C3Monday, May 22, 2017uardianthe dailyG Western Visayas Most

Read and Respected

uardianthe dailyG Western Visayas Most

Read and RespectedC2 Monday, May 22, 2017 Manggahan Festival 2017 Manggahan Festival 2017

APART from its world-class mangoes, pristine beaches and diverse resources, the province of Guimaras has a rich

history that is worth sharing.R. Morales Maza, in his book “The Augus-

tinians in Panay” (1987), wrote that Spaniards who were defeated in Mactan Island fled to Guimaras in 1521.

“Spanish survivors flee from Mactan Island after their defeat and cruise closed to the south-ern coasts of Negros and Panay. Thus, giving the name Guimaraes to the small island lying very near to Panay, in order to immortalize in this part of the world ‘the first capital of his (referring to Antonio Pigafetta) country and the birth place of Portuguese nationality,” Maza wrote.

In 1572, the island was home to highly skilled carpenters who are masters in building all kinds of ships. At that time, Miguel Loarca was the encomiendero of the entire island, which was later inherited by his daughter Doña Lucia de Loarca. This is according to the book “The Oton Diggings” by Jose B. Tiongco, 1969.

In 1609, Mindanao chiefs who attacked the town of Arevalo (formerly in Oton) came to the island to rest. Thus, Guimaras was under the jurisdiction of Oton in 1731.

In 1742, it was placed under the jurisdic-tion of Dumangas when the Augustinian order ceded it to the Jesuits. However, Guimaras was taken over by the Dominicans in 1768 and made the island a parish of Iloilo.

Guimaras was so beautiful that Americans fell in love with the place. According to Felix B. Regalado and Quintin B. Franco in their

book “History of Panay” (1973), a zoology professor from the University of Michigan and his companions stayed in Salag Daku (now Barangay Zaldivar) to regain their health and gathered valuable materials in 1887. This man was Dean C. Worcester, who later became a member of the Philippine Commission.

The year 1894 saw the construction of the now famous tourist destination Guisi Light-house in Nueva Valencia. Made of metal and fibreglass, it was named as Punta Luzaran Lighthouse Station (Farro de Punta Luzaran). It became a symbol of international acknowl-edgement as a strategic navigational landmark for the world’s economic sustainability and development.

Then came World War II and the turmoil cre-ated by war did not spare Guimaras. In 1943, Japanese soldiers massacred 998 people, ac-cording to the book “Guerilla Warfare in Panay Island Philippines” by Col. Gamaliel Manikan, Ret. Armored Cavalry.

In 1966, Guimaras Island was declared a sub-province of Iloilo. But in 1992, then Gov-ernor Catalino G. Nava, MD. initiated a plebi-scite to push for the island’s provincehood.

It was in the year 1969 when Guimaras was envisioned as a potential “Mango Island”. The vision started with the development of a mango nursery on 8.872 has. of land donated by Romirico Chavez and late Senator Oscar Ledesma and through the initiative of then BPI regional director Pedro M. Asico.

Guimaras became a full-fledged province on May 22, 1992 and its first governor was Emily Relucio-López.

Then in 2006, the worst oil spill in the his-

SUMMER time is here and so is the famed Mangga-han Festival of the prov-

ince of Guimaras.The much awaited month-

long celebration of Mang-gahan Festival 2017 finally opened with a grand caravan and launching program last March 31, 2017 at the provincial capitol.

No less than acting Governor John Edward Gando, Rep. Ma. Lucille Nava, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan welcomed visitors to the “home of the world’s sweetest man-goes.”

It was also graced by the mayors and municipal officials of the different towns – SB Member Marilyn Edang of Nueva Valencia; Mayor Luben Vilches of Sibunag; Mayor Ninfa Gajo of San Lorenzo; Vice Mayor Cecile Gumarin of Buenavista and Ruben Corpuz of Jordan.

Public and private sectors joined the caravan in visiting every municipality of Guimaras to show support to the upcoming Manggahan Festival activities.

Through the event, the mu-nicipalities also unveiled the schedules of their Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan which will start in San Lorenzo on April 8-9.

