Photos provided by: Negros Oriental Tourism Office

In pre-colonial times, the land we know today as Negros Oriental was referred to as “Buglas” or “Buglas Insulis” due to the abundance of tall marsh grass throughout the island. This is where the Buglasan Festival gets its name from. Now running on its 44th year, the Buglasan Festival is as popular as ever, drawing in tourists from all over to see the wonderful charm of Negros Oriental.

Taking place from Oct. 18 to 27, this year’s theme is “Celebrating Dedicated Public Servants, A Resilient and Supportive Constituency, and the Harvest of Progress through Destination Stewardship.” Festival activities will roll off on Oct. 18, starting with a fashion show of the Miss Negros Oriental and the Gandang Negorense pageant candidates. A civic military parade will take place on the next day, to be followed by a performance from the cast of Viva One’s Chasing in the Wild. Spongecola will also be belting out its timeless tunes during the Musicfest. 

Spicing up the 10-day extravaganza are fringe events such as the competitions on pyro-musical, motocross, marching bands, inter-LGU modern street dance, folk dance, folk poetry, and culinary preparation. The Grand Float Parade on Oct. 26 will brighten up night-time Dumaguete with the mesmerizing lights of the municipal and city floats, followed by the Miss Negros Oriental pageant which will select the new set of ambassadresses of goodwill and tourism.

“This year’s Buglasan Festival is special, as it serves as a follow-through to the grand centennial anniversary of our neo-classical provincial capitol building early this year where we showcased history and architectural heritage,” shares Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria. Designed by US-period urban planner and architect Daniel Burnham, the Graeco-Roman edifice was inaugurated over a century ago in the capital town of Dumaguete, and is among the province’s iconic landmarks and green public spaces.

For those who seek the thrills of Negros Oriental’s underwater offerings, scuba divers and underwater photographers can participate in the Negros Dive Fest on Oct. 22 to 27 as part of the continuing promotion of the province’s rich marine biodiversity and its Ridge to Reef campaign.

Curtains fall on Oct. 27, with the awarding ceremonies and a fireworks display at the Negros Oriental Freedom Park.