BACOLOD CITY – The city government and Tanduay Distillers Inc. have officially launched the fifth edition of the Rum Festival in this highly-urbanized city from Aug. 28 to 30.
Preparations for the event with the theme “Natatagong Galing" are underway.
BACOLOD City Mayor Greg Gasataya speaks at the recent launching of this year's Rum Festival.
The festival will feature rum education sessions, street dance parades, culinary showcases, and live entertainment.
Headlining performances are Amiel Sol, Robledo Timido, Zack Tabudlo, and the Mayonnaise Band, along with Tanduay ambassadors Derek Ramsay and Julia Barretto.
Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized the cultural significance of the event, calling it more than just a celebration. “Rum is not just a drink here; it is a living symbol of our history,” he said, highlighting how sugarcane and rum have shaped the economy and identity of Bacolod and Negros Occidental.
Gasataya noted that this year’s theme reflects the creativity and resilience of the Filipino spirit. “We are a city and a nation full of hidden talents, skills, and creativity, ready to be seen and celebrated,” he said. "This is to show the world that Bacolod is not just a place of smiles, but a place of passion, resilience, and artistry," Gasataya added.
Gasataya said the festival is an opportunity to deepen understanding of rum’s heritage, craftsmanship, and its evolving role in the Philippine cocktail scene.
Councilor Em Ang, who authored the ordinance declaring the third week of August as Bacolod’s official Rum Festival week, echoed the mayor’s sentiments.
She emphasized the festival’s dual purpose: Entertainment and education. “We want to shift the mindset that rum is just for drinking – it can also enhance food, desserts, and cocktails,” she said.
Launched in 2019, the Rum Festival has since become a signature event, enhancing Bacolod’s image as a city where heritage and modernity blend through creativity and celebration.