Lifestyle

Some 358 participants – kids on the autism spectrum and their families, disability leaders, Bacolod City government representatives, and advocacy volunteers of SM City Bacolod – joined in the nationwide celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week by watching the sensory-friendly Filipino film, Firefly, on Friday, Jan. 17.Dubbed “Lights Up, Sounds Down,” this movie experience was unique for the audience because of adjustments SM made to the lighting and sound to minimize sensory overload.Additionally, the relaxed atmosphere allowed for movement and vocalizations, making the experience more enjoyable and less restrictive.Noting that many individuals with autism have not been inside a cinema or fully enjoyed the experience, May Castro, the public relations manager of SM City...

The MassKara Festival dancers of Barangay Granada in Bacolod City, led by village chief Armando Vito (seated, 2nd from left), meet with (from left) Secretary to the Mayor Marty Go, Councilor Jason Villarosa and City Chief Tourism Operations Officer Teresa Manalili at the Bacolod City Government Center on Monday*The MassKara Festival dancers of Barangay Granada, Bacolod City, will receive a P1.5-million subsidy from the Sinulog Foundation Inc. to represent Bacolod City in the Sinulog sa Sugbo World 2025 in Cebu City on Jan. 19.“This highlights the significance of their role in representing Bacolod City,” the City Tourism Office said in a statement on Monday.Barangay Granada, a six-time champion of the MassKara Festival street dance and arena competition, including the 2024 editi...

Bacolod City is gearing up for the staging of the 20th year of the Bacolaodiat Festival, one of the country’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations, on Jan. 31 to Feb. 2.This year’s festivity will be held along 6th to 13th-Lacson streets, with the main festival site still at the North Capitol Road.Bacolaodiat Festival chairperson John Stephen Sy said the organizers are coordinating with concerned national government agencies, volunteer organizations and city government offices as part of the preparations.“Collaboration is important to achieve our shared vision. We aim to have a safer and more successful celebration of the Bacolaodiat Festival this 2025,” he added.Traditional events include cultural performances, a lantern street and arena dance competition, and an Asian foo...

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. with the 10  Dinagsa Queen 2025 contestants.*Ten candidates are vying for the Dinagsa Queen 2025 title in Cadiz City.The contestants are Irjane Eunice Andico, Rochelle Ramos, Roann Alabastro, Chelcie Chassandra Binoya, Glazel Bayona, Sophia Charis Canto, Queen Ann Toledo, Angel Mae Baldoquin, Violie Marie Batilo and Xian Emerald Javelosa.The ten candidates will vie for the coveted Dinagsa Queen 2025 crown at the Cadiz Arena 7 p.m. January 23.“The competition promises to be a spectacular display of elegance, wit, and creativity as these remarkable young women compete to become the city’s ambassador of culture and values,” a press release from Cadiz City said.*

The Margaha Film Festival in Sagay City is now open for submission of entries for the first-ever Margaha Philippine Shorts Competition.All filmmakers are urged to submit 10 to 20 minute short films, organizers said.Those interested may check out the guidelines at: https://forms.gle/7rC1qXhMgdJxPFCXAEntries musts be submitted by 11:59 p.m.of Jan. 30.*

President Igie Villarosa (center) and the new officers*The Rotary Club of Bacolod-Marapara inducted a new set of officers for Rotary Year 2024-2025 with Virgil Rupert "Igie" Villarosa as the club's 32nd president.The induction was held at the Acacia Hotel, Bacolod City, on Tuesday, August 6. Past District Governor Dr. Rafael "Biboy" Jocson, Rotary District 3850, was the inducting officer, a press release from Robert Harland said.Dr. Villarosa was ushered into the one-year term by his predecessor Dr. Eric Malo-oy, who turned over the bell and gavel as a symbol of the transfer of power and authority.In accepting the club's leadership, Dr. Villarosa thanked members for their support and expressed his excitement working in this new Rotary Year with the theme "The Magic of Rotar...

Toots Jimenez, Jonas Gaffud - Miss Universe president and chief operating officer, Mags Cue,  Kashmere Granada and Arnold Mercado  (l-r) after the signing  of the franchise contract on Monday.* A Miss Universe Philippines - Negros Occidental pageant will be held in Bacolod City in November. This was announced following the signing of a Miss Universe Philippines - Negros Occidental franchise by local director Kashmere Granada with Mags Cue - director for national search and Arnold Mercado - director for local and Asia Pacific search at Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City, Monday, July 22. The signing was witnessed by Jonas Gaffud, Miss Universe president and chief operating officer. The screening of aspirants for the Miss Universe Negros Occide...