The Bacolod City government, through the City Tourism Office, showcased its vibrant cultural heritage and artistic excellence after earning first runner-up for Best Destination Pavilion (City Category) at the Panaad sa Negros Festival 2026, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
This year, Bacolod’s pavilion stood out as a fully immersive storytelling experience rather than a conventional exhibit. It highlighted three of the city’s most iconic celebrations: the Bacolaodiat Festival, the globally recognized MassKara Festival, and the flavorful Chicken Inasal Festival.
Visitors experienced a dynamic showcase of heritage, creativity, and culinary pride—bringing Bacolod’s festive spirit vividly to life.
Beyond the pavilion, Bacolod’s delegation of artists and performers delivered outstanding results in key competitions. Beatboxer Ernesto Roque made history by winning the first-ever championship in the Negros Got Talent Competition.
The city also secured first runner-up finishes in the Pop Song Writing (Composition) – Royce John Solquillo; Pop Song Writing (Interpreter) – Louella Navea; Folk Dance – Bayle Negrense Folkloric Dance Company.
Meanwhile, dance crew Counterclockwise placed 2nd Runner-Up in the Pop Dance Competition.
In Latin Dance Sports, notable finishes included 4th Place (Juvenile Category) – Justine Tapio and Nyl Saabine Tajonera; and 6th Place (Amateur Category) – Fledmar Natu-el and Zymba Custodio
In the Lin-ay sang Negros 2026, Bacolod’s representative Ysa Wuthrich secured a spot in the Top 10.
She further distinguished herself by winning Best in Swimwear and Best in Festival Costume, along with numerous sponsor awards, highlighting her strong appeal and stage presence.
“The city congratulates all those who participated in the different competitions in the recently concluded Panaad sa Negros Festival 2026. To those who won and bagged awards, the city is proud and congratulates you on your performance. As for the other contests, we assure everyone that the support of the city was steady all throughout; the city never neglected them.
For 2027, I have already had a conversation with the Tourism Office, noting that this outcome is a product of the cooperation of various city departments. So, congratulations. We also would like to congratulate Governor Lacson and the committees that implemented and supported Panaad for a very successful Panaad 2026,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said.*
