IF THE sales were an indicator of its success, the just concluded Panaad sa Negros Festival was a big winner, with about P3 million in gross sales.
Records of the Panaad executive committee show that the 2014 Panaad Festival earned a total of P3,070,684 from March 31 to April 6.
This is higher by almost P400,000 than last year's income.
The top grossers this year are San Carlos with P1.1 million, Calatrava with P379,000, and Manapla with P222,000.
Cadiz City was actually the second top grosser with P700,000 sales but it was exempted from the awarding for the top grosser LGUs for being in the Hall of Fame already. It topped the Panaad sales in the past four years.
Another gauge of its success was the active participation of the 19 towns and 13 cities.
Yes, it wasn't a perfect attendance for all 32 LGUs in all of the competitions but despite their meager resources due to recent typhoons and their respective problems, they tried their best to send participants to as many contests as possible.
For instance, it's not a walk in the park to finance a big delegation to compete in the Best of Festival Dances competition. The LGUs have to set aside a big budget for joining in this competition all for the glory and honor of being able to represent their town or city in the opening salvo of the festival. So, kudos to the 21 LGUs for joining the Best of Festival Dances contest and for the MassKara Festival of Bacolod as guest performer.
The Panaad Festival must also be credited for helping ensure that our local arts and culture do not fade away. Panaad competitions like composo, rondalla, and folk dance keep them alive.
And of course, our Lin-ay sang Negros pageant is a certified crowd drawer. If the Panaad Stadium were a cup, and the audience were joy, the cup overflows with happiness.
Each candidate has an entourage of cheerers in the audience, and so each time the ladies come out, expect a loud applause from their camps all trying to beat each other in the audience impact criterion.
For me, another activity worth commending is the participation of the LGUs in the trade fair and exhibits. Year after year, the trade fair and exhibits never fail to amaze us at how much talent, skills, and ingenuity Negrenses have.
Our world-class products, also displayed in trade fairs in Manila, are a source of pride for fellow Negrenses.
In last week's Panaad, beautiful and unique products were again displayed by our talented people. The provincial government recognized their talent by awarding the best products.
For the Best Personal Accessories, Hinobaan won with its 18K gold ring, earrings, bracelet, and necklace. Calatrava was first runner-up for its woodturned segmented fashion set, while Bago was second runner-up for its bone and shell necklace, bangles, and bracelet. Zaldy Docto was the best designer in this category.
For the Best Home Accessories, this time Calatrava won with its woodturned bowl and vases, while Binalbagan was first runner-up with its wood mural frame with clock; and Murcia was second runner-up with its fighting cock wall decor made from recycled clothes. Yul Leonor won as best designer in this category.
Again, Calatrava won in the Best Home Furnishing Category with its unique table and chair; Hinobaan was first runner-up with its wooden jar and implement, while Pulupandan was second runner-up with its wooden day bed. Gerry Gerandoy was the best designer in this category.
Another interesting awards were the Best Market Potential, won by Silay for its "Budbud in Various Flavors," the Best Innovative Food Product won by Pulupandan for its brewed "gingermansi," and Best New Food Product, also won by Pulupandan, for its "ginger jelly."
Congratulations to everyone who had been part of the 2014 Panaad Festival. Here's to more years of Panaad!