2003
September 17-21, 2003

Los Baños, Laguna
Philippines
 
 
Come and join the celebration!
 
 

FRANCISCO F. PEÑALBA
 

Chair, Los Baños Tourism Council
 

Message

"Stars shine the brightest during the darkest of night”

Staging another big festival amidst subsequent storms, economic flux and challenges to national security may have seemed to be difficult and untimely, but the people of Los Baños have proved to be committed and unwavering in spirit and devotion. Hundreds of volunteers both from the government and private sectors have offered once again their time, talent and other resources if only to continue the festive and uniting spirit that we had experienced on the launching of Bañamos last year.

Now, Bañamos is even bigger and better - from the quality of programs to the roster of guests, from the cash prizes and awards to the scope of reach and range of participants and audience. This is our way of saying the science and nature city of Los Baños is very much alive - its government, its people and its rich natural resources are booming and vibrant as ever. Bañamos festival is here once again to attest and showcase it!

To the countless stars who have been shining in our nights and with whom I have had the honor of working with these past months in preparation for this wonderful event, maraming maraming salamat po. Bañamos is successful because of your untiring commitment and unselfish contributions.

In behalf of the Los Baños Tourism Council - Come! Let us join hands and let the celebration begin!

 
 

Schedule of Activities

September 17 / Wednesday

  • Ecumenical Service & Opening Program (Brgy. Batong Malake Covered Court, 7:00 am)
  • Civic Parade (Brgy. Batong Malake Hall to Municipal Covered Court, 8:30 am)
  • 388th Foundation Anniversary Program (Municipal Covered Court, 10:00 am)
  • Miss Los Baños Beauty Contest (Municipal Covered Court, 7:00 pm)

September 18 / Thursday

  • Tuklas-Agham Science Exhibits, Tours, Open House (Los Baños Science Community, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
  • PHSA Cultural Show (Municipal Covered Court, 7:00 pm)

September 19 / Friday

  • Tuklas-Agham Science Exhibits, Tours, Open House (Los Baños Science Community, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
  • BalikSayawan Ballroom Dancing (Municipal Covered Court, 7:00 pm)

September 20 / Saturday

  • PLDT Libreng Tawag (Municipal Covered Court, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
  • Buko Pie Fest (Municipal Covered Court, 8:00 am – 12 nn)
  • Bayle sa Kalye Street Dancing Competition (Central School to Municipal Hall, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
  • Tugtog-Yugyog Battle of the Bands (Municipal Covered Court, 7:00 pm)

September 21 / Sunday

  • Makiling Mountain Quest Adventure Race (Municipal Hall to Mount Makiling, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)

 
 
Sponsors
 

 
 

For inquiries, please contact:

 

Bañamos Secretariat

Los Baños Municipal Hall

Los Baños, Laguna

Phone   : (049) 536-0050

Telefax: (049) 536-7860

E-mail   : losbanos@laguna.net
 
 

What is BAÑAMOS?

by ROBERTO P. CERENO, Tourism Consultant and Member, Los Baños Tourism Council

Bañamos is a commemoration of a colorful history and culture

Bañamos is Spanish for ’we bathe’. The word appropriately traces the founding of the town during the Spanish period. The Franciscan Friars were captivated by the abundance of hot springs and steam vents in the small village of Mainit found at the northern foot of a mountain, then known as Maquiling. They set up public bathing places with spring water believed to be holy and have curative effects. These baths were so popular that they attracted tourists from Manila and nearby provinces. This convinced the Spanish authorities to establish the town they called Los Baños or ‘the baths'.

Bañamos is a celebration of great natural wonders

Los Baños has two natural wonders: Mount Makiling and Laguna de Bay. Mount Makiling, an inactive volcano rising 1,090 meters above sea level, is a protected sanctuary of indigenous plants and animals. It is also believed to be the home of the mountain goddess, Mariang Makiling. Mount Makiling and Laguna de Bay are natural geologic landmarks that provide fertile soil, potable water, and a rustic ambiance which influence the livelihood and lifestyle of residents. These blessings further give rise to products that make Los Baños popular – ornamental plants, buko pie and various dairy products.

Bañamos is a coronation of immense scientific talents

The lush greenery, the cool clean air, and the natural water resources of Los Baños make for a conducive environment for scientific work and study. It is not surprising, therefore, to find educational and research institutions, national and international, to be based in Los Baños. Presently, a pool of distinguished men and women researchers/ scientists, research administrators, support staff, and students find their home in this Science and Nature City. Thus, Los Baños is synonymous to advances in agricultural science and technology, not only in the Southeast Asian region, but in the world.

Bañamos is a festivity of community spirit and pride of place

A strong social responsibility value permeates the citizenry of Los Baños. This is evidenced by the active cooperation during community-wide activities in education, sports, arts, tourism, waste management, livelihood and economic campaigns spearheaded by the municipal government and joined by national government agencies, commercial establishments, civic associations and other private organizations and individuals. Pride in this University town is the binding spirit behind the success of the Los Baños community and its people.

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