NEGROS: One Island, One Dream

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Panaad sa Negros comes as a week long fiesta celebration every year, known as the festival of all festivals in the province which showcases the best of Negros Occidental .
Celebrating its 22nd year, it is good to note that we are working hand in hand with the other side of the island, the Province of Negros Oriental. It was a few moons ago when I chanced upon a festival celebration in Negros Oriental with no less than Governor Alfredo Maranon as guest speaker, he passionately spoke about the dream of every Negrense to unite as one island region, which gave me the idea to suggest this year’s theme that best fits the occasion  Negros: One Island, One Dream.
The celebration begins in the morning with a thanksgiving mass and the ringing of the century old bell that signifies the rich cultural heritage and influence of the sugar industry in the province.
Vice Governor Bong Lacson

Vice Gov. Bong Lacson and Governor Maranon
King and Queen Lechon
We walked around the park with guests and officials under the scorching heat of the sun for  the cutting of ribbons of the Organik na Negros Agri-Fair, the bamboo crafts exhibit and  the livestock and dairy production  exhibition where one can try a pony ride, the smell of roasted pig caught our attention, this time they paraded around  the park and  was longer with almost 90 roasted pigs carried in bamboos , some even decorated with crowns and accessories looking so deliciously royal.
Pasalamat Dancers of La Carlota
Sagay City Float
Gov. Alfredo Maranon pose with a pony
A motorcade/float parade followed with more than 30 vehicles and 13 LGU floats participating, Sagay City with its marine life fantasy showcase won first place. The sports stadium was filled up, the center part was jam packed with tourist, and majority of the visitors came from Negros Oriental headed by Vice Governor Mark Macias together with majority of the provincial board members, mayors, vice mayors and councilors. 25 beautiful ladies were presented as this years candidates for the Lin-ay Sg Negros. DILG Secretary Mar Roxas was guest honor and he recognized the work of all officials of the Negros Island provinces for advocating for the greater good and he mentioned that the DILG is in favor of the creation of an island region and this dream  will be the promise for more progress and development of Negros.



Pasalamat Dancers

The Festival Dance Competition followed right after the official opening ceremony with the Municipality of Murcia besting all other dance festival performances, followed by Silay City and San Carlos City.

Binalbagan Float



Student Volunteers
This year introduces the singing talent of the local government units singing ambassadors in a Chorale Singing Contest. Mayor Eric Saratan of Talisay  participated with the Talisay City Minuluan Chorale emerging as the Champion for the night. There are many competitions in the next few days and it is suggested that you visit Panaad Park today, as the 32 Destination Pavilions will showcase the best of what they have starting 1:00 in the afternoon  for the judging of the Best Destination Pavilion, Food Security Corner and the Festival Costumes Display themed My Home, My Culture, My Heritage with judges Josette Armirola, Maritoni Mascardo, Rafael Duhaylungsod, Norreen Bautista, Joshua Demerre, Erwin Valenzuela, Dr. Nelly Mendoza, Architect Stanley Ruiz and Ricky Abalena.



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