The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday ratified the memorandum of agreement entered into by the Bacolod City government and BacoLaodiat, Inc. involving P3.5 million financial assistance for the 7th BacoLaodiat Festival.

The BacoLaodiat Festival, or the Chinese New Year Festival of Bacolod City, that will run from January 20-23, will celebrate the Year of the Dragon, festival chairman Leonito Lopue said.

In his letter to Mayor Evelio Leonardia dated No. 29, 2011, Lopue reported that they had registered at least 10,000 festival-goers every night along Lacson Street or the Tourism Strip, last year.

The festival has continuously gained momentum in the community since it started in 2006, he said. Supported by more than 32 Filipino-Chinese organizations all over Negros Occidental, including local groups of artists and the local government of Bacolod City, the festival has the makings of a premier tourism event, given the support it needs, he added.

The BacoLaodiat Festival will kick off tomorrow with a dazzling parade at 4 p.m. from SM City to the North Capitol Road that will feature illuminated Chinese zodiac animal floats, participants in Chinese costumes, lion and dragon dancers, representatives of the 34 Filipino-Chinese family associations and business groups with the support of the Chinese schools.

Giant lighted Chinese zodiac animal floats will be displayed at the Bacolod City Government Center, at the Provincial Lagoon, and along the Tourism Strip, while the chopsticks alley at the North Capitol Road will serve as a food walk and night market.

A Chinese cultural show will also be held after the grand parade at the North Capitol Road on Friday and live bands will perform nightly at the festival site.

Entries to the dragon-making contests are on display at the government center, while 12 groups will joining the lantern dance competition on Sunday along Lacson Street.

These are the WSWG group, Paho II RKS Crew, Double “J” Full Force, DPJ Group, GDC, Barangay Alijis, Danz World Co., Barangay 23, Rosalanon, Barangay 17, Wild Rhythm in Motion, and Barangay 41.*CGS

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