IBA, Zambales —The week-long celebration of Zambales’ most popular produce – the sweetest mango in the world – began Saturday, as provincial officials formally opened the province’s annual Dinamulag Mango Festival.
Celebrated annually during this time of the year, Dinamulag Festival is a form of thanksgiving for another year of bountiful harvest.
Provincial administrator and festival committee chairperson Izelle Deloso said during the opening ceremonies that the mango festival is about giving thanks for the good harvest and blessing of God.
“This year’s event, the biggest so far, was made possible with the all-out support extended by Zambales Governor Amor Deloso,” the younger Deloso told the crowd that included local and foreign tourists, who flocked to Zambales to join the festivities.
She said Dinamulag Festival symbolizes the province’s development program, that considers the people and is “in harmony with nature”.
“Development must be hand in hand with society and must be felt by everyone,” Deloso said.
For Zambales Vice Governor Angel Magsaysay, Dinamulag Festival is not just a celebration but also about creating a legacy.
“What we’re doing is to inspire our future generations, to inspire our people,” Magsaysay said.
She said Zambales mango is not only the sweetest mango in the world but also the most delicious.
Mayor Rundstedt Ebdane of Iba town, who also joined the opening ceremonies, said as the province celebrates the blessing and harvest of the sweetest mango in the world, the occasion must also be used to serve as a tourist attraction.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3 tourism officer Marilou Pangilinan, who also graced the occasion representing DOT Secretary Wanda Teo, said the tourism department extends its warm greetings to the people of Zambales on their thanksgiving celebration for the bountiful harvest.
”Zambales is fortunate, for it has many blessings – beautiful scenery, islands and beaches, and the sweetest mango in the world,” Pangilinan said.
She also agreed with the observation that Zambales mango is not only the sweetest but is also the most delicious.
“May this event underscore the importance of tourism among locals,” she said.
The festival committee has lined up events and activities starting Saturday and until April 14.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, motorcycle riders hit the road for the 1st Zambales Motor Endurance Challenge, then the Parayawan agri-tourism showcase and trade fair took place, followed by the “Todo Todo Décor my Tricycle” motorcade.
A marching band from Luzon University gave an exhibition at the People’s Park, followed by the Bb. Zambales and Mr. Millennial competition in the evening.
Zambayle street dancing and acoustic night takes place on April 8, while “Laro ng Lahi”, with Katutubong Ayta Zambaleno, Invitational Beach Volleyball, and a float parade and competition, highlight the activities on April 9.
“Likhang Buhangin,” a sand sculpting competition, and the Dinamulag Open Flair Tending Challenge open on April 10 along with the “Beach Mardigras”.
Colorful tricycles in “Todo na TODA Biyaheng Makulay Tricycle Tour” and “Zamba Tuklas Talento” will take the limelight on April 11.
April 12 features activities like “Agri Karera ng Kalabaw”, “Pet Mo Bet Ko”, and “Galing Zambaleno, Tatak Zambaleno” cultural presentation.
Dinamulag Tour, a trip to the province’s tourist destinations, highlights the main activities on April 13, with the Mr. Millennial Pageant Night taking place in the evening.
Picolets na Makulets, a kids festival day, and the Bb. Zambales Coronation Night marks the final day of the festival activities on April 14, to be capped by a fireworks display in the evening. (Mahatma Datu/PNA)
