Feature:

In The Mood For Guimaras’ 

Manggahan Festival

By Pepin

An upbeat rhythm of indigenous musical instruments, a vivid display of colorful costumes, and the sweet exotic smell of ripe mangoes - these were the perfect elements that made the highlight of the Manggahan Festival of the Province of Guimaras a truly spectacular experience last April 17, 2011.

With a full-pack schedule of activities, the festival showcased, not only the creativity of the Guimarasnons, but also their love of the local culture and their enthusiasm for a greater progress. Some of these fun-filled activities held prior to the main event were Agri Trade Fair (April 10), Farmers’ Day (April 11), and Cooking Demonstration on Mango Inspired Appetizers (April 13).

The cultural presentation held on the last day of the festival was witnessed by a crowd of locals, foreign tourists, and government officials coming from different regions of the country. There were extravagant displays of dances that depicted the simple life of the Guimarasnons, with emphasis on how they were able to cultivate their agricultural products and introduce these to the world.

People present on the event were also amazed to see hundreds of dozens of mango fruits and mango products being sold for a very reasonable price. The government organized the “Manggahan Eat All You Can,” where guests can consume as much mangoes as they can for only Php 60.00. Other products that were promoted during the festival were cashew nuts, seaweeds, handicrafts made by the Aetas, and preserved foods. 

Aside from its world-famous mangoes, Guimaras is also known for its white sand beaches. Local and foreign tourists took respite in some of these havens of relaxation and recreation right after the festival. Other remarkable sites that were explored by day-trippers were Roca Encantada and Punta Blanco Target Range in the town of Buenavista, and Guisi Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in the country located at Nueva Valencia.

Visit the official website of Guimaras Province HERE.

Manggahan Festival 2011 SNAPSHOTS by Panay Mud Pie :