LOS Baños, Laguna Mayor Anthony Genuino announced that this year’s 23rd Bañamos Festival will be more fun, colorful and environment-friendly as the town celebrates its 409th anniversary.

With the theme: “Patuloy ang Progreso sa Matatag na Bayan ng Bagong Los Baños,” the festival, which will be held from September 17 -22, will feature a a range of new events designed to boost tourism and make young people engage in sports and creative activities.

“We will have the hot air balloon fair, which you only see in Pampanga. Now it’s here in the south and only in Los Baños, Genuino, in a recent press conference, said.

He said among the new events are a flower and garden show aimed at celebrating the beauty of nature through floral displays and arrangement competition.

Genuino said the festival will also feature “Murals of Makiling” contest, which provides an opportunity for young artists to demonstrate their painting skills.

Likewise, there will be the Makiling Photography Contest themed “The Beauty and Nature of Los Baños, Laguna,” to be held at the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), showcasing local talents.

In a new twist, the festival will also feature Aqua Games, and Padyak LB Kiddie Edition, a cycling competition designed to encourage young children to engage in sports from an early age.

Another addition to this year’s festival is the Drone Light Show, scheduled to light up the sky with stunning visual effects at the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños Freedom Park on Sept. 21.

There will also be health activities such as Zumba, and Fun Run.

The former battle of the band event was replaced by a grand revelry.

Genuino expressed confidence that this year’s festival will surpass last year’s attendance, which drew about 60,000 visitors, both local and international.

“During the first year of the Bañamos Festival, we drew 50,000 tourists and 60,000 last year. We expect more this, year,” the mayor said.

“The more tourists, the more it can help the local economy,” he added.

Genuino said the festival will not only be an annual event but a family affair.

Meanwhile, according to the event organizers, hot spring resorts in Los Baños will be offering big discounts to guests during the three-day festivities.