This Week in Bacolod (October 27 to November 2, 2019)

Due to localized thunderstorms, Bacolod City will experience isolated rains during the first half of the week. Some sun will start coming out on Thursday, October 31, until the weekend, just in time for the preparation for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. There will be shower spots and thunderstorms early in the day and evening on Saturday, November 2. If you and your family will visit your departed loved ones in the cemetery, it’s a must to bring canopies and other rain shields to keep your visit dry and comfortable. The minimum temperature of the week will be 30 °C while the maximum temperature will be 32 °C [1].

To ensure peace and order of the 40th MassKara Festival which runs from October 7 to October 27, about 2,000 security personnel were deployed to various areas of Bacolod. These personnel are from the Philippine National Police, Maritime Group, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Army.

To further provide effective security communications during the festival, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) had provided the city’s security personnel with at least 47 motorcycles, 23 patrol cars, and 59 hand-held radios [2].

The recent issue on the removal of the center island along Narra Avenue Extension and Tindalo Avenue at Shopping area in Bacolod City gained both negative and positive reactions from the public. However, city officials clarified that they are still conducting a study on the said matter.

Bacolod City Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez, Chairperson of the City Council Committee on Environment said that to address the traffic situation in the city, they are open for any improvement. He added that the removal of the center island is not yet final and they are still waiting for the result of the study of the City Engineer's Office (CEO) [3].

The resolution to remove the island was authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos. He stated that its purpose is to improve overall traffic conditions in the city and to maximize road use. However, there are some city officials like Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Councilor Carlos Jose Lopez, and Councilor Cindy Rojas who are not in favor of removing the trees in the area.

The 40th Masskara Festival became even more colorful and exciting with the Electric Masskara street party! It will take place from October 25 until October 27, closing the entire Lacson Streets [4]. For the public’s reference, the festival committee also created a map for easier navigation. The Electric Masskara street parade and street party will feature Masskara dancers from different participating groups, a parade of floats, as well as local bands and celebrities.

Planning to visit Bacolod City this Halloween? You may check out hotels and transient houses offering discounts and promos for the season. There are also condominium units offering daily rates for short stays. You’ll be able to book online for as low as Php1,600 per day. Hotels with high demands range from Php2,561 to Php 7,500 [5].

If you are a backpacker type, there are also transient houses in the city that offer short stays. Many locals in the city are accommodating and may even offer bed spaces to accommodate short stays in the city. After all, Bacolodnons are known for their warmth in accommodating guests and tourists!

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