A blast in Bantayan

Bantayan has always been one of my favorite destinations. The immaculate beaches, the fresh, mouthwatering seafood and the genuine warmth of the people have endeared me to the place long before hordes of tourists started discovering Bantayan's natural allure. So, without batting an eyelash, I immediately said YES! to Vince Escario's invitation to sit as one of the judges in their annual search for Miss Bantayan. One immediately knows that he has set foot in the Municipality of Bantayan because of the beautiful, fully-bloom Yellow Bell Trees that line both sides of the road. It is obvious that this municipality takes its clean and green program seriously. Upon reaching Bantayan, one is greeted by the humungous Bantayan Cultural Center that, while still in its finishing stages, promises to be a center for a renaissance in the arts and cultural scene in Northern Cebu.

The Palawod Festival - unique with its own beat, distinct dance steps and culturally correct concepts - was in full swing when I got to Bantayan. All contingents were impressive with the Bantayan National High School romping off with the Grand Prize. No less than Governor Gwen Garcia was seen dancing to the magnetic and infectious beat of the Huni sa Palawod jingle. The concert of true-blue Bantayonon Vernie Varga was a blast! People were glued to their seats as the vamp awed everyone with her sultry voice that could cull every imaginable sound. Finally, the Search for Miss Bantayan, directed by Cebu's premiere director/choreographer Junjet Primor, was unbelievable! I dare say that the pageant is the most well-produced beauty extravaganza (save for the Miss Cebu search) in the entire province of Cebu. The stage was incredibly elegant and the production numbers led by Ms. Vernie Varga, the Zynkronz and the Palawod Dance Company were truly entertaining. Also seen in the Bantayan Fiesta were Colonel Vic and Mayor Malou Loot of Daan Bantayan, resort owners Maia Becker, Juan and Bernie Yagui, Nonong Holaysan and the members of the Association of Bantayanons in America who came home for the annual fiesta.

Indeed, Bantayan is one town to watch out for. With its rich cultural heritage and a strong move for its conservation and preservation, coupled with a strong economic and social development, Bantayan is bound to become not only a leader in the tourism industry but also a shining example of what good leadership can do. I doff my hat to you, Mayor Geralyn Escario-Cañares.