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., before a full house press conference held at the Century Park Hotel in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
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.
On the part of the local government, Councilor Em Ang, Chairman of Bacolod City History, Culture, and Arts, said: “On behalf of our City Government led by our beloved Mayor Albee Benitez, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. Together, 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.”
Through the different facets of the festival, participants are encouraged to contribute, whether through culinary delights, visual arts, and more. On August 10, a motorcade heading to the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) will signal the opening of the festival, where local government officials led by Mayor Albee Benitez are expected to grace the ribbon-cutting ceremonies of the Food Park. The Food Park will feature nightly entertainment, local and international culinary delights, and mixology. The Food Park will be open until the last day of the festival on August 18.
On August 12, a Mixology Competition will take place at the Ayala Malls Capitol Center. On August 14-15, the Culinaria Competition will be held. August 16 is designated as Rum Education Day, featuring a Tanduay Plant Tour, followed by a Rum Masterclass and the nationwide Grand Finals of the Mixology Competition at the Seda Hotel.
On August 17, a motorcade parade featuring some of Bacolod’s beauty queens, with Tanduay Brand Ambassador Derek Ramsay, will begin in the afternoon, followed by a Street Dance Competition and a concert at the BCGC. Bands Juan Karlos and Almost will headline this year’s concert performers.