Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Los Banos Laguna: In celebration of its Beauty


In 1590, the Franciscan Friars found a land where they were captivated by the abundance of hot spring and small settlement which made them decide to set up public bathing places with spring water. The baths became so popular that it attracted tourists and convinced the Spanish authorities to officially establish a town they called Los Banos or “the baths.” In celebration of the beautiful land of Los Banos, the Banamos festival was established.



The first ever Banamos festival was celebrated in 2001. Like any other festival, the people of Los Banos were offered food and entertainment. The festival, which translates for “we bathe” in Spanish, commemorates the great natural wonders of the town and the local products. It is a festivity of community spirit and the people’s pride of the place.

Vladimir“Von” Valdepenas, former councilor of Los Banos, together with Vice Governor Caesar Perez, helped fully institutionalize the festival on 2004. The former councilor also helped with the finance committee in order to successfully budget their needs to make the festival worthwhile for the people. 

They coordinated with members of the town’s civic and educational communities to organize the 5-day event that kicked off with the traditional civic parade, an anniversary program and a beauty pageant.  They also held an exhibit of products, cultural presentations, a band and street dancing competition, water games and ballroom dancing.  The cherry on top of the celebration was held at the Makiling Mountain Quest where there was a one-day adventure race where the participants were tested for their athleticism.


Other councilors and organizers who helped with the festival on 2004 were Roberto Cereno who was also consultant for the Los Banos Tourism Council, Corazon Pb Villareal who was chair for solicitation and marketing,  Delfin R. Laforteza for the design, Edilberto D. Rimbon for physical arrangements, Lorenzo D. Meneses III for traffic and security, Pepito Carpirio for secretariat and Enrique C. Tolentino for evaluation.

The Banamos Festival has always been successful ever since the start of the festivity. The people of the town, as well as neighboring towns like Calamba Laguna, was also always more than willing to celebrate the abundance and beauty of their land. With the town’s quadric-centennial approaching, who knows how explosive the next festival would be.


pages:http://vonvaldepenas.wordpress.comhttp://www.facebook.com/vladimirvon.valdepenas

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