MANGOES AND MUCH MORE IN GUIMARAS
MENTION MANGO AND GUIMARAS WILL probably come to mind. This is because the sweetest mangoes do indeed come from this once-obscure island across mainland Iloilo that used to be a vast mango orchard which yielded top-quality harvests of the country’s national fruit.
So, when it created a summer festivity to mark its first founding anniversary as an independent province, there was no other choice than a festival to honor its famed fruit produce. Thus, the Manggahan Festival was born in 1993 to bring to the fore its mango industry and its rich cultural heritage.
Guimaras was declared a sub-province of Iloilo in 1966 and proclaimed a fullfledged province on May 22, 1992 after the townsfolk ratified Republic Act 7160 in a plebiscite.
Now on its 25th edition, this year’s festivities themed “Manggahan sa Kabanwahan” kicked off with a bang on May 11 with the street dancing competition, agritrade tourism fair, the Mango Chandelier, and ABSCBN’s Kapamilya Caravan. According to Gov. Samuel Gumarin, the celebration aims to showcase Guimaras as the agri- and eco-tourism capital of the Western Visayas region and to highlight its sprawling farms and natural wonders.
Fringe events included Mango Eat All You Can contests, Amazing Guimarace, concerts and entertainment shows and sporting events like the Tour de Guimaras, the Philippine Downhill Series and the 4th Gov. Gumarin Motocross Challenge.
The two-week festival culminates on May 22 with the 26th Provincial Founding Anniversary parade, cultural competition and the Sinadya sa Capitol cultural awarding.
Beyond the succulent mangoes which have tickled the world’s palate, the province takes pride in its string of enticing beaches, secluded islands, religious retreats, farms and adventure spots which make it a consummate getaway, minus the madding crowd.
The province has also crafted the Agri-tourism Circuit, a travel circuit which links farms frequented by visitors.
For beach bums, Alobijod Cove in Nueva Valencia is the province’s most popular beachfront, with its powdery sand and clear water. Framed by jagged rock formations, it is dotted with homey resorts and serves as the jump-off point for island hopping.
It is also the gateway to the SEAFDEC aquatic farm which breeds species of edible fish to repopulate fishing grounds. Funded by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, it offers a unique tour to help visitors appreciate the imother portance of preserving marine ecosystem.
A must-try is the Suba Malawig Eco-Tour, a community-based program organized by members of the barangay – from the guides, boatmen to the performers and homestays.
Lending a touch of luxury amidst the rustic setting is the upscale 70-room Andana Resort, which offers a mesmerizing vista of the coves and outlying islands in Alobijod beach area.
Visitors can get their dose of adrenaline at Camp Alfredo in Sibunag with its 375-meter zipline, obstacle course, hanging bridge and adventure facilities. The less energetic can simply laze at the camping grounds, feast on Ilonggo dishes or go fishing at the lagoon for a back-to-basics experience.
In Jordan town, a mustvisit is the Trappist Monastery, the country’s first monastery for men. While access for visitors is limited to the public area, there is a souvenir shop with crafts and mango food products produced by the monks.
Balaan Bukid, literally meaning “Holy Mountain,” is a pilgrimage site for Catholic devotees. Along the climb is the Stations of the Cross and at its summit is the Chapel of Ave Maria Purisima and a big white cross. It is the end point of the Pagtaltal sa Guimaras passion play held on Good Friday.
An Instagram-worthy spot is the San Lorenzo wind farm, a 54-megawatt windmill energy project which has become a tourist magnet because of its breathtaking views, especially at sunset.
Buenavista takes pride in the Navalas Church which has preserved its Spanishera façade. On the town’s far end is Roca Encantada, the historic hilltop summer mansion of the prominent Lopez family built in 1910 which has a refreshing panorama of the Siete Pecados island chain.
Beyond its sweet mangoes, Guimaras is a land of the sweet smiles of its warm people and sweet memories of a tourism frontier.
Visit www.guimaras.gov.ph or its Facebook page Guimaras Manggahan Festival.