Manggahan Festival 2017: bigger, better and sweeter

Summer time is here and so is the famed Manggahan Festival of the province of Guimaras.

The much awaited month-long celebration of Manggahan Festival 2017 finally opened with a grand caravan and launching program last March 31, 2017 at the provincial capitol.

No less than the Hon. John Edward Gando, acting Governor; Hon. Ma. Lucille Nava, congresswoman of the Lone District of Guimaras and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan welcomed the visitors to the “home of the world’s sweetest mangoes.”

It was also graced by the mayors and municipal officials of the different towns; SB Member Marilyn Edang, Nueva Valencia; Mayor Luben Vilches, Sibunag; Mayor Ninfa Gajo, San Lorenzo; Vice Mayor Cecile Gumarin,Buenavista and Ruben Corpuz, Jordan.

Public and private sectors joined the caravan to visit every municipality of Guimaras to show support to the upcoming Manggahan Festival activities. Through the event, the municipalities of the province also unveiled the schedules of their Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan which will start in the Municipality of San Lorenzo on April 8-9.

Acting Guimaras Governor Atty. John Edward Gando delivers his message during the Manggahan Festival launching program last March 31.

A TASTE OF GUIMARAS

Residents of Guimaras, nearby Iloilo and other tourists will be treated to a bigger, better and a sweeter Manggahan Festival this year. To have a taste of what it has to offer, the province is hosting a week-long exhibit called “Patilaw sa Manggahan” at Robinsons Place Iloilo on April 1 to 7, 2017.

The activities at Robinsons Place Iloilo includes a demo-cooking by Ms. Rebecca Tubongbanua of McNester Food Products and the popular Mango Eating Contest on April 2, Disco Derby Open Category Elimination on April 5, Mutya ng Guimaras Fashion Show on April 7 and Press Conference and daily exhibits from various producers of Guimaras.

Varied activities await visitors in Guimaras as well. The highlights are the Manggahan Opening Program and Press Conference on May 11, Mango Man Triathlon on May 20, Bike Fest with Tour De Guimaras on May 14 and Enduro National Race on May 19, Western Visayas Cultural Presentation on May 21, and the Anniversary Celebration and Cultural Presentation on May 22.

DESTINATIONS AND ADVENTURE

Dubbed as the “island that fits your taste”, Guimaras has beautiful destinations and exciting activities that await these visitors. One can go on a bike adventure, island hopping, do sightseeing, visit historical sites and shop around the best agricultural sites inits five municipalities to have a taste of the island’s produce.

This year’s theme for the festival is “The Journey that is Guimaras. Sadto. Subong. Kag sa Masanag nga Palaabuton.” The theme highlights the richness of Guimaras and its happy people, simple past, successes and potential of becoming even more that what it is now.

And you are invited to be part of it. Lakat na ta sa Guimaras!