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

The executive committee chairman of integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc., Hans T. Sy, was honored on January 30 with the title Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City during the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival, one of the country’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations. 

Bacolaodiat is a combination of the words “Baco” for Bacolod and “Lao Diat,” the Fookien meaning for celebration. The festival showcases the strong connection between Bacolod City and the Filipino-Chinese community.

Official Conferment by the Bacolod City Council

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran presented a resolution formalizing the recognition during the Bacolod City Council’s regular session, recognizing Sy’s outstanding contributions to the city’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.

In response, Sy expressed gratitude for the honor, reflecting on his long-standing ties to Bacolod. He praised the city’s inclusive, vibrant community and emphasized the strong relationship between Bacolod and its Filipino-Chinese population, which has been a driving force behind SM’s investments in the city for nearly two decades. 

Hon. Hans T. Sy, Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor, receives from Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran a copy of the city council’s resolution during the Sangguninang Panlungsod’s regular session January 30th. The council unanimously passed the resolution declaring Sy Bacolod’s adopted son as he “made exceptional contributions to economic development, business leadership, and philanthropy, serving as an enduring role model for community progress and innovation.”

After his conferment, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez warmly welcomed Sy and his children, Harvey and Hanna Carinna in the Mayor’s Office where he sat down as an official Honorary Mayor.

Honorary Mayor Hans Sy takes over the official city executive’s seat, with his children Harvey and Hanna Carinna (2nd and 3rd from left) standing alongside Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez.

Spectacular Spring Festival 

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’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. 

Hon. Hans T. Sy addresses the Tsinoy and business community of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental at the Spring Festival Gala. The annual event is 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.

Officers of the Bacolaodiat, Inc, the organizer of the annual Bacolaodiat Festival, present a token of appreciation to Honorary Mayor Hans Sy (3rd from left) for his unwavering support to Bacolod City. With Sy in photo are festival officials, left to right: Frederick Yap, chairman emeritus and festival founding father Alfredo Barcelona, Mark Gomez, Kurt Matthew So, and Bacolaodiat organization president Stephen Sy.

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 world-class cheerleading performance.

Sy reiterated his commitment to supporting Bacolod’s growth through business, education, tourism, job creation, and his personal advocacy for sustainability and disaster prevention. 

A Milestone Bacolaodiat 

SM City Bacolod is one of the sites of the Bacolaodiat Festival, with stunning and crowd-drawing performances throughout the Chinese New Year festivities.

The Bacolaodiat Festival remains a key celebration of Bacolod’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.

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