The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By NESTOR CUARTERO
Bacolodnons love a good party, one that’s filled with food, music, pageantry, lots of drinks, most especially rum.
Mediacon panelists, city councilors Edzel Ty and Em Legaspi-Ang, themselves said so at the media conference hosted by Tanduay Distillers Inc. July 30 at Century Park Hotel in Manila.
Ms. Ang, Chairman of Bacolod City History, Culture, and Arts Committee, said this is also mainly because Negros island is home to Tanduay’s major distilleries.
Thus, in celebration of the company’s 170th anniversary, Tanduay Distillers Inc. is bringing back the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival, which is now on its fourth year. The festival is held in collaboration with the city of Bacolod.
As in all festivals, this one’s packed with food, music, and competitions, and drinks overflowing.
Mr. Ty said that the festival is one of the most anticipated events in the city, next only to the Masskara festival.
Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival opens on Aug. 10 with a motorcade followed by the official opening of The Food Park at the Bacolod City Government Center Complex.
Following are the rest of the highlights of the 10-day festival:
A Rum and Music Night at The Food Park.
Aug. 12: elimination round of the Mixology & Flairtending Competition at the Activity Center in Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
A Culinaria Competition featuring different restaurants on Aug. 14 and 15.
Aug. 16 is Rum Education Day, highlighted by a Distillery Tour
at the Tanduay Manufacturing Plant in Murcia. On the same day, a Rum Masterclass and the grand finals of the Mixology & Flairtending Competition will be held at the Seda Capitol Central.
August 17: A motorcade of Tanduay Ambassadors and other special guests also featuring Parade and Street Dance competitions, capped by a thanksgiving dinner, a festival concert, an awarding ceremony for the winners of the competitions, and an after-party.
Headlining the festival concert are top OPM acts Juan Karlos and ALLMO$T.
The fourth Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival recognizes the different roles people play in building a community as it chooses “Ambagan” for this year’s theme. Happening from August 10 to 18, this year’s event promises food, arts, music and thrills for everyone to enjoy.
A feast that started as an homage to the city’s sugarcane, which is the main source for Tanduay’s award-winning rums, the event has been held annually since 2019.
“On this same ground, my father, Lucio K. Tan Jr., together with Councilor Em Ang, announced the inception of the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival. The festival was born out of a desire to ensure that Bacolod, the City of Smiles, remains the heart and home of Tanduay. That wherever Tanduay goes, Bacolod will always be a part of its story,” said Lucio Tan III, President, LT Group and Tanduay Distillers, Inc.
Tan, likewise, cited the strong collaboration of Tanduay with the local government in mounting the annual festival. “What’s remarkable about this collaboration is that we are able to tell the story of Bacolod and Tanduay by highlighting their culinary heritage and the artistic prowess of the Bacolodnon, whether in cocktail-making, painting, music, or dance. That, in essence, is what this Rum Festival is all about,” he further said.
The City Government, led by Mayor Albee Benitez, is in full support of the festival.
“Together,” she said, “we have built a celebration that not only honors our heritage but also paves the way for future generations to appreciate and cherish. Supporting initiatives like this festival is crucial in preserving our culture and boosting our local economy.”