Our First Impressions of Bacolod City: Is it a Great City in the Philippines? 🇵🇭

n this video, we are two foreigners sharing our first impressions of Bacolod City and comparing it to other cities in the Philippines. We explore the city's modernity, safety, and more. Is Bacolod the best city in the Philippines? Join us as we discover what makes Bacolod unique and special.
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About Us,
Two years ago we made a plan we Sold Everything & Now Living In The Philippines On A Budget in 2023, we had paid our debts, sold everything and made a budget. Its been a crazy journey from Cambodia to Albania then in Boracay before moving to Iloilo City, check out why we moved to the Philippines and specifically why Iloilo City.
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[@BiancaBeyond]

Hey Everyone, only 3 in every 1000 people who watch our videos are subscribed! Free Way To Help Out Our Channel? Subscribe Please

[@BiancaBeyond]

Thank you so stopping by! Liking the video and even the smallest Hi in the comments help out the channel and completely free ❤

[@becreative-chachie]

But yeah me and my husband also look forward to seeing Bacolod in the future

[@wintersojourn9356]

“Even the smallest hi”, you may dream, you silly bears! But seriously, Ty TPL for your always open door to meandering comments: MO2 is like oxygen? Mmmkay…I guess kinda, but that extra oxygen molecule makes a big difference⚗️👩🏽‍🔬, & the lack of hydrogen….☠️🤓😆. Oh joking with Michael, me = nitpicky viewer! The 🦄was great, but for these light sculptures, the 🦚for the win (for me). Bianca, this bunny year will be a fortuitous one🐰🐰🐇 , I’m sure 4 you. God willing for we non-wabbits too. It will be like the saying for March, “In like a lion, out like a lamb”…..I bet. We viewers always seem to comment on Bianca’s looks, which is so far from all she brings to the channel imo, but I gotta comment that she was looking particularly statuesque in the walk to the Baywalk & the whole vlog today. Camera perspective? Wardrobe? Hair? Not sure but B was giving me really tall vibes! Tondo Princess, looking fierce & contemplative @ the seaside.

[@pauline_tan]

@@wintersojourn9356 Oh no what kind of science talk is this? ahahhaha just kidding!

[@wintersojourn9356]

@Pauline_tan. & I messed up the science talk in my comment, anyways😅. ⬆️Was supposed to write “MO2 is like water/H20”? Oh forgive me, periodic table! So i’m Not sciencey enough to be a science nerd😆. Will stick to wordy nerdy.

[@kevinpanique1671]

Hey Michael and Bianca. Just a little bit of history. Bacolod and Iloilo are oftentimes called Twin cities or sister cities as most people are related by blood. My Grandmother for example was from Negros Occidental. She was of mixed German Filipino and Spanish. This was very common during the early pre war period. Most of the wealthy sugar barons like the Lopez cla from Iloilo also expanded to Negros Occidental and began cultivating the local sugar industry there. Thats why both cities have a lot in common but also very unique in some aspects

[@BiancaBeyond]

Thank you for this information

[@ernestdmenace3200]

And many towns and cities in Negros Occidental originated as haciendas founded by sugar barons from Iloilo City and province. And they brought themselves workers from Iloilo. Yeah, most Negrenses are descendants of these immigrants from iloilo.

[@RED_WIRE]

You're right. I got relatives in Jaro that came from Negros Occidental. I love both cities

[@nolilopez9111]

Bacolod has a lot to offer especially to foreigner check it out you gonna amazed and enjoy

[@sniperburgoslacson8491]

Tsakto gid na damo2x ga pam2x nga mga uyab.

[@colleentipon2187]

My husband is from Bacolod but hasn't been back there in 47 years. He came over in 1976 and we met in 1979 and married in 1983. I will have to show him your stream. Loved it.

[@weirdtotoph7813]

I'm from Bacolod. Many tall buildings are under construction now and a big coliseum is under construction now in Bacolod.

[@stanleyboothe4893]

my wife is from Silay City. Her family lives in Talisay. I might be moving there in 4 years.

[@erdincucar129]

Hello bro, I want to more info Bacolod city. Can you send me your information please? Thank you

[@xiangronghu7871]

Almost forgot, Calea cakes & pastries and Manokan country. Those two are a must on your visit list.

