• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution declaring business tycoon Kevin L. Tan as honorary mayor of the City of Bacolod was unanimously approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod, Wednesday, as part of the celebration of the 18th edition of the BacoLaodiat Festival that will run from January 20 to 22 in four different venues in the city.
Tan had earlier been declared by the SP as an adopted son of Bacolod during last year’s celebration of the MassKara Festival in October.
Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said the SP acted unanimously on the request of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for the passage of a resolution declaring the chief executive officer and vice-chairman of Alliance Global Inc., as honorary mayor of Bacolod citing the many significant contributions of Tan and Megaworld to the business landscape of the Bacolod.
Alliance Global Inc. is a parent company of Megaworld Corporation, Emperador, Travellers/Resortsworld Manila, McDonald’s Philippines, among others.
In his letter to the SP, Benitez said the ongoing Megaworld Upper East project in Bacolod is expected to make a significant change in the business landscape of the city, as well as generate employment for the construction sector.
Tan, a Chinese- Filipino businessman and investor, participates in real estate, liquor, and fast-food businesses, he added.
On the other hand, the three-day celebration of the 18th BacoLaodiat Festival that will usher in the Year of the Rabbit in the Chinese calendar, will kick-off today with the opening of the Chopsticks Alley and Imperial Village 4 p.m. at The Upper East.
This will be followed by the dazzling grand parade at 4:30 p.m. from The Upper East to the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds.
A ceremonial switch on of lanterns and lotus cultural show will be held at 6:30 p.m., to be followed by the sparkling symphony of lights (fireworks display) and nightly entertainment at the BCGC grounds, all on the first day of the BacoLaodiat Festival.
Various activities will also be held from January 21 to 22 at the Yan Thong Temple in Burgos extension.
Activities for the second day of the festival include a BacoLaodiat dog fashion show at 1 p.m. at the BCGC grounds, while activities at The Upper East includes a Chinese New Year Open House at 2 p.m. followed by the BacoLaodiat street dance competition at 4:30 p.m., BacoLaodiat lantern dance competition at 7 p.m., nightly entertainment at 8 p.m. and capped by the symphony of lights and sparks (fireworks display) at 12 midnight, all at BCGC.*
