculpture done by Francesco Riccardo Monti. And the “paghimud-os” sculpture at the park entrance done by Eduardo Castrillo.
There are other sites worth visiting in Bacolod and nearby cities and towns. But I guess this is just more than enough for those who are staying in Bacolod for a very limited time and whose amin purpose of stay is the Masskara Festival.
How about you, have you made your itinerary already?
Check the Masskara Festival 2008 Schedule here
Listen to the Masskara Festival 2008 music
» Filed Under Events, Festivals, Heritage Watch, Road Trip
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Comments
3 Responses to ”What to do in Bacolod during Masskara Festival 2008”
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Yes, I have! I’m flying home to Bacolod next week with 3 friends from Manila.
Thanks for the list!
To those who will visit Bacolod, don’t the Piyaya and Napoleones.
In my bias opinion, you can buy the best napoleones at Roli’s restaurant. there is one near Lasalle University.
Enjoy your stay in the city of smiles.
btw, thanks for posting this blog at ypixx.com.
Keep them coming. God bless