Bacolod, known as the 'City of Smiles,' is the capital city of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. It earned this nickname because of the warm and hospitable nature of its residents and also its MassKara Festival, celebrated every fourth Sunday of October, showcasing colorful masks and street dancing. Bacolod is a culturally rich city with a blend of rural and urban landscapes, offering a variety of experiences from historical landmarks like the San Sebastian Cathedral to modern shopping malls. The city has a bustling food scene, famous for its Chicken Inasal - a local grilled chicken dish. The Ruins in Talisay, near Bacolod, stand testament to the area’s sugar baron past. The city serves as an economic and cultural hub in the Visayas with a vibrant economy, schools, and transport links that include a domestic airport and seaport. Parks, plazas, and golf courses offer recreation, while annual events like the Panaad sa Negros Festival celebrate the province's heritage and agriculture.
