The Bacolod City public plaza is the heart of the city. Its location was designed just like how towns and cities were arranged during Spanish time: a Cathedral, a market, and police precinct around the town square. A cemetery should be beside the church but this was already converted into a school, where my alma mater now stands. Almost every public utility vehicle, the jeepney, passes through the city plaza or the central market. When Christmas season arrives, the walkways around the plaza, especially the side facing the church, are filled with stalls selling bargain items.

People usually sit idly in one of the benches or stroll at the plaza, which also serves as a park. Others hold public debate here. A small gazebo stands at the center of the public plaza. Children would play in the gazebo when it is not used for any public function or occasion. Apart from bargain displays, the city square comes alive with Christmas lights hanging on large trees. Sometimes, beautiful Christmas trees which are up for competition are displayed in the plaza. On the eve of New Year, fireworks are lit up in the plaza by people living near the heart of the city. Smoke fills the square after so much noise and light displays. Funny though when the first of January comes, you can find only a few people in the plaza while the market and malls around it are closed. Probably many businessmen are still asleep or are out visiting relatives during this time.