The Barangay 8 dancers cemented their reign as champions, securing their second consecutive title at the 5th Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival’s Parade and Street Dance Competition at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds on Saturday, August 30.
Yuri’s Freestylerz propelled Barangay 8 to victory, outperforming seven other barangays. The group was awarded a ₱100,000 cash prize, along with gift packs from Tanduay Distillers Inc. (TDI), a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
“Our main goal was really to become a back-to-back champion,” choreographer Yuri Delicano said.
“This is the payoff of all our sacrifices, exhaustion, and even late-night rehearsals under the rain”, he added.
Barangay Cabug won second place, receiving ₱60,000, while Barangay 6 finished third, earning ₱40,000.
Under the theme “Nakatagong Galing” (Hidden Talent), this year’s festival put a spotlight on Bacolod’s rich local talent through performances inspired by the city’s culture, tourism, artistry, governance, and rum-making heritage, the press release said.
Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized the city’s dedication to supporting Bacolodnons in creative and bartending fields.
“We are renewing our commitment to honor our heritage, to uplift our people, and to show the world that Bacolod is and will always be the proud home of the World’s No. 1 Rum—and that is Tanduay Rum,” he said.
Gasataya also shared his aspirations for the next Rum Festival to be “even more colorful, intentional, and purposeful.”
TDI Executive Vice President Dennis Ching commended the community’s robust participation.
“This festival is our way of giving back to Bacolod’s heritage, to celebrate the community behind our partnership with the city, and its leaders,” he said.
Ching also acknowledged the seven schools across Negros that participated in TDI’s Rum Education initiative and the eight barangays that displayed their artistry in the competition.
Barangays 2, 21, Felisa, Alangilan, and Vista Alegre also participated in the event.
The festival concluded with a free grand concert featuring Mayonnaise, Zack Tabudlo, Amiel Sol, Robledo Timido, and Tanduay ambassadors Derek Ramsay and Julia Barretto.*