Bago, Philippines
Region: Bago City
Geographic Coordinates: 10.538800, 122.838000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet from May to October.
Population: 191210
Language: Tagalog
Bago is a city located in Negros Occidental, Philippines, About 21 kilometers from Bacolod City. It’s a place known for its rich history and culture as well as its natural beauty. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Bago is the Bantayan Park. The park has a beautiful lagoon surrounded by lush greenery and trees, Making it an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation. There are also several amenities such as playgrounds, Basketball courts, And tennis courts. Another attraction in Bago is the Mag-aso Falls which can be accessed via scenic trails through a forest reserve.
The falls feature several tiers of cascading water that create pools perfect for swimming or simply enjoying nature’s beauty. For those interested in history, There are several historical sites to visit in Bago such as San Sebastian Cathedral which was built during Spanish colonial times and still stands today as one of the oldest churches in Negros Occidental. Fortin de la Concepcion y del Triunfo is another notable site built by Spanish colonizers to defend against pirates who roamed around nearby waters during that time period.
Aside from these attractions, Bago also boasts a thriving agricultural industry with sugarcane being one of its primary crops. Visitors can witness firsthand how sugarcane farming works by visiting local farms or sugar mills. no trip to Bago would be complete without trying some of its local delicacies such as piaya (a sweet flatbread filled with muscovado sugar) or chicken binakol (a soup made with coconut milk). Overall, Whether you’re looking to relax amidst natural beauty or immerse yourself in rich history and culture – Bago has something for everyone!
- Shwemawdaw Pagoda – one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar.
- Kyaik Pun Pagoda – a temple with four giant Buddha statues.
- Kanbawzathadi Palace – a restored royal palace from the 16th century.
- Mahazedi Pagoda – a stupa with intricate carvings and sculptures.
- Shwethalyaung Buddha – a reclining Buddha statue measuring 55 meters long.
- Hintha Gon Paya – a pagoda shaped like a mythical bird called Hintha.
- Snake Temple (Nagayon Temple) – home to pythons that are believed to be reincarnated monks.
- Bago Market (Myoma Market) – bustling local market selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Bago is a city that primarily focuses on agriculture, but it also has other major industries and businesses.
- These include the sugar industry, food processing, handicrafts, livestock farming, fishing, retail trade and tourism.
- The sugar industry is one of the mainstays of Bago’s economy. The city boasts vast sugarcane plantations and sugar mills. Additionally, there are several food processing companies in Bago that specialize in producing sugar-based products like muscovado sugar and molasses.
- Handicrafts are another important industry in Bago. The city is well-known for its production of woven products such as bags, mats and baskets.
- Livestock farming is also a significant contributor to the local economy with cattle and poultry being raised in large numbers.
- Bago’s proximity to the sea allows for a thriving fishing industry which adds to the diversity of its economy.
- Retail trade plays an important role too with numerous stores selling everything from clothing to electronics to food items.
- While not yet a major industry, tourism is growing in Bago due to its natural attractions like Mount Kanlaon National Park as well as cultural landmarks such as San Sebastian Cathedral.
- The Battle of Bago – This battle occurred during the Philippine-American War on February 21, 1900. It involved Filipino revolutionaries led by General Juan Araneta and American forces led by Colonel Benjamin F. Cheatham.
- General Juan Araneta – He was a revolutionary leader who fought against Spanish colonial rule and later against American occupation in Negros Island. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Bago.
- Don Emilio Gaston – He was an influential businessman and philanthropist from Bago who founded the Victorias Milling Company, one of Asia’s most extensive sugar mills.
- Dr. Vicente Gustilo – He was a renowned surgeon from Bago who pioneered surgical techniques for treating bone fractures and joint injuries.
- The Annual Kali-Kalihan Festival – This festival is celebrated every January 19-20 to honor Santo Niño de Cebu, the patron saint of Bago City.
- The Balay Negrense Museum – This museum is located in nearby Silay City but is associated with Bago because it showcases the lifestyle of wealthy sugar barons like Don Emilio Gaston during the late 19th century to early 20th century when Negros Occidental was known as Sugarlandia.
- Sinulog Festival – A religious festival held every third Sunday of January to honor Sto. Niño.
- Masskara Festival – A colorful event that takes place every October in Bacolod City where people wear masks and costumes.
- Panaad sa Negros Festival – An annual celebration that showcases the culture and traditions of Negros Occidental held every April.
- Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival – A thanksgiving festival celebrated by the Talaandig tribe in Bago City during the first week of May.
- Feast of St. John The Baptist – Celebrated on June 24th, this is a religious event that involves a procession and other activities such as fluvial parade and street dancing.
Please note that it’s always recommended to check for updates or changes before attending any cultural events or festivals due to COVID-19 restrictions or any other reasons that might affect these events’ schedules or locations.
- Chicken Inasal – a grilled chicken dish marinated in a special blend of spices and served with rice and dipping sauce. Some popular places to try this dish are Mang Inasal, Aida’s Chicken Bacolod, and Nena’s Beth.
- Batchoy – a noodle soup made with pork broth, shredded pork meat, liver, intestines, vegetables, and egg noodles. Some popular places to try this dish are Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy and KBL (Kadyos Baboy Langka) Restaurant.
- Piaya – a sweet flatbread filled with muscovado sugar or ube (purple yam). Some popular places to buy piaya are Merci Pasalubong Center and Virgie’s Homemade Delicacies.
- Seafood – Bago is located near the coast so there are plenty of seafood options available such as grilled squid or fish, shrimp sinigang (sour soup), or crispy fried tilapia.
- Lechon Manok – roasted chicken stuffed with lemongrass and other herbs for added flavor. Some popular places to try this dish are Andoks Chicken Bacolod City or Baliwag Lechon Manok & Liempo.
- Cakes & Pastries – Bago is known for its delicious cakes such as the famous Napoleones pastry from Roli’s Cafeteria or the chocolate cake from Felicia’s Pastry Cafe.
- Street Food – For those who love street food there is balut (boiled fertilized duck egg), kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs coated in orange batter), fish balls on stick dipped in sweet chili sauce or vinegar among others that can be found along the streets of Bago City Market area especially at night time when vendors come out selling their wares.
- Bago City Eco Park is a nature park that features a butterfly garden, bird watching area, and hiking trails.
- Bago City Public Plaza is a public park located in the city center with benches, fountains, and playgrounds for children.
- Mount Kanlaon National Park is a protected area that offers various hiking trails and camping sites.
- Mambukal Resort is a popular resort known for its hot springs, swimming pools, and outdoor activities such as zip-lining and wall climbing.
- Balay Negrense Museum is an open-air museum that showcases the lifestyle of wealthy sugar barons during the Spanish colonial period.
- Mag-aso Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Barangay Oringao that offers swimming opportunities to visitors.
- Gawahon Eco-Park & Adventure Park is an eco-park with various adventure activities including zipline rides and rope courses for thrill-seekers.
- Guanzon Beach Resort is situated in Barangay Ma-ao which offers water sports activities like kayaking and jet skiing to visitors who love water sports adventures.
- Don Salvador Benedicto Ecotourism Site – This site located in Don Salvador Benedicto town where visitors can enjoy scenic views of mountains while biking or trekking through nature trails.
- Bago River Eco-Tourism Park – A park located along Bago River where visitors can enjoy fishing or boating trips while enjoying scenic views of the river’s surroundings.