[@annav.4988]

One of the reasons why Iloilo and Bacolod are called sister cities goes back to their history. During sugar boom in the port of Iloilo, wealthy families from Iloilo built haciendas in Negros and had sugarcane plantations. A lot of families have relatives from both cities/provinces especially those “old money” Ilonggo names. One of the many is the Lizares clan. There’s a Lizares Mansion in Iloilo and I think there’s one in Talisay, Negros. Probably different owners but from the same clan.

[@ghostofyou6468]

im from iloilo and iloilo is a great place also bacolod has many beautiful places

[@animejaxon9936]

Amazing bacolod 😍❤🇵🇭

[@emconsolacion7950]

Drop by Silay city, one place that made our history intertwined with Talisay, Bago city, Silay is our Paris of Negros,,Other place to go is Mambukal Hot spring resort, Ruin, Lakawon island, or by exploring BC is famous for smorgasbord

[@jovst.6161]

mabuhay guys i always watch your vlogs 🙂 from valenzuela manila

[@solo741]

The difference in quality between SM and Ayala condos is just huge. When I stayed in SMDC in tagaytay it sounded like the jeepneys were in my room. Then I stayed at an Ayala condo with construction right outside of my balcony all hours of the day and I can hardly hear a sound. Vast vast difference.

[@rona8663]

Another good video guys. Thanks

[@dawnfernandez2119]

I just booked a Bacolod Trip for January. Watching your videos gave me ideas which places to visit. Thank you for the recos😊

[@BiancaBeyond]

Bianca just spent the weekend there too and we are back again next weekend too so more Bacolod to come

[@frankiefernandez9225]

BEAUTIFUL BACOLOD❤️❤️❤️💙💙💙🫶🫶🫶🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@jesscasalla224]

you two never get tired of roaming around the city..

[@stephanievillanueva1375]

Try our chicken inasal. Were famous for our chicken Inasal.

[@YourTechGuide.]

*I was born in Bacolod City and moved to Vancouver Canada for almost 40yrs ago. Since then I still haven’t gone back home so thank you for sharing this video. You guys need to try the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal!*

[@joelso1480]

Hello guys, thanks for sharing this video. Bacolod called a City of smile but more likely a sweet City because of the sugar cane plantations sorrounding the area and nearby town.

[@junpenaverde8735]

Ohhh...wow bacolod my home town...

[@marcusgraham9478]

Looks like a real happening and enjoyable place to relax at night, as Bianca said the Festival would be good to see and lastly I believe her when she says she looks better in real life, that is a given....😇😇😇

[@wardieseledward]

Very nice. Enjoy your vlog, full support

[@ianwong411]

I have been watching your vlogs since before you were hunting for a stay place in Boracay last year. Glad you visited my hometown. Enjoy your stay!

[@lucenarevellame5330]

Thank you. This is my hometown. Bacolod the city of smile. I Love it...

[@mielo847]

Bacolod the city of smiles

[@bobbq9290]

Good morning and smashing the like button just for you guys all the way out here in Las Vegas.

[@BiancaBeyond]

Thanks so much

[@tebu]

Ola from Miami👋🏻 Nice bacolod video👍🏻

[@warricksworld]

Wow I get to watch

[@steelcitytv]

Beautiful

[@daviddodge9607]

Vikings is usually awesome. Looking forward to my visit next week . The acacia hotel has a wave pool and cabanas open to the public if you need to chill 😎

[@eagleeyes9112]

Yeah, in terms of not collecting garbage.

[@RED_WIRE]

Bacolod got Robinsons Mall as well it was built before Iloilo's Robinsons mall.

[@ouchie63]

The gazebo was constructed in 1926.

[@raularagon683]

Welcome to Bacolod,enjoy ur stay, better ask d person who fetch u n d port For foods to eat uniquely Famous in Bacolod.

[@ofeliasalem8131]

Hello! Welcome to my hometown, THE CITY OF SMILE, bacolod city. Enjoy for staying here.

[@wizardgaming669]

Cheers from Calgary. We live in Cebu city part of the year.

[@jesscasalla224]

i hope the issues about the house you're living in gets resolved soon .. have fun and take care of yourself you two..

