Rum Festival promotes Bacolodnon’s artistry

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival officially opened here on Aug 12, 2022 to promote the artistic side of Bacolodnons and Negrenses and their rich history and culture.

The festival formally commenced at the Art District in Barangay Mandalagan, with an art exhibition and jazz concert featuring Bacolod’s leading artists.

According to Councilor Em Ang, chair of the committee on History, culture and arts, the festivity commemorates the fact that the biggest rum in the world is made here, and its byproduct which is sugarcane is abundant in the province.

Ang said the festivity is not about “drinking,” as it mainly highlights the talents and artistry of Bacolodnons.

Ang said there are so many talented local artists here, but they were not given the chance to showcase their craft in any activities.

“We have so many underrated artists in visual arts, film, dance, and music, damo potentials pero wala lang opportunities,” Ang said.

Ang noted that Bacolod and Negros Occidental are very rich in talents.

Ang said the Rum Festival is a front act for the MassKara Festival, which will return in October, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Visual artist Charlie Co, founder of the Orange Project and Orange Gallery, conceptualized the Jazz Festival to complement the opening of the new art exhibit at the gallery.

The group exhibition titled “Man and Monster” will feature the works of the PARA Collective composed of artists Lec Cruz, Jason Montinola, RA Tijing, Ciane Xavier, Kaloy Sanchez, Nix Puno, Martin Honasan, Dexter Sy, Krista Nogueras, Don Dalmacio, and VICTORIA. The exhibit will also include works of artists from Manila such as Dex Fernandez, Kiko Escora, Romeo Lee, and 13 Lucky Monkey.

After the gallery opening, a jazz music festival will follow with the Mike Tambasan Group, Mojo Nava, and Nancy Brew.

“As a proudly Philippine-made rum, Tanduay has always been a staunch supporter of local artists.

On the same day, the Food Park at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds also started.

The city’s most popular dishes and other food options will be available to the public from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. during the nine-day festivity.

Last Saturday, the barrel painting contest was held at the Main Atrium of SM City Bacolod, while the street art competition will be held from August 14 to 17, at Bazket BCD on Lacson Avenue.

On August 16, the Bottle Art Competition will be held at SM City Bacolod. In the afternoon, the screening for the flairtending and mixology competitions will be held at Planta Hotel. Chef BJ Uy will lead the distinguished panel of judges who will screen the contestants.

On August 19 and 20, the highly anticipated culinaria contest will be held along with a food crawl of some of Bacolod’s leading restaurants.

The Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival will end on August 20 with a float parade and street dance competition at the BCGC grounds.

In the evening, the grand finals of the flairtending and mixology contests will be held at the BCGC grounds, as well as the awarding ceremonies of the barrel art, bottle art, street art, and culinaria competitions will take place at the same venue.

There will be a free concert featuring Ethan Loukas, Magnus Haven, and Arthur Nery at the BCGC grounds. Tanduay brand ambassador Derek Ramsay will make a special guest appearance.