- CHERYL G. CRUZ
Grillers from Barangay Mandalagan won the 1st Brgy. Inasal Cook-off, a highlight event in the three-day Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival, held at the Manokan Country May 27.
Participants from Brgy. Singcang came in second, and those from Brgy. 29 was third place winners, the city.
The cook-off was participated in by nine barangays of Bacolod, and grillers from Brgy. Mandalagan whipped up the “juiciest, tastiest, and exceptional chicken inasal” during the competition.
The challenge was graced by Festival co-chair, Councilor Celia Flor, and Councilor Pau Sy, among other guests.
Dino Cajili of Chicken House, Ma. Theresa Garcia of Aidas, Rosario Tutor of Nenas Rose, and May Castro of SM City Bacolod, were the judges who tasted and named the best chicken inasal entries.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez said the Chicken Inasal Festival opened May 26 with a bang, and he thanked Bacolodnons, Negros Occidental officials, all sponsors, and participants for ensuring the success of the first-ever three-day revelry that aims to further promote the famous chicken inasal of the city.
“Kun ara kamo sa aton tatlo ka festival sites, sigurado ma pundo gid kamo para mag pili sang inyo paborito nga inasal, garlic rice with chicken oil sa kahamot sang sinugba. #TakeMeToBacolod kag #takemetomanokancountry ang aton panawagan. Enjoy!” the mayor posted on his Facebook page.
SM City Bacolod general manager George Jardiolin said that as festival co-presentor, SM Bacolod is happy to partner with the city in pushing the popularity of chicken inasal further and further.
“Indeed, this is our signature and beloved dish,” Jardiolin said at the opening ceremony also attended by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, several mayors of the province, Negrense actor and producer Joel Torre, chefs, and social media influencers, among other guests.
Rest assured that the business community of Bacolod will rally behind the city and support chicken inasal, Jardiolin said as he stressed that the dish is also part of Bacolod’s culture and heritage./CGC
