• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A Spring Festival Thanksgiving mass was held at the Queen of Peace Parish at the Redemptorist in Bacolod City yesterday morning, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, as part of the 20th BacoLaodiat Festival in the city.
The concelebrated mass, led by priests from the Diocese of Bacolod, was attended by members of the Filipino-Chinese community, including businessman Ricardo “Cano” Tan, who wished everyone luck, happiness and prosperity for the Chinese New Year. The mass was followed by a lion and dragon dance performance by members of the Chamber Lion Dance Troupe, and Amity Fire Brigade, respectively.
Meanwhile, SM City mall manager Julia Javellana welcomed organizers of the BacoLaodiat Festival, SM executives, and guests during a program at SM City Bacolod yesterday afternoon to welcome the Chinese New Year.
Javellana said the BacoLaodiat Festival has become a beloved tradition and a vibrant celebration of the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Filipino-Chinese community in Bacolod and Negros. Over the past two decades, it has grown to symbolize the unity, friendship, and diversity that make the city special.
“As we welcome the year of the Wood Snake today, we look forward to many more years of fruitful and prosperous partnership with the City of Bacolod and BacoLaodiat Inc.,” she added.
BacoLaodiat is more than a Chinese New Year celebration – it is a festival that unites cultures, traditions and communities, festival chairman John Stephen Sy said.
Sy also thanked the City Government and City Council of Bacolod, as well as SM City for their support in making BacoLaodiat a culturally significant festival.
The program ended with Sy, Javellana and Bacolod Councilor Jason Villarosa sounding the gong to welcome the Chinese New Year.
On the other hand, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez took part in the bell-ringing ceremony at the FHS Yuan Thong Temple in Burgos Street Tuesday evening to welcome the year of the Wood Snake. He shared his three wishes: that Bacolod will rise as a Super City, that it may overcome challenges, and that it be protected from calamities.*
