By CESAR JOLITO III
The one-month countdown to the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival has begun, marking the start of preparations for Negros Occidental’s highly anticipated “Festival of Festivals.”
Festival director Charina Magallanes-Tan said this year’s celebration aims to be the biggest and most meaningful edition of the festival as it marks three decades of honoring Negrense culture and unity.
“Panaad, which means promise, reflects our enduring promise to keep hope alive, even in the face of difficult circumstances,” Tan said.
The kickoff ceremony was led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso in front of the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol on Friday, March 13.
Lacson said the upcoming celebration marks a significant milestone for the province.
“For 30 years now, Panaad has brought Negrenses together in celebration of our heritage, our hopes, our challenges, our victories, and our shared identity as one province,” Lacson said.
Alonso described the festival as a reflection of the resilience and creativity of Negrenses.
“Each pavilion, each dance and each song tells the story of our towns and cities, united in a dynamic celebration of tradition and progress,” he added.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II said several major performers will headline the festivities from April 13 to 19, including Filipino bands Ben&Ben and Parokya Ni Edgar, as well as the dance group SexBomb Girls. The television variety program ASAP is also expected to take part in the entertainment lineup.
The launch featured the unveiling of this year’s official festival logo and music video, along with the sashing of the 32 candidates competing in the Lin-ay sang Negros pageant.
Candidates of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide, who are currently visiting the province, also attended the event.
The Panaad sa Negros Festival, derived from the Hiligaynon word “panaad” meaning “vow” or “promise,” is an annual thanksgiving celebration participated in by the 31 local government units of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.
The festival is held at Panaad Park and Stadium, highlighting the culture, products and festivals of the province’s cities and municipalities.
This year’s festival is organized in partnership with the Negros Youth Leadership Institute./CJ, WDJ