Manila, March 24 -- The 29th edition of the Panaad sa Negros Festival, the festival of all festivals of Negros Occidental, celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the Negrenses with a promise of extraordinary festivities that kicked off Monday afternoon at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here.

The weeklong festival with the theme "The Future Unfolds" is participated in by 32 local government units (LGUs), including highly urbanized Bacolod City.

"Panaad" is the Hiligaynon term for vow or promise.

In his message at the opening ceremony, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Negros Occidental stands at the threshold of a new chapter in the legacy of the Panaad sa Negros.

"We are not merely celebrating the present, we are...