Antique presents best in history, culture and eco-tourism before tourism assembly
by PS Mabaquiao
San Jose, Antique (19 October) -- "Antique's distinct history, culture and eco-tourism is the main feature of Antique's participation in the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly", said Florentino Egida, Provincial Tourism Officer.
What made us unique with other provinces in Region 6, Egida said, is our distinct history and culture that will be showcased in all activities from October 23-29, Regional Tourism Assembly.
Governor Salvacion Z. Perez as Chairperson of the Regional Development Council will welcome tourists and guests to that momentous event.
Egida further said that the exhibits at the lower ground floor of SM City, Iloilo will feature festivals, products and tourist destinations, such as Bugang Malumpati River in Pandan, Country's cleanest inland body of water, Rafflecia Speciosa, world's largest flower that can be found in mountains of Sibalom and San Remigio among others. The exhibits will have the historical perspective featuring the life and martyrdom of Antique's heroes Evelio B. Javier, Col Ruperto Abellon and Gen. Leandro Fullon.
The Western Visayas Tourism Assembly with its theme, "Sustaining domestic Tourism, Turning ideas into Action" is a 7-day meet to highlight, promote and showcase the diversity of the tourism attractions, services and facilities in different areas of the Region.
Among the Antique's colorful display will include handicraft made of bamboo, bariw, nito buri, processed foods, patadyong and muscovado sugar.
Kinaray-a songs produced by Antiqueño artists will fill the air of SM City Iloilo on October 24 as it is dubbed as Antique Day. Musical Play " Evelio - ang Taghandum" will feature the life martyrdom of the hero during the later part of the day. Paranubli-un Antique will also lead the Original Kinaray-a Music Jamming at night featuring Antique songs on the struggles, life and liberation of children and women also in line with the celebration of Children's Month this October.
Antique will also join the parade of festivals on October 27 with Lin-ay kang Antique 2006 Mariane Jade Bagaforo depicting Antiqueña beauty and tradition. The Antique contingent will also composed of Urukay Tribe from Anini-y and Pahinis Festival Group from Laua-an. Bagaforo will also join the Search for Western Visayas Tourism.
The Provincial Government is giving its all out support to the activity while the Provincial Tourism Office hopes that the Tourism Assembly would attract more tourists to Western Visayas and for WOW Antique in particular to be part of the tourist map/destinations in Central Philippines. (PIA) [top]