I flew to Bacolod City on April 22 to attend the Odoo Business Show at Seda Capitol Central. If you come from Iloilo, you can take a fast craft ferry to get there. The business show lasted from 1 to 5 PM. After it concluded, I didn't take much time to decide where I wanted to go.
The closest landmark near Seda is the Capitol Park and Lagoon. It features the Old Capitol Building, situated atop a hill. The front boasts several flagpoles, and ahead lies the lagoon where tilapia swim freely. Two statues sit at both ends of the lagoon: a Filipino man and woman tending to their water buffalo, respectively. The gold paint job makes the statues magnificent and, coupled with the Old Capitol as the background, creates a wonderful view reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol. It’s a good place to jog in the early morning and evening, as well as get some snacks from the local push carts near the entrances.
After spending time at Capitol Park, I proceeded to go around Ayala Malls Capitol Central. I like the open food court at the bottom. There were lots of options to choose from: pastries, rice bowls, and the savory chicken inasal, the staple of Bacolod. The inside is much like a typical mall. Department stores, hardware stores, restaurants, salons, not much out of the ordinary except for the food court.
I spent 30 minutes roaming around Ayala and then rode the jeep going to the Bacolod Public Plaza. I had visited it the night I arrived in Bacolod. Unfortunately, it’s still under renovation, so there’s not much to look at except the walls of construction scaffolding. From there, I went to San Sebastian Cathedral. The interior’s painted with white and gold. The sandstones used to construct the historic site create a facade almost akin to the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral. Every time I visit a new church, I always pray to thank, guide, and protect my family and friends in the chores of life.
My last point took me to SM City Bacolod. What makes it unique is the pedestrian bridge connecting the north and south points of the mall. While not large, I like how spacious and naturalistic their food court was, with plenty of food options as well. The mall’s architecture is built in a circular fashion. You won’t get lost quickly, which is great since I know a few malls that can be confusing to navigate.
The rest of my time spent in Bacolod City was walking early morning and evening around the city proper. There were lots of food carts and “bolanteros” selling street foods and vegetables. Plenty of people purchase from them, which makes the night bustling with activity. I will return to Bacolod City sometime, surely, either by myself or with family and friends. I should probably aim to go out of the province next time and visit the furthest waterfalls and amusement parks.