Los Banos, Laguna – THE BagongLosBaños Administration, led by Mayor Anthony “Ton” Genuino, will celebrate a more fun and colorful Bañamos Festival 2023 from September 17 to 24 this year, which coincides with the celebration of its 408th Founding Anniversary on September 17.
The festival theme for this year is, “Tara na at sumama sa mas pinasaya at mas pinakulay na Banamos sa Bagong Los Banos.”
A more vibrant and exciting celebration in the town is expected through different events such as the Thanksgiving Mass, Barangay Night, Cultural Show, LBirit Star Search Duets, Padyak LB, Zumbaños, Bailamos, Civic Parade, Grand Revelry, Mister and Miss Bagong Los Baños, at Bayle sa Kalye Dance Showdown, Fun Run (Color Run), LB Awards (Iconic Businesses; Top 10 Tax Payers and Outstanding Citizen) and Carnival Fair.
The festival offers new events, including the Bañamos Kick-off Shower Parade, where there are showers, bubbles, and color blasts in the parade. Pinoy games with a twist are something to look forward to at Palarong Bañamos.
One of the new attractions is the boat design competition called Kakaibangka Bañamos Aqua Games will showcase the beauty of Tadlac Lake, where the water relay games will happen.
There will be more big hot-air balloons and a market bazaar on the UPLB grounds in partnership with the Business Affairs Office of UPLB in the event of the Hot-air Balloon Fiesta and Trade Fair.
The Bañamos Festival 2023 will not be possible without the partnership of LGU with the University of the Philippines Los Baños, headed by Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr., and the rest of the UPLB officials who gave permission to use the university grounds for some of the major events of Bañamos.
This will be the second time to celebrate this big event in the town since the pandemic started. The local government ensured that it follows new health protocols when holding the different activities and events of the festival.
During his first term from 2010 to 2013, Mayor Ton has already successfully made this week-
long event more festive and fun for LB citizens and tourists. He was able to improve and revamp this festivity once, so the people can expect even more this time around.
Hotsprings and non-hotspring resorts in the town may soon offer discounts during the event in celebration of the hotspring baths” festival.
Birth of Bañamos
The Los Baños Tourism Council of 2002, spearheaded by Dr. Francisco F. Peñalba, conceptualized the festival with the aim of promoting the tourism industry of the town. They believe that a strong, competitive and aggressive tourism advocacy is key to a progressive economy.
Bañamos Festival was successfully launched on September 17-21, 2002, in conjunction with the 387th Foundation Day of Los Baños. The very first grand fest gathered over 50,000 spectators and tourists, including the local and foreign visitors and media.
This is a celebration of the colorful history, culture and well-known natives of the town through parades, dances, exhibits, talent search and performances..
Bañamos as a commemoration of history
This festival is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Municipality of Los Baños observed every September 17th. “Bañamos” comes from a Spanish word that means “we bathe.”
This word can be traced back during the Spanish period, whereas, the Franciscan friars were enticed by the rich hot springs and steam vents of the Mount Makiling set up as public bath
which are believed as holy and healing.
It was believed that the Spanish authorities named this town as Los Baños or “the baths” because it is visited by tourists from Manila and neighboring provinces.
Bañamos as a celebration of natural wonders and local products
The town of Los Baños is home of two natural wonders, Mount Makiling and Laguna de Bay. These natural lands are rich in fertilized soil, clean air, potable water, and a rustic ambiance that influences and helps sustain the livelihood and lifestyle of the people of the town.
This natural richness brought life to the popular native products of the locality including buco pie, milk, ornamental plants, souvenir items and other homemade delicacies.
About the Author
