Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival Surpasses Revenue Expectations
BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival recorded a remarkable P2.4 million in revenues from May 21 to 25, according to local tourism officials. This year’s figures exceeded previous years, marking a significant boost for the city’s cultural event despite occasional rains.
The exact four word keyphrase, “Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival,” was prominently featured in this year’s celebration, which has now reached its fifth edition. Organized by the city government in partnership with Headrush Events, the festival attracted locals and tourists alike to enjoy the city’s famous grilled chicken.
Community Spirit and Support Highlight Festival
True to its tradition, the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival extended meaningful support to 500 beneficiaries from various local institutions, including homes for the elderly and children. Meals featuring chicken inasal were shared as a symbol of community solidarity and care.
Despite weather challenges, the event was hailed a resounding success by the City Tourism Office. Officials highlighted how the festival not only enhanced tourism and local business growth but also fostered unity among residents through vibrant and flavorful celebrations.
Maria Teresa Manalili, the Chief Tourism Operations Officer, expressed her commitment to growing the festival in the coming years. She emphasized the importance of support from all stakeholders, noting, “The festival is a celebration of our identity and pride.”
Festival Highlights and Cultural Showcase
This year’s festival embraced the theme “Fire and Fusion,” showcasing Bacolod’s renowned chicken inasal through a series of events held at prominent venues such as The Upper East by Megaworld, SM City Manokan Country, and Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
One of the festival’s main attractions was the BCIF Arena Dance Competition. Seven barangays competed by presenting colorful performances that fused cultural stories from Brazil, Africa, Jamaica, and the Philippines, all intertwined with Bacolod’s inasal heritage.
Barangay Mansilingan clinched first place in the competition held at Upper East Megaworld on May 25, earning a cash prize of P20,000. The community dedicated their victory to everyone involved, praising their dancers’ discipline and artistry.
Barangay Mandalagan secured second place with a P15,000 prize, while Barangay Tangub took third place and received P10,000. Other contenders included Estefania, Cabug, Barangay 29, and Bata.
Photo Contest and Awards Celebrate Cultural Pride
Rogelio “Kenken” Santos Jr. won the “Photo of the Year” award during the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival Awards Night held at SM City Bacolod. His winning photo captured an inasal vendor grilling chicken, symbolizing the culture and nostalgia tied to the dish.
The festival also hosted a photo exhibit titled “Capturing the Flavor,” featuring works from 12 photographers. Held at Citadines Bacolod, the exhibit aimed to tell compelling stories about the city’s iconic food and cultural scenes.
Both Manalili and a city councilor expressed their appreciation for how the event fused culinary pride with artistic expression.
Peaceful Festival and Community Safety
The Bacolod City Police Office reported that the festival proceeded smoothly with no major incidents from May 21 to 25. Authorities thanked the public for their cooperation, which greatly contributed to the event’s peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival has proven to be a vital event that boosts tourism, supports local communities, and celebrates the city’s rich culinary heritage.
For more news and updates on Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival, visit Filipinokami.com.