Wednesday, April 02, 2008 Showcasing Mindanao best at Pearl Farm By Nelson C. Bagaforo
MINDANAO takes center-stage every Tuesday night at the posh Pearl Farm Beach Resort with its themed-dinner affair dubbed as the "Mindanao Night" that showcases the diverse and beautiful heritage of the country's second largest island.
The concept is indeed laudable, with Mindanao's rich culture and the arts and the customs and tradition being showcased, through a cultural presentation by a local theater group, to foreign visitors staying at the resort hotel - in addition to delectable and authentic (but modified) Mindanao dishes - a product of a comprehensive research, according to Gel Ferrer, Pearl Farm's sales and marketing manager.
"This could be a common sight for you, because you're from Mindanao. But for these people (referring to the resort's guests mostly foreign tourists) this is a one-of-a-kind experience," Pearl Farm general manager Mikel Villaverde told this writer.
Mikel has been trying to put in new ideas at the hotel to attract more clients, especially during this summer season - like setting up the resort's other facilities for themed-dinner events.
"We want to provide our guests other areas, especially during dinner, where they can also (eat and drink comfortably) other than at the restaurant," he said.
The resort started its themed-night on February 26, and so far, according to Mikel, this added fun and entertainment to guests staying at the hotel.
On Tuesday nights, Kalumon, a theater arts group based in Davao City, performs songs and dances depicting Mindanao's culture and tradition to entertain guests, who appeared to have been awed by the colorful costumes. The performers showcase the diverse and beautiful heritage of Mindanao.
The night showcases the diverse and beautiful heritage of Mindanao - it was indeed a night of cultural enrichment.
The resort will continue to offer the Mindanao Night throughout this year, according to Mikel. "We want to promote the Mindanao culture," he vowed.