[@lizahalili6695]

Welcome to the City Smile 😊 Bacolod . The Bacolod Public Plaza showing the Gazebo at the Center. Where the Massaka Festival performs before. It’s the heart of downtown area. Across from the San Sebastián Cathedral. I remember when I was small, after church we will go there in the Public Plaza and take pictures 😊. Now, Bacolod is the Food Center as well. You should try the Chicken Inasal just across of SM. Aida’s I can recommend. Bob’s Restaurant located at North Drive owned by Doctor Sicangco. 50+ years. Places to go, The Ruins in Talisay City. Was ancestral mansion of family of wealthy. I’m just give you guys brief history. Mambukal Mountain Resort, located in Murcia, Negros Occidental. My birth place, but I grow up in Bacolod the sugarbowl of the Philippines 🇵🇭 as well. Produces sugar in Negros. I hope you enjoy your stay in Bacolod 😊.

[@ginetteg]

Check out Lakawan. Small island last time I was at Lakawan was 2017 & I’ve heard it’s developed. Don Salvador in the mountains Kabankalan

[@gpaderx6105]

I think you'll never get culture shock there because Bacolod is just like an extension of Iloilo because they speak Hiligaynon there too. They're sweet also hehe. Ilonggo Nation

[@dasigkatama029]

Son of Queen Iloilo

[@joethomascovar8138]

Missin my father’s land in bacolod city/ cadiz city

[@lancefortaleza3665]

09:35 it's not a church.. it's called the Pope John Paul Tower..it was the site where Pope John Paul II stood and held a mass during his visit in 1981

[@BiancaBeyond]

Thank you!

[@Silverfish2910]

Head up to Talisay for historical stuff. There's really nothing much to see in Bacolod. Most of the island was sugar cane field and haciendas. We do have some nice Art Deco homes that offer tours.

[@Kdgamer-zt4uf]

Sugar cane juice is famous in Bacolod

[@eddmharrmendoza4088]

Next location Please... Sicogon Island ... It's actually called the PARADISE ISLAND... I bet you'll gonna love the place... 😊😊😊 Waiting and hoping soon... 🤞🤞

[@fixeuskeane]

Miss my hometown 🥰

[@RED_WIRE]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Bacolod Public Plaza Where people gather around every afternoon to play chess, debating about their beliefs and to unwind after a tiring day from work. My hometown. I miss my life in Bacolod 2nd to none it's better than my life here in England. I'll see you on the 26th city of smiles

[@PowrTeam316]

Thank you for sharing this video. I miss Bacolod my hometown. Hopefully you enjoyed your stay. The church that you saw near SM is actually a marker called Pope John Paul II Tower, commemorating Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1981 with educational info & an observation tower. Please visit Lakawon Island Resort and Mambucal Spring Resort soon.

[@wintersojourn9356]

@Laurence Burgos Thank you for this info! That will be a definite stop for me if I ever get to the area.

[@PowrTeam316]

@@wintersojourn9356 you're welcome!

[@clemencedixon1878]

Nice vlog

[@cynthialocsin9875]

Nice meeting you sir from ruins friends

[@BiancaBeyond]

Wonderful meeting you too! You are all so wonderful

[@olebadajit3210]

Westown Hotel is used to be Republic Planters Bank😁

[@lemarkenaguas784]

I'm from bacolod city salamat i'm go to the

[@historyahewithmotoprof4391]

Home of Bacolod Inasal Chicken!

[@ernestdmenace3200]

Trivia. The restaurant named Bacolod Chicken Inasal is not even from Bacolod.. its origin is Mandaluyong City. And there's no restaurant with that name existing in Bacolod..

[@sheilamaelin8281]

Oh my home city

[@marcsayson8026]

bacolod and iloilo are brother cities, they are always intertwine a little bit of competition among bacolod and iloilo for bacolodnon is known to be "tikalon" (proud) because of the sugar barons whom become so rich in early 40's and 50's and negros has become one of the richest province during that time until martial law came where negros/bacolod became the face of hunger in the country and struck by tragedies but bacolod created masskara festival to show its resiliency and the chicken inasal which became a staple food since people then cant afford to buy a whole chicken, a vendor cut the chickens into portions, the paa(leg) pecho(breast) and the pak pak(wing) then many followed so the famous vacolod chicken inasal and manokan country was born, bacolod have a rich history only that we tend to be modest about it

[@revokereymagsipoc5856]

I'm welcome you here to the city of smiles my home town❤

[@LuvMyLilBabe]

Hey guys please collaborate with Julie & Daniel, It's the Irish version of you guys, would be epic! 😁

[@fn2playmore]

I noticed you guys passed by Zack's Burgers, try it next time, they are a few steps above the fast food burgers. Stay safe and have fun. I am American but was born and raised in the Philippines.

