Barangay Mansilingan Wins 2025 Inasal Fest Dance Title

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By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Barangay Mansilingan was declared champion in the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival 2025 Arena Dance Competition held Sunday at The Upper East by Megaworld.

The winning group received PHP20,000, according to the City Tourism Office.

In a Facebook post, the Mansilingan community dedicated the victory to all who poured their hearts into the performance.

They recognized the dancers’ artistry, discipline and powerful execution that brought their vision to life, calling them “the heart of this championship.”

They also thanked the barangay officials, choreographers, production team, volunteers and supporters, saying, “This is a win for all of Barangay Mansilingan. Let’s continue to shine brighter together.”

Barangay Mandalagan placed second and received PHP15,000, while Barangay Tangub finished third and won PHP10,000.

Other participating barangays were Estefania, Cabug, Barangay 29 and Bata.

Despite rain, the competition pushed through with dynamic performances from seven barangays, each assigned a country by lot and fusing its culture with the story of Bacolod’s famous chicken inasal.

With the theme “Fire and Fusion,” the dances incorporated elements from Brazil, Jamaica, Africa and the Philippines to honor Bacolod’s iconic grilled chicken.

Judges were Rudy Reveche, chairman of Cultural Competitions of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Ricky Lapiadante Jr., Grand Slam Champion of Panaad sa Negros Best of Festival Dance; and Dr. Ronnie Baldonado, a Negros Occidental festival documentarist and photographer.

The event showcased the creativity and cultural pride of Bacolodnons and reinforced the city’s commitment to celebrating heritage and global influences.

Meanwhile, Rogelio “Kenken” Santos Jr. was awarded Photo of the Year during the BCIF Awards Night held Saturday at the SM City Bacolod Atrium.

His winning entry, showing an inasal vendor grilling chicken, was submitted by the Camera Club of Negros and captured the culture and nostalgia tied to the city’s signature dish.

The photo exhibit featured works by 12 photographers at Citadines Bacolod on May 23.

Themed Capturing the Flavor, the exhibit told visual stories of the city’s deep-rooted love for chicken inasal, from sizzling grills to street festivities.

City Tourism Officer Teresa Manalili and Councilor Celia Flor praised the fusion of culinary tradition and artistic expression.

The city government also recognized individuals and institutions that excelled in food, service, tourism partnerships and community engagement.

Among the awardees were Nena’s Beth and Aida’s, which won the People’s Choice Award for the most online engagements among inasal brands.

Ribshack received the Inasal Global Ambassador Award for elevating Bacolod chicken inasal on the international culinary scene.

The Gastrobuzz Award was given to four hotels, two restaurants, a pasalubong center and a food vlogger for delivering exceptional culinary experiences with outstanding service.

Five organizations were honored with the Tourism Choice Award for their efforts in promoting Bacolod as a travel destination.

In the BCIF Food Spreads Competition, the Bacolod Academy of Culinary Arts emerged as champion and swept special awards including Best Spread, Best Dishes and People’s Choice.

The Regional Training Center was first runner-up, while Atoniya Skills placed second runner-up.

In the BCIF Cook-off student category, Culinary Arts of First Academy (CAFA) won the championship.

The University of St. La Salle and the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos placed first and second runners-up, respectively.

In the barangay category, Barangay 12, home to the original Manokan Country, claimed the championship.

Barangays Mandalagan and Mansilingan placed first and second runners-up.

Also honored was Louise Lian Bobe for her outstanding representation of Bacolod City in the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 competition.

The City Tourism Office said the awards were not just a celebration of winners but a reflection of Bacolod’s culinary excellence, community spirit and growing tourism footprint.

Generally Peaceful

The Bacolod City Police Office reported a generally peaceful and orderly festival, with zero major incidents during the five-day event from May 21 to 25.

Personnel were strategically deployed to key areas to ensure safety and security for residents and visitors.

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, emphasized the importance of police visibility, proactive operations and community engagement in maintaining peace.

He commended the dedication and professionalism of the police force in fulfilling their duties.

The BCPO also thanked the public for their cooperation and vigilance, which helped ensure the festival’s smooth and safe conduct.