We live in a land of festivals, made more significant with a Presidential decree to use festivals to boost tourism. MassKara Festival is one of the Philippines’ most famous festivals but the province of Negros Occidental also have a provincial festival. Not just for one particular city or town but a celebration joined by all 19 towns and 13 cities in the province including Bacolod City.
Your freelance writer has been invited to witness and cover the Panaad sa Negros Festival marking its 20th year with the theme, ” Panaad @ 20: Celebrating Negros as the Philippines’ Leader in Organic Agriculture”.
In 2008, the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Association of Tourism Officers (AOP) named the Panaad sa Negros Festival as the “Best Tourism Event-Provincial Festival Category”. Started in 1993 in the Provincial Grounds, it has continued to the 25-hectare park and sports complex, the Panaad Park and Stadium – the same venue where Azkals played in one of their games in Bacolod. This year, it will be from April 8-14, 2013.
This year’s theme focusing on organic agriculture is one of my personal interests. I have visited organic farms like Guimaras Wonder’s Farm and dining at Midway in Passi City so I’m looking forward to this event.
Attending the events for the first two days, I will witness the opening ceremonies including a dance competition. The next day, your travel writer will be touring a total of 32 pavilions ( yes, pavilions not the typical booths) representing the towns and cities of the province of Negros Occidental. I’m thrilled on what I will be seeing and tasting while touring the different pavilions. Discovering more of Negros’ agricultural products beyond sugarcane inclined to healthy living with organic agriculture.
If you are spending your Holy Week vacation in Negros Occidental, extend it so you can attend the Panaad sa Negros Festival 2013. Hope you will be there!
For the complete Panaad sa Negros Festival 2013, click here. For inquiries contac Tourism Office (034) 433-2515 or e-mail them, tourism_negocc@yahoo.com
Photos courtesy of Negros Occidental Tourism Center
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