• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The 2026 Bacolaodiat Festival officially opened its main festivities yesterday, with a series of cultural events centered at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.
The opening ceremony marked the launch of the Emperor’s Market and the Imperial Village, alongside a Lantern Dance Exhibition.
Various activities will take center stage across SM City Bacolod, and Megaword The Upper East, while the highlight will conclude at the BCGC on February 22.
“For the past 2 decades, this festival has united the invaluable contributions of the Chinoys, Filipino-Chinese community, to Bacolod’s economic landscape and cultural identity. It stands as a statement to what we can achieve when different cultures weave together a single resilient fabric,” said John Stephen Sy, chair of Bacolaodiat Incorporated.
Among the guests is Former Senator Anna Dominique Marquez-Lim Coseteng, who led the Lighting of Incense together with Sy, Bacolaodiat Board Members, Family Associations, and Mayor Greg Gasataya.
“The reason for us having this celebration is to unite, to celebrate, and to showcase Bacolod City,” Gasataya said.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Police Office Station 4 chief Mark Joeil Reclamado assured festival goers of their safety during the event as the law enforcement are deployed in the area.*
