The Emperor’s Market and Imperial Village of the Bacolaodiat Festival 2025 opened Jan. 31 at the North Capitol Road with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and traditional incense-lighting ceremony, which marked the start of an immersive cultural experience that showcases Bacolod’s rich Filipino-Chinese heritage.
John Stephen Sy, chairperson of the Bacolaodiat Festival, with chairman emeritus and founding chair Alfredo Barcelona and board members Michelle Chua, Caryn Keng Seng, Odette Ong-Go, Dr. Lily Go, Mila Ong, Karla Sayat, as well as the Tsinoy Family Associations led the opening ceremony also graced by councilors Em Ang, Kalaw Puentevella, and Jason Villarosa, and tourism officers.
The Emperor’s Market and Imperial Village serves as cultural and culinary hubs of the festival, offering visitors with a wide array of authentic Chinese delicacies, traditional crafts, and cultural entertainment.
It will cater to festival-goers until Feb. 1; festival organizers invite everyone to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bacolod’s Lunar New Year celebration.
The festival’s Temple Design Contest, meanwhile, opened Jan. 29 at Megaworld’s The Upper East, featuring five participants with creative designs.
It is a cultural competition where participants create miniature temples, inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, and symbolizing prosperity, unity, and heritage while showcasing creativity and celebrating Bacolod’s Chinese-Filipino traditions.
Megaworld Visayas 1st vice president for Sales and Marketing Jennifer Ann Palmares-Fong led the opening ceremony, highlighting the strong collaboration between Bacolaodiat Inc. and the leading real estate developer.
The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of three experts, who determined the winning design based on architecture, creativity, and craftsmanship.
These miniature temple models can be viewed throughout February at The Upper East, providing an immersive experience into the artistic interpretations of Chinese traditions, the Bacolaodiat Inc. said in a press release.
The temple design contest not only serves as a platform for local artists to showcase their talents but also strengthens the city’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its Chinese-Filipino heritage in this Year of the Wood Snake, it added. ||
