WHEN traveling to more popular local destinations has become commonplace to you and you want to discover a place less traveled, the island province of Guimaras should be a top-of-mind choice.
Located in the Panay Gulf between the islands of Panay and Negros in Western Visayas, Guimaras has many things to offer that sets it apart from its rivals in this part of the world.
The province’s laid-back style is best enjoyed while watching nature’s beauty: Its white-sand beaches, pristine seas, virgin forests, waterfalls, rivers, streams, springs and offshore islets.
While in the province, there’s never a dull moment if you just indulge in any of these activities: boating, bird watching, beach volleyball, trekking, windsurfing, mountain biking, rappelling, snorkeling, paintball and war games, and island-hopping.
There’s also the man-made attractions that will give you a glimpse of history: McArthur’s Wharf, the 18th century Guisi Lighthouse, Punta Blanco Target Range, Navalas Church and Roca Encantada.
Also “must-visits” in your itinerary are the vast mango plantations, the Igang Marine Station of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (Seafdec) and the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, both in the municipality of Nueva Valencia and the windmills in the municipality of San Lorenzo.
Your Guimaras trip will not be exciting and complete without celebrating with the locals the province’s 23rd Manggahan Festival celebrated this year from May 11 to 22. A time-honored tradition closely followed by local folks and even tourists from neighboring provinces and abroad, the festival is the most ambitious and colorful event held annually in the province for the past 22 years. The main celebration showcases cultural, agri-tourism, culinary, entertainment and sports events.
With its theme “Forward we go. Together we grow. Padayon Guimaras,” the festival is led by Gov. Samuel Gumarin. The festival kicked off with the opening of the Agri Trade and Tourism Fair on May 11, which featured the food, crafts and other products made by Guimarasnons. Included here is its centerpiece—the Guimaras carabao mangoes and by-products—exported around the world and classified as pest-free. On the same day, the Manggahan Photo Contest 2016 Exhibit was opened and the Pintraysekel, Pinta Basurahan sa Manggahan and Employees’ Day were held.
A regular feature in the festival was the Mango Eat All You Can on May 14, where interested parties can participate for free by posting their best GuimarasManggahan Experience Photo on Facebook, tag and mention the Guimaras Manggahan Festival Facebook page from March 7 to May 2. Ten winners will receive a free pass each to the Mango Eat All You Can and get a Manggahan Festival 2016 souvenir item.
Other highlights of the festival are the fifth Mango Man triathlon that started at the Alubihod Cove and wound up at the Provincial Capitol (May 14); Mutya ng Guimaras coronation night, Tour de Guimaras, Enduro Challenge, Kids Bike Challenge, second Provincial Rescuelympics and Health Day (May 20); and Tribes Competition (May 21).
There’s a mango-picking activity that is open to everyone.
Nightly live bands will enliven the festival starting at 10 p.m. at the Food Court area.
The Manggahan Festival 2016 will culminate with the Foundation Day Celebration on May 22, the day when Guimaras became a full-fledged province 24 years ago.