If you’re on the quest for happiness, your compass should point you to Bacolod, the vibrant “City of Smiles” located in the heart of Negros Occidental. Known for its cheerful locals, delectable delicacies, and the lively MassKara Festival, Bacolod has emerged as a must-visit destination.
With the city’s fascinating history and its transformation from a period of adversity to a thriving multi-sectoral hub, explore the culinary delights that make it a gastronomic paradise.
History: The Beginning of Smiles
Bacolod's moniker, the "City of Smiles," was born out of the inaugural MassKara Festival in 1980. Very few may know but this colorful celebration was a response to a tumultuous period in the city's history. In the '80s, the collapse of the sugar industry – Bacolod's economic backbone – coupled with a tragic maritime disaster, cast a shadow over the once-thriving community. The MassKara Festival emerged not as a denial but as a bold defiance against adversity, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the Negrenses.
Despite the challenges, the Negrenses reenvisioned Bacolod as a City of Smiles, symbolizing a resilient optimism that characterizes the Filipino spirit, with a distinct Negros flavor. Today, Bacolod stands as a multi-sectoral city, showcasing a diversified economy that extends beyond its sugar-centric past.
Bacolod's economic landscape has transformed, with the sugar industry now taking a back seat to thriving social service sectors. From tourism and telecommunications to banking, hotel management, retail, and business process outsourcing (BPOs), Bacolod is a testament to the city's adaptability and resilience.
Culinary Delights: A Feast for the Senses
Chicken Inasal
Bacolod's culinary scene is a haven for food enthusiasts. At the top of the list is the world-famous Chicken Inasal, a grilled chicken masterpiece marinated in a special blend of spices, delivering a burst of flavors with every bite.
Seafood
Dive into Bacolod's seafood paradise, where a variety of ocean treasures await. From succulent grilled squid to mouthwatering prawns and fish, the city's coastal bounty is a seafood lover's dream come true.
Piaya
Indulge your sweet tooth with Bacolod's iconic Piaya, a delicacy filled with muscovado sugar or ube. The perfect blend of crispy and chewy, Piaya is a delectable treat that encapsulates the city's rich culinary heritage.
Napoleones
Satisfy your dessert cravings with Bacolod's Napoleones, a layered puff pastry filled with custard cream and glazed with sugar. Its delicate texture and sweet, creamy filling make Napoleones a delightful treat enjoyed during special occasions or as a delectable snack.
Batchoy
No exploration of Bacolod's culinary scene is complete without savoring a bowl of Batchoy. This Filipino noodle soup renowned for its rich and flavorful broth is usually made with pork, beef, or chicken. The soup is infused with garlic, onions, and often ginger, and served with egg noodles, meat slices, chicharrón (crispy pork skin), and green onions
