EXPLORING TOURIST EXPERIENCES DURING THE BUGLASAN FESTIVAL IN NEGROS ORIENTAL

The study aimed to explore tourists’ experiences during the Buglasan Festival in Negros Oriental and assess its impact on cultural identity and tourism promotion. A self-made survey questionnaire was used to gather data from festival attendees. Statistical tools such as frequency and percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient were applied to analyze the data. Findings revealed that cultural performances, past experiences, and perceived safety significantly influenced tourists’ decisions to attend the festival. Among these, cultural performances had the strongest impact, highlighting the festival’s role in showcasing local heritage. Additionally, the Buglasan Festival greatly enhanced tourists' perception of cultural identity by fostering cultural awareness, appreciation, and connection to local traditions. The event also played a crucial role in encouraging festival promotion and revisits, reinforcing its contribution to tourism development. Challenges identified in the study included adverse weather conditions, event management issues, safety concerns, and inadequate venue facilities. Weather conditions had the most significant impact on tourist experiences, while moderate concerns were raised regarding event quality, security, and infrastructure. These findings indicate the need for improved festival planning, enhanced safety measures, and upgraded facilities to ensure a better visitor experience. The study suggests that balancing cultural promotion, festival management, and tourist safety is essential for sustaining the festival’s impact on tourism and heritage preservation. Strengthening these aspects will contribute to the long-term success of the Buglasan Festival as a key cultural and tourism event.