Bacolod - the City of Smiles
May 7-9, 2010. We went to Bacolod to attend our friend's wedding. Despite their busy schedule with the last-minute wedding preparations, they were able to arrange for our accommodation and a tour of the city. Here are the highlights:
I did not expect the airport to be 2 cities away from Bacolod. It was a long drive, but the scenery was worth the travel time. We were met by Chinkin's mom (Chinkin is the groom) right at the arrival area, with another couple. We were already given a brief run-down of what Silay and Bacolod must-see places and must-try food are.
L'Fisher. Our rooms were already arranged in this hotel. Our room was at the new wing, and everything looks, well, brand-new and shiny. The rooms were spacious, and what I particularly loved was the roofdeck where the swimming pool, spa, bar and restaurant were located.
My first ever margarita, on a liquor ban night, at the roofdeck of L'Fisher.
This is "Duwal", a native delicacy, and I must say, it's the best shellfish I have ever tasted. Unfortunately, this is said to be endangered and I guess we were lucky to have had the chance to know how delicious it tastes. This was served during the pre-wedding dinner.
This is Mr. Ramon Hofilena, for whom I have much respect for. He is friends with Jo Anne (the bride, and our friend), and Chinkin. He gave us a tour of the Hofilena Ancestral Home which houses prized paintings, sculpture, antiques and pieces that tells the history of Negros. It was very interesting.
Bacolod has always been famous for sugar and its azukareras. Victoria's Milling Corporation is the most prominent institution when it comes to sugar milling before. It's operation now, as the taxi driver told us, is not as extensive as it has been. The reasons behind that are all speculations. But there, it's a landmark and we just had to visit.
The Church of the Angry Christ, also known as the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, is a sight. Looking at the mural is intense and evokes some kind of emotion which I cannot really describe. The Church is located inside the Victoria's Milling Corp Compound.
Felicia's. We met the owner at the wedding reception because he made the wedding cake. The place is small and homey, and the mini-cakes are to die for, and I am not exaggerating.
Oh, the famous chicken inasal, with a savory garlic rice and the sinful cholesterol-rich chicken oil. I'm salivating just by the thought of it. We ate at the Manokan Chicken Country where the chicken is good and cheap.
I did not expect the airport to be 2 cities away from Bacolod. It was a long drive, but the scenery was worth the travel time. We were met by Chinkin's mom (Chinkin is the groom) right at the arrival area, with another couple. We were already given a brief run-down of what Silay and Bacolod must-see places and must-try food are.
L'Fisher. Our rooms were already arranged in this hotel. Our room was at the new wing, and everything looks, well, brand-new and shiny. The rooms were spacious, and what I particularly loved was the roofdeck where the swimming pool, spa, bar and restaurant were located. 
My first ever margarita, on a liquor ban night, at the roofdeck of L'Fisher.
This is "Duwal", a native delicacy, and I must say, it's the best shellfish I have ever tasted. Unfortunately, this is said to be endangered and I guess we were lucky to have had the chance to know how delicious it tastes. This was served during the pre-wedding dinner.
This is Mr. Ramon Hofilena, for whom I have much respect for. He is friends with Jo Anne (the bride, and our friend), and Chinkin. He gave us a tour of the Hofilena Ancestral Home which houses prized paintings, sculpture, antiques and pieces that tells the history of Negros. It was very interesting.
Bacolod has always been famous for sugar and its azukareras. Victoria's Milling Corporation is the most prominent institution when it comes to sugar milling before. It's operation now, as the taxi driver told us, is not as extensive as it has been. The reasons behind that are all speculations. But there, it's a landmark and we just had to visit.
The Church of the Angry Christ, also known as the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, is a sight. Looking at the mural is intense and evokes some kind of emotion which I cannot really describe. The Church is located inside the Victoria's Milling Corp Compound.
Felicia's. We met the owner at the wedding reception because he made the wedding cake. The place is small and homey, and the mini-cakes are to die for, and I am not exaggerating.
Oh, the famous chicken inasal, with a savory garlic rice and the sinful cholesterol-rich chicken oil. I'm salivating just by the thought of it. We ate at the Manokan Chicken Country where the chicken is good and cheap. 
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