• CHERYL G. CRUZ
This year’s Bacolaodiat Festival will have new events to usher in the Lunar New Year from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2.
John Stephen Sy and Bob Cordova of the Bacolaodiat Festival Inc., said in a press conference Jan. 21, that these events offer “a blend of Filipino and Chinese traditions with a fresh perspective for Bacolod.”
Aside from mainstays, such as cultural performances, and lantern street and arena dance competition, three exciting events this year will bring a unique touch to the revelry, highlighting creativity, culture, and community involvement, they added.
These include the Temple Design Contest at McDonald’s Upper East on Jan. 29, starting at 6 p.m., where designers will present miniature temples combining traditional Chinese elements with modern design, offering an artistic showcase of cultural symbolism.
The Snake Emperor and Empress Costume Design Contest will feature stunning designs inspired by the elegance of the Year of the Snake, on Feb. 1 at 2 p.m., at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central, with models presenting the costumes in a theatrical setting.
The Chinese Cosplay Invasion, meanwhile, will transform the North Capitol Road into a creative playground on Feb. 2 at 4 p.m., with cosplayers set to showcase costumes inspired by Chinese folklore and pop culture, blending traditional and modern designs in a vibrant parade.
Other events include the Chinese New Year Eve’s celebration and hitting of the bell at the Yuan Thong Temple on Jan. 28; Chinese New Year kickoff at SM City Bacolod main atrium on Jan. 29; conferment ceremony for business magnate Hans Sy of SM as adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod at the Government Center, and Lunar spectacular show at SM Bacolod, both on Jan, 30.
On Jan. 31, the opening of the Emperor’s Market and Imperial Village (formerly the Chopsticks Alley) will be held 4 p.m., A Night in the Middle Kingdom cultural show, 6 p.m., and the Symphony of Lights and Sparks fireworks display 9 p.m., all at North Capitol Road.
The street-dance and lantern dance competitions will be on Fen. 1 along Lacson Street, with repest performance and awarding at SM Bacolod on Feb. 2, starting at 3 p.m.
Sy, meanwhile, said that this year’s Bacolaodiat Festival logo “integrates the Year of the Snake with the numerical year by depicting a stylized snake forming the number ‘2025’. The snake’s red and gold patterned body, referencing traditional Chinese art, symbolizes good fortune and prosperity; while the logo’s red, gold, and white color scheme further emphasizes celebration, tradition, and good luck.”
In Chinese culture, the snake symbolizes grace, beauty, and strategic thinking. Bacolaodiat 2025 invites reflection and growth, with events that highlight transformation. The symbol emphasizes balance and insight, values that mirror Bacolaodiat’s celebration of Bacolod’s culture and community, he added. | CGC
