BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) declared business tycoon Kevin Tan honorary mayor of this city as part of the celebration of the 18th Bacolaodiat Festival starting today until Sunday, Jan. 22.
Bacolaodiat, coined from the words “Bacolod” and “Lao Diat” (a Chinese phrase for celebration), is a joint Chinese New Year celebration of the city government and the local Chinese community.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said the SP on Wednesday’s regular session acted unanimously to the request of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for a resolution declaring Tan – the chief executive officer and vice chairman of Alliance Global Inc., a holding company that includes real estate through Megaworld Corporation, hospitality and property management through Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., and liquor through Emperador Inc. – honorary mayor of Bacolod City.
The city mayor noted the many significant contributions of Tan and Megaworld to the business landscape of the city.
The ongoing Megaworld Upper East project is expected to make a significant change in the business landscape of the city, as well as generate employment for the construction sector, the mayor added.
Tan, a Chinese- Filipino businessman and investor, has interests in real estate, liquor and fast- food.
October last year during the MassKara Festival, the SP also passed a resolution declaring Tan an adopted son of this highly-urbanized city.
Meanwhile, the three-day celebration of Chinese new year in this city will highlight the Year of the Rabbit which is believed to offer opportunities for contemplation, rest and nurturing of body and soul.
A grand parade will kick-off at 4:30 p.m. today from the Upper East to the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC). Tsinoys, city government officials and students from Chinese schools are expected to participate.
A ceremonial lighting of lanterns and lotus, cultural show and the anticipated sparkling symphony of lights (fireworks) are to take place after the cultural show at the BCGC.
There are four sites for the festival: BCGC, The Upper East, Yuan Thong Temple, and SM City./PN
