• YASMIN PASCUAL-DORMIDO
Local bands entertained Bacolodnons and guests at the opening night of the 3rd Tanduay Rum Festival at the Bacolod City Government Center Saturday.
The rain did not stop partygoers from enjoying the performances of Light Gauge Band and The Good Boys Band at the BCGC Food Park.
Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez; Joram Bacorro, Tanduay Bacolod Manager; Francis Lorenzo, Tanduay Regional Marketing Supervisor; and Rene Avile, PAL Bacolod Manager, led the ribbon cutting ceremony. City councilors Em Ang, Cindy Tan-Rojas, Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Jason Villarosa were also present at the opening rites.
MassKara Festival Dancers opened the program while Batukada Negros’ music added to the festive mood at the venue.
The festival which will run until August 20 features a National Flairtending and Mixology Competition, a Culinaria contest, a Rum Barrel Painting Competition, food park and a music festival. Ely Buendia will be singing hits of the Eraserheads.
Actor Derek Ramsay and 2023 Tanduay calendar girl Kylie Verzosa will be gracing this year’s festival.*
