Experience the exciting Guimaras Manggahan Festival 2016

Expect mango overload when Guimaras province, home to the sweetest mangoes in the world, celebrates the 23^rd Manggahan Festival from May 11 to 22, 2016.

This is the perfect time for a vacation because not only can one enjoy the province’s sparkling beaches and nearby verdant islands, but visitors can also experience the Guimarason culture and hospitality better through various month-long activities.

Manggahan Festival Cultural Presentation Competition

With the theme “Forward we go. Together we grow. Padayon Guimaras,” the festivities will highlight the food, crafts and other products made by Guimarasnons during the Agri Trade and Tourism Fair. Included here is its centrepiece – Guimaras carabao mangoes and by-products – which are exported around the world and qualified as pest-free. The trade fair will open on May 11 with Provincial Governor Samuel Gumarin, M.D., provincial officials and other dignitaries to grace the event.

On the same day, the Manggahan Photo Contest 2016 Exhibit will be opened and the Pintraysekel, Pinta Basurahan sa Manggahan and Employees' Day will be held.

Another highlight is the Mango Eat All You Can on May 14, a chance for some to discover why Guimaras mangoes are world-class.

Those who want to participate in the Mango Eat All You Can activity for free are invited to post their best Guimaras Manggahan 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.

You might be the next winner in the Mango Eat All You can contest.

Sports have a place in the festivities, for after all, Guimaras is a haven for adventure. So, on May 14 when others are feasting on mangoes, sports enthusiasts will be treated to the 5th Mango Man Triathlon (starting from the Alubihod Cove and finishing at the Provincial Capitol).

Another much awaited event is the Search for Mutya ng Guimaras on May 20. There will be nine lovely and smart Guimaras ladies coming from the province’s different barangays who will vie for the crown. Prior to the final night, the candidates will participate in the Swimwear, Talent and Casual Wear competitions as well as in the Festival Costume and Designer Fashion Parade this April.

Still on May 20, sports and healthy lifestyle will also be highlighted through the holding of the Tour de Guimaras, Enduro Challenge, Kids Bike Challenge, 2nd Provincial Rescuelympics and Health Day.

Kids Bike Challenge

Visitors will be treated to a grander and more colorful Cultural Presentation on May 21. Different groups will showcase the beauty and abundance of Guimaras through dance and sounds while dressed in colorful costumes.

Moreover, a mango picking activity is in store for those who are interested to experience the fun and joy of harvesting Guimaras’ sweet mangoes.

For the night owls who prefer the party scene, there will be live bands every night starting at 10 p.m. at the Food Court area.

The Manggahan Festival 2016 will culminate on May 22, the day when Guimaras became a province 24 years ago.

Get more out of summer with the sweet mangoes and cultural activities of Guimaras! For more information about the festival and other activities, you may visit the Guimaras Manggahan Festival Facebook page.