Chicken inasal festival sales hit P2.4M

THE sales generated during the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival (BCIF) in Bacolod City reached P2.4 million.

City chief tourism operations officer Ma. Teresa Manalili said despite the intermittent rains brought on by the season, the total sales this year reached P2.4 million over five days, outperforming 2023 with a total of P1.9 million in sales and P1.8 million in sales in 2024.

She said the BCIF that started from May 21 to 25 showcased Bacolod’s globally recognized chicken inasal through a series of flavorful and festive activities across The Upper East by Megaworld, SM City Manokan Country, and Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

However, the City has extended the celebration of the festival until May 26, 2025, at the Megaworld Upper East, due to heavy rains on Saturday and Sunday so that the tenants will be given a chance to recover on their sales.

Manalili said one of the most anticipated highlights was the BCIF Arena Dance Competition, where seven barangays competed in a spectacular display of creativity, culture and community pride.

She said dancers wore colorful costumes, with each group representing different countries while incorporating Bacolod’s inasal story into their performances. The energy and artistry electrified the crowd, turning the arena into a stage of fire and fusion.

“We will do our best to make the BCIF even bigger in the years to come. We hope to secure the support of the stakeholders. The festival is a celebration of our identity and pride,” she added.

Other key festival events included the Chicken Inasal Spread Competition, Grilling and Cooking Workshops, Food Fests with nightly entertainment, the San Miguel Beer Pairing and Tasting Night, the BCIF Chicken Inasal Cook-Off, and the Chicken Inasal Photo Exhibit Competition at Citadines Bacolod City, which captured striking stories behind Bacolod’s favorite dish.

As part of its annual tradition, the festival also gave back to the community. Around 500 beneficiaries from institutions such as St. Vincent’s Home for the Aged, St. Ezekiel Monastery, Bacolod Girls and Boys Home, Social Development Center and Holy Family Home, received food and chicken inasal as a gesture of solidarity and love. (MAP)