• FRANCIS RYAN PABIANIA
The provincial government of Negros Occidental has introduced its Negros Culture Hub Tour to a group of content creators through a “heritage tour” that traversed the cities of Bacolod, Talisay, and Silay June 6.
The tour was among six other signature culture hub tours designed to offer visitors curated cultural circuits that highlight Negros Occidental’s rich heritage, history, local traditions, and destination experiences through guided tours for both solo travelers and groups.
“We have invited several content creators to experience firsthand what the Culture Hub Tours can offer,” Maita Toriales, reservation officer and social media manager for Negros Culture Hub and Negros Residences, said.
Raymond Alunan Bayot, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Tourism Division, guided the tour that started at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.
The iconic structure, built in 1927, is set to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2027 and remains one of the province’s most recognizable heritage landmarks.
From the Capitol, the group had a rolling tour through highly-visited historical sites in Bacolod City, including its public plaza and the San Sebastian Cathedral.
The route also traversed Lacson Street, named after General Aniceto Lacson, who was from Talisay City and later emerged as a revolutionary leader.
The tour continued in Talisay City with a visit to the historic Balay ni Tana Dicang, an ancestral house built in 1872.
Now preserved as a house museum and declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines, Balay showcases intricate architectural details and offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Enrica Alunan Lizares.
Meanwhile, tour participants enjoyed a homecooked lunch at Sir and Ma’am Restaurant, where signature dishes, such as morcon, lechon kawali, and ubod, among others, were served.
These specialties have remained among their bestselling dishes since 1962, the restaurant management said.
Referred to as the “Paris of Negros”, the group then explored Silay City’s well-preserved ancestral houses, and visited the historic San Diego Pro-Cathedral. The church is notable for being the only one in Negros Occidental with a dome, or cupola, making it a distinct architectural landmark in the province.
The heritage tour concluded at the Negros Occidental Technology and Livelihood Development Center, where the group was introduced to the province’s thriving micro, small, and medium enterprises, along with a variety of locally-made products and pasalubong items, including the renowned piaya.
Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II, said in a Facebook post: “Thank you for experiencing and sharing our culture, culinary arts, and juicy stories. May you help spread love of our rich history, culture, and traditions among our fellow Negrenses, especially the youth.”
Guests can book a tour online via https://culturehubtours.negros-occ.gov.ph/, or visit the Negros Culture Hub Tours social media pages, or at Negros Residences. | FRPabiania photos
