EXPERIENCE PANAAD SA NEGROS FESTIVAL, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Experience Panaad sa Negros Festival

EXPERIENCE PANAAD SA NEGROS FESTIVAL, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Dubbed as the  Mother of all Festivals in Negros, the Panaad sa Negros Festival is held every April for each year   at the Panaad Park, Bacolod City.

Panaad is the Hiligaynon word for “vow” or “promise”; this festival is a form of thanksgiving for the  Divine provisions and a manifestation  of a vow in exchange for a good life. The festivity is taken at the Panaad Park, which also houses the Panaad Stadium. The yearly celebration  is participated in by the 13 cities and 19 towns of the Province of Negros Occidental showcasing the best of their place.

The grand celebration of the Panaad sa Negros Festival is also a showdown of the diverse and colorful  festivals  of every cities and municipality in the province. Going to the Panaad SA Negros Festival is like moving around the entire province witnessing each of the festivals.

Experience Panaad sa Negros Festival : Lin-ay sang Negros

Amongst the festivals  that you can see during  the event, include the world renowned Masskara of Bacolod City; the sexy and rhythmic Pasalamat of La Carlota City; the fabulous Pinta Flores of San Carlos City; the tribal Babaylan festival of Bago City; the famous Bailes de Luces of  Castellana and much more.

The festival also features the best of each city and municipalities in terms of crafts, food,destinations and much more.

Apart from these festival competitions, the Panaad site also showcases beautiful Pavillions of each Municipality and Cities of the whole province. These permanent pavilions are maintained and made even more beautiful each.

Of course, during the celebration, the  prettiest lady in the province is being crowned as the Lin-ay sang Negros.

Handicrafts and native delicacies abound the place during the festival. This is also the best spot to try various seafood from various coastal municipalities and cities  in the province.

Various corporate events are also held in every corner of the sites.  Dance contests, concerts, food and plant exhibits, plus a wide array of furniture are displayed and made for sale during the event.

Tips for Fiesta Goers:

1. The place is terribly busy in the late afternoon and evenings, so if you just wanted to see some exhibits, it is best to see the place in the morning.
2. Parking is also quite difficult, but a good and wider space is provided at the back of the complex.
3. Bring hats during the day for it is usually hot and humid. Umbrellas are quite difficult to use and could even hurt others when the crowds are too many.
4. Don’t forget to bring your eco-bags. I’m sure you cannot resist from buying various Negros’ delicacies.
5. Use light and cool outfit . A very comfortable pair of shoes is a must.

Where  to Stay:

Bacolod City has a wide list of hotels and Inns which can accommodate you according to your budget. It would be best to book ahead to ensure a place for you. Click here for the List of Hotels.

 

Other Things to do While in Bacolod City

While in the city, you can maximize your trip in the province while attending the festival by visiting other spots in the Bacolod and other neighboring cities. Here are some of the Things to Do in Bacolod City .

What to buy When in Bacolod

If you want to bring home some export quality handicrafts from Negros Occidental, drop by the Negros Showroom at Robinsons Place Bacolod City.

Best Places to eat

Apart from the festival venue, Bacolod City offers various restaurants to give you a delightful gastronomic experience. Click here for the List of Restaurants in Bacolod City.

How to Get There:

By air

Negros Occidental is served by the Bacolod-Silay International Airport. There are daily flights from Manila and Cebu.

By sea

There is a major seaport in Bacolod that caters trip from Manila  and other provinces such as Iloilo City.

From Bacolod-Silay Airport you can take an aircon van at PhP  150/pax to Bacolod City.If you will be staying in a hotel, the vehicle can drop you there. If not, you can ask them to drop you at the mall: SM or Robinson and take a taxi from there. You can take a taxi going to Panaad Park.

Going around

The fastest and cheapest mode of transport in the Bacolod is  jeepney. It’s so easy to go around the city–just ask.