Bacolod city: Bacolod City is set to raise its glasses as it celebrates the 5th Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival on Aug. 28 to 31, coinciding with the worldwide observance of Rum Month. The festival has grown into one of the city's most anticipated cultural events, boosted by the partnership between Tanduay Distillers Inc. and the city since 2019.
According to Philippines News Agency, the festival brings together locals, visitors, and global attention to Bacolod's unique identity as a center of artistry, hospitality, and world-class rum-making. More than just a festive gathering, the Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival is a tribute to Bacolod's sugarcane and rum heritage-a tradition that has sustained the local economy, flavored its celebrations, and inspired generations of artisans. Rum, deeply rooted in Negros' fertile sugarcane fields, is part of the city's soul and a proud emblem of Filipino craftsmanship.
Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed in a news release, 'This is not just Bacolod's pride, it's the pride of the entire nation. Our rum heritage connects us to our past, strengthens our identity, and positions the Philippines on the global stage. This festival is where our history meets our world-class achievements.'
The festival draws thousands of visitors each year, which boosts local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. It strengthens Bacolod's image as a vibrant, creative, and welcoming city where heritage and innovation meet. Themed 'Ilabas ang Natatagong Galing' (Reveal Your Hidden Talent), the festival celebrates the hidden skills and creativity of Bacolodnons and Filipinos-from music and dance to culinary arts and mixology.
The event also plays a key role in rum education, sharing knowledge about the craft of rum-making and its contribution to the growing Philippine cocktail culture. The festival events include street parades and dance competitions showcasing Bacolod's flair for performance, culinary showcases pairing local dishes with premium rum, rum tastings spotlighting Bacolod's world-class rum heritage, and a Food Park.