The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Summer may be over, but the fun continues in Albay this June, and it’s all because of the festivals in the province that showcase its rich cultural legacy.
This month’s merrymaking started with the just-concluded Pinangat Festival, inspired by the pride the inhabitants of Camalig town, Albay province, have for their cuisine. A signature Bikolano delicacy, pinangat is made up of shredded gabi leaves, red ginger, tiny shrimps or slices of salted fish or pork, and crushed pepper, which are all cooked in coconut milk.
Festival highlights included the depiction of the harvesting of the ingredients and the cooking of the famed dish in a grand parade, and the presentation of a 600-meter-long line of pinangat, similar to the one seen in boodle fights.
Polangui town, also in Albay, will recall its humble beginnings through the Pulang Angui Festival, which celebrates the legend of Pulang Angui, a lovely maiden in a red gown who roamed the forests during the municipality’s early days. The town’s name is said to have evolved from the maiden’s.
This festival will reach its peak with a street-theater presentation on June 25 that will depict the life and times of Pulang Angui. This will coincide with the town’s celebration of the feast of its patrons, Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles.
For its part, Tabaco City will shine via its 12th Tabak Festival, which highlights its vibrant cutlery industry. Located at the foot of the Mayon Volcano, Tabaco is a major producer of high-quality scissors, knives and bolos, thanks to its skilled blacksmiths, whose craftsmanship will be showcased in an interpretative-dance presentation.
Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay said the province has positioned itself as the “Planet Festival” because of the colorful and exciting festivities it has for the whole year that are derived from its folklore, cottage industries and traditional cuisine.
He noted that the number tourist arrivals in the province has grown exponentially over the past two years because of the allure provided by these festivities, as well as its new unique destinations that complement Mayon, its most famous tourist attraction.
Salceda also noted that Albay’s culinary tourism program, Culinaria Albay, has also put the province on travelers’ food-trip maps because of the mouthwatering dishes offered by quaint restaurants in the province.
Meanwhile, the best tourist events in the region will converge in the Gayon Bikol Festival of Festivals Showdown in Daet town, Camarines Norte province, on June 23. The municipality, home to the first monument dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal, as well as Bicol’s top surfing and kiteboarding destination, will celebrate its 431st foundation day, the 20th Pinyasan Festival and the feast of its patron, Saint John the Baptist.
Participating festivals include the Cagsawa of Daraga munipality and Sun Flower of Ligao City, Albay; Burak of Virac town, Catanduanes province; Palong of Capalonga municipality, Camarines Sur province; Padaraw of Bulan town, Sorsogon province; and the award-winning Lapay Bantigue of Masbate City, Masbate province.
Organized by the Department of Tourism in Region 5, Gayon Bikol is an annual event that hopes to strengthen Bicol’s position as among the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the country.