Albay sets Magayon Festival

MANILA, Philippines - It will be a colorful celebration of culture, craft and cuisine as the province of Albay marks the 14th Magayon Festival from April 5-30 in Legazpi City.

According to Albay governor Joey Salceda, the month-long festival will focus on the rediscovery of the province’s history and cultural heritage, promotion of tourism assets and products, and showcasing people’s skills.

Under the slogan “Albay Rising,” the provincial government is investing P12 million for tourism-oriented events and another P3 million for promotion to transform the province into a world-class destination.

Festivities kick off on April 5 with a mass, trade fair and exhibits, photo contest and exhibit, float parade, drum and bugle competition, brass band performances, and an evening concert featuring K Brosas and Rico Blanco.

Trade fairs and exhibits will showcase the best of local crafts and souvenir items of the province’s 15 towns and the cities of Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco.

The province will also launch the book “Albay: Winding Down the Historic Abaca Trade” authored by historian Danilo Gerona which chronicles the progress of Albay through the centuries. The province is noted for its export-quality abaca crafts, pili sweets and spicy delicacies.

The festival’s highlight is on April 29 with the Legend Showdown street dancing tilt, the Namit Bikol cooking competition, and a musical play on the legend of Daragang Magayon (beautiful maiden). According to folklore, Mayon Volcano arose from her when she was killed by a spurned suitor.

Other activities are beauty pageants, entertainment shows, sporting tournaments, fashion shows, livelihood seminars, and the Rocklakan sa Magayon nightly food plaza around Peñaranda Park. The festival draws to a close with a concert featuring Erik Santos and fireworks display on April 30.

For details, visit www.magayonfestival.albay.gov.ph.