BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ma. Teresa Quebrar-Manalili and Jovelyn Canoy Datoon, representing Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, led the switch-on ceremony at the Christmas Ville at the Bacolod Baywalk in Bacolod City Sunday.
Dubbed ” A December to Remember,” the event was capped by a fireworks display following a program that included performances from the STI-West Negros College sentinels parade of lights, the Bacolod Evangelical Church Chorale and winners of the Baylympics Tawag ng Kantahan rendering song numbers, namely Melissa Dueñas, Aaron Edang, Micah Tenero and Raffy Robles.
Manalili said that while the economy is slowly recovering after the pandemic has struck two years, “slowly but surely we should develop and promote properties that can become attractions in Bacolod City.”
The “lights-on” event at Bacolod Baywalk, one of the properties of the Almana Group of Companies, is giving hope and a positive environment, she said, adding that she is hoping that Baywalk will someday have water sports activities that could become another tourism attraction in the city.
Yris Mondia of the Almana Group of Companies said “the Bacolod Baywalk as a private entity wishes to be one with the vision of our city in giving more of what we can offer to the tourism industry.”
Baywalk is an open air entertainment spot by the sea with food stalls, instagrammable Christmas icons and a heart-shaped tunnel of lights.
Mondia expressed their company’s appreciation to Gasataya for his support, as well as to Manalili, and Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. She also thanked the Almana Group Team, the Bacolod Baywalk and Mediabox Events and Advertising Corp., and to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.*
