Kolokabildo 2025: A Celebration of Negros Oriental’s Rich Heritage and Culture

In 2025, Negros Oriental marked an extraordinary milestone in its history—the 135th anniversary of its establishment as a province. This significant occasion was commemorated with an event that not only honored the province’s history but also celebrated its vibrant culture and the contributions of its artists, historians, and writers. Kolokabildo 2025, organized by the Negros Oriental Alliance of Culture & Arts Advocates Inc. (NOACAA-INC.), the Buglas Reading & Writers Club, and The Open Book Circle, brought together individuals from various walks of life to reflect on the province’s remarkable journey and to recognize its cultural legacy. 

A Tribute to Local History and Culture 

Kolokabildo 2025 was more than just a celebration—it was a tribute to the timeless contributions of local historians, artists, and writers who have helped shape the province’s identity over the years. The event’s organizers, led by Chairperson Gemma Minda Laxina Iso and President Prof. Penn T. Larena, demonstrated their unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the arts and culture of Negros Oriental. Their dedication to honoring the past while also looking toward the future was evident in every aspect of the event. 

Negros Historians Prof. Penn T. Larena & Cidni Mapa

The night’s festivities were made possible by the generous support of various individuals and organizations who contributed in different ways. Miss Ruvilu Villaflores Lumacao of the Provincial Tourism Office, St. Paul University Dumaguete Accountancy Students, Sandra Palomar Quan, Chairperson of the Fine Arts Program at Foundation University, Mister Saigon Restaurant Staff, National Museum Dumaguete, Miss Shi Mei, and the Arts and Design Collective Dumaguete Inc. all played vital roles in ensuring the success of this special event. 

This year’s celebration provided an opportunity for historians, cultural advocates, researchers, and writers to come together, share stories, and recognize the ongoing importance of preserving Negros Oriental’s heritage. Among those who contributed to the event were Cidni Mapa, Dr. Gerard Jutsze Pamate, Dr. Mark Sinco Bascos, Isaachar Bacang, Miss Cecilia Benlota, F. Jordan Carnice, H. June Tubil, Jara Carballo, and Genesis Dimatulac—each of whom offered their expertise and insights, adding depth and richness to the evening's gathering. 

Kolokabildo 2025

A Flavorful Celebration of Cultural Influences

 While Kolokabildo 2025 was an event that focused on Negros Oriental’s history and culture, it was also an opportunity to explore the culinary influences that have shaped the region. The evening’s food offerings were a delicious reflection of the province’s diverse cultural heritage, combining elements from various countries and periods in history. 

One of the most memorable aspects of the event was the pica-pica, a selection of small dishes that delighted the senses and told a story through taste. These appetizers featured a unique fusion of flavors, with a special emphasis on orange and chocolate—a combination that harkened back to the American Period, when such ingredients became popular in the Philippines. This nod to history was a perfect representation of how food can be both a reflection of time and a connection to the past. 

The empanada, a dish influenced by Mexican culture, added another layer of historical depth to the evening’s spread. The empanada’s origins can be traced back to the 17th century when Spanish colonization introduced it to the Philippines. Over the centuries, this dish has been adopted and adapted by different regions in the country, and in Negros Oriental, it has become a beloved part of the local culinary scene. Its presence at Kolokabildo 2025 was a reminder of the shared cultural ties between the Philippines and Mexico, and how food serves as a bridge between nations and histories.

 In addition to these dishes, the event also featured pizza and puttanesca—two iconic Italian dishes that highlighted the artistic culinary traditions of Italy. Pizza, with its crisp crust and delicious toppings, and puttanesca, with its bold and tangy flavors, both represented the creativity and passion of Italian chefs. Their inclusion in the menu was a tribute to the artistic spirit that Kolokabildo 2025 aimed to celebrate, showcasing how food and culture intertwine in meaningful ways. 

For dessert, the chiffon icing cake from Ana Maria Bakeshop provided a sweet and delicate finish to the evening. Known for its light texture and airy frosting, the chiffon cake added an elegant touch to the event and offered guests a taste of local baking expertise. The cake’s inclusion was another example of the event’s commitment to celebrating local craftsmanship and supporting the province’s thriving food scene. The evening’s culinary offerings would not have been complete without the inclusion of Vietnamese dishes from Mister Saigon, which held a special significance for the community. These dishes served as a tribute to the seven sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres (SPC), who have played a pivotal role in the spiritual and social development of Negros Oriental. The Vietnamese flavors offered a unique perspective on the province’s cultural diversity, adding an extra layer of meaning to the event as a whole. 

A Night to Remember Kolokabildo 2025 was not just an event; it was a celebration of everything that makes Negros Oriental a truly special place. The gathering was an opportunity for the people of the province to come together and honor their shared history, culture, and traditions. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting the arts and culture, as well as a chance to reflect on the province’s ongoing contributions to the greater Filipino identity. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Kolokabildo 2025 a success, including the St. Paul University Dumaguete Accountancy Students, Ana Marie Garcia, the National Museum of the Philippines Dumaguete Branch, and the Arts and Design Collective Dumaguete Inc. Their continued collaboration in supporting the arts and culture of Negros Oriental plays an essential role in ensuring the province’s rich heritage remains alive for generations to come. As the evening drew to a close, the guests were reminded of the timeless beauty and significance of Negros Oriental’s cultural legacy. The event was a testament to the resilience and creativity of its people, and a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, our history and culture will always remain a source of strength and inspiration. 

To God be all the highest glory.

Historians & Cultural Advocates   in Negros Oriental

Writer Gemma Iso and VP NOCAA-INC Dr. Mark Sinco Bascos JD