Manggahan Festival Kicks Off in Guimaras

It’s that time of the year when the “world’s sweetest mangoes” take center stage in Guimaras.

The annual Manggahan Festival, which is now on its 25th year, kicked off its month-long celebration on Friday.

Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin said that the preparations for the festival went on a higher gear this year because of Boracay’s closure.

The improved Manggahan Festival now involves the province’s five municipalities. The theme for this year is “Bugana: Celebrating the Silver Glory of Manggahan Festival.”

The festival’s kickoff featured the opening of the Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair where the best products from both producers and entrepreneurs were showcased. Of course, the stars of the fair were the ripe and green mangoes sold to interested buyers. Other products and popular destinations in Guimaras were also featured.

One of the highlights of the festival is the “mango-eat-all-you-can.” For only PHP120, guests can eat as many mangoes as possible within 30 minutes. They can choose between ripe mangoes or green mangoes with “bagoong” (shrimp paste).

Provincial Agriculturist Ronnie Morante said that 16.1 tons of mangoes were prepared for this event, which is higher compared to last year with only 9.5 metric tons.

Four festivals outside of Guimaras will also be included in the Manggahan Festival’s list of activities. This invitational cultural presentation will include Iloilo City’s Dinagyang Festival, Masskara Festival of Bacolod, Pintados de Passi of Passi City, and Matagoan Festival of Tabuk, Kalinga.

Other events include the 1st Rakrakan sa Manggahan Battle of the Bands, Motocross for International and National Riders, Manggahan Bike Fest, Manggahan Painting Contest, and many more.

The 25th Manggahan Festival will conclude on May 22, which is also the 26th founding anniversary of the province of Guimaras.

via Philippine News Agency / Perla Lena