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Friday, September 19, 2003
C. Visayas to showcase attractions in Manila
By Gigie A. Agtay
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 has announced the participation of Central Visayas in “Best of the Regions in Intramuros”—a grand extravaganza of natural and cultural attractions at the historic Intramuros in Manila—on Oct. 14 to 29.
DOT 7 Director Patria Aurora Roa, during yester-day’s Kapihan sa Turismo at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, said the event is part of DOT’s celebration of “Visit Philippines 2003 “that features the best attractions of all the 16 regions of the country.
“This is a timely opportunity to show and transport Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor to Intramuros considering that we have been victimized by natural and man-made calamities. We will continue to promote Central Visayas and project it as one of the best tourist destinations in the country,” Roa said.
The “Best of the Regions” event, which expects around a 1,000-man contingent from the four provinces, will allow Central Visayas to showcase under one venue its best attractions, products and services to Metro Manila’s wider consumer base and its larger concentration of foreign and local tourists considering that 95 percent of travelers pass through Manila.
“Let’s get business where the concentration of the population is,” said Roa, referring to Manila.
Travel mart
The more than two-week activities will include a tourism showcase with a travel mart that will allow trade buyers to make deals with tour operators and consumers to plan travel all throughout the year. A cultural market will offer a wide range of regional products like handicrafts, antiques, fashion accessories and furniture for sale to consumers, while a trade and cultural exhibit will feature the region’s history, artworks, artifacts and craft demonstrations like guitar making.
Roa added that aside from Intramuros, a similar event in the same magnitude—the Regional Food Festival—will be held at the Century Park Hotel from Oct. 15-30.
“This will be a simultaneous activity, back to back with “Best of the Region,” she said. “There will be selling of different delicacies like chicharon, bod-bod, piñato, lechon and the like.”
Visitors will also be treated to a parade of festivals. Various cultural groups will pre-sent a replication of nine festivals, namely: Mantawi, Saulog, Kabkaban, Dinagat, Sipong, Kadaaugan sa Mactan, Bug-lasan, Sandugo and Sinulog.
A total budget of P10 million has been appropriated for the entire event including the donated services from sponsors.
“We are expecting P2 million from Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña while Gov. Pablo Garcia has committed P2 million,” she said.
(September 19, 2003 issue)
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