[@gpaderx6105]

I think they already tried it in SM City Iloilo branch

[@BiancaBeyond]

Thanks for the tip!

[@kenokea27]

Come visit us again next time and I can recommend OG places

[@mauriciomontepio8401]

Hi from California.

[@infinote1260]

Welcome to the Philippines

[@helenoharawhite7704]

You guys always luck out with some fine hotel rooms. This one looks really nice. What does CR stand for when referring to the bathroom? Not familiar with that. Looks like another pretty city and again looking very attractive with all the lights on the shore front. I'm always surprised that there never seems to be any vandalism - all credit to the people who look after all these exhibits. ♡♡♡

[@BiancaBeyond]

Comfort room 😌

[@robertp.7090]

If you're still here, I'll happily pass along some recommendations...

[@BiancaBeyond]

We are, so please do

[@robertp.7090]

@@BiancaBeyond For Bacolod food, I'd recommend the inasal around the NGC and there's a new Mega World city thing going up within walking distance. The vibe at the restaurants and bistros in the NGC area is pretty good in the evenings. If you would like classic Bacolod western food, Bob's Cafe is the place and you can score some premium deli meat/cheese there as well, Deliciouso (sp) and the Cold Room are very nice, the Cold Room would really show up well on the camera. You can get great imported steaks at both locations, but the Cold Room is the best in that regard, IMO of course. If I was planning a day, it would start off visiting the Ruins in the morning, hitting the Cold Room for lunch and then taking an afternoon break at the hotel, then doing the evening at the NGC/Mega World. If you want to do the art thing, the Negros Museum has a great Italian restaurant there and then you can visit the museum. The food is great, but honestly I've never been in the museum and its within walking distance of where you're at.

[@robertp.7090]

If ya'll are here on Friday, lunch is on me.

[@EnniesTV]

❤❤❤😊

[@timmytimers9511]

Hi guys..sorry we didn't get to see you in passicity iloilo , but to be honest it just wasn't the right time or circumstances 😢, but we are now back in UK and came home with a horrible chest infection..but all ok now..enjoy Bacolod, hopefully we will be more settled in 2 years and living in iloilo permanently..take care guys,,🎉

[@BiancaBeyond]

How your Chest infection gets better soon

[@larryantenorcruz8149]

😊

[@wrafl]

Take a trip to Sipalay that have nice beaches. About 3-4 hours drive South.

[@BiancaBeyond]

Too far for this time around, too much to see in the city and close proximity

[@wrafl]

Agree if you're just there for few days not enough time. You guys are more adventurous than when I was there 2 years ago just had a chance to explore SM Mall in the city and nothing else except few trips to Sipalay.

[@BiancaBeyond]

@@wrafl yes we do have a plan to come back and rent a car or bike and go all around the island

[@nancypacete69]

​@@BiancaBeyond much cheaper to rent a car here in bacolod..you can go to mountains like don Salvador and Patag in silay city..a lot to explore and discover in negros..roads outside Bacolod are wider..by car you can travel the whole negros island oriental and occidental..a lot of beautiful beaches in oriental side part facing Cebu island

[@warricksworld]

I went to viking in iloilo, the juice is to die 4

[@stephanievillanueva1375]

Welcome to my how town bacolod

[@evolution_codm4777]

yalls hotels is super close to my school

[@Inot-cz8xw]

Check out the eskenita resto n bar

[@weeble3140]

FINALLYYYYY..... A Gurl who is honest with herself!!!! Jkjk😂

[@martinleandroalbana8864]

Missed crossing from Iloilo to visit the City of Smiles. Hope me and my family can come back to Bacolod soon. Missed the place. Thank you for sharing the updates!

[@pinky9875]

Yes in Canada uniforms only for private schools .

[@user-yo3kg7bw7q]

Hello friend

[@olebadajit3210]

I miss BCD6100❤️❤️❤️

[@rosauroangeles9119]

come to Baguio city and you amize is cold place in the Philippines.

[@lemarkenaguas784]

Oh i see that the world is Bacolod city go to the mansilingan and kabugwáson ❤

[@washburn8277]

Dont miss to visit Campuestuhan Guys. Ive been there 2x. I dont know how the place look like this year.

[@BiancaBeyond]

We will have to make a seperate trip just for that place

[@washburn8277]

@@BiancaBeyondcant wait. I want to bring back my kids there once Im back in the country. Enjoy bacolod guys.

[@petermiguel4594]

I can't compare both province bat Bacolod is a developing city and Negros as a whole...try some out of town places nearby...enjoy ur stay....✌️✌️✌️

[@warricksworld]

I going to make more proper videos now in the Philippines

[@warricksworld]

@PanayFun lol I don't do the video for money, I do it so I can remember 🤪

[@watfordtripod]

That church was constructed for arrival of the pope John Paul who came to the Philippines. Well that’s what my girlfriend told when I came in 2022 We will be back in 2024 May 🇬🇧🇵🇭🇬🇧🇵🇭❤️

[@pinky9875]

I stumbled upon your channel just now when you say Canadian you must be Canadian I am Pilipino living in Vancouver Canada lol Hello eh?😁😊My family left the Philippines in the 80s time for me to rediscover my homeland. I'm in my 50s so not too ovwild adventures for me, do blog for old school like us myself 😁🤣😊👍🌸❤️

[@BiancaBeyond]

Welcome to the Vlog:) hope you enjoy

[@pinky9875]

@@BiancaBeyond yes I’m enjoying your blog it’s 10:00 am here in Vancouver just getting ready for work 😂

[@wintersojourn9356]

@Jaquiline Banico. Hello Vancouver! TPL is great for adventures, some quiet & some noisy! They’re like I conceptualize the Philippines itself to be: family friendly, all ages valued & welcome, & loves a good party (see prior club, beach party, festival vlogs).

[@richardnuevo]

I missed napoleones 😢

[@ceelee5850]

Compare to ilo-ilo city, which one is more modern or better?

[@RED_WIRE]

That's not a church my friend that's a tower. The site is where pope John Paul 2nd held his mass during the early 80's. It's a tribute site for the late pope

[@asianight9188]

They are all for the views and will say anything to get them. Even it's nonsense😂

[@melc.3126]

Where is the link to the airbnb?

[@artkane6546]

Did you tip the guy that helped with your luggage? I wasn’t sure if that is customary in the Philippines.

[@jamesnichols2511]

nice hotel room. do you normally tip the person who brings your luggage to your room.

[@BiancaBeyond]

Yea if there is someone taking our luggage up we do

[@warricksworld]

Get the onion truck to come to iloilo 😢

[@rupertogonzales7870]

Hi.....

[@pinky9875]

Lo

[@robertp.7090]

I'm impressed with the complete lack of heart healthy food on your plate ya'll!!! Well done!

[@BiancaBeyond]

Seriously!!! We actually asked the waiter . Where are all the vegetables he took us to a small section for the salad bar that was basically empty 😃😃 so yea nothing healthy that night

[@kabiebebe2332]

Viking night is cheat night.... and yeah 😅😅

[@mohamedalkaboom]

Church is on top to be closer to god

[@abgeebssr7344]

With that adobo they’ll let you figure it out yourself: which came first, the chicken or the egg.

[@BiancaBeyond]

😂😂

[@JewelynGoode]

Bacolod is nice place. The room boy is waiting for his tip! Lol 😂

[@davidnollers7538]

Yes I noticed that also. And I also noticed there didn't seem to be any given? How do you guys feel about tipping? May be an interesting topic for a vlog. I always tip the bell boy or porters when they deliver my luggage, but that's just me. Everyone's different😊.

[@JewelynGoode]

@@davidnollers7538 tipping is optional in the Philippines but if your are in the hotel. usually we give tip it’s an appreciation for helping you. It’s just me or my experience I’m not sure with others. When I travel back in the Philippines to visit my family during pandemic. I gave tip to anyone who helped and provide me service. My husband told me to be generous because my fellow Filipinos we’re struggling during pandemic. Although we are struggling here in America but are situation is not as bad in the Philippines.

[@lemarkenaguas784]

Masskara festival

[@normidahabbas9476]

Coldest city in Philippines is baguio city

[@RED_WIRE]

Actually my friend your guide didn't take you to the newer side of Bacolod. Like Iloilo there's the old side of the city and new side of the city. Iloilo is the center of western Visayas it should lead the region while Bacolod City is only the provincial capital of Negros Occidental

[@asianight9188]

Useless info from most bloggers migo, they arrive in a new place with no clue and talk like they they are tourist guides

[@kuraraitsibana7673]

Those phone in the restroom is for emergency just in case you have a very bad diarrhea & you can't walk and you badly need help coz you're a sole traveller.