Bacolod City through the Bacolod City Tourism Office officially unveiled a revolutionary pavilion concept that bridges a century of history with the city’s modern-day festive spirit as the Panaad sa Negros Festival commemorates its landmark 30th year in Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
The Bacolod Pavilion offers an immersive “cultural portal” where visitors can experience the city’s three premier festivals in a single, high-energy destination.
Under the leadership of Mayor Greg Gasataya, the 2026 showcase moves beyond traditional displays, creating a sensory journey that celebrates Bacolod’s past, present, and future.
The architectural soul of this year’s presentation is a majestic tribute to the Bacolod Bandstand, marking its Centennial Anniversary (1926–2026). Standing as a symbol of the city’s enduring love for music and the arts, this century-old icon serves as the pavilion’s exit, reminding visitors that while Bacolod constantly evolves, its historical roots remain unshakable.
Inside the pavilion, the city’s cultural calendar is condensed into three distinct, vibrant zones. First is the Bacolaodiat Experience, in a collaborative effort between the Bacolod Business Community, the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLDO), and the youth leaders of Sangguniang Kabataan (Brgy. Villamonte), the pavilion hosts “Chopsticks Alley.” This bustling enclave highlights the city’s Filipino-Chinese heritage through a curated market of artisanal goods and wellness finds.
Second is the MassKara Festival Gallery, housed within a grand replica of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), the central hall is an explosion of color and technology. Featuring an expansive LED showcase and a gallery of world-class costumes from the 2025 streetdancing champions, it captures the legendary resilience and “City of Smiles” optimism.
Lastly, no Bacolod experience is complete without the smoky aroma of authentic Chicken Inasal. Partnering with industry pioneer Velez Grill, the pavilion honors the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival by serving the original recipe, cementing the dish’s status as a cornerstone of the city’s identity.
“This isn’t just a pavilion; it is the story of Bacolod’s soul,” says Ma. Teresa Manalili, Chief Tourism Operations Officer. “By weaving together the legacies of the Bandstand, Bacolaodiat, MassKara, and our culinary heritage, we are showing the world that Bacolod is a city of continuous motion—honoring where we came from while aggressively pursuing our future as a global tourism leader.”
The Bacolod Pavilion opens to the public from April 13 to April 19. Within these dates are performances from acoustic bands, folk dancers, masskara dancers, drum beaters and local talents. Local residents and tourists alike are invited to witness this unprecedented fusion of culture, flavors, and history.*
