BACOLOD City – The North Capitol Road has been temporarily closed beginning yesterday, January 26, until February 3 in preparation for the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival scheduled from January 31 to February 2.
Bacolaodiat, a celebration to welcome the Chinese New Year in this city, was coined from the words “Bacolod” and “Lao Diat” (Chinese phrase for celebration). It is jointly held by the city government and the Chinese community of Bacolod annually in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year under City Ordinance 426, series of 2007.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has approved the request of Bacolaodiat Inc. president John Stephen Sy to implement temporary full road closures from 5th to 13th Lacson streets effective January 28 until February 3.
The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) advised motorists to plan alternative routes by using the secondary roads to bypass Lacson Street and North Capitol Road.
“Events and celebrations may cause delays. Arriving early ensures you a secure parking and avoid heavy traffic,” Jose Antonio Robello, deputy head of BTAO, told the motorists.
Meanwhile, over a hundred police personnel will be deployed across key festival sites, including 5th to 13th Lacson Streets and North Capitol Road, to ensure the safety of the public.
Major Eugene Tolentino of the Bacolod City Police Office said the Bureau of Fire Protection and BTAO will work to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety.
This year’s Bacolaodiat Festival will begin with the Chinese New Year’s Eve Celebration and Hitting of the Bell on January 28 at Yuan Thong Temple, followed by the Spring Festival thanksgiving mass and kickoff on January 29. On January 30, the city will host the conferment ceremony of Mr. Hans T. Sy as adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod, along with the Lunar Spectacular Show.
Highlights include the opening of the Emperor’s Market and Imperial Village, A Night in the Middle Kingdom cultural show, and Symphony of Lights and Sparks fireworks on January 31.
On February 1, enjoy the Snake Emperor & Empress Costume Contest, Street Dance Competition, and Lantern Dance Competition. The festivities wrap up on February 2 with repeat performances, awarding ceremonies, and the Chinese Cosplay Invasion.
“I hope to see everyone joining us for these very remarkable festivities that we prepared for the city,” said Bacolaodiat Inc. Vice President Bob Cordova./PN
