Bacolod Chicken Inasal Fest Opens with Grilling, Fun

By Glazyl M. Jopson and Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival kicks off today, May 21, and will run until May 25 across three major sites in the city.

City Councilor Celia Flor, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Markets, said the city government allocated PHP1.2 million for the celebration.

This year’s theme, “Fire & Fusion,” aims to highlight Bacolod’s iconic chicken inasal while promoting unity, culture, and creativity.

Festival activities will be held at SM City Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, and The Upper East.

The ceremonial grilling will be held today at SM City Bacolod, featuring 24 Manokan Country vendors operating at the terminal hub of the mall’s north-side parking lot.

On May 22, the longest grilling event will take place at The Upper East.

Workshops and demonstrations will run from May 23 at Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

A key event is the Beer Pairing and Food Tasting on May 23, where hotel chefs will showcase innovative chicken inasal dishes paired with select San Miguel brews.

On May 25, SM City will host the Chicken Inasal Awards, while a chicken inasal dance arena competition will be held at The Upper East.

The Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival was first staged in 2018 and has since grown into a premier culinary and cultural event.

In 2023, a total of 3,000 chicken inasal were grilled by 70 vendors across a 320-meter line in a bid to set a record for the world’s longest grilling event.

Flor said there is a proposal to amend City Ordinance No. 482, Series of 2009, or the “Manokan Country Inasal Festival,” to allow future celebrations to be held either in April or May depending on weather conditions.

280 COPS DEPLOYED

The Bacolod City Police Office has deployed 280 officers to secure venues and ensure public safety during the five-day event.

Police Capt. Liberty Indiape, spokesperson for the BCPO, said officers will be stationed at festival sites to maintain order throughout the festivities.

Activities include grilling contests, nightly entertainment, culinary workshops, and award ceremonies spread across SM City, The Upper East, and Ayala Malls.