Things to Do in Bacolod: The City of Smiles, Inasal & MassKara
Bacolod — the "City of Smiles" — is the warm, food-loving capital of Negros Occidental, famous for its MassKara Festival, its legendary chicken inasal, and a sugar-hacienda heritage you can still taste and tour. It's one of the friendliest city breaks in the country.
Getting there
Fly into Bacolod–Silay Airport (BCD) — direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and other hubs — about 40–60 minutes from the city proper.
Top things to do
- Eat the inasal: head to Manokan Country for Bacolod's famous grilled chicken inasal, eaten by hand with rice and chicken oil.
- The Ruins: the hauntingly beautiful mansion skeleton in nearby Talisay — one of the region's most photographed landmarks, best at sunset.
- Silay heritage houses: tour the ancestral homes of the "Paris of Negros," a short drive from Bacolod.
- Sweet tooth: Bacolod is a dessert capital — try Calea cakes, piaya, and napoleones.
Festivals
Bacolod's signature celebration is the MassKara Festival every October — a riot of smiling masks, street dancing, and the glowing Electric MassKara parade.
Tips
- Come hungry — Bacolod's food scene (savory and sweet) is a highlight in itself.
- Book early around MassKara (October), when the city fills up.
- Pair it with Silay for a heritage day trip.
FAQ
What is Bacolod known for? The MassKara Festival, chicken inasal, its sweet treats, The Ruins in Talisay, and its "City of Smiles" reputation.
When is the MassKara Festival? Every October — see our MassKara guide.
Discover more festivals and events or browse what's happening across the Philippines.