21st Bacolaodiat Festival opens with 500 cops deployed

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The 21st edition of the Bacolaodiat Festival officially kicked off Friday at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Former Sen. Ana Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng served as guest of honor during the opening ceremony.

“Congratulations to the Filipino-Chinese community here in Bacolod. I think the Bacolaodiat is a very awesome activity and will bring everybody closer,” she said in a media interview.

She added that it is good that non-Filipino Chinese residents will feel the inclusivity — that everyone belongs. “When we progress, everyone progresses,” she said.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has tapped 500 personnel to ensure peace and order for the three-day festival running Feb. 20 to 22.

Police Capt. Rosalino Pugoy, BCPO spokesperson, said 300 BCPO personnel began deployment Friday afternoon, with an additional 200 from Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) on standby in case augmentation is needed.

Pugoy said personnel will be assigned to man all festival sites, including the BCGC grounds and Upper East Megaworld, as well as SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

“Bacolaodiat” is a portmanteau of “Baco” (Bacolod) and “laodiat” (Fookien for happy celebration).

The festival is spearheaded by Bacolaodiat Incorporated, chaired by John Stephen Sy.

The city government has allotted PHP 5 million to support the festivities, which highlight Chinese and Filipino cultures.

During opening day, organizers and city officials led the inauguration of the Imperial Village, where festival-goers can explore traditional Chinese arts and crafts; the Emperor’s Market, offering a diverse selection of food; and the “Walls of Fortune” Mural-Painting Contest and Exhibit. A ceremonial lights-on ceremony followed at 6 p.m.

The three-day celebration at the BCGC grounds will also feature 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 Feb. 22 with closing ceremonies at 7 p.m., followed by the “Symphony of Lights and Sparks” fireworks display.

Other Bacolaodiat events across the city include the Chinese Lantern Installation Making Contest and nightly entertainment stages at Upper East Megaworld; Chopsticks Alley at the Smile Strip; the Lantern Dance Competition Repeat Performance and Awarding Ceremony at SM City Bacolod on Feb. 22; and the Chinese Mythical Creature Costume Design Contest at Ayala Malls Capitol Central on Feb. 21.