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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