A TASTE OF GUIMARASResidents of Guimaras, near-

by Iloilo and other tourists will be treated to a bigger, better

and a sweeter Manggahan Festival this year.

To get a taste of what it has to offer, the province is host-ing a week-long exhibit called “Patilaw sa Manggahan” at Robinsons Place Iloilo on April 1 to 7, 2017.

The activities at Robinsons Place Iloilo includes a demo-cooking by Rebecca Tubongba-nua of McNester Food Products and the popular Mango Eating Contest on April 2, Disco Derby Open Category Elimination on April 5, Mutya ng Guimaras Fashion Show on April 7 and Press Conference and daily exhibits from various producers of Guimaras.

Various activities await visi-tors in Guimaras as well. The highlights are the Manggahan

THOSE who tasted mangoes grown in Guimaras can attest to its distinct sweetness.

For those who have yet to sink their teeth in this heavenly fruit, you will have a chance to eat as much Guimaras mangoes as you can this summer!

In line with Guimaras province’s Manggahan Festival 207 celebration, the Provincial Office of Agricultural Services is spearheading the Mango-Eat-All-You-Can on May 11-22.

The activity will take place at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol Grounds in San Miguel, Jordan town on May 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22.

On May 11, Mango-Eat-All-You-Can will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For other days, it will be held on the same morning schedule and in the afternoon at 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Do not pass up this sweet opportunity. To join, register at 8 a.m. for the morning session and 2 p.m. for the afternoon session. Registration fee is P 110, which is quite a steal as you will be eating Guimaras’ export-quality mangoes.

You will be given 30 minutes to eat as many mangoes as you can.

You are encouraged to eat your choice of green mangoes or ripe mangoes with your bare hands. You may even pair it with sticky rice (“ibos”) or shrimp paste.

While in Guimaras, you may also explore its white sand beaches, picturesque coves and islets as well as religious, historical and heritage sites, experience agro-eco adventure and learn how Guimaras’ mangoes are produced.

GETTING THEREIf you are coming from Iloilo City, take the ferry bound for

Jordan from the Iloilo-Guimaras Ferry Terminal. From the Jor-dan Wharf, take a jeepney or tricycle going to the Provincial Capitol.

For more updates about Manggahan Festival, visit their Face-book page: Guimaras Manggahan Festival https://www.facebook.com/GuimarasManggahanFestival/

Manggahan Festival 2017: bigger, better and sweeter

Mango-Eat-All-You-Can galore on May 11-22

Opening Program and Press Confer-ence on May 11, Mango Man Triath-lon on May 20, Bike Fest with Tour De Guimaras on May 14 and Enduro National Race on May 19, Western Visayas Cultural Presentation on May 21, and the Anniversary Celebration and Cultural Presentation on May 22.

DESTINATIONS AND ADVENTURE

Dubbed the “Island that fits your taste”, Guimaras has beautiful destina-tions and

exciting activities that await these visitors.

One can go on a bike adventure, island hopping, do sightseeing, visit historical sites and shop around the best agricultural sites in its five munici-palities to have a taste of the island’s produce.

This year’s theme for the festival is “The Journey that is Guimaras. Sadto. Subong. Kag sa

Masanag nga Palaabuton,” which highlights the richness of Guimaras and its happy people, simple past, successes and potential of becoming even more that what it is now.

And you are invited to be part of it. Lakat na ta sa Guimaras!

of Manggahan FestivalThe history

tory of the Philippines happened. Guimaras’ tourism came to a standstill when the 998-ton M/T Solar 1, carrying 2.4 million litres of bunker fuel, sank 17 kilometres off the island’s southern coast and contaminated the sea and beaches. About 1,000 hectares of mangroves were affected including the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve.

Through immediate clean-up and rehabilita-tion efforts, the island regained its health back

and to this day, continues to be one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country and the source of the sweetest mangoes in the world.

To join in the province’s celebration of its resilience and success, Guimaras’ five munici-palities namely; San Lorenzo, Sibunag, Jordan, Nueva Valencia and Buenavista, is holding the 3rd Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan which of-ficially kicked off last April 1 to May 22.

C3Monday, May 22, 2017uardianthe dailyG Western Visayas Most

Read and Respected

uardianthe dailyG Western Visayas Most

Read and RespectedC2 Monday, May 22, 2017 Manggahan Festival 2017 Manggahan Festival 2017

APART from its world-class mangoes, pristine beaches and diverse resources, the province of Guimaras has a rich

history that is worth sharing.R. Morales Maza, in his book “The Augus-

tinians in Panay” (1987), wrote that Spaniards who were defeated in Mactan Island fled to Guimaras in 1521.

“Spanish survivors flee from Mactan Island after their defeat and cruise closed to the south-ern coasts of Negros and Panay. Thus, giving the name Guimaraes to the small island lying very near to Panay, in order to immortalize in this part of the world ‘the first capital of his (referring to Antonio Pigafetta) country and the birth place of Portuguese nationality,” Maza wrote.

In 1572, the island was home to highly skilled carpenters who are masters in building all kinds of ships. At that time, Miguel Loarca was the encomiendero of the entire island, which was later inherited by his daughter Doña Lucia de Loarca. This is according to the book “The Oton Diggings” by Jose B. Tiongco, 1969.

In 1609, Mindanao chiefs who attacked the town of Arevalo (formerly in Oton) came to the island to rest. Thus, Guimaras was under the jurisdiction of Oton in 1731.

In 1742, it was placed under the jurisdic-tion of Dumangas when the Augustinian order ceded it to the Jesuits. However, Guimaras was taken over by the Dominicans in 1768 and made the island a parish of Iloilo.

Guimaras was so beautiful that Americans fell in love with the place. According to Felix B. Regalado and Quintin B. Franco in their

book “History of Panay” (1973), a zoology professor from the University of Michigan and his companions stayed in Salag Daku (now Barangay Zaldivar) to regain their health and gathered valuable materials in 1887. This man was Dean C. Worcester, who later became a member of the Philippine Commission.

The year 1894 saw the construction of the now famous tourist destination Guisi Light-house in Nueva Valencia. Made of metal and fibreglass, it was named as Punta Luzaran Lighthouse Station (Farro de Punta Luzaran). It became a symbol of international acknowl-edgement as a strategic navigational landmark for the world’s economic sustainability and development.

Then came World War II and the turmoil cre-ated by war did not spare Guimaras. In 1943, Japanese soldiers massacred 998 people, ac-cording to the book “Guerilla Warfare in Panay Island Philippines” by Col. Gamaliel Manikan, Ret. Armored Cavalry.

In 1966, Guimaras Island was declared a sub-province of Iloilo. But in 1992, then Gov-ernor Catalino G. Nava, MD. initiated a plebi-scite to push for the island’s provincehood.

It was in the year 1969 when Guimaras was envisioned as a potential “Mango Island”. The vision started with the development of a mango nursery on 8.872 has. of land donated by Romirico Chavez and late Senator Oscar Ledesma and through the initiative of then BPI regional director Pedro M. Asico.

Guimaras became a full-fledged province on May 22, 1992 and its first governor was Emily Relucio-López.

Then in 2006, the worst oil spill in the his-

SUMMER time is here and so is the famed Mangga-han Festival of the prov-

ince of Guimaras.The much awaited month-

long celebration of Mang-gahan Festival 2017 finally opened with a grand caravan and launching program last March 31, 2017 at the provincial capitol.

No less than acting Governor John Edward Gando, Rep. Ma. Lucille Nava, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan welcomed visitors to the “home of the world’s sweetest man-goes.”

It was also graced by the mayors and municipal officials of the different towns – SB Member Marilyn Edang of Nueva Valencia; Mayor Luben Vilches of Sibunag; Mayor Ninfa Gajo of San Lorenzo; Vice Mayor Cecile Gumarin of Buenavista and Ruben Corpuz of Jordan.

Public and private sectors joined the caravan in visiting every municipality of Guimaras to show support to the upcoming Manggahan Festival activities.

Through the event, the mu-nicipalities also unveiled the schedules of their Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan which will start in San Lorenzo on April 8-9.

A TASTE OF GUIMARASResidents of Guimaras, near-

by Iloilo and other tourists will be treated to a bigger, better

and a sweeter Manggahan Festival this year.

To get a taste of what it has to offer, the province is host-ing a week-long exhibit called “Patilaw sa Manggahan” at Robinsons Place Iloilo on April 1 to 7, 2017.

The activities at Robinsons Place Iloilo includes a demo-cooking by Rebecca Tubongba-nua of McNester Food Products and the popular Mango Eating Contest on April 2, Disco Derby Open Category Elimination on April 5, Mutya ng Guimaras Fashion Show on April 7 and Press Conference and daily exhibits from various producers of Guimaras.

Various activities await visi-tors in Guimaras as well. The highlights are the Manggahan

THOSE who tasted mangoes grown in Guimaras can attest to its distinct sweetness.

For those who have yet to sink their teeth in this heavenly fruit, you will have a chance to eat as much Guimaras mangoes as you can this summer!

In line with Guimaras province’s Manggahan Festival 207 celebration, the Provincial Office of Agricultural Services is spearheading the Mango-Eat-All-You-Can on May 11-22.

The activity will take place at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol Grounds in San Miguel, Jordan town on May 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22.

On May 11, Mango-Eat-All-You-Can will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For other days, it will be held on the same morning schedule and in the afternoon at 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Do not pass up this sweet opportunity. To join, register at 8 a.m. for the morning session and 2 p.m. for the afternoon session. Registration fee is P 110, which is quite a steal as you will be eating Guimaras’ export-quality mangoes.

You will be given 30 minutes to eat as many mangoes as you can.

You are encouraged to eat your choice of green mangoes or ripe mangoes with your bare hands. You may even pair it with sticky rice (“ibos”) or shrimp paste.

While in Guimaras, you may also explore its white sand beaches, picturesque coves and islets as well as religious, historical and heritage sites, experience agro-eco adventure and learn how Guimaras’ mangoes are produced.

GETTING THEREIf you are coming from Iloilo City, take the ferry bound for

Jordan from the Iloilo-Guimaras Ferry Terminal. From the Jor-dan Wharf, take a jeepney or tricycle going to the Provincial Capitol.

For more updates about Manggahan Festival, visit their Face-book page: Guimaras Manggahan Festival https://www.facebook.com/GuimarasManggahanFestival/

Manggahan Festival 2017: bigger, better and sweeter

Mango-Eat-All-You-Can galore on May 11-22

Opening Program and Press Confer-ence on May 11, Mango Man Triath-lon on May 20, Bike Fest with Tour De Guimaras on May 14 and Enduro National Race on May 19, Western Visayas Cultural Presentation on May 21, and the Anniversary Celebration and Cultural Presentation on May 22.

DESTINATIONS AND ADVENTURE

Dubbed the “Island that fits your taste”, Guimaras has beautiful destina-tions and

exciting activities that await these visitors.

One can go on a bike adventure, island hopping, do sightseeing, visit historical sites and shop around the best agricultural sites in its five munici-palities to have a taste of the island’s produce.

This year’s theme for the festival is “The Journey that is Guimaras. Sadto. Subong. Kag sa

Masanag nga Palaabuton,” which highlights the richness of Guimaras and its happy people, simple past, successes and potential of becoming even more that what it is now.

And you are invited to be part of it. Lakat na ta sa Guimaras!

of Manggahan FestivalThe history

tory of the Philippines happened. Guimaras’ tourism came to a standstill when the 998-ton M/T Solar 1, carrying 2.4 million litres of bunker fuel, sank 17 kilometres off the island’s southern coast and contaminated the sea and beaches. About 1,000 hectares of mangroves were affected including the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve.

Through immediate clean-up and rehabilita-tion efforts, the island regained its health back

and to this day, continues to be one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country and the source of the sweetest mangoes in the world.

To join in the province’s celebration of its resilience and success, Guimaras’ five munici-palities namely; San Lorenzo, Sibunag, Jordan, Nueva Valencia and Buenavista, is holding the 3rd Manggahan sa Kabanwahanan which of-ficially kicked off last April 1 to May 22.