Albay holding Magayon Festival

MANILA, Philippines - It is another colorful celebration of culture, craft and cuisine as the province of Albay marks the 14th Magayon Festival until April 30 in Legazpi City.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the month-long festival focuses on the rediscovery of the province’s history and cultural heritage, promotion of tourism assets and products, and showcase of people’s skills.

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

Festivities kicked off last April 5 with an opening Mass, trade fair and exhibits, photo contest and exhibit, float parade, drum and bugle competition, and brass band performances, and capped by an evening concert featuring K. Brosas and Rico Blanco.

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

The province is also launching the book “Albay: Winding Down the Historic Abaca Trade” authored by historian Dr. 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.

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 closes with a concert featuring Erik Santos and a fireworks display on April 30.

Conceptualized in 1997, the festival is inspired by the legend of Daragang Magayon (literally meaning beautiful maiden) where Mayon Volcano, the world’s most perfect cone, originated.