The grand cultural show of the third and fifth districts of Negros Occidental attracted mall goers and capped the district variety shows as part of the 23rd Negros Occidental Tourism Week Celebration at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City on Friday, Sept. 22.
The event entitled “Pasigarbo de los distritos Tres y Cinco” included performances by the Sidlak Kadalag-an Dancers who won fifth place in Aliwan Fiesta 2023 Festival Dance Competition, Bailes de Luces of La Castellana, the Kabataang Silay Ensemble Rondalla of Silay City, Pilipinas Got Talent Season 1 grand finalist Reyshagne Joy Luntayao of Hinigaran, Juvenile Latin Dance Sport dancers of Himamaylan City who won during the 2023 Palarong Pambansa, the Murcia Tinabuay Dancers, among others, a press release from the organizers said.
“We want to showcase what’s more than the sweet surprises in our respective districts while showcasing our vibrant celebrations right at the heart of our province. From the bustling metropolitan third district to the cultural richness of the fifth district, this event is an opportunity to introduce and discover the engine of economic growth and the thriving arts, culture, and traditions that define our respective homes,” said Francis Ryan Pabiania, the event director and consultant of the Tourism Culture and Arts Affairs of Isabela.
Among those present at the event were Western Visayas Tourism Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena.
Butch Gensaya, Himamaylan City tourism officer, said the event was an opportunity to work with the metropolitan districts of Negros Occidental to promote tourism, culture and the arts.
Decena said they were happy that the focus was not just on festival dances but also on the best of talents of the province.
She added that it was also the first time that the provincial tourism week celebration emphasized sustainability and green investments.
“By practices that we can showcase, we can set the example that we can celebrate tourism week in a sustainable way. It’s a good start, it’s a good mindset. From now on the province and with the support of LGUs we could celebrate all the rest of the activities without harming the environment,” she said.*