“Palayag means to us, literally, it is a celebration nga naga-embody sang amon kultura, pamatasan, kag ralab-uton namon nga values kag handom sa paalabuton. This festival will bring not only hope, but development sa banwa. This festival is designed to stimulate sang nadula namon nga ekonomiya for almost three years. Tani ma-sustain ni namon ang amon ekonomiya (Palayag means a celebration of our culture, traits and our dreams. The festival will bring not only hope, but development in our town. This festival is designed to boost our economy. I hope we can sustain it),” Gumarin said.

For this year, the Buenavista LGU said they aim to surpass the 15,000-tourist arrival they recorded during the weeklong celebration last year; while also hoping to earn more than P2.3 million.

Meanwhile, to kick off the weeklong celebration from Jan. 9 to 21, the Buenavista LGU held a fluvial parade of the Senior Sto. Niño (Baby Jesus) at the Guimaras-Iloilo strait, which was followed by a religious mass at the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish Church.

Other events during the festival also include different sports competitions like softball, basketball, volleyball, bike race, and motocross while different band performances will also entertain the crowd at night, including the much-anticipated coronation night of the Lin-ay sang Buenavista.

There will also be a trade fair and food fest during the celebration; while the festival will culminate on Jan. 21 with a cultural presentation dubbed “Sugilanon sang mga Buenavistahanon”, a foam party, and fireworks display at night.