It's all systems go for the second Bacolaodiat Festival that kicks off tomorrow in Bacolod City, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday.

Leonardia said he takes special interest in the three-day festival since it was he who suggested last year that a Chinese festival be held in Bacolod City. He said he is happy that he had been an instrument in uniting the Chinese community in the city.

The Bacolaodiat Festival starts tomorrow and will be highlighted by a fireworks display at the Bacolod Public Plaza at 9 p.m.

Leonardia is inviting the people of Bacolod and those from nearby towns and cities to come to the Bacolod Public Plaza on Saturday to witness the biggest and longest fireworks display worth P200,000, to be sponsored by SM City.

"I hope we are starting a tradition by having a fireworks display to highlight the festival," Leonardia said.

The Bacolaodiat Festival, which carries the theme "Harmony in Diversity" opens with the Chinese photo exhibit at 10 a.m. Friday at Robinson's Place, followed by the opening of the night market and chopsticks alley at 3 p.m. at the Bacolod plaza, and a grand cultural parade from the Paglaum Sports Complex to the plaza at 4 p.m.

Cebu Consul General of the People's Republic of China. Cui LouSheng along with other dignitaries will grace the opening ceremony at the plaza at 5 p.m. which will be followed by a cultural program that will feature the fusion of Chinese dances and songs.

Ambassador Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr. will be conferred the honors of an adopted son of the Negros Tsinoy at the St. John's Activity Center at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, a Chinese martial arts exercise by Tai-Chi, Taekwondo and Karate instructors will be held at the Bacolod plaza at 7 a.m.

A Bacolaodiat cookfest will be held at 10 a.m. at the Fountain Area of Robinson's Place and the second Mayor Bing Leonardia's Marching Bands in Rhythm, a competition of marching bands representing the public schools and barangays, will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bacolod plaza.

A variety show will be held at the plaza at 9 p.m. which will be followed by fireworks display at 9 p.m.

On Sunday, a "cheer dance" will start at 8 a.m., which is a whole-day affair of the Bacolod City Tourism Office.*CGS

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