Travel and Leisure

The dream of a new government center was initiated by former Mayor Evilio "Bing" Leonardia. The 5 hectare lot located at the Circumferential Road Area was donated by the family of Don Padoc Gonzaga in 2006 and construction immediately started in December 28, 2006, exactly 6 months after the finalization of the papers. Over the past years, it has served as a venue for special holiday events and entertainment shows sponsored by the city government. In fact, the former Mayor made his state of the city address (SOCA) last September 8, 2008 in NGC. More recently, a government sponsored mass wedding was held last Valentine 's Day and also the celebration of the annual Masskara festival was held here.

The New Government Center (NGC) is a grand spectacle in Bacolod one should not miss as a travel enthusiast visiting the city. The magnificent view of the old Renaissance inspired edifice is best appreciated at night as the soft lights complement its cream-colored walls and the synchronous spewing of water at the fountain area gives a finishing touch to its splendour. The panorama gives an atmosphere of serenity to the populace strolling along the esplanade and to the sports enthusiast jogging around the perimeter of the structure. Surely, it is a perfect spot for quality time with friends, family, and loved ones. The wide Bermuda grass area is often filled with young people playing games and students practicing dance routines. Typical games often seen include Frisbee as well as football and other ball games.

Food stalls, restaurants, and coffee shops are also easily available across the New Government Center for the starving stomach and for those who have the appetite for an authentic Bacolod style dish. These food stalls and restaurants include a Shawarma kiosk, an Inasal restaurant, Cookies and Crumbs, Greenos Pizzeria, and greasy spoons. The Chicken Inasal restaurant offers not only the famous Bacolod chicken inasal but also Baticolon (grilled chicken gizzards), Isaw (grilled chicken intestines), and Atay (chicken liver) at an affordable price. A cup of coffee or tea and a sweet cookie can also be enjoyed at Cookies and Crumbs coffee shop. For comfort food worshipers, a trip to Greenos Pizzeria is the way to go. These food havens are usually chock-a-blocked by government employees and call center agents after office hours to relax after a stressful day at work. Street food vendors and costermongers are also found in the area selling chicharon, peanuts, sour mangoes, pancakes, fruits and beverages for those who are on a tight budget.