5th Annual Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival Kicks Off

Mayor Greg Gasataya, along with city officials and representatives from Tanduay Distillers, Inc. (TDI), inaugurated the 5th Bacolod Rum Festival on Thursday, August 28, at the Bacolod City Government Center Lobby. The four-day event celebrates Bacolod’s rich culture, artistry, and heritage of rum production.

The opening ceremony was attended by Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella, City Councilors Em Ang, Jason Villarosa, Thaddy Sayson, Bobby Rojas, Homer Bais, Celia Flor, and Al Espino, as well as various City Government Department Heads. Tanduay representatives included National Marketing Managers Garry Ong and Albert Jucutan, Regional Marketing Manager Francis Lorenzo, Bacolod Manager Joram Bacorro, and Trade Marketing Officer Carl John Mejica.

In his keynote address, Mayor Gasataya highlighted the festival’s significance: “This festival brings together our culture, our pride, and our world-class rum. In just five years, it has grown into a much-anticipated tradition — with highlights that we all look forward to: the colorful parade, the vibrant street dance competition, the exciting motorcade of Tanduay brand ambassadors, and of course, the music festivals that fill Bacolod with vibrance and life.”

This year’s festival includes a Rum Education initiative, featuring a Rum Master Class and rum-infused cuisine. “Here, we not only enjoy the finest rum, but we also learn more about the craft behind it — a showcase of Bacolod’s creativity and culinary artistry,” Gasataya noted.

Mayor Gasataya acknowledged Tanduay’s ongoing partnership and its deep roots in Bacolod’s sugar industry, while also paying tribute to the local farmers and workers. “Their hard work continues to fuel both our local identity and global recognition,” he stated.

Gasataya also drew parallels between Bacolod’s Rum Festival and other renowned international celebrations like Quezon’s Lambanog Festival and Germany’s Oktoberfest, stating, “Bacolod is rightfully proud to carry this honor.”

The festival, which runs until August 31, features parades, street dance competitions, culinary pairings, and concerts headlined by top local acts. A food park is also available at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.

“As we officially open the 5th Tanduay Bacolod Rum Festival, I invite all of you to join us in learning and enjoying the festivity, flavor, music, and community,” Gasataya said. “Let us raise our glasses to Bacolod, to Tanduay, and most of all, to the people who make this festival a true success.”

TDI National Marketing Manager Albert Jucutan expressed his enthusiasm for the festival’s growth: “We’re very excited every year, and we’re trying to make it bigger and bigger each time. “He also thanked the city government for its continued support.

This year’s festivities include culinary and bartending competitions, as well as a street dancing showdown on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Bacolod City Government Center, featuring eight barangays.

“We expect a lot of people to come over for this prestigious event, and we’re confident they’ll enjoy the experience,” Jucutan added.

A grand concert on August 30, 2025, will feature performances by Mayonnaise, Zack Tabudlo, Amiel Sol, and Robledo Timido, along with Tanduay ambassadors Derek Ramsay and Julia Barretto.* (Bacolod City Communications Office)