• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolaodiat Festival to usher in the Lunar New Year celebration in Bacolod City will be held on Feb. 9-11, and the organizer said this morning, Jan. 8 that they are bringing back the festivities to Lacson Street and the North Capitol Road.
Bacolaodiat Festival chairman John Stephen Sy said in a press conference that he “anticipates a larger-scale event compared to previous years” as he acknowledged the robust partnership with the city government and the Chinese community, adding these are the pivotal contributors to the organization of this cultural event over the years.
“Bacolaodiat Inc. (BI), the organizing group behind the festival, is actively preparing for the Lunar New Year celebration, with a P5 million support and boost from the city government, led by Mayor Albee Benitez,” Sy, also the chairperson of the organizing group, said, adding they aspire that this year’s Bacolaodiat will surpass all previous editions, “fueled by the unwavering support and enduring commitment of our partners”.
Bacolaodiat Inc. vice chair Bob Cordova and board member Michelle Chua, who were with Sy during the press conference, said the festival highlight events and attraction include the annual Chopsticks Alley and the Imperial Village at the North Capitol Road; a cultural show “A Night in the Middle Kingdom”, which will feature performances from various Chinese schools in Bacolod; and a “Symphony of Lights & Sparks”, or the grand fireworks display to welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon on Feb. 10.
They said that six contingents will compete in the street dance on Feb. 9 at Lacson Street, and the lantern dance competition, also at Lacson Street and North Capitol Road stages on Feb. 10.
These include the Jojaju, Ugyon Dance Troupe, Luminaries, The Next Power Generation, CHMSU Alijisanon, and Breaxers. The champion group will take home P100,000, P80,000 for the first runner-up, P60,000 for the second runner-up, and three consolation prizes of P15,000.
The Best in Costume and Best in Lantern winners will each receive P20,000, while the Netizen’s Choice awardee will get P10,000.
Another highlight is the conferment of retail tycoon Lucio Co as honorary mayor and “Adopted Son of Bacolod” on Feb. 10.
Benitez said that Co, the owner and chairman of Puregold and S&R Membership Shopping, among others, “brought significant contribution to the business and investment landscape of the City of Bacolod and has led an exemplary yet low-keyed lifestyle worthy of emulation of the future generation”.
This 2024, the festival will usher in the Year of the Wood Dragon with activities not only showcasing the auspicious Chinese zodiac animal but also emphasizing the harmonious relationship between the Tsinoy community and the Negrenses, the BI said.
This year’s festival logo, also unveiled Jan. 8, features a dynamic sinuous Chinese dragon clasping a Chinese coin. “In Chinese culture, the dragon represents power and strength while the coin represents prosperity and good fortune. Both visual elements artistically come together to form the figure 2024, and it symbolizes our community’s commitment to progress as we usher in the Year of the Wood Dragon.” | CGC
