Malapascua launches festival

CEBU, Philippines – A new festival in Cebu will be launched on Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan town on Monday.

Called the Lawihan Festival, the event is inspired by the elongated tail called “lawi” of the famous thresher shark that can only be found in Malapascua Island.

At least eight contingents would be participating in the parade along the island’s white sand beaches before they would engage in a showdown.

During their performance, dancers will wear diving gear as costumes to showcase how guests could see the thresher shark in Malapascua, particularly the Monad Shoal dive site.

Logon (Malapascua) barangay captain Rex Novabos said they pursued Cebu fourth district Representative Benhur Salimbangon’s proposal for the island to launch its own festival for the hundreds of visiting foreign and local tourists.– Gregg M. Rubio/LPM (THE FREEMAN)