Seven barangays of Bacolod will interpret the rich traditions and aesthetics of various ASEAN nations in the highly-anticipated arena dance competition of the Chicken Inasal Festival May 30 at Megaworld’s The Upper East.
The Bacolod City Tourism Office (BCTO) said that Brgy. 12 will showcase the flavors and rhythms of Malaysia; Brgy. 3 to channel the sleek energy of Singapore; Sum-ag to perform traditional elements of Cambodia;
Brgy. Granada to showcase the spirit of Timor-Leste; Estefania to represent the heritage of Brunei; Brgy. 2 to interprete the classical lines of Myanmar; and Tangub to dance to the vibrant beats of Thailand.
Starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, The Upper East will transform into a massive celebration of food, culture, and community spirit as the grand highlight of the festival will take place at the sprawling township.
“It is a unique creative challenge that bridges Bacolod’s signature high-energy choreography with the diverse heritage of Southeast Asia,” the BCTO said in a statement May 27.
The champion will receive P20,000 and a trophy, P15,000 for the first runner-up, P10,000 for the second runner-up, and P2,000 for non-winners.
“While the arena will echo with international rhythms, the float parade and street dance remains fiercely local, designed as a massive tribute to the institutions that built Bacolod’s culinary reputation,” the Tourism Office added.
Seven of the city’s most legendary chicken inasal establishments, meanwhile, have teamed up with the competing barangays, featuring creative, mouth-watering float designs that honor the smoky history of these local culinary staples.
The official pairings for the float parade include Barangay 12 partnering with Aida’s, Brgy. 3 with Nena’s Rose, Sum-ag and Nena’s Beth, Granada honoring JT’s Manukan, Estefania teaming up with Ribshack, Brgy. 2 with Chicken House, and Tangub collaborating with MassKara Chicken.
The grand opening of this year’s three-day festival, on the theme “Inasal City”, will be at 11 a.m. on May 29 at SM Bacolod.
A cook-off, SMB beer-pairing and tasting, on the other hand, will take center stage on May 31 at Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
For locals and tourists alike, the 2026 festival is more than just a food event, the BCTO said. “It is a celebration of identity. Whether you are coming for the legendary taste of authentic, heavily marinated chicken skewers or the breathtaking spectacle of the street dances, Bacolod is ready to prove exactly why it owns the title of ‘Inasal City’.” ||
