• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The fourth edition of the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival kicked off Aug. 10 at the Government Center grounds, highlighted by the opening of the Food Park and a mural painting, led by Mayor Alfredo Benitez, several councilors, city tourism officer Tere Manalili, and Tanduay executives.
The revelry, with a mixed lineup of rum and music every night at the Food Park, mixology, flairtending, and culinaria competitions, a rum masterclass, and a parade and street-dance competition, among others, will take centerstage in the highly-urbanized city until Aug. 18.
Benitez, at the opening ceremony, thanked Tanduay for making the Rum Festival always a successful event, and an entertaining celebration in Bacolod.
“We have been on the receiving side of the generosity of Tanduay, I don’t think the city spent a cent for this event. Thank you for making this a lively and entertaining celebration. We look forward every year to participate and to celebrate the Rum Festival,” the mayor added.
Councilor Em Ang, who authored the Bacolod Rum Festival ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in May 2019, said the festival “was borne out of our deliberate intent to promote tourism, to provide a venue for showcasing artistic talents, preserving our culture, and enhancing cultural appreciation.”
She said she is proud that the Rum Festival has grown over the years, and is fast becoming one of the sought-after, and biggest cultural and tourism events in Bacolod.
Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on History, Culture and Arts, said at the opening ceremony that the festival has overcome many challenges, and that the “resilience and passion demonstrated by everyone involved – from the organizer to the participants – reflect the never say die spirit of Bacolodnons.”
She said that aside from tourism, the festival also promotes the sugar industry of Negros Occidental, noting that the main ingredient of rum is sugarcane.
The creation of festivals is part of the local government’s vision to continually explore ways on how to best use the creative talents and resources of Bacolod for the socio-economic growth and cultural reinvigoration of people in the community, Ang added.
Meanwhile, the mixology and flairtending eliminations will be held starting 1 o’clock this afternoon, Aug. 12, at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
The contenders are Trina Samuelle Patag, Rene Ardeña Jr., Kyla Diaz, Adrian Anthony Gatasaya, Jona Sudayan, Ma. Johanna Beatrix Acebuche, Danicka Raiza Aguillon, Jason Santos, Joshua Orquia, and Laurence Soriano, the festival organizer said, adding the grand finals will be on Aug. 16 at Seda Capitol Central. | CGC
