Negros Island – Of Culture, Heritage, and Breathtaking Sights

With the diversity among the 7, 107 islands making up the Philippine archipelago, Negros Island is the fourth largest and boasts of heritage, countless scenic destinations, and a distinct culture that makes it stand out from the rest.

Divided into two by a string of mountains, the island is composed of the two provinces: Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, the former being the bigger portion. This sock-shaped island located in the middle area of the archipelago is the only island that has two main languages – "Hiligaynon" (or "Ilonggo") in Negros Occidental and "Cebuano" in Negros Oriental.

 Negros Occidental occupies 7,926 sq. km and is the northern and western areas of the island, while Negros Oriental holds 5,402.30 sq. km, and comprises the southern and eastern areas of the island. Both provinces color the islands distinct culture with the East's (Oriental) Spanish-oriented cultural influences, and the West's (Occidental) warm hospitality and tremendously delicious cuisine.


Just a Bit of History
Negros Island was originally known as "Buglas" – a native word meaning "cut off" because this island was said to be part of a larger island but got separated during the continental drift during the Ice age.
The original inhabitants of the island were members of the Negritos ethnic group, dark-skinned, thick-lipped, kinky haired natives. Thus the name "Negros" was given to the island by the Spaniards who discovered it.

Bacolod City

center of the Bacolod public plaza
photo courtesy of: http://www.vistapinas.com

Bacolod City is the capital of Negros Occidental and is dubbed as a city of the friendliest and gentlest people in the country.   Known as the "sugar bowl" of the Philippines, it has vast lands of sugarcane plantation and several milling centrals all over the province.

This is also the home of the Masskara Festival; the festival that attracts thousands of tourists both from and outside the country who flock to the city every October.

a dancer during the street dancing
of the Masskara Festival

They are dubbed as "cariñoso", a Spanish word meaning "affectionate". Negros Island is one of the islands that have been highly influenced by the Spanish culture and it lives on in its inhabitants up to this day.

The warmth of the "Ilonggo" people (people in Negros Occidental) is so distinct that it goes very well with the "Negrense" cuisine, the pristine beaches and serene mountain resorts.

People from other areas of the Philippines are often heard saying

photo courtesy of: http://blogalag.typepad.com

"In Bacolod, everywhere you go, the food is great! You don't need to choose a good restaurant because every restaurant is good."

Another "Ilonggo" trademark.

Dumaguete City

Dumaguete's famous boulevard
photo courtesy of: http://in-indie.org

The portside city of Dumaguete is the capital of Negros Oriental and home of the oldest American University established in Asia – Silliman University (1901).

Silliman University
photo courtesy of: http://img40.imageshack.us

Just like its sister province on the other side of the island, it also holds the "festival of festivals" in the Oriental side which is the Buglasan Festival, apparently also celebrated in the month of October.

Buglasan Festival
photo courtesy of: http://farm4.static.flickr.com

Although there are areas in Negros Occidental with great beaches and scenic views, Negros Oriental is much more known for this. They have beautiful white sand beaches and terrific diving sites that any beach lover would love. Apo island, a marine sanctuary just off the coast of Dumaguete is a favorite among divers. It is also here that you can find the only resort in the island with villas – private villas with your own pool and outdoor Jacuzzi.

Sugar Beach at Sipalay, Negros Occidental
photo courtesy of: http://www.travelphil.com

"Negrenses" as what people from Negros Island are called, are known for their laid back lifestyles, great food, friendly people, and a culture rich of heritage and tradition. It is even said that Negros Island has a "culture of its own" that even astonishes Filipinos from other areas of the country.

view of Apo Island, Negros Oriental
photo courtesy of: http://www.rgreve.dk

Experiencing Philippines is one thing, experiencing Negros is another; a blend of heritage, culture, and tradition with the fun-loving individuals and the natural warmth of the people – it's just something that even other Filipinos would like to have a taste of.  Drop by Negros island and witness the blend of heritage, tradition, and culture, along with savory foods that you can't get enough of, and the warm and friendly nature of the Negrenses. :)