Just south of Manila, most tourists tend to just pass by Bacoor in favor of visiting other destinations Cavite or in the National Capital Region. But this commercial and cultural hub shouldn’t be dismissed so easily. With its heritage sites, luxurious resorts, big shopping malls, and amazing restaurants, Bacoor is a city just waiting to be explored.
The history of this city dates back to the year 1671 when Spanish troops arrived in a town we know today as Bacoor. The soldiers saw some locals constructing a bamboo fence around a house. The Spaniards approached the workers and asked what the name of the village was, but due to the language barrier, the locals thought that the Spaniards were asking what they were building. The confused men answered with “bakood”, the Filipino term for “fence”. The Spaniards mispronounced it as “bacoor” and has since become the name of the town-turned-city.
Due to its location, Bacoor is a popular jump-off point for those touring Cavite or the CALABARZON region. But this doesn’t mean that this city isn’t worth visiting. In fact, Bacoor is one of the most progressive cities in the Cavite province and has a lot to offer. Indeed, this city is an ideal vacation destination for a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Coming from Manila, travelers can first ride a jeepney going to Baclaran. From there, visitors can take buses, vans, or jeepneys that pass through Manila-Cavite Expressway to reach Bacoor. Meanwhile, those coming from EDSA can hail buses heading for Dasmariñas City. These buses also pass through Bacoor.
Getting to different points of interest is easy, as many jeepneys, taxis, and tricycles are available. Far destinations are best reached by jeepney, while shorter distances can be traveled by tricycle or the eco-friendly e-trike.
Because of its close proximity to the capital as well as its various establishments that cater to different interests, Bacoor City is easily accessible from Metro Manila. This allows the city to take advantage of the province’s rich connection with history. Indeed, Bacoor has important landmarks from the time of the Philippine revolution.
Just one of Bacoor’s many historical attractions is the Cuenca Ancestral House. Better known as the Bahay na Tisa, it was considered as the seat of the revolutionary government in the late 1980s. Here, the First President of the Philippines, General Emilio Aguinaldo, drafted the Philippine Constitution with his chief advisor and fellow revolutionary leader Apolinario Mabini. Another historic site is the Zapote Bridge, where the famous Battle of Zapote Bridge occurred during the Philippine Revolution.
Meanwhile, plenty of churches also dot the city. Most prominent of these is the Saint Michael Archangel Parish Church in Evangelista St., Poblacion. Established in 1752, this is the church where Fr. Mariano Gomez served for 48 years. He would later become one of the three GOMBURZA martyrs executed in 1872 on charges of subversion—an event seen by some historians as an early impetus for the revolution itself.
For locals and vacationers alike, Bacoor has a good balance of outdoor and indoor recreational centers that offer many fun activities. One such place is Flow House Manila in Molino. Here, travelers can try flowboarding, a unique water sport that combines elements of surfing, skateboarding. The facility also sells healthy food and beverages for guests who just want to enjoy a relaxing stay.
Those who seek something more laid-back can visit the Bacoor Family Eco-Park at Barangay Molino 5. This park features numerous stalls that sell merchandise, a playground for kids, and even a lagoon where families can enjoy fishing or boat riding.
And of course, shopping is a must when in Bacoor. Buy clothes, fresh seafood, and goodies like adobong tahong in a bottle and tahong chips at various malls and markets in the city such as SM City Bacoor, SM City Molino, the Bacoor Public Market, and the District.
There are many dining options in Bacoor that offer classic Filipino favorites and foreign dishes that are sure to please all visitors. One must-try restaurant is Kainan sa Balsa in Barangay Mabolo. Here, guests can enjoy sumptuous seafood meals in a floating balsa (raft). Those who have eaten here claim that the restaurant serves the most delicious tahong (mussels) and talabas (oysters) in the country.
Another establishment that will satisfy taste buds is Tirona’s Grill and Restaurant along Tirona Highway, where guests can dine while listening to live music performances. Their menu includes tasty, well-prepared Japanese and Filipino dishes at affordable prices.
After a filling meal, who can forget about having dessert? Sugar-lovers will find delight at Digman’s Halo-Halo at Gawaran Street. Their famed halo-halo, a popular Filipino dessert made of shaved ice and milk, mixed or topped with yam, sweet beans, jello, and fruits, is a best-seller. Other recommendations include their mais con yelo, siopao, and pancit palabok.
Nightlife in Bacoor isn’t as rowdy or loud as those in nearby cities, but what is available will cater to those looking for a nice place to hang out at night. These include the Cozy Place Restobar at Molino Boulevard and the Water Village Grill and Bar along the Aguinaldo Highway. These bars serve great drinks and are generally great places for a relaxing evening out.
Another great establishment is the Alkeans Cafe along Tirona Highway. Accommodating staff serves tangy cocktails and delicious food to guests. In addition, karaoke machines are available for those wishing to sing the night away.
Bacoor plays host to a healthy variety of great hotels and resorts for all types of vacationers. Accommodation choices like Cool Martin Resort and Hotel at Remedios Street provide top-notch facilities such as nice rooms, a spa, car rentals, hot tubs, and small shops.
For tourists planning a large group outing, Torreno Resort and Pavilion at Dagohoy Street, Molino is an ideal lodging option. This resort has clean air-conditioned rooms, cable television, a family room, private pools with jacuzzis, and a sports bar.
Total Accommodation | 10 Properties |
Popular Area | Talaba |
Popular Hotel | Cool Martin Resort Hotel, One Serenata Hotel Bacoor |
Popular Landmark | Evia Lifestyle Center, SM City Bacoor |