Exploring the New Leon Kilat Mall: A Firsthand Account
On a balmy Friday afternoon, the 12th of April, 2024, I found myself venturing into the newly opened Leon Kilat Mall in Bacong, Negros Oriental. As I stepped through its doors, I was greeted by a scene of modest activity.
Upon entry, my eyes were drawn to a staircase on the right, leading upwards, while on the left, a lineup of shops and restaurants beckoned. The hum of air conditioning and the occasional laughter of children echoed through the hall, but the space felt notably devoid of the bustling crowds one might expect in a mall.
Opting for the escalator, I ascended to the upper level, where a leisurely stroll unveiled a modest array of offerings. Two children’s playgrounds provided a source of amusement, while a bustling pizza restaurant boasted a “full house” of patrons. Smaller shops dotted the perimeter, offering goods and services ranging from mobile phones to travel agency bookings.
One notable absence, however, was the lack of an escalator for the descent back to the ground floor. Instead, patrons must navigate the stairs—a minor inconvenience but a noticeable oversight in modern mall design.
A focal point within the mall’s interior is a prominent wall adorned with homage to the municipality’s hero—a testament to local pride and heritage.
Reflecting on my experience, I couldn’t help but feel underwhelmed. While the Leon Kilat Mall offers a modest selection of amenities, it pales in comparison to larger shopping complexes. For a more comprehensive mall experience, one might find it worthwhile to venture a few kilometers to Dumaguete’s Robinson’s Mall.
In essence, while the Leon Kilat Mall provides a glimpse into Bacong’s evolving commercial landscape, it falls short of delivering the robust shopping experience one might expect. As the local community continues to grow and evolve, perhaps the mall will undergo its own transformation, meeting the demands and expectations of discerning shoppers in the future.
Alongside the newly minted Leon Kilat Mall stands a stark reminder of neglect—the dilapidated remains of the once vibrant Bacong Public Market
A mere stone’s throw away from the mall lies the forlorn structure of the former market, a testament to the passage of time and the unforgiving grasp of neglect. A cursory glance reveals the scars of decay etched into its weathered facade—a haunting juxtaposition against the gleaming facade of its neighboring counterpart.
Records indicate that the market was erected a mere seven years ago, a beacon of commerce and community vitality. Yet, in a tragic twist of fate, it has languished in desolation for several years, its decline shrouded in mystery.
As I gazed upon the desolate scene before me, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow for what once was—a bustling hub of activity now reduced to a mere shadow of its former self. Today, the market stands as a hollow shell, its once teeming halls now echoing with the ghostly whispers of bygone commerce.
Amidst the ruins, only two financial companies cling to existence, their presence a faint glimmer amidst the surrounding gloom. The remainder of the space serves as little more than a makeshift motorcycle parking lot and an unwitting repository for refuse—a far cry from its intended purpose as a bastion of commerce and community cohesion.
As I departed the scene, I couldn’t shake the sense of melancholy that lingered in the air—a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of progress and the enduring legacy of neglect. In the grand tapestry of Bacong’s evolving landscape, the fate of the former public market serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and stewardship in the face of inevitable change.
Office building with food court
Adjacent to the derelict remnants of the old market stands a beacon of modernity—the newly erected office building. With anticipation, I ventured closer, eager to explore its offerings. As I entered the ground floor, I was met with the sight of a food court—a promising oasis in the midst of urban decay.
However, the reality fell short of expectation. Despite the late hour, the food court languished in a state of inertia. Counters stood vacant, their offerings left untouched, while a sparse scattering of patrons occupied the few occupied tables. The atmosphere, devoid of vitality and warmth, bore a striking resemblance to a factory canteen—an impersonal space devoid of life and love.
It was a scene that spoke volumes—a poignant reminder of the stark contrast between aspiration and reality. Here stood a space with the potential to foster community and culinary delight, yet it languished in obscurity, its promise unfulfilled amidst the backdrop of urban decay.
As I lingered amidst the empty tables and vacant stalls, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disillusionment. What should have been a vibrant hub of activity had devolved into a desolate wasteland—a casualty of neglect and indifference.
In the grand narrative of Bacong’s evolving landscape, the juxtaposition of decay and modernity serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of progress. For even amidst the gleaming facades of new developments, the specter of neglect looms large—a testament to the enduring struggle to reconcile the aspirations of the present with the ghosts of the past.
Makeshift public market in an open space
Amidst the desolation and neglect, a glimmer of hope emerges—a temporary but coherent refuge for the market stockers who once called the old market home. With the free space adjacent to the modern office building now prepared, a semblance of order begins to take shape.
In this makeshift sanctuary, the market stockers have found respite—a temporary haven amidst the urban decay. Divided into sections, the space has been carefully allocated to accommodate the diverse array of goods on offer. A section for the wet market stands adjacent to another for dry goods, while vegetable and fruit stalls line the perimeter—a modest yet functional arrangement born out of necessity.
As I observed the scene unfolding before me, I couldn’t help but marvel at the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the odds stacked against them, the market stockers have persevered, transforming a once barren space into a bustling marketplace—a testament to the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship and adaptability.
In this microcosm of urban life, the vibrancy of commerce begins to stir once more. The air is filled with the sounds of haggling and laughter, as vendors and customers alike converge in a dance as old as time itself. It is a scene that speaks to the enduring power of community—a reminder that even amidst the darkest of times, hope can still flourish.
As I take my leave, I am filled with a renewed sense of optimism. For in the heart of Bacong, amidst the ruins of the old and the promise of the new, the spirit of resilience burns bright—a beacon of hope amidst the urban decay. And though the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, one thing remains certain—the human spirit will always find a way to endure.
The makeshift food court right behind the market stalls
As I ventured beyond the confines of the makeshift market, a hidden gem awaited just beyond the stalls—a humble gathering of street food vendors nestled along the road to the neighboring town of Valencia. Opposite a convenience store, under the shade of makeshift awnings, a few stalls beckoned with the promise of simple yet satisfying fare.
Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life, one could indulge in inexpensive fried chicken pieces served alongside the well-known hanging rice—a local delicacy beloved for its simplicity and flavor. Chilled drinks stood ready to quench the thirst of weary travelers, while simple long tables offered a communal space for patrons to gather and linger.
As I savored the flavors of the street, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sense of camaraderie that permeated the air. Here, amidst the absence of air conditioning and the trappings of modernity, a genuine sense of connection thrived—a stark contrast to the sterile confines of the mall and food court.
In the end, my journey through Bacong’s evolving landscape had brought me full circle—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of community. For in the heart of this bustling municipality, amidst the ruins of the old and the promise of the new, it is the simple joys of shared meals and shared moments that truly resonate.
And so, as I bid farewell to Bacong and the stories it had to tell, I am left with a profound sense of gratitude—for the chance to bear witness to the beauty of resilience and the enduring spirit of hope that continues to flourish amidst the urban decay. For in the end, it is the connections we forge and the memories we create that truly endure—a timeless reminder of the power of community to overcome even the greatest of challenges.
In the future I will check out the beaches Bacong in Negros Oriental has to offer. In the meantime you are invited to watch the videos about Bacong:
BACONG -The Town | Negros Oriental
NOAH – Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage | Bacong
WILD EAST BEASTS – #cattlemarket | Philippines