Bacolod, the City of Smiles, One-Day Itinerary—Absolutely Amazing

Although I missed the MassKara Festival in October, the City of Smiles still beckoned, so I decided to visit. Bacolod City doesn't have many attractions within the city itself, just a few churches and museums, but the ruins on the outskirts are famous far and wide. If you hurry, you can see it all in one day. 🏞Itinerary: San Sebastian Cathedral—Bacolod Old City Hall—The Ruins 🕰Morning: 1️⃣ San Sebastian Cathedral This medieval church ⛪ is right behind the accommodations. The main structure is built with coral stones from Guimaras Island. 👉The coral stone exterior walls in the sunlight and the Baroque dome are unique. It is said that there is a saint's festival in January. 💡Tip: This is not a tourist-style church, so please be quiet during your visit. You can experience the local religious culture during mass.⛪ 💰Admission: Free! 📍Address: Rizal St., Bacolod City (10 mins walk from the city center) ⏰Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 6:00–19:00 / Sunday 5:00–20:30 2️⃣ Bacolod Old City Hall This Spanish colonial building, completed in the 1880s, once served as the mayor's office. The Justice Fountain is in front of it. You must take a photo when passing by. 👉The interior is not open to the public, but the Old City Hall is in the most prosperous area of the city, close to restaurants and shops. 📍Address: Intersection of Araneta and Luzuriaga Streets, city center 🚶‍♀️Transportation: Walking distance to the public square/cathedral, forming a triangle with the Justice Fountain for photo opportunities 🕰Afternoon 3️⃣ The Ruins 🌺These ruins are known as the Taj Mahal of Negros Occidental and are a must-see attraction. 👉In the Middle Ages, sugar tycoon Don Mariano built this Italian-style manor to commemorate his wife, Maria, who died in childbirth. During World War II, to prevent the Japanese army from occupying it, the manor was burned for three days, leaving only the skeleton. 🌟If you have time, count whether there are 10 bedrooms. The concrete building has a marble-like sheen, and the shell decorations are a tribute to his father-in-law, a sea captain. The initials "Ms" are hidden in the carvings on the pillars, a poignant detail!! 📍Tips: The sunset through the ruins is especially picturesque. The mango smoothie at the cafe at the entrance is excellent.👍👍 Listen to the family descendants tell the secrets and touch the time marks on the tiles. ⏰Opening hours: 9:00–18:00 (open daily) 📍Address: Talisay City, Negros Occidental (10 mins drive from Bacolod City) 🚗Transportation: A taxi from Bacolod City costs about 150 pesos, or take a jeepney to Talisay and then walk.