THE City Government of Bacolod will celebrate the fifth Rum Festival from August 28 to 30, 2025, with the theme “Natatagong Galing,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said.
Gasataya, who led the media launching of the fifth Rum Festival on August 13, 2025, at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby, said the Bacolod Rum Festival, in partnership with Tanduay, is more than a series of events, it is a celebration of the city’s sugarcane and rum heritage.
“In just five short years, what began in 2019 as a bold new idea has grown into one of Bacolod’s signature cultural events. It has brought together our people, our visitors, and even the world’s attention to the artistry, hospitality, and vibrancy that make Bacolod truly unique,” Gasataya said.
He added that this success is built on the strong partnership between Tanduay Distillers Inc. and the City of Bacolod, as well as the unwavering support of the community.
Rum is a distilled, clear alcoholic beverage that is either a by-product of molasses production or made directly from sugarcane juice.
“Rum is not just a drink here. It is a living symbol of our history. From the fertile fields of Negros to the distilleries that transform sugarcane into world-class spirits, rum has sustained our economy, flavored our festivities, and inspired our creativity for generations,” Gasataya said.
He said the timing could not be more perfect because August is Rum Month around the world.
“While other cities mark this occasion, Bacolod has something truly special to share—our very own Tanduay, a Filipino brand, is the world’s number one rum for the eighth consecutive year,” he added.
With 23.8 million case liters sold globally in 2024, the mayor noted that Tanduay has outpaced even the biggest international names like Bacardi and Captain Morgan.
“This is not just a business achievement; it is a national pride, a testament to Filipino craftsmanship, innovation, and excellence,” Gasataya said.
He said this year’s theme, “Natatagong Galing,” perfectly reflects the spirit of Bacolod and the Filipino people.
“We are a city and a nation full of hidden talents, skills, and creativity, ready to be seen and celebrated. Through this festival, we give our artists, dancers, chefs, and craftsmen a stage to shine, and we show the world that Bacolod is not just a place of smiles, but a place of passion, resilience, and artistry,” he added.
The mayor said the festival also serves as an avenue for rum education.
“This is our chance to deepen appreciation for rum as part of our heritage, and to share knowledge on how it is crafted, how it is best enjoyed, and how it contributes to the growing Philippine cocktail culture,” Gasataya said.
He added that from classic mixes to modern innovations, rum is at the heart of many great drinks, and Bacolod is showing the world that Filipino rum can hold its own at any bar, in any city, across the globe.
The event was also attended by Councilors Em Ang, Jason Villarosa, and Roberto Rojas, along with officials of Tanduay. (MAP)