Garbo sa Central Visayas 2005

Once again, the festivals, food and people of Central Visayas are taking center stage in Intramuros and drawing a lot of attention among spectators coming from a cross-section of Metro Manila society.

I witnessed the preparations in the Clamshell where booths of the different towns and cities vie with each other to depict the distinct lures of their respective places. The Clamshell was transformed into one huge beachfront — the sporty/tropical theme of this year’s exhibit — to the visitors’ awe and delight.

Upon the arrival of DOT Secretary Joseph Ace H. Durano, the rituals began: he was presented with a pot of herbs from mystical Siquijor, the land of healers; a stuffed Philippine tarsier from verdant, forested Bohol; leaping dolphins figurine from marine bountiful Oriental Negros; the Miraculous Image of Senyor Sto. Nino along with assorted shells from the seat of Christianity in the Far East – Cebu of the legendary beaches. Thus, the Garbo sa Central Visayas was formally opened.

The beat of the drums sounded as early as 2 p.m. when the various contingents took to their places. The festival showdown started soon after the Clamshell’s formal opening: Sinanggi-yaw Festival of Dumanjug(Cebu), Solili Festival of Siquijor, Saulog Festival of Tanjay City(Oriental Negros),Soli-soli Festival of San Francisco (Camotes Island, Cebu), Mantawi Festival of Mandaue City (Cebu), Kadaugan sa Mactan of Lapulapu City (Cebu), Palawod Festival of Bantayan Island (Cebu), Caballo Festival of Compostela — grand prize winner of the 2005 Sinulog Festival of Cebu.

One can still catch this full-house Central Visayas exhibit that is ongoing until September 14. Kudos go to DOT Region 7 Director Patria Aurora "Dawnie" Roa who put to action her key players to make this astounding success of an exhibit come true. As what DOT Sec. Ace Durano conveyed to her in a message: "Congratulations! It was very impressive...even more impressive than the opening program at the beginning of the year. You guys outdid yourselves. Thank you!"

The pictures I took can more than convey what words can only approximate. Kini atong dakung garbo nga anaa napadayag sa Intramuros karong buwana!