The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on Wednesday, January 4, approved the mayor’s signing of a memorandum of agreement for the allocation of P3 million for the Bacolaodiat Festival that kicks off on January 20.
The SP approved the request of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for authority to sign the MOA with Bacolaodiat Inc. represented by John Stephen Sy, chairman of the Bacolaodiat Festival 2023.
Bacolaodiat Inc. on Wednesday released the schedule of activities for the 18th edition of the festival to usher in the Chinese New Year in Bacolod City on January 20 to 22.
The three-day 2023 Bacolaodiat Festival will highlight the Year of the Rabbit which is believed to offer opportunities for contemplation, rest and nurturing of body and soul, Sy said.
“We are optimistic and it is our aspiration that the comeback of the Bacolaodiat Festival this year will be more vibrant, happier and meaningful to everyone considering that we are easing out of the pandemic,” he said.
The festival will start on January 20 with a grand parade from Megaworld’s The Upper East to the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).
Tsinoys, city officials and students from Chinese schools are expected to participate in the parade.
The ceremonial lighting of lanterns and lotus, cultural show and the anticipated Sparkling Symphony of Lights (Fireworks) will take place after a Cultural Show at the BCGC.
The Imperial Village and the Chopsticks Alley, which will feature Chinese cuisine and Filipino street food favorites, at The Upper East will also open at 4 p.m. on January 20.
The Lantern Street Dance competition is scheduled on January 21 and winners will be awarded on January 22 at SM City Bacolod, another festival site.
A Dharma Prayer at the Yuan Thong Temple will also be held at 10:30 p.m. on January 21, the eve of the Chinese New Year.
Other activities lined are the Lunar Music Festival, Mascot Parade and Falcor Marketing Corporation’s Dog Fashion Show at the BCGC.
The organizers have also launched an official Facebook page to keep the public informed about the festival updates.
Those who have inquiries may reach the Bacolaodiat Secretariat by email at bacolaodiatfestival@yahoo.com and through its FB page https://www.facebook.com/bacolaodiatfestivalofficial, organizers said.*