By Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — Preparations for the 14th Bacolaodiat Festival to welcome the Chinese New Year in this city are underway.
This year’s Bacolaodiat, whose name originated from “Baco” for Bacolod and “Lao Diat,” a Fookien word for celebration, will be held on February 1 to 5.
The Lunar New Year will be celebrated on February 5, based on the traditional Chinese calendar, and 2019 will be the year of the Earth Pig.
Among the highlights of the five-day celebration is Bacolaodiat Lantern Dance Competition.
As of Wednesday, eight groups have been chosen to participate, including the six that have passed the screening, organizers said.
These are Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Alijis, Balow Dance Group, Granadianz, Double J Full Force, Choi Force, and Rustylian as well as last year’s champion, BMD, and first runner-up, Jojaju.
Competition judge Rudy Reveche, together with Bacolaodiat Parade coordinator Kim Chauven Villaluna, earlier discussed the guidelines with the representatives of the eight competing groups.
Meanwhile, the celebration kicks off with the traditional Dazzling Grand Parade led by the local Filipino-Chinese community and Chinese schools.
Other events include cultural events, nightly fireworks display, and lantern-making contest.
The Chopsticks Alley features Chinese food stalls and traditional cooking demos while the Imperial Village showcases Asian arts and crafts, such as calligraphy, wishing tree, and palm reading.
