MANGGAHAN FEST IN JAPAN. Two foreign tourists enjoy the sweet mangoes of Guimaras during the Manggahan Festival. The Hubon Guimarasnon sang Manggahan Festival will fly to Japan to perform in the grand parade and cultural presentation on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, featuring the Filipino Christmas celebration. (PNA file photo by Gail Momblan)
ILOILO CITY -- The Guimaras Manggahan Festival will fly to Japan to perform in the grand parade and cultural presentation for the "Philippine Festival 2019: Pasko ng Bayan" slated on Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 at Yoyogi Park, Tokyo.
Liberty Ferrer, Guimaras provincial tourism officer, said in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon the provincial government has partnered with the Philippine Festival Organizing Committee (PFOC) in bringing the festival abroad, this time in Japan.
Ferrer said that the 20 performers of the Hubon Guimarasnon sang Manggahan Festival will not only carry the name of Guimaras and Western Visayas but will bring the Philippine celebration of Christmas.
“The organizer wanted the community in Japan to feel how the Filipinos celebrate Christmas. Our presentation will not be limited in the performance on Manggahan but the group prepared pocket performances,” she said.
She added that the festival visit in Japan will also expand the market of the island-province.
She said there is an “identified need” to boost the island’s tourism after it suffered a setback following the August 3 sea tragedy.
“This is a big opportunity for Guimaras, especially now that we need to revive our tourism. Japan is actually among the Top 10 of our foreign arrivals,” she said.
Ferrer said they will be bringing with them mango products to explore possible Japanese market.
Citing their interviews with growers in Japan, Ferrer said: “Japanese has preferred mango sizes.”
“We are still confirming on their preferences,” she said.
Manggahan Festival, celebrated annually from May 11 to 22, has gained recognition as it was declared champion in the Dinagyang Festival’s Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
The festival was also hailed as first runner-up in 2017 and 2018, and second runner up in 2019 in the Aliwan Fiesta, the gathering of all festivals in the country. (PNA)
