Bacolod's first chicken inasal festival: 3,000 delicious pieces of grilled chicken thighs and breasts and a 300-meter long grill

At least 3,000 revelers joined in the first Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival in the Negros Occidental capital city on Saturday afternoon.

They have partaken for free about 3,000 pieces of chicken thighs and breasts grilled in a 300-meter long grill along Araneta Street.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who led officials during the opening rites, said the festival is a showcase of the city's finest "inasal" (chicken barbeque).

About 3,000 pieces of chicken inasal were prepared in the 300-meter grill which revelers partook for free! Photo: Erwin Nicavera

Leonardia said though other towns and cities in the country also have their own version of "inasal," Bacolod has distinct taste that visitors are looking for.

"Through this successful festivity, we are showcasing to the world our finest chicken inasal," he said, adding that the product is one of the city's food offerings that has been boosting the local tourism industry.

For local officials, the festival has become more significant as it was graced by Russian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Igor Khovaev.

Khovaev, who personally experienced how to grill the chicken before tasting it, said the chicken "inasal" of Bacolod City is worth visiting for.

"It's very delicious," Khovaev told GMA News, adding that he will see how they can promote the product in Russia.

This year's festival is a remake of the previous' Manokan Country Inasal Festival, which was celebrated sometime in 2009.

It was during this time when the city government attempted to break the world record in the longest barbeque grill, which currently belongs to Pangasinan.

Bacolod City officials led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia (right) and Event Director Councilor Cindy Rojas (3rd from right) with Russian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Igor Khovaev (2nd from right) during the 1st Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival held on Araneta Street in the Negros Occidental capital city this afternoon.

By amending some provisions of the City Ordinance No. 482, the festival was named 1st Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival.

The festival was also highlighted by a boodle fight.

Aside from local officials and festival goers, it was also joined by some 100 street children in the city.

Councilor Cindy Rojas, festival chairman, said the activity also recognizes the huge contribution of tourism in the city's growing economy.

Rojas said they will be working on further improving the festival in the years to come.

From 25 "inasal" vendors, the local government is planning to increase the number to cater to more revelers, she added.— LA, GMA News