Let's GO!! - Bacolod and Masskara

Bacolod City,Negros Occidental, Philippines  

Photo from: byahilo.com

Bacolod is the City of Smiles and the Sugar bowl of the Philippines. Sugar canes is the main crop in the province of Negros.The city is famous of its MASSKARA Festival during October of every year. The schedule is the  3^rdweek of October or the weekend near October 19 which is the Charter anniversary of the City. The festival features street parade and dances where participants adorned elaborate colorful costumes and wear masks with smiling faces. 

This year, the Masskara festival  main event will be on October 19-20, 2013. The street parade will be along Araneta Avenue for the dance competition, the main competition will be October 20, 2013. Local and international tourists look forward to attend this festivities and enjoy the famous food – Bacolod Inasal ( a kind of roast chicken) with authentic Bacolod taste.  There are also several interesting places to see when you are in Bacolod. The city is full of history and culture preserved by the Negrenses.

Festival Highlights

MassKara Street Dancing School Category @ Araneta Stree,@ 2:00 pm

MassKara Lights Show @ Bacolod Government Center,@ 11:30 pm

MassKaraland Party Begins @ Bacolod Government Center and Tourism Strip

@ 11:59 pm 

October 19 

Misa ng Bayan @ Bacolod Cathedral,@ 8:00 am

Biggest Boodle Breakfast @ Bacolod Public Plaz,@ 9:30 am

Kapuso Mall Show with Kapuso Artists @ Gaisano City Bacolod,@ 4:00 pm 

October 20

National Dance Sports Competition @ Bacolod Pavilion,@ 6:00 pm

MassKaraland Party Continues @ North Capitol Road,@ 7:00 pm

MAIN EVENT: MassKara Street Dancing Barangay Category @ Paglaum Sports Complex

@ 2:00 pm

Photo by:  http://jakehofilena.wordpress.com

Places of Interests in Bacolod and nearby cities:

• Bacolod City Tour- visit the Capitol Grounds and Lagoon, Visit the San Sebastial Church and Bishop Palace, climb the Pope John Paul II Tower
•  Silay City – be transported on the ancient times when you visit the ancestral houses of Silay City. This is very accessible from Bacolod City, 30 minutes jeepney ride and the house are just within walking distance from each other on the Silay city proper. 
• Talisay City – see the famous RUINS in Talisay.  It was build in 1900 and now a famous landmark and a must see.
• Mabukal Mountain Resort  - Muricia Town. If you love nature this is a must go to place. Can can hike/ trek to see the 7 waterfalls on the site. They also have a hot spring and other activities that can keep you relax for a day. They also have overnight cottages that you can rent
  • Mt. Kanlaon (Volcano) – if you have more time and the energy- why not climb the famous Mt. Kanlaon. This is an exciting to hike and camp to see the crater of the volcano.

Where to stay. There are several hotels, guest house and inns in Bacolod City.  Here are some of my personal choices due to its proximity to where the Masskara dance competition is normally held:  

BUSINESS INN HOTEL

28 Lacson St., Bacolod City
Tel No. +63 34 433-8877; Fax: +63 34 434-2114
E-mail: info@businessin.net

THE SUITES AT CALLE NUEVA

15 Corner Nueva- Locsin Sts.,

Bacolod City

Tel. No.: +63 34 708-8000, +63 34 435-6080

E-mail: info@thesuitesatcallenueva.com

THE BACOLOD PAVILLION RESORT HOTEL

Burgos Street Ext., Reclamation Area
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
6100 Philippines
Phone: (63-34) 434-6391 to 93
433-9620
Fax: (63-34) 433-9598
E-mail: info@bacolodpavillon.com

SEE YOU in BACOLOD... ;)