The fourth Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival celebrates the various roles individuals play in strengthening a community, adopting the theme “Ambagan” for this year. Scheduled from August 10 to 18, the event promises a lively mix of food, art, music, and excitement for all. This festival, which began as a tribute to the city’s sugarcane—the primary ingredient in Tanduay’s acclaimed rums—has been held annually since 2019.
Lucio Tan III, President of LT Group and Tanduay Distillers, Inc., reflecting on the festival's origins, stated, “My father, Lucio K. Tan Jr., alongside Councilor Em Ang, initiated the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival to ensure that Bacolod, known as the City of Smiles, remains central to the Tanduay story—wherever Tanduay goes, Bacolod will always be included.”
Tan also highlighted the strong partnership between Tanduay and the local government in organizing the festival. “This collaboration allows us to weave the narratives of Bacolod and Tanduay together, showcasing their culinary heritage and the artistic talents of the Bacolodnon through cocktail-making, painting, music, and dance. This essence is the foundation of the Rum Festival,” he added.
Councilor Em Ang, Chairman of Bacolod City History, Culture, and Arts, expressed appreciation on behalf of the local government, stating, “Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we have created a celebration that honors our heritage and paves the way for future generations to appreciate and cherish our culture. Supporting initiatives like this festival is vital for preserving our culture and enhancing our local economy.”
The festival invites participants to engage through various forms of art, including culinary experiences and visual arts. The festivities will kick off on August 10 with a motorcade to the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), where local officials, led by Mayor Albee Benitez, will inaugurate the Food Park. The Food Park will offer nightly entertainment, local and international cuisine, and mixology demonstrations, running until the festival concludes on August 18.
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Key events include a Mixology Competition at Ayala Malls Capitol Center on August 12, the Culinaria Competition on August 14-15, and Rum Education Day on August 16, featuring a Tanduay Plant Tour, a Rum Masterclass, and the nationwide Grand Finals of the Mixology Competition at the Seda Hotel. On August 17, the festival will host a motorcade parade with Bacolod’s beauty queens and Tanduay Brand Ambassador Derek Ramsay. This will be followed by a Street Dance Competition and concert at the BCGC, featuring performances by bands Juan Karlos and Almost.
For more details about the festival, visit @TanduayRumFest on Facebook.
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