You’re driving into Bacolod, maybe feeling a bit hungry for some authentic inasal, and then you see it. It’s huge. It’s colorful. It’s a massive rooster standing guard over the highway. If you’ve ever been to the "City of Smiles," you know exactly what I’m talking about. The Bacolod City chicken statue—specifically the iconic one at the Manokan Country area or the massive, world-record-breaking one at Campuestohan—isn't just a quirky roadside attraction. It’s basically the soul of the city rendered in concrete and fiberglass.
Bacolod and chickens go way back. Like, inseparable levels of history. Honestly, trying to separate this city from its poultry is like trying to take the "sugar" out of Negros Occidental. It's impossible. People think it's just a funny photo op for Instagram, but there’s a lot of weight behind those giant feathers.
What’s the Deal With the World's Largest Rooster?
Let's get the facts straight because there’s often some confusion about which "chicken statue" people are talking about. While there are smaller ones scattered around the city's famous food parks, the big kahuna is the one located at Campuestohan Highland Resort.
This thing is a beast.
In 2024, the Guinness World Records officially recognized the "Manok ni Cano Gwapo" as the largest building in the shape of a chicken. It stands at a staggering 34.931 meters (about 114 feet) tall. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the height of a 12-story building. You don't just look at it; you look up at it until your neck hurts.
Ricardo "Cano" Tan, the visionary behind the resort, didn't just build a statue for the sake of being "extra." He wanted something that shouted Bacolod's identity to the world. It’s a rooster, specifically a gamefowl, which is a massive industry in the region. Whether you agree with the sport or not, the breeding of fighting cocks is a multi-billion peso industry in Negros. This statue is a nod to that resilience.
Inside the statue, it’s not just hollow space. It’s actually a fully functioning hotel. Imagine telling someone you spent the night inside a giant chicken's gizzard. It sounds like a fever dream, but it's a very real, air-conditioned reality. There are 15 rooms tucked inside that structure.
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The Cultural Connection: More Than Just a Meme
Why a chicken, though? Why not a sugar stalk or a mask from the MassKara Festival?
Bacolod is the undisputed "Chicken Inasal Capital of the World." If you visit and don't eat at Manokan Country, did you even visit? The Bacolod City chicken statue serves as a permanent landmark for this culinary heritage. Inasal isn't just grilled chicken; it's a specific technique involving calamansi, pepper, coconut vinegar, and that iconic annatto oil (achuete) that turns everything a glorious orange.
The statue represents the "Manok" as a provider. For decades, the poultry industry has kept families fed and the economy moving when the sugar industry hit rough patches. It’s a symbol of the Negrense spirit—strong, colorful, and always ready for a fight (in a good way).
Breaking Down the Campuestohan Record
- Height: 34.931 meters.
- Width: 12.127 meters.
- Length: 28.172 meters.
- Function: It’s a hotel. Yes, really.
- Location: Talisay City (right on the border of Bacolod).
Why This Matters for Tourism in 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Negros Occidental this year, the chicken statue is likely already on your "must-see" list. But here's what most people get wrong: they think it's just about the Guinness record.
Actually, the statue has become a catalyst for "Agri-Tourism." People come for the giant bird, but they stay for the surrounding mountains, the cool breeze of the highlands, and the local coffee. It’s a gateway. When you stand at the foot of that statue, you’re looking out over the Panay Gulf and the lush greenery that defines Western Visayas.
The construction wasn't easy, either. Building a structure that looks like a biological organism—with curves, feathers, and a specific "stance"—requires serious engineering. Most buildings are boxes. This is a sculpture you can live in. The project faced challenges with wind resistance and weight distribution, especially given the tropical storms that occasionally roll through the region. It’s a feat of Filipino engineering that doesn't get enough credit because people are too busy laughing at how cool it looks.
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The "Other" Chicken Statues
Don't ignore the ones in the city center. At the entrance of Manokan Country, near SM City Bacolod, there have been various iterations of chicken figures over the years. These are the "working class" statues. They don't have Guinness certificates, but they mark the spot where the best smoke-filled dining experiences happen.
These smaller statues are often the site of local festivals. During the Bacolaodiat (Chinese New Year) or the MassKara Festival, you’ll see these areas decked out in lights. The chicken is a constant. It’s the silent mascot of every party.
Realities and Criticisms
Is it kitschy? Maybe. Some architects might argue that giant animal-shaped buildings are "novelty architecture" that lacks "seriousness."
But honestly? Bacolod isn't trying to be Paris. It’s trying to be Bacolod.
The locals love it because it’s distinct. In a world of glass-and-steel skyscrapers that all look the same, a 114-foot rooster is a breath of fresh air. It’s bold. It’s a bit weird. It’s exactly what the city needs to stand out in a crowded tourism market. Some visitors find the rooms inside a bit snug because of the unconventional shape of the building, but most agree that the novelty outweighs any minor cramps.
How to Get There and What to Do
If you’re heading to see the Bacolod City chicken statue at Campuestohan, give yourself a full day.
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- Transport: Grab a taxi or a private car from Bacolod downtown. It’s about a 30 to 45-minute drive depending on how many slow-moving sugar trucks you get stuck behind.
- Timing: Go early. The clouds often roll into the highlands by mid-afternoon, which is great for photos but can get chilly.
- The Photo Op: The best angle is from the far left of the parking lot to get the scale of the bird against the mountain backdrop.
- Dining: After you’ve seen the statue, head back down to the city and hit Aida’s or Nena’s Beth at Manokan Country. You’ve seen the statue; now eat the legend.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you want to make the most of this trip, don't just take a selfie and leave. Look closely at the detail on the feathers of the Campuestohan statue. The texture is designed to mimic the actual sheen of a rooster's plumage.
Also, check the weather. The resort is significantly higher than the city, meaning it can be 5 degrees cooler. Bring a light jacket. If you’re staying overnight in the "chicken hotel," book months in advance. Since the Guinness win, those 15 rooms are almost always occupied by tourists wanting to tick "slept in a giant bird" off their bucket list.
Finally, support the local vendors nearby. The rise of this statue has created a micro-economy for weavers and snack makers in the Talisay-Bacolod border area. Buy some piaya. It’s the right thing to do.
The Bacolod chicken statue is a testament to the fact that if you build something big enough, bold enough, and culturally relevant enough, the world will beat a path to your door—even if that door is located in the belly of a giant rooster.
Next Steps for Your Bacolod Adventure:
- Verify Room Availability: Check the official Campuestohan Highland Resort website or their verified social media pages to see if the "Rooster Hotel" has openings for your dates.
- Plan Your Route: Download an offline map of the Bacolod-Talisay area, as data signals can be spotty once you start climbing into the highland resort zones.
- Coordinate with Inasal Stops: Make sure to visit Manokan Country during the lunch rush (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) to experience the full, smoky atmosphere that the statue celebrates.
- Check Festival Dates: If you want to see the city at its most vibrant, time your visit for October during the MassKara Festival, but be prepared for massive crowds and higher hotel rates.