BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolaodiat Festival, one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in the country, is set to take place from Feb. 9 to 11 in this city. The main festival site will return to the Lacson Tourism Strip.
This year's celebration, poised to be the grandest yet, received financial support of PHP5 million from the city government led by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
John Stephen Sy, the chairman of the Bacolaodiat Festival, expressed anticipation for the significant event, acknowledging the strong partnership between the city government and the local Chinese-Filipino community over the years. “We aspire for this year’s Bacolaodiat to surpass all previous editions fueled by the unwavering support of our partners, especially the local government unit of Bacolod," he stated in a press conference.
Now in its 19th edition, the festival derived its name from "Baco," representing Bacolod, and "Lao Diat," a Fookien word for celebration.
On Feb. 10, Bacolaodiat Inc., in collaboration with the Office of the City Mayor, will confer the title of honorary mayor on retail tycoon Lucio Co. Co will also be named the adopted son of Bacolod, subject to the endorsement of the City Council and the request of Mayor Benitez.
Co, the owner and chairman of Puregold and S&R Membership Shopping, as well as the chairman and owner of Cosco Capital Inc., is recognized for his significant contributions to the business and investment landscape of Bacolod.
Bacolaodiat Inc. board member Michelle Chua revealed that this year's logo, featuring the Chinese dragon, incorporates the Chinese coin symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Chua stated, “This is going to be bigger than last year. This time, it’s the Year of the Wood Dragon, an important character in the Chinese community. It’s the most famous, the most powerful among the 12 animals in the zodiac. It brings so much abundance.”
Bacolaodiat Inc. vice president Bobby Cordova confirmed that the festival would feature the traditional Imperial Village and Chopsticks Alley along North Capitol Road, along with the annual cultural show now named “Night in the Middle Kingdom.”
Six contingents are set to participate in the Lantern and Street Dance competition and the Lunar Music Festival, promising a 'bigger' Bacolaodiat Festival this year.
The Bacolaodiat Festival returned in 2023 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring a modest celebration that omitted its original venue, the Lacson Tourism Strip. (PNA)'
Komentar :
Post a Comment