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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider 21st Bacolaodiat Festival kicks off in Bacolod

21st Bacolaodiat Festival kicks off in Bacolod

Published Feb 21, 2026 05:58 pm
MAYOR Greg Gasataya, former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, and Bacolaodiat Chairman John Stephen Sy (left) lead the ceremonial burning of incense during the opening of the 21st Bacolaodiat Festival at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday, Feb. 20. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
MAYOR Greg Gasataya, former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, and Bacolaodiat Chairman John Stephen Sy (left) lead the ceremonial burning of incense during the opening of the 21st Bacolaodiat Festival at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday, Feb. 20. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
BACOLOD CITY – Former Sen. Nikki Coseteng called for stronger Filipino–Chinese ties and lasting peace during the kickoff the 21st Bacolaodiat Festival here on Friday, Feb. 20.
Coseteng was the guest honor in the festival opening held at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds.
In her message, she expressed hope that the positive relationship between Filipino and Chinese communities would flourish not only here but also across the Philippines.
"China is our next-door neighbor, separated only by a sea. I wish for this world to remain peaceful, sustainable, and friendly for future generations to build upon,” she said.
She lauded the Filipino-Chinese community here. "I think the Bacolaodiat is a very awesome activity and will bring everybody closer," she said in a media interview here.
Coseteng said that it is good that non-Filipino Chinese will feel the inclusivity that everyone belongs. "When we progress, everyone progresses," she added.
Mayor Greg Gasataya thanked the Filipino-Chinese community for their invaluable contributions to this city's success.
“The reason for having this Bacolaodiat Festival is for us to unite, to celebrate, and to showcase Bacolod City," he said.
The mayor emphasized that the festival is a humble way of showing appreciation for the community’s work in the city. "We thank our Filipino-Chinese community brethren for all the support that you have been doing for Bacolod City," he said.
John Stephen Sy, chairman of the Bacolaodiat Festival Inc., highlighted the event’s deeper significance.
“It has become a vital bridge connecting our local community with its deep Filipino-Chinese heritage," he said.
He said that Bacolaodiat festival is a season of renewal and serves as a time to cast away the shadows of the past and embrace the hope of good fortune.
Organizers and city officials led the opening of the Imperial Village on Friday, where festival-goers can explore traditional Chinese arts and crafts, and the Emperor's Market, offering a diverse selection of food. It concluded with a ceremonial lighting of festive displays and the unveiling of the “Walls of Fortune” mural, symbolizing hope and community spirit.
The three-day celebration at the BCGC grounds will have nightly entertainment, as well as the Lantern Dance Competition on Feb. 21, with a repeat performance the following day, and Chinese Cosplay Invasion, to be followed by Bacolaodiat Kids’ Delight on Feb. 22.
The festival will conclude on Feb. 22 with closing ceremonies at 7 p.m., followed by the “Symphony of Lights and Sparks” fireworks display.

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