Bacolod's Christmas Festival of Lights illuminates City of Smiles

The annual Bacolod Christmas Festival of Lights has returned once again to kick off the holiday celebrations in the City of Smiles.

According to Aileen Pedreso's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday, the city's long-running Christmas celebration draws thousands to its streets.

At least 15,000 students and teachers from STI–West Negros University take part in the parade every year, making it one of the biggest holiday events in Bacolod City.

"We've been doing this for 29 years na, almost three decades, it is a symbolism of the birth of Jesus," Dr. Ryan Mark Molina, president of STI–West Negros University, said.

On Saturday, the City of Smiles once again came alive as the festival returned with the theme "Christmas for Kids."

Streets were filled with music, cheers, and bright lights as groups competed with elaborate lanterns, floats, and street dance performances.

For those looking to extend their Christmas experience, visitors can also head to Yoyoland along San Agustin Drive, one of the city's most popular Christmas villages.

Entry is free, and guests can enjoy its large Christmas displays and light installations. Yoyoland first opened to the public in 2007.

No visit to the Sugar Capital of the Philippines is complete without tasting its well-known delicacies.

One of these is piaya, a local pastry that has become a Bacolod staple. The original recipe dates back to the 1960s, started by the family of Mark Vargas. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News