The much-awaited “Bañamos Festival| in Los Baños, Laguna, known for its deep connection to the town’s hot spring and natural heritage, will once again highlight the culture, heritage, and natural wonders of the town while also providing a significant economic boost to local merchants and artisans.
At a press conference organized by Mayor Anthony “Ton” Genuino last September 4, local organizers promised a bigger and more exciting celebration than ever before.
Some of the new activities visitors must anticipate include the first-ever Drone Light Show and the incorporation of a “shower parade” in the civic parade where attendees can expect a much wetter and more exhilarating experience.
Festival-goers are advised to prepare to get “soaked” as the festival will be "10 times bigger" than before, as Genuino put it.
Other events include the Flower and Garden show where their identity as the Science and Nature City of the Philippines by showcasing the abundant ornamental plants and flowers; Murals of Makiling a painting contest that will showcase Los Baños as a hub of culture and creativity at the Philippine High School for the Arts; and the Padyak LB Kiddie Edition where kids are encourage to join in sports specifically in cycling, and more thrilling activities.
This year’s festival features a bustling marketplace with 50 to 60 booths set up inside the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) campus. Organized by a local group of online sellers, the marketplace aims to support local merchants by providing them with stalls to showcase their products even outside the Los Baños campus.
Organizers are optimistic that this initiative will significantly contribute to the local economy, targeting to increase the last years revenue of P3.5 million.
With thousands of local and foreign tourists expected to troop to Los Baños during the festivities, security and safety remains a top priority for the event.
The local government unit are in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Los Baños Traffic Management Office (LBTMO), and municipal tanods that will be strategically deployed across the festival area.
Organizers reported no major security concerns in previous years and are confident in further improving safety measures for this year’s festivities.
The “Bayle sa Kalye" street dance and the civic parade will make use of key streets in the town. The official parade routes are expected to be posted early next week to ensure smooth traffic flow during these large-scale events.
As Los Baños prepares to make a splash with this year’s Bañamos Festival, Genuino emphasized that this event is more than just a celebration: it's an avenue to promote the town and contribute to its long-term tourism and economic development.
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