THE first coffee table book about Negros Occidental was launched online Friday, November 5,2021, marking the celebration of the 123rd Cinco de Noviembre or Negros Day.

Dubbed “Sugar & Smiles: The Negrense Legacy Beyond 2020,” the coffee table book is a compilation of colorful stories on various facets of life in one of the Philippines’ premier provinces.

It includes chapters written by award-winning authors about events that have shaped Negros Occidental over the past two centuries.

Illustrious Negrenses are featured in this resource book for present and future generations of Filipinos.

This heirloom collectible is the first coffee table book that captures the essence of the sweet life in Sugarlandia.

It commemorates milestone events such as the world-famous MassKara Festival and the short-lived Republic of Negros that was established by General Aniceto Lacson and General Juan Araneta exactly 123 years ago today.

The first copies of the hardbound book will be presented to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia this month.

The public launch will be held at Ayala Malls Capitol Central on November 30, with members of the all-Negrense project team in attendance along with the book’s major sponsors. (PR)