It is up to you where you will be when the world does its countdown to 2020.
When it comes to the traditional new year celebration in Bacolod, most families stay at home, light up fireworks bought at the downtown, and share a delicious home-cooked meal at midnight. But if you want a break from the same old traditions this New Year’s Eve, we have listed some alternative ways for you. Whether you want to be in the middle of the crowd partying all night or welcome the new year in a secluded hideaway, check out these ideas that will give you a one-of-a-kind New Year celebration in Bacolod.
1. Take a beach trip.
Escape the cold holiday and have some fun under the sun before the year ends.
Image: Lakawon Website
If you want to spend New Year’s Eve in a warm local destination where you can celebrate right on the beach, check out Lakawon Beach Resort. This destination welcomes their guests with pristine white-sand and turquoise waters. The 16-hectare resort island also offers a lot of fun activities to try, like snorkeling, kayaking, riding a banana boat, and kite surfing. Party onboard at the TawHai Floating Bar, the biggest floating bar in Asia, and watch the spectacular view of the last sunset for 2019.
How to get to Lakawon Beach Resort: From North Ceres Terminal, board a Cadiz Ceres Bus bound for Cadiz. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Martisan Crossing, then take a pedicab going to the Cadiz Viejo Port (Lakawon Port). When you get to the port, proceed to the port’s office for the registration and payment of the fees. Wait for the guard to call your number and proceed to the boat ride going to Lakawon Island. The boat ride will take about 15 minutes.
2. Go camping or glamping.
Activities like birdwatching, nature walk, stargazing, swimming, and trekking can also be done in Kampo Hiyang-Hiyang.
Image: Kampo Hiyang-Hiyang Facebook Page
Something quiet with a breath of fresh air, you say? Kampo Hiyang-Hiyang offers glamping and camping under the stars! Let the cool breeze and clean atmosphere of the mountains help you reflect about what a year 2019 has been while taking time off from the busy life back in the metro. Unparalleled views from the night sky, mountains, and city lights match this serene location which is only 30 minutes away from the capital.
How to get to Kampo Hiyang-Hiyang: There are no buses or jeepneys passing by Kampo Hiyang-Hiyang. You can either take a taxi going to Brgy. Cabatangan or rent a car at Bacolod Cars for Rent’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BacolodcarRental/?ref=br_rs
3. Watch the annual fireworks display.
Recommended place: Bacolod Government Center, Circumferential Road, 6100 Bacolod City
The skies of Bacolod will sparkle again with multi-colored lights.
Image: Peter Ed
If you want to witness a grand display of dazzling pyrotechnics but are hesitant to spend a penny, the government invites you to the free Annual Fireworks Display at the Bacolod Government Center. Expect the city hall grounds to be filled with children spreading laughter, couples spending time, and families gathering as one to celebrate the evening with a bang. The annual display of colorful fireworks will be accompanied with music and a countdown. This annual gathering is organized in the hopes of bringing continuous prosperity to the city.
How to get to Bacolod Government Center: Coming from the North Ceres Terminal, cross the street going to the PUV North Terminal and take a Bangga Pepsi-New Government Center jeepney. Get off at the final stop of the jeepney which is at the Bacolod Government Center.
4. Have a staycation.
Meaningful conversations over a bottle of wine with the loved ones at a private house with a pool.
Image: The Pool House BCD Facebook Page
If you prefer to be far removed from the parties and celebrations during the New Year’s Eve, have a staycation at The Pool House Bacolod in Villa Celia Subdivision. In addition to access to the whole private house, you also have full use of the pool, garden, and function room with KTV (Karaoke Television). Make use of the private getaway inside a quiet subdivision by turning off all gadgets and electronics and have a night of intimate bonding with the family.
How to get to The Pool House: From Central Market in Downtown, take a Mansilingan-Central Market jeepney bound south. Ask the driver to drop you off at the main entrance of Villa Celia Subdivision in Taculing. Take a pedicab and ask the driver to drop you off at The Pool House Bacolod along Celia Avenue.
5. Host a house party.
Have your closest friends help you out with the house party preparations
How about gathering all your closest friends under one roof and hosting an end-of-the-year house party? Deck your house from top to bottom with festive decorations and pass around the party hats and horns. Since planning and prepping would take up your time, drive over to Apollo Restaurant before the party to take care of the food. Keep your guests well fed with the restaurant’s food packages, and don’t forget to get some lumpia (spring rolls), the most expected finger food in any occasion. Your music and drink selection should also be on point; set the tone by creating a festive environment before the countdown to 2020!
How to get to Apollo Restaurant (Lopue’s Branch): If you come from SM City Bacolod, get on a Homesite-Central Market PUV bound east. Ask the driver to drop you at the front entrance of the Lopue’s East Building. Once you get off, you will see the Apollo Restaurant’s entrance between Dunkin Donuts and Jollibee.
Go to Yoorekka for more celebration ideas and recommendations!
Start the year by trying unfamiliar things; relax, look back, or rave until the first sunrise of the year greets you with a beautiful hello. Happy New Year!
