Bacolod, the capital city of Negros Occidental, is famously known as the "City of Smiles." It boasts a rich culinary heritage, blending Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino influences. Its fertile land produces a bountiful harvest of sugar cane, making it the "Sugar Bowl of the Philippines," and this sweet crop has left an indelible mark on the local cuisine. In Bacolod, food is not just a necessity but an important part of its culture and festivities, particularly during the annual MassKara Festival where gastronomic feasts are commonplace.