San Sebastian Cathedral — Attraction in Bacolod

Being a Negrosanon and belonging in the Diocese of Bacolod, I find an affinity with the Sebastian Cathedral, the oldest church in the diocese. Ironically, despite having pursued college in Bacolod and doing countless visits in the capital which is 34 kilometers away from home, I am deprived of the chance to hear a mass in the cathedral. My wife and I started last year (2024) our Stone Churches Tour enabling us to visit 6 stone churches in Iloilo in two trips and 3 stone churches in Negros Occidental / South of Bacolod. Of recent vintage (Holy Week 2025), Belle and I added 5 more stone churches in Iloilo that were included in the itinerary of our visita iglesia on Maundy Thursday. On our way back to Dumangas Port on Good Friday, we did a side trip to Barotac Viejo to add another stone church, this time solely as a heritage tour which is integrated in our visita iglesia. When we arrived in BREDCO port, we opted to walk the distance to the Cathedral where we intend to catch a ride to the Ceres North Terminal. After 25 minutes of walk, we noticed the street in front of the Cathedral crowded by the faithful preparing for the procession. While taking videos and photos of the cathedral, Belle noticed the still short line of the faithful doing the "du-aw" (Good Friday visit) customarily done after the procession. Belle grabbed this opportunity to have our first ever "du-aw" in the Cathedral. On the outside, the San Sebastian which is remarkable for its gray coral stones appear nondescript when compared to delicately carved or elaborate facades of some stone churches in Iloilo (i.e. Miag-ao, Duenas, etc.) or the colored facade (i.e. red sandstone of Guimbal and Dingle and, red bricks of Pavia and Dumangas). However, when Belle and I entered the nave of the Cathedral we were struck by the wonderful job of some renovations and repaint done in the interior. In interior, the Molo Church remains the most elegant while the subdued elegance of Santa Barbara comes second together with a close tie with golden glow of San Sebastian. The ongoing procession on our way out of the church forced Belle and I to walk to a point in Lacson Street where we could find a jeep which is not yet stalled by the procession. Gladly, we found one. It was a relief but not really because we accept the hassle as part of...

A Cathedral of Grace: San Sebastian Cathedral, Bacolod

San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod isn't just a church; it's a vibrant testament to faith, history, and architectural beauty. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of serenity and awe. The cathedral's imposing structure, a blend of neoclassical and Spanish colonial styles, immediately captivates the eye. The intricate details, from the soaring arches to the meticulously crafted stained-glass windows, speak volumes about the craftsmanship and devotion poured into its creation.

Inside, the cathedral's grandeur continues. The high ceilings create a sense of spaciousness, while the soft light filtering through the stained glass bathes the interior in a warm, ethereal glow. The simple yet elegant design allows the focus to remain on the spiritual heart of the space. It's a place where one can truly feel a connection to something larger than oneself. The quiet reverence of worshippers adds to the peaceful ambiance.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, San Sebastian Cathedral holds significant historical value. It stands as a symbol of Bacolod's rich past, a witness to countless celebrations, prayers, and moments of both joy and sorrow. Its presence in the heart of the city serves as a constant reminder of the enduring power of faith.

Whether you're a devout Catholic, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking a moment of peace, San Sebastian Cathedral is a must-visit destination in Bacolod. It's a place where history, art, and spirituality converge to create an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend taking the time to explore this magnificent cathedral and soak in its...

Pros: It is a church thereby a house of God and ever since I've been to this church, I've seen the many changes it has gone through. Currently, they do amazing things structurally. They uprooted the old trees that used to be there but it just damaged the floors because of the roots that started to massively invade the other parts of the church. The extended part looks great. They added TV's that allow churchgoers access to the mass from the extended chairs outside. Most of all, the improvement they did in the altar is truly magnificent.

Cons: Climate change is upon us and is something that will worsen through time. If we members of the church were able to contribute to make this Cathedral something that we are proud of. Then we can probably contribute to make this place more conducive to hearing the mass especially in the afternoons when the heat becomes unbearable at times especially for those seated at the periphery of the church. Lately, hearing mass especially in the afternoons has become worse because...