30th Panaad Sa Negros Festival Officially Launched; 32 Candidates Presented For Lin-ay Sang Negros 2026
30th Panaad sa Negros Festival
The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental formally launched the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, marking the beginning of preparations for one of the province’s most anticipated annual celebrations.
Set to take place from April 13 to 19, 2026 at Panaad Park and Stadium, this year’s festival carries special significance as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of the event, which continues to highlight the culture, heritage, and unity of Negrenses across the province.
Panaad sa Negros Festival 2026 Theme
For its milestone year, the festival adopts the theme “Panaad sa Negros: 30 Years of Bringing Negrenses Together.” The theme underscores how the celebration has evolved over the past three decades into a meaningful symbol of unity among the people of Negros Occidental. Beyond festivities and gatherings, the event reflects a shared identity that proudly showcases the province’s traditions, cultural pride, and strong sense of community.
The word panaad, which means promise, also carries a deeper message for the festival. It represents the enduring commitment of Negrenses to remain resilient and hopeful, especially during challenging times, while continuing to celebrate the rich heritage that binds communities across the province.
Theme and Artwork
The theme is also reflected in the festival’s official artwork, which visually captures the spirit of togetherness that the celebration represents. Inspired by the collective participation of cities and municipalities, the design highlights the diversity and vibrancy of Negros Occidental while emphasizing unity as the central element of the festival. The artwork symbolizes how each local government contributes to the larger story of Negros, creating a colorful representation of culture, pride, and shared identity.
Three decades after it was first envisioned as a gathering of local communities, the Panaad sa Negros Festival continues to fulfill its original purpose — bringing together the best of the province while strengthening connections among Negrenses.
Panaad sa Negros Festival 2026 Music Video
Celebrating 30 years of bringing Negrenses together, the video traces the journey of Panaad from its very first celebration to the renowned festival it has become today.
Lin-ay Sang Negros 2026 Candidates Officially Sashed
As part of the grand launch, the sashing ceremony of the Lin-ay Sang Negros 2026 candidates was also held, officially presenting the 32 Babayeng Negrosanons who will compete for the prestigious crown. Representing cities and municipalities from across Negros Occidental, the candidates begin their journey toward the much-awaited coronation night during the festival.
The official candidates of Lin-ay Sang Negros 2026 are:
- Bacolod – Ysabella Visitacion Wuthrich
- Bago – Ivy Loraine S. Alpas
- Binalbagan – Cheska Edyl C. Gayoma
- Cadiz – Angel Mae Rico Baldoquin
- Calatrava – Glazel G. Bayona
- Candoni – Pia Bianca G. Soriano
- Cauayan – Elisha Krizzle P. Escultura
- Don Salvador Benedicto – Jamaicah J. Bantigue
- Escalante – Jela S. Natingga
- Himamaylan – Nea Lane P. More
- Hinigaran – Emirose M. Rull
- Hinoba-an – Jerdie Rose Octavio
- Ilog – Bea Tricia L. De La Peña
- Isabela – Pamela Rodrigo
- Kabankalan – Johana Marie A. Oyog
- La Castellana – Jherie Lee L. Tonico
- La Carlota – Erish Jen Cascarro
- Manapla – Wincy Kate J. Beral
- Moises Padilla – Donna Bernales Tre-inta
- Murcia – Sofia E. Ignalagre
- Pontevedra – Gesille Mae C. Sullivan
- Pulupandan – Angelica Gwen Tenero
- San Enrique – Janabea Gepana
- Sagay – Franciene M. Rios
- San Carlos – Charhaey B. Apatan
- Silay – Ritz Wynona G. Lacanilao
- Sipalay – Alexandra F. Lakatos
- Talisay – Kimberly Kate F. Payumo
- Toboso – Angelica Villar
- Valladolid – Jonalyn Grace Diamena
- Victorias – Natasha Francinn Myles Soriano
With their official sashes now worn with pride, the candidates will participate in a series of activities leading up to the crowning of the next Lin-ay Sang Negros, who will represent the beauty, intelligence, and cultural pride of the Negrense people.
Exciting Performances Await Festivalgoers
The festival will also feature a variety of live entertainment as part of its lineup of activities. Among the anticipated performers are OPM favorites Ben&Ben and Parokya ni Edgar, together with popular performers such as the SexBomb Girls, offering festivalgoers additional highlights throughout the celebration.
As the province prepares for the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a week-long celebration that showcases the best of Negros Occidental — from vibrant local government exhibits and cultural performances to its rich culinary traditions and enduring community spirit.
For more updates and highlights about the festival, please stay tuned and check our blog and FB page for the latest announcements and coverage.
