Negros Oriental: A rising tourist spot
MANILA, Philippines - For someone like me raised in Manila, mentioning the province of Negros Oriental brings to mind the following: Silliman University, Mt. Kanlaon and vast sugarcane fields. But like its neighbor Negros Occidental’s Masskara Festival, it also knows how to party through the annual festival known as Buglasan, celebrated every October in Dumaguete City.
Together with journalists from other publications, I recently experienced the festival of the “City of Gentle People.” Derived from the word “buglas,” the tall napier-like reeds that once covered the island, Buglasan started in 1981 when a search was conducted for a representative of the province to the Folk Arts Festival convened by former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Today, the festival, headed by Buglasan director general and board member Mariant Escaño-Villegas, is participated in by all of Negros Oriental’s municipalities.
Like many celebrations, Buglasan showcases festivals of the different municipalities through its annual dance contest and street parade. Among the festivals highlighted in the parade are the Hambabalud Festival of Jimalalud, the Pasayaw Festival of Canlaon City, the Sandurot Festival of Dumaguete City, and the Kinaiyahan Festival of Dauin, among others. The Pakol Festival of Santa Catalina was declared the 2009 champion.
Buglasan, however, is not just about dancing. Other highlights of the festival included the King and Queen of Buglasan pageant where representatives of the town of Bayawan were adjudged as the 2009 winners. A tourism and agri-fair was also part of the celebration, where the different towns and cities, corporate and educational institutions participated in as well as performing arts competitions and outdoor concerts. The festival culminated with a fireworks competition along the boulevard.
Buglasan though is not only what the province has to offer. The provincial government of Negros Oriental led by Gov. Emilio Macias II has been actively promoting tourism through activities such as dolphin watching in Bais Bay and diving in the Apo Islands. Hikers will enjoy their visit to the Casaroro and Niludhan falls at the boundary of Bayawan and Bais City. Nature untouched can be experienced at the famous Balinsasayao twin lakes in the municipality of Sibulan, while adventurers will definitely enjoy various caves in Mabinay. And what’s Negros without beaches? The beaches of Basay to Siaton are known for their creamy to coral sands, while those in Zamboanguita to Bacong have a fine brown to blackish texture.
No doubt, Negros Oriental has a lot to offer. It has definitely proven that it also has attractions that tourists can enjoy. Visiting the province is a must for those looking for adventure.
