Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia requested the Bacolod City government employees yesterday to join the grand cultural parade today as the city celebrates the first Chinese New Year or "Bacolaodiat" to welcome the Year of the Fire Dog.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education heeded the request of the Mayor to allow school children to witness the parade that starts at 3 p.m. at Libertad-Araneta streets and ends at the Bacolod Public Plaza.

The Bacolod City government contingent and guests will assemble at the Fountain of Justice and join the main parade as it reaches City Hall, symbolizing the merging of two cultures. Leonardia has requested city department and office heads to ensure that a minimum number of employees remain on duty during office hours, since today is a regular working day.

The parade will feature the Lion and Dragon dance, the MassKara Festival dancers and La Carlota drumbeaters, as well, as other schools.

The Chopsticks Alley and Night Market at the Bacolod Plaza will open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., while a cultural presentation will be held at 4 p.m. also at the plaza.

A dog show will be held at 5:15 p.m. featuring the K9 Obedience of Negros Occidental.

On Saturday, a band and bugle competition will be held at 1 p.m. at the Bacolod plaza, while a Tanduay Night featuring the Viva Hot Babes will be held at 7 p.m. until midnight. Fire works display will highlight the activity at 10 p.m.

Business tycoon Lucio Tan will be conferred the honor of being an adopted son during a testimonial luncheon at the Garden Royale after Mayor Evelio Leonardia signs an Executive Order declaring Tan an honorary mayor at rites to be held at the Mayor's Office Saturday morning.*CGS

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