In a vibrant celebration that captured the essence of Bacolod’s famous MassKara Festival, The Ascott Limited unveiled its latest gem in the country–Citadines Bacolod City. The grand opening on June 14, 2024 marked a significant milestone for the hospitality giant, fusing international standards with local flair in the heart of the City of Smiles as the company’s symbol of its commitment to integrate Filipino culture into its brand ethos.
Sinadya: Celebrating the opening of Citadines Bacolod City
Patrick Vaysse, Country General Manager of The Ascott Limited Philippines, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch. “We are thrilled to open Citadines Bacolod City and to celebrate with the community through this special event. The opening itself, being my first in the Philippines, as a French man inaugurating a French brand, in this beautiful city, makes it very meaningful,” said Vaysse. “Our goal is to provide an exceptional living experience for our guests, blending the comforts of home with the dynamism of Bacolod’s cultural heritage.” A little-known but interesting fact about Citadines was shared during the inaugural speech. Vaysse revealed that the brand originated in France in 1984, marking its 40th anniversary this year with the opening of Citadines Bacolod City.
The event, aptly themed “Sinadya: Celebrating the Opening of Citadines Bacolod City,” was a feast for the senses. It commenced with a sophisticated soiree in the property’s elegant lobby, as guests entered and were treated to a symphony of experiences—from the melodious tunes of the classical trio Prelude to the delectable array of canapés and welcome cocktails that gave a peek at the culinary prowess of the newly opened Citadines branch.
Starting with a stunning and lively performance by the incredible MassKara dancers, the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the hotel entrance followed which set the tone for an evening that celebrated both local culture and international hospitality. Key figures from The Ascott Limited, Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the local government of Bacolod City officially welcomed Citadines Bacolod City to the community. Patrick Vaysse, together with The Ascott Limited Cluster General Manager Cecille Teodoro and esteemed guests CLI Director of Hotels and Resorts Mathias Bergundthal, CLI Executive Vice President and COO Jose Franco Soberano, CLI Chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III, Capitaine, Inc. President Alec Lustre, Capitaine, Inc.’s Alexis Lustre-Sarrosa, DOT Region 6 Director Crisanta Rodriguez, Bacolod Mayor Hon. Albee Benitez, and Bacolod Governor Hon. Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson participated in the inaugural celebration of the newest and largest international serviced residences in Bacolod.
A delightful epicurean feast
As night fell, guests were ushered into the property’s all-day dining restaurant and the steakhouse and bar lounge, both located on the second floor. Executive Chef Jose Medrano demonstrated his culinary expertise with an array of gourmet dishes that ranged from a robust selection of cheeses and cold cuts to an artistic display of some of the city’s most fresh seafood options, alongside the restaurant’s signature hot dishes such as house salpicao and inasal. The menu was expertly prepared to capture the quality and flavor of each dish, showcasing Citadines Bacolod City’s dining excellence.
The celebration continued at the apartment hotel’s poolside bar where guests were delighted to an entertaining performance by Elmer Dado and Grupo Tribale that showcased Bacolod’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. As the festivities went on, a spectacular fireworks display illuminated the evening sky, symbolizing the bright future ahead for Citadines Bacolod City and capturing the cultural spirit of the region and Ascott’s commitment to recognizing and honoring other regions’ local traditions.
Ending the evening and drawing the festivities to a close, guests enjoyed a sweet finale with an assortment of pastries from the property’s grab-and-go counter which remarked the event’s conclusion on a sweet and memorable note.
Citadines Bacolod City’s harmony of flavors
Cecille Teodoro highlighted the property’s culinary vision. As the eighth Citadines branch, its uniqueness relies on its food and beverage offerings, featuring five dining restaurants that guests can choose from. “We are proud to offer a diverse array of dishes at Citadines Bacolod City, drawing inspiration from the rich culinary traditions across different regions in Asia,” she exclaimed. “Our menu reflects the vibrant flavors and cultural heritage of our neighboring countries, providing our guests with a unique and unforgettable dining experience.”
Tam-is is the grab-and-go gem where you can embrace life’s sweetness. Named after the Hiligaynon word for “sweet,” it offers a delightful array of coffee and pastries for those on the move. For artisanal delights, Puerza will elevate your palate with exquisite European-style boulangerie and French viennoiserie–perfect for a leisurely culinary escape any time of day. Fuego Bar and Lounge is the flame-kissed excellence that will ignite your senses. Drawing inspiration from the majestic volcanoes of the Negros region, guests can savor a curated selection of premium steaks, antipasti boards, and wines and cocktails. Namit, a culinary adventure of local flavors blended with Southeast Asian food traditions, is the property’s all-day dining restaurant with a variety of à la carte dishes that offer an unforgettable dining experience. And Adlao, the tranquil poolside retreat that lets you unwind in style, looking over a part of Bacolod City as you delight from fresh fruit platters and savory appetizers to refreshing juices and expertly crafted cocktails while basking in the serene Negrense atmosphere.
Visitors in the area can also enjoy a gastronomic journey at these five distinct dining options, each offering unique flavors of luxury and local charm that promise an unparalleled culinary experience, inviting you to savor the rich tapestry of flavors Bacolod has to offer.
Your home away from home in the City of Smiles
Citadines Bacolod City has opened its doors to the public and promises to be more than just an accommodation. Its prime location and accessibility to major tourist attractions make it an ideal choice for visitors who want to delve into the city’s rich culture. With City Hack, the property’s program that offers an insider’s view of the city, guests can immerse themselves in the distinctive life in the City of Smiles. Citadines’ staff, also known as Citazens, provide personalized recommendations for authentic Bacolod experiences–from exploring cultural hotspots and local art scenes to discovering culinary treasures and other hidden gems. Whether you’re craving street food or seeking underrated attractions, the team will help you navigate the city like a local.
Being the largest hotel in Bacolod with 200 rooms aiming for a five-star rating, its stylish serviced apartments–all furnished with necessities and more–with modern amenities are designed to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers. With its deep respect for local culture and dedication to service excellence, it is poised to become a premier destination not only in Bacolod City, but also in the country.