This icon was the festival’s hottest spot!
The 2025 Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival has just come to a close, leaving a trail of satisfied appetites and glowing memories across the city. But there is that one spot where the fire and fusion of flavors and culture still continue to burn brightly: Manokan Country at SM.
Here, the vibrant blend of tradition and innovation took center stage. Highlighted was the very essence of Bacolod’s beloved chicken inasal. From sizzling grills manned by the next generation of its pioneering families, to lively events that celebrated both heritage and creativity, it was clear why this iconic strip was the soul of the festival.
Fire and Fusion, this year’s festival theme, perfectly captured the spirit of Manokan Country, where the original flame-grilled chicken inasal first won hearts decades ago. The festival’s biggest events, from the sizzling Inasal Food Spreads Competition featuring top culinary students to the much-anticipated Inasal Awards Night, all took place at this ultimate destination. The lively grilling workshops, to a meet-and-greet with hot celebrities, and even a lighthearted pet event all helped make Manokan Country and SM City Bacolod the festival’s hottest destination.
More than just a festival venue, this iconic landmark is the undeniable home of Bacolod’s signature dish, where the original flavors, carefully crafted by the pioneering families have been lovingly preserved and perfected through generations. Visitors to Manokan Country aren’t just tasting chicken inasal; they’re savoring a living tradition that has shaped Bacolod’s reputation as the “City of Smiles” and a must-visit gastronomic capital.
This year’s celebration drew in thousands of visitors across all festival sites of the city, a testament to Bacolod’s growing appeal as a vibrant food tourism destination. But it was Manokan Country that kept the fire burning brightest and anchored the festival’s identity.
Looking ahead, excitement is already building for the future. A redeveloped, permanent home for Manokan Country is in the works, a new site that will elevate the experience, ensuring that it remains a vibrant, welcoming space for food lovers and tourists for years to come. Its impact on Bacolod’s culinary scene, tourism, and future festivals will be even greater, solidifying its place as a cultural landmark and the ultimate destination for the authentic taste of chicken inasal.
As the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival prepares for the next year, the fire and fusion of flavors continue to live on—alive and well in Manokan Country, the city’s proud culinary heartbeat. ||
