GUIMARAS – The provincial government is hopeful that the number of tourists coming for this year’s Manggahan Festival would be just as many before the coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020.
According to Guimaras Provincial Tourism Officer Liberty Ferrer, during last year’s celebration which only lasted for three days, they only recorded 18,626 Manggahan tourists.
This year, with the celebration stretching for a month from April 29 to May 22, Ferrer said, the target number of tourist arrivals is 60,000.
“We are eyeing pre-pandemic tourist arrivals based on the 2017 to 2018 data. That is our target,” said Ferrer.
This year’s Manggahan Festival is themed “Mangoes and More” to stress that Guimaras is more than just mangoes, its flagship commodity.
The festival’s highlight on May 22 is a double celebration. Guimaras is also marking the 31st anniversary of its province-hood.
The Mango Eat-All-You-Can, one of the most popular events during the festival, is from May 19 to 22. Participants can feast on unlimited mangoes for 30 minutes for only P150.
Those who want their Mango Eat-All-You-Can experience extra special may avail themselves of the “gold card” or “VIP fast past”. Aside from a guaranteed slot or priority access to the Mango Eat-All-You-Can event, it also comes with other perks such ferry transport fares, transportation to the venue, registration fee, bottled water, and a folded fan.
Other major events are the Agri-Fishery and Eco-Tourism Expo where various Guimaras products are displayed and can be bought; Manggahan Street Dance Competition, and Manggahan Cultural Competition on May 22.
Adding color and fun to the festival are performances of celebrities and bands such as Taw, Joey G., Showtime Girls, Salbakuta, Riverymaya, Sham Rock and Mayonnaise.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has approved the request Gov. JC Rahman Nava to extend the daytime and nighttime trips of boats from Jordan, Guimaras to Iloilo City and vice versa.
The trips of fiberglass passenger vessels are extended up to 2 a.m. on selected dates (April 29 to May 2, May 5 to 8, May 12 to 15, and May 19 to 23).
Meantime, ro-ro vessels are allowed to operate until 12 midnight.
Special ro-ro trips for private non-cargo vehicles are also allowed from the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex to Guimaras from May 19 to 23.
Governor Nava assured the festival visitors of their safety.
“Ang aton kapulisan kag mga ahensya nga nagabulig sa pagpatikang sang peace and order aktibo. Since pag-start naton sang April 29 malinong ang pagselebrar sang Manggahan Festival,” the governor said./PN
