One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Capitol Park and Lagoon and Bacolod City Plaza. The environment here is very beautiful—full of green trees and clean surroundings. As someone who rarely leaves the house, being in a place like this gives me a unique joy. It was literally like everyone there was smiling, and I could feel their positive energy as well. Walking through the parks, I couldn't help but marvel at every detail—from the well-kept lawns to the pristine lagoons. The Capitol Park and Lagoon is also known for its iconic statues, where images of ordinary citizens and fishermen can be seen that symbolize the industriousness of the Negrense people. Meanwhile, Bacolod City Plaza has a historical ambiance. The design of the plaza seems to transport you back to colonial times.
The fun part of my trip was our arrival at Bacolod-Silay Airport. I didn't notice that the language in Bacolod is Hiligaynon, not Bisaya. As I asked the airport staff using Visayan, I could see the surprise on his face. That scene was funny because I am familiar with Bisaya and we use it at home, especially since my cousins in Bacolod are also well-versed in Bisaya. However, Bacolod is part of Negros Occidental, where Hiligaynon is the main language. At that time, I remembered the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity in the Philippines.
The trip to the parks was also a memorable part of my experience. We took a jeepney and a bus, and I felt peace during the ride. There was not much traffic, so our journey was easy and comfortable. Every second and minute of the trip was like telling me, "This is the fulfillment of your dream." As someone who rarely travels, going to Bacolod is an achievement that I am really proud of, something I want to brag about.
There is no denying that Bacolod is not only known for its clean parks and happy atmosphere. The Masskara Festival is another reason why it is called the City of Smiles. The word Masskara is a combination of "mass" (many people) and "kara" (face). Festival participants dance in the streets while wearing colorful masks, fancy costumes, and large headdresses. The whole city turns into one big celebration of culture and fun. One of the things that impressed me was Bacolod's relationship with the sugar industry. Negros Occidental, home to Bacolod, is historically known as the sugar capital of the Philippines. In my reflection, I thought that the "sweet smiles" of the Bacolodnons may be caused by their natural history of sugar production—a very refreshing symbolism.
Aside from the parks, we also had a quick visit to SM City Bacolod. We ate at KFC, and there happened to be an anime cosplay event there. It was fun because we saw young people dressed up as their favorite anime characters, so we had a chance to take pictures. My twin and I were the oldest in the group, so we enjoyed it even more while watching the fun of our siblings and cousins. The walk from SM City to Capitol Park was also a highlight of our day. Even though we walked for a long time, I didn't feel it as a fatigue. Instead, I was filled with excitement and joy as I took in the sights and wondered where we were going next. It's really the first-timer vibes that can't be matched. While walking and enjoying the scenery, I had a chance to reflect on myself. My dream is to travel and experience different places. And now that I've done it, I want to promise myself it won't be the last. Bacolod, this is not our last meeting. It's like this place has a magnet that keeps pulling me back. As I relive those moments, I feel the urge to go back and explore more that I have never seen. Bacolod has a unique energy that seems like a magnet pulling me back. City of Smiles isn't just a title—it's a feeling that enveloped me throughout my stay. The smiles of the people, their kindness and friendliness, seemed to leave a mark on my heart.
As a graduating student, this experience left many lessons for me. “Live while you're young,” “You only live once”—sayings that seemed to have a deeper meaning for me. As a home girlie who rarely went out due to the protectiveness of my parents, I've just proven that getting out and exploring the world is worth it. I will never forget Bacolod, the smiles of the people, the beauty of nature, and the unique joy I felt. It's a reminder that life is full of beautiful places and experiences just waiting to be discovered.
Bacolod is not just a place I visited; it became a symbol of the things I wanted to experience more in life. Every experience there served as a reminder that there are so many beautiful things in the world just waiting to be explored. I also realized that with each trip, I discover more not only the beauty of the surroundings but also myself. As I pondered the possibilities of a return, so many ideas came to my mind. I want to try their delicious dishes—the famous chicken inasal, the pasalubong piayas and napoleones. I want to be a part of the Masskara Festival, see the colorful masks and dances in person, and feel the joy that the festival brings. I want to go back to the parks, sit in the shade of the trees, and feel the peaceful vibe that comforts my soul again. Bacolod, you have been an inspiration. Every smile I saw in your people was like a reminder that every step in life has a reason. You gave me the courage to dream more. I want to experience more things, not only in Bacolod but in the whole Philippines. But you, Bacolod, will be special.
Bacolod is a place full of vibes of fun, peace, and beauty. It is a destination that not only imprints happy memories but also inspires life. With its parks, history, and vibrant culture, it can be said that Bacolod is truly a unique place in the Philippines. If you haven't been to Bacolod, let me remind you: visit it. It's not just a simple city—it's a paradise full of smiles, stories, and love.
Bacolod is like a hug—not just a hug, but a hug full of warmth, fun, and comfort. In every corner of Capitol Park and Lagoon, in every step in Bacolod City Plaza, and in every smile of the people there, I felt a strange connection that I can't explain. It's like this place pulled me back to the simple things that make life happy—to walk in the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and witness the beauty of the surroundings. Bacolod is a reminder that sometimes, true happiness doesn't have to be found in faraway places or fancy experiences. Sometimes, it's in the simple moments—laughing with family, discovering new places, and feeling like you're in the right place, at the right time. So, in Bacolod, I learned to embrace every opportunity. It's a hug I never want to let go of, and I'll carry it in my heart for the rest of my life. Bacolod, thank you for your warm embrace. I promise, I'll be back. See you again!
