Bacolod City is a fantastic place to spend your next vacation. Bacolod not only ranks as one of the most livable cities in the Philippines, it is also one of the friendliest. And with its small town feel, it’s easy to get around while experiencing all the conveniences that half a million citizens need.

The city has attractions such as the Bacolod Public Square, the Capital Park and Lagoon, the Negros Museum and the San Sebastián Cathedral. However, if you want to go shopping, you have nothing to worry about. Bacolod is home to nine large shopping centers and many small outlet stores. No matter what you want, Bacolod will surely have it somewhere.

However, if you plan to visit other areas outside the city, you have nothing to worry about. Bacolod offers transportation to many excellent attractions in the metropolitan area and beyond. Whether you are planning to go to Mambukal Resort, one of the many beaches in Negros, or a historical sight in Negros, there is a bus or jeepney to take you there.

Frankly, public transportation is one of Bacolod’s many bright spots. It is easy to travel almost anywhere in the Philippines. Local flights are almost every hour to Cebu or Manila and a boat leaves to Iloilo or Cebu every two hours. You can even find boats going to Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

Of course, if you plan to visit Bacolod in October, you won’t want to leave. This is when the city’s famous Masskara Festival takes place. Despite various biographical websites and newspapers, the festival actually lasts up to three weeks. It begins on the first day of October and ends on the weekend closest to October 19, the day of the city charter.

The Masskara Festival features street dances, rooftop parties, cosplay contests, fantasy costume contests, costume parties, midnight sales, and music concerts. In fact, in recent years the festival has become so popular that hotels are sold out throughout the metropolitan area last weekend.

If you are lucky enough to book a room in one of the many three and four star hotels in the city, you will not be disappointed with the quality service and hospitality that characterize the people of Negros.

Wherever you decide to stay and when you decide to come, there is always something to do and a place to go. Bacolod is a first class city with first class people.