This week’s milestones: Oct. 18 to Oct. 24

Bacolod was formally inaugurated as a city of Negros Occidental by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 326, approved on June 18, 1938. Built on the wealth of sugar plantations of the past, Bacolod has since grown into a first-class city with a population of 624,787 as of the 2024 Census. It is also one of the more popular cities in the country and home of the colorful MassKara Festival. Aside from the historical sites, popular landmarks and proximity to mountains and beaches, the city is also famous for its juicy chicken “inasal” or the one-of-a-kind, fall-off-the-bones beef broth called “kansi.” Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy local sugary delicacies such as “piaya,” butterscotch and “napoleones.”

This week’s festivals

Lanzones Festival (Oct. 18 to Oct. 25)

The Lanzones Festival is a province-wide celebration in Camiguin, known to many as the home of the sweetest “lanzones” in the Philippines. To honor the bountiful harvest of the said fruit, the festival is held annually every third week of October, bringing locals and visitors together to celebrate Camiguin’s sweetest season. Now in its 47th year, the festival features activities centered on the island’s signature fruit, culture and tourism. Among this year’s highlights include a 300-drone light show, alongside the festival’s iconic street dancing, nightly concerts, trade fair and more.

Rahugan Festival (Oct. 16 to Oct. 24)

The Rahugan Festival showcases the culture of Basud, Camarines Norte. Its name originated from the Bicolano term “rahug,” which refers to a bundle of coconut, the town’s main agricultural product. It serves as a unique symbolism of unity and cooperation among the Basudeños. This year’s celebration features a long list of activities for locals and visitors to enjoy, such as street dancing, parades, beauty pageants, a bazaar, fun run, Zumba, various competitions, fluvial procession, fireworks display and more. The festival will culminate on Oct. 24, coinciding with the town’s fiesta and feast day of St. Raphael the Archangel.

Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research, Sources: Inquirer archives, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, officialgazette.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, leyteprovince.gov.ph, nationalww2museum.org, pna.gov.ph, pia.gov.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com, sagay.gov.ph, tpb.gov.ph; Tacloban City Tourism Operations Office, Lanzones Festival, Cam Norte Provincial Tourism Office and LGU Basud Tourism Office Facebook pages