Bacolod — Travelrags

National GeographicSep 24, 2026

Meet the Philippines' Islanders Reclaiming Their Heritage in the Visayas Islands

In the central Philippines, the Visayan Islands’ tropical beaches are a backdrop for deeply rooted communities who are working to preserve locals’ unique way of life — inviting visitors to share in ...

11 things in this story

Lanai by Fresh StartRestaurantorganic restaurant with hyper-local ingredients
Bacolod Central MarketMarketsprawl of stalls under a corrugated iron roof
MasskaraRestaurantcity's biggest festival with feather-framed masks
Tumandok Crafts IndustriesPlaceworkshop and store for local artisans
LaswaRestaurantearthy Western Visayan vegetable dish
Elsewhere
National Museum Western VisayasMuseumIloilo, Philippinescelebrates local culture in Iloilo
Gaston Ancestral HouseSightManapla, Philippinesintact home, living museum in Manapla
Purok BougainvilleaNeighborhoodSagay, Philippinescommunity tourism project by artist Nune Alvarado
Pinta BalayNeighborhoodSagay, Philippineshomes painted by artist Nune Alvarado
Kape AlbarakoRestaurantSagay, Philippinesbeachfront cafe with artist's signature colors
7 HectaresPlaceEnrique B Magalona, Philippinessustainable aquaculture plot and farm

Read the full piece at National Geographic →