Philippines – Nestled in the heart of Bacolod, Citadines Bacolod City, an Ascott Limited property, offers the perfect gateway to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich history of the Philippines’ City of Smiles. It provides the ultimate sanctuary for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Whether guests visit the city for historical sites, a relaxing beach, or awe-inspiring galleries and museums, Bacolod has something to offer everyone. Here are some must-visit attractions and experiences that await:
Uncover Bacolod’s History with a Visit to Heritage Homes
As guests step out of the Citadines Bacolod City, the charm of the bustling city unfolds. Revisit Negros Occidental’s history with the renowned The Ruins in Talisay City. This architectural marvel stands as an emblem of the poignant love story between Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. Surrounded by lush gardens, this historic mansion beckons visitors to linger in its serene ambiance.
Another historical gem in Talisay is the Balay ni Tana Dicang, the restored heritage home of renowned matriarch Enrica Alunan Lizares, affectionately known as Tana Dicang. This typical Filipino “bahay na bato” once hosted powerful historical figures and offers a window into a bygone era, honoring the beloved “Kapitana’s” legacy.
Silay, another must-visit city, is a cultural hub teeming with artists and perfectly preserved heritage houses built during the peak of the Philippine sugar industry. Most notable among these is the Balay Negrense, the ancestral home of Victor Fernandez Gaston. Balay Negrense is a mansion frozen in time, allowing guests to step back into a long-gone era.
Explore Local Art in the City of Smiles
Beyond its historical treasures, Bacolod boasts a thriving art scene. A short distance away from Citadines Bacolod City is the renowned The Art District, a space spanning half a block brimming with art galleries housing art by local artists. The best way to enjoy The Art District is by strolling through it late in the afternoon, taking in the vibrant murals and graffiti that adorn the area. The biggest art gallery in The Art District is the Orange Project, showcases an impressive collection of pieces from distinguished local artists. Visitors are free to look around the Orange Project as entry is free.
Another known museum in Bacolod is The Negros Museum. Housed in the Provincial Agriculture Building, it offers guests a unique glimpse into Negrense society as the first museum of its kind to exhibit Negrense culture and lifestyle rather than precious Negrense archeological artifacts. The Negros Museum also serves as an art hub, featuring artworks by local artists, further enriching Bacolod’s cultural landscape.
Unwind on Pristine Beaches and Islands
For guests who are nature enthusiasts, day trips to the highlands of Patag and Don Salvador Benedicto offer scenic views and serene escapes. Bacolod is also surrounded by beautiful islands, where guests can spend time in the sea and the sun. Lakawon island, renowned for its white sand beach and the clear turquoise waters, provides idyllic spots for relaxation by the sea.
The province is also home to several protected areas in the Philippines. Among them is Sagay City’s Carbin Reef, an unspoiled white sandbar surrounded by a thriving marine ecosystem and a lush mangrove forest. Visitors are encouraged to respect the island’s delicate ecosystem by avoiding littering and damaging the coral reefs. Another protected area in Sagay is Molocaboc Island. Home to fisher folk, the island has a rich marine reserve surrounded by a thick mangrove area. The Suyac Island Mangrove Eco-Park, a community-based ecotourism site, boasts one of the oldest and biggest Sonneratia alba mangroves in Negros.
Delight in Culture and All-Day Dining at Citadines Bacolod City
After a busy day of exploration, guests can retreat to the comfort of Citadines Bacolod City. As a staunch proponent of Bacolod’s culture and heritage, the property features two incredible pieces by the Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Artisans of Hope. The largest piece, “Buglas,” depicts Bacolod’s history, showing famous tourist spots and people’s livelihoods, topped by the majestic Mount Kanlaon.
In the lobby, a mural by the NVC Artisans of Hope is found. The handcrafted and sustainable artwork celebrates Bacolod’s culture, featuring Masskara’s masked dancers, Pintaflores’ floral costumes, Pasalamat’s drummers, and Dinagsa’s evening celebrations against a backdrop transitioning from day to night.
At Citadines Bacolod City, guests can also indulge in the delightful flavors of “Namit,” the property’s all-day dining restaurant. With a menu curated by Executive Chef Jose Mari Medrano, Namit offers a culinary experience that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Located on the second floor, Namit provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. The restaurant’s menu features a wide array of delectable dishes that highlight the best ingredients of the region. From hearty meals to light snacks, every dish is thoughtfully crafted to tantalize the taste buds and offer a memorable dining experience. Namit’s comfortable setting, combined with its mouth-watering cuisine, makes it a standout dining destination in Bacolod.
Citadines Bacolod City is a hub of comfort and convenience, providing guests a relaxing haven as they immerse in the beauty and culture of Bacolod City. The property’s well-appointed rooms, attentive staff known as “Citazens”, and prime location makes it the perfect base as guests discover Bacolod’s iconic sights and hidden gems. The Citazens go above and beyond to enhance the guest experience. They help guests enjoy an authentic local experience in the city by offering guides and hacks to make the most out of their exploration, ensuring that every moment spent in the City of Smiles is memorable. Whether guests are interested in historical landmarks, cultural treasures, or scenic retreats, Citadines Bacolod City places them at the heart of it all.
For reservations, advanced bookings, and property updates, guests can visit Citadines’ official website and their following social media pages, Facebook and Instagram.
About The Ascott Limited
Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with more than 930 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.
Ascott’s diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello; and it has a brand partnership with Domitys. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.
A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
For more information on Ascott’s industry record of close to 40 years and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About CapitaLand Investment Limited (www.capitalandinvest.com)
Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 June 2023, CLI had S$134 billion of real estate assets under management, and S$89 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres.
CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and its full stack of operating capabilities, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand’s development arm.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
