21st Panaad sa Negros Festival - Opening Ceremony

Hi everyone! Sorry I missed some blog entries. I went on a overnight trip which is just “across” from my home here in Iloilo. As I mentioned in my previous post, your travel writer was invited again for the opening ceremony of the 21st Panaad Festival in Negros Occidental.

Panaad which means ” vow” and “blessing”, is a must-awaited celebration in the province yet still needs to be promoted to visitors – local and international tourists.

So here I am sharing with you my second Panaad Festival experience. For this post, I will share with you the opening ceremony, highlighted with cultural dances from all towns and cities that compose the province of Negros Occidental.

Here are some scenes for you.

The Negros Occidental Singing Ambassadors, one of them is my college dormmate Marianne.

I love that this year, they sang some Negrense folk songs.

Next comes the presentation of Lin-ay sang Negros. Lin-ay means ” muse” and of course, the cultural dance competition where each town and municipality showcase their respective local festivals.

Festival is the main highlight for every tourist and with this spectacle, it is like traveling to all places in Negros. As a second-timer for Panaad sa Negros, the dances are better and very grand this year.

Here is from Bacolod’s MassKara, a non-competiting group.

There were 21 groups. I took few photos because I want to enjoy the performances and avoided blocking the view of the audience. I will be posting some in my Facebook page. For now, here is La Carlota City’s Pasalamat Festival. Love the samba beat!

In between the performance, guests were ushered for a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. After dinner, we toured the Organic Village and some booths.

Each city, municipality and even the province has their own “booths” which are actually pavilions. I never seen exhibits as grand as the Panaad sa Negros. Again, it is like visiting each place in one setting.

Here is Bacolod’s, a replica of their own administrative building. Impressive right?

There were musical performances, trade fairs, lots of products to buy as well as food festivals.

Last stop for the night was the Province’s booth, Balay Kalamay or ” Sugar House”. For those who don’t know, Negros Occidental is the country’s biggest sugar producer and the industry’s height also produced the country’s wealthiest families.

Balay Kalamay has a tour on the sugar industry of Negros Occidental.

Here is Raymond from Negros Occidental Tourism Council. One of the best guides you will meet. I have worked with him for my travel assignment with Mabuhay Magazine and everyone at the tourism council are very efficient and organized. I have nothing but praises for them.