Weekend Getaway: What to see in Bago City

Less than an hour away from Bacolod is Bago City, known for its role in the rich history of Negros Occidental and for its well-kept nature parks. In a recent episode of the GMA News TV program “Weekend Getaway,” one-of-a-kind “sisters for life” Natz and Acee travelled to Bago City for a weekend of relaxation and adventure. If you like mixing the two as well, then this city is one good place to visit. Here are some hot spots you shouldn’t miss when traveling to Bago City: The old Bago Bridge Built in the 1920s, the Bago Bridge was nearly blown up by the Japanese during World War II but was defended by American and Filipino soldiers.  To this day, the bridge is one of Bago City’s iconic landmarks. Kipot Twin Falls There are 220 steps that lead to the twin Kipot Falls at Brgy. Mailum in Bago City. The two waterfalls are separated only by rocks and lush greens. The water is invitingly cold, and the place is perfect for a quick dip or some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Bahay ni Tan Juan Declared as a national historical landmark, “Ang Bahay ni Tan Juan” was built in the late 1800s and was the home of General Juan Araneta, the Negrense hero and dubbed father of Bago City who led a local uprising during the Spanish era.  Today,  Gen. Araneta’s house has been converted into a museum filled with antiques, and old works of art.  A visit to this special house will give tourists a peek into the history and culture of the people of Bago. Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center If you love nature-tripping, then this park is the perfect place to visit. There are flowers and trees everywhere, and the whole place is blanketed with cold, crisp air. Because the park is the jump-off point to Mt. Kanlaon, the highest mountain in the Visayas and a favorite spot of mountain climbers, it also offers a beautiful overlooking view of nearby towns. Oisca Sericulture Farm Another must visit in Bago City is Oisca Sericulture Farm, a silk farm famed for its world-class products. Silk is produced by silk worms, which are fed leaves from mulberry trees grown on the farm.  Tourists can visit the farm to see how world-class silk is made right here in the Philippines. The Mudpack Festival at Mambukal Resort Located in the nearby municipality of Murcia is Mambukal Resort, which hosts the annual Mudpack Festival every June.  Tourists and locals flock to the festival to sing, dance, and and paint their bodies with a special type of colored clay that is abundant around Mambukal. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church  Inspired by Mexican architecture, the colorful St. John the Baptist church was built in 1891 and is located in front of the Bago City Public Plaza. Those visiting Bago City for a weekend getaway can escape to this quaint church for a bit of prayer time, and afterwards take photographs of the building’s romantic façade. Watch "Weekend Getaway" Friday nights at 10:00 PM on GMA News TV. Follow the show on Facebook and Twitter. —Angelita Bombarda/PF, GMA News