BACOLOD, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, PHILIPPINES - 2014/03/09: San Sebastian Cathedral is a late nineteenth century church in Bacolod, the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bacolod. Fr. Julian Gonzaga, from Barcelona the priest from 1818-1836 had the original wooden church built in 1825. The present structure was reconstructed in 1876 under Father Mauricio Ferrero. Hardwood from Palawan were used for the building. Fr. Mariano de Avila's bell was installed in the bell tower during construction. In 1885, construction of the bell towers began. The towers were made of aluminium framed in hardwood. The church was declared a cathedral in 1933 when Bacolod became its own diocese. (Photo by John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)

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Bacolod

Once the hub of a booming sugar industry, these days Bacolod is known for its food and convenience as a transport hub. There are a few sights of historic interest and good restaurants, and it's a useful base for Mt Kanlaon Natural Park or the nearby historic district of Silay.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Negros Forests & Ecological Foundation

    Negros Forests & Ecological Foundation

    Bacolod

    A zoo with a difference, this foundation seeks to preserve endangered animals endemic to Negros. It houses mostly birds, including an extraordinary…

  • RUINS

    RUINS

    Bacolod

    Set on lovely manicured grounds surrounded by sugar plantations, the RUINS is an early-20th-century Italianate mansion originally built by a local sugar…

  • San Sebastian Cathedral

    San Sebastian Cathedral

    Bacolod

    Worth a look is this impressive 19th-century cathedral built from coral stone (quarried from Guimaras) across from the city's central plaza. It's…

  • Negros Museum

    Negros Museum

    Bacolod

    Houses an eclectic collection, from a room dedicated to the sugar industry to one containing toys from around the world. Don't miss the fake cannons used…

  • Capitol Park & Lagoon

    Capitol Park & Lagoon

    Bacolod

    The city's central gathering place is worth a stroll, particularly on weekends when it's a popular picnic spot. Bring some food for the resident tilapia.

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