Aurora shines in first Northern Philippines tourism fair

CLARKFIELD, Pampanga — Aurora, one of the country’s poorest provinces, surprisingly took the spotlight in the First North Philippines International Tourism Fair held at the Events Center of SM-Clark.

The province presented a spectacular presentation that captivated foreign and local tourists at the opening of the three-day fair.

Some 40 students of the Baler National High School (BNHS), accompanied by a marching band, depicted the famous Baler Coco-Sabutan Festival in a dance.

Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo said the province was tapped by the event organizers to render the street dance.

"Considering that this is an international tourism fair and this is the first to be held in northern Philippines, this is a big honor for the province of Aurora," she said.

Christopher Gonzales, provincial tourism officer, said the lively performance of the street dancers from Baler boosted the province’s efforts to promote itself as a tourism destination.

Aurora is rich with breathtaking sights - towering waterfalls, caves, natural rock formations, pristine beaches, rivers and lakes. It is an ideal place for surfing, boating, diving, spelunking and mountain trekking.

Among its tourist spots are the Canawer Beach, Casapsapan Beach, Bulawan Falls, Ampere Beach, Ditumabo Falls, Balete Park, Anao islets, Lamao Caves, Ermita Hill, Museo de Baler and the Church of Baler.

Vice Gov. Annabelle Tangson said Aurora now offers tour packages for those who want to visit the province.

The three-day tourism fair launching the renewed campaign to vigorously promote the northern Philippines gathered representatives from travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and resorts, airlines, wellness centers, theme parks, hospitals, among others.

Over a hundred booths were installed at the Events Center showcasing the various products of each of the provinces in Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).