AN ICONIC welcome marker, ala Las Vegas-style signage, will soon rise in Bacolod City.
The marker along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road is seen to be the newest tourist attraction of the city.
This joint project of the Megaworld with the City Government of Bacolod is located within the 7.5-hectare Northill Town Center.
The welcome marker will greet both incoming and outgoing visitors as well as the residents – those entering the city will be greeted with “Welcome Bacolod City of Smiles” while those leaving the city will see “Thank You for Visiting City of Smiles.”
The marker features colorful masks illuminated at night, which symbolizes the world-renowned MassKara Festival of Bacolod City.
Aside from the marker, there will be a visual representation of the Bacolod City Government Center, which is also an iconic landmark of the city.
During the groundbreaking rites on Monday, Megaworld senior vice president Jericho Go said it is a first time for the firm to construct a city’s official welcome marker similar to that of Las Vegas, adding it is a milestone for both the people of Bacolod and their company.
The construction of the iconic welcome park will be shouldered by Megaworld. The City Government will spend zero peso at all.
For Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, the concept of Megaworld for the welcome park will not only be parking lots but in synergy with various amenities and activities which tourists could probably do while they are here.
He said the new landmark will be a new symbol of the city, adding that it is the only welcome park in the Philippines.
The construction of the park, including the marker, is expected to be completed in October during the MassKara Festival celebration, or within the year.