Peter Pan Statue

The "City of Smiles", Bacolod City, is the capital and largest city of the Philippine province of Negros Occidental. It lies on the northwest coast of Negros Island, approximately 615 km southeast of Manila. It is known for the Lacson Street known by locals as "The Golden Strip", which is lined with many restaurants and stores. It is also home to the MassKara Festival, an annual celebration held in October that features colorful performances of street dancing, live bands, and float parades. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine–restaurants of trays of "kansi" (beef or pork soup), as well as pork or chicken inasal, are plentiful here. Nearby attractions include The Ruins, a mansion with walls of mansion that stands in memory of a prominent sugar baron from the crown-era; the Negros Museum and the provincial capitol. For those looking for outdoor adventure, nearby Mambukal Resort is ideal for zip lining and waterfalls. Bacolod is also home to many universities, including Central Philippine University and the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos.