Panaad Sa Negros – Panaad Park and Stadium – Where I Brought My Last GF Along to See

My cousin Helen sent me some photos of the Panaad Park and Stadium with her sister Honey Lyn and our ever beautiful Aunt Marissa through during the Panaad Festival last week. When I saw those pictures, they reminded me of those times when I would always be there. Every festivity such as the early provincial sport events, rescue olympic events and the like, most of the local government from the province have always participated. It was when I was still a part of the Medical Support Team (Medic) of Sagay City Health Office.

Panaad sa Negros is a “Mother of All Festivals” In the “Sugar capital of the Philippines” in Negros Occidental. This festival started in 1993 as a thanksgiving celebration for the good life in Negros. It features 32 festivals from every 13 cities and 19 towns in the province. The festival showcases Negros cities and its towns’ history, culture, trade, agriculture, tourism and other industries. Venue has always been at Barangay Mansilingan in the “City of Smile,” also known as Bacolod City.

“Festival of Festivals” is celebrated from April 26 and end up last May 3, 2008 where this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival, on its 15th year were focused more on showcasing the best of Negrense history and culture through its songs and dances, aside from its arts, sports, products and tourism destinations. Each local government is provided a booth to decorate and open to the public with the display of history and culture, native products including food, among others. With its annual celebration, there is also the  “Best of Festival Dances” competition during the first day. It seems that each year is more meaningful than the previous year because of the research on historical roots and production.

Search for Lin-ay sang Negros 2008 (Miss Negros 2008) and other minor and major competitions such as Pop Idol, Banda Diri, Banda Didto - elementary and secondary levels, Latin Dance Competition, Pop Dance Showdown, Panaad Livelihood Skills Olympics, On-the-Spot Painting Contest, songwriting competition, folk dance showcasing the Negrense dances, Composo and among others were also held during the festivity. 

I really miss those times.  One more thing I will never forget is when my last girl friend first visited me in Negros Occidental. Even though her family’s roots were also from Negros, she was raised for most of her life in Manila and the Panaad Stadium was the very first place where I brought her along to see. And that’s the last time I visited the place for more than 8 years now. My girl friend and I never had a chance to see and visit the place again how I wish to let her see the place now that are married.