JoJaJu clinches lantern dance crown at Bacolaodiat Festival

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — JoJaJu won the championship title in the Lantern Dance Competition during the 21st edition of the Bacolaodiat Festival held here this year.

The winning group received a PHP 100,000 cash prize and a trophy during the awarding ceremony led by Bacolaodiat Festival Inc. officials headed by chairperson John Stephen Sy and Councilor Em Ang, who represented Mayor Greg Gasataya, at the SMile Strip of SM City Bacolod on Sunday.

JoJaJu also secured the Best in Costume award, earning an additional PHP 20,000 and another trophy.

The group finished first runner-up and likewise won Best in Costume last year. They last claimed the championship title in 2024.

The other two finalists — The Luminaries and Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU)-Alijis Campus — each received PHP 30,000 as consolation prizes. The Luminaries also took home the Best in Lantern award, along with PHP 20,000 and a trophy.

All three groups were top finishers in the festival’s 20th edition last year.

The contingents were evaluated based on two performances — the Daytime and Nighttime Editions — held at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds on Saturday.

The panel of judges featured prominent Negrense cultural leaders — Rudy Reveche, Rene Hinojales and Maricon Heria.

The Lantern Dance is the centerpiece of the Bacolaodiat Festival. Performances blend traditional Chinese folk elements with contemporary Filipino choreography, showcasing symbolic movements such as the dragon wave, lantern glide, prosperity spin, blossom burst and Tai Chi.

Meanwhile, Cyriel Napao won the Chinese Cosplay Invasion Contest at the BCGC grounds on Sunday, receiving a PHP 5,000 cash prize. He showcased Nezha from Chinese mythology and pop culture.

First runner-up was Chelsea Mae Siason, showcasing Auspicious Charm Odette from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. She took home a PHP 3,000 cash prize.

Edjhean Jhon Siason placed second runner-up and received PHP 2,000, showcasing Unbound Myth Maker Irelia from League of Legends.

The four other participants received a consolation prize of PHP 1,000 each.

Local cosplayers showcased their creativity and craftsmanship in blending pop culture with traditional Chinese aesthetics. The contestants presented a diverse range of Chinese-inspired looks from anime, manga and video games.

The contest was a modern addition to the Bacolaodiat Festival, designed to engage the youth while celebrating the “harmonious blend” of Filipino-Chinese heritage.

This year’s festivities welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse, marking a vibrant celebration of Filipino-Chinese heritage. The three-day event culminated on Sunday night.

The Bacolaodiat Festival is Bacolod City’s annual Chinese New Year celebration, first held in 2005 to honor the contributions of the Chinese-Filipino community to the city’s cultural and economic life. The name “Bacolaodiat” combines “Bacolod” with “Laodiat,” the Hokkien term for the Lunar New Year. The festival has since grown into one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Metro Manila.