BACOLOD CITY – The City Council has approved a P5-million financial assistance to support the staging of the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival this year.
BACOLOD City officials headed by Mayor Albee Benitez, Bacolaodiat Festival chairman John Stephen Sy (third from left), and Bob Cordova (fifth from left) attend a press briefing at the Mayor's Office at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Tuesday, Jan. 21. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)
This year’s festival from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 ushers in the Chinese Lunar New Year and highlights cultural heritage, economic partnerships, and community unity.
The event will have new activities offering a blend of Filipino and Chinese traditions with a fresh perspective and will be mainly held at the North Capitol Road with road closures from the 5th to 13th Lacson Streets.
Activities include The Temple Design Contest at McDonald’s Upper East on Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. where designers will present miniature temples combining traditional Chinese elements with modern design, offering an artistic showcase of cultural symbolism.
A Snake Emperor and Empress Costume Design Contest will be held at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central on Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. featuring stunning designs inspired by the elegance of the Year of the Snake, with models presenting the costumes in a theatrical setting.
The Chinese Cosplay Invasion will be staged at North Capitol Road on Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. where cosplayers will showcase costumes inspired by Chinese folklore and pop culture.
The festival will also feature cultural performances, lantern street and arena dance competition, and Asian food crawl, among others.
Filipino-Chinese businessman Hans Sy will be recognized as the Adopted Son of Bacolod City and Honorary Mayor for his contributions to Bacolod’s economic and community growth.
“With your help and support, we aim to have a safer and more successful celebration of the Bacolaodiat Festival this 2025,” Bacolaodiat Festival Cchairman John Stephen Sy said.