A ceremonial grilling led by city councilors kicks off the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival 2025 in Manokan Country at SM City Bacolod on Wednesday (May 21, 2025). Set until May 25, the festival highlights the flavors of the iconic grilled chicken dish as a local culinary heritage. (Photo from Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival Facebook)
BACOLOD CITY – This highly-urbanized city is celebrating the fifth edition of the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival on May 21 to 25 to highlight the flavors of the iconic grilled chicken dish as a local culinary heritage.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez invited foodies and festival goers to be part of this year’s festivity.
“This is a celebration of our heritage, our flavors, and the spirit that brings us together. This is more than just food — this is who we are,” the mayor said in a statement.
On Wednesday, the five-day festival kicked off with a ceremonial grilling led by some city councilors, including Vice Mayor-elect Claudio Jesus Puentevella, in Manokan Country at SM City Bacolod.
All 24 tenants of Manokan Country, the city’s famous row of grilled chicken stalls, are taking part in the festival, as they have temporarily located at the parking of the shopping mall to pave the way for a modern structure at the adjacent site being developed by SM Prime Holdings Inc.
This year’s festival is themed “Fire and Fusion” as a tribute to the traditional grilling method that gives inasal its signature flavor — smoky, savory, and deeply rooted in Negrense culture — while reflecting the city’s passion for innovation, bringing global flair into every bite while honoring the soul of the dish.
The first Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival was held in 2018 and was followed by another in 2019.
After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival returned in 2023.
On Wednesday night, the grillfest launch and countdown and piaya grilling was held at Megaworld’s The Upper East.
The beer pairing and food tasting on Thursday will feature top chefs’ unique takes on Bacolod chicken inasal paired with select San Miguel brews.
Other events from May 23 to 25, such as the chicken inasal cook-off, hot sauce and sinamak making, and chicken inasal grilling workshops, will be held across SM City Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, and The Upper East Megaworld.
On May 24, organizers will honor outstanding performers, contributors, and partners during the Awards Night at the SM City Bacolod Atrium.
Awards will be given to the chicken inasal cook-off champions as well as winners of the People’s Choice and Best Inasal in Bacolod.
The Gastrobuzz Award will honor food establishments with outstanding service and culinary excellence, while the Tourism Choice Awards and Ambassador of Bacolod Tourism will recognize exemplary partners in promoting the city as a tourist destination.
The Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival Arena Dance Competition will be held at The Upper East on May 25. (PNA)