Bago City is a city in Negros Occidental. It is known for its historical sites and natural treasures, and as the "rice granary of Negros Occidental".

Understand

History

Like most of the rest of the country, Bago was ruled by the Spanish from the late 16th century to the end of the 19th. In 1898 Filipino rebels, led by General Araneta in this region and General Lacson in Talisay, forced the capitulation of the Spanish garrison at Bacolod and established a revolutionary government with Araneta as the Acting Governor.

In 1901 the Americans came, abolished Araneta's government, and established a civil government on Negros Occidental. They allowed Filipino officials to govern the municipality.

During the Pacific War Japanese forces occupied Bago and attempted to establish a provincial government but got little co-operation. The Americans, with Filipino help, liberated the town on March 29, 1945. It had been almost destroyed but has since been rebuilt and further developed.

Talk

Hiligaynon is the main local language in this region but English, Tagalog, and Cebuano are also widely spoken, and many locals speak two or more languages well. Other languages including Aklanon, Ilokano, Waray and Hokkien Chinese are also spoken.

Get in

By plane

Bago City can be reached through Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD ^IATA) which is in Silay but serves Bacolod City, 14.4 km away from Bago City. The airport is served by two airlines: Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific that connect the whole of Negros Occidental to Metro Manila, Cebu City and Davao. You can get a cab to get to Bago City on arrival.

By boat

Another alternative for getting to Bago City is using ships from other provinces to Bacolod's Bredco Port. From Manila, Bacolod is 18 hours away while from Iloilo, it is 45 minutes to 1 hour away. There might be many ports in Negros Occidental that are accessible but among them Bacolod is the most accessible and is the nearest point from Bago City.

• Weesam Express, Bredco Port, Reclamation Area, ☏ +63 34-43339125, +63 34-4339775. Iloilo City 
• Ocean Jet, ☏ +63 34-4335359. Iloilo City 
• 2GO, Bredco Port 2, Reclamation Area, ☏ +63 34-4354965. Manila and Cagayan de Oro 

Get around

Air-conditioned taxis are now plentiful in Bago City, but tricycles and jeepneys are still the cheapest modes of transport.

See

Historical sites and churches

• General Juan A. Araneta Monument, stands in the public plaza and stores the remains of General Araneta as well as his erected statue.
• Historical Marker of the 1898 Declaration of Canton de Negros Republic by General Araneta
• Old Bago Bridge, a bridge spanning the Bago River, was built sometime in the late 1920s. Here, American PFC Theodore C. Vinther died foiling Japanese attempts to destroy this bridge on March 29, 1945. A World War II Veterans marker was installed at the approach to the bridge during the 50th anniversary of Negros' liberation.
• St. John the Baptist Catholic Church: One of the century-old churches in Negros Occidental built in 1891, its architecture might remind you of Mexico as its architectural design is Mexican-influenced.
• Balay ni Tan Juan: House of General Juan Araneta, who struggled with many people for freedom of Bago from the Spanish. It is a museum and stores collection of memorabilia.
• Cinco De Noviembre Marker: Located on the site that used to be occupied by a drugstore of Leandro Locsin, it was used by a meeting place of the leaders of the 1898 Revolution.
• Ruins of Old Mascuvado Mills

Cultural and Nature Centers

• Buenos Aires Mountain Resort, Barangay Ilijan, 28 km east of Bago City, ☏ +63 34-4610164, +63 34-4610199, bago@lasaltech.com. Used once as a hideout during the World War II. An Ideal site for a family vacation, it has a hostel, cottages and swimming pools. 
• Rafael Salas Park & Nature Center serves as a gateway to Mt. Kanla-on National Park. Ideal place for mountaineers.
• Kipot Twin Falls, Barangay Mailum, ☏ +63 34-4610164, +63 34-4610540. Stunning waterfalls located in the hills, its waterfalls inspire poets and musicians alike and its view attracts local tourists as well as foreign tourists, Swim its waters and take a massage under the waterfalls. Entrance fees cost low as ₱10 and cottages cost ₱100. 
• Bagacay Falls and Asaw-Asaw Falls. Accessible by foot and nearby Kipot Twin falls. 
• Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park
• Busay Dalupya
• Manuel Y. Torres Coliseum and Cultural Center
• Crocodile Farm Ostrich Farm
• Harding Sang Balo
• Humberto's Farm Resort, Hacienda Laura, Barangay Pacol, Bago City, ☏ +63 9062736216. 

Do

Festivals

• Charter Day Anniversary
• Feast of Saint John the Baptist
• Al Cinco de Noviembre Fiesta

Buy

Silk is the best product Bago City can give.

Eat

Try Kalamayhati and Inasal. Inasal means cooked over fire or in simple words a local version of barbecue, they're available in streets sold in stalls. Kalamayhati is a variety of local rice cakes, it is made from coconut milk, sugar and glutinous rice.

Drink

San Miguel beer is mostly available in the Philippines.

Sleep

• Buenos Aires Mountain Resort, Barangay Ilijan, 28 km east of Bago City, ☏ +63 34-4610164, +63 34-4610199, bago@lasaltech.com. Used once as a hideout during the World War II. An Ideal site for a family vacation, it has a hostel, cottages and swimming pools. 
• The Quiet Place Farm Resort, Barangay Tabunan, ☏ +63 34-4354391, +63 34-4342644. After a tired and hectic day, go have a spa and massage in the Quiet Place Farm Resort, not only it offers spas but also accommodations. ₱3320-3420. 
• Humberto's Farm Resort, Hacienda Laura, Barangay Pacol, Bago City, ☏ +63 9062736216. 
• Jara Beach and Garden Resort
• Seafront Resort and Beach Garden
• Cora Beach Resort
• Reesa Beach Resort
• Pata-an Mountain Resort

Connect

English newspapers like Visayan Daily Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Business Tonight are available.

Go next

• Bacolod City: Negros Occidental's provincial capital as well as the center of commerce in the province.