Bacolod, Philippines

Bacolod City is the capital and largest highly urbanized mid-size Philippine city of the province of Negros Occidental. Having a total of 499,497 inhabitants as of August 1, 2007, it is the most populous city in the Western Visayas Region. It is notable for its MassKara Festival held during October. Known for being a relatively friendly city, it bears the nickname City of Smiles. Bacolod City recently topped a survey by MoneySense Magazine as the "Best Place to Live in the Philippines. With an airport, a sea port and a host of bus and jeepney terminals, Bacolod is little more than a transport hub to most travellers. But if you have the time, it does have a couple of sights you can see inside of a day.