11/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE
BIG BITE: ‘SWEET AVENUE’ PUTS NEGROS’ DESSERT CREATIVITY IN THE SPOTLIGHT
BACOLOD CITY — The sweetest flavors of Negros are set to take center stage as Ayala Malls Capitol Central brings back Big Bite: Sweet Avenue, its fourth edition of the mall’s signature dessert festival, from August 14 to 16, 2026.
The three-day celebration will be held at the mall’s Activity Center and Corte, bringing together local dessert makers, bakers, confectioners, food entrepreneurs and dessert enthusiasts for a showcase of homegrown culinary talent.
Launched at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in 2023 as a dessert-focused festival inspired by Negros’ rich sugar heritage, Big Bite has grown into one of the mall’s annual flagship events.
The festival was first presented as Big Bite: Sweet Surprises in 2023, followed by Big Bite: Sweet Central in 2024 and Big Bite: Sweet Island in 2025.
This year, the theme shifts to “Sweet Avenue,” reflecting the festival’s continuing role as a platform where local food entrepreneurs can meet consumers, showcase their products and celebrate the creativity behind their desserts.
The 2026 edition will put particular focus on the art of dessert-making and the growing chocolate industry in Negros Island, with culinary competitions, exhibitions, workshops and interactive activities lined up throughout the weekend.
Among the highlights is Chocolate Masters: The Praline Challenge, a chocolate praline-making and display competition scheduled on August 14.
The festival will officially open its booths at 10 a.m. on August 14, followed by an opening program and dessert parade at 3 p.m.
Workshops will also be offered, including a Bakersfield demonstration from 1 to 4 p.m. and a children’s sugar-cookie decorating workshop at 5 p.m. on August 15.
The weekend will also feature a Dessert Picnic at 2 p.m. on August 16 and Sweet Rhythm acoustic sessions at the Corte at 5:30 p.m. during the festival.
Among the participating exhibitors are Quarter Bites, Anthophile Floral Cafe, Fria’s Cupcakery, The Beki-ry Cupcakes and Pastries, Yolk 12th Street, AVBEAN, Dainty Cakes by Pia, Lohan’s Churros, Craft Scoops by Fría, Natashia’s Halfmoon, Joyce & Chris Rolls, Arvies Cakes and Pastries, Purple Cake Shop, Tastebuds, Bake and Art, Banana Pudding by Memel’s Kitchen, Little Lucee, Maube Pastries, Licia, Sunday Oven, Debbiebakes, Hannah G Sweets and Cafe, Eunice Bakery, Cutie Bao, Lady Anne’s Tarts & Pastries, ARA, Matcha Stop, CUZ Coffee, Elaine’s Delicacies, Flibbys Cupcakes, Chef Mikolo, Flan and Flames, Shabria Kaffee, Big Tummy and Cafe Cartel.
For Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Big Bite is more than a celebration of sweets. It provides local micro, small and medium enterprises with an avenue to introduce their products to a wider market while giving consumers an opportunity to discover homegrown brands.
“Big Bite has grown with our community. This year, through ‘Sweet Avenue,’ we want to celebrate not only the flavors that Negros is known for, but also the creativity, passion and hard work of our local dessert makers and entrepreneurs. We hope this festival gives our homegrown businesses another meaningful avenue to connect with the community while allowing our guests to discover the many sweet stories that Negros has to offer,” said Sharon Ciocon, Mall Manager of Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
The festival also underscores the role of food and culinary experiences in promoting local culture and food tourism, particularly as Negros continues to build its identity around its agricultural heritage, sugar industry and growing food scene.
By bringing together established brands and emerging entrepreneurs, Big Bite: Sweet Avenue aims to create a space where food, creativity and entrepreneurship converge.
Now on its fourth edition, Big Bite continues to evolve from a dessert festival into a broader platform for celebrating the people and businesses behind Negros’ growing culinary landscape.
Big Bite: Sweet Avenue runs from August 14 to 16, 2026, at Ayala Malls Capitol Central’s Activity Center and Corte.*
