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Hans Sy named as Adopted Son, Honorary Mayor of Bacolod

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173873902584420250204190228_10.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><em>Photo source: SM Supermalls</em></div><p>The Bacolaodiat Festival is a tribute to the rich heritage of Bacolod City, Philippines, where the warmth of the Filipino spirit meets the traditions of the Chinese community. More than just a New Year celebration, it is a heartfelt expression of unity, joy, and cultural harmony. </p><p>Its name, &quot;Bacolaodiat&quot;—a beautiful blend of &quot;Bacolod&quot; and the Fookien word &quot;Lao Diat,&quot; meaning &quot;celebration&quot;—captures the festival&#x27;s essence: a time for families, friends, and communities to come together in hope, gratitude, and shared traditions.</p><p>This year was eventful for Bacolod and the executive committee chairman of integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc., Hans Sy, as he was honored last January 30 the title &quot;Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City&quot; during the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival, one of the country&#x27;s largest Chinese New Year celebrations. </p><div><strong>Official conferment by the Bacolod City Council</strong></div><p>Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran presented a resolution formalizing the recognition during the Bacolod City Council&#x27;s regular session, recognizing Sy&#x27;s contributions to the city&#x27;s economic development, leadership, and philanthropic efforts. Unanimously passed by council members, the resolution also praised his commitment to social responsibility, family values, and civic engagement, particularly in the city.</p><p>In response, Sy expressed gratitude for the honor, reflecting on his long-standing ties to Bacolod. He praised the city&#x27;s inclusive, vibrant community and emphasized the strong relationship between Bacolod and its Filipino-Chinese population, which has been a driving force behind SM&#x27;s investments in the city for nearly two decades. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173873896930403.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p style="text-align:center">Hon. Hans Sy, Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor, receives from Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran a copy of the city council&#x27;s resolution during the Sangguninang Panlungsod&#x27;s regular session on January 30. The council unanimously passed the resolution declaring Sy Bacolod&#x27;s adopted son as he &quot;made exceptional contributions to economic development, business leadership, and philanthropy, serving as an enduring role model for community progress and innovation.&quot; <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls</em></p><p>After his conferment, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez warmly welcomed Sy and his children, Harvey and Hanna Carinna in the Mayor&#x27;s Office where he sat down as an official Honorary Mayor.</p><div><strong>Spectacular Spring Festival</strong></div><p>Later that evening, Hans Sy was the guest of honor at the Spring Festival Gala at SMX Convention Center. Organized by the Bacolaodiat, Inc., Honorary Mayor Sy was greeted and received by the organization&#x27;s president, John Stephen Sy, founder of the festival and chairman emeritus Alfredo Barcelona, city officials led by Mayor Albee Benitez, and members of the tsinoy business and family associations. Some 2,000 attendees gathered to celebrate the Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of the Snake.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173873889818201.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p style="text-align:center">An electrifying performance by the NU Pep Squad, 2024 UAAP Cheerdance Competition champion. This prestigious team has won an impressive total of eight UAAP cheerdance championships. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls</em></p><p>The gala featured a variety of festive performances, including the traditional lion and dragon dances, an acrobatic show, and musical entertainment from educational and cultural institutions. One highlight was a captivating display by the multi-awarded National University Pep Squad, which wowed the crowd with their cheerleading performance.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173873882420200.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p style="text-align:center">Hon. Hans Sy addresses the tsinoy and business community of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental at the Spring Festival Gala. The annual event was attended by members and families of Filipino-Chinese descent, prominent figures from the local business community, government, cultural and civic sectors. The gala, held during the Lunar New Year, is one of the highlight events of the Bacolaodiat Festival. <em>Photo source: SM Supermalls</em></p><p>Sy reiterated his commitment to supporting Bacolod&#x27;s growth through business, education, tourism, job creation, and his personal advocacy for sustainability and disaster prevention. </p><div><strong>A milestone Bacolaodiat</strong></div><p>The Bacolaodiat Festival remains a key celebration of Bacolod&#x27;s vibrant culture, uniting families, friends, and business leaders for a memorable celebration of heritage and community. Marking a milestone of 20 years, the festivities are spread across the city, with most of the events happening at SM City Bacolod drawing both locals and tourists alike to its colorful and lively celebration.</p><div> </div>

<p>Hans Sy named as Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod at 20th Bacolaodiat Festival.</p>

Hans Sy named as Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod at 20th Bacolaodiat Festival.

Hans Sy named as Adopted Son, Honorary Mayor of Bacolod

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Hans Sy named as Adopted Son, Honorary Mayor of Bacolod

SM Supermalls

Published February 05, 2025 03:57 PM PHT